Chapter 51 - Happy Together

Penny, Leonard and the rest of the wedding party joined the reception which had actually started before they got there when they opened the bar, some of her relatives there for the booze more than the party. Tommy and Henry did not actually following them in, instead staying near the doorways just in case the press decided to try sneak in after Wyatt's warning. The noise in the reception hall did noticeably diminish as Penny and Leonard walked to their seats at the head table, some of her relatives actively staring at her and other talking to each other obviously about her, but it was Penny's mom and dad that seemed to take over and began to get everyone to sit down, making the awkwardness for the newly wedded couple seem to fade as the people there took their seats.

Penny was relieved they intentionally planned the food being served first because it gave everyone something to do other than talk about what happened outside when they arrived. Also, serving the food first got something into the stomachs of everyone, especially the more serious drinkers there that night, hopefully to delay anyone getting sick at the reception. The meal was steak or chicken that night, almost everyone from Nebraska eating steak while the Californian guests eating most of the chicken, Penny having a steak of course. The serving of the meal soon successfully occupying the thoughts of most of the people in a hall except for a few teenagers who were in awe that Penny, the TV star, was there in the same room as them.

But Penny was still happy, it was her wedding, her friends were with them and they were all enjoying themselves, and most importantly, she was married to Leonard. Being honest to herself, she would have just gone to a justice of the peace, if that was what Leonard wanted, but she also knew that Leonard would want her to be happy and would have probably insisted she have her wedding. He was actually the perfect man for her, she loved being with him and easily could see spending her life with him, if anything all the years of knowing him and being his friend had proved to her that Leonard was the one, there was no doubt in her mind. Just thinking about him now made her smile and she turned to kiss him, getting that loving smile from him that always warmed her heart.

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As the meal dishes were cleared and the reception continued, there was some talk about the cameraman and reporter, but Penny's parents and immediate family made sure the talk didn't get to Penny or Leonard. However even then, several teenage girls went to Penny after the dinner, while she was still sitting at the head table, to get her autograph, since she was the biggest celebrity their town had ever had. Penny signed the sheets of paper without letting it upset her, even though there was still a little hurt from being fired from her show and Leonard knew it, so his hand went to her lower back, rubbing it, comforting her greatly.

So it was a short time later that the party and drinking really started, and with the drinking came the traditional tapping of glasses and the toasts. Howard, being the best man, made the first toast that night:

"I can't fully explain how happy I have been to have Penny and Leonard as friends, but I'm willing to give it a try. (people chuckled around the room) Leonard was the first friend I had when I was assigned to work with the space effort at Cal Tech, and he has been a true friend ever since. Our friendship and our small band of friends grew with Raj coming into our small group and then with time grew even more (Howard purposely not mentioning Sheldon by name), but none of us would ever be the same after Penny moved in across from Leonard. (there were a few aww's heard then) Penny shook our world up for sure, some of it because she was beautiful and we were all struck by that beauty, but mostly because underneath that beauty was even a more beautiful person, who could accept us for who we were and could see the man in Leonard. (Penny squeezed Leonard's arm and when he looked at her she gave him a huge smile. There were also more aww's from some of the tables) Penny brought a new better aspect to all our lives, she introduced us to a world we thought we were exempt from and brought happiness to our group, especially me. It was because of Penny, with Leonard's help, that I met my wife and to say that I owe them would be an understatement, because they introduced me to my soul mate and helped me be able to convince her to accept me as her life mate. (Bernadette smiled at her husband a tear threatening to leak from her eye) So let me sum up, Leonard and Penny you are the best friends to everyone in our group and the two people that definitely belong to each other, like Stuart told you years before, you two together make one awesome person and together the world is yours for the taking, I'm proud that you are my friends."

Each table broke out in applause, and it took Howard a few seconds to calm them down before he made his toast. "So I would like to make the first toast to Leonard and Penny. May their lives be filled in happiness and their love stay as strong, as it is today, for all the years to come." Leonard lifted his glass, "Leonard and Penny", people from the table repeated the chant then everyone took a drink.

There was some glass clinking right after that and Penny smiled at everyone before wrapping her arms around Leonard's neck pulling him towards her in a very passionate kiss, getting hoots and howls from some of the men and a few of the younger women.

The glasses clinked again and Lindsey, the matron of honor, then stood up.

