"I think it's time for me to introduce you to my siblings," Penelope offered.
"You said something about me meeting them the other day," Ambrose remembered.
"I did," Penelope agreed, as she ate her poached eggs that Ambrose had fixed for her. They were absolutely perfect just the way she liked them and she was seriously going have to watch what she ate with Ambrose as her mate, as he could really cook. On the other hand, having Ambrose in her life had changed her outlook considerably all in a positive direction. She couldn't cook to save her life, so that she wouldn't have to eat out all the time. With Ambrose doing the cooking that was definitely a good thing.
"They'll love you, simply because I do," Penelope said. "Once I tell them we are mates they'll accept you with no problem."
"I can say the same about my family," Ambrose agreed. "My parents know about you and I've been keeping them up-to-date on how our relationship is going. They will happily welcome you to the family. Also, my aunt and uncle."
"You never mentioned an aunt and uncle," Penelope said.
"I suppose I haven't, but I should have, as they will play a major role in our lives. Their names are Aaron and Shonda Hotchner," Ambrose explained. "Technically, I suppose, they're not related to me."
"Then why call them your aunt and uncle?" Penelope asked.
"Well, one reason, is that they're the godparents for all my parents children, every single one of them. For another, my mother Jazz and my Aunt Shonda have been friends all their lives, all the way back to when they were mortal. They grew up in the same town and have been best friends ever since they were small children. My mother met my father first and then three years later my Aunt Shonda met Aaron Hotchner. It just turned out that both men were immortal. Their friendship has continued throughout the centuries and they're so close that they're basically sisters."
"That's really nice," Penelope said smiling. "Seems strange coincidence that both your mother and aunt had mates that were immortal though. I mean there can't be many immortals out there. I've never heard about it anyway."
"That's because we live very, very quietly Penny," Ambrose explained soberly. "Think about it. We're basically human so long as we don't attract peoples notice like the governments then we can live pretty normally. Neither my parents nor my aunt and uncle have met many other immortals, though they think there are more out there then they know. My father, especially is ancient and even he hasn't met very many others that are like he is."
"I know your father was turned by a descendent of Merlin but what about your uncle?" Penelope asked.
"His story is somewhat different," Ambrose admitted. "There are supernatural forces out there, particularly when my dad and uncle were born and Uncle Aaron just happened to run across one of those forces."
Ambrose went on to explain how his Uncle Aaron had run into one of those supernatural forces.
"That's really fascinating," Penelope said, as she finished her breakfast.
"It is," Ambrose agreed.
"So why do you think your mother and aunt both had mates who were immortal?" Penelope asked.
"One thing I didn't mention is that mom and Aunt Shonda took a vow to always be best friends. That vow was magical and they did so at age 12. They refused to let hormones or teenage angst part them to where they stopped speaking to each other. Teenage friendships break up all the time for various reasons and both my mom and my aunt refused to let that happen to them," Ambrose told his mate. "They've been best friends ever since and nothing has managed to break that bond."
"I see," Penelope said in understanding.
Taking a magical vow could be very dangerous and have disastrous consequences for whoever had done so. The vow could come back to bite the casters in the butt.
"I can see why you call the Hotchners your aunt and uncle then," Penelope added.
"And their children are cousins," Ambrose added.
"Whenever my parents move somewhere new the Hotchners always follow and vice versa," Ambrose added. "They might live in separate residences, but always close enough that they see each other frequently."
"I guess your mom and aunt can't stand to be parted," Penelope said.
"That's not the reason or at least not the only reason," Ambrose said.
"If that's not the reason then why don't they move to separate cities whenever they have to move elsewhere," Penelope asked.
"Because they can really only really relax around other immortals," Ambrose explained. "Someone they don't have to watch what they say, how they act. Alright, so they're close, but it's not just because of that vow. I won't claim that's not one reason, but it's not the full answer. Just look at how you noted that my phrasing was sometimes a little odd, well, the same is true for my father and mother or my aunt and uncle."
"So you're saying that your family is the same way," Penelope said an Ambrose nodded.
"They know what each other is talking about no matter how they phrase it, because they know each other that well," Ambrose said. "Same goes for my father and uncle, though it took time to be as close as my mother and aunt are, as they didn't meet until after my dad had met and married my mother. Now though, they're just as close."
"I'm looking forward to meeting them," Penelope said sincerely.
"My parents and my aunt and uncle are looking forward to meeting you," Ambrose promised with a mischievous grin. "I told my parents and Aunt Shonda all about you."
"Not your uncle?" Penelope asked.
