A Weekend in Paris

A/N-This is it! The final chapter, I can't believe it! This story has been so much fun to write and I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. This one chapter wraps up two stories, Farkle Meets the New Year and A Weekend in Paris. This is the fluffiest piece of fanfiction I've written, so beware, you may get a sugar rush! Lol...let me know what you think!

Chapter 12

"A Week in Paris"

Monday, August 14, 2023, the loft of Maya and Riley, New York City

It was 5 o'clock in the late afternoon when Riley finally arrived back at the loft she shared with Maya. She and Lucas had just flown in from Texas and the taxi they took from the airport had just left to take Lucas back to the apartment he shared with Josh in her parent's building. Maya and Josh weren't due to return from Pennsylvania until Friday, Riley was honestly happy for the peace and quiet. She loved Lucas and being on the ranch but she was ready for some alone time. Time just to be Riley. Sarah had vacated the apartment a month ago when she and Zay had returned to the city from their own trip to Texas. It seems Zay had asked Sarah to move in with him and she accepted. Since Zay lived next door it was easy for them to keep an eye on things until Riley and Maya returned.

Riley had pulled her big suitcase into her room and threw it on her bed when she heard a noise come from the small kitchen of the loft. Riley grabbed the baseball bat that she kept next to her bedroom door for emergencies. She quietly walked out of her room when she heard the faucet running. Why would a burglar need to run water? She moved closer to the wall that went all the way to the kitchen counter. She would walk slowly and quietly until she could see who was in the kitchen. She was scared but hoped it would be Zay or Sarah. The closer she got to the kitchen the faster and harder her heart was beating. She wished she'd thought to pick up her phone to dial 911. She tiptoed along the wall with the bat held up over her head, hoping whoever it was wouldn't hear her. She was about halfway to the kitchen counter when she heard glass breaking. She thought about running back to her bedroom and locking the door, but the next thing she heard eased every fear she had.

No one knew that Maya and Josh were leaving Philly earlier than originally planned. They decided they had missed their friends so much that they wanted to surprise them. They had gotten back into the city about 1 o'clock that same afternoon and for some reason once Josh dropped her off, all Maya had wanted to do was sleep in her own bed. It had been 2 months and 10 days since she had been able to and even though Morgan Matthew's old bed was comfortable it still wasn't her own. After Josh helped her bring her bags upstairs to her room she kissed him goodbye and headed straight to her bed. She didn't plan on sleeping for 4 hours but was glad she did, now she could stay up late and clean the loft. It wasn't messy by any means but she wanted it to look nice for Riley. She needed to go the market as well, there was no food in the place, not even a bottle of water. She was so excited to see Riley and catch up. This is the longest she'd ever been apart from her.

When she woke up Maya went into the kitchen to get a drink of water. She pulled a glass out of the cabinet. She didn't remember turning on any lights, but there was one on in the living room, maybe Josh turned it on. She turned on the faucet and filled her glass with cold water. Once she emptied the glass she turned to put it in the sink, but it slipped out of hand and hit the floor, shattering in what looked like a million pieces.

"Crap!" Maya said. She hadn't bothered to put on a pair of shoes after her nap, she was going to have to climb on the counter to get out of the kitchen without getting glass in one of her feet. The kitchen was so small that it only took her a couple steps to get to the counter that opened the kitchen up to the living room. As she jumped to the floor she got a surprise that nearly gave her a heart attack!

"Riles! What are you doing here? When did you get here? Why do you have that baseball bat?" Maya asked, still startled to see her best friend.

"Peaches!" Riley yelled. She saw the startled look on Maya's face but just grabbed her friend and hugged her all while Maya was asking a million questions.

The two were so happy to see each other and immediately started talking, the broken glass was forgotten.

Monday, August 14, 2023, at the Apartment of Josh and Lucas

Lucas was happy to be back in New York. He had missed the sights and sounds of the city and couldn't wait to get back to his job and school. This was his last semester before vet school and he was excited about the next phase of his life. He and Riley had made a few plans about the wedding but no date had been set yet.

Lucas paid the taxi and took his bags from the sidewalk and headed up the steps of the brownstone. He unlocked the door, letting himself in the building and placed his bags just inside the door. He pulled the largest suitcase down the hall to his apartment. He was getting ready to unlock it when he heard a whoop coming from inside. He had forgotten that Cory and Auggie had been using his and Josh's apartment as their man cave for the summer. He quietly opened the door and had to laugh at an oblivious Cory and Auggie. They were so engrossed in the Phillies vs. Mets game they didn't even hear him come through the door. He quietly rolled his bag into the living room and headed back down the hall for the rest of his stuff. When he came back they still didn't hear him. He quietly closed the door and walked over to the couch and sat down next to Auggie.

"Hey Aug, will you pass me the popcorn?" Lucas asked.

Without taking his eyes from the TV, Auggie handed him the bowl of popcorn and said, "Sure, here you go, Lucas."

Lucas couldn't believe what he was seeing. He was about ready to say something else when Josh walked in the room. He walked right past Lucas and to the chair sitting next to the other end of the couch. All the Matthews men in the room had their eyes glued to the TV and not one of them gave Lucas being there a second thought. He set the bowl of popcorn back on the table, got up and opened the front door and slammed it as hard as he could. Still, not one of them even blinked. Lucas was dumbfounded.

Josh knowing full well that Lucas was in the room, looked at his brother and asked, "Cory did you just hear something?"

