Thank you all for your patience.
Here's a funny (or embarrassing maybe) story about the song I have chosen for this chapter (which also serves as the song for the first dance): So, a few months ago, when I was searching for Shamy wedding songs, I got it into my head that I wanted to use something significant to them from the show. Of course, the song "Darlin'" entered my mind, but I did not just want to use it because it was so obvious. So, I chose to look for a song from the same band. Or so I thought. I have no idea, how it happened, maybe my brain was overworked and overwhelmed, but somehow, I looked up and chose a song from the Bee Gees instead of the Beach Boys. And for months, I did not realize my mistake until a few weeks ago when I rewatched Season 9. I had been listening to this song all this time in my story-playlist and I was so proud of myself for finding it. Now picture the scene when Sheldon found out he had used the metric system wrong. That was pretty much my reaction when I found out. But well… that mistake led me to this beautiful song that I still find perfect for this chapter and for Sheldon and Amy in this universe, so after days (and nights) of agonizing over it, I chose to keep it this way.
So, here it is, the second part of the Shamy wedding. I don't know if it is too cheesy. With every chapter I seem to turn Sheldon into a hippie more and more, which, I hope, makes sense in this universe. I have to admit, I enjoy writing hippie-Sheldon maybe a little more than I should.
On another note, E-Mail-notifications are still not working. I hope this will get resolved at some point. It is so good to see that so many of you still check out this story, thank you all very much! There has not been any info on when or if this problem will be fixed. Maybe, if by the end of this story, there will still not be any notifications, I will consider announcing my new stories and updates elsewhere, let's see.
And now enough of me, I hope you will enjoy the second part of the Shamy wedding!
Oh, now is the hour, now is the sowing of the seed
I will take tomorrow
I will lay it at your feet
And the two of us escape from the sadness of the world
From the thunder and the darkness
From the hunger and the hurt
Balancing Heaven And Earth
Chapter 24 – "Wedding Day"
Sheldon's POV:
From the moment he woke up on his air mattress surrounded by his best friends, to the moment he bid farewell to all of them on the front porch of meemaw's house, anticipating a night full of socially sanctioned lovemaking, Sheldon's whole day could only be described as the most wholesome twenty-four hours he had ever experienced.
It started out in the early morning when he opened his eyes.
Memories from the night before flooded his brain. Meemaw's letter to Amy. Their personal vows at her grave. Their sensual way of saying good-bye in front of their bedroom window.
The day hadn't even begun and already, his heart was flowing over with happiness, and he could feel a smile forming on his face before he was fully awake.
He stretched out his limbs and sat up then, to be met with his friends' grinning faces.
"Well, I never thought I would get to say this sentence one day, but here it is. Sheldon Cooper, you look like a man who is completely ready to get married.", Leonard said and winked at him.
"You do.", Howard agreed. "And I am trying to find something snarky to say about this, but I can't."
"I think it's beautiful.", Raj added. "Look at it this way. If even Sheldon Cooper can fall in love and get married, there must be hope for everyone."
Sheldon just kept smiling to himself. They were right. His journey to this day was almost unbelievable.
His good mood continued as he ate his oatmeal and drank his breakfast tea. It even continued when Georgie sat down at the breakfast table and started a battle of who could tell the most inappropriate pre-wedding jokes with Howard.
His excitement grew, when he saw the members of the choir pull up into their driveway, carrying chairs and tables and decorations into meemaw's backyard.
And it did not sour, even when he saw Amy's parents leave the house across the street and walk towards his mother's house.
To say that her father did not look happy would be an understatement. It apeeared as if he was reprimanding his wife who seemed not to agree with him.
They were still bickering, when they rang the doorbell, and so Sheldon quickly sprinted to the front door to be the one to greet them.
"Are you crazy? How could you go off on our poor child like that? It's her big day. She needs to enjoy it. How could you say all these things about her home and… her hair?", he heard Larry Fowler say, just as he opened the door.
The conversation stopped then and a forced smile appeared on Amy's mother's face.
