Chapter 21: Maya Meets Six Months

July

"How are you this beautiful?" Josh asked as Maya stepped closer to him. Maya's hair was down, gentle waves casting a softness over her. She had on short denim shorts and a white tank top that flowed down past her shorts on the sides. Josh could't take his eyes off of her, taking in every inch of her, his heart accelerating with every step toward him.

Maya tilted her head to the side and smiled as she rolled her eyes slightly. "How are you so cheesy?" she asked handing Josh a beer.

Josh shook his head, "I don't even care," he said, his eyes completely glued to the girl in front of him.

Maya's face softened under Josh's gaze. She suddenly felt her heart pounding against her chest as she took a shaky breath. Josh's words were full with an honesty that nearly made Maya weak. She wasn't even sure he knew exactly what he did to her.

"Come here," Josh grabbed Maya's wrist gently, pulling her to him.

Maya squealed slightly as Josh's lips collided with hers, his hands almost immediately making their way to her back pockets as hers draped over his shoulders.

"Mmm," Josh moaned into their kiss, pulling Maya even closer to him. Ever since the night Riley and Lucas got engaged, the night he and Maya spent together in the hotel in the city, Josh couldn't keep his hands off of Maya. Every thought he had she was wrapped up in, one way or another. When he thought of having coffee in the morning, his mind went to Sunday mornings together, their weekend class where she painfully drank his black coffee. When he glanced at the city around him as he walked from his apartment to Maya's, all Josh could think of was how beautifully Maya could capture it. When he looked in the mirror, he practically saw Maya standing next to him. If they were magnets before, Maya was now Josh's own source of gravity, he couldn't bear not being around her, and when he was, there was nothing he could do to keep from physically being connected to her. She was utterly and completely all-consuming.

Maya felt the exact same way. Her mind drifted to Josh in everything she did; drawing made her heart race as she heard Josh's sweet voice encouraging and praising every piece of work he'd ever seen of hers. Anytime she walked into her kitchen to attempt to make a meal, she immediately would pull out of phone, calling Josh to come over, for them to eat together. Every aspect of her life had a tint of Josh to it and a continual pull to be closer to him. Maya's heart yearned to be near Josh, as much as she tried to keep herself in check, hold Josh at just the right distance, be cool, Maya, she would try to remind herself, but she couldn't, not with him. Every part of who Maya was was heightened when she was around Josh. Maya leaned her forehead against Josh's as she gently pulled away from their kiss, her nose red and eyes closed.

Josh held Maya's face in his hands, "Maya," he breathed.

Maya scrunched her nose, "Joshua," she teased him blinking up at him.

Josh leaned in closer to Maya, their breath mixing together, "I love you,"

Maya's breath hitched as her heart sped up; hearing those words would never get old for her. She bit her bottom lip as her eyes held onto Josh's.

Josh's eyes narrowed, "Woman," he practically growled, closing the gap between them once again.

Maya laughed into their kiss as Josh's arms slinked around her, their bodies melting together.

"Come on," Josh grabbed Maya's hand, leading her back toward the door.

Maya's heart fluttered as she followed Josh inside. "The fireworks," she whined, protesting slightly. It was the 4th of July, they were on the rooftop, Maya wanted to see the fireworks.

Josh stopped and turned to Maya, grabbing her face and kissing her intensely. "Don't you worry about fireworks, beautiful,"

Maya felt her cheeks blush as she exhaled sharply. She felt a new surge of energy pulse through her and she gave Josh's hand a little extra squeeze, eliciting yet another guttural growl.

Josh couldn't contain himself and as soon as the door to his apartment closed behind Maya, he had her pressed against it, his lips attacking every inch of bare skin he saw.

Now it was Maya who let out a groan from deep within. Maya's body was on autopilot as her brain could only focus on the feeling of Josh's lips on her skin and his hands tantalizingly making their way down her body. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the door, her hands blindly reaching for the clasp of Josh's pants.

"Mmm," Josh's voice hummed against Maya's skin as her hands worked just below his waist.

Maya's eyes sprung open with a slight gasp as Josh slipped out of her grasp and lowered to his knees. Maya quickly laced her hands in Josh's hair holding onto him, keeping him right where he was. She smiled to herself as she heard the fireworks going off in the distance; don't you worry about the fireworks, beautiful Josh's voice rang through her head before she nearly collapsed into his arms, her whole body shaking, Josh setting off her own personal fireworks within her.

Josh finally stood back to his feet, his hands grasping Maya's face, crashing her lips into his. "Happy 4th of July, love," he whispered.

Maya smiled slightly as she pulled her bottom lip in, biting on it, knowing exactly what that would do to Josh.

"You do that on purpose don't you?" Josh asked, his eyes dark as he held onto Maya.

Maya raised an eyebrow, "Maybe,"

Josh quickly picked Maya up, her legs immediately wrapping around his torso. He laced his hands in her now mess of blonde hair as their lips continued their playful battle. Josh carried Maya back to his bedroom, kicking the door closed loudly behind him, eliciting a giggle from Maya as they fell onto the bed.

The fireworks continued the rest of the night, Maya occasionally noticing the ones outside, all too distracted by the ones between her and Josh that seemed to boom louder than anything happening in the night sky.

August

"No, I don't want to go back," Maya pouted as she zipped up the side of her boot.

"Yes you do," Josh shook his head. "Stop whining."

"Uh!" Maya scoffed as she threw a pillow across the room.

Josh rolled his eyes. "Come on, you love going to class,"

Maya stomped her way over to Josh, a pout sitting heavy on her lips. "Well maybe I only loved going to class because I got to see you," she said batting her eyes up at Josh, laying it on real thick.

Josh narrowed his eyes, "Oh?" he asked.

"Hah! Don't flatter yourself, Matthews, have you seen my sketch books? Phh," Maya rolled her eyes with a laugh as she brushed past Josh. "Come on, we're gonna be late,"

Josh threw his hands in the air, "You know you're literally late for everything else except class,"

"And you're even late for class," Maya reminded him. "Come on," she said with a wink as she held out her hand.

Josh clasped his hand around Maya's, the fire between them intensifying when they physically connected. It had been a few months and even still, there was nothing that made either of them feel more alive than being together. The two walked hand in hand into class, their shoulders overlapping leaving no space between them. They were greeted with a few "ohhs" and an "I knew it!" as their class finally saw their official statement of them being a couple.

Maya felt her cheeks redden with the class drawing attention to her and Josh. She felt a gentle squeeze on her hand and she glanced up at Josh who was looking at her lovingly. She smiled gently, reassured and calmed by Josh's simple look. They made their way to the back row, exactly where they sat last year.

Josh scooted his desk even closer to Maya's, subtly wrapping his inner most leg around Maya's, physically keeping her close to him.