"No, because my aunt and mom happened to be together when I went up to Alaska to inform them. My mother and aunt were out shopping and came in the door a few minutes after I got there. I'm surprised mom wasn't at the bakery but she does do other things."
"Didn't you say she was retired" Penelope said.
"I did, but that's only because you didn't know about immortality at that point," Ambrose explained. "Mom always starts up a bakery whenever she and dad move somewhere new. It helps the boredom of immortality for one thing as living your life endlessly is not all it's cracked up to be."
"And I'm guessing that all the others she has started up are run by her children," Penelope guessed.
"That's exactly right," Ambrose agreed with a proud smile. "Whichever one wants to take over. If they do take over an already established business at least that means a lot of the trouble of getting the business off the ground is unnecessary."
"So what is your aunt do," Penelope asked.
"She is into the antique business and always opens a shop wherever she goes," Ambrose said. "We're not talking about the usual tourist junk but real antiques. She sells about everything for those that can afford to pay, some furniture, but also smaller items things like old mechanical piggy banks for example. The antique category is broad and it changes all the time, so it's not the easiest profession to make real money in."
"Well, that's rather interesting," Penelope said. "If you're good at something and can make money in it I say more power to you."
"Walters Antiques wasn't started by my aunt by the way, as it was already well-established long before my Aunt Shonda was born," Ambrose added. "It was run by her father for a lot of years, but it wasn't started by him either, as they'd already been in business for a few generations by then. To be truthful, from what I can discover, my Aunt Shonda is certainly better at it than her ancestors and is quite wealthy. Then again, if you really think about it, there's only so much money you can make in a small town like Moonlight Gorge, which is where the business was originally established."
"Still, the Walters kept it running and that really says something," Penelope offered. "Especially as you have already said it was a small town where it was originally opened for the first time."
"True," Ambrose agreed. "Moonlight Gorge, also isn't as small as it used to be, as it's expanded considerably ever since the 20th century, as babies are born, grow up and have families of their own, so things like houses and apartments and condos have to be built and those children start businesses of their own."
~~~Ambrose and Penelope~~~
"It's very nice to meet you Ambrose," Charles told Ambrose.
Charles was Penelope's oldest brother and Ambrose had been expecting to meet the whole family at some point.
"It's nice to meet you too Charles," Ambrose said shaking the older man's hand. Technically, he was older but he knew he didn't look it.
"Penny has been telling me all about you and how you met," Charles offered.
"She told me about you too," Ambrose agreed.
"Since you to are mates I have no objection to you getting married," Charles said.
"Even if you did object you couldn't stop me," Penelope told her brother frowning at him.
"I'm sure your brother didn't mean it like that Penny," Ambrose offered trying this defuse tension that had popped up between the siblings.
Charles much like Penelope was a big man with broad shoulders, though his hair was brown instead of blonde like his sister's. Charles also had blue eyes instead of brown like his sister's, but it was clear that they were related for they shared the same nose and the same jawline.
"Woman have rights nowadays," Penelope told her brother continuing to frown.
"Look, I'm sorry," Charles said. "I am very happy for you and Ambrose believe me."
"That's better," Penelope said relaxing a little.
"So I understand you have magic is well," Charles asked Ambrose now that the crisis was over.
"That's true," Ambrose agreed. "It comes from my mother and all my siblings got the ability."
"How many siblings do you have," Charles asked. "I'm sure Penny told you that she has seven."
"She did and I don't have as many as she does as I only have three siblings, a brother and two sisters," Ambrose answered.
"One of his sister's at least lives in Los Angeles and runs a very popular donut shop," Penelope said.
"It's what Marla wanted," Ambrose said simply. "I should mention that all of my siblings inherited their mother's bakery magic but I did not. I am the only one that takes after my father."
"So your father isn't magical," Charles asked.
"No he's not," Ambrose agreed. "Still, he is my mother's mate just like Penny and I are and they've been very happy together for a long time. I am the first to find my mate."
Ambrose didn't add for my generation, because his parents had many, many more children then just him and his three siblings. He could tell Charles that if he wanted to, but Ambrose didn't see the point of admitting that he was immortal. If it became necessary then he would not before.
"He also has numerous cousins," Penny added looking at Ambrose.
"That's true, I do have a large extended family and my cousins and I are close. Their parents are all my siblings godparents," Ambrose said.
"It's good you have so much family as they are such a blessing," Charles commented.
"Yes, they are. My family is very important to me," Ambrose agreed. "That doesn't mean they can't annoy the crap out of me on occasion, but that's just life."