"Not a thing, What about you, Aug?" Cory asked his son without ever taking his eyes off the game.

"I didn't hear nothing, what about you, Lucas?" Auggie asked trying to hide a grin.

Lucas saw Auggie trying not to smile, "You guys really want to do this? I guess if I'm not wanted here I'll just go back to Riley's place and sleep there for the night, see ya."

That got Lucas more attention than he wanted. Cory ran to the door and threw himself against it, "I don't think so, Friar! Let me have those boots!"

For once in his life, Lucas happily pulled the boots off his feet and handed them to Cory, "here ya go, Dad."

"Uh-uh, don't call me Dad, you can't say things like that about my daughter and then try to be all nice!" Cory took the boots and threw them across the room.

"What did you say about my sister?" Auggie was only 14 but he was as tall as the other men in the room and he walked over to Lucas and grabbed his shirt and was in his face.

"I was only kidding, Aug, please let go of my shirt," Lucas said as nice as he could.

Auggie's face softened into a huge smile, "I don't have it in me to hurt that pretty face of yours, besides we all know you could whoop me good." He let go of Lucas' shirt and smoothed it out. "Welcome home big brother! We got ya!"

Josh walked over to Lucas and put an arm around his shoulder, "Welcome home, Howdy! Did we have you worried?"

Lucas shrugged his shoulders and answered, "I was beginning to think something was seriously wrong, what are you doing here? I thought you and Maya were going to be in Philly until Friday?"

"Topanga told Maya that you and Riley weren't due back until tomorrow, we wanted to surprise you. I guess we did," Josh said with that trademark grin plastered across his face.

Cory had walked across the room to pick up Lucas' shoes. When he got back to where the others were standing, he handed Lucas his boots and put his hand on Lucas' shoulder, "no more stealing your shoes. I know it's been a while but, I'm done, you and Riley, together forever, you've more than proven yourself to me Lucas, welcome home, Son."

Lucas just laughed at the antics of the Matthews men and decided it was indeed good to be home with his family.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023, Riley and Maya's place and Topanga's Bakery

Riley didn't mean to sleep until 9 a.m. the next morning, but she and Maya had stayed up late talking, the two of them were all caught up on what's been going on in each other's lives. She had called Lucas before she fell asleep to tell him goodnight. The two of them decided to ask their respective roommates to have lunch with them the next day. They would all meet at Topanga's at 11. Riley got up and went into the bathroom to shower, she wore shorts and a tank top and braided her hair and added a bit of lip gloss. Maya was already up and dressed and was talking to Josh on the phone. Riley sat down next to her., but Maya didn't seem to notice her there.

"Yeah, I know we have to tell everyone, but let's start with Riley and Lucas," Maya said quietly.

"Think they'll be surprised?" she asked whoever she was talking to.

Riley had the feeling she walked in on a private conversation between Josh and Maya so she cleared her throat so that Maya would know that she was there.

Maya was startled when she heard Riley, wondering how much of the conversation she had heard.

"Hey, Riley's awake," she said into the phone and offered up a smile for Riley. "Yeah, we'll see you in a little bit, love you too."

Maya hung up the phone and looked at her best friend who had the biggest smile on her face, "what's that smile for?"

"Maya, you told Josh that you loved him, when did that happen and when were you going to tell me about it?" Riley asked as she grabbed Maya's hand.

"Well, you know, it just kinda slipped out one night after we got to Amy and Allen's," Maya answered.

"It 'kinda' slipped out? What's that mean and why didn't you tell me?" Riley asked, sounding a bit hurt.

"Riles, I'm sorry! It just happened, you should have seen how cute he was when he realized what he said," Maya said with a dreamy look on her face.

"Wait, Josh said if first? Where were you when he said it? Did you say it back right away and how did he act when you did?" Riley was genuinely happy for her Uncle and best friend.

"So many questions, Riles! Ok. We had taken a walk one night and stopped to look at the stars and he just let it slip. He just looked at me and said that he thinks he found his Topanga and told me that he was in love with me. His face and ears turned red, he was adorable. Yes, I said it back and he had one of those Riley smiles on his face. It was the second-best moment of my life." Maya told her as she stood up and walked to the kitchen for a bottle of water.

"Wait, second best? Shouldn't the man of your dreams telling you he loves you be the best moment?" Riley asked while following Maya to the kitchen. "Hold on! Something else happened, didn't it? Did you and Josh…?" Riley couldn't finish her question because Maya's hand was suddenly over her mouth.

Maya's cheeks were a little redder, but she was not discussing any details with Riley, "I'm not discussing this with you, so don't ask, or I'll ask about you and Lucas."

Riley's eyes got bigger and she was the one turning red. She pulled Maya's hand from her mouth and turned an imaginary key in an imaginary lock and said, "not another word shall escape these lips on that subject."

They just looked at each other and laughed. They noticed the time and decided to head to the bakery to enjoy a smoothie before the guys arrived.

They had gotten a table out on the patio and Katy has stopped by to congratulate Riley and sneak a peek at her ring, with Topanga.

As Josh approached the table he said, "Well if it isn't the four prettiest ladies in the whole city!"

"Josh!" Riley said with an excited squeal. She stood and walked right past Lucas to give Josh a hug.

"Riley!" Josh said back. He had missed Riley a lot. When she pulled away from him he looked at her and had to admit he liked that smile on her face.