Maya fought every urge in her to curl into Josh during their lecture. Being this close to him but having to keep their respective distance was going to be both a challenge and an exciting game to play for the next nine months. She glanced up at Josh who was clearly battling with himself to stay focused on the lecture as his eyes kept glancing Maya's direction. Maya felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She quickly pulled it out, puzzled by who would be texting her.

New Message
From: Mrs. Huckleberry
You two keep your hands to yourselves and pay attention.
Have a great last first day, Peaches!

Maya smiled to herself at Riley's text. Even with how busy her own life was, Riley knew when important days came into Maya's own life. As if on cue, Josh's hand slipped below the desks, resting halfway up Maya's thigh, squeezing gently. Maya's attention was immediately pulled to the brunette next to him; she looked up at him quizzically. Josh's eyes were focused forward, a sly smile on his lip. Maya raised an eyebrow at his actions, and emphasized the arch in her brow as she felt Josh's hand slowly move higher up her thigh. She cleared her throat subtly as Josh's hand made its way just below the waistband of her jeans, her eyes cutting Josh's direction.

Josh quickly glanced over at Maya, "Shh," he mouthed.

Maya's eyes grew wide; surely he was not… She quickly decided two could play at this game and she draped her leg over Josh's with ease, resting it gently between his.

Josh's heart was going at double-time as he realized Maya was playing along. He knew he could control himself if he was playing, but Maya teasing him now too, he wasn't sure he could win that battle.

The two silently continued their game of pushing the other a little further, then backing away, then pushing once again, then pulling away, until finally class broke for a brief break.

Josh instantly grabbed Maya's hand, virtually pulling her along with him as they slipped into the hallway and quickly into a dark classroom. Josh's hands grasped Maya's face between them with a gentle urgency, his chest heaving as his eyes pierced hers.

"We can't do this," Maya whispered, her voice sounding breathless, adrenaline pumping through her.

"Like hell we can't," Josh's voice sounded like velvet as he closed the remaining inches between them, crashing their bodies together, eliciting a slight giggle from Maya as she wrapped her hands in his messy brown locks.

-/-/-

"You don't think your brother's already told him, though?" Maya asked.

Josh laughed, "I don't," he said shaking his head.

Maya threw her head back as she groaned.

"Maya," Josh smiled joining her in the living room, "It's just Shawn,"

Maya nodded exaggeratedly, her eyes wide, "Yeah, we'll see,"

Josh and Maya were meeting Shawn and Katy in the City for lunch, they were officially letting Maya's parents know they were dating; that this was serious.

"Besides, he's the one who told me about your art program," Josh added with a pointed look.

"Okay," Maya nodded again, feeling as if she knew the reaction Shawn was going to give.

-/-/-

"No." Shawn said shaking his head, waving a single hand.

"Shawn," Josh shook his head, a small smile on his lips. His hand was clutching Maya's as they sat across from him and Katy.

"No." Shawn repeated.

Maya glanced at her mother who was sporting a smile a mile wide and Maya knew everything was fine.

"You're who practically pushed us together. You're who told me about Maya's program," Josh's brow was furrowed as she questioned Shawn.

"Yeah, well… not so this" he said motioning to the lack of space between the young couple in front of him, "could happen. I thought you'd be good at the program, Josh." Shawn paused for a moment, his eyes growing at the realization, "Did you join because of Maya?" he asked.

Josh glanced at the blonde sitting next to him, her head tilted slightly, her face soft as she waited for the answer to Shawn's question. Josh's eyes never left Maya's as he finally nodded, "I did," he whispered, "I joined the program because of Maya,"

Maya let out a slight exhale, a smile sweeping across her face.

"I love you," Josh told her, his brows pulled together, earnesty dripping from his voice. "I joined because of you, Maya. Because I've never been able to keep myself away from you, because you've always been on my mind and the thought of getting to be near you again - -even if it didn't mean in this," he said squeezing her hand gently, "capacity, I would have done anything to be in your world again. I joined because of you, Maya." Josh declared.

Maya's eyes, still locked on Josh's were brimming with tears. It had been several months since Maya first asked Josh that very question, her heart aching and yearning to know the answer. Her lips pressed into a thin line as a smile spread across her face and she tried to keep her emotions in check.

Josh's hands gently cupped the sides of Maya's face, pulling their faces together, resting his forehead against hers. They were the only ones in the room at that moment, the only ones in the World, in the Universe. Their breath mixed together in the small space between them, their eyes clasping to one another with intensity.

"I love you," Josh whispered again.

"I love you," Maya whispered back, a tear finally slipping from her eye; Josh's thumb quick to wipe it away before he brought their lips together in a kiss that felt soft, yet full of so much emotion.

Katy smiled up at Shawn and rested her head on his shoulder. "You did a good thing, Shawn," she told him as she rubbed his arm.

Shawn's eyes were glued to the two kids he'd seen grow up sitting in front of him. He wanted to be mad; he wanted to go into complete dad-mode and threaten Josh within an inch of his life - - if he dared hurt a single hair on his daughter… Maya had been through enough, and Shawn knew how much Josh had always meant to her, he didn't want this girl he vowed to protect to get hurt again. Shawn knew this one would hurt more than anything else Maya had been through. He loved seeing her this happy, having hope in something again… if he could trust anyone with those feelings of Maya's, it was Josh. Shawn gently squeezed Katy's hand and gave the slightest of nods.

Josh's eyes were still hooked onto Maya's, one hand still gently cupping her face, rubbing her cheek slightly. He was taking in every inch of her. He wanted to remember every fraction of every moment with Maya, and he found himself bringing her to him once again, not being able to keep himself away from her for more than mere moments.

"Okay, but that," Shawn finally announced, "none of that," he said waving his hand across the table.

A smile spread across Josh's face and he leaned back in kissing Maya intensely.

"I mean it, Matthews!" Shawn snapped.

"Josh," Maya laughed into their kiss, pulling back.

Josh pulled back, placing one more quick peck on Maya's lips before looking at Shawn. "Ah, you know I gotta give you a little bit of a hard time, Shawn," he said raising an eyebrow.

"I got your number," Shawn narrowed his eyes at the brunette across from him.

Josh laughed as he draped his arm around Maya's shoulder, pulling her even closer to him, Maya instinctively leaning into Josh's side.

September

"Alright, Hart, tonight is a night we actually don't need to be late, let's go!" Josh yelled from the front door as he glanced at his watch.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" Maya yelled from the bedroom.

"I've heard that before," Josh said with a sly grin on his face.

Maya popped her head out of the bedroom door, "I heard that,"

Josh shrugged, a smile spreading across his face as he laughed at his own joke.

Maya rolled her eyes and disappeared once again.

"I swear to God, Maya - -" Josh started, cutting himself off as Maya finally stepped out of the bedroom, literally taking his breath away. "Wow," was all he managed to say.

