Chapter 17
Penny was bustling around her room pulling everything out of her suitcase. She couldn't believe it. It was her wedding day. And she was getting married in the most beautiful room she had ever seen. It was all happening so fast. Last night, Leonard and her found rings and sorted out the marriage license. Now she just had to somehow try to look the part. She pulled out a light pink dress with black straps that she had packed. It was a beautiful dress. Not exactly what she had imagined for her wedding, but with a veil she was sure she could make it look beautiful. A veil! Where was she going to find one in the next six hours?
"That's a beautiful dress."
Penny turned around to see Hayley standing at the doorway smiling at her. Penny gestured her to come into the bedroom. She found a small clear spot on the bed that was not covered in clothes and sat down.
"I can't believe I'm getting married tonight! I have a million things running through my head…I don't know how I'm going to get it all done. I was thinking this dress would work. I was thinking of curling my hair and leaving it half up half down. Do you know where I could get a veil last minute? I also need a bouquet. Is there a good florist around here? I could get them to put something simple together."
Hayley smiled and shook her head. "Penny, you can't get married in that dress."
"Oh my God…You don't like it. Is it because it's pink? It's the nicest dress I brought with me. I'd ask you if I could borrow a dress, but you look like you're a size zero. Oh no…I don't have time. What am I going to do!" Penny said panicked.
"Whoa…calm down. Take a deep breath. The dress is perfectly lovely but you can't wear that because it's not a wedding dress."
"I know it's not a wedding dress! Those take months to order in and then all the fittings. I only have six hours. It's impossible. I just need to make this dress work somehow."
Hayley chuckled, and slung her wraparound purse over her shoulder. "Nothing is impossible. Pack up everything you need to get ready Penny. We'll be out until it's time to get ready at the museum. You are about to see how incredibly well connected your new sister is. I want you and Leonard to have the wedding you always wanted, and that includes a real wedding dress, professionally styled hair and makeup and a proper bouquet." Hayley looked at the time on her phone. "Your new sister is also extremely anal retentive about being late. Our first appointment is for a Vera Wang dress in thirty minutes so we better get going right away."
"Hayley!" Penny squealed as she gave her a hug. "Vera Wang! I adore Vera Wang. But their stuff is so expensive. As much as I love it, I don't think I could afford it."
"The dress will be a fraction of what it would normally retail at because I'm friends with the owner of the shop. Besides, the dress, hair, makeup and whatever else is on me. Consider it my wedding present to you."
Tears filled Penny's eyes. "I couldn't it's too much" she protested.
"I won't take no for an answer. It's all arranged Penny, and it would make me so happy if you accepted."
"That is so incredibly sweet. I don't know what to say except, thank you so much. It's turning into the perfect day."
Hayley smiled warmly back. "Your wedding day should be the perfect day. I want that for you and my brother. He and Michael left early this morning to get their tuxes and to sort out the venue. What did your family say about coming? Will they be able to make it?"
"Yes! They should be boarding their plane any minute. My sister couldn't make it because its her last trimester and she can't fly. My parents and brother said they wouldn't miss this for the world." Penny laughed. "My dad said he wants to tell all his friends about his daughters fancy dancy New York city slicker wedding. Our group of friends are also flying in from LA. All of them! They must be on the plane right now. I can't believe how well everything is coming together, even though it's so last minute."
"Well I find when things are meant to be, the details just click into place." Hayley said thoughtfully. She looked at the time on her phone to check on the time. There was a text from Michael. She quickly tapped on the message.
Michael: An Op Ed in the NY Times! Amazing article Hale. Leonard and I both read it. We're so proud of you. Of course, I'm sure Em is having a meltdown, but karma can be a bitch. No doubt about it – you're the best sister in the world. Thanks for having my back.
Hayley smiled and quickly texted back.
Hayley: Thank you, but you really shouldn't call your sister a bitch! Ha! Love you both! Be warned – Leonard is going to have a heart attack when he sees how stunning Penny looks. See you at the museum.
Hayley looked up to see Penny filling up her bag with everything she would need for the wedding. "Are you ready?"
Penny spun around happily and grabbed her bag. "Let's go!"
"I can't believe that I'm getting married in one hour" Leonard said excitedly as he straightened his tie in the mirror. "I'm glad you convinced me to go with the navy blue tuxedo. It's something I'd never pick out, but it looks really good."
