Chapter 40 Remote Imagining

The injury caused by an object colliding with you is directly proportional to the injury required to prevent you from doing something you enjoy the next day. A rather silly way to start the disclaimer but it's my mood. Because I have no direct or indirect ownership, managerial, fiduciary, supervisory, or janitorial relationship with The Big Bang Theory I would never even wish to have any of the above and thus claim none. It should also be noted that I'm sure the feeling is mutual and I would be considered at best a pain in a rather large ass. Me being the pain rather than the ass.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoftstader

The limousine driver looked in his rear view mirror at the couple in the back. Mr. and Mrs Hoftstader sat very close together. They were holding hands smiling and talking softly to each other. The occasional kiss was exchanged as the car sped toward the U.S. Embassy both had smiles on their faces.

The women wore a short white lace dress her hair and makeup immaculate. She would occasionally stare at the wedding ring on her finger. She would then turn and kiss her husband again. She must have done it already about 4 times since they had left the chateau. The man was dressed in black slacks a black shirt with tiny red pin stripes. A grey tweed waist coat and black dress jacket.

The driver knew his job, get the newlywed couple to the embassy by 6:00 PM. He remembered his wedding some 30 odd years ago. He still loved his wife every moment of his day. It was when he came home from work at night that things were in doubt. He really should be a comedian he thought and pushed further down on the gas pedal.

Leonard felt the car pick up speed slightly and looked up. The traffic was light and they should make it with about 45 minutes to spare. The wedding had made him almost cry. He kept thinking how it had been such a long road to something they both wanted. The end of it was by far worth the journey but the journey itself had been hard for them both.

After the ceremony was over and they faced their friends and family an instant reception line had formed. Penny had waved for Lisel to come stand with them. Starting with the judge and then all the guests each came up and kissed or hugged them both. Sheldon had actually first hugged Penny then actually hugged Leonard as well. Beverly had given Penny a warm hug and an even managed to give Leonard a near hug. Once everyone had paid their respects to the couple Daphne had herded everyone outside except Lisel, Penny and Leonard. The next twenty minutes were spent before a photographer taking pictures of the couple in the Chapel. Then Penny had insisted on several group photos outside with the entire group.

Leonard and Penny had then wished them all goodbye. They would all meet up for dinner at the hotel. The banquet room was reserved and ready. Lisel was kissed and sent back with Horst and Lena for the night. Leonard and Penny had returned to the bedrooms and changed into their current clothes. Sheila and Mindy has stayed to redo Penny's hair and touch up her makeup. Then they were on their way to their rooms at the Athenee as well. Daphne had walked up to the happy couple as their bags were put in the car. "Leonard and Penny it was a lovely ceremony you do the chapel and my family a great honor."

Penny had given Daphne a gentle hug, "Thank you for taking us through this and providing the lovely chapel and rooms. I can't tell you how special it was." Daphne took Penny's hand and looked into her face, "Take care of Lisel as if she were your own."

Penny gave Daphne what she knew was her best smile, "She is my own already there is no other way"

Daphne had nodded and they had gotten in the car.

A Tighter Hold

The limousine pulled up not to the front of the embassy but a side entrance. Penny looked out and knew they had a problem. The press was there in force. At least 20 paparazzi and even a couple of TV camera crews were camped out at the entrance. Penny looked over to Leonard who grimaced. "That's how you get a secret out to the world tell the State Department to keep it." Penny took Leonard's hand in hers, "Should we just rush by them?"

Leonard shook his head, "First get your passport out to show the Marines." They both got their passports and nodded to the driver who went to open the door. Before he did two French policeman stepped forward from the reporters and pushed them back. Their driver opened the door and Penny led the way. Leonard holding tightly to her hand and the packet of papers he was carrying in his other hand. Penny watched as the marines opened the gates and the policeman pushed back harder against the photographers. The clicking of the cameras was everywhere.

Penny felt like it took minutes but within seconds she had showed her passport and was behind the gates Leonard still clutching her hand. Two of the press tried to follow and found themselves on the ground when they tried to get past the Marines. The Marines then stepped behind the gate and closed it between them and press. Penny was jittery, "I've never seen them like that, very aggressive." Leonard looked a little rattled also. They started toward the consular building and were met by a young lady half way to it.

"Dr. and Mrs. Hoftstader I presume we've been waiting for you. I'm Virginia Robertson the assistant charge d affaire at the embassy let me take you to the notary. I see the police presence we requested was required. I'll call to get a couple of more officers for when you leave."

Virginia led them into the consulate to the office of the notary. The notary was a young man about the same age as the charge d affaire somewhere just under 30. He introduced himself as Thomas Corning and took Leonard's packet from his hand. Thomas under the watchfulness of Virginia took out the papers and reviewed them. Leonard handed his and Penny's passport to him. Thomas recorded and put a seal on each document. He then filled out his notary book and put it before them. "You both need to sign with the same name as is on your passport."