"I can say the same about my siblings," Penelope told Ambrose while looking at her brother. It was clear she was still upset at Charles for what he'd said earlier.
"He's only looking after you Penny," Ambrose said. "I would do the same for my siblings. That doesn't mean they've ever needed my help, just that I would be there if they did."
"It's clear that you love your family," Charles said approvingly. "I know you can take care of yourself Penny, but still I am your brother and I love you. This means that I'll interfere in your life when I think it's necessary, but since Ambrose is your mate I can't object to you getting married. You are the first to find your mate and I'm very happy for you and Ambrose."
"Thank you big brother," Penny said. "I do appreciate you looking after me, but that doesn't mean, I'm not very independent as you well know. This is a century where women are well able to take care of themselves and don't need any man to look after them.
"I'll look forward to your wedding whenever you get around to having one," Charles said.
"You can be best man, once Penny and I get around to tying the knot," Ambrose offered.
"Thank you for the honor. I'd be happy to," Charles said pleased that Ambrose wanted to include him in his sister's marriage. "I would think it is one of your cousins or your brother though."
"I could, but I'm hoping this will cement our friendship and my brother and cousins will understand," Ambrose explained.
"I'm very happy the two of you met," Charles said in benediction.
"So are we," Penny and Ambrose said together.
Penny knew that Ambrose had been given her brother's seal of approval and that was a good thing.
Once Charles left Ambrose said, "Next up is my family who are coming down from Alaska to meet you."
"I can't wait to meet your parents or your godparents, as they sound like good people," Penny said.
"They are," Ambrose agreed with a smile.
"I bet you all of them have a ton of fascinating stories to tell," Penny said.
"That they do," Ambrose agreed before he kissed Penelope on the lips.
~~~Ambrose and Penelope~~~
"Welcome to the family, Penelope," Dave offered his hand to Ambrose's mate.
When Dave and Jazz had been told that their son had spilled the beans to his mate all about immortality they had been shocked. Ambrose had then revealed that she was a witch, so had accepted the fact that immortality existed easier then anybody else would have. They had then decided to come to San Diego to meet her in person and offer their congratulations to both Ambrose and Penelope.
"Thank you for your warm welcome and just Penny will do," Penelope said. "I almost never use my full name."
"I don't know why, it's lovely," Shonda offered. The Hotchners of course had come with the Rossis to meet their godson's mate.
"It might be pretty, but it's so unusual nowadays, that I've heard different versions of oh what a strange name your parents must've been drunk when naming you. Or something along the lines of oh are you sure your parents didn't make that up? It seems like a fantasy name to me. Or your parents must've known you'd be worthless and so gave you a stupid name. Or what about this one? What a bazaar name, are you sure your parents weren't on drugs when they had you? I've heard different version of those a few hundred times when I was growing up," Penelope explained with a grimace. "Nobody seems to read Greek myths anymore."
"Idiots," was Jazz's opinion.
"I agree that those people were stupid to say things like that," Aaron agreed speaking for the first time.
"I just started to go by Penny, because it's just easier. People don't make stupid comments about it," Penelope said.
"In someways, society has gone downhill," Dave said shaking his head in dismay. "Penelope used to be a pretty common name though I admit I haven't heard it in years."
"It'll come back into usage eventually," Ambrose said, as he delivered the drinks everyone had ordered. "Penny and I have complained about our weird names on several occasions, as that's one thing we have in common. I know very well I share a name with quite a few literary figures and that it used to be more common then it is, but I've heard more negative comments about my name then I care to remember and unlike Penny mine doesn't have any decent derivatives."
"I would've suggested using your middle name until I learned what it was," Penelope grimaced.
"Alright, I admit your name is very unique," Jazz admitted. "Dave and I could have done a bit better naming you, as we didn't think of how your name would impact you."
"I believe having a unique name just builds a strong character," Shonda commented, as she sipped her ice tea. "I've never heard another person called Shonda before and that just makes my name unique and I like being considered unique."
"You would," Jazz snorted with humor lacing her voice.
"Your name is also unique, so you have no right to make comments," Shonda shot back with a grin not taking offence at her friend's tone.
"I suppose it is. My unique name is the reason I go by Jazz though," Jazz agreed. "Our names are certainly more unique then Penelope or at least that used to be the case."
"So I've been meaning to ask you, did you know that Ambrose meant immortal when you named him?" Penelope asked Dave and Jazz.