"Something sure has that smile glued to your face. Is it this beautiful ring or my roommate?" he asked with a smile.

"I should hope it's both," Lucas said walking over to kiss Riley.

Maya stood and gave Josh a hug and a kiss and greeted Lucas.

"Hey, Huckleberry, glad to have you and Riles back," Maya was happy to see him.

Lucas thought something seemed off about Maya and asked for a minute to talk to Riley. Josh and Maya walked into the bakery with Katy and Topanga.

"What's wrong, Lucas?" Riley asked.

"Is something going on with Maya, she was nice to me? She wasn't her usual sunshiny self," he said sarcastically.

Riley was bouncing up and down and couldn't hold it in any longer, "she and Josh said their first I love you to each other while they were in Philly! Isn't that wonderful?"

"And she just told you about it today?" Lucas knew that was something Maya would move heaven and earth to tell Riley about, yet she didn't. She waited until they were both back in the city, something wasn't right.

"Riley isn't that a little strange, you and Maya tell each other everything," he said to her.

Riley could feel the heat in her cheeks when she looked up at Lucas and said, "Not everything, babe."

Lucas gave her a nervous smile and scratched the back of his head, "that's good to know, but something isn't right. Josh never mentioned a word to me."

"Maybe they weren't ready to go public with it. I did overhear her talking to him on the phone this morning about having something they need to tell us, maybe that's it. I'm sure she's just nervous. Can we go inside and order food? I'm starving!" Riley pulled her hand out of his and headed inside without waiting for him to respond.

Lucas followed Riley into the bakery and to the booth in the back that Josh and Maya were sitting in. Katy came by and took their orders. Josh and Riley were talking about everything under the sun and Maya would join in on occasion. She tried to keep up appearances but something was wrong. Just after they finished eating Riley grabbed his hand under the table and he looked at her. He saw the concern on her face. She knew Maya better than anyone and knew that something was terribly wrong. They both also noticed the way Josh kept wringing his hands like he was nervous.

After Katy made a final stop at their table, Riley got an idea, "How about we go for a walk? It's a beautiful afternoon."

Maya and Josh both jumped at the chance to get out of the bakery. The pair headed out the door before Riley and Lucas could even exit the booth.

"You see it too?" Lucas asked her.

"Oh yeah, neither one of them is acting normal. Hopefully, they'll tell us what's going on." Riley answered.

The four of them walked up the stairs and crossed the street to head to the nearest park. Maya smiled when she saw where they were. This park is where she was almost arrested in the ninth grade. The statue of the children still stood and you could still make out the mural she painted. It made her feel good to know that no one had painted over her own work. She wished Farkle could be here with them, this was an important to place to her, Riley, Lucas and Farkle.

Josh had heard the story of Christopher Park a few times and couldn't believe he was standing here. He watched as Maya, Riley, and Lucas talked about the statue and the night Maya had vandalized the park. They had all come so far since then. His eyes lingered on Maya, he didn't know how his niece and Lucas would take their news. Part of him wanted to grab Maya's hand and run as far away as they could get. He knew telling their parents would be the hardest but honestly, he wasn't looking forward to telling any of them.

"So, this is the famous Christopher Park I've heard about?" Josh asked.

"It sure is, there's my hope mural. I have to say, I'm kind of happy to see it still here after all these years." Maya answered.

"This was the place we got Maya back," Riley said.

Lucas walked over to the trio, "It sure is. Now it can be the place that the two of you tell us what's going on with you."

"What are you talking about, Huckleberry? Boing and I are fine, better than fine actually." Maya wasn't ready just yet.

"Come on, Maya, Riley overheard you on the phone. You and Josh have both been preoccupied tonight and you haven't made fun of me once." Lucas told her.

"You can tell us anything, we won't judge you. We love you guys," Riley added.

"We love you, too," Maya replied. "We should just tell them, they are our best friends and family, this is the right place to start, Josh. "

Josh smiled at her and grabbed her hand, "I know you're right." He turned to Lucas and Riley, "we just don't know what the two of you will say and don't want you to think less of us."

"Think less of you?" Lucas asked, "As a group, we've always been able to share things and if Farkle, Isadora, Zay, and Sarah were here they would tell you the same thing. We're your friends, we know who you are. We won't judge you."

"It's not like the two of you could have done anything so awful, what did you do? Run off and get married, you two wouldn't do anything like that." Riley said with a laugh, looking at Lucas who laughed with her. When she looked back at Josh and Maya they looked like two little kids who had been caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

"Wait a minute," Lucas said when he saw the looks on their faces. "You didn't do that did you?"

Josh gave Maya a questioning look, "we have to tell them."

"How did she guess that?" she asked.

"Wait, what did you say, Peaches?" Riley walked closer to her best friend, waiting for an answer. She noticed Josh reach in his pocket and pull something out and hand it to Maya.

"What is that Josh?" Riley asked, moving even closer to the pair. She watched with an open mouth as Josh and Maya held up what appeared to be wedding rings.

"Is that what I think it is?" Lucas asked.

"I think it's what we think it is," Riley answered him.

They watched as Josh placed a gold wedding band on Maya's finger and then as Maya did the same for Josh. "We got married!" Josh said, smiling.

Riley and Lucas looked on in disbelief. The two of them were standing with their mouths open, in shock.

Maya reached up and closed both of their mouths, "Surprise?"

Riley grabbed Maya's hand and held it up to look at the ring, she did the same with Josh. She had no words. She just grabbed both Josh and Maya and hugged them.

