a/n: So I actually got this done rather quickly! Honestly, I'm so sad that this is the last chapter of this story... but it's time for this story to end, and for me to move on to other stories. Thank you to everyone who has liked/reviewed/subscribed to me because of this story, you mean more to me than you know!

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 26
now

"You sure that you're good on gas? You have enough money for the week?"

"Yes," AJ sighed as she put the last of her things into her trunk, "I'm all set, I promise."

"Alright, well, I'm still going to wire you some money on Wednesday; just to be safe."

"Punk, you don't have to do that! You know that my dad is taking care of me financially – as spoiled as that makes me sound." She grinned, "but I'll be back in town Friday afternoon, I only have morning classes."

"Okay, okay..." He put his hand up in defeat, "I'm just worried is all... come here."

He pulled her in for a long, tight hug. This past week had been hectic, getting AJ ready for Vet school, preparing for the grand re-opening of the shop. It was all happening pretty fast, but he was enjoying the ride... except for the whole AJ leaving part of course. He had accepted that it needed to happen; but it didn't make it any easier on him. Releasing her from his grip, he looked deep into her eyes; he could tell that she was ready for this.

"Okay, so I'll FaceTime whenever I get settled in my apartment."

"Alright... I'll be thinking about you."

"Me too. Now you know, that if you need me to, I'll come back."

"We can stick to the holidays and weekends. Everything will be okay, I promise."

"Okay, okay..." She smiled weakly, "I'll see you in a couple of days."

"They'll pass us in a flash... just like these next four years will."

"You're right."

Walking over to him, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him passionately, "I love you Phil Brooks, thank you so much for this."

"I love you too." He smiled, "now go make me proud."

4 YEARS LATER

"Where are they?"

"AJ just messaged me saying that they were just getting into town."

"Okay, good. Everything is perfect."

Ashley had taken it upon herself to organize a graduation party for AJ, since she had never gotten a chance to before. Natalya, Kaitlyn, Eve and Kelly were able to make it in. Along with the usual crew of Seth, Violet, Emma, Randy, Ashley and the kids. Amy was due at some point, she had some show to do, then she'd be on her way.

"They're here! Uncle Phil and Auntie AJ are here!" Xavier and Charlotte