Maya smiled proudly, "Ya gonna rush me anymore?" she asked walking closer to her boyfriend.

Josh's eyes were scanning up and down Maya, taking in every inch of her outfit. "Never again," he shook his head.

Maya raised an eyebrow as she wrapped her arms around Josh's neck, "Good," she said and pulled him in for a strong kiss, completely playing on his reaction to seeing her. "Now let's go, I don't wanna be late," she added, quickly pulling away, leaving Josh practically stunned.

"Don't let anyone ever tell you you're not a tease, Maya Hart," Josh said as Maya bounced out of the apartment, very clearly proud of herself.

Maya bit her lip as she turned her head behind her, her blonde hair whirling around.

"Oh, we're not going to this concert," Josh growled, quickly wrapping his arms around Maya, pulling her up against him.

Maya laughed into Josh's passionate kiss, wrapping her arms around him; she loved teasing him.

Josh easily picked Maya up, carrying her back into the apartment with ease. He was serious, they weren't going anywhere right now.

Maya wrapped her legs around Josh's torso as he lowered her onto the bed, his body hovering over hers, both moving in complete sync with one another. Maya's hands desperately tugging through Josh's hair as his hand aptly worked on their clothes, neither wasting any time. Maya genuinely wanted to go to her concert tonight; she wasn't wearing her vintage Bush shirt for no reason.

-/-/-

"Better late than never?" Maya smiled as she and Josh walked hand in hand into the venue, the band already having started.

Josh leaned down, placing a kiss on Maya's lips. "Better late than never. But if we've missed the one song that I know, Hart - -"

Maya cut off Josh's complaint with a genuine laugh, her head tossing back, knowing he was serious. Josh wasn't exactly a fan of the band, but in true Josh fashion, he knew Bush was on Maya's band bucket list and when he found out they were coming to New York, he didn't think twice about getting them tickets. "Let's get you a beer," she smiled, leaning onto her tiptoes kissing Josh sweetly.

Josh nodded, "Let's do that," he said eyeing the bar in the distance. He sat on a barstool as he watched Maya play air drums intro-ing into songs, her whole body swaying in rhythm with every song he didn't know. Josh couldn't contain the smile that swept across his face watching the woman he loved wrapped up in the moment, a beer in hand and not a care in the world. His love for Maya grew every single day, moments like this making her seem even more perfect in his eyes. Josh's ears perked up as her heard a familiar guitar rift; this was the one song he knew.

Maya immediately recognized the song as well, bless his heart, Josh truly only knowing one of the, if not the most popular song by the band. Maya turned back to Josh, extending her hand toward him, inviting him to join her for this one.

Josh chugged the remainder of his beer, setting the empty bottle on the bar and lacing his fingers with Maya's. He quickly wrapped his arms around her waist as the two swayed together to one of the few ballad's the band played that evening. He leaned his head on Maya's shoulder, holding her close to him.

Our old friend fear and you and me
Glycerin, Glycerin
Don't let the days go by

Josh's heart pounded against his chest feeling Maya pressed up against him as memories flooded his mind while the lyrics snaked through his thoughts.

And she falls around me
I needed you more

Maya sang along with the lyrics, her voice full of heart and every imaginable emotion. Josh was more captivated by her voice and her movements than anything else happening around them.

Don't let the days go by
Could've been easier on you
Glycerine

Josh leaned down, his lips just below Maya's ear as he began kissing her softly.

Maya turned in Josh's arms, her eyes latching onto his and she smiled, leaning her head back slightly.

Josh's eyes held onto Maya's intently, the blue of her eyes like the deepest waters, and Josh had fallen in completely. "Move in with me," said, his voice steady and strong.

"What?" Maya breathed, taking a half step backward.

"Move in with me, Maya. I love you, I don't want a day to go by without you. I want to go to sleep next to you every night and wake up with you in my arms every single morning. Move in with me." Josh hadn't blinked, he wasn't letting go of Maya's eyes, he wanted her to know he was serious, that he meant this from the depths of everything in him.

"Okay," Maya said with a single exhale.

"Okay?" Josh pressed, Maya's reaction still read taken aback.

A smile finally spread across Maya's face, reaching from ear to ear and up to her shining eyes. She nodded, "Okay," she repeated with a slight laugh.

Josh wrapped his arms around her small fram, lifting her in the air slightly as he kissed her passionately. Though in the middle of a crowded venue, Josh felt completely alone with the woman in his arms; she was everything to him, and nothing else mattered than her, every moment, every day.

October

"I swear you have more clothes than I do," Maya said from inside the closet.

"Yeah, but have you seen how many shoes you have?" Josh called from the bathroom, a toothbrush clearly in his mouth.

Maya rolled her eyes as she pulled on a pair of boots. "A girl can never have too many shoes. More shoes, less clothes, new outfits,"

Josh laughed as he joined Maya in their bedroom, "Yeah, I'm not sure that's how that works,"

"But don't I look great?" Maya asked holding her arms out as she did a turn, showing off her outfit.

Josh's eyes narrowed as he took in every inch of her, "Amazing," he smiled, his voice low, practically a pur.

Maya smiled proudly and wrapped her arms around Josh's neck. "Thank you," she said leaning in giving him a sweet kiss.

"Mm-mm," Josh pulled her back to him, wanting more than just a soft sweet kiss.

"Oh, come on, we're going apple picking," Maya pouted. "I want you to make an apple pie, can we do this later?" She asked batting her eyes up at Josh. She instinctively bit the bottom corner of her lip, as she often did when she tried to get her way with him.

Josh's hands cupped the sides of Maya's face, "Not when you do that," he whispered, pulling her in for another kiss.

Maya laughed as she playfully swatted at his chest, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she mumbled through their kisses.

"Yeah, you better be," Josh eyed her.

Maya continued to laugh as she ran her hands through her hair, loving rilling Josh up.

"Come on then," Josh extended his hand for Maya and he led them out of the apartment, grabbing their coats by the door on their way.

Maya wrapped her arms around Josh's as they walked down the street together, her head resting on his arm, "I love the Fall," she smiled.

Josh glanced down at Maya, her eyes full of wonder as she took in all of the changing colors around her.

"Everything just looks so… beautifully alive," She said taking a deep breath in.

"You know…" Josh started.

"That everything is actually dying right now?" Maya deadpanned. "Yes, thank you, Farkle,"

Josh burst out laughing, "I'm sorry," he said pulling Maya closer to him.

"But doesn't the City just look so alive? Like that tree… that tree looks like it's on fire, it's just…"

Josh could listen to Maya talk about how she saw the world all day. This was part of what made her such an incredile artist. He was glad to see she brought her bag that contained her sketch pad with her, he hoped she would capture some of the beauty of the orchard they were going to. Josh had his camera draped across his shoulder for the very same reason… or to capture more of Maya, both incredible, both beautiful.

