Chapter 13: The Proposal
Mrs. Cooper arrives while Penny is sleeping and Max decides to check on a few patients. Penny awakens and groggily smiles at Mrs. Cooper.
"Mom you must be so happy that Sheldon and Amy are going to give you a grandchild."
Penny falls asleep after dropping the baby bombshell.
Mary came directly to the hospital to check on Penny so she has yet to speak to her son or daughter-in-law. Max returns and Mrs. Cooper pins him on the spot and asks, "Is Amy expecting?"
Max nods yes.
Mary Cooper is on the hotline sharing the joyous news.
Sheldon and Amy arrive less than fifteen minutes later. Mom! They are excited to see her and can't wait to tell her their news. Upon seeing them she is overcome with joy and starts to cry. Max guides her to the chair beside the bed so that she can regain her composure.
Amy and Sheldon looked to Max for answers of why their mother was upset. Mrs. Cooper answered, "Penny was barely conscious when she saw me enter her room. She smiled and said I must be so happy about my grandchild. I prayed for this day and I am overjoyed that we've been so blessed."
"Max moved a chair beside Mrs. Cooper so that Amy could sit."
"Are you excited Sheldon?," asked Mrs. Cooper.
Amy responded, "To the point he has read every book on prenatal care, fetus development, birthing methods, nutrition and exercise and more. My doctor enforces a seven to fourteen day ban if he disturbs his staff or patients with his enthusiasm and questions. We keep a daily record of everything that goes in and comes out of my body. In addition, we monitor the responses to vibroacoustic stimulation at pre-defined intervals.
Mrs. Cooper stared at her son and daughter as if they were aliens and was trying to process what that meant for her grandchild. She finally said, "Weellll, isn't that special."
Max was outwardly calm but he was rolling on the inside. He couldn't wait to share this conversation with Penny.
Penny's progress was steady over the next couple of days. She experienced the occasional severe headache. Penny was given crutches but couldn't use them due to her painful ribs. She tired easily because of her healing lung.
Max made arrangements for Penny to recuperate at his apartment. Mrs. Cooper put up a minimum fuss since he is a physician and his elevator works.
A few weeks later...
Max and Penny made prior arrangements to spend Thanksgiving with his family and to attend the Nebraska versus Iowa game on Friday. Penny was still in a cast so her mobility was slightly limited but that wouldn't stop her from attending the game.
They arrived the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Angel's were a loving, hard-working, down to earth, and close-knit family. Mr. & Mrs. Angel's two-story, 25-room wood and brick mansion was built in 1885 on a 640 acre farm which includes a 16-room guest house, wineries, vineyards, gardens, golf course, stocked ponds, airpark, ATV trails and many other amenities. Hunter and Solange lived on the property in recently built homes that were rustic and comfy.
Thanksgiving was perfect the food and the company reminded Penny so much of what she lost. The Angel's seem to sense it was a hard time for Penny and kept her busy.
The family left early Friday morning from their airpark and flew to Nebraska. Hunter said that the family usually reserves indoor and outdoor club seating along the 50-yard line.
Penny should feel intimidated watching the game with a bunch of damn Hawkeyes but she felt exhilarated she would represent the Bessey's of Nebraska with pride.
Iowa was leading at halftime by 7-points. Max and Penny stepped outside to drink cocoa and to talk with some Iowa fans. They heard a loud reverb from the jumbotron and looked up. It was a public service announcement.
Hello I'm Doctor Max Angel, I'm a born and bred, Hawkeye. Raucous cheers were heard from the Iowa side. However, a several months ago I met a Cornhusker born and bred. Raucous cheers were heard from the Nebraska side. I fell in love with a Cornhusker and want to spend the rest of my life with her. This is my passionate Cornhusker."
A video montage played of Max and Penny sparring on the dance floor, restaurant, at the Halloween party and even in the hospital room. The spectators were laughing uproariously. At a signal from Max on the jumbotron, the Nebraska spectators held up signs that said "Cornhusker."
