Penny's POV
The cruise was over all too soon. I had to get back to work and Brian had obligations and couldn't stay more than a couple of days. We hung the painting, unpacked and relaxed the first night. The next night we had dinner at Bianca and Wane's new house.
The next day it was time for goodbye again. I was able to take the morning off work and take Brian to the Airport. It just never gets easier.
We really did everything we could to be together as much as possible the rest of February and March. Brian had to be in California the first two weeks of April so the band could practice and get ready for some gigs that were coming up in the next 3 months. I took off the week before they had to leave. This little Ohio girl had missed California. I needed the week away from work and anything that reminded of it. It wasn't looking good for a lot of people, including Bianca and me. Our positions were very similar and it was likely one of us would be out. I didn't want to think about it for a week.
I went everywhere with Brian, more so than anyone else ever had. The rest of the guys thought it was hilarious. They made jokes about us being attached at the hip and asked if we even went to the bathroom together. We both just said "Yep."
The week went by too quickly. I promised Brian that I would try to make it to at least one show and he said he would come home anytime he had more than 4 days between concerts. Then right before his birthday he would be home and I was going to meet him in California for his party and he made me promise to dance with him.
"Honey, we are going to dance together even if there's no music!!" I told him.
After his birthday, we were going to Ohio and then driving to the Casino in Michigan for our anniversary.
We both swore we wouldn't run away this year.

Brian's POV
This birthday was much better than last year. No sneaking around. Penny gave me the gift I asked for. I wanted another portrait of us for the house in California. She was very nervous about it, but if anything it was even better than the first one.
It was a great party. Penny helped plan it with Val since she was stuck in Ohio. Most everyone got drunk and I'm pretty sure that at some point everyone was thrown into the pool.
After everyone left, I helped Penny up to the bedroom. I've never seen her that drunk and since I was drunk too, she was pretty fuckin' funny. She couldn't stop talking and she would jump from one subject to another.
"Did you know when I was a kid, we had a swimming pool?"
"You never told me that." I said as I tried to get both our drunk asses up the stairs.
"I won't have a job after this month." She was slurring and I wasn't sure I even heard her right.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"About what?"
"Not having a job."
"Shhhh, don't tell Brian." She was trashed.
"I promise I won't"
"It was either Bianca or me getting cut, I volunteered to leave as long as I still got the money for getting canned, kicked to the curb, washed up, has been."
"Why don't you want me, I mean Brian to know?"
"Because I don't want him to think I gave up my job to mooch off of him."
I finally got her to the bedroom. She already had her shoes off but her clothes were soaked, so I stripped her down and covered her up. She recognized me now.
"Brian, do you love me?"
"Yes Baby, I love you. Why don't you try to get some sleep?"
"Thank you for making my life good and not hitting me." She said.
"What? That was an accident. I would never hit you on purpose."
"He did and he took her from me"
"Who did? Penny?"
She was sound asleep. I undressed and jumped into bed. I couldn't fall asleep at first, because I was trying to decipher the crazy conversation we just had.

The next day, I was pretty sure Penny didn't remember any of it. I decided not to tell her that she told me about her job. But I could not help but ask about the other part.
"Penny, last night you said something about someone hitting you. Who was that?"
She had a look of surprise and panic on her face. "I have no idea what I was talking about, you know how I get."
I decided not to press her anymore about it, right then.
"That's very true, you tend to ramble and talk crazy when your drunk." I winked at her.
"Can we change the subject?" She seemed a little upset.
"What's happening with the thing at your work?" I asked.
I could tell she was thinking about what to say. "There are definitely going to be some cuts. But not as bad as it could have been."
"So you helped save people's jobs?"
"Not alone, but yeah we kept some people from losing their jobs. We are going to try to move as many as we can to other open positions." She said.
"When are the cuts happening?"
"End of this month, but most of the people don't know that there's even going to be cuts."
"Are your meetings over now?"
"Pretty much, but I have a project to work on with Bianca, but I have plenty of time off and I might as well use it. So taking off for our anniversary is no problem, I could even take some extra days if you want."
"Might as well use it? Why?" I asked.
"You know, in case I get cut."
"Oh. Remember your promise." I said.
"I do, don't worry."