"Okay calm down, I have a few words to say, (the noise dying down almost immediately). You all know I'm Penny's OLDER sister and if you don't know, shame on you and you need to come to the next family picnic. (several chuckles coming from the tables again) Penny has always been the dreamer of our family, the one who wanted it all and the one brave enough to actually go out and try to get it, after all you would have to be brave to go to California with Kurt Ingels. (again more chuckles from the tables from people who knew who Kurt was. Penny only made a frown at her sister, Leonard now giving her a little shrug and smile when she looked at him causing the frown to disappear from her face) I admit for a while I was jealous of her, but to be honest I doubt there are few people that could have done what she has done and as her sister I find now that I'm incredibly proud of her. (again there were a few aww's) I guess though what makes me even more proud of her is the man she chose to marry, I have gotten to really know him and like Howard said before, he is someone who will love my sister forever and work to make her happy her whole life, he is the man she deserves and my sister is the woman he deserves. I wish them happiness forever and lots of grandchildren for my parents, to take the pressure off me. (everyone laughing at Lindsey's joke about grandchildren) TO LEONARD AND PENNY" Lindsey shouted over the laughter, then took a drink as everyone yelled "LEONARD AND PENNY" then taking drinks themselves.

There were several other toasts that followed, before everyone started to mingle, Penny and Leonard visiting every table to acknowledge their guests, especially Penny's grandparents and great aunts and uncles. It was during this time that Amy went to the table in the back to see Sheldon, worried that he was having a horrible time during the reception. She caught his eye as she approached and saw him stand up to hold the chair next to him out for her when she came to sit down.

"How gentlemanly." Amy said to him with a smile.

"Texas may be full of cowboys but we do have gentlemen too." he responded.

"Well I like the gentleman better than the cowboy." she told him still smiling.

"Amy you look beautiful." Sheldon said while looking down at her with admiration in his eyes.

"Thank you Sheldon." Amy said blushing.

"Amy, I don't really mind if you use terms of endearment tonight, it actually seems to be social convention tonight since this whole event seems to celebrate love." he told her.

"Really Shel….I mean really Honey." she said while smiling up at him.

"Would 'babe' or 'my love' be better in a response to your question." obviously him searching for the right words.

"I sort of like 'my love'." Amy said softly.

Sheldon nodded, saying "Then my answer is yes my love." softly back to her.

Amy took a deep breath, her whole body tingling from his low husky response, she was already swooning for him that night, his talking sweetly to her was only making that feeling more intense. They just stared at each other for a few seconds and would probably have stared at each other longer if not for the band announcing the father-daughter dance. It was then that Sheldon took Amy's hands into his and gently pulled her up from the seat to take her to the dance floor, so they could watch. Amy leaning back against Sheldon when they got there, him wrapping his arms around her, making her feel all warm and tingling inside.

Wyatt danced with Penny, her huge smile making him smile at her happiness, he liked Leonard and he was happy his daughter loved him, Leonard was the kind of man Wyatt actually trusted to marry his daughter. He enjoyed having this moment with his daughter but he knew he wasn't the one she was most attentive of, catching her look at Leonard several times while her husband danced with her mother. Wyatt was just happy that after all the months of pain his daughter was happy again, with the man she loved and they were both looking at a happy future together. He was enjoying dancing with his daughter but when the song ended he was more than pleased to turn her over to her husband, getting a little emotional when his youngest daughter kissed his cheek telling him 'Thank You Daddy' before leaving his arms for Leonard's.

There were now several people on the dance floor when the Bride and Groom did their dance, of course Leonard and Penny, but also Howard and Bernadette, Steven and some girl, and several other couples, including Penny's parents. Amy, who probably should have danced with Steven, since they were both in the wedding party, was however with Sheldon and he was right it was a night full of love because Amy loved it when Sheldon pulled her against him and began slow dancing with her. Amy thinking it couldn't get any better unless it was her wedding and he was her husband dancing with her.

The only people of the wedding party not dancing where Lindsey and Raj, both still sitting at the table, both talking to each other while they sat. Lindsey knowing she shouldn't dance with him because to everyone in her family she was a married woman, them not knowing her and her husband were basically done after this day. Raj himself not daring to do anything Lindsey didn't initiate because he was an outsider and a stranger in this part of the country. So they just talked like two people who were just in a wedding party together, never giving any indication that they both liked each other.

"So are you going home tomorrow?" Lindsey asked not really wanting an answer because she knew whatever it was it would make her feel bad.

Raj nodded, "Yes, I have a late flight tomorrow."

At least she would see him tomorrow for a little bit Lindsey thought, "So will you be around to see them open the gifts?"

Ran nodded again, "Yes, going west allows me to leave later, so I will be here for that."