"I did," Dave admitted taking a sip of his drink. "I did help the Ambrosius family escape being executed for having magic and I learned the meaning of their last name then. Ambrose is just another version of Ambrosius and it's certainly more normal than the former."
"But it also isn't used very much anymore, so you should've come up with something else," Ambrose told his father.
"Your name just means you have more to live up to," Aaron told Ambrose not without a certain sympathy. "Dave and I are lucky that we have nice popular names that are well used even in this century. Not everybody is so lucky unfortunately."
"Jazz and I have done better since naming our children," Dave mentioned looking at his wife. "Besides, I really wanted to honor the man who turned me immortal all those years ago and this seemed like a good way to do it. I suppose we could've named you Godfrey instead but there's really no decent nicknames for that either. Godfrey was the first name of the head of the family that I rescued," Dave explained to Penelope.
"That's not much better than Ambrose and it's also not a name that is used much today," Penelope said making a face.
"Well, I have learned to live with my name," Ambrose shrugged. "I just wish there were at least a couple of decent nicknames for it, but there just isn't and my middle name isn't any better or I would go by it."
"I also thought about going by my middle name at one point in time, but since I dislike it just as much as Ambrose dislikes his I decided against it," Penelope said.
"It must be really bad if you dislike it that much," Shonda noted.
"It's Matilda," Penelope revealed.
"You're right, that's pretty bad," Dave said grimacing. "I'm not really fond of that name either, which is why we've never named any of our children that."
"It is extremely old-fashioned," Aaron said.
"Some old fashioned names come back in style," Ambrose pointed out. "Just look at mine."
"There are some though, that just need to die," Penelope added. "Matilda is one of those names that needs to be buried and never reemerge into the light."
"We're just gonna have to be creative with names next time we have children that's all," Shonda said. "There are thousands of beautiful names in the world from different countries, we just need to discover them."
"We have used most of the ordinary, common names like Walter or Kelsey," Jazz agreed.
"You know you're making it hard for someone like me who hasn't had children yet," Ambrose told his family. "I hate to repeat a name but I might have to if you keep having children."
"I'll just do some research into names," Penelope said. "I've always been good on computers and there are plenty of those baby name sites out there with many unique, beautiful names."
"That's true," Shonda agreed.
Everyone continued the discussion for a few minutes before changing the subject.
"So Ambrose has told us that you on your own electronics firm," Aaron commented.
"That's true, but I just started it less than a year ago, so there's still a lot of work to be done to build it up. If I hadn't inherited some money from one of my uncles that died I would've had to get a loan from a bank and I really didn't want to do that," Penelope said.
"Can't blame you there, as you have to have collateral for one thing and they also charge you a ridiculous amount of interest," Dave said finishing his drink.
"While I'm very sorry about my uncle's death it allowed me to open my business," Penelope said.
"So are you an only child like I am?" Shonda asked Penelope
Ambrose snorted at is aunt's question and Penelope looked at him then answered, "No actually I have quite a few siblings more than most people anyway."
"Seven of them," Ambrose butted in. "I've met them and they're nice enough. They accepted me once they learned I was Penny's mate and no, I didn't tell them about the immortality, just that I also have magic."
"My siblings don't need to know about the immortality, but that Ambrose also had magic, just like my family does meant that both of us knew in a short amount of time that we were mates, so that helped them accept him into the family. My oldest brother Charles has already officially welcomed him in the family, even though we are not yet married."
"What about your parents," Aaron asked.
"They have passed on, so Charles is head of the family since my father is dead," Penelope said. "My brother was actually named after my father, though dad went by Chuck not Charles or Charlie."
"I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to stir up hard memories. It's two bad they never got to meet Ambrose," Aaron said contrite for bringing up such a painful subject.
"It's OK they've been dead for years, an accident. You had no way of knowing since Ambrose apparently didn't mention it whenever he talked to you," Penelope said. "Yes, it is sad, that they never got to meet Ambrose, but they would've been happy for me for finding my mate."
"That's the way it should be," Dave commented with a smile. "The four of us are always happy when one of our children meets their mate. Of course, I realize that it's only magical's and immortals that actually have mates and the rest of the world isn't that lucky."
"Yeah, quite a few of our children have found their mates over the last few decades," Shonda commented smiling. "Our family just keeps growing."
"I don't think any of us minds that," Jazz said dryly with a small smile.
"Definitely not!" everybody else in the room responded.
"Family is often all an immortal has where they don't have to watch what they say," Shonda said. "Who they can totally relax around and be themselves without having to be on guard."
"That is so true," Dave agreed with Shonda's point.
~~~Ambrose and Penelope~~~