"I guess Riley's happy for us," Josh said. "What about you, Howdy?"

Lucas was still in shock and didn't quite know what to say so he just shook his head yes and reached out and shook Josh's hand.

Riley had let go of Josh but held onto Maya a bit longer, "I don't know what to say. I was just kidding when I said that." She finally let go of Maya but they both had started crying. "If this is what the two of you want and if you're happy then I'm happy for you!"

Lucas finally found his words, "I'm happy for the two of you as well, shocked but happy." He looked down at Maya and opened his arms for a hug which she accepted. I just can't believe it, when did all of this happen. Riley was telling me about the first I love you earlier, but this is news."

"How did the two of you pull it off and who knows and who doesn't? What day did you get married? Where did you get married? Please, tell us everything!" Riley was bubbling over with excitement and rambling.

"We'll tell you everything you want to know, but can we go home first, I don't want everyone hearing this," Maya asked.

"Yeah, let's go back to the guy's apartment," Riley suggested.

The walk back to the guy's apartment took them about 20 minutes and there wasn't much said on the way there. Once they got in the apartment, Josh got everyone a bottle of water from the fridge and everyone found a place to sit. Riley, Maya, and Josh were on the couch and Lucas was on the arm of the couch closest to Riley.

"So, tell us everything!" Riley and Lucas said simultaneously.

"Well, it all happened the day Lucas proposed to you, Riley. After you called to tell us all the news, Josh and I decided to go for a walk. This was when he told me he was in love with me, I told you that Riles, but I didn't tell you that he asked me to marry him, too." Maya explained.

"We were so excited for you and Lucas, the whole family was, but I just wished that it was me that had proposed to Maya. We went for our walk and I told her how happy I was for the two of you and it kind of turned into talk about us and our relationship. Maya asked me where I saw us heading and that's when I told her she was my Topanga and that I was in love with her. I could have stopped there but I had to tell her everything that was in my heart. I kind of got down on one knee and asked her to marry me." Josh continued.

"I said yes! I was jealous and wished it was me announcing my engagement. We kept to it ourselves, we didn't want to steal your thunder. The next day we were going to Atlantic City and we went to a casino that had one of those silly wedding chapels in the lobby. I looked at him and he looked at me and it just felt right. It was just us and it was perfect. We spent the night in the honeymoon suite." Maya was blushing by this point.

"We spent the next three nights in Atlantic City and the rest of the summer sneaking around to be together. It's been an adventure. Something I knew life with Maya would always be." Josh said while looking into Maya's eyes.

Lucas looked at Riley and could tell she had wheels spinning in her head. He knew that look on her face.

"Wait, no one knows, but us?" Riley asked. "What about Grandma and Grandpa? Uncle Shawn and Katy need to know. My parents will want to know and all of our friends and family. Where will you two live? You can't keep living apart." Riley had so many thoughts.

Josh looked at his niece and said, "Slow down, Riley. We will tell everyone, just not yet. Telling the two of you was nerve wracking enough, you made it easy on us. I don't want to think about our parents, your parents. None of them will be happy. As for the living arrangements, Maya and I have thought about that."

"What are you thinking, roomie?" Lucas asked.

"Josh and I want to live in the loft. It's a bit farther from JQA for Josh but it's closer to the gallery for me. We want the two of you to have the apartment, it's close to NYU, the bakery, and the animal clinic. What do you think?" Maya asked.

"It sounds like the two of you thought everything through, except for one thing. My Dad will never go for me and Lucas living together before we get married and in the same building as him, no way." Riley said.

"Riles, you're engaged and there are two bedrooms here. I know you don't want to move back in with them and you shouldn't have to. We're all adults and you and Lucas are engaged now. Surely Matthews will be okay with it," Maya was pleading.

"I don't know, Maya. You know how he is." Riley just didn't think he'd go for it and Lucas would be stuck with an apartment he couldn't afford on his own.

"Riley, he may just go for it. Remember me telling you about what your dad, Auggie, and Josh pulled on me when I got home yesterday? Your dad said something to me. He told me no more stealing my shoes, that he was done. He knew that you and I belong together." Lucas told her.

"Hmm, I wonder if he really meant it?" Riley asked, she had an idea but didn't know if Josh and Maya would go for it. "I'm fine moving in with Lucas as long as you guys tell everyone that you're married. It's the only way it will work. You do it tonight, I don't want the two of you spending any more nights apart."

Maya looked at Josh, "What do you think? We can video chat with your parents beforehand and then have my parents and Cory and Topanga here and tell them, Zay and Sarah, too. We can tell Farkle and Smackle, as well. It will be morning in Australia soon. I'm tired of walking on egg shells."

"Let's do it, Mrs. Matthews!" Josh said as he kissed her.

"Oh, no!" Riley said

"What is it, babe?" Lucas asked her.

Maya was concerned by the look on Riley's face, "Riles, what's wrong?"

"I just realized that you're my Aunt!" Riley said. "You told me in the seventh grade that you would be my aunt one day and now you are."

"Don't worry Riles, I would never make you call me Aunt Maya, but once you and Huckleberry get married, he has to," Maya said flashing a sinister grin to Lucas

"Great, just great!" Lucas said, shaking his head.

"It's okay, roomie, I already told you I'd never make you call me uncle!" All Josh could do was laugh.

"Yeah, thanks for that, at least," Lucas didn't find any of it humorous.

