A.n.- First off, 15 reviews? I am truly floored. I have gained so much support both on here and Instagram and it fills my heart with joy and reminds me why I do this. Hopefully this chapter will live up to the hype.

Riley woke up early the next morning excited as she prepared herself to get start on her chores for the day. Her mind kept replaying the memories of last night. Farkle looking down at his plate every time Josh hand brushed Maya or the compliments he would give her. It seemed so obvious now that she pondered why she hadn't noticed it before. She was sure that Maya didn't know how her behavior was effecting Farkle.

And then there was Lucas. She closed her eyes and instantly saw his emerald eyes, a smile found its way to her lips as the memories flooded through her mind. The secret glances that were shared, the way his hand lingered whenever it was near her own. They even got adventurous enough that her hand slipped into his underneath the table. He glanced at her then his eyes followed their arms to confirm what he was feeling. His lips broke out into the biggest smile that she had ever seen. It caused her heart to flip flop and she started to wonder if he knew the effect that he had on her. But then his eyes would softly land on her and she would go with him anywhere as long as he looked at her like that. It was a dangerous position to be in, to be ready to jump in with both feet, and it terrified her.

Topanga peeked her head into Riley's room snapping her back to reality.

"Morning Riley, she sat down on the bed next to her daughter.

"That Lucas was charming wasn't he?" A blush spread across her cheeks at her mother's forwardness.

"I suppose he is."

"I didn't recognize his accent."

"He's from Indiana," she explained.

"He's fixing up the Lawrence manor." Topanga's brows furrowed with concern.

"I see." Riley's smile faltered.

"What?"

"What happens after he is finished?" Riley found herself biting her lip. He had assured her that the work would take a while. Would he stay down here with her? Would they look to sell? While drowning in her thoughts she missed her father joining his wife.

"Riley, it's nice that you two have a connection, but you can't live in what-ifs."

"Riley, we have something to tell you." He knew that tone, they were trying to ease her into news that they knew she wouldn't agree with.

"Darling, Charlie made an offer." Riley felt her breath being sucked out of her lungs.

"What?"

"He made an offer for your hand Riley." Her eyes fell to the ground

"What did you tell him?"

"I told him that I would think about it." He shook his head.

"I don't have a reason to say no Riley, do you?" Her heart settled in her stomach. Her first thought was Lucas, but her mother had a point, she couldn't live with a maybe.

"How long before you have to give Mr. Gardner an answer?" Her voice was purely transactional.

"I can probably wait a couple days, why?" He stared curiously at his daughter.

"Just give me that time." Cory planted a kiss on the top of her forehead. He hoped that she knew what she was doing.

Riley managed to find her feet and exit her bedroom without crumbling to the floor. She didn't want to wed Charlie but unless someone else made an offer for her hand as well then there wasn't much that she could do. It would be a disgrace to her whole family because Charlie was an acceptable suitor.

Lucas's smile hadn't left since the previous night. Images replayed in his mind of after dinner where he had her all alone. He had asked her if he could visit her today and the widest grin appeared on her face as she agreed. He didn't know what it was about the girl, she made him want to be better. He stepped onto the Matthew's manor grounds with haste. He got to spend the day with a girl that he had grown quite fond of.

He first checks the kitchen because that was where he found her most of the time now. Vanessa's eyes sparkled at the site of Luca.

"Well good morning Mr. Friar," She started rolling out the dough for the day.

"Morning Vanessa, is Riley around?" He saw hesitation flash over her face and knew something was wrong.

"Where is she?"

"By the lake Mr. Lucas, I hope you can bring a smile to her face." He turned to go, but Vanessa's voice stopped him.

"Can you also tell her that I'm good for my lessons later today?" He smiled then nodded and headed straight to the lake. Something was wrong with Riley and he intended on finding out what.

Riley's eyes skimmed the book she was reading in front of her. It was the only thing that she could do to get her mind off her current predicament. She couldn't ask Lucas to settle down here, away from his family and friends. Her ears perked when they heard some movement, but she dismissed it thinking it was an animal.