"Well navy blue is on point this season. You look great Len" Michael said as he flipped through his list of requirements for the venue.
Leonard smiled at his brother. The venue looked amazing, and he had really gone all out to make it special. From flowers, to music, to lighting, to a special chef for the evening. He wouldn't have believed that Michael would do anything for him just ten days ago. Both brothers were seeing each other in a brand new light.
Leonard cleared his throat. "Umm…Michael. About the position of best man –"
"- Oh I understand. You want to ask Sheldon. He is your best friend, and I know we haven't been close for many years. Don't worry about it." Michael said quickly while looking down.
"No, that's not it. Michael, I'm asking you if you would be my best man. Sheldon is my best friend, but you are my brother. There is no one I'd rather have by my side than you. We've been through so much together, and I want you beside me as I take this big step in my life. Will you be my best man?"
Michael flushed red and gave a shy smile. "I'd be honoured." Leonard pulled his younger brother into a hug.
"I'm sorry I've been such a pain in your ass for most of our lives. I know I didn't make things easy for you" Michael whispered.
Leonard started laughing. "I'm sorry that you were such a pain in the ass too! No apologizing. It's a happy day."
Michael smiled. "True. You're right. You're sure Sheldon won't be upset though?"
"Sheldon will probably thank me for not bestowing that honour upon him. He hates public speaking, weddings, crowds, people in general…"
"He sounds like quite a character" Michael chuckled.
"He's a good guy at heart, just a bit eccentric." Leonard replied. He peered at the door where muffled noises were emanating. "Sounds like people are starting to arrive."
Michael opened the door a crack and peered out. "It looks like most people are here. Your friends, both the families. Did you want to go out and chat with them before the ceremony?"
Leonard shook his head. "I think I want some quiet time before. To appreciate this special moment. Does that sound weird?"
Michael smiled. "It's probably the most sane thing I heard all day. I'll go greet our guests. You enjoy your quiet time."
"Thanks" Leonard replied as Michael closed the door.
Tears filled Penny's eyes as she gazed at herself in the floor length mirror. She was wearing a Vera Wang fitted strapless lace gown tied with a very light grey satin sash around her waist. Her hair was set with loose curls falling to her shoulders. She had a thin diamond band woven all throughout her hair. Her jewelry was simple and understated. She held up her bouquet to her chest, filled with vintage roses, lavender and peonies. She felt transformed. Hayley gently adjusted the lace veil on her head.
"Don't cry Penny. Your makeup is perfect. You look so amazing. The perfect bride. Leonard is going to melt when he sees you. Your mom couldn't stop crying when she saw you" Hayley said softly.
Penny carefully dabbed her eyes with a tissue. "This is such a dream come true. I don't know what to say…there's no words. I never thought I could have a wedding like this, and look like this. I am marrying my best friend in the whole world. I'm scared to blink because I think it might all disappear."
Hayley gently rubbed Penny's shoulders. "I assure you, this is all very real. Leonard is such a sweet and kind person, and nothing makes my heart happier to see the two of you both so in love, coming together to commit your lives to each other."
Hayley leaned up to Penny's ear and whispered. "Embrace this moment"
Penny smiled back. "I am. Believe me, I am. Thank you so much Hayley. For everything. I really appreciate you being my maid of honour. My sister couldn't make it, and Amy said it would be too hard for her considering her breakup with Sheldon. But really, after everything we've been through this week, I am so happy that my other sister, my new sister, is able to stand by my side."
Hayley squeezed Penny's hand. "I'm happy to do it."
A loud knock interrupted the moment. Hayley went and opened the door. An older gentlemen walked in the door and whistled at Penny. He took Penny's arm and gave her a twirl. "I guess I can't call you slugger anymore, I'll have to change that to princess."
"Daddy!" Penny exclaimed. She hugged him tightly. "It's so good to see you. I've been waiting to hug you all day."
"Pumpkin, I've never seen you looking more beautiful than you do right now" Wyatt said proudly.
"This has already been one of the most amazing days of my life, and I haven't even gotten to the main event" Penny laughed.
"Well, I'll tell you, I've never seen anything like that room you're getting married in. That is something else."