"Well, hello, Sheldon. It is good to see you again after such a long time."
"Is everything alright?", Sheldon asked, ignoring her statement. "Should I go over and check on Amy?"
"Amy's fine.", her mother dismissed him. "We are just all a bit nervous today. It's not every day that my only child is getting married. Far away from her home. In a backyard. Without any professional help. I am sure it will all turn out just… fine."
Amy's father huffed and rolled his eyes at Sheldon. 'See what I've been dealing with?', he seemed to be asking his soon-to-be son-in-law.
Under normal circumstances, Sheldon would have not gotten involved in this matter, but this was his wedding day. He was in no mood to let anyone take away even a little bit of this experience for Amy or himself.
"You need to stop this.", he said with a calmness in his voice that surprised him. "This is the exact reason why Amy had such a hard time reaching out to you. This is why she kept me from you for such a long time. Can't you as her mother just sit back and enjoy the day? Be happy for your daughter?"
"I'm trying to.", Amy's mother said, a bit more softly. "But I just don't understand why she did not involve me more in the planning of this event. I could have helped. I am not just some guest. I am the mother of the bride."
"Yes. And you almost weren't invited to the wedding in the first place.", Amy's father reminded her.
Mrs. Fowler huffed and looked down at the ground.
"Look.", Sheldon sighed. "Family is important. To both Amy and me. She does want a closer relationship with you again. But you need to stop this behavior. I will not stand for it if I have the feeling that you are putting Amy down or making her feel bad about herself."
"Sheldon is right. You need to pull yourself together.", Larry told her firmly. "Today is not about you or me. It is about our little girl and the man she's about to marry."
Amy's mother just stood there and studied Sheldon's face.
"Alright.", she conceded in the end. "Maybe I was a little too harsh. I will keep my opinions to myself."
"Good.", Sheldon nodded. Maybe there was still hope.
"And thank you.", Amy's mother added softly. "For trying to protect my daughter. Even from me. It is… comforting. To know she is marrying someone who will stand up for her."
She looked small as she said this. And despite his earlier annoyance, Sheldon tried to see her for who she was in this moment.
A mother who – admittedly due to her own fault – had almost lost her only daughter. A person who was trying but still had a lot to learn.
"Let's move on.", he offered. "Come inside. My mother is excited to meet the both of you."
They all sat down at the breakfast table again then, where his mother offered coffee to the guests before the three parents bonded over their experience of raising a child as special as Sheldon and Amy were.
His friends took him to his room then and helped him get ready for the ceremony. Leonard and Howard shared stories about their wedding days, but very soon the conversation shifted to the 'Dungeons and Dragons'-movie.
And when Amy's parents said their good-byes and went to see their daughter again before the big moment, a strange sense of calm overtook him.
Dressed in his fine tuxedo and accompanied by his friends, he made his way to meemaw's backyard.
If anyone asked, Sheldon would not be able to tell, when exactly it had been decided to get married here. Not even with his eidetic memory.
Some time during their early plannings, when they were still looking at venues, Amy had made a remark about how strange it was to pay an overpriced fee for a view that wasn't any better than the one they had at home.
From that moment on, this remark had been in the back of their minds, and sometimes, when the planning felt too complicated or tedious, they had joked how much easier it would be, just getting married outside of their home.
And so, after a while, this idea had become more than just a joke. It became a "why the hell not".
One by one their friends from the choir had offered their help to organize everything.
And even though Sheldon had never pictured himself having an outdoor wedding, he did like the decision. He liked the familiar location and how intimate it felt, sharing this big moment here.
Finally, as he was standing there, at the end of the aisle, waiting for his bride to arrive, he looked at all the people who were there, celebrating this day with them.
There was Leonard of course. Leonard who, over the years, had somehow become like a brother to him. He knew it had not always been easy for Leonard to be his friend. He knew how difficult he could be. But Leonard… he had taught him so much about true friendship. He had stuck with him through everything. And even when they had not been on speaking terms for years, their mutual trust in each other was still there and today, it felt just as if no time had passed at all.
