Sorry for the late update everyone. Work has been hectic lately and it's been difficult to edit/perfect the most important chapter in the story so hopefully this chapter makes up for it, it's the one we've all been waiting for. ;) Thanks for all of the amazing feedback on this story, I am truly blown away by the success and appreciate every single review, follow and favorite. Sadly though, this story is coming to an end. I have about one or two more chapters mapped out and then a possible sequel in the works (if anyone would be interested in one let me know). As always read, review, and enjoy!

Josh knew eavesdropping was wrong, but he couldn't help but listen. Not because he didn't trust her, but because of the way she carried herself throughout the conversation. He admired the way Maya was funny, honest, and encouraging as she let Lucas know that she was never really part of the triangle and that'd she'd be more than okay for him to be with Riley.

She really does have the greatest capacity of love that I have ever seen. He marveled as she hugged Lucas. He couldn't think of anyone so selfless to do anything to make sure her friends were happy. He watched Lucas walk away as she bit her lip nervously hoping she had done everything in her power to make sure her best friend would be happy. Letting her have a moment alone for a second, he took a deep breath and emerged from the doorway and sat on the edge of the fireplace with her. The moment he was waiting for was now here.

"What do you want?" the blonde demanded turning to him rolling her eyes at him.

"Who me?" Josh asked pretending like it was no big deal. "I was just standing over there watching that whole thing."

"Yeah we get it, you watch stuff," Maya said with a dramatic wave of her hand. "So what did you think?" she asked turning her head back to him.

"Well I thought this," Josh began as he sat down closer to her by the fireplace. "For me to ever think I don't need a friend like you in the world just because I'm a little older, that'd make a lot less mature than I want to be. I spent all of last year trying to get you out of my head and it almost cost me my life. I'm tired of running and hiding. I want you to be a part of my life Maya in whatever way possible," Josh finished watching a slow grin appear on her face.

"I want you in my life too Josh," Maya began as a slow grin began to appear on her face as she began to scheme. What is she up too? He pondered as she prepared to speak. "You know Boing. There are six weeks out of the year between our birthdays where we are only two years apart like oh I don't know," Maya said as she looked at an imaginary watch on her wrist. "In January which is only about a few months away, so how about this? We get to hold hands for six weeks out of the year. I'll take it," Maya proposed as Josh sat there thinking in deep thought.

It was hard to deny there was an obvious attraction between them and as much as he would've liked to get together with her then and there, he knew they needed time. And judging by the idea Maya pitched he figured she thought the same too. If they were ever going to get together, it had to be right. Not within a period of time when they were only 2 years apart, although it was tempting. No it had to be when they were ready regardless of the age difference. It had taken him a long time to come to terms with his feelings for her and with a girl as special as Maya Hart, she deserved the best.

"We could do that and since we already kissed we could add that into your deal," Josh began causing the blonde to blush madly. "But I like my idea better," Josh finished bragging hoping she was interested in his proposition.

Maya nodded her head at him motioning for him to continue. Well here goes nothing.

"You once said you were playing the long game. Are you still playing it?" Josh asked watching her eyes light up before her expression grew serious. What is going on in that gorgeous head of hers? He wondered as she played with her hair nervously before answering.

"Yeah I am," Maya began lost in thought before speaking up once more. "But remember last night by the campfire I said I'd tell you who I liked, but never got around to telling you?" Maya asked nervously.

"Yeah," Josh breathed watching her eyes shine. He didn't realize she forgot to reveal who she liked that night when she proposed she didn't like Lucas. However, after the kiss they shared they've been implying they liked each other which he didn't have a problem with. But now with the topic addressed it meant everything to him. He wanted to hear her say those words and more importantly, he wanted to finally say them back.

"Well even though we're been implying things I'd thought it'd be just nice to answer that question," she began before taking a deep breath and opening her heart out to him. "I like you Josh. It's you I like," she finished her voice slightly cracking in the process.

Josh felt his heart swell as he gazed at the blonde beauty before him. Never had he seen her so insecure and hopeful at the same time. A year ago, she had told him those exact words and at the time he said nothing because she frightened him and was unable to accept that he may have felt the same way towards her. Now here he was a year later, only he was sure of himself and he wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.

"I like you too," Josh replied full of emotion staring into her eyes lovingly. "And I never want you to not be a part of my life," he finished watching her face light up. He had finally shared his feelings outload to the blonde and was pleased by her reaction. "So how about we try this?" he began only to be interrupted by the blonde.

