A.n.- I'm back. :) Sorry it took three weeks or so. I was hosting a birthday party for my best friend and it took more time than I thought it would. I want to thank you for all the reviews, favs, and follows I got. I only hope that I can do justice on this second chapter. Couple things before I get started.

1. For those reviews that are wondering where Riley is, that will be made clear in the next chapter.
2. Next chapter might contain a visit from your favorite Aunt and Uncle
3. This chapter comes with some religious tones since they hint in the show that Riley and Lucas are Christians.
4. Italics are Flashbacks

Loving can heal, loving can mend your soul
And it's the only thing that I know, know
I swear it will get easier, remember that with every piece of 'ya,
And it's the only thing we take with us when we die.

"Grandpa, Grandpa, we're back." Aubrey shouted her brown hair shifting back and forth as they girls rushed into the room. Lucas half smiled as all of them hugged him.

"The story Grandpa." Penelope half way giggled.

"Where you and Grandma live happily ever," Lily said fueling the younger girl's giggles.

"It wasn't always like that." Lucas corrected them.

"Some of the hardest times came when we were in college."

"Like what?" Lucy asked. Lucas picked her up and placed her on his knee.

"One day that was really hard for us was when Aunt Maya decided to move out of the state for college."

Riley grabbed Lucas's hand and squeezed it for strength. She wasn't sure if she could handle this without him.

"Riley, it will be ok." He squeezed back for reassurance. The two of them stood outside of Topanga's stalling the inevitable.

"Why don't we go somewhere else?" Riley suggested quickly.

"Riley," His voice moved more on the concern side.

"You can't live in denial anymore. Maya is leaving for Georgia tomorrow for art school whether we like it or not. She needs you at her going away party; this is hard for her too."

"You're right." She said dejectedly as she tried to imagine the next four years without her other half. She took one last breath of courage and lead Lucas into Topanga's. Lucas smiled as he saw Maya's face lite up at the sight of Riley.

"Riles!"

"Peaches!" The two embraced as the whole room felt their heartstrings being pulled. Regardless of their significant other, it would always be Riley and Maya.

"Don't go." Riley told Maya unaware at the moment that the whole room could potentially hear.

"I have to go little plant. You need to grow and so do I. I never thought in a million years that I would be so excited for college. I get to be me there, and paint letting the creativity flow out of me.

"Will you promise to come back and visit?"

"Every time I can," she promised.

"It's you and me every day until you know we"-

"Blah," The said in unison holding their hands over their hearts until they let out some laughter. This reassured Riley just enough.

"Ranger Rick," She turned her attention to Lucas.

"Uh-oh," Maya's tendency when it came to Lucas's name changed. If it was everyday life she would use his real name, but in serious situations she used his old silly nicknames. Maya brought Riley's hand to his.

"This is my best friend. Since I will not be around as much I am asking you to look after her." Lucas nodded fully understanding the responsibility.

"If you hurt her I'm not afraid to drive up to NYU and hunt you down." A glimmer of fear raced across his face. Maya turned to Farkle.

"You, watch over them. If Lucas does anything dumb, set him straight. And if hurts Riley in any way, you know exactly what to do." Farkle nodded. The four of them embraced in a hug, it finally was sinking that things around here would not be the same.

"Why was it so hard, I mean Aunt Maya told you that she would visit."

"Do you have a best friend Lily?" She tucked her blonde hair behind her ear as she nodded.

"The best,"

"Imagine she was there in your life for 8 years and suddenly was gone." Slight distress played her face.

"It took quite a toll on Riley, and me too. The next morning was even harder than the party. We saw Maya off, but it didn't really kick in for a couple days when we were so used to seeing her and then not. Maya did her best to come visit during the holidays and only a fool would come in between those two during that time." He chuckled at the memories of Josh and him certainly trying.

"None of us can say we were shocked when Josh announced that he would be pursuing a graduate degree at Savannah School of the Arts which just so happened to be the school Maya was attending, but we were happy for them."

"How did Riley cope?" Abigail asked.

"She was fine, she did a lot of growing our first year, she leaned on Zay, Farkle and I for a while before spreading her wings with a destination of Paris."

Riley's family, Zay, Farkle, and Lucas stood outside the security gate. Riley was there with her suitcase and one of Lucas's cozy sweatshirts on.