And then there was Joshua. A little boy who looked up to him like no one ever had. A boy who wanted to learn from him. About trains, about science, about life. Sheldon loved spending time with his nephew. But little did Joshua know, how much he had also been a teacher for Sheldon. Through Joshua, Sheldon had learned to be a role model. To be responsible and to do what needed to be done to protect someone who could not yet protect himself.
At the other side of the altar, there were three bridesmaids. His sister Missy. In her own way, she too had taught Sheldon a lot. About resilience. About the will to fight. About being able to ask for help.
And then there were Penny and Bernadette. Two women he had resented for a very long time because he blamed them for taking away his friends. They had forgiven him willingly, and now, he had them back in his life. Just like that. This was another thing he had learned. Forgiveness. Not holding unnecessary grudges. Life was too short. No one knew that better than he did.
For a moment, he allowed himself to think about the future.
It was remarkable how the idea of his life in Pasadena had been replaced by this new vision. It was no longer a return to the status quo. A way to integrate Amy into his old life.
Instead, it had become something new and unexpected. A life that was a combination of what he once knew and what he had come to appreciate over the past two years. A life that suited both himself and Amy. Even though he had never been fond of compromises, he had to admit, this one was very much to his liking.
He couldn't wait to share this new life with all the people he had just thought of.
His gaze shifted to their guests.
There was his mother sitting next to his brother in the front row. Already, his mother was shedding tears. It was not surprising. After all, what had been the odds of him getting married in the first place. And then on top of it all here, in East Texas. In his family home. To a woman who loved this place and his family maybe even more than he did.
Next to her sat Amy's mother. She looked much different than before. A soft expression drawn on her face. A look of acceptance. Maybe even of joy. And she too seemed to be holding back tears.
Then, there were a few family members he had not seen in a long time. And a few of Amy's cousins who had traveled the long distance, according to Amy, only to see if she really was getting married or if she was making everything up.
He couldn't wait to prove them wrong.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time on this beautiful, sunny afternoon.
Although, now that he thought about it, weren't there supposed to be more people?
He checked his watch.
Where was everyone? Where was the choir? And Raj? Howard?
Something was strange.
And even stranger… there was a sound coming from the streets.
It sounded… almost like a marching band.
The sounds grew closer, and as the guests all got up to stand left and right from the aisle, Sheldon realized what was happening.
One by one, they appeared. The rest of their friends. And a whole lot of teenagers in costumes playing instruments. Amy's colleagues and students. A parade of people supporting them on this day.
His heart swelled in his chest and a smile spread across his face as he listened to the beautiful song that was sung by all of them.
In hindsight, he should not be surprised. After all, wasn't it this kind of music that had brought on this special occasion in the first place.
It moved Sheldon deeply, to see how much those people understood how special this day truly was.
Almost a miracle.
How much had it taken to get to this moment?
A heart attack. The death of a loved one. Two people who were at their lowest. Finding purpose in managing a church choir together. Healing together in the best way possible. Overcoming obstacle after obstacle. Supported by all these amazing people who were celebrating today as if it was their day too. Their big event. Their accomplishment.
And then, almost out of nowhere, the crowd grew silent for just a second, as she appeared.
Amy. His Amy. The reason why he was standing here today. His one true love. The woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with.
His smile tuned into a grin and his eyes filled with tears as he saw her walk towards him.
Their gazes locked and he was rendered speechless.
It was just like the day he had seen her the first time. When they had locked eyes at his meemaw's funeral, and the rest of the world had disappeared.
Only today, their eyes did not speak of sadness and much needed comfort. They spoke of unimaginable happiness. Of the truest love of all kinds. Of hope for a lifetime of this.
Accompanied by the singing and clapping of everyone they loved, Amy kept walking. Smiling. Laughing. Tears assembling in her eyes.
She looked like a princess. Her dress – the epitome of perfection. Graceful and elegant. Modest, yet alluring. Shining in the sun. It was not just a dress… it was… Amy.
Her hair was falling down her shoulders in long waves, covered by a crown made of white flowers.