Lindsey nodded, she just wish he would hold her, after all that happened to her that day with her husband she just wanted to be held by someone and Raj was her first choice. She didn't really know what was bothering her more, that her failing marriage was now over or that Raj was leaving before she could actually be with him. It was that sadness and need for comforting that Lindsey just blurted out to him, "My husband told me he was in love with someone else today."

Raj's head shot around and his eyes where wide in surprise, "He actually said that to you today!"

Lindsey became immediately embarrassed by what she blurted out so at first only nodded, but then after a couple moments responded. "I guess I knew deep down inside, but yes he admitted it today."

"I'm so sorry Lindsey." Raj said with honest emotion.

"It's not your fault Raj, but thank you." Lindsey said with a small sad smile, she was already missing Raj and his kindness even though he hadn't even left yet.

Penny, while she danced with her husband, was having a hard time being aware of the world around her, she was so wrapped up in the little bubble occupied by only her and Leonard. Them being relatively the same height allowed her to comfortably lay her head on his shoulder as her body molded against his, a warm content feeling occupying her soul as they slowly danced together. So it took several taps on her shoulder to come back to the real world and see her brother smiling at her, before he looked at Leonard, "May I have a dance with my sister."

Leonard smiled at his bride and her brother, "Of course, but only one."

Steven laughed, "I promise just one." then took his sister into his arms as the next dance started.

Penny and Steven just smiled at each other as they began to dance but that only lasted for a moment as Steven began to talk. "I'm really happy for you Penny. I don't think I've ever seen you so happy."

Penny nodded, "Thank you, I don't think I've ever been this happy before either. I love Leonard so much."

"It is easy to see that he is deeply in love with you too." Steven seemed to contemplate his next words carefully. "But sometimes things happen so if you ever need me, I will always be there for you if you need me."

Penny smiled, "I don't really think I will ever need your help now that I'm with Leonard but I will remember your offer if I ever do, thank you."

The song ended a few moments later, Steven taking his sister to Leonard, Penny for her part happily following him to her husband. Steven holding out his hand to Leonard as soon as he got up to him, "Welcome to the family…brother."

Leonard smiling and nodding, "Thank you….brother." Penny looking on with a big smile on her face.

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The next three hours consisted of visiting, dancing and lots of drinking, a couple of Penny's family being asked to leave the reception by Penny's father when they got too drunk. Considering that the police hadn't shown up and nothing or nobody was broken, Penny had to admit it was one of the more tame wedding receptions she had attended involving her family. However, Penny now wanted to be alone with Leonard, she was tired of sharing him with her family and just wanted to lay in her wedding bed with her husband cuddled next to him, both naked as the day they was born.

So Penny took her hand out of Leonard's and wrapped her arms around him, immediately feeling his arms reciprocating by wrapping around her. "Honey can we leave now?" she then whispered to him.

"Is anything wrong", he whispered in return.

"No, I just want you to myself now." she whispered then gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Okay." Leonard responded, smiling at her.

However it took the next 20 minutes to say their goodbyes, before they were able to get into their car to head to the hotel and the bridal suite the had reserved for the night. Penny getting more and more excited on the drive to the hotel, cuddling Leonard while they drove and attacking him with kisses every time they had to wait for a red light along the way. She practically dragged Leonard to their room after they entered the hotel and positioned him near the bed before she turned her back to him.

"Honey could you undo me." she said seductively.

Leonard would do what she wanted but not before he put his arms around her waist and leaned over to kiss her almost bare neck, the only thing there being the small chain to the heart locket he had given her years before. His lips on her neck made Penny close her eyes and lean back against him, her emotions concerning him escalating out of all control now that they were alone together. It was actually hard for her think straight as Leonard continued to nibble her neck and she might have never left his arms if he hadn't finally stopped to unzip her dress.

She actually now considered letting the dress drop off of her so she could immediately make love with her husband, but her mothers words about him possibly being scared of hurting her made her decide go back to her plan. So she just held her dress up and turned to him, "Sweetie I need to get changed, I'll only be a couple minutes. Okay?" she asked him, waiting just long enough for him to smile and nod before she practically skipped to the bathroom.

Leonard just watched the most beautiful angel he had ever seen go into the bathroom and he gently sighed when the door closed behind her blocking his view of his new wife. He then just stood there for a moment before he realized he did not know what he was suppose to do next, no one telling him what the procedure was for the groom on the honeymoon night. He knew sex was expected, even though he was still nervous if Penny was physically ready for sex, however how he was suppose to prepare for Penny coming out of the bathroom was completely unknown to him. Was he suppose to strip and get under the covers naked, it sounded exactly like something like Howard would do so he immediately decided that he shouldn't do that. Should he just stay where he was and wait, but then he would be still in a tux while Penny was changed into something ready for bed or sex, that would look sort of strange wouldn't it? So he decided to compromise, taking off his tux and everything except his boxers and T-shirt to wait for his bride.