Penny's POV
It was our second anniversary and we spent it at the Casino where we met. Brian and I had dinner in our room as we had before. "Afterward he said, would you like to take a walk?"
"That sounds good."
We walked to our spot and there was a blanket laid out with an additional blanket folded on it, a bottle of my favorite wine and 2 glasses.
"What's all this Mr. Haner?"
"It's for you, Ms. Jenkins. Please sit down"
We sat down on the blanket and he filled the wine glasses and handed one to me. It was a beautiful night, the moon was almost full and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
"Very impressive, If I didn't know better, I would think you were trying to get in my pants, Mr. Gates."
"Synyster Gates and Brian Haner Jr. both have something they have to ask you, I want you to hear me out and no running away, ok?" He said.
"Ok, no running." I said and smiled.
"Two years ago we were both alone and fate brought us together. It's been a crazy two years, with barely a dull moment. There were times, we both almost threw it all away. I thought we were all going to lose you once and we overcame your fear of flying and being in public. These two years have changed both of us."
"I hope you mean for the better." He had me a little worried.
"Yes, for the better." He leaned over and kissed me.
"I can't live my life without you, we are intertwined now. Our families, our friends, our homes, our whole lives are one. You complete me."
"There is only one other piece to our lives being perfect." He said.
"And what is that?" I knew what he was going to ask.
"I mean this" he said as he got something out of his pocket. It was an ornate purple ring box, he opened it and there was a stunning diamond surrounded by amethyst gemstones. "Penny, will you please marry me?"
"I was hoping that was what you meant."
"Well, what's your answer? Are you ready to be Mrs. Haner?"
"Yes! He slipped the ring on my finger." I am ready to yell from every part of the planet; Brian Haner Jr. is my husband!" I stood up. "See this man? He's mine! That's right, Bitches, I'm going to marry Synyster Gates!! Eat your..."
He stood up and kissed me in mid-sentence, stifling my declarations. "Penelope, you are going to wake up all of Michigan."
"I don't care, I want to share my happiness with everyone! Aren't you happy?"

Brian's POV
"I am the happiest man in the world. Why don't I show you?" I wrapped my arms around her waist. "How does that sound future Mrs. Haner?"
She wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her body against mine. "That sounds like heaven."
We kissed and lowered ourselves down on the blanket. We made love right there under the moon, stars and the second blanket I brought.
When we were done and looking up at the beautiful night sky, she asked out of the blue.
"Do you think Jimmy would have liked me?"
"I think Jimmy loves you, he's watching over us."
"I wish I had met him." She said.
"Someday you will, but not for a long time."
I decided it was time to change the subject.
"Should we talk about a wedding date?" I asked
"Sure, but I really don't have a date in mind. Do we want to get married next week, 3 months, a year? I guess that's where we need to start. What are you thinking?"
"I think we should get married in about six months, on February 4th in the gazebo at our house in California. Just close family and friends" I said.
"Wow, I guess you have really done some thinking on this."
"You could say that. I have had two years to think about it. So how does it sound?"
"It sounds beautiful, I just have one question. Why my birthday?" She asked.
"Because you always get a little bummed out on your birthday, this will make it a happy day."
"You really have thought this through. Let's do it."
"Ready to go back inside? I asked.
"Not yet, I don't want this night to end."
"So you're not upset that we didn't go to a fancy restaurant and I went down on one knee?"
"Are you kidding? Nothing could have been more romantic than this."
"You are truly my soulmate." I said. We laid there and planned the rest of our wedding before going back to the room."

Penny's POV
We headed back home to Ohio first and invited everyone to a cook out on that day. I was literally texting and calling everyone during the drive back and inviting them over that evening. We wanted to share our news and we didn't want to wait.
My whole family was there, Bianca, Wane, Jay and Stephanie too. We had put everything together very fast. We grilled steaks, bought some pre-made summer salads and had plenty of beer, wine and chilled champagne.

Chloe's POV
Something's up with Mom and Brian, I am pretty sure this wasn't a last minute get together that they happened to decide to have on a Sunday after driving back from their yearly trek to Michigan. Mom and Brian were all over each other (more so than usual) it was obvious they had a secret. I had my thoughts, but I didn't want to jinx it by saying it out loud.
We were all called to sit down in the living room. I had my fingers crossed. Brian spoke first.