When the two finally arrived, Josh couldn't help but smile at how excited Maya actually was about picking apples. He was sure her excitement actually came from her wanting him to make an apple pie, but she truly lit up walking through the rows and rows of trees, her eyes cast upward the whole time. Josh kept his camera pressed to his eye almost continuously, he too wanted to capture the beauty Maya admired, seeing as how she was completely distracted. But he knew he wanted to capture Maya for himself; she was easily becoming his favorite subject, specifically without her noticing. He wanted to capture the pure joy and beauty that radiated from this woman consistently.

Maya turned her head back to Josh, her hair flowing behind her, Josh's camera still poised at his eye, the shutter capturing every moment. His heart skipped a beat, knowing immediatley how beautiful that series of photos would be. He was ready to go home right now and print them. "Hey," Maya frowned. "I thought you weren't going to do that anymore,"

Josh lowered his camera and smiled at his girlfriend. While he loved candid images of Maya, she, for some reason, didn't like when he sneakily took pictures of her. "You're just too beautiful," he said honestly.

Maya tilted her head, smiling softly, "You're sweet,"

Josh nodded to Maya's bag, "You gonna do any drawing out here today?"

"Mmm…" Maya hummed looking around. She raised an eyebrow, an idea coming to her head.

"What…?" Josh asked, recognizing that look.

Maya gently bit her lip as she stepped closer to Josh, "Wanna trade?" she asked, batting her eyes at him.

"Trade?" Josh laughed. "Maya, you know I can't…"

"Please?" Maya pouted, pulling her brows together slightly. "Besides, it's trees and apples, it's not that hard to draw, babe," she tried to encourage Josh as she pulled out her sketch pad.

Josh couldn't tell her no, he slid the camera from around his neck and extended it in Maya's direction.

"Yes!" Maya cheered ducking her head for Josh to place the camera around her neck. She then handed him her sketch pad and a pack of pencils.

"Pencils?" Josh asked, knowing Maya always drew in pen.

Maya smiled sweetly, "Pen is really honset," she said, her usual answer when someone questioned her about using pens to sketch. "You're gonna want to be able to erase," she finished with a wink.

"Maya, if this sucks, I'm ripping it out and you're never seeing it." Josh promised.

Maya shook her head, "You're not ripping anything out. I keep everything,"

Josh sighed.

"Get comfortable, Matthews," she smiled, the camera now pulled to her eye and pointed directly at Josh.

"Hmm," Josh nodded, "yep, I can see why you don't like that. Please go take pictures of the trees and apples," he said waving his hand in the air.

"Oh," Maya paused, "I'm sorry, how many pictures do you have of trees and apples today?" She asked tilting her head.

Josh couldn't help the smile that crept onto his face, he pressed his lips into a thin line and nodded, "Fair enough,"

Maya's attention was quickly pulled to the beautiful fall colors, though, and she wandered down the row of trees, her head and camera almost continually changing direction and position. Josh could barely focus on his "drawing", his eyes were so glued to Maya. He wished he had another camera to capture this moment. He seemed to fall more in love with this woman every single day. The day she finally moved in with him, it felt like a piece of him he didn't realize had been missing was finally there. When he was having a bad day, Maya's gentle hands in his hair would immediately calm him. When she was having a bad day, he loved being able to be the one who was there for her. Sleeping was almost impossible for him without Maya wrapped in his arms, and he woke up grateful every morning when he opened his eyes and saw the beautiful woman still sleeping next to him. He asked himself on a regular basis how he had gotten so lucky, what he did to deserve a girl as completely wonderful as Maya. The way she would tilt her head and smile at him sent his heart soaring. The way her head fell back as a genuine laugh billowed out of her set him on fire. And that damn lip that she bit when she tries to get her way, when she tries to get him going, just thinking about it was almost enough to get Josh up and walking after Maya, ready to wrap her in his embrace and kiss her until the sun set. Josh's attention finally snapped back down to the picture he had been mindlessly drawing. "Oh, God," he hissed looking down at the embarrassment. He glanced up and noticed Maya coming back his direction and for a moment he genuinely thought about ripping the page out of her book, it truly was ruining every other piece of work she had in there.

"How's it going?" Maya asked with a smile on her face, her brows raised in curiosity, interrupting Josh's plan to sabotage his own drawing.

"Oh… you know…" Josh nodded.

"Can I see?" Maya beamed, genuinely excited to see what Josh had done.

"Ah… it might hurt your eyes, beautiful," Josh said looking up at Maya hopeful that she would take the pass.

"No," Maya shook her head, her brows furrowed. "I want to see," she said plopping herself down next to Josh, crossing her legs. She pulled her bottom lip in as she leaned her head on Josh's shoulder, looking over him and onto the page. "Josh," she smiled. "This isn't bad at all,"

"Phh," Josh scoffed as he furiously tried to make the picture disappear, flipping the pencil over, the eraser moving quickly across the page.

"Hey, hey," Maya said softly, placing her hand over Josh's, "Don't. I love it…" she said genuinely.

Josh titled his head up, looking at Maya. Her eyes were full of honesty; she wasn't just trying to make him feel better. He knew his drawing was nothing compared to hers, but she still loved it. Josh couldn't hold back, his heart ached with how much he loved Maya in this very moment. He gently pressed himself up and pulled Maya into his lap, her legs slipping down either side of his waist. "I love you," he whispered.

Maya's head tilted slightly as she smiled, "I love you," she said with a slight nod Josh's direction, her nose brushing against his softly.

Once again, Josh wrapped his hands around Maya's jawline, bringing her face closer to his, their lips meeting in the middle, both pulling the other unconsciously toward themselves.

Maya wrapped her arms around Josh's neck, scooting even closer to him, their bodies flush against one another.

Josh gently leaned back on the ground, Maya now laying completely on top of him, as he ran his fingers through her hair and down her back. "God, I love you," he breathed.

Maya gently bit on Josh's bottom lip before pulling him into another strong kiss. "Let's get out of here," she whispered.

"Yeah," Josh didn't miss a beat, He stood up, his hand gripping Maya's with a purpose as they headed out and back to their apartment. The fire between them never going out, never dimming, only intensifying.

Josh was the oxygen to Maya that sent her burning alight, continually growing and getting stronger. Maya couldn't imagine her life with anyone else in this moment, she couldn't fathom a life better than the one she and Josh had, and she wanted nothing more. If every day was half this good Maya was content for life. She propped herself up on her elbow, the sheets of the bed sprawled around them, her eyes fixated on Josh.

Josh was looking right back at Maya, his eyes almost always glued to her.

Maya pulled her hands to her eyes, holding an invisible camera and took a picture of Josh laying next to her. "I want to capture this moment forever," she smiled.

