Chapter 5: Sisters and wedding plans

This story has been edited, revised and expanded for clarity and hopefully your enjoyment. Story posted without a Beta review. The characters; Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Rajesh, Bernadette, Amy, Penny, Mrs. Cooper, Meemaw, Missy, George, Stuart and Zack are owned by the Big Bang Theory.

The day after the establishment of Operation Homo Novus, Sheldon and Amy are in Apartment 4A preparing for work.

Sheldon is walking into the living room from the hall where he sees Amy preparing breakfast.

"Good morning Amy, will Penny be joining us for breakfast?"

"No she has some early morning errands."

Sheldon walks over to the stove where Amy is preparing oatmeal and gives her a sweet early morning kiss.

"Have you had a chance to review the engagement-marriage agreement Amy?"

"Yes she smiles, I am in agreement except for one stipulation. Penny must be present at our secret wedding."

"Counter-proposal Penny may be present. However, she is kept in the dark up to the time of the ceremony. In addition, we must formally announce our wedding to the others."

Smiling, "I agree with your counter-proposal."

Sheldon sits at his desk to revise and print the engagement-marriage agreement. They both sign and seal the agreement with a kiss literally. Sheldon has created a forensic lip-gloss that when applied to the lips and placed on paper transfers a permanent DNA signature.

They both move to the couch to plan their secret wedding.

"While waiting for my appointment to begin yesterday at Phallon's, I toured her historical Victorian-era two-story office. The first floor rooms are used for offices, reception area, therapy rooms, break/copy room, storage and recordkeeping with a beautiful conservatory overlooking Echo Park."

"Phallon keeps a bedroom prepared for herself on the upper level in case she works late and it is decorated tastefully. There are a couple of guest bedrooms for family and friends with magazine worthy remodeled bathrooms, a kitchenette and living/den area. I was very impressed."

"I propose we get married and honeymoon at Phallon's next weekend."

Amy notices how alpha-male and mature Sheldon has become lately. Her body responds by becoming hot and moist.

"Amy, if you arrive early for your scheduled appointment with Phallon ask for a tour. We can schedule an appointment with Phallon and discuss renting her house for Friday, Saturday and Sunday of next weekend. A weekend visit with your mother would be our excuse for being absent. Our second wedding can be held anytime of your choosing with all the family, friends, and trimmings that you prefer."

Amy is giddy with happiness.

"Sheldon, I need to select my Maid of Honor. Who will be your best man?"

"I haven't selected a best man."

Sheldon scrunches his forehead before stating, "I am confused I thought Penny would be your Maid of Honor?"

"I want Penny to perform the ceremony."

Sheldon's smile widens and he agrees.

Later just before the girls' appointment with Phallon, Amy calls Sheldon from the conservatory bouncing with excitement.

"Sheldon you are right its perfect. Phallon has a cancellation today at four can you make it? Yes, AWESOME."

The ladies, excluding Penny, are seated in Phallon's group therapy room.

"Hello Amy, Bernadette, can you hear me okay Meemaw, Mrs. Cooper and Missy," asked Phallon.

Sitting on the couch in Mary Cooper's living room facing the computer they state, "Yes we can hear and see you fine."

"I wanted to make you all aware that I met with the guys yesterday. They talked over their problems and anxieties and have settled their differences. All are very committed to looking after Penny like big brothers."

"Penny has given me permission to discuss her progress with everyone. Thanks to all your love and attention she is progressing very well. However, in my experience she will have a crisis. Something will trigger a complete meltdown and her grief will be impossible to contain. It happens around a significant date, holiday or some personal event, so please be diligent."

"Bernadette why don't you start. What would you like to discuss?"

Everyone looked at Bernadette encouragingly.

"First, I love this comfy massage chair."

"Okay, Penny has been doing great at work she is our number one sales associate. I know she has had some insecurities in the past involving her lack of degree. However, every time I look at her all I can think about is my failure as a friend. I failed to intervene and listen when she was drowning in alcohol and attempting to talk regarding her relationship with Leonard."

"I ignored her because I was overwhelmed with the petty issues of my life. When I add to that her loss of family I'm overwhelmed by sadness. I can't imagine such a loss and I cry all the time. Crying uncontrollably Bernadette jumps up and rushes to the bathroom."

Seeing the ladies somber reflective faces Phallon suggests they give Bernadette a minute. Bernadette returns a few minutes later and is apologetic.

Meemaw stares at Bernadette knowingly, "Have you been this emotional since Penny's loss?"

"Its only been the last couple of weeks that's its been so bad."

Meemaw smiles and asks, "Could you be pregnant."

Bernadette looks stunned but states, "Maybe, I will grab a pregnancy test on my way home."

The ladies are happy and ask her to text them with results either way.

"Amy your turn," says Phallon.

Amy squirms she does not want to cast a bad light in front of her future in-laws. However, this is for Penny so she is wary but honest.

"Sheldon and I see Penny almost everyday. Penny seems more focused. Like Bernadette, I am upset that I failed my bestie."

"I announced to all that she was my bestie after only meeting her during my first date with Sheldon. During the date I basically ignored her and because of her kind nature she never objected to me calling her bestie."