He had no words for how beautiful she looked. And that beauty was amplified by the pure joy she was exuding.
'Hurry up', he wanted to shout. 'Hurry up. Come and let me love you. From now until forever. Hurry up. Hurry up, so we can let forever begin already.'
And when – finally – she was standing in front of him, he thought he might just die because of the powerful emotions in his heart.
She surprised him when she fell into his arms, but as he felt her trembling body, he realized how much they both needed this moment.
Her kiss, so tender and loving, made him want to forget about the rest of the world.
But of course, there were protocols and traditions for this day. They had to exchange official vows and later on sign a paper to let .
Nevertheless, this was their day. His and Amy's. And he would hug and kiss his woman as often and long as he wanted, regardless of any protocols.
He took her hand and turned to Daniel then, ready to finally get started with the ceremony.
"When Sheldon and Amy asked me to officiate their wedding, I was surprised at first.", he started his speech, his voice shaking a little.
"Those here who know me, might understand why. When it comes to love and relationships, I am certainly not a role model. I have made mistakes. Mistakes that have cost me and the woman I love so much."
A murmur went through the crowd. Of course, all the Medford residents knew what Daniel was talking about and maybe some of them agreed that he was not the best choice for officiating this wedding.
Sheldon did not care though. He had the utmost respect for this man. And in a way, as Amy had pointed out, Daniel's mistake had been one of the things that had shaped their relationship and brought them back together once.
"But whatever their reasons are", the old man continued and smiled at them warmly. "I feel honored to be standing in front of you on this beautiful day. As most of us, I had the pleasure to witness the journey of these two exceptional people. From the day when Amy brought Sheldon to our first choir practice, everyone could see that there was something special about them. Even long before they became a couple, there was an unbreakable bond. An understanding that they were a unit. A team. Two people who understood each other. Who belonged together. Without any doubt."
Sheldon side-glanced at Amy and squeezed her hand. He loved remembering this early phase of their relationship. When he had all these feelings and no idea how to deal with them, but still knew he needed to be close to her. Back then, he could have never even imagined getting to this day.
"We all could see how they fell for another. How their friendship slowly turned into more. And in a way, their love changed us all. Sheldon and Amy have learned a lot over this time. But so did we. And we all… our lives… would not be the same without them. And so, today, we are celebrating. Two people who love each other. Who overcame health issues and family tragedies. Violent attacks and trauma. Two people who built something significant for themselves and for all of us. And who have chosen each other through all of it and will keep choosing each other for the rest of their lives."
In his peripheral vision, he could see Amy nod firmly before she looked at him and smiled.
"And so, finally, we are all here today, to unite Sheldon and Amy in marriage. Sheldon, please repeat after me."
Sheldon cleared his throat and took a deep breath.
He was glad that he and Amy had decided against writing personal vows. They had already exchanged those the night before in front of meemaw's grave after all. Something he had been more comfortable with than doing it here in front of everyone else.
And so, he turned to Amy, repeating the words they had agreed on before.
"Amy, I promise to cherish you. To love you and honor you. Whatever life may bring. To be true to you in everything I do. To be yours, eternally. From now on and for the rest of my days."
She was breathing shallowly as she held his hands. More tears falling down her face.
And when she repeated the same words, in her soft, deep voice that he had loved since the day he had heard her for the first time, it took all he had to stifle the sob forming in his throat.
Joshua stepped forward to them, holding the pillow with two golden rings on it. He too had a huge grin on his face, proud to be a part of this memorable day.
Sheldon's hand trembled as he took one of the rings from his nephew.
He breathed in deeply as he started talking again, his voice shaking, not with nervousness but with emotion.
"With this ring I, Sheldon, take you, Amy, to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not yet know. I will love and respect you and have faith in your love for me, through all our years and in all that life may bring."
He grasped her hand then, letting his fingers slide over hers, caressing her tenderly before he slowly and carefully slid the golden wedding band on her ring finger, admiring how perfectly it fit. It belonged there. Just as she belonged to him, and he belonged to her.