"I saw the room when it wasn't all decorated for the wedding, and it was amazing then. Hayley hasn't let me see it today. She said that Leonard wanted it to be a surprise."
Wyatt smiled. "Well then, I'll be happy to see the look on your face when you see it. Seems like they went all out. Well a beautiful bride deserves a beautiful wedding right?" Music started playing from the Blue Whale Room. There were strings and an acoustic guitar. The tune sounded oddly familiar. "I think they're playing your song honey. You ready?"
Penny was lost trying to place the song. Then it hit her. "It's Storybook Love from the Princess Bride" she whispered to herself. "Oh Leonard…you really thought of everything."
She smiled and linked arms with her father. "I am. I'm ready"
Hayley opened the door and started made her way first down the aisle. Penny and her father took their first steps in the room when Penny stopped and gasped. The room was completely candlelit, with the large blue whale glowing from the centre of ceiling of the room. There were candles lining the aisle, creating a lighted path. The aquariums were glowing blue in the background and they had filled the room with flowers. Blue hydrangeas, purple peonies, white roses, pink orchids were all held up with tiny twinkling lights. The smell was intoxicating. It felt like she had walked into a magical underwater realm.
"It's amazing" she whispered.
Wyatt chuckled. "I told you. Come on now, we can't stand here gawking. You've got an eager groom waiting for you at the other end."
Penny squeezed her father's arm, and they continued down the candlelit aisle. All of the guests were standing watching her. All her loved ones. Sheldon and Amy were standing there smiling, Howard and Bernadette were mouthing hello and waving. Raj had already started crying and Emily was holding his hand. Beverly was standing stoically straight with a hint of a tear in her eye. Little Phoebe and Daniel were there with excited looks on their faces. Her brother Jeremy winked and grinned at her. Her mother, Anne, looked so proud and was dabbing tears from her eyes and clutching her brother's hand. She then turned her eyes to the end of the aisle. Hayley and Michael were standing off to either side. At the centre was Leonard.
Leonard. Her heart, her love, her best friend in the whole world. He looked amazing in his dark blue tuxedo. He was trying so hard to hold back tears as he watched her approach. They finally reached the end of the aisle and Leonard came down to meet Penny.
"Now you take care of my princess. Promise me that." Wyatt said to Leonard as he squeezed Penny's hand.
"I will sir. Always" Leonard replied seriously.
Wyatt gave his daughter a light kiss on the forehead and then sat down beside his wife. Leonard took Penny's arm in his and led them to the minister. "You look absolutely breathtaking. I feel like I am in a dream. You're all my dreams come true" he whispered to her.
"And you are mine" she whispered back.
The minister started the ceremony. "Dearly Beloved…"
Leonard and Penny faced each other holding hands. They were listening to the words, but they were lost looking at each other. The journey of their romance was running through their minds. Those first conversations, falling in love, the misunderstandings, the laughter, the tears. They had been through so much, but love had always brought them back to each other. Love tied them. The road ahead would not always be easy but there was no other person they wanted to take that journey with.
"I was told you two wanted to say your own vows. You may do so at this time" the minister stated.
Leonard cleared his throat. "I'll go first, if you don't mind."
Penny nodded.
"From the time I was a small boy, I was always obsessed with the world of fantasy. Hobbits, fairies, superheroes, aliens, elves, space adventures. In those worlds the impossible was possible and I loved that. It felt so different from my own reality. In that world, intelligence was valued over brawn. Loyalty, steadfastness and a quick wit were held paramount. I often wished I could live in this fantasy world. But that all changed when I met you Penny. I still love fantasy, but you turned my reality into a place where I wanted to be."
Leonard held Penny's hands in his. "Penny, you are the most incredibly beautiful woman I've ever seen, but you are so much more than that. There is a beauty within you that shines from within you. You are so kind with the little things you do, you make me laugh, you make me laugh at myself. You are a strong person, your warmth is infectious it draws people to you. I know without a doubt in my mind, that you are always in my corner and that if I ever need your support you will be there. I feel blessed to have a partner like you to share my life with. I pledge to you that I will always be there for you, support you, and love you. Always."
Penny blinked furiously trying to keep the tears in her eyes. "Oh Leonard" she sighed as she smiled at him. She squeezed his hands and began.