"Boyfriend and girlfriend right now!" Maya exclaimed as he shook his head no.

"No Maya not yet. I want us to have time to grow," Josh tried to explain laughing as the blonde cut him off once.

"I know Boing. Can't blame a girl for trying though," Maya joked as they shared a laugh before she spoke up once more. "Boyfriend and girlfriend eventually," Maya tried again as Josh found himself getting flustered by her second proposition. The thought of holding her hand in public, putting an arm around her at family gatherings, introducing her to his family and his friends as his girlfriend, going to her prom, taking her to art galleries, sharing kisses with her, and being a part of her life more than just a friend, it was unbelievable. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted his fantasy to become a reality regardless of the wait. Shooting him a knowing look as Josh got lost in his thought, he turned away trying to hide the huge smile on his face from Maya.

"You didn't say no!" Maya exclaimed as Josh noticed her eyes lighting up and the megawatt smile on her face.

"You have to say something," Maya pressed on as Josh found himself covering his eyes with his hand as he rubbed his brow too bashful to speak. The girl had him whipped. If she kept on doing this to him, the long game for them wouldn't be very long not that he was complaining.

"I'll play the long game," Josh agreed laughing as he removed his hand from his eye turning to face the blonde before him. Knowing his face was bright red, he tried to calm himself down before speaking once more. "You live your life, I'll live my life. You'll know I'm out there," he paused getting choked up as the blonde stared at him tenderly. She really is my Topanga. Josh thought before finishing his thought. "And I'm out there too," he finished choking out the last line.

"That's your deal?" Maya asked smiling at him.

"That's my deal," Josh agreed as Maya looked down at his hand. She probably wants me to shake on this deal. Josh mused as stuck out his hand. "Someday?' he offered.

"Someday," Maya agreed taking his hand and shaking it.

Josh smiled holding onto her hand enjoying its warmth and paused mid shake noticing she was hanging on a bit too long. "Let go," Josh teased as Maya stared at his hand longingly.

"Someday," Maya teased back squeezing his hand with no intentions of letting go anytime soon.

Staring at each other, he couldn't believe what had happened between them was reality. It felt too good to be true, yet here he was with his crush who he admitted his feelings to. Nature was finally on his side. "I really like you Maya," Josh spoke up after a while as he squeezed her hand.

"I really like you too Josh," Maya confessed back.

"Good. I was afraid you'd think otherwise because I suggested that we'd play the long game for a bit. It's not because of the age difference if that's what you're wondering because honestly it doesn't bother me. I just want us to have time to grow and get to know each other a bit more before we can date because Maya," he paused debating if he should tell her his reason. It was very serious and he didn't want to scare her off. But with her eyes begging him to go on, he decided to go for it. "I want us to last. I don't want this to be some fling. When we get together, I want it to be for a very long time," Josh confessed watching her eyes light up. It appeared the blonde beauty felt the same way.

"Josh," she began shyly leaning towards him as Josh began to process what she was getting out. "I know we said someday and this may go against the rules but-"

Josh gently interrupted her train of thought by pressing his lips gently against hers. He just couldn't help himself. The way she asked was cute plus he had a feeling if moments like this came up, their someday would come sooner rather than later.

Pulling apart, he gently rested his forehead against hers as she smiled at him. "How did you know I wanted you to kiss me?" Maya asked.

"Lucky guess. Besides I wanted to too. If this keeps up, our someday may come sooner rather than later," Josh teased as they chuckled.

"Good. And no interruptions. I'm impressed," Maya remarked as Josh shushed her. He didn't want her to jinx it. It seemed as if someone was always interrupting their moments.

"Shhhh don't jinx it," he warned her as she playfully rolled her eyes at him. Here's hoping she's right about no interruptions. Josh thought wanting to pull her close. Smiling, he pulled her into a hug that Maya immediately returned as he held her close, savoring her warmth pleased that they were finally alone.

Despite all the difficulties they had faced, it was all over. No more triangles, no more hiding feelings, and no more confusion. Everything was out in the open and was crystal clear. And since there was no going back, it was time for Josh to embark on journey he had wanted to go on. A journey where he couldn't lose himself, but he could grow as a person with his feelings for the blonde known. It was time to play the game that Maya had starting playing years ago, only now he was ready to join her. The game finally had its player two. It was time to play the long game to their someday.