When he looked at her again, her face appeared to be wet with tears. He squeezed her hand and smiled reassuringly.
It was her turn now, so he offered his hand, and, with a huge smile, she grasped it and spoke her part.
Here voice was strong and steady, yet brimming with unshed tears.
"With this ring I, Amy, take you, Sheldon, to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not yet know. I will love and respect you and have faith in your love for me, through all our years and in all that life may bring."
Her hand felt gentle on his, as she took the ring from the pillow and let it slide on his ring finger.
Sheldon gaze followed her movement.
He had never worn jewelry. He did not see the point. Nevertheless, he loved the way his hand looked now. Adorned with a golden band that told the world he was bound to the love of his life forever.
He barely registered the next words spoken by Daniel. He was too busy looking at Amy. Grinning at her.
'We made it.', she seemed to say with her eyes. 'Can you believe it?'
And then, finally, he heard the words he had longed for.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Sheldon took one step towards Amy.
She seemed to be shivering in anticipation.
"Amy…", he breathed out and put his hands on her waist, pulling her close. "Oh, Amy."
He leaned down just when she stood on her tiptoes and when their lips met, they both sighed deeply.
She slipped both her arms around his back as he enveloped her shoulders, pulling her flush against him.
Sheldon had planned on giving Amy one short peck on the lips. To seal their union. And then to leave all further display of affection for later. When they would have privacy.
But now, in this second… he did not have a choice.
She felt heavenly. The silky fabric of her wedding dress underneath his fingertips. The softness of her mouth and her hot breath on his lips.
He just couldn't stop kissing her. He could not. It was physically impossible.
Tears were still streaming down his face as he realized the magnitude of this moment.
He was married now. Actually married. Sheldon Cooper was married to Amy Farrah Fowler. Together, they had just added another dimension to his identity. One that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Sheldon Cooper. Physicist. Genius. One of a kind. Brother. Friend. Lover. Husband. Happiest man alive.
"I love you.", he panted in between kisses. "I love you so much."
"Oh Sheldon.", she whimpered, holding on to him as if he was her lifeboat, digging her fingernails into his shoulders as if she was afraid, he could vanish. "I love you too. So, so much."
Finally, they pulled apart, just a little bit.
Still holding each other, they heard the choir sing the next song. Someone was loudly blowing their nose and someone else was sniffling.
He took Amy's hand then and turned to their guests. Everyone was clapping and by the look of it, not a single face had remained dry.
Together, as it was tradition, they walked back the path they had come individually before, followed by their bridesmaids and groomsmen, until they were standing at end of the yard.
Missy was the first to break out of her role as she walked up from behind Amy and hugged both of them.
"Congratulations.", she sniffled. "I am so happy for you two."
Everyone else soon followed her example and so, in no time, Sheldon and Amy were surrounded by their family and friends telling them how beautiful the ceremony was and what a joy it had been to witness this moment.
There were a lot of hands to shake and even more people to hug. Something that was not Sheldon's favorite part of this whole endeavor, but today, he was too happy to care.
The members of the choir took the opportunity to remove the folding chairs, so they could set up the tables for the reception.
Once everyone had calmed down, Amy went to thank all her colleagues and students, who were standing in the back of the yard, drinking the sodas Jared had provided them with earlier.
"Miss Fowler!", a young woman shouted and jumped forward to shake her former teacher's hand. "I can't believe how beautiful you look. Like a real princess. And the wedding was so romantic."
"Manners, Maddie.", a middle-aged man said and stepped next to her. "She's not 'Miss Fowler' anymore."
Sheldon nodded in agreement.
"You're right. She's Doctor Fowler. Always has been by the way."
Amy grinned at him. "I don't think that's what he meant."
"Oh.", Sheldon realized. "You were talking about her marital status. Of course."
He refrained from mentioning that he still thought Amy should have been called Dr. Fowler from the beginning.
"I am sorry.", the young woman said, blushing a little bit. "Mrs… Doctor F…"
"Just call me Amy.", Amy helped her. "After all, we will be seeing each other a lot starting this fall. And remember, Maddie, if you have any questions over the summer, just give me a call. And the same goes for you, Mr. Ferguson."
