Notes: So this is it, guys. A little sad for me because I have enjoyed writing these characters so much. BUT, it appears the general consensus is SEQUEL so I plan to start that soon so please watch for it. I love to write and this is such great practice. It doesn't hurt that I love playing with these characters and making them do what I think they should do. :) Here's hoping one day I can get to the point of writing my very own story!

Thank you so much for all the very kind reviews (although constructive criticism is also welcome). It really does help encourage me to keep writing when I have the support of others. And J- you don't have it where I can send you a private message, but the comments you left in the review made ME laugh. You are too funny! Thanks for reading!

Epilogue

"I will never understand why girls have so many clothes," Joe grumbled as he sat the last of Nancy's boxes down in the apartment she and Frank would now share.

"This coming from the man that takes longer to get ready than I do," Vanessa said rolling her eyes at her boyfriend.

"Not because of clothes!" Joe argued as Nancy laughed at their playful banter.

"We're going to get out of your hair," Vanessa said pulling her new friend in for a hug. "But if you need anything…"

"I know whom to call!" Nancy finished for her. "Thank you both. You're the best."

"We know," Joe replied giving her a wink. "Owww! What was that for?" he whined rubbing the back of his head where his girlfriend had playfully swatted it.

Vanessa just shook her head pulling him out the door. "Bye Nancy! Call us if you need anything!"

Nancy smiled to herself before turning and opening another box. She had been without most of her things for months now and despite her excitement to finally return to some sense of normalcy it was still an overwhelming task.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she shouted thinking that Joe and Vanessa must have forgotten something.

"You really should lock your door, Drew," he teased. "You never know who might come walking in. Expecting Bess and George, were you?"

Her eyes lit up at the sight of Frank standing in the doorway. "Joe and Vanessa actually, but I'm glad to see it's you. I wasn't expecting you for another couple of hours," she said eyeing him suspiciously. He had been handling transferring the lease and utilities over while Joe and Vanessa helped her move in the last boxes.

"Didn't take as long as I thought," he said with a smile giving her a quick kiss before stopping to survey the room. His eyes widened at the sheer number of boxes currently taking over his living space. "Have a bit of stuff, do you?" he asked as a slightly overwhelmed look came over his face.

Nancy laughed before throwing a pillow at him. "Boys!" she said shaking her head. "Never lived with a girl before. Get used to it."

"No, only my mother," he admitted pulling her in close. "Let's hope you are neater than Joe."

Nancy snorted at this having been privy to Joe's housekeeping skills. "Good to know you don't have very high standards," she teased.

Frank feigned shock. "Does this mean I'm not gaining a housekeeper and personal chef?"

Nancy rolled her eyes. "I have been trained to cause great bodily harm with just my bare hands. If I thought that was an even remotely serious comment I might be tempted to try it out," she said dryly starting to pull back from his embrace.

He pulled her back in a tight squeeze chuckling to himself. "There are a lot of things I expect to come from being with you, Nancy Drew," he whispered gently, "but that is definitely not one of them. Besides, I can make a mean omelet," he boasted smiling down at her proudly as he released his grip.

"Great," she said smiling up at him brightly. "Well, get to it then," she urged gesturing towards the kitchen. "I'm famished."

Frank looked startled for a moment before beginning to laugh. "Oh, I see how it is," he teased. "Fine. I'll make the best omelet you've ever tasted. But first…" he grabbed her hand and pulled her close once more. He stared down into her eyes, their faces only inches apart.

"Yes?" she whispered oblivious to the huskiness in her voice. Her heart started beating faster and harder the way it did only in close proximity to Frank Hardy.

He was quiet for a moment, continuing to look down into her eyes and gently brushing the hair out of her face before he spoke.

"I love you," he said quietly, yet firmly, the emotion pulsing through both of their bodies. "I know I have said it before and I know I will say it again," he continued. "But I am so happy to see these boxes everywhere. It means you are moving in. With me. That I get to see you every morning and every night. That I don't have to say goodbye and not knowing when I will see you again. That I can kiss you and not feel any guilt. But mostly I feel relieved." His lips touched hers in a long, slow kiss, his mouth gently caressing hers before reluctantly they pulled away.

"I'm going to make you that omelet now," he said reaching down to kiss her on the cheek.

"Frank?" she called as he started to leave the room. She smiled as he stopped and turned back towards her once again. "I love you, too."

She sat down in the new chair she and Frank had just purchased and sighed happily. For the first time in recent memory she felt like she was exactly where she belonged. And she was happy. A new beginning indeed, she thought grinning to herself.

Anyone notice the parallel to the prologue? I know it has been awhile, but trying to make it come full circle.

So that's a wrap. Please look for my next one. Hopefully coming very soon. :)