"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are when reading Hawthorn?" His husky breath tickled the outside of her ear as Riley's lips grew upwards in a bashful smile at the familiar voice.

"Yes, but this is Emerson." She corrected coyly as she turned to meet Lucas.

"My mistake." His eyes explored hers. He must have been able to hear her hear t beat she determined, because it was beating far too loud and it was all she could hear.

"What do you have planned?"

"Read with me." She sat down on the blanket, he chuckled and followed.

"One of my favorite things to do." Although their body's started out separate, amongst the reading their hands inched closer and closer together till the tops of their fingers interlaced together. Riley smiled, but kept on reading. Eventually she found her body resting on his shoulder for support. They just felt so natural together, she felt the breath going and coming into his body and it relaxed her.

"Riley." A shiver went down her spin, how did he have this effect on her.

She turned her head towards the Northerner and their eyes locked. They were closer than they were before his scent was intoxicating. She saw Lucas's eyes flicker down to her lips and her heart stopped. She took the plunge and pushed her lips against his as her eyes fluttered closed. His lips were soft and warm; inviting. Lucas's hand caressed her cheek taking control.

Suddenly thought of Charlie and her conversation with her parents were forefront in her mind. She pulled away as her hand flew up to her tingling lips. Lucas in his elated state was realizing that there was something wrong with Riley.

"Riley, what's wrong?"

"I shouldn't have done that." She stood up to put some distance between them.

"Oh," Lucas replied dejectedly. Riley turned towards him, he deserved to know the truth.

"I like you Lucas, more than I can say." She started babbling how it wasn't fair to him fueling his confusion.

"I don't understand Riley." He stood up but kept his distance.

"I like you enough to not force you to do what is necessary to be with me."

"Riley," He walked towards her.

"Charlie Gardner made an offer on my hand! And unless you"- His lips crashed on hers again this time with much more passion. Riley felt her knees go weak and if it wasn't for the tree behind her she was sure that they would give out. Her lips parted giving him more access, she never wanted to stop. When both parties needed air they separated. He rested his forehead on hers. Her mind was still swirling from the kiss.

"Lucas"- She didn't know what to say. How could she go to Charlie after that?

"Riley, I wasn't expecting to enjoy my time down here, and then you entered the picture. I think about you all the time and I don't think that will ever change. I know it's fast but if it is the only way to be with you, I'll make an offer to your father tomorrow night." Rile felt her heart stop. Lucas was willing to make an offer; they could be together. She had found someone who was able to woo her soul.

All her fear and doubt left her body for the moment. She gave him another tender kiss.

"Vanessa told me to tell you that she is free today for her lessons." Riley's lips tugged wider. She couldn't wait to tell Vanessa about recent events.

"Lesson?" He asked watching her reaction.

"I'm teaching Vanessa how to read and write." She grinned. Lucas's mouth dropped even more so, just when he thought she couldn't get more attractive, she found a way.

"Riley Matthews, I could kiss you."

"Mr. Friar!" Her hand rested on her heart in fake shock.

"Is that any way to talk to a lady? I am to be promised to man in the near future."

"Well that doesn't surprise me, you are one of the most eligible bachelorettes in town," he teased.

"Well if you want a kiss," She leaned in halfway, Lucas closed his eyes awaiting her lips.

"You're going to have to catch me." His eyes shot open as she took off running. He ran and chased her their laughter echoing throughout the property.

"Did you tell her yet?" Farkle cringed at Maya's voice. How could he love her and find her this frustrating all at once. Ever since she came in all she had been asking about was his conversation with Riley.

Coward.

Sometimes he wished that he could turn off his thoughts in his head, he suspected that it would make life easier. Couldn't she talk to Riley about this, isn't that what best friends do?

"Would you just drop it Maya?" His teeth grinded in his mouth. Maya noticed his hostile behavior which made her drop her persistent questions.

