Penelope Narrates:

Prince and I pull up to Aunt Sophie's for our engagement party. He opens my door and takes my hand. I don't feel my feet touching the ground as my handsome fiancé is guiding me to our celebration. Who's fairytale life is this?

My parents greet us. Members of Prince's family have attended. Bernadette Anderson is there too! I pardon myself from my folks and hug Mrs. Anderson.

Then I see her... the Wicked Witch of the Midwest, Mattie. "Oh, Penny. There you are." She states.

Yeah, at my own engagement party. How about that? Mattie gets a dutiful hug.

Mrs. Anderson takes notice of my dress. "Such a pretty dress!" she declares.

"Thank you! I picked it out myself!" I reply proudly.

"You don't pick your own clothes? "Mattie asks with confusion.

"Well, we all know how stylish Prince is, so I tend to request his input for my party outfits."

"You always look very nice, Dear" Mrs. Anderson says.

Aunt Sophie's full of people. More so than usual because some of Prince's relatives are here!

Gary comes up to me in a panic, insisting" Tell Prince I can't sing today. He guilted me into singing here since I wasn't going to sing at the wedding and I agreed because I didn't think there'd be so many people."

"My son can't 'guilt' you into anything." Mattie scowls.

Personally, I find Prince very persuasive, then again he's usually right.

Grace takes Gary outside to get some fresh air and relax.

Mattie turns to Prince and asks, "Is that young man out of his mind?"

"Just nerves." Prince answers, "We rehearsed some songs with him on vocals and me on piano. He's good."

Mr. Nelson is all smiles talking to Aunt Sophie. "Your father is acting like an old fool around her." Mattie scoffs to Prince, shaking her head and holding her husband's hand.

"Sophie's just a great hostess" Prince insists. My soon to be father- in-law is hardly embarrassing himself. Mattie doesn't want to see her ex having fun.

Prince and I have socializing to do! Everyone is congratulating us so much.

Mr. Nelson chooses one of Aunt Sophie's jazz LPs to play softly in the background, creating a lovely, sophisticated ambience. Prince puts his arm around me and gives me that I wish we could get a room now look. As consolation and since Mattie's back is turned, I give Prince the sexiest kiss I dare to in front of family. Still, Sabrina scolds, "Penny! Be a lady!"Prince and I laugh.

"Brini, chill out" Brad insists.

Grace and Gary get called inside because it's time for the meal. My family members have all brought their best dishes and Dad sprung for nice champagnes and wines, even though I don't drink.

Toasts are made in our honor. "Penelope..."Prince starts as he stands with a glass of champagne, "my life is better because you're in it. Here's to you."

All the guests clap and I want to cry. He leans down, kisses my lips with his fantastic full ones that have a hint of a champagne taste to them. One of my young cousins whistles. With such a display of Prince's affection towards me, getting everyone focused on dinner again is a bit of a challenge.

"You're too much, Prince" Tyka giggles.

"He does seem very amorous" my great grandma Enid chuckles, "But I like him better than that guy you brought up for Christmas, Penny." Her memory isn't what it used to be. My family and Prince try hard not to laugh.

"I like you too, Grandma" Prince tells Enid as he hugs her. My heart just melts.

"You're a good kid" she smiles.

Even Mattie seems to be enjoying this. Once the dessert is through, it's time to open presents. Mattie and her husband have made a donation to a charity in our names. I did notice our names were listed as Prince Nelson and Penelope Smith. My last name legally is about to be Nelson, Smith will only be professional, but it's okay. Mattie tried.

Mr. Nelson hands me a gift. "This is more for you" he informs me. The newest Nikon camera lens! This will get used! We thank him, even though I'm told Prince had been a coconspirator on the gift idea. Prince's logic was that we have everything for the house but I can probably use another lens.

The other gifts were thoughtful too. What is exciting to Prince though is getting on the antique piano and playing while Gary sings. "Better not be too lit to sing, 'cause we on now!" Prince announces to Gary.

When the room responds well to Gary crooning "At Last", it motivates him to do a couple more songs. He's so good. I'd never tell the other Living Dolls but, Gary is the best vocalist they have.

Prince and Gary are a hit tonight! Prince ends up just playing the piano after Gary has sung the rehearsed songs, this suits Prince fine. He's in his own little world when he's at the piano.

Mr. Nelson seems to be really focused on the music too, like father, like son. Pepe, Aunt Sophie's poodle jumps on the sofa next to Mattie and snuggles right up. Glad to see someone is comfortable around her. Mattie starts petting Pepe and smiling at him. Great. She likes a dog better than me.

My parents, as well as some other couples are dancing. Enid is sleeping in an easy chair. I take my rightful place beside Prince on the piano bench. My presence is very welcomed by him, as his the romance of the music intensifies.

"We came for an engagement party and it turned into a Prince concert," Brad remarks. 

 Yes, but who would really have it any other way?