"Leonard, when I ran into you in the hallway all those years ago, I had no idea how much my life would change. You introduced me to so many new things, that I had never experienced before. The most important new experience to me was you. I had never met a man like you before. A man so genuine in his intentions, a man who wore his heart on his sleeve. You showed me what true love and kindness was. I was scared, I tried to push you away because I was scared of what I saw before me. A good man who loved me with no reservations. I had never experienced that before, and I was scared if I embraced it, it would all fall away. Your love was steadfast and true. You proved to me without a shadow of a doubt, that your love is genuine. I finally moved past my fears and let myself embrace it. I embraced you, and I have never looked back. You are my confidante, my lover and my best friend. I pledge to always love and support you. Always."
Leonard squeezed Penny's hands back, but his eyes were saying all the words that he could not say.
The rest of the ceremony was a blur for the couple. Rings were placed on each other's fingers. I do's were exchanged. There were only two people in the room as far as they were concerned. The minister leaned in and tapped Leonard on the shoulder, jolting him back into the present. He whispered to Leonard "You may now kiss your bride."
Leonard smiled. "You don't have to tell me twice!" He leaned in and gave Penny a sweet and tender kiss. This kiss changed everything. It was a kiss that bonded them to each other forever.
Laughter filled the room as everyone sat down to enjoy dinner in the Blue Whale Room. Dinner kept being interrupted with hugs, congratulations, and impromptu speeches from friends and family. The evening was filled with heartfelt stories about the couple from their friends and stories from their youth courtesy of the Michael, Hayley and Jeremy.
The time had come for the first dance to occur. The DJ tapped Leonard and Penny on the shoulder and asked what their first dance song would be.
Leonard looked at Penny worried. They had not even thought about it or discussed it. Penny broke out in a smile and turned to Leonard. "I have the perfect song, it's not conventional, but I think it's the perfect song for us. Do you trust me?"
Leonard grinned. "Always"
Penny whispered something into the DJ's ear. He went back to his computer to set up the song. Leonard held out his hand. "May I have this dance."
The couple went out to the middle of the oak dance floor. Their friends and family gathered in the perimeter watching in the candlelight. The first few chords started playing, and Leonard started laughing.
"Cherish" Penny whispered. They began swaying together in a close embrace, and Penny started mouthing the words to Leonard
"So tired of broken hearts and losing at this game. Before I start this dance, I take a chance in telling you
I want more than just romance. You are my destiny. I can't let go, Baby can't you see. Cupid, please take your aim at me."
Leonard swung Penny around and laughed. "Cherish the thought, of always having you, here by my side."
"Baby I cherish the joy, you keep bringing it, into my life. I'm always singing it" Penny replied.
"Cherish the strength. You got the power, to make me feel good" Leonard sang back to her.
"Baby I perish the thought of ever leaving, I never would." Penny responded. They swung around and started laughing. All their friends and family had all joined them dancing minus Sheldon and Amy. Michael pulled Beverly onto the dance floor. Jeremy was playfully dancing with Daniel, Phoebe and Hayley. Leonard scanned the room for Sheldon and then spotted him and Amy in front of an aquarium at the back of the room.
"Look" Leonard whispered in Penny's ear. Sheldon and Amy looked to be talking quite seriously. They then embraced in a tender hug, not letting go. "I think things may be on the mend with them."
"I told you this day was magic" Penny grinned and smiled. She kissed Leonard lightly on the lips and they continued to dance.
Hayley walked to her table to get some water. She noticed her purse was buzzing. She quickly took out her phone and looked at it. Nate was calling. Hayley stared at the phone for a second, but then hesitantly hit answer.
"Hello" she answered softly.
"I can't believe you called me out in the New York Times of all things. God Hayley, vindictive much? My phone has been blowing up all day. And don't think I didn't catch that little line in your article. I was looking for love in places that were barren. What is that supposed to mean –"
Hayley clicked end to the call and tossed the phone on table. She didn't want to engage in conversation with him. Today was a happy day, the day her brother got married. She sighed and looked at the engagement and wedding ring on her left hand. She knew it was over, it just seemed a bit unbelievable in her head still. She slowly slipped the rings off and put them away in her purse.
"You ok?" a voice called.
Hayley looked up and saw Michael looking at her concerned. He sat down beside and rubbed her shoulder. "What's going on?"