Four months had passed since the day Josh and Maya had told Riley and Lucas about their marriage. They did what Riley had asked them to do that night and told their family and friends the truth. Everyone was surprised and happy for the young couple. The only person that was unhappy about it was Shawn. He was happy that Josh and Maya were together, but he was upset because he had been robbed of walking Maya down the aisle to give her away at a wedding. That was something he had looked forward to ever since he adopted her. Riley couldn't stand to see Shawn upset so, Riley, Lucas, Zay and Sarah threw an impromptu wedding and reception for Josh and Maya. It was held on the roof of the Matthews building. Riley was the maid of honor and Lucas was the best man. Maya walked down the aisle on Shawn't arm and he happily handed her over to Josh. Cory performed the ceremony and got a little teary eyed. It turned put to be a perfect day.

Josh had moved into the loft with Maya and they were happier than they had ever been. The only real problem Josh had with living in the loft were the frequent visits from next door neighbor, Zay. Even Sarah couldn't stop him.

Cory Matthews didn't have any concerns with Riley moving in with Lucas, it seems he meant what he said to Lucas. Of course, that didn't stop him from dropping in on them at random times of the day and trying to give them as much trouble as possible. He only did it because that's what everyone expected from him.

Sunday, December 31, 2023, 8:00 p.m. At the apartment of Riley Matthews & Lucas Friar

It was New Year's Eve and time for Riley's annual party. This year she and Lucas were hosting in their own apartment, it was going to be a much smaller gathering than previous years. Just the two of them and Zay, Sarah, Maya, and Josh. The real party would be held next weekend when Farkle and Smackle were due back from Australia. The gang couldn't wait to see them, they had genuinely missed the geniuses.

Riley had just finished getting dressed and walked into the living room when she heard the speaker box. It was Zay and Sarah. Lucas had buzzed them up and opened the apartment door. Lucas turned on some music while Riley was putting some food out on the coffee table.

"Time to get this party started, Zay and Sarah are here!" Zay said as they came through the door.

Lucas greeted them and said, "it's not that kind of party this year Zay, it's just the six of us tonight. The big party is next weekend, remember?"

"Yeah, I remember, I was just trying to liven the place up. It's kind of quiet in here." Zay answered.

Riley walked into the room and hugged both Zay and Sarah. "Things will liven up once Maya and Josh get here. Plus Lucas and I have a surprise planned."

Zay elbowed Lucas in the side, "What's the surprise?"

"I've been sworn to secrecy, she'll hurt me if I tell you," Lucas told him.

"Can I talk to you in private for a minute?" Zay asked Lucas.

"Sure, let's go out in the hall," Lucas suggested.

"No, I don't want anyone to over hear me and with Josh and Maya on their way, I don't want to risk it," Zay said, he was being too serious.

"We can go out on the fire escape if you want, is that private enough?" Lucas asked.

Zay nodded his head, yes and Lucas turned to tell Riley where he would be.

"Is Zay okay?" Riley asked Sarah.

"I guess, he's been acting weird all day. He's a little jumpy and won't tell me what's wrong," Sarah said.

"That's not like Zay, maybe he'll be in a better mood after his talk with Lucas?" Riley was trying to ease her mind.

Out on the fire escape, Lucas asks Zay, "What's up?"

"I need your help, man. I have something I've been wanting to do since Christmas and I just can't get past my nerves." Zay explained.

"What are you up to, Zay?" Lucas was curious.

Zay reached into his pocket and pulled out a box, he held it up for Lucas to see. All Lucas could do was smile from ear to ear. He knew what was in that box.

"May I?" he asked.

"That's why I'm holding it up like this." Zay was in no mood.

"Calm down, Zay." Lucas could only smile. He took the box out of Zay's hand and opened it. It was a beautiful solitaire diamond ring with a smaller diamond on each side of the center stone in a white gold setting. Lucas smiled and handed the box back to Zay. "Sarah's a lucky girl, why are you having so much trouble with this?"

"My nerves just get the better of me and I can't get the words out, what if she says no?" Zay was honestly worried about that.

"Zay, this is Sarah we're talking about. She's been waiting for you to pop the question since Texas. She loves you and there is no way she's going to say no." Lucas thought Zay was just overthinking things.

"Are you sure?" Zay asked.

"I'm 100% sure that there is no way Sarah Carpenter will say no to your proposal, man," Lucas answered, giving his friend a pat on the back. "I'll give you an opening, kind of like we did with Yogi last year. You just get right in there and say what's in your heart."

"That sounds like a plan, just hope the words come," Zay said.

"The day you can't find the right words to say or any words for that matter is the day I don't ever want to see. Lucas said with a laugh. "Can we go inside now, it's kind of cold out here? Josh and Maya should be here soon."

They walked back inside of the warm apartment and sure enough, Maya and Josh had just arrived. Zay greeted his friends and sat on the couch next to his girlfriend. He smiled at her and took her hand in his, "Sarah, I'm sorry for how I've been acting today, I've just had some things on my mind and needed Lucas's opinion on something. I promise I'll be on my best behavior for the rest of the night."

Sarah was happy to hear that whatever was bothering him had passed. "Anything you want to share with me?"

"I promise that you will know what's going on with me by the end of the evening, ok?" he said.

"If you say so, baby," Sarah said with a smile. She wasn't too sure about it but she was going to stick it out.

They spent the next two hours watching a movie and talking among themselves. At 10 p.m. Riley called for everyone's attention and said that she and Lucas have an announcement.