"As you all know, Penny and I have been together for two years now. It has been a wild ride with some difficult times for us. But through it all, our love has grown stronger. I asked Penny to marry me last night and she has agreed to be my wife."
Just then Mom squealed like a school girl and held her hand out for everyone to see her ring.
Bianca was first to speak. "Finally! It's about time!"
Everyone got up and hugged or shook hands with Brian and Mom.
"Have you set a date?" I asked.
"February 4th" Brian replied.
Tess looked at Mom "Your Birthday?"
"Brian picked the date and I like it!" Mom smiled. It was obvious that Mom was really happy.

Brian's POV
Penny's family were all very happy for us. Although I did get a small lecture from Allen. He took me aside.
"You know when we first met you, I had my concerns about you and my sister. I still have some concerns about the two of you getting married. I know you don't think so now, but your age difference will become an issue someday". He said. "Are you really sure you want to marry her?"
"I'm not sure what you're getting at. Are you trying to talk me out of marrying your sister?"
"I'm trying to make sure you understand and are absolutely sure that you can truly commit to her. Sure, she looks really good now. But she will look older as years pass."
"So will I, What's your point?" I was a little irritated.
"But you are rich and famous, young women will always throw themselves at you."
"Let me make sure I have this straight, you don't want me to marry your sister. Because she is going to get older and I will be able to get a young piece of ass anytime?" I said clearly aggravated.
"Basically, yes." He said.
"Allen, I understand your concern. First thing, whether 1 girl or 100 come on to a married man it's his love and commitment that keeps him from cheating. Second, I love your sister and I want to spend the rest of my life with her, just her. I'm not fixated on the age thing and I never will be."
"Okay, but if you do..." I didn't even let him finish.
"I won't ever"
We shook hands and headed back to the party.
As we walked back he said. "I have to admit I haven't seen her this happy or relaxed in 20 years. I just don't want her to get crushed."
I put my hand on his shoulder, "Allen, I will make sure she is happy the rest of her life."

Penny's POV
After telling our family and friends in Ohio, we flew to California. We invited everyone to come over for a cookout, hopefully there wouldn't be any flight delays. We would have about 3 hours after we got home to get everything ready.
Brian arranged for a limo to pick us up, complete with champagne.
"I've had a lot of champagne the last few days." I said.
"We have a lot to celebrate and a lot of celebrating to do."
"How do you think everyone is going to react?" I wasn't sure how they would all feel.
"I know they are all going to be very happy for us." I grabbed her and pulled her to me. "Now come here, woman!"
We were getting pretty into it and barely stopped kissing to get to the door. Once at the door, He pushed me up against it and lifted my shirt off and I did the same to him. Then we both frantically unbuttoned the other's jeans and unzipping them. Brian managed to open the door and stepped us through it. We were barely inside and we heard. "Congratulations!"

Brian's POV
We looked over to see our friends and family standing there. They were all either laughing or standing there looking embarrassed. Penny and I were both standing there with no shirt on and our jeans undone. Thankfully Penny still had her bra on. We both fastened our jeans and I turned around and grabbed one of the shirts on the ground at the door. It was mine and Penny put it on quickly.
"What are you guys doing here?" I asked.
"We couldn't wait to congratulate you on your engagement, so we decided to surprise you." Matt said.
"Instead, you surprised us!" Zack said and everyone laughed.
"How did you know we were engaged?" Penny asked.
"Just call it a hunch" Matt said. "Brian told me he was going to propose and when you wanted all of us to come over tonight, I knew you must have said yes. I called Bianca and she confirmed it."
"You kind of stole our moment." I said.
"It looks to us like you were already having a moment when you got here." Johnny said.
"Anyway, everyone keep February 4th open. You're all invited to our wedding!" Penny said. I knew she just wanted to smooth it all over and make it a happy moment.
Then everyone congratulated us and Penny showed off her ring.
Dad hugged Penny and said. "I'm very happy for you two. There's food and everything already here for the party, why don't you guys run up and change clothes?"
Penny and I laughed and headed upstairs to change.

Penny's POV
Our entrance was pretty embarrassing, but the rest of the night was a blast. Brian asked Matt to be his best man. He asked Zack and Johnny to be Groomsmen. I had asked Chloe to be my maid of honor. I had also asked Bianca and Tess to be my bridesmaids

Notes