Well, this is it. The last chapter. I hope you have enjoyed reading it, as much as I have enjoyed writing it. And to all you Shenny fans out there, remember, it's not important what the anti-Shenny fanatics say. They just want you to be as miserable as they are. I, for one, find their rambling, rabid rants hilarious. They get so worked up over what is, essentially, just fiction. The more they hate my stories, the more confident I am that I did a good job.

Penny pulled up at Meemaw's house and got out. She had met with her boss and requested a transfer to the main office. She wouldn't be able to work on board once she got further along in her pregnancy. And she didn't want to be separated from her child to work on a ship. Mr. Holbrook hadn't been too hopeful. There weren't any positions available in the office at the moment. But maybe one would open up. Otherwise she would need to find a new job.

She had then gone to her doctor and gotten a referral to an OB-GYN. She was lucky, and had gotten an appointment for the day after tomorrow. Her very first pre-natal visit. She would need to tell Sheldon soon.

"I'm back," she called out as she entered the house and hung up her coat.

"Hello, Penny."

She spun to find Sheldon standing in the kitchen doorway. Her heart pounded in her chest at the sight of him. "Sheldon? What are you doing here?"

He walked further into the room. "I came to see you. I think we should talk about the future."

Penny felt panic rise up in her. Had he found out already? Was he upset? Penny wrapped her arms around her waist protectively.

Sheldon watched her cross her arms around her. She looked so scared. He had done this. Reinforced her fears with his thoughtlessness. He moved toward her and she backed up a step. Sheldon paused. It hurt to see her so upset.

"Please Penny. I can't take it anymore." His voice was low and pained. "I love you. I miss you so much! Please, just give me another chance! I swear I never meant to hurt you."

Penny looked at him with surprise and anxiety. "Sheldon, I know you didn't mean to. But you did."

He moved closer and reached out to cup her cheek. "I would change it if I could, Penny. You have no idea how much I regret it. I'm miserable without you, Penny. Please, I'm begging you." Tears spilled down his cheeks as he looked at her with despair. "I can't live without you."

Penny gasped as Sheldon pulled her into his arms and held her delicately. His body shuddered as he whispered "I love you" in her ear over and over. Penny slipped her arms around him carefully. What should she do? Did she have it in her to try one last time? Could she risk it? She loved him. She missed him. She was just so tired of hurting, though.

"Sheldon, it hurts so much. I don't know if I can risk it again. This is so much more painful than ever before. I love you, but I'm scared. I can't take another disappointment." Tears slipped down her cheeks, mingling with the ones he was shedding.

Sheldon placed tender kisses on her eyelids. "I regret it so much. I am hurting, too. Penny, we belong together. We aren't whole without each other. Please, Penny," he pleaded. "Please don't turn me away. If you can't love me, at least let me be in your life somehow. I'll be your friend. I'll never say another word about being a couple. But I need you in my life. I can't take this separation. I'm lost without you!"

Penny looked at the emotions in his eyes. He was hurting so much. As much as she was. Penny thought about the months together and how wonderfully happy they had been. She thought about how much she missed him. Their talks, their laughter, their closeness. She thought about how supportive and careful he had been with her. Penny thought about how deeply she had hurt them both by walking away. Did she really want to spend the rest of her life without him? Or as only his friend? A sharp stabbing pain struck her as she contemplated life without being by his side. Then she thought about what they would have together if she could just push past her fears and embrace this love completely.

"I'm insane," she murmured against his shoulder. Sheldon pulled back slightly and looked at her hopefully. She smiled softly. "Doing the same thing again and hoping for a different result." She leaned up and placed a tender kiss on his jaw. "I love you, Sheldon."

Sheldon pulled her in as close as possible and held her tight. "I'll make you happy," he promised. "I swear it."

Penny nibbled her lip. "Sheldon, there's something you should know. I was going to call you tonight." He tensed up fearfully. She took a deep breath and reached for her purse. She pulled out the paperwork her doctor had given her for the OB-GYN. She looked up at his worried expression. "We're going to be parents, Sheldon."

He sagged with relief. "I was worried you were going to tell me you were dating someone else!"

Penny looked at him with astonishment. "Sheldon, didn't you hear me? I'm pregnant."

Sheldon nodded. "Of course I heard you, Penny. You're having my baby. Can I kiss you now? I've missed your kisses."

"You're not upset?" she asked cautiously.

Sheldon shook his head and pulled her back into his arms. "How could I be upset? You love me. You have given me a second chance. And you are giving me a little you to love. The only thing that would make this more perfect is if I could have that kiss now."

Penny laughed and raised up on her toes. She giggled as Sheldon moaned and kissed her thoroughly. Meemaw, Mary and Missy peeked into the room from the kitchen and smiled. It was about time those two got their act together.

Penny glanced at her watch and then looked around. Zack and a very pregnant Amy were just taking their seats beside Howard and Bernadette. Raj and Lucy sat behind them, cradling their little one year old son, Neil. Raj looked at Penny worriedly.

"I'm sure he'll be here soon," he said. "He was just leaving the office when I spoke to him."

Bernadette reached over and patted Penny's hand. "He wouldn't miss this."

Penny laughed. "I know he wouldn't. I'm just watching for him so I can signal him when he arrives. That way he knows where we are." Just then Penny spotted Sheldon walking through the door. She waved to get his attention and he smiled and hurried over. Seconds later he slid into his seat beside her. He fidgeted a bit and Penny rolled her eyes. She stood and switched places with him. He sighed with relief as he settled into the sweet spot. Before anyone could say anything, the lights went down. A spotlight lit up the stage and the red curtains drew back.

A man stepped to the middle of the stage and spoke into the microphone. "Ladies, gentlemen, parents, and grandparents, welcome to the Spring Festival. To begin, our kindergarteners have a short musical for you."

The principle walked off and the crowd clapped enthusiastically. The class walked onto stage in their little suits and dresses and Sheldon smiled with pride. Third from the left in the front row was his little girl. Even from here he could see Miranda's bright blue eyes under the elaborate cap of brown ringlets Penny had fashioned for her. Fourth from the left was his other little girl. Christina's inquisitive hazel eyes sparkled under her blonde pixie haircut. Sheldon placed an arm around Penny's waist. How had he gotten so lucky? Three beautiful women who loved him unconditionally, and who he loved beyond measure.

Once the musical was over Penny and Sheldon collected Christina and Miranda. They walked around the school, letting the girls try their hand at the various games set up for the fund raiser.

"I'm sorry I was almost late. I was just leaving when I got a phone call," Sheldon said aloud. His friends all looked at him, hearing the nervousness in his voice. Penny smiled up at him. She loved this man. She had willingly followed him back to Pasadena after the wedding. She loved her job as office manager for a travel agency in Glendale. And she loved how much he loved her and the girls.

"You left your cell phone at home. They called it first," she said.

Sheldon looked at her, noting the excitement in her eyes. "You aren't concerned about this trip?"

Penny laughed and shook her head. "I'm very proud of you, sweetie. This is what you have always wanted. Besides, the girls and I will be there with you. Right by your side."

Sheldon grinned and shook his head. "You are what I've always wanted. You and our girls. Winning my Nobel is just icing on the cake."

His friends all gasped and crowded around to congratulate him. Sheldon smiled down at his wife. Every day he woke up grateful she had taken a second chance on him. He wasn't sure how he had gotten so lucky, but he was extremely happy he had.