"That is very generous of you.", Maddie's father said politely. "It is a relief to know that you will be at CalTech, taking care of my little girl."
Amy just smiled in response. Sheldon knew it was a relief for her too. Knowing that Maddie would not be wasting her talent at business school.
"Well, we are happy to help.", he answered for her. "And we will be here over the summer, so maybe you can come over for dinner some time. Amy has been speaking very highly about your talent. I expect you to uphold the good reputation we Medford residents have at CalTech."
"Thank you. I will.", Maddie promised, nodding enthusiastically.
Sheldon smiled. It was always a pleasure to see young people engaging in science. Amy had made the right choice and he couldn't be more proud of his wife for making this happen.
"We will be leaving now.", Maddie's father said. "Congratulations on your wedding. It was a very moving ceremony. I am sure we will be hearing from each other soon."
Amy was about to turn around and walk back to the reception, but Sheldon stopped her.
"Wait.", he said and pulled her close again. "Before we go back to being the center of attention… I want to tell you… you are so beautiful, Amy. And I am… I am so overwhelmed by the fact that we are married. I still can't…"
"Me neither.", Amy said softly and cupped his face with one hand. "Oh, Sheldon. This day… I knew it would be special, getting married to you. But I had no idea, it would make me feel so… so…"
"Complete.", he finished for her.
She nodded in agreement and smiled at him as he leaned down to kiss her again. It felt familiar, kissing her, and yet different.
"Now, let's go.", he said and winked at her. "We don't want to miss our first dance as husband and wife."
The guests had been ushered to their tables and the choir had already assembled when they returned. Jared took the microphone to announce the newlywed couple.
Sheldon led Amy to the improvised dancefloor in the middle of the reception space. As he slung his right hand around her hip and with his other held her hand to guide her in their practice steps, the crowd grew silent again.
The choir started softly humming the chords to the song that was chosen for this occasion and it was only fitting that Missy sang the first verse.
We both acknowledge what we came here for
We take each other and walk through the open door
From the first time that I saw you
To the way you look tonight
I was shaken by your spirit
I was blinded by your light
The rest of the choir joined in the song that spoke of the love and joy that both Amy and Sheldon felt on this special day.
As so often, the room disappeared, leaving only the two of them entwined in the music and the moment. Gazing in each other's eyes, holding each other close, fully immersed in the song, sung by the people they both loved.
Their dance turned into a seamless choreography of their love, echoing in their laughter and joy as they twirled and turned. It reminded Sheldon of how much he had always loved dancing with Amy. How much he enjoyed everything with her. Everything he had never dreamed of enjoying with anyone.
At one point, Amy rested her head on Sheldon's shoulder and he held her a little closer and whispered the lyrics of the chorus into her ear.
We′ll be together
Husband and wife
Now and forever
The rest of our lives
Well, take me to Heaven
Take me tonight
There is nothing words can say
On this our wedding day
Amy released a shuddering breath and slung her arms around his neck, moving her head away from his shoulder to look at him.
"I love you.", she whispered, tears again gathering in her eyes. "Oh, how much I love you."
He bit his lower lip. It felt surreal, the way he felt right now.
The applause of their loved ones brought them back to the present, just as the song was slowly coming to an end.
Without even thinking about it, Sheldon pulled Amy close and kissed her lips. Sealing not only their first dance as husband and wife, but also the promise of many more dances through the beautiful song that would be their life together.
All too soon, they were separated from each other as his mother and Amy's father approached them for the traditional father-daughter and mother-son dance. And then, he had to dance with Amy's mother while Georgie led Amy to the dance floor again.
After that, his niece, Ellis, insisted on having a dance with the groom and Amy spun Joshua around next to them, surrounded by the other children. Halley, Michael, Lucas and Becky who were all waiting for their turn to dance with the happy couple.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see Missy, dancing the Foxtrot with Raj. There was a lightness about them that warmed his heart.