"My job is to study addictions and I was selfish by doing nothing to address Penny's growing dependency on alcohol. I didn't want to jeopardize my new experiences. I was jealous of Sheldon and Penny's relationship and knew a drunk Penny would completely repulse Sheldon. I made snide comments to undermine her self-confidence and intelligence."

"I know without a doubt if the guys, Bernie or myself were experiencing the same problems Penny wouldn't hesitate to get us help or organize an intervention. She would be relentless. We all failed her as friends."

Bernadette hands a crying Amy some tissue for her eyes.

The Texas ladies discussed how they have increased communications with Penny. In Meemaw's case everyday. They realize she's a little more subdued. However, Penny is in their hearts and they love her. She is a part of their family a granddaughter, daughter and sister.

Phallon stated, "Penny only holds herself responsible for her alcohol dependency. She wishes to move forward and not wallow in her past decisions. She only wants to look back so she will not make the same mistakes. She knows that she wasn't a great friend to you are the guys."

Meemaw stated, "My Penny needs a new love."

All the ladies smiled and agreed.

Phallon cautioned, "Do not throw guys at Penny. Sleuth out candidates then introduce Penny to the best of the lot."

The ladies are ecstatic and rejuvenated given the opportunity to do a little matchmaking.

Amy grabs her iPad we should list our requirements. In less than 15 minutes they had a list of requirements:

Items in parenthesis are the girls' comments.

1. Provider (Steady job, financially stable)

2. Communicator (not afraid to talk and a good listener)

3. Protector

4. Family-oriented (loves kids and get along with the guys, no mommy issues)

5. Faithful (can hold a conversation with Bernadette while looking at her face)

6. Trustworthy (get the guys to investigate)

7. Compromise / Humility (Can admit he is wrong at all times)

8. Confident (alpha male, can take care of business in the bedroom)

9. Sense of humor

10. Down to earth

11. Responsible/dependable

12. Likes Penny's hobbies (shoe shopping, gaming, sports, mani-pedis,…)

13. Supportive (massages are good, shoulder to cry on)

14. Meets physical requirements (over 5 feet 11 inches with a nice package)

15. Loves her flaws

16. Loves her

Phallon decided to make the women aware of her brother.

"Can I have your attention, when you consider your candidates I wish for you to include my brother Max. He has never been introduced to Penny. He has become infatuated with her since seeing her talking with his office manager. He is a pediatrician."

"Max meets most of your requirements." Making a silly yuck face. "I can't verify his package or how accepting he is of her flaws and it's to soon for love."

The ladies are excited, they agree to keep the guys out of the loop. They continue to discuss and strategize their new purpose until their time is up.

4:00 pm in Phallon's office

Sheldon and Amy are seated in Phallon's private office, which is across the hall from the group therapy room. The interior was tastefully furnished with comfortable chairs, relaxing colors, excellent natural lighting, and views.

Sheldon's thought processes and behavior consistently intrigues Phallon. She looks at the two and asks, "How may I help you?"

"First Amy and I want your assurance that our discussion will be held in strictest confidence."

Phallon agrees and Sheldon pulls out a non-disclosure agreement for her signature.

Bemused Phallon reads and signs the agreement.

Once satisfied Sheldon proceeds to tell Phallon about their secret wedding plans and how they wish to rent her entire home office for next weekend.

Phallon is astonished she does some quick thinking and agrees. Thinking this is so cool and how this is the perfect wedding ceremony for Sheldon and Amy.

"As you both are Penny's family and my new friends, please accept the use of my home office as a wedding gift. I will arrange to have my appointments scheduled for next Friday relocated to Max's office down the street. You may pick up the key and alarm code Thursday evening to give yourselves time to prepare for the nuptials Friday evening."

Amy and Sheldon are all smiles.

Phallon hesitantly asked, "I know it's no secret that both of you are virgins but is there any questions you wish to ask me regarding the wedding night, contraceptives…?"

They both give her a deer caught in the headlights look and state they couldn't think of any questions they needed answering.

Phallon smiled and decided to give them some advice.

"I will tell you both, based on client and family experience."

"1. Communicate. Don't assume that your spouse knows your needs or thoughts."

"2. Do not be apprehensive and over think. You should feel at ease to step outside your comfort zone. This is your life mate your closest friend there should be nothing you can't explore and share together."

"3. Turn cell phones off during your first night together."

"4. Give your spouse 100% of your attention."

"5. Do not eat a heavy dinner. Scratch that let me provide the food for Friday and do you have any dietary restrictions. The kitchen will be fully stocked so help yourselves to any items over the weekend."

Sheldon and Amy are grateful to Phallon for her advice it was indeed helpful. Amy made an off hand comment.

"Now all we need is a best man and maid of honor."

Phallon was aware from their earlier conversation that Penny was to perform the wedding. She had a great idea if the couple was open to it.

"This is opportune, my brother was given complimentary meals at the Last Resort and plans to take Penny and I next Friday. We would be honored to stand up for you as best man and maid of honor and after the ceremony the three of us could continue on to dinner."

Amy was happily thinking, BESTIE LOVE…AWESOME!

Sheldon was happily thinking, Operation Homo Novus…SCORE!