Author's Note: So, here it is, the final chapter of this story. Sorry it took so long, but I've been planning a wedding. And since the wedding is next month, I decided to gift you guys with a present :) So here it is, the final chapter of "Changes"

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When Joanie awoke, it took her a few minutes to remember what had happened. When she finally remembered, she began to panic.

"Fonzie!" she cried out, frantically looking around for him.

"Joanie." Fonzie came over from across the room where he stood talking to some police officers. For the first time, Joanie noticed that there were police officers all over the Cunningham house.

"Oh thank God you're alright! I thought you'd been shot! Wait, what happened to Chachi?"

"He's been taken to the hospital," Fonzie stated grimly.

"Wait," Joanie started, confused. "He had a gun pointed at us. He pulled the trigger. I heard the gunshot."

Fonzie shook his head. "Chachi didn't shoot. Richie did."

Joanie was really confused. "Richie? He is at the lodge with my parents. He doesn't have a gun…" she said, trailing off.

"Richie was waiting for me at my apartment. He was worried about you. We came over here and heard Chachi yelling about his gun. I sent him to the neighbor's to call the police. Then when Chachi blew a gasket, you fainted. Richie burst through the door and shot Chachi. Minutes later, the police and ambulance were here. The paramedics took Chachi away, and the police are questioning Richie right now."

Tears fell down Joanie's face. "So, you're okay."

Fonzie smiled. "I'm okay."

Joanie leapt into his arms, crying and smiling as she hugged Fonzie tightly.

"Oh Shortcake." Fonzie said emotions showing up in his voice. "I'm so glad this is over and you're okay."

"I love you, Fonz. So much. I'm glad this is over too. I just have one question, how did you know to come back?"

Fonzie sighed, pulling Joanie closer. "I just had a feeling. Something just didn't feel right. And when Richie showed up at my apartment, that just confirmed everything."

Joanie looked up at Fonzie's face. "You just knew."

"I just knew."

Joanie pulled Fonzie's head down to meet hers, and captured his lips in a tender, yet passionate kiss. When they parted, they both had smiles on their faces.

"I love you, Fonz."

"I love you, Shortcake."

The police chief interrupted them. "Alright, we're ready for your statement, Mr. Fonzerelli. Sit tight Mrs. Arcola, you'll be next. This shouldn't take too long."

Fonzie squeezed Joanie's hand before following the police chief out onto the lawn. Joanie sat down on the couch trying to absorb what was going on. Richie came in through the front door and went to sit by Joanie.

"Are you okay?" He asked tentatively.

"Yeah, are you? You're not going to be arrested are you?" A concerned Joanie asked.

"I'm fine. They're not going to be pressing charges. They said it was self-defense. They're calling me a hero. Said that if I hadn't come in when I did, one or both of you could have been killed. Will you forgive me for shooting Chachi?" Richie said, tears in his eyes.

"Oh, Richie. You are my hero. Chachi would have killed us if you hadn't come in. I forgive you big brother. I just have one question, where'd you get a gun?"

"I got it while I was in the army. I've been keeping it in the glove box of my car so that the kids wouldn't get a hold of it. I never meant to actually shoot someone, ever."

Joanie looked sympathetically over at her brother. "Richie, I know you wouldn't do something so drastic unless your family was in danger." Joanie leaned over and gave Richie a tight hug. "You're a great big brother, a great dad…"

"And a great best friend." Fonzie interrupted as he came back into the house. "Shortcake, they're ready for you."

Joanie got up and as she passed Fonzie she gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

Fonzie looked over at Richie. "I owe you my life, man. I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you."

Richie chuckled a little. "Just take care of my sister, that's all I ask. How's Chachi? They wouldn't tell me since I'm not family. Is he…"

"No, he's not dead. They said he'd be just fine. And if they three of us testify against him, he'll be going to jail for a long time." Fonzie replied.

"That's a relief," came a reply from the doorway. Joanie had returned from her questioning.

"I'm going to give you guys some privacy and go call mom and dad to fill them in," Richie said, heading up the stairs.

Joanie sat down on the couch next to Fonzie.

"What's next? I mean what do we do about us. Where are we as far as our relationship?" Fonzie asked nervously.

Joanie was silent for a minute. "I am going to get a divorce from Chachi. I am also going to testify against him in court. As for you and I," Joanie paused for a second, causing Fonzie's heart to beat faster. "I love you, but I want to take things slow. I rushed into marriage with Chachi, and I know you're not him, but I just want to ease into this. Get through the divorce, the trial, and take things from there."

"Fonzie was quiet for a minute. "So, are you saying that you want to hold off on any relationship? Or just a serious relationship. I don't think I understand."

"I want us to have a relationship, Fonz. I know that I love you. I just want to wait before we take it to the next level, meaning marriage."

"You want to marry me someday?" Fonzie asked, incredulous.

"Yes, Arthur, I want to marry you someday."

Fonzie smiled largely and stood up from the couch. He gathered Joanie in his arms and spun her around, causing her to laugh. "Joanie, I promise, that someday I will make you the happiest woman in the world, when we decide to get married."

Fonzie planted a sweet kiss on Joanie's lips. They looked at each other with love in their eyes. The future may be unsure, but as long as they were together, it would all be okay.

The End.

Author's Note: There you have it, the story is over. What do you think? Please review. Keep an eye out for new stories from me. I'm going to stick to one shots from now on I think. Again, review; did it end how you wanted?