"Lucas and I have a surprise for all of you," She grabbed Lucas's hand and was just about to speak when the door bell rang,

"Who could that be, everyone that's supposed to be here is already here," Riley said, as Lucas walked to the door and used the peep hole. He turned and looked at everyone with a big smile.

"I think we've just gotten a delivery all the way from Australia!" He said with a huge grin on his face.

"Australia, what do you mean, Huckleberry?" Maya asked, everyone, got up and walked toward the door.

"Open the door Lucas, don't keep these people waiting," Riley said. Just as she was about to open the door for him, he opens it and none of them could believe what they were seeing on the other side.

"SURPRISE!" the two of them said at the same time! Farkle Minkus and Isadora Smackle were standing in the door way.

Riley walked over to them and grabbed Isadora's hands, squeezing them to make sure she was real, "You're really here?" she grabbed one of Farkle's hands, as well and sure enough they were both there.

"You bet we're real, Bubbles!" Smackle said. Riley pulled both of them through the door and took a turn hugging each of them. "We just got in and this is the only place we wanted to be."

Maya was next to hug Farkle, "I'm so glad you got to come home a few days early, we've missed you so much!"

"It feels great to be home Maya, or do I have to call you Mrs. Matthews?" Farkle joked.

"You only call me Maya, Smackle I have to say, it looks like Sydney was good to the two of you," Maya said.

"It was we had so much fun in the city and enjoyed it so much. It appears that marriage has been good for you and your Boing. I'm very happy for you Maya." Smackle added.

"Thank you, Smackle. I have to say I do like being married," Maya said.

While everyone was greeting Farkle and Isadora, Riley noticed Lucas standing back and enjoying the reunion.

"Did you know about the two of them returning early?" she asked him.

"I did, Farkle texted me this morning and told me that the two of them were on their way home and should be back in the city, just in time for the new year. It was their idea to come here before heading to their own homes. " Lucas explained.

"We're all together again, isn't it wonderful, this night just keeps getting better and better. Speaking of, do you think they are ready for our surprise?" Riley asked.

"I think they are, want me to get their attention?" he asked.

"Yes, please." She kissed his cheek in thanks.

Lucas used a whistle he always used when he was working with the horses on Pappy Joe's ranch, needless to say, it worked like a charm. He had everyone's attention in no time.

Riley started over, "As I was saying before Farkle and Isadora's wonderful return, Lucas and I have a surprise for all of you…"

"I'm sorry Riley, is it okay if I have the floor for a moment? I won't take long." Zay interrupted

"Uh…sure, Zay, if it's that important." Riley couldn't believe the night she was having, It must not be meant for her to make this announcement tonight.

"Hey everyone, first I want to say that I'm very happy that Farkle and Smackle are home from Australia and that topping that surprise might be a little hard, but I'm going to try." Zay took a deep breath and took Sarah by the hand and pulled her to the middle of the room between the living room and dining area.

Sarah had no idea what was going on but maybe this is what has had Zay on edge all day.

"Sarah, thank you for coming back into my life. It was just a little over a year ago, wasn't it? You were just getting out of a bad relationship and I was, well I was looking for someone. I wasn't sure at the time who that someone was going to be, but then I ran into you at the bakery. We reconnected that day as friends and after a while, we connected as something more. I thank God every day that you are here, I love you, Sarah. I never experienced real love until you. I thought I knew what it was all about, I mean look around us, these people in this room accepted me into their lives and have shown me the true meaning of friendship and how it can blossom into something stronger and much more meaningful. I think that describes us, we were friends in middle school and high school, but then we weren't, then we were. That grew into the love we share now. I love you, Sarah Carpenter and you're my best friend and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Zay paused.

"What?" Sarah couldn't believe what he was saying.

Zay pulled the ring box from his pocket, opened it and got down on one knee. "Sarah Jane Carpenter will you marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?" he had tears in his eyes and Sarah was speechless.

Riley was in tears and there was no way she could be mad at Zay for the interruption. This was way more important than what she and Lucas had to announce. Maya and Smackle were crying as well and Farkle, Lucas, and Josh couldn't help but smile.

Sarah looked around the room to see that everyone was waiting for her answer, she looked at Zay down on one knee in front of her and knew that this is the moment she had been praying for.

"Yes, Zay. I will marry you!" she said through tears.

There was clapping and cheering going on from the group of friends gathered in the apartment but all Zay could see was Sarah. He stood up and took the ring from the box and placed in on her left hand, he gave her a kiss and she hugged him.

Lucas and Riley were the first to congratulate them. Zay accepted the hug Riley offered him.

"I'm sorry to ruin your surprise, but I've been trying to do that since Christmas, you're not mad at me are you?" Zay asked.

"I could never be mad about that. I'm glad you did it here in front of all of us. I'm so happy for the two of you, I love you, Zay!" Riley told him.

"I love you, too, Riley. Thank you." Zay gave her another hug. Of course, Lucas was right there behind Riley, ready to offer his best wishes to his brother.

Sarah was busy showing off her ring to others, she had a beaming smile on her face.

"I thought you were going to wait for me to give you an open, man. I guess you couldn't wait any longer, huh?" Lucas had one arm around Riley's waist and the other was around Zay's shoulder.

"You were right, I was letting my nerves get the better of me, I just felt like if I didn't do it right then, that I never would," Zay said.