Josh exhaled and brought his hand to Maya's face, gently brushing her cheek with his thumb. "You don't know what you do to me, Maya Hart,"

Maya blushed slightly, a small smile spreading across her face. She nuzzled into Josh's soft touch. Her smile changed after a moment, Josh recognizing it and raising an eyebrow in question. "Do I do enough to you to… maybe, I don't know… make an apple pie?!" She said with a huge grin on her face now.

Josh couldn't hold back his laughter, "Is that what all of this was about? You really just wanted that apple pie, didn't you?"

Maya flashed a toothy grin, "I mean… this," she said motioning to their still naked bodies tangled in each other and the sheets, "is kind of a win for both of us,"

Josh again laughed at Maya's honesty and shrugged, he couldn't argue with her there. He paused for a moment, thinking before he asked, "Do I have to put on pants?"

Maya scrunched her nose and shook her head, "No way,"

"Perfect, then yes, quite enough for me to make an apple pie, my love,"

Maya rolled onto her back, a smile painted across her face, "How did I get so lucky?" she asked with a heavy breath.

Josh's heart soared hearing the words he so often asked come out of the mouth of the woman he loved. He would do anything for her. She had him completely wrapped in her perfect Maya world.

November

Maya exhaled heavily, tugging at the hem of her skirt.

"Breathe, Hart," Josh said as he placed his hand over Maya's, giving her a gentle squeeze.

Maya looked over at Josh, her face almost paling. They were on their way to Josh's parents' house for Thanksgiving, and Maya had practically made herself sick stressing out about it.

"Why are you so nervous?" Josh asked, his hand moving from Maya's hand to her cheek, brushing it slightly.

"Have you met your mother?" Maya asked wide-eyed.

Josh couldn't hold back his laughter, "Maya," he smiled, "You have nothing to worry about," he shook his head, glancing between Maya and the road as he drove to Philly. "Besides, you've met my mom before,"

"Yeah!" Maya exclaimed, nodding wildly. "As Riley's friend, as a teenager, not as her baby boy's girlfriend… ugh," she groaned, her hand going to her forehead as she leaned toward the window.

"Hey, it can't be worse than poor Topanga," Josh laughed.

Maya shot Josh a sharp look, "Not funny," she said pointedly.

Josh squeezed Maya's thigh comfortingly. "You'll be fine,"

Maya exhaled heavily and rolled down her window slightly, welcoming the cool fresh air brushing against her skin. She closed her eyes as she took a deep breath.

Josh glanced at his beautiful girlfriend as she closed her eyes, resting her head against the door. He gently rubbed her leg soothingly, helping bring her back down from the nervous ledge she had worked herself on to.

Josh pulled into the familiar driveway, and suddenly he felt his stomach twist into knots. This was the first time he and Maya were attending a family holiday together. Cory and Topanga had already been around the couple, and Shawn and Katy, but now Josh's parents were getting their first taste of the two of them together. He hoped, mostly for Maya's sake, that it went well. Please go well. He whispered to the Universe. "Hey you," Josh whispered, gently tucking a piece of loose hair behind Maya's ear, his hand brushing her cheek softly.

Maya blinked her eyes slowly, having eventually fallen asleep after her mini-meltdown about tonight's dinner. She glanced around, quickly noticing they had arrived at the eldest of the Matthews' home.

Josh brought Maya's hand to his lips, kissing her small hand gently, yet with comfort and love all at the same time. He didn't need to say the words as their eyes connected, Maya knew everything he was thinking and a sense of calm swept over her.

Josh walked over to Maya's door, grasping her hand in his, giving her one last reassuring squeeze as they walked to the front door.

"Hey!" Josh announced as he opened the front door, his hand gently placed on Maya's back as he lead her in just before him.

"Josh?!" Amy yelled from another room, immediately recognizing her son's voice.

"Maya!" Another voice yelled as soon as Amy's announcement ended.

Amy came walking through the door between the kitchen and living room, her arms open and a wide smile painted across her face.

Maya smiled softly and stepped to the side of Josh, allowing Amy clear access to her son.

"Come here, I have missed you sweetheart," Amy smiled as she pulled Maya into a hug.

Maya's eyes widened as she instinctively wrapped her arms around Amy, embracing the woman she was secretly terrified of. "Hi," She laughed slightly, "happy Thanksgiving,"

"Oh, happy Thanksgiving to you too, Maya. I'm so glad you two could make it," Amy smiled as she pulled back, Maya's shoulders between her hands.

"We wouldn't miss it," Maya smiled, squeezing Josh's hand slightly as she glanced up at him sweetly.

Josh smiled at the interaction between his mother and his girlfriend, he couldn't have asked for a better welcome.

"Maya!" Riley finally came bounding through the door from the kitchen, food caked onto the apron tied around her.

Maya laughed as Riley threw her arms around her neck, hugging her tightly. "Hi sweetie,"

"Happy thanksgiving, Peaches," Riley smiled, laying her head on Riley's shoulder.

"Already gotten into the wine, Riles?" Josh nodded toward his niece.

"Oh, Josh, leave her alone, she's an adult," Amy said as she gently slapped Josh's chest.

"I swear I used to be your favorite," Josh teased his mother, feigning hurt and confusion.

"Oh, get over it." Amy waved her hand in the air. "Come on girls, we've got food to finish up in the kitchen,"

Riley's eyes grew as she held her hands in the air, a smile on her face.

Maya laughed, shaking her head at her best friend as they began walking toward the kitchen.

Josh quickly grabbed Maya's wrist, holding her back for a second. He smiled, pulling Maya closer to him, "See," he smiled, "nothing to worry about," he added with a wink.

Maya narrowed her eyes, a sly smile on her face. She leaned onto her tiptoes and placed a quick kiss on Josh's lips. "I've got to go help make food," she said crinkling her nose.

"God help us," Josh teased.

Maya turned her head, her hair flipping around as she once again narrowed her eyes at Josh.

Katy and Shawn showed up about an hour later, pies in hand.

"Hey mom," Maya smiled wrapping her arms around her mother. "Happy Thanksgiving,"

"Oh, happy Thanksgiving baby girl," Katy hugged her daughter tightly. "Thanks for having us, Mrs. Matthews," she smiled as Maya laid her head on her mother's shoulder.

"Oh, of course. And call me Amy," Amy waved from behind the stove.

"Hey, kiddo," Shawn greeted, hugging Maya.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Shawn," Maya smiled up at him.

"Where is he?" Shawn practically snarled.

Maya rolled her eyes as she slipped out from under Shawn's arm.

"Be nice," Topanga pointed at Shawn with her spatula.

"No one asked you," Shawn spat right back.

"All of the guys are out back, Uncle Shawn," Riley informed him with a smile.

"I knew you were my favorite," Shawn said kissing Riley's forehead. "Oh, gotten into the wine already, Riley?" he laughed, smelling the alcohol on her breath and noticing her almost empty wine glass in front of her.

