Chapter 42 Back to Burbank

A Disclaimer is the denial, refusal, or rejection of a right, power, or responsibility. Okay easy enough I deny the right to refuse the power and reject all responsibility. Wow that felt really good. I suddenly feel much freer now to just do about anything I want to my characters and those of TBBT. Wait a minute I already do that. This disclaimer was a total rip off. I think I'll write a sharply worded letter to the BDB, (Better Disclaimer Bureau). Then I'll add them to my enemies list if I can find the floppy drive. I'm adding my iPad to the list too, and Duke University for losing in the first round. Don't even get me started on the IRS. Oops sorry I didn't mean that I really do love you guys go Revenue. Oh crap well you get the general idea it's all one big autocorrect error. Maybe I should just shut up and start writing the chapter.

Impatience and Comfort

Leonard slid back into bed beside Penny she was laying on her side facing him. He very gently slid his arm above her pillow. She moved over put her head on his arm and her hand went to his side. "What were you doing up sweetie, I woke up when you got up and I've been waiting for you." Penny had spoken softly into his chest. She had fell back asleep but part of her was waiting for him to return so she could sleep were she was now.

"Just booking a plane for the ride home tomorrow, we leave at 2:00. We should be in Burbank by 2:00 PM we just need to get Chelsea to set up the car."

Penny snuggled in a little further then something clicked in her brain. "What airline flies into Burbank from Paris?"

Leonard rolled toward her slightly getting comfortable. "No airlines do but the private jet were flying on tomorrow will land where ever we want it to. You sounded like you really wanted to get home. This is the quickest way. Direct flight you me and Lisel should cut about an hour or more off the commercial time."

Penny smiled to herself, "How much did it cost us?"

Leonard was silent.

Penny was fully awake now, "come on how much?"

Leonard ran his hand through her hair, "It'll be close to 75K for a ten hour flight then I'm sure there will be some premium cost attached for service and the flight attendant. Say closer to 80."

Penny shook her head slightly, "That's a lot I could have waited a day."

"Like I said just a tool, you and Lisel are worth every dime to get us home."

Penny was amazed as always by the way his mind worked. She knew he would never spend that to fly himself home. That was unless he needed to get to me or Lisel then price would have been no consideration. "Thank you honey, it's all set then?"

"Yep, I love you Penny."

"Thank you", she waited for 5 long seconds, "I adore and love you too"

Penny closed her eyes, she was warm in his arms both physically and emotionally. Sleep returned almost at once.

Married Morning

Leonard woke up as Penny slipped out of bed. It was still fairly early he knew, the winter light just creeping through the window. He would enjoy getting back to the California sunshine. He thought that it would be fun to bring Penny back this summer to see Paris at its peak. He had been here several times in the summer and the spring. He wanted to take her to Ile Saint Louis and the Place de Concord. Then all the places he knew so well. The little café here, the odd bar there that he had explored on his own years ago. He had imagined her there with him then. Now it was possible to do that.

Penny came back and slid in beside him. "I ordered us croissants and coffee. I didn't think you were awake yet you were up late." Leonard pulled her close kissing her forehead. "We were both up as I recall. I just couldn't sleep last night until I got the flight home set up. I was just laying here thinking we should come back to Paris in the summer. Lisel can spend a week or two with Horst and Lena. I can take you to all the places I imagined you at."

Penny laughed, "Imagined me?"

Leonard was quiet for a moment or two. "Before I met Liisa I would take a week and go to some new place every 4 weeks or so. I would always imagine taking you or being there with you. The canals of Venice, the beach at Mykonos, watching the sunset in Portugal or the sunrise in Florence, you were with me in each of those places and more. I even talked to you sometimes, I missed you so much Penny. Now that we're together I want to go back with you to those places so you can hear me whisper to you this time."

Penny put her hand on his cheek and pulled him to her and kissed him she didn't stop kissing him until the knock on the suite door came. She broke the kiss and looked into his eyes, "I can't wait I want see every spot and hear every word." She slid out of his arms and headed toward the door.

Lingering Together

Penny brought the breakfast tray with the coffee pot and croissants and set it on the coffee table in the bedroom. She was blushing. "I think we may be the scandal of the room service folks today. I let in the young man and told him to put the tray on the coffee table and he had to move my bra and panties over to set it down. I'm sure that will be around the kitchen soon enough."

A smiling Leonard got up and put his robe on and joined her on the small settee behind the coffee table. He was still contemplating the different places he wanted to take Penny when his phone buzzed on the night stand. A few mild oaths as he crossed the room to get it he read the text to Penny.

"Table reserved for breakfast in 1 hour, Amy"

Penny stood up grabbed a roll and her coffee and started heading for the bathroom. Leonard sat back down on the small couch. He really had wanted to spend a little more time lounging around here with Penny. He looked up to see Penny standing in front of the bathroom door coffee and half eaten croissant in hand. "You know two people can shower faster than one."

Leonard grabbed his coffee and started for the bathroom. He thought he should text Amy back about how the Hoftstaders were definitely going to be late.

Off to the Mouse

Penny and Leonard were a half hour late already and Sheldon was getting rather anxious. He had made big plans for today. The most important day of this whole trip beside the train ride was here and now they were running late. Finally Leonard and Penny came through the doors to the restaurant saw their friends at the table and walked over.

Amy stood and gave Penny a hug, "How's Mrs. Hoftstader this morning? Where's Lisel?"