"I think this calls for some of that sparkling grape juice you bought, Lucas," Riley suggested.

"What, no champagne?" Zay asked with a smirk. He knew all about Riley's last experience with champagne.

Riley could feel the heat in her cheeks at the mention of champagne, all she could do was playfully punch Zay in the arm.

Riley followed Lucas to the kitchen to get the plastic champagne flutes out for him to pour the sparkling grape juice in.

"I'm so happy with the way this night is turning out, aren't you? Farkle and Izzy are home to stay and now Zay and Sarah's engagement, it's all wonderful." Riley said as she put the full glasses on a tray.

"It's a pretty good evening, I'm sorry we haven't gotten to share our surprise yet. But ours will keep a day or two if we don't get the opportunity tonight." Lucas wanted to reassure her.

"I know, but I think we should tell them, they'd be upset if we didn't." Riley wanted them to know their news, so badly.

They carried the filled glasses into the living room and Lucas made a toast, "I know it's still an hour and a half until midnight, but this night couldn't be any more perfect. Welcome home Farkle and Smackle, we have missed you more than we let on and are happy to have the two of you back in the city. Congratulations, Zay and Sarah, we wish you a lifetime of love and happiness, here's to you."

"Nobody dare take a drink, we have one more surprise to come and I think we would need another toast and more grape juice, so let's hear what Riley and Lucas' surprise is before we drink, this is their party after all," Josh said.

"It's okay, it's nothing nearly as exciting as what's already happened. We can tell you tomorrow," Riley said.

"No, my best friend has an announcement and we're all going to put our glasses down until we hear it," Maya walked over to Riley and took the glass from her hand. "Go on, Riles, tell us what it is."

"Okay, Maya. Thank you. It's just that everyone has been asking us if we have set a date for our wedding yet and we just wanted to let you all know that we have finally done it. I will become Mrs. Lucas Friar on July 20, 2024." Riley was glad that was finally out.

There was one more round of applause and Josh shouted, "To Riley and Lucas!" while holding his glass in the air.

"Now you can drink!" Maya announced and so everyone drank.

It turned out to be a night none of them would never forget, just before midnight the 8 friends went up to the roof only to be greeted by Cory, Topanga, Auggie, Ava, Shawn, and Katy. They all counted down to midnight and each couple kissed then everyone sang Auld Lang Syne.

Riley stood with Lucas as the fireworks went off, "look at all of these people, Lucas. Our family and friends all gathered to start another New Year. Did you think way back in the 7th grade that this would someday be our life?"

He smiled at her and thought about the all the years that had passed since she first fell into his lap on the subway. He had hope that one day they would be together, he just didn't know it could be as wonderful as it actually was.

"I had hope for us way back then, City Girl. There was only ever one time I almost lost hope. But we made it and we're here with people that mean the world to us. We have a pretty great life and it can only get better," he looked down at her to see tears in her eyes.

"I'm glad that brother stuff and triangle mess is behind us, it's ancient history now. I never wanted to hurt anyone, I just thought I knew what I was doing. I'm glad that we get to walk through this life together and I can't wait to be Mrs. Lucas Friar. She reached up to kiss him like she did so many years ago and he gladly returned that kiss.

Seven months have passed since New Year's and so many things have changed in the lives of Riley, Lucas and their friends. First and foremost is the fact that Riley, Lucas, Maya, Farkle, Smackle, Zay, and Sarah have all graduated from college! Pappy Joe, Marcus and Lily Bradford, Jesse and Jack Meyer and Grandma Gandy all made the trip from Texas to witness the occasion. Big changes were coming for the Friar family as Lucas' parents have decided to move back to Texas after the wedding. Pappy Joe spent the month between Lucas' graduation and the wedding in New York. His relationship with James stronger than ever. Pappy Joe also spent as much time with Riley and Lucas as he could. He took to city living pretty easy and enjoyed the sights of the city.

Lucas was accepted into the veterinary program at NYU. He was excited to be closer to his dream. Riley got a job at Abigail Adams High School teaching English and would start in the fall. She was excited to see if she could have the same impact on the lives of her students as her father had on hers. She was also excited that she would get to have Auggie as a student. Poor Auggie had to deal with his father and his sister as his teachers. Maya and Josh were getting ready to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, Josh was still teaching at JQA and Maya had some luck selling her art online, but was helping her mother at the bakery in the meantime. Farkle had decided that since he had a degree in business, he was going to change his field of study to science, that was his first love. He'd go to school and work part time for his father. Isadora was going to continue her education right along side Farkle at Princeton. Zay was working hard rehearsing for his new Off Broadway gig and Sarah had landed a job with a large event planning firm. Oh, just so you know she ended up pulling off the wedding of the year, Darby and Yogi were married on Valentine's Day in a beautiful ceremony. Yoby really is forever!

Saturday, July 20, 2024, the roof of the Matthews and Friar apartment building

It was a beautiful wedding ceremony on the roof of the apartment building, everything from the flowers to the dresses the girls in the bridal party wore was perfect. It was a small wedding, their closest friends, and family in attendance. Riley chose a beautiful ivory lace, knee length dress that was sleeveless and had flowers in her hair that had been put in a beautiful up do. Her matron of honor and bridesmaids wore beautiful knee length turquoise dresses with purple accents. The guys all looked handsome in their gray suits. Of course, Riley had asked Maya to be here Matron of Honor with Isadora and Sarah serving as her bridesmaids. Lucas had his two best men, Zay and Farkle by his side, along with Josh. Auggie and Ava were a bit old for the ring bearer and flower girl, but that is what they were happy to do for Riley and Lucas. Her parents cried as they walked her down the aisle and gave her away to Lucas. Once the officiant had pronounced them husband and wife, Lucas didn't even have to hear the words before he was kissing his beautiful bride, the whole crowd cheered for them.