"You told her didn't you." This time there was a certain sadness in her voice.

"If you need some space to let your feelings settle, I'm sure she would understand."

If there was a God, Farkle decided that he hated him.

"No." Confusion mixed with her features as she looked over at him.

"It's ok Farkle, you're been pinning after Riley for a while. It's only natural to let these feelings go." If she kept talking Farkle knew that his secret would be in jeopardy, but he continued anyway.

"No," He repeated for a second time.

"No, what do you mean Farkle? You're not making any sense!"

"No I didn't tell Riley." He raised his voice. At least part of the truth was out.

"But if you don't tell her how will she know? Lucas"-

"Lucas is not a threat?"

"Then who is?"

"Josh!" Before Maya could process the words that were spoken. Farkle's lips were on her own. Farkle's lips were different that Josh's; more firm, but once Maya got over the shock of the kiss, she pulled away. Farkle was the first to speak.

"It's never been Riley, Maya. It's always been you. "Maya's hand jumped up to her lips, she was having trouble processing all of this. She shook her head back and forth. How could he do this to her? Her breaths started to shorten as she feared panic started to set in.

"I'm sorry," was all she managed to get out before turning and running out of his store. Luckily there was a chair nearby because Farkle's legs buckled under him. That was not how he wanted her to find out. He couldn't believe that he actually kissed her. His heart felt weighted and lifted at the same time. No matter what he did he couldn't destroy the image that was etched into his mind of Maya Hart in tears and knowing that he caused it.

"You haven't stopped smiling for the past couple weeks." Martin's words brought Zay back to reality and he started to work the fields again before he was caught slacking off.

"It's her isn't it?" Martin pressured.

"Every time I turn around you're sneaking off." Zay didn't respond, the less people who knew about Maya and his secret meet ups the better. He hadn't told Martin, although he assumed he figured it out when he was caught making gifts.

"Look," Martin said lowly so no one else would hear.

"Just be careful, their kind doesn't take kindly with us being too friendly with their daughters, especially when they are to become mistress of this house." They jumped apart from each other and acted busy toiling when John; the slave driver walked by.

"Babineaux!" Zay looked up at the Forman calling his name. He walked up not looking him in the eyes.

"Yes sir."

"You're wanted back at the house." Zay gulped, this either meant two things, he was in trouble, or he was dead because someone found out. He threw a look back at Martin and half smiled wondering if it would be the last time he would see one of his best friends.

He ventured towards the house and before he realized what was going on, one hand covered his mouth and the other was used to drag him into the barn. He whipped around to see the tear filled blue eyes that looked like the ocean would drown itself.

"Maya?" He asked confused. Maya broke down and wrapped her arms tightly around him in a hug.

"Farkle?" Isadora cautiously entered his shop with a basket of baked goods in her hands. The room was dimly lit but she could make out his dark figure. She had witnessed a crying Maya exit his shop and knew something was wrong.

"I brought you chocolate cake,' She offered but Farkle didn't answer as she placed it on his desk.

"Your mystery girl, it was Maya, wasn't it?" His eyes widened but didn't reply. Did everyone know? Come look at the fool Farkle who thought he stood a chance with Maya. Isadora tucked her hair behind her ear.

"I can see why. She's beautiful, kind, a wild spirit." Farkle's eyes dropped to his idle hands.

"Well that doesn't matter now."

"I see. Well I'm here if you wish to talk." She turned and headed to the door but his voice stooped her.

"Why do you like me?" Her stomach did a flip flop.

"What?"

"What do you like me?" This time his voice was vulnerable. She pulled a chair and sat down next to him.

"You're smart, driven, you can tell that you're really passionate, you care about your friends more than they know. You have this one fleck that is a lighter blue in your eyes." She trailed off as her eyes fell to the ground.

"You are a good guy Farkle, if she can't tell then she will be the one who misses out."