Hayley sighed. "Nothing. Nate just called." She looked wistfully at Leonard and Penny dancing happily away.
"That bastard doesn't deserve to talk to you. Is he bothering you? Just say the word Hayley –"
"-I don't think Nate's going to forget your right hook anytime soon Michael. It's ok. The truth of the matter is, I think I haven't loved him for a long time. I'm just getting used to my new reality I guess. It feels weird….different."
Michael bit his lip. "Um…Not to bring up a sensitive topic, but did Mitchell ever call you? "
Hayley looked at her glass of water and started playing with the condensation coming down the glass. "He did. He was nice and kind but it was as I had suspected. He doesn't have feelings for me, he never did. He just doesn't see me that way….even if I was single. I knew it. I didn't want it to be true, but I always knew it."
Michael looked at his sister concerned. "Well then maybe there is a silver lining in a way. At least you know and it's not a question mark in your head. He must be an idiot. I don't want my sister to be with a man that can't even recognize what a gem he has in front of him."
Hayley laughed and smiled at Michael. "You know what the sad part is? I still love him. I think a part of me will always love him. When I'm old and grey, there will be a piece of my heart that is still loving him. Something about him, captured me forever. I know he'll go on and live his life with someone else and be happy – he deserves that."
"Hayley! Michael" Leonard called out loudly as he walked toward their table. He was out of breath from dancing and had a huge smile on his face. When he got to the table he pulled them both into a big bear hug. "Thank you both for throwing us the most amazing wedding. Hayley, Penny told me about the dress, and everything you did today. Michael, the room, decorations, music, food…. I can't even. It's amazing, you thought of everything. Thank-you! There is no way this couldn't have cost hugely out of pocket, you have to let me know, and I'll pay you back."
Michael smiled. "There is nothing to pay back. Like I told you, it was all paid for anyways, it was just a bit of rearranging. It's the least I could do after everything I… Well, let's just say, happy wedding day Len."
Hayley raised her eyebrow and looked curiously at Michael.
Leonard pulled them into a group hug again. "I love you guys. Come back to the dance floor! The party is just getting started."
"We'll join you in a minute" Hayley responded with a smile. Leonard smiled and then ran back to Penny on the dance floor and then swung her around to her delight.
Michael and Hayley walked up to the perimeter of the dance floor and looked at the small group dancing with wild abandon. Michael put his arm around Hayley's shoulder, and she leaned back against his shoulder.
"Something isn't quite adding up to me. I know the event coordinator, Gerald. I know he wouldn't charge the same for a wedding as a rehearsal dinner. Plus this room is decorated to the nines. He'd charge you so much more. He's notorious for all his fees and extra charges. What is going on Michael?"
Michael softly smiled and stared at his brother and Penny dancing. "Ah Hayley. Don't ask why…just enjoy the moment."
Hayley laughed. She reached to grab Michael's wrist from her shoulder to lead him to the dance floor when she stopped short . Her eye's filled with tears and she looked at him with a stunned realization.
"Michael your watch. You sold your watch didn't you?…to pay for all this?"
Michael faced his sister. She knew the truth. Hayley always figured things out so quickly. He wiped a tear that had started running down her face. "It's ok Hayley. I used to need that watch to remind me of who I am. I don't need that anymore. I'll just remember this wedding, and know that I helped make that happen for my brother. That memory is better than any old watch."
Hayley embraced Michael tightly and smiled at him. "You deserve this too Michael. I want to see you as happy as Leonard is."
"And I want that for you. Mitchell or no Mitchell." Michael said softly. "You said in your article that you felt free now. We're both free. There is nothing holding us back anymore. We're free of expectations. We get to make our own story now. So let's do that. Let's make our stories count. "
Hayley and Michael gazed at their brother now dancing slowly with Penny in a sweet embrace. Hayley squeezed Michael's hand. "You are right. I cherish the thought."
The End.
A/N: Thank-you so much for reading, following and reviewing this story. I apologize for the story taking such a long time, it was a bit of an emotional one for me to write (plus life often got in the way). I appreciate you taking the time to read a different kind of Lenny story. I'm toying with the idea of a really short epilogue, but for now the story ends here. If you enjoyed the story, please drop me a review. I really love reading them. Thanks again! (Song Credit : Cherish – Madonna)