Leonard and Sheldon fell fast asleep as soon as they climbed into their berths in their cabin. Leonard was the first to wake up. He gathered up his toiletry bag and headed into the bathroom to shave and shower. By the time he returned, Sheldon was just stirring. He waited till Sheldon was done with his shower and they headed to the dining car.
It was dinnertime and found out there were already halfway across Nebraska and would be pulling into Omaha just before dawn.
Leonard called Wyatt and told him to expect them at his ranch before lunch.
Wyatt sounded worried, "What's going on son? Penny called crying; she said you had left and that the wedding you two were on your way to was abruptly cancelled."
Leonard let out a disgusted laugh, "Yeah, she would tell you half of the story. Listen Wyatt, I don't want to discuss it over the phone. If you and Susan could be there when we arrive, I'd like to sit down and tell you the WHOLE complete story."
Wyatt nodded, even though he knew Leonard couldn't see him, "Sure, I understand, but please, don't give up on her Leonard. If she doesn't know it or not, you're the best thing that ever happened to her and you have to at least try."
Leonard didn't want to say any more over the phone, "Wyatt, I'll explain when we get there, talk to you soon. I have you address plugged into my phone and we are renting a car and we should be there before noon." "Okay Leonard, be safe and see you tomorrow."
Leonard had a restless night and finally fell asleep a couple hours before pulling into the station in Omaha. He got a car and they stopped for breakfast before heading out to the ranch.
Sheldon was rather quiet; he knew the turmoil Leonard was going through. His break-up with Amy was bad, but he knew Leonard's was much worse seeing it was just hours before they were set to say "I Do". He turned to Leonard, "I wish I could comfort you, Leonard. I know how much you care for Penny and I know I added to the problem sleeping with her."
He stared at Sheldon, "It wasn't so much that she slept with you. What made it worse was when she tried to deny it, even after I knew everything you told me."
Sheldon nodded, he didn't know what to say and for the first time, he kept quiet rather than making it worse by saying the wrong thing.
They pulled into the ranch and both of them were shocked by the expanse of the ranch. Leonard was unaware it was such a huge estate. From what Penny told him, it was small, but he could see the fence line go on for as far as the eye could see. He got out and Sheldon trailed behind, not wanting to interfere with what Leonard had come to say.
Wyatt and Susan came rushing out to greet him and he broke down and crumpled into Wyatt's arms.
Susan came around beside him and tried to console him. She looked amazing and Sheldon could easily see where Penny got her good looks from.
Susan was dressed in a modest shirtdress that hugged her large breasts and the skirt flared out around her ample hips. The dress ended at her knees and she was wearing sensible flats. Her longer than shoulder length auburn hair was neatly done and her bangs made her look at least ten years younger than her age.
Wyatt finally got Leonard under control and the four of them headed into the large ranch home.
Susan offered them drinks, but they ended up with just water. Wyatt and Susan sat back, an uncomfortable silence filled the air and Leonard hoped Sheldon wouldn't put his foot in his mouth as he usually did.
Leonard removed his glasses and dried his eyes. He looked from Wyatt to Susan and it struck him, just as it did Sheldon how beautiful she looked. He tore his eyes from her and gave Wyatt a weak smile, "I can see where Penny gets her good looks from."
Wyatt chuckled, "Well thank you Leonard?"
It made Leonard laugh, "No I was talking about your wife."
Wyatt nodded, "I know, I was just trying to ease the tension in the room."
Susan giggled, "Why thank you Leonard, I can see how Penny could fall a nice gentleman like yourself.'
Wyatt scoffed, "She doesn't have the best track record Susan. Just think back at all of the losers she's been involved with."
She chastised him, "Wyatt, I don't think Leonard wants to hear about her old beaus."
She looked to Leonard, "So tell us Leonard, why did you turn around and call off the wedding? I know we would have liked to be there, but the happiness of the two of you is the most important."
He took a deep breath and stared down at his hands, "Well, we were headed to Vegas and I wanted to start our marriage together with a clean slate. I had one misstep while I was on the ship out in the North Sea well over a year ago. I told her about it and even though she was upset about it, she accepted it, especially seeing we were not engaged at the time."
In a gruff voice Wyatt replied, "Yeah, she told us about it. I wasn't happy to hear you cheated on her."
Leonard finally looked up from his fists and glared back at him and scoffed, "Of course she would tell you about that. Did she happen to say what happened next?"