Penny smiled at Amy and looked over at Tyler sitting on Sheldon's lap, "She's having breakfast with her grandparents in their room. They want to spend as much time as they can with her their train leaves at 12:30. Hey Moonpie you're looking a little stressed what's up"

Sheldon started to say only his Memaw called him Moonpie but he suddenly choked up for a second. Penny was suddenly setting by him very gently touching his arm, "I know your Memaw is gone Sheldon your mom sent me a card in New York. I guess I'm the only one that calls you Moonpie now." Sheldon felt better about it, Penny was right for change, "You can call me Moonpie Penny" he said softly. Then his voice became more strident, "You and Leonard are late and it's throwing my whole schedule off. We need to leave in just a few minutes."

Amy spoke up, "Sheldon don't worry the park doesn't even open for another hour."

Leonard had walked up now after saying good morning to Howard and Bernadette who were also late. "What park are you going to Sheldon?"

"Disney Paris of course, and we really should be leaving."

Leonard walked over to Amy and she rose and gave him an odd sort of hug as was her bent. "Well we're flying out a 2:00PM and going back home, Amy don't let Sheldon have the churros before the rides or he throws up." Penny still sitting beside Sheldon nodded knowingly, "Have fun Sheldon see you at home soon", before he could move or object Penny had pecked him on the cheek. Sheldon for a change didn't feel instantly revolted by someone kissing him. But then again Penny had always had that effect on him. He immediately thought better of it as he walked to the door carrying Tyler in one arm reaching into his pocket for hand sanitizer with the other.

Amy stood and gave her bestie a hug and waved at Howard and Bernadette and followed her husband out the door.

Farewell with Arms

Leonard followed Penny to seats beside Howard and Bernadette. Raj was nowhere to be seen yet. Leonard looked at Bernadette, she was positively glowing. "Bernie are you sure you're not pregnant already your just glowing?" Bernadette just smiled that big smile of hers, "Where not checking until we get home. So you two are leaving today. Howie and I are going to stay the rest the week though we may have to change rooms."

Penny looked over at Leonard he was smiling at Bernadette, He reached over and touched her hand, "The suite is yours and Howards until you're ready to come home. I told you this trip was on me." Howard grinned, "Thanks buddy we'll use it well, maybe have them remodel it on the Hoftstader tab."

Leonard just smirked Penny and Bernadette both shook their heads. Everyone saw Raj enter the restaurant and was wondering where Priya was. Leonard waved at Raj and as he got close, "Where's that lovely sister of yours?" He felt Penny's nails digging into his thigh. Mission accomplished he thought smiling at her.

"I'm pretty sure she is studying the French Legal system today. She texted me she would be back for dinner tonight, maybe." Raj looked a little pained but overall he looked comfortable with the situation. Bernadette reached over and touched his hand, "That's okay you can come with me and Howie today. It'll be like the old days were going to hit all the sites today including the Coco Channel Museum."

Raj's smiled became wide even as Howard grimaced, "That would be wonderful I loved her biography, she was so exceptional." Same old Raj thought Leonard. Leonard reached over and offered his hand to Raj. "You've got all my contact info and who to contact at Caltech to start the visa process. Let me know if something comes up, we're flying out at 2:00"

Raj started to tear up and he shook Leonard's hand, "Thank you again Leonard I'm going to be a real physicist again." Leonard just smiled and stood along with Penny. Penny gave Raj a peck on the cheek. They both gave Howard and Bernadette a hug then waved their goodbyes.

No Time Change, Just Time

Leonard took a sip of his scotch and looked across the aisle to the bed on their other side. Penny and Lisel were sleeping soundly. Leonard was looking at, to him, the most perfect sight he could think of. Both loves of his life were lying on the sides sleeping soundly facing him. Lisel little face right below Penny's both peaceful and happy.

He checked his phone they had been in the air about 3 hours about 6 hours to go according to the pilot unless they got a head wind. They actually would land about the same time they had taken off. Because Paris was 9 hours later than Burbank and a nine hour flight gaining time as they went west. Though it would feel like 11:00 pm to them when they got in. That's why they called it jet lag he supposed. Chelsea had texted him that the car would be at the airport waiting for them when they got in. They would go through customs at the civilian aviation terminal and be home 20 minutes later.

Leonard looked around at the interior of the Jet. It was immensely comfortably compared to a commercial airliner. It would seat 25 people comfortable or be configured as it was now for a single family. There were 4 seats that turned in to twin beds, Swivel and reclining seats some around tables. Several flat screens for watching any media they desired were set into the bulkheads. The flight attendant had 6 different entrees should they get hungry some specifically for children. She also had appetizers, desserts and snacks. Leonard had been impressed by the small but very well stocked wine selection. The 25 year old scotch he was sipping was pretty special also. The most remarkable thing though was how much quieter it was than commercial. You could converse normally and sit back and think.

He could get use to traveling this way he thought, especially when his girls were with him. He couldn't even contemplate going anywhere without them at the moment. It might be just Penny and himself occasionally but never without Penny or Lisel. He really couldn't imagine himself being the lone traveler again. Leonard thought that through and took the last sip of his scotch and looked back at his girls. Penny's eyes where open staring at him. She had that soft smile on her face that she would get when he would choose her over some nerdy thing the guys were doing. He put his glass down and leaned over to her and kissed her

"Hi love I thought you were sleeping?"

Penny reached up and touched his face, "I was watching you thinking, what were you thinking about?"

Leonard gave her his best smile, "I was thinking I never want to travel again without at least one of my girls ever again."

Penny just nodded, there's That Smile again, "You'll never have to, there's room behind me for one more. You know I don't sleep well without you.

The flight attendant watched from the galley as the man slipped off his shoes and climbed in behind his wife and daughter. She smiled and set down in the first seat beside the galley.

Were really are going to be home soon

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Macy in Oklahoma, Je voulais l'épouser quand j'ai vu la lune qui brille sur le canon de fusil de chasse de son père. .

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