Riley shot Shawn a look, "It's been a long day," she said before swallowing the last drink in her glass. She leaned closer to him and whispered, "They have the beer out there,"

Shawn winked and gave Riley a slight nod before taking a step toward the back door. He grabbed the bottle of wine sitting on the opposite counter and quickly stepped back, refilling Riley's glass, sending another wink her direction.

"Riley! You know what I haven't seen in person yet?" Katy asked. "Your ring! Let's see it, sister,"

Everyone gathered around Riley fawning over her new jewelry.

"Have you guys set a date yet?" Katy asked smiling up at the brunette.

"Next summer," Riley smiled.

Katy wrapped her arm around Maya, "Oh, I just love weddings,"

Maya smiled at her mother; Katy definitely loved weddings more than Maya.

"Alright, let's get those men in here and get them to set the table, we're just about done." Amy announced, clapping her hands together grabbing everyone's attention.

"On it!" RIley cheered. "Oh guys!" She sing-songed out the door getting all the men's attention. "Time to get the table ready!" She smiled widely.

As Josh walked in, his eyes searched the busy kitchen until he found Maya. He smiled to himself as he walked over to the blonde. He slipped his arms around her waist from behind, gently resting his chin on her shoulder. "Remind me again what you had a hand in so I can be sure to pass on that particular dish,"

Maya pulled her brows together and scoffed, "Joshua Gabriel Matthews!" she bit as she turned in his arms slapping his chest.

"Mmm, full name -you're in trouble," Riley said leaning over toward the couple.

Josh tilted his eyes toward his niece, "Have you ever had her food?"

"Good point," Riley said pointing in Josh's direction.

"Aren't you supposed to be helping with something?" Maya asked rolling her eyes.

Josh leaned around and place a kiss on Maya's cheek, "Love you," he whispered.

"Yeah, yeah," Maya waved her hand in the air as she popped a few marshmallows in her mouth.

"Hey," Josh feigned being hurt to which Maya tossed a few marshmallows at him. "That'll work," he shrugged.

"You two are going to spoil your dinner, stop with those marshmallows and grab a dish," Amy instructed Josh and Maya as she herself grabbed a dish to bring to the table.

Maya's eyes widened at Amy's brief scolding.

"Getting me into trouble," Josh narrowed his eyes playfully at Maya.

"You started this," Maya shrugged.

Josh smiled at her, "Hey Ma, got a seat next to you for your baby?" he called following behind his mother, throwing a sly grin Maya's direction.

"Ya know," Riley said as she pulled herself up on the counter, looking at Maya.

Maya turned to Riley, looking up at her, wine glass in her hand.

Riley crossed one leg over the other, taking a drink.

"You know what?" Maya asked shaking her head slightly, probing Riley to finish her statement.

Riley shrugged, and glanced toward the dining room. "You probably don't notice it,"

Maya took the wine glass out of Riley's hand, placing it on the opposite counter, "I don't like vague, buzzed Riley. Probably don't notice what?"

Riley frowned, pouting at Maya taking her drink from her.

Maya rolled her eyes, never really being able to take sad Riley for very long. She sighed and handed RIley her glass back, eliciting a smile from the brunette.

Riley took another sip of her drink. "The way he looks at you," she finally added with a genuine smile.

Maya tilted her head.

"Like his whole world resides exactly where you are. Like nothing else matters except you and your happiness. Everything he does is to get that look out of you - - that one look of complete happiness, that flash of everything in life being okay and steady…"

Maya smiled softly. "Ya know…" she said holding her hand out to help Riley off the counter, "I changed my mind, I like buzzed Riley," Maya told her, pressing their foreheads together.

"Let's go, girls!" Amy called from the dining room.

Josh's eyes followed Maya as she and Riley walked into the dining room. Maya smiled softly as she sat in the open seat next to Josh he had pulled out slightly for her.

"You back on her good side?" Maya whispered nodding toward Amy.

Josh raised an eyebrow, "You know it," he said with a slight dip of his head. "Am I back on your good side?" he asked.

"Always," Maya whispered leaning in placing a soft kiss on Josh's lips.

Josh's hand slipped up to cup Maya's face gently, holding their kiss for a few extra moments. "Love you," he whispered when he finally pulled away.

"Love you," Maya whispered right back, her eyes locked onto Josh's.

"Well, I guess we know what those two are thankful for this year," Lucas teased, pulling both Josh and Maya back into the reality they were all a part of.

Maya's cheeks flushed at Lucas' comment, not realizing she and Josh, once again, got completely caught up in one another.

Josh slid his hand under the table, resting it on Maya's thigh, his continual need to hold onto Maya whenever they were around each other on high tonight.

"Hey Josh," Shawn said from across the table, raising his eyebrow.

Josh narrowed his eyes looking at Shawn, "Shawn,"

Shawn motioned from his eyes to Josh, signaling that he was watching the charming brunette across from him, almost immediately eliciting an eyeroll from Maya.

Josh gently squeezed Maya's thigh under the table. "Hey Shawn," he said, getting Shawn's attention.

Shawn narrowed his eyes, exactly as Josh had moments ago.

Josh turned toward Maya, once again cupping her face gently, bringing her into another kiss.

"Josh," Maya laughed into the kiss, feeling slightly embarrassed, knowing what he was doing.

Josh pressed his forehead against Maya's, "I want to kiss you every minute of every day," he whispered. "I don't care who's watching,"

"I care!" Shawn hissed and threw a roll at Josh's face. "Knock it off,"

Josh laughed and took a bite out of the roll Shawn just tossed his direction, an eyebrow raised.

"Don't even think about it Shawn Patrick Hunter," Amy stopped him before he started, noticing Shawn clenching another dinner roll in his hand.

"Ohh," Riley laughed, "full name. You're in trouble Uncle Shawn,"

Shawn pointed at RIley, roll still in hand, warning her.

Riley's eyes grew and she sank back into her chair slightly causing Lucas to laugh.

"One day you'll get used to it," Josh winked at Shawn as he subtly pulled Maya's chiar closer to his.

Maya looked up at Josh, no one else in the world existing but the two of them, and smiled softly. "Love you," she whispered.

"Love you," Josh repeated leaning down kissing her forehead.

December

Maya walked out of the bedroom, her face turned down slightly.

"Maya?" Josh asked, a cup of coffee in his hands, immediately noticing her furrowed brow.

Maya's eyes were distant as they snapped up to Josh's, "Hmm?"

"Merry Christmas," Josh smiled, trying to bring the light back to Maya's eyes.

A smile spread across Maya's face, stopping short of her eyes, "Merry Christmas," she whispered.

Josh's hand gently cupped the side of Maya's face, "Where're you at, babe?" he asked softly, noticing Maya's still disconnected presence.