Penny laid her dress neatly over the shower rail and looked at herself in the mirror, smiling at the cute underwear she was given by the girls and deciding instead of taking it off, to put on a sexy white camisole she had bought for this night, she would wear the underwear in its place. She then quickly washed the makeup off her face, then put her hair is a bun, before grabbing the special item, from her bag, she had planned to wear for Leonard tonight, carefully buttoning it up and adjusting it so that the garters and nylons looked sexy poking out from the bottom of her new covering. Finally she took the glasses out of the bag and put them on, smiling at the image she presented in the mirror, hoping that she had planned properly and Leonard wouldn't be able to resist making love to her, forgetting all his fears.

Leonard had been sitting on the bed calming waiting for his wife, looking at the bathroom door as soon as he heard the door knob turn to open. However he was not prepared for the woman who exited the bathroom smiling at him, his heart immediately racing from the sight of her, his mouth working like a fish out of water and no words coming out. Penny actually walked all the way up to him before he was able to speak anything and even then the only word that came out of his mouth was in a whisper "Penny?"

Penny smiled at getting the effect she had desired, 'Honey, I'm all yours." she whispered seductively to him.

But Leonard just sat there in shock looking at his new wife, dressed in a white lab coat, her hair in a conservative bun, while glasses rested on the tip of her nose, he was mesmerized by her. The garters and nylons coming out below her lab coat only made her sexier, but it was the name plate on her coat that finally caught Leonard's eye and reading it 'Penny Hofstadter' really drove home what happened that day, Penny was actually his wife. He suddenly couldn't breathe and as his chest tightened he again whispered "Penny" as it got harder for him to get air.

Penny ran to the bag still in the bathroom and grabbed one of the inhalers from it, they had been her constant companions ever since she had fallen for Leonard years before. She just as quickly put the inhaler in her husbands hand, then sat on the bed next to him, pushing his hand with the inhaler towards his mouth ready to squeeze the button for him if he didn't do it immediately when it was in his mouth. "Sweetie take this and just breathe."

Leonard took two puffs and immediately started to breathe again, Penny's hand rubbing his back soothing and calming him from his attack. "Thanks."

"Don't try to talk just rest and catch you breath." she told him, concern evident in her voice.

They just sat holding each other for a few minutes until Leonard felt completely normal again, he then looked at Penny and shrugged, "Some groom, I already messed up the honeymoon."

Penny shook her head, "I shouldn't have worn this, if I knew it would make you respond like that I would have never put it on."

"No, Penny you look so hot dressed like that, I'm just a nerd acting like a nerd." he responded.

Penny shook her head, "If you are a nerd then I'm in love with a nerd, but I still should have dressed more traditional tonight."

Leonard smiled, "Can I confess something to you without you laughing at me." Penny nodded. "Although I was blown away with the way you are dressed, and still am, it was the name tag that actually caused the attack."

Penny looked down at the name tag then looked at Leonard confused, "It is my name now?"

Leonard smiled, "I know, but seeing it like that made me really understand that. I have loved you for so long, for you to be my wife now is like a genie came along and granted me my greatest wish."

Penny smiled, "I'm your greatest wish, not a Nobel like Sheldon?"

He smiled wider at her, "If I only have you by my side, I will be happy forever."

A tear formed in Penny's eye. "I'm yours forever and I will make you happy forever, I promise you my husband."

They both then just kissed long and hard with all the passion in their beings, only breaking for air when Penny got concerned about Leonard breathing again. They then just looked at each others eyes for a short time before Penny whispered to her new husband, "Leonard please make love to me."

They then kissed again and carefully undressed each other , Penny getting her wish, their naked bodies pressed tightly against each other as Penny and Leonard consummated their marriage. They continued making love long into the night until both of them finally laid together exhausted and sated, Penny's head on Leonard's chest listening to his beating heart as she just laid there happier than she could even imagine. She felt so content, with Leonard gently rubbing her back as she laid on him, that sleep just suddenly took her with no warning at all.

A/N: This is basically Happy Ever After for Leonard and Penny, their love allowed them to survive the greatest problem they ever had in their relationship, but there still will be one more chapter.