After the ceremony, the chairs were moved and the food was served buffet style. Riley wouldn't let Sarah talk her into hiring a caterer for the wedding. Riley knew exactly who she wanted to prepare the food and since Pappy Joe was in New York, his cook/housekeeper, Ellie was free for the job. She brought along her cowboy Sam to help her serve the food and Riley was happy they could be there. After the food was served everyone got a chance to say something to the bride and groom. Everyone had beautiful words to say to them. Pappy Joe stood to speak and actually ended up reading the beautiful letter he had written for Riley and Lucas' engagement, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. Riley had noticed some cookies next to the cake when they cut it, they were her favorite snickerdoodles that Zay's Grandma Gandy had brought with her from Texas. After all the amazing food and beautiful words, it was time for dancing, Riley and Lucas had their first dance as husband and wife.

As they swayed to the beat of the music Lucas whispered in her ear, "Are you happy, Mrs. Friar?"

She smiled up at him, "This is the happiest day of my life, I can't believe we're finally married. I'm so happy everyone is here to share this day with us, I don't think it can get any better."

He gave her his best devilish grin, "Oh it can get better, later when we're alone, on our honeymoon."

"You never did tell me where we were going or is it a surprise?" Riley asked.

"It's a little cheesy, but we're going to Niagra Falls. I could only get a couple of days off, one of the other techs asked for 10 days of vacation time, so we have to stick close to home. I figure we can do the whole boat ride and all, they say it's really beautiful." He explained.

"I'm sure it is, and I think it's perfect, who needs Paris or even Cabo like Yogi and Darby. Besides we already had Paris, she said with a laugh.

"Someday, Riles. I will take you to France, I promised you, remember?" he asked.

"I remember," she answered. Just as she laid her head back on his shoulder she heard someone clear their voice.

"May we have your attention," it was her father. Everyone was standing around him.

She and Lucas stopped dancing realizing they were who he was talking to.

"Dad, what's going on everyone is supposed to be dancing," she told her father.

"There is plenty of time for dancing after you and Lucas open your gift," Cory said.

"Dad, we asked for no gifts, there's only a card, we decided to open it later," Lucas added.

"Luke, listen to your father-in-law, would you, son." James Friar told his son.

"Come on niche, do what your dad said," Eric Matthews was smiling at his niece.

"Ok, Uncle Eric, Lucas and I will open the card. I don't see what's so important about one card," Riley complained, "but if it means that much to all of you, we'll open it. Where is it?"

"Right here, Riles," Maya said, handing the card to Riley.

Lucas took the card from Riley's hand and opened the envelope. Inside was a beautiful generic greeting card, "On this, your wedding day we wish a lifetime of happiness," Lucas read.

He opened the card and there was a nice verse inside and something written in Topanga Matthews' perfect handwriting, "We hope that happiness follows you through all the years that you spend together. Much love, Us."

Riley took the card from him and started reading what her mother had written, "We know the two of you asked for no gifts, but we wanted to give you something extra special for your wedding day, we all got together and pooled our money and are able to spring for an all expenses paid trip to Paris, France."

She looked up with tears in her eyes and handed the card to Lucas, he read the words again but still didn't comprehend it. He looked at her and they looked at their family and friends.

Zay figured the newlyweds needed a little help, he walked over to them and put a hand on each of their arms and said, "This is our gift to you, each of us pitched in, obviously some more than others" he gave Farkle a pretend evil eye. "The two of you do so much for all of us that we wanted to do something special for you. Besides, Lucas did tell you once that the two of you would go to Paris someday. We cleared it with the doctors at the animal clinic, you have 10 days and Mr. Minkus is giving you the use of his jet, you leave out of JFK at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Lucas and Riley stood there listening to what Zay was telling them, but it didn't feel real.

"Is this really happening?" Riley asked.

"I think so," Lucas answered.

Zay pulled an envelope from his suit coat and handed it to Lucas, "all of the arrangments have been made. Car from the airport, hotel, cash, even your passports are in here, you can finally use them. All the information you need is in here."

Riley still in shock started walking around the room hugging everyone and thanking them. "I can't believe all of you would do this for us, you'll never know how much it means."

Lucas finally accepted the envelope from Zay and hugged his best friend. He started thanking everyone as well. This was a dream come true for them and he didn't quite think words were enough, "Thank you all so very much, this is our dream and you all have made it come true." Riley finally joined Lucas.

"We are so blessed to have every single one of you in lives, we love you!" she had no more words.

Someone started the music again and Lucas pocketed the envelope and took Riley into his arms, "How do you feel now, Mrs. Friar?"

"I feel wonderful. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life and I owe it all to you, Lucas. Thank you!" Riley said,

"You don't have to thank me, Riley, I love seeing you happy," he told her.

"You've done your job then, before today the happiest day of my life was the day you asked me to be your wife in front of that Paris, Texas Eiffel tower, our weekend in Paris. But our wedding day trumps that, it's been the perfect day and we get to top it off with a week in Paris. Now no matter what, we really will always have Paris."