Maya looked at Josh, her eyes latching onto his. "I'm late," he voice was barely above a whisper.

Josh laughed slightly, "Aw, babe, I hate to break it to you, but… you're kind of always late," he said rubbing her back. "Like right now, we're supposed to be at Cory and Topanga's a half hour ago,"

Maya nodded, "Yeah," she breathed. "That's… Josh, I'm late," Maya added, this time emphasizing the last word, her eyes narrowing as she did so.

Maya's words hit Josh like a brick wall and he suddenly couldn't breathe. He sat the coffee mug he was holding on the table next to him, his eyes wide as he now stared ahead blankly.

"You gotta say something," Maya finally broke the silence that had brought tears to her eyes. She began gnawing on her bottom lip as she shifted her weight between her feet.

Josh looked at Maya, his heart aching as he saw her blue eyes glistening with tears. "Maya," he breathed taking her face into his hands. He gently brought Maya's forehead to his, both of their eyes closing as they rested their heads against the other's. Josh could feel Maya trembling in his hands and he wrapped his arms around her body, bringing her into a tight embrace. "Okay," he whispered, "it's okay."

"Is it?" Maya whimpered, her head buried in Josh's shoulder.

Josh pulled back, looking Maya dead in the eyes, "Yes." he said earnestly. "Of course it's okay."

Maya felt sick, her stomach was twisting into knots and plummeting to the floor over and over.

"Have you taken a test…?" Josh asked cautiously.

Maya quickly shook her head, "No," she whispered.

"Oh, okay… okay…" Josh nodded, his voice sounding lighter.

"I just… I mean, I thought maybe it was just the holidays, and helping Riley with the wedding, sometimes stress can…" Maya shrugged.

"Yeah," Josh nodded, "Okay, so… we just… get a test and find out."

Maya bit her lip.

"You gotta stop doing that; you're killing me," Josh shook his head as he laced his fingers through Maya's hair, bringing her closer to him, his eyes suddenly dark and his body being pulled toward her like clockwork.

"Josh," Maya laughed slightly.

"Atta girl," Josh nodded, welcoming Maya's smile back even if only for a brief moment. He gently placed a kiss on her cheek. "Listen, there's no reason to get all worried until after you take a test,"

"But it's Christmas, Josh… literally everywhere is closed right now," Maya was practically in tears again.

"Then we'll do it first thing in the morning," Josh tried to comfort Maya. "Babe, it's okay…"

Maya ran her hands through her hair taking a deep breath. "I'm sure it's just stress," she tried to convince herself.

Josh gently kissed Maya's forehead, "Try not to think about it, let's just go celebrate Christmas with our families,"

Maya laughed slightly, "Yeah, try not to think about it, okay," she said with a heavy eye roll.

Josh wrapped his arm around Maya's shoulders, pulling her closer to him, he placed a soft kiss on her temple, "I know, that was a stupid thing to say, I'm sorry." He gently grabbed her chin, tilting her head up to him, "I love you," he said emphasizing every word. "No matter what, period, end of story."

Maya nodded quickly, her eyes brimming with tears, "Yeah, I love you too."

"Period. End of story," Josh repeated, holding her suddenly small face between his hands.

"Please stop saying period," Maya laughed slightly, sniffling back her tears.

Josh let out a much too loud laugh at her joke, "Oh my God. See, this is why I love you so damn much," he said shaking his head. "Do you want to go to Cory and Topanga's? I can call and tell them I'm sick and we can't make it." Josh asked genuinely. He wanted Maya to be comfortable above all else; she was what was important to him.

Maya shook her head, "No, no, it's Christmas. Besides, sitting around here doing nothing all day won't do anything,"

Josh nodded, "Okay. You just say the word, though, and I'm puking in the bathroom,"

Maya laughed slightly, "Let's just hope I'm not puking in the bathroom,"

Josh felt his heart skip a beat momentarily, and the color drain from his face as he thought about Maya being ill. "Have you... been...?"

Maya shook her head quickly, "No, I was, bad joke," she said making a face.

Josh exhaled, "You're sure nowhere is open today?" he half-joked.

"Well seeing as how we're already going to be an hour late, we couldn't do it until after we leave anyway, and by that time tonight, even the C-stores will be closed." Maya explained. "I've already thought this through," she shrugged.

"When did you realize...?"

"This morning, when the date finally hit me," Maya answered, her brows pulled together. "Any other questions before we're in front of our families?" she asked.

"Not that I can think of... I mean, so you're feeling fine, though? You're okay?"

Maya nodded reassuringly.

"Okay," Josh said and reached for his and Maya's coats off the hook. "Hey," he stopped Maya as she walked through the doorway, "I love you."

Maya smiled, "I love you," she whispered.

"Think Topanga would have one?" Josh asked as he pulled the door closed behind them.

"Josh!" Maya snapped.

Josh laughed, "Okay, sorry, I'm done,"

Luckily, no one was surprised when Josh and Maya showed up fashionably late; Josh wasn't lying, they were perpetually late to everything. Everyone said their greetings, Auggie rushing the greetings along, ready to finally eat.

"I haven't eaten all day! Do you know how hard that is?" He asked Josh.

Josh laughed, "I think you'll survive," he said patting his nephew on the back.

"Yeah, barely," Auggie scoffed and made his way to the kitchen table.

Josh's eyes kept making their way to Maya, scanning her up and down, watching every move she made, trying to read every facial expression written across her face. He couldn't look away.

"Well," Lucas said walking up, placing his hand on Josh's shoulder, "that look is still there," he smiled.

"Huh?" Josh asked, being pulled out of his trance.

"Wow," Lucas laughed, "You got it bad, Josh,"

Josh ran his hand through his hair and laughed slightly, "Yeah, man, she's... she's something else."

"Alright everyone, let's eat," Topanga announced.

Josh waited for Maya to walk across the room, his hand extended toward her. She immediately clasped her hand around Josh's, his gentle squeeze sending a sense of calm throughout her being, exactly what she was needing right now. They sat together at the table, their hands clutched together under the table, Josh skillfully eating with just his left hand; he wasn't letting Maya go, not today, not right now, he knew how much she needed him right now. And quite frankly, he needed to be holding onto her just as much. She kept him grounded even when he was serving the same purpose for her.

Presents quickly followed, Maya sitting curled in Josh's open lap on the floor around the tree, his arms wrapped around her protectively, neither caring much about the actual gifts, both just grateful to have the other. Maya looked up at Josh and smiled sweetly, "Thank you," she whispered.

Josh shook his head; they hadn't given each other their gifts yet, they were waiting until they were home alone to do that. "For what?" he whispered.

Maya wrapped her arms around Josh's, squeezing him just a little tighter, nuzzling into his embrace a little more.