And even if he still wasn't completely on board with the connection that appeared to have formed between them, the sight of Missy enjoying herself and having fun on his big day made him immensely happy.
Exhausted from the physical exercise, he was happy to sit down again when the caterers started serving food.
To his great relief, Amy had agreed on having simple food that everyone liked instead of the fancy options Raj had been suggesting, and so, he thoroughly enjoyed his serving of fried chicken with cornbread and grilled vegetables.
Per their request, no one made them do any embarrassing wedding games, but to both their surprise, all their parents and siblings had put together a slide show, depicting their lives from early childhood until now, pointing out, how they had been destined to meet and fall in love from the very start.
Sheldon smiled at the sight of little Amy, sitting in front of a microscope at her kitchen table. And then another one, with glasses that looked much too big for her face, reading a book in a comfortable looking chair with her brows furrowed and a soft smile on her lips.
And naturally, he enjoyed the way Amy gushed over the pictures that were shown of him. It was only logical that he would like them, after all, he had been a very cute kid. And it was also to be expected, that both of them shed a few tears, when his meemaw – a younger version of her – appeared in the slide show next to him.
"Thank you, meemaw. For everything", he whispered, so quietly, only Amy could hear him. She squeezed his hand tightly and he knew she was thinking the same as he was. Meemaw was here. Not in person. But in their hearts and on their minds. As she would be for the rest of their lives.
Of course, there were people making wedding toasts too.
Amy's father, expressing his joy of seeing his little girl get married and gaining a son-in-law in the process.
His mother, thanking Jesus for creating a miracle and letting her son find the love of his life right here in Medford.
Missy, sharing her happiness over her brother getting married to her best friend. Describing, how special it had been, being a part of their journey to get to this place.
And of course, Leonard, making everyone laugh by telling stories of their years as roommates. Pointing out how he never would have guessed that this day would ever happen, but admitting how much it made sense in the end.
All the while, Sheldon kept looking at Amy. Watching her reactions to everything that was said tonight. Enjoying the happiness on her face. And thanking every non-existent deity for bringing her into his life and the both of them to this day.
There were more dances after that. Sheldon watched amused, as Amy got pulled to the dancefloor by her bridesmaids, where they performed the iconic dance from Footloose. His friends and his brother tried to get him to join the stage as well, but he had to draw the line somewhere. Even on his wedding day.
In the end, although the day had been wonderful, Sheldon was glad when, as the last event of the reception, he and Amy got to cut the wedding cake.
And as they sat there, feeding each other delicious chocolate cake with strawberry filling and buttercream frosting, he couldn't help but feel deeply content.
"What a perfect wedding day.", he heard her whisper into his ear. "I don't think I have ever felt happier in my entire life."
"Me too.", he agreed, as he took Amy's hand in his, brushing over the ring on her finger. "It was everything I thought it would be. And more."
She leaned her head on his shoulder in response and he wrapped his arms around her hips.
"I don't want this day to be over.", she mumbled then, sheepishly. "But at the same time, I cannot wait to leave with you."
"Agreed.", he said and winked at her.
Now that they had performed all their duties in front of their friends and families, he was eager to get her to their home. He had waited long enough. They both had.
And so, when the guests, one by one, said their good-byes, he wasn't sad that their big day was coming to an end.
"I'm having your friends over for breakfast tomorrow before their flight. Amy's parents will be there too.", his mother informed him. "Do you think you'll be able to stop by before you depart on your honeymoon?"
Sheldon looked at Amy, who just shrugged.
"Maybe.", Sheldon said. "If it's not… too early."
Georgie, behind his mother, snorted and grinned at him knowingly.
"I'll keep them all entertained for you, little brother. Just sleep in. You'll need all your strength for the next two weeks", he said, patting his back before he left.
His mother stood there frozen for a second, before she shook her head amused.
"Well, it was a lovely wedding. Thank you for doing it here. And Amy…", his mother turned to his new wife. "Welcome to the family. And if we don't see each other tomorrow… have a safe journey. And a beautiful honeymoon. You deserve it. Both of you."