"I'm telling you man, this is classic chick flick, she'll get on the plane, realize that she doesn't want to spend the next semester without you, and she'll come running back." Lucas still had a scowl on, how could she do this? Riley had signed up for a study abroad in Paris for her French class she was taking. The problem lied in when she actually told Lucas she was going, two weeks before her plane left. Zay had assured him that she wouldn't follow through. Riley gave Topanga a big hug followed by Cory who kissed the top of her head.

"You're finally making the world your own." Riley offered him a smirk.

"Don't worry, I won't get in too much trouble while I'm there," then turned and looked at the three boys. She wrapped her arms around Farkle and nestled her head on his shoulder.

"Watch over him when I'm gone ok? I'm counting on you." Farkle nodded the conversation not needing to grow from there.

"Bye Zay," She hugged him. When he released him he told his goodbye in air quotes and winked at Lucas. Riley's eyes looked to Lucas who couldn't bring himself to look at her. She pulled him aside to gain more privacy.

"Lucas, what's going on?"

"Well we both know that you're not going to go through with it…" his voice trailed off.

"Lucas we're at the airport, I have my ticket and my bag. I'm going to Paris, now all I want is my boyfriend to tell me that he loves me and goodbye." Lucas didn't respond. Riley glanced down at her watch, she didn't have time for this. She looked up into his emerald eyes as her tears started to weld up.

"I love you." She leaned in and kissed him tenderly, but he didn't respond.

"Bye Lucas, I'll be back before you know it." She tried to be optimistic. She grabbed her suitcase and headed for the security lines. Zay came up and patted him on the back.

"Don't worry bud, I've seen the movies a thousand times with Vanessa."

"It didn't sound like she was coming back,"

"You just wait in 15 minutes or so she'll come running back to you." Lucas sat down with his gaze transfixed on the security area. Cory and Topanga exchanged knowing looks on how hurt he was. No one could leave him there. Twenty minutes went by and there was still no sign of her. Cory placed his hand on his shoulder.

"She's not coming back is she sir?"

"No, I'm afraid not Lucas."

"I didn't even get to say goodbye," he muttered. Cory eyed Topanga, and idea sparked.

"Why didn't you go after her?" Aubrey almost shouted getting involved with the story.

"You're getting ahead of the story again."

"Sorry." Her eyes fell to the ground slightly embarrassed.

"Where was I? Ah right."

"Riley!" Riley turned when she recognized the voice of her boyfriend.

"Lucas," She asked confused on how he could possibly be at the gate.

"What are you doing here?" he asked as the two embraced.

"Your dad," he grinned.

"He bought me the cheapest ticket possible. I just couldn't let that be our goodbye." He kissed her pulling her close and Riley forgot how to breathe.

"Riley Matthews, I love you." It was almost like it was the first time that he said it.

"I love you too Lucas. It's only a couple months and I'll be back. I'll write you while I'm there."

"Maybe if you love Paris we can go back one day." His cheesy grin filled his face.

"I'd like that." She agreed.

"Don't fall for any French guys while you're there." He joked. Riley met him with a kiss.

"Only if you don't meet any new girls here." She cracked back. The two enjoyed each other's company until Riley's section was called. They exchanged a last kiss. She turned back and gave him a smile before heading on the plane.

"Did you write each other all the time?" Lily asked.

"At first, then it began to slow down towards the end." He confessed.

"It became a really dark time in my life because I lost someone close to me and I didn't know how to cope. I became angry at God and secluded myself in my room. But there was one spot of sunshine in that time."

"What was it?"

"Riley."

Riley entered Lucas's dimmed dorm room. He was sitting on his bed staring at a picture of his family his thumb gently caressing the glass

"Lucas?" She asked hesitatively as she approached the boy. He didn't look up. She quietly sat down next to him her hand pressed against his back. He physically flinched at her touch. Riley began to wondering how often his friends visited him when he was like this.

"Lucas, I'm so sorry," She was half way flabbergasted on what to say. Her coming back was supposed to be a happy occasion. She sent up a silent prayer before continuing. Her free hand turned his face to meet hers. His eyes were red and puffy probably from his vulnerable state.

"I'm sorry I wasn't at the airport to greet you." Riley gently hushed him.

"Don't be sorry, this takes priority over me any day." She hugged him from the side as his hand grabbed and latched onto her arm. The silence filled the room as they just stayed there.