Josh smiled and gently placed a kiss on the top of Maya's head. "Merry Christmas, beautiful,"

Maya exhaled a deep breath and nodded slightly, "Merry Christmas," she repeated, her voice just barely above a whisper.

The room quickly felt incredibly small as empty packages, wrapping paper and gifts began piling up. And Maya felt her heart began to race as an unfamiliar anxiety built up within her. "I'm just gonna get some fresh air for a bit," she whispered to Josh, her thumb pointing to the rooftop where she was heading.

Josh nodded, "Okay. You okay?" he asked concerned.

Maya smiled sweetly, "Yeah, this is all just," she took a deep breath, "A lot, I just need a minute," she said and slipped over to the door, grabbing her coat and bag.

Shawn noticed Maya leaving and looked over at Josh, "You..." he threatened.

Josh made a face at Shawn as he shook his head, "This trash mountain was just too much, she needed some air,"

"Mmm, I can't blame her there," Topanga added, "Help me bag all this up, would ya, Josh?" she asked making her way through the mess to get a few garbage bags, clean-up officially starting.

Josh stood up, brushing his hands on his jeans, following Topanga to get a garbage bag. He immediately began grabbing empty boxes and discarded paper, quickly making the overwhelming amount of crap littering his brother's living room floor disappear. After about 20 minutes, Josh had practically bagged all the trash into three bags, "I'll go ahead and take these out," he said knowing if he didn't do it now, Topanga would be doing it later that night. He took this opportunity to also go check on Maya.

Maya was sitting on the rooftop of the apartment overlooking the city, her sketch pad sitting in her lap as she drew the familiar skyline. This was always an easy way for her to lose herself, and as much as she loved Christmas, she was just trying to get through the day this year.

"Hey you," Josh smiled as he joined Maya on the rooftop.

Maya blinked over toward the sound of Josh's voice, then back to her sketch.

"It's actually freezing up here," Josh observed rubbing his hands up and down his arms.

Maya nodded, her attention refocused on her drawing.

"Hey you," Josh repeated as he sat next to Maya.

Maya smiled up at Josh softly.

Josh gently held Maya's chin between his fingers, lifting her head slightly, bringing their lips together in a warm kiss that lingered as Maya relaxed into his touch. "Thank you," Josh whispered as they finally pulled away.

"Thank you?" Maya asked tilting her head slightly.

"For an amazing Christmas." Josh said earnestly.

Maya raised her eyebrows at Josh's comment.

"Best one yet," Josh added with a quick kiss.

Maya exhaled and leaned her forehead against Josh's, her eyes closing as she gently nuzzled against him.

Josh wrapped his hand around the back of Maya's head, his fingers burying in her hair. "I love you, Maya," he whispered.

Maya scooted closer to Josh, curling her body into his now, her knees pulling up on the bench as she made herself comfortable wrapped in Josh's embrace.

Josh ran his fingers through Maya's hair as they both enjoyed the silence of being in each other's presence. Josh was positive Maya could feel the heavy pulsing of his heart just below her head as thoughts of everything she was and everything she meant to him raced through his mind. He was alive, he was humming, he was exactly where he wanted to be for the rest of his life. Right here, with this woman, wrapped in his arms, forever. He glanced down at Maya, and his heart almost skipped a beat as his stomach did a complete somersault. Without even trying, Maya had Josh completely consumed in every ounce of her, and as his mind thought about what their future might hold, he knew he wanted nothing more than to go through every minute of it with her.

Maya's eyes were fixated on the lights glowing from inside the apartments in front of her. She pulled herself closer to Josh as her mind began racing, and she felt his heart hammering almost as quickly as her thoughts sped in and out of her head. She inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent that was exclusively Josh's and suddenly a calm washed over her. He was completely wrapped around her, and with something that simple, something as simple as his arm holding her close to him, something as simple as his head resting on top of hers, and something as simple as the feel of his heartbeat against her skin was more than enough to lure Maya into a genuine sense of calm.

Josh glanced down at Maya, the worry that was written across her face mere moments ago, gone. The white/golden glow of the dangling Christmas lights shining on her skin ever so perfectly. Josh wasn't sure he had ever seen Maya look more beautiful than she did in this very moment. His heart was lunging toward her with every second that ticked by. "Maya," he whispered, his voice cracking slightly.

Maya looked up at Josh, her blue eyes now twinkling with the lights above them as well, the slight flush of her cheeks sending a shiver down Josh's spine.

"Marry me," he breathed.

Maya's eyes widened and her breath hitched, "What…?" she asked as she slowly sat up, her eyes staying locked onto Josh's.

Josh never let go of Maya's eyes himself as she sat up. "Marry me, Maya," he repeated, his hands cupping either side of her face gently, his thumbs rubbing her cheeks. He quickly reached into his coat pocket, "I... I got this over Thanksgiving from my mom... it was her mother's, I... Marry me, Maya" he said once again, holding open a small ring box holding the most beautiful diamond ring.

End of Chapter 21! Wow! That one was a long one -six months might have been a bigger piece of pie than I expected :) But, it was a fun, new way of writing a chapter for this story. I can't believe how close we are to this being over -you guys! Things are going to start wrapping up in the upcoming chapters and my whole heart hurts, but I LOVE where things go and how it all plays out!

I truly hope you enjoyed this chapter. A quick glimpse into the life these two have created together. They're so wonderful. I love them, and I hope you have been too.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your amazing comments on the last chapter! You blew past 350 reviews with chapter 20, and I can't even tell you how amazing that is! I literally... you guys say such sweet and kind words about this story, and my writing, but I just, you guys are the true rockstars here!
Shoutout to "ghost readers" who dropped reviews on the last chapter! It is SO nice to hear from you! I'm so glad you've kept reading and love so much that you dropped a review! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I've been continuing to connect with you guys on social media! And aside from writing this story, that's my second favorite thing! I'm on twitter where I share UD statuses, and silly story time with Mandas, Tumblr where I fall head over heels for literally all of the ships because I can't control myself and this fandom is SO good at edits and videos, and finally on SnapChat where I mostly play drinking games and do drunk karaoke -then I go to grad school and be an adult. All of my usernames are the exact same, so hit me up at MandaLou52 across all the above mentioned platforms! I love meeting you guys and hearing from you!

Until next time my loves...
xoxo
Manders

Coming Up Next! Maya meets 25: Josh shows Maya how her birthday should always happen.
(I'm going to DC on Wednesday for Thanksgiving, so if I can find time to write whilst traveling, I will do my very best to get this UD done. But, I am also going to Sabrina's concert in Baltimore on Saturday (anyone else going then?!) so I'm not 100% sure on when this next UD will come. It might be Sunday, it might be later than that -I'M SO SORRY! Good news: my semester is allllllllmost over so hopefully I'll have everything wrapped up here soon! Thanks for hanging with me you sweet gems!)