At last, Sheldon and Amy walked over to their front porch, hand in hand, waving at the cars passing them by, filled with their friends.
And as they stood there, in front of their door, Sheldon pulled Amy close again. Embracing her tightly, hugging her to his chest.
After this eventful day, he enjoyed this moment of peace and calm. There on the same porch where they had been together so often.
He could feel her hands wander to his back, caressing him in long strokes that made him shiver.
"Shall we?", he asked hoarsely.
She looked up to him, her eyes twinkling with joy and emotion.
"Yes, please.", she answered, grinning at him cheekily.
She giggled, when he lifted her up, one arm under her knees, the other supporting her upper body. He couldn't help but think back to the moment, when he had carried her like this for the first time.
On the day of their first kiss. When she had been too drunk to walk to her bedroom by herself.
How clueless had they both been back then. Clueless… and still, in the back of his mind, he had already known what he knew now. Maybe he had known from the start.
That this woman belonged to him. That she was his future. And he was hers.
Without understanding it, he had loved her even then.
And tonight, that future felt even more certain and right than it had ever felt before.
He couldn't wait to celebrate it with her.
Thoroughly.
Raj's POV:
"Thank you for walking me to my car."
Raj turned to Missy as they stood there in the driveway of her mother's house. His friends had left an hour ago to put their children to bed at the hotel, so he was glad to have rented his own car.
"That's alright. I mean… I live here. I was going to come by here anyway."
She grinned at him, and he rolled his eyes. Way to kill a moment.
"Thank you for staying late and helping us clean up. And… thank you for tonight. I really enjoyed myself.", she said sincerely. "I did not know you could dance."
"Well, now you do know.", he answered and winked at her.
"It's a shame you're leaving tomorrow.", she said. "Or maybe I could have put that knowledge to good use a little more."
His heart stopped for a second. Was she implying what he thought she was? Was she… flirting with him?
"I mean, you could…", he said carefully. "If I would decide… not to leave tomorrow."
"What?", she asked, her eyes widening for a second. "I thought you had a flight to catch."
He bit his lip nervously. Maybe this was a bad idea.
"I could reschedule.", he offered. "Since I've never really been to East Texas, and I have lots of unused vacation days… I am thinking… why not take a few of them and… go sightseeing for a bit."
He felt a bit stupid saying this.
"Sightseeing.", Missy deadpanned. "But… I don't understand. Sheldon and Amy will be on their honeymoon."
She seemed to be searching his eyes for a clue of what he was really saying, and Raj could feel his stomach drop.
"I was thinking…", he started again, gathering up his courage before saying his next words. "I was hoping that they maybe weren't the only friends around here that I could… spend time with."
For a moment, he was afraid, he could have been too forward. That he had overstepped Missy's boundaries and was scaring her off. But then, she smiled at him, and he felt relief flush through his veins.
"I don't want you to feel obligated.", he added quickly. "I can just as well spend time by myself. Maybe visit the Space Center again and stuff. Or… if it makes you uncomfortable… I can leave tomorrow after all."
"Well, I mean…", Missy bit her lip. She looked adorable. "As I said, my brother and my best friend will be gone. So…", she shrugged. "It would be nice to have company."
"Yeah?", he asked hopefully.
"Yeah… maybe we could catch a movie together. Or visit the arcade. And if you want to visit the Space Center again, I am sure, Joshua would be thrilled to go too."
"Sounds great.", he nodded enthusiastically.
There was a moment between them, when they smiled at each other. A moment when Raj wasn't sure what it meant, the way she was looking at him. But it filled his heart with hope and anticipation.
"I… should go now.", he told her and reached for his car door.
"I… guess you should.", she agreed, although she looked reluctant.
"Bye, Missy.", he said quickly, before he could do anything stupid like… ask her out on a date or… kiss her.
"Bye, Raj.", she said as he got into his car. "See you in the morning."
He waved at her, as he drove away to the hotel, his heart nearly beating out of his chest.
"See you in the morning, Missy.", he said softly to himself.