"Thanks Isadora." She saw the first hint of a smile since she entered the room. He took the piece of cake and took a small bite. The two sat there enjoying the silence between them.

"You're pretty amazing." His voice broke the silence.

"No, I'm just a baker."

"You bring me baked goods once a week even though you knew that I liked someone else. You taught Riley to bake even though what she put you through. You sit around and listen to me talk for hours about something that you don't care about." A light tint spread over her cheeks. His hand reached out and grabbed hers. The image of Maya starting to fade.

"Farkle, you're holding me hand." She pointed out and he chuckled in response.

"I know." She leaned her head on his shoulder and the two just sat there enjoying the company that the other provided.

"Maya, what happened?" Maya sat down on a nearby pile of hay.

"I'm sorry, I know it's dangerous for us to meet now, I just didn't know where else to go. I didn't want to interrupt Riley's time with Lucas, I couldn't possibly talk to Joshua about this and Farkle is the problem." She needed him to be there for her.

"Start at the beginning." Maya nodded and started delving into everything that happened between the two. Zay sat and listened patiently even though his own heart was dropping on the inside with every word. If Farkle didn't even stand a chance with her, what fueled his daydreams that she would give up everything that Josh had to offer. He had even less to offer than Farkle did. He listened till she was finished with her tale and their eyes connected.

"You need to talk to him Maya. He put his heart on the line and that is a very scary place."

"What if our friendship is ruined?" Zay smiled and boldly pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. The second his skin made contact Maya let out a small gasp. She felt electricity from his touch.

"You'll be alright Miss Maya. You and Mr. Minkus are friends, and will always will be. There are hundreds of reason to like you." He froze as Maya allowed shock to fill her body. Could he feel the electricity too? Zay could feel his palms starting to swat, she was never supposed to figure out his feelings for her. If she told anyone he would be shot on sight, no questions asked.

Maya sat there all the gifts, their talks, he was showing his feelings. Her eyes darted to his lips then to the floor. Her frustration was pent up, she was wondering if he was ever going to make a move.

"I should head back to the fields." He tried to excuse himself so they wouldn't explore this topic further.

"Zay." Her voice was so commanding which halfway terrified him. Her eyes bore into his.

"Kiss me." She demanded. Zay's mouth grew dry, he couldn't respond. Maya knew that if Zay did have feelings for her he would never show it unless he was given a push. But the thoughts of Zay kissing her had been on her mind the last couple days and she knew that if she experienced it they might go away. Zay's lack of response encouraged her further.

"I'm future mistress of this house am I not? And I am ordering you to kiss me." Whatever happened next became a blur, but their lips connected and Maya felt alive. She didn't know if it was because of Zay or the sneaking around was exhilarating. He cupped her face the feelings starting to take over. Both continued exploring each other's mouths till they heard the sound of a bucket dropping to the group. Maya's eyes jumped up to connect to the brown ones of Riley Matthews.

Last night I couldn't sleep, my mind clouded with thoughts of Robert, my beloved horse, and the small gifts left in my room. Before dawn I snuck out of the house, knowing that sleep wouldn't find me. I walked to the field and sat, watching the sun rise to greet a new day. Just as the orange was faded into blue, I heard noises behind the tree I was leaning against. As I looked around behind me, I saw a small package much like the ones I had found in my room previously. It was a small stone, reddish in color and shaped like a heart. I asked for whoever was leaving the gifts to make themselves know, I could not believe it when Simon stepped out in front of me.

A.n.-I know I have a lot of Joshaya readers reading and they'll be some Joshaya in the next chapter I promise. :) How will Riley react? If you have an instagram you should follow me. (user name in the last chapter) I give previews and do contests and such. I want to hear all of your opinions because I'm pretty sure I'm dead from all the Rucas feels and the Legacy promo, just saying. Review, Favorite, Follow. Fun question for the reviewers, how did you hear about my story, did you find it on your own, did you hear about it from Tumblr, Instagram, or a friend. :) I love hearing from you guys. Till next time.

-RGT-