"I used to hear God in the quiet, but now I can't hear him." He confessed. Riley kissed the side of his head.

"Sometimes it's a little harder to hear him," she tried to soothe him.

"Why? I need his peace the most right now." Obviously hew as confused as to the timing that God had planned.

"Because that's when he uses other people to reach out to you."

"Who?"

"Me," her sad smile grew for an instant as they just sat there holding each other. Lucas was the one to break the silence.

"I'm flying up for the funeral early next week." He noted.

"This has been hard on my Mom, so I'm going to be there for her."

"She's lucky to have a son like you."

"Will you fly over for the funeral?" his voice waivered a bit.

"I don't know if I can handle it if you're not there."

"Of course Lucas, I'll be there." She felt his body relax for a second. She rested her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you Riley." His voice filled the silence. She looked up at him.

"For what?"

"For sitting here with me." His lips turned upwards for the first time that week.

"Always," Riley Answered. The two shared a small kiss before returning to his shoulder. The two stayed there for hours till both parties fell asleep in each other's arms.

Lucas looked up from his storytelling to see hints of fresh tears in their eyes. Lucas hated to see his granddaughters cry, so he offered them a smile.

"Do you want to hear how I proposed to Riley?" Instantly joy filled the room as smiles lite up their faces.

"It all started when I took Riley on a tour of the city."

"Lucas where are we going?" Riley let out a laugh as Lucas tugged her hand further down the street.

"You'll see; Don't you trust me?" There was a slight twinkle in his eye that she would follow to the end of the earth. Memories began to flood their minds as they walked down 6th street. Lucas stole a kiss before he continued down the stairs to the subway.

"You're not going to give me any hints are you?" She asked as they stepped on the subway. Lucas chuckled at her anticipation and shook his head back and forth. The two sat in their usually seat on the subway. Riley rested her head on his shoulder.

"I love you," he murmured into her hair. The two laced hands, they had a lot of moment on this subway. Riley didn't really know what was going on with Lucas, he had been slightly distant with her this week. Despite the couple breaks they had taken they had been together for about 6 years now, they knew each other, but right now Riley couldn't read him and that brought fear into her mind. It was as Lucas could tell, he simply squeezed her hand. They got off the subway car stopped around 32 streets and the two exited the cart. When Lucas stopped walking Riley jumped out of her thoughts.

"Le Périgord?" She exclaimed in excitement.

"Lucas how in the world did you get reservations here?" She started fiddling with her clothes and hair highly aware of how she was dressed compared to everyone else." Lucas grabbed her hands.

"You're perfect." The two stared into each other's eyes for a second, Riley desperately trying to read him. They entered the restaurant Lucas leaned in and whispered to the host, he merely nodded and directed them to a table. Lucas ordered Champaign and then raised his glass.

"To us," the glasses clinked, but Riley was still confused.

"Lucas, what's going on?"

"You're really important to me Riley. After all the twists and turns you have been there. Ever since you fell on my lap you have always seen the best in me. I like who I am when I'm with you. After several conversations and planning, I brought you here tonight." Lucas transitioned to one knee in front of Riley. Her eyes widened.

"Riley Matthews,"

"Yes,"

"Will you do me the honor,"

"Anytime at all."

"Of becoming"

"Don't you understand yes?"

"Mrs. Lucas Friar,"

"Shut up and kiss me already," Lucas slid the ring on her finger and then their lips met as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

The story was broken by a gaggle of giggles and Lucas knew he would always treasure that sound.

"Tell us about the wedding! Was it beautiful? What did she look like?"

"All in due time, but you four wanted the whole story and Riley and I had a fight before the wedding and it almost didn't happen." Penelope let out a small gasp.

"What happened?"

"It's not a big deal Lucas!"

"It's a huge deal Riley." He threw his hand up in frustration.

"They are just friends Lucas."

"Friends that want to get in your pants." Lucas fought back. To think this whole fight began because Lucas didn't want to go dancing and Riley did, so she took some of her friends both guys and girls with her. The purpose of bringing guys were to scare off creeps that tried to hit on her. He followed her anyway and didn't like how her guy friends were eyeing Riley, let alone how she was dancing with them. Her friends were lucky that he didn't throw a punch because he was ready to. It didn't help that Riley and her outfit was turning him on while he was trying to fight the anger inside.

"I don't want any guy to lay their hands on you."