Penny signed first and then Leonard. Thomas looked up and smiled at them both. Virginia offered her hand, "Congratulations your marriage is now official both in France and in the United States of America." They both shook her hand and she smiled at Leonard, "Do you mind me asking how you overcame the residency requirement for your marriage?"

Penny actually was surprised, "What residency requirement?"

Virginia looked at her carefully, "To be married in France one of you must be a resident for 40 days before you can be married in a civil ceremony."

Leonard just smiled, "I own a small place on the Rhone outside Geneva. I have residency going back awhile. The lawyers took care of the rest I'm sure. That and I had a Baroness helping me with local aspects."

Virginia smiled and nodded, "It's very difficult to get married in France for foreigners it's really quite a shame." She looked down at her phone for a moment, "The sergeant says it's a good time for you two to leave. The police have pushed back the press and he will personally walk you to the car. He's a big fan by the way, we all are."

Penny blushed slightly, "Thank you so much for helping us."

Virginia started walking them out. When they reached the gate there were now 6 policemen holding the photographers and press back. The Marine sergeant was standing at attention in front of the gate waiting for them. Two other marines stood behind him facing outward blocking the view inside. Leonard and Penny walked up to the sergeant. Penny leaned in closer to him and kissed him on the cheek. He stood stone still, "Thanks you sergeant." A very slight grin was on marines face. He turned and walked them to the car no one came close.

Greetings and Goodbyes

Leonard and Penny entered the suite to a lovely bouquet of roses on the table and a bottle of Cristol Champagne chilling in an ice bucket. Penny looked at Leonard and smiled. "I'm only responsible for the Champagne the roses must be from someone else." Leonard smiled back.

Penny took the card from the flowers and read it, a tear trickled down her face and she handed it to Leonard. "It's from mom and dad, I told them they could come but I knew they wouldn't. They wish us happiness." Leonard read the card and put it on the table. He wrapped his arms around Penny. "Why wouldn't they come when you told them?"

Penny wasn't crying she kissed his cheek, "I knew Paris would be a bit much for them Leonard. Even LA is too big. But Europe was just a little much to ask of simple folks from Nebraska. Dad might have come but mom never would have. He wouldn't come alone." Leonard stepped back from her, "Let's bring the family to them then, we can go home through Omaha if you'd like?"

Penny smiled, "Let me think about. Leonard I have one more thing to do today. I need to read Liisa letter." Leonard raised his eyebrows slightly, "You want some privacy?"

Penny put her hand on his cheek, "No I want you right here next to me."

"I'll open the Champagne then."

Penny went into the bedroom and retrieved her letter. She returned to a pop as Leonard opened the champagne and poured it in two flutes. He met her on the couch and set hers on the coffee table. Penny set next to him and looked at the envelope then broke the seal and removed a sheet of writing paper and some very thin folded papers as well. She looked at the thin folded paper which was some kind of pattern. She picked up the letter and read:

Dear Penny

Your reading this so Leonard has found you again. My father would only give you this if you two were together. I would be so happy for you and my dear Leonard. If my letter is in your hands then so are my Little Lisel and our Leonard. I say "our" because we have shared his heart though you wouldn't know until he finds you again.

I loved someone like Leonard loved you. A love that set my heart on fire, that when it was gone I thought I could never find it again. I couldn't. I loved Leonard he is gentle yet strong, caring and willing to sacrifice his happiness for his loved ones. Though I love and care for him still I knew he had that same love for you. This love is a fire and a passion that consumes you that you only find once. We filled the loss that each of us had with our own more gentle love and I treasure it. I hoped he would find his first love again even though I would never be able to. Care for his heart and your own. Protect him from himself when he will give too much. He has stayed by me to what will be a bitter end for him I know. I don't give him to you but return him to his heart's desire. He does come with that which is dearest to my heart, Lisel.

I hope she will grow up to be the gentle and caring person her father is. I also hope the best part of me carries on in her. If Leonard is with you he has decided you will be the right person for Lisel. Even as much as he still cares for you Lisel would come first for him, I know that so I have no fear you shall care for her as your own.

Enclosed is the pattern my Aunt used to make her bunny. The same bunny she made me when I was a child. Little stuffed bunnies don't last forever. I had three as a child my Aunt making me a new one each time. This pattern is for you to have a new one made for Lisel when the time comes. She will need it for her children and you may use it for yours and Leonard's. It gives me great peace to pass it on to the next Mrs. Hoftstader.

I'll leave you with this:

A Clear Voice

Speak to your heart. Use a clear voice.
No sobs as you walk on shattered dreams and pain.
Your heart follows your love. It has no other choice.
It may keep you whole and sane.
So use a clear voice and love shall remain.

This is my last prose I'm afraid, morphine awaits me and me it. Should it ease me to ease him I shall be grateful.

Farewell

Liisa

Aside: Night all, Review as you see fit.