Both college bands were on the field and held up signs that said, "Will you marry this." Iowa spectators held up signs that said "Hawkeye?"
The camera started broadcasting live on the jumbotron. It panned to where Max was on bended knee in front of Penny.
"Penny I love you with all my heart and soul. Will you marry me?"
Penny with tears of happiness streaming down her face looked at Max with all the love she could muster.
"Yes because I love you and you my Hawkeye deserve a consolation prize after we spank that booty."
The spectators and Max laughed. Max placed a beautiful 4-karat princess cut diamond ring on her finger. Spectators, band and ball players cheered the couple, as they hugged and kissed.
As Penny turned to go back inside she stopped surprised to see all of her family and friends to include Alice. There were congratulations, champagne, more hugs, kisses and a few tears.
Gift cards were given to the spectators and bands as a thank you for their participation. Both schools received a newly created five million dollar Angel-Bessey endowment. Nebraska ended up winning the game 21-17.
Penny stood outside the club seating and yelled, "Cornhuskers for the win and slapped her booty."
It was one of the best days of her life and she felt the presence of her heavenly family sharing her joy, she was at peace.
That night after much celebrating, Max and Penny decided to camp beneath the stars. They rode their ATV's to a beautiful spot with a breathtaking view of a lake. Max set up the motion detectors around the campsite for extra security. He carried a 2-way radio and emergency kit.
Penny sat between Max's legs by the fire enjoying the stars, quiet and the company.
"Max, I don't want a long engagement. In fact I would like a wedding here on this spot with your dad performing the ceremony."
Max thought it was a great idea.
"My dad could pull some strings and we could get the license tomorrow. We could get married tomorrow evening since everyone is here."
Penny turned in Max's arms glowing with happiness and excitement, "Let's do it."
"I love my earthly family but let's not tell them about the wedding until noon tomorrow. If we tell them tonight, they will be awake all night plotting and planning."
Max agreed and immediately called his dad eager to get the ball rolling.
Penny place her hand on his arm to interrupt before he could call his dad. "Sweetie, do I need to sign a pre-nuptial agreement? I don't want your money just you."
"Yes, our lawyers and officer agreements with our companies require it. My father has the paperwork."
"No worries, I will have Sheldon look over the agreements tomorrow prior to signing."
"Penny, I bought you out here to make love to you on our engagement night but I want to wait until after we are married."
"I want to wait also. I am not on the pill or using any contraceptives. If you agree I would prefer to use no contraceptives. It would be a blessing for me to have your baby."
Max heart stopped and flipped over. "I to would consider a baby a blessing."
Max and Penny thought of her family's tragedy and her assault. Mortality is not guaranteed.
They cuddled and slept peacefully under the stars.
Penny and Max were up early to head into town to obtain the marriage license. Max received a text from his dad that he was an online approved ordained minister. They asked Mr. Angel to tell the gang the news and that the wedding will take place around sunset.
Penny contacted Sheldon and asked him to get with Mr. Angel to look over the pre-nuptial agreement.
Max called Hunter to ask him to be one of his best men the other was Sheldon. Penny corned Amy and Phallon to ask if they would be her matron and maid of honor. Both were honored to accept.
Sheldon and Penny were in Mr. Angel's home office sitting on his couch. "Penny I want you to know that Max is a great guy. I am happy that he makes you smile and puts the sparkle in your eyes reminiscent of when we met eight years ago. I know without a doubt you love him."
"Sheldon, I have been blessed having you as my friend. We have always had a special bond and looked out for one another. It was never hard for me to consider you my family because you were family from the beginning. Next to Max you are the most important person in my life. I will always love and be there for you. No one but you could fill the role of my dad today. Would you give away the bride?"
Sheldon wipes away his tears. "Penny, of course I will give you away, Haa Haannhh. Penny, I love you too."
Meemaw, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Angel, Amy, Alice and Missy gave Penny the talk. Meemaw with a serious determined expression asked, "Penny do you know what to expect on your wedding night." Penny was so shocked by the question she couldn't process. The three Cooper women and Mrs. Angel looked at her face and laughed hysterically. Meemaw was the worst she just couldn't stop laughing.
Missy had mercy on Amy, Alice and Penny. "We all know your history. You've been more than honest with regard to your past exploits. Meemaw was funning."
Penny appreciated the joke and joined the laughter. Alice caught on however Amy was still clueless.
Meemaw, Mrs. Cooper, and Mrs. Angel imparted their marriage advice to Penny and told Amy, Alice and Missy to pay attention.
1. Don't lose who you are. Max fell in love with the complete Penny that is sitting here.
2. The women that are present at your wedding today will be there for you for the rest of your life.
3. Always take a moment for husband and wife time. Away from responsibilities just the two of you.
4. Communicate and be honest.
5. Carry one another. Some days you will need to carry him when his load is too much. Just as he will carry you.
6. Things will go wrong and you will argue, maintain perspective. Keep your eyes focused on what's important your love and marriage.
7. Your marriage is between the two of you. Don't let anyone come between you physically or by malicious words or deeds.
8. Help your husband pursue his dreams.
9. Keep God in your marriage and pray with your husband daily.
Penny hugged the mothers and thanked them for their words of wisdom and love.
Max was corralled, on the patio by his dad, brother and Sheldon. "We have some marriage advice to impart to you son. Let's sit down at the table. My dad passed down advice accumulated throughout the generations of Angel men. Hunter has heard but you and Sheldon need to listen closely."
1. Don't lose who you are.
2. Don't confine Penny's role as wife. Allow her to grow and explore.
3. Don't ever beat your wife. From what I have heard about Penny you may not survive.
4. Communicate and be honest.
5. Carry one another. Some days you will need to carry her when her load is too much. Just as she will carry you.
6. Things will go wrong and you will argue, maintain perspective. Keep your eyes focused on what's important your love and marriage.
7. Your marriage is between the two of you. Don't let anyone come between you physically or by malicious words or deeds.
8. Help your wife pursue her dreams.
9. Keep God in your marriage and pray with your wife daily.
Max hugged his dad and thanked him for the words of wisdom and love. Sheldon also thanked Mr. Angel for the words of wisdom.
As sunset approached, and soft music played Mr. Angel and Max walked up to a natural ledge overlooking the lake. The best men Hunter and Sheldon escorted Phallon and Missy the matron and maid of honor. Sheldon then escorted Penny to the ledge carefully her leg was still in a cast. She wore a lovely white gown. The guys rigged up heaters to blow warm air on the participants who had California thin skin.
Mr. Angel recited the traditional wedding vows, the bride and the groom kissed, and Dr. and Mrs. Max and Penny Angel were presented.
The sun had set and the photocell solar lights lit up the area as everyone toasted the couple. Max and Penny decided to camp and honeymoon beneath the stars.
Mr. Angel and Hunter hustled everyone back into the sightseeing car heading to the main house to continue the celebration.
"You are beautiful in looks but most importantly in your soul."
"You are handsome and my soulmate."
They kissed and drank more champagne. Penny excuses herself to take off her dress. Max checks the campfire and strips down to his silk boxers. Penny exits the tent wearing a beautiful royal blue negligee. He approaches and reverently touches her skin, grasps her hands and escorts her to paradise.
As they lay between the blanket catching their breath, Penny thinks, Oh shit, I may not live to see my birthday at the end of the month. Max has endurance and a most impressive package that he knows how to use.
Penny was so satisfied she immediately went to sleep. She woke up after an hour and they made love again. It was so good and relaxing she went to sleep again. They made love four times that night and she had six orgasms.
She was so mellow getting back to the ranch folks were asking if she was drugged. Max just grinned and said, "She is well loved by her husband."