"Lucas they are just friends, and none of this would have happened if you"- she suddenly came to a realization.

"Why were you at the club if you didn't want to dance?" She didn't let him respond.

"Were you following me?"

"Protecting you," he corrected.

"Lucas I'm yours, you know that. I have been yours since junior year of high school. I love you, but I don't see how a life with you will work if you can't trust me for one evening." Riley started to walk away but Lucas's voice stopped her.

"You can't run away from whatever you're feeling Riley. So it's better if we just talk it out."

"What if I'm not ready to get married?" It hit Lucas like a ton of bricks.

"Riley"-

"Both our parents have wonderful marriages Lucas, but what if ours is nothing like theirs. What if I screw up?"

"It's nothing like theirs because it will be our own Riley." He tried to comfort her, but she pushed him away.

"What if I'm not a good wife or mother even?"

"Riley, where is this coming from?"

"And now you can't trust me for even one night?"

"That's not it Riley! What's going on, are you having second thoughts?"

"Lucas, I just need some time." It wasn't a suggestion and Lucas knew it.

"If that's what you want." Riley nodded and gave Lucas one last look before leaving him in that alley way and going back to her home.

"But you fixed everything right?"

"Yes Lucy, I did. We managed to stay mad at each other for a solid week, and then I couldn't take it anymore. She was more important than a stupid fight."

"Now are you going to tell us about the wedding?" Lucas let out a laugh.

"You're about as impatient as I was on our wedding day. Everything seemed to fall into place. The guests had arrived, the food and decorations were set up, and I was a nervous wreck in my dressing room."

Lucas nervously adjusted his tie. Today was a huge day. Today was the day that one of his best friends would change her last name and her life for him. Farkle placed his hand on Lucas's shoulder.

"It's time," He turned to look at his groomsmen, Farkle, Zay and Josh and let out a smile. After all these years she would be his. Lucas took their places and the music started. Christina who Riley had grown close with during their study abroad trip walked with Josh down the aisle. They were followed by Zay and Smackle and then the best man and the maid of honor Farkle and Maya. Maya shot him a smug smile and Lucas knew he had it coming when Riley walked. The crows rose from their seats and the sight of Riley took his breath away. She was wearing a princess style wedding dress with her hair laced in curls. She looked absolutely beautiful. Cory was beaming with pride. He kissed her forehead before giving her to Lucas. Lucas couldn't take his eyes off her.

"I Lucas, take you, Rileyto be my wife, and I promise before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful husband. I will be by your side to share with you your happiness and success, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and disappointment. As your companion, I will seek to be open and honest with you, to forgive you as Christ has forgiven me, and to always remind you of the Lord's plans and promises. Forever I devote my love and my life to you from this day forward."

"I Riley, take you, Lucasto be my husband, and I promise before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful wife. I will be by your side to share with you your happiness and success, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and disappointment. As your companion, I will seek to be open and honest with you, to forgive you as Christ has forgiven me, and to always remind you of the Lord's plans and promises. Forever I devote my love and my life to you from this day forward."

"Do you, Lucas Michael Friar take Riley Anne Matthews to be your lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold in sickness and in health from this day forward?"

"I do,"

"Do you, Riley Anne Matthews take Lucas Michael Friar to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold in sickness and in health from this day forward?

"I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mr. Friar you may kiss your bride." Lucas crashed his lips on hers as he dipped her a little for the kiss. The room up roared with applause and cheering, but the two didn't mind they were in their own little world.

The smiles on the girl's faces couldn't be bigger as he finished describing his wedding. A chorus of aww's ensued. A look of discomfort suddenly spread across his face.

"Dad, are you ok?" Megan asked placing her hand on his arm. Lucas shot her a reassuring smile.

"Yes Megan, I'm fine. Just tired that's all. Thanks for bringing the cookies. I just need to rest, that's all."

The adults rounded up the children who said goodbye.

"I hope you get some sleep and feel better Grandpa." Lucy said before exiting with her family. Lucas just stared at the door which just contained his grandchildren, but now they were gone.

"So do I Lucy, so do I."

A.n.- Hopefully the next chapter won't take three weeks to write/post. Go ahead and leave a review, fav, or follow. I'm going to be going to see Star Wars tonight and I'm excited. That one shot that I was planning is still in the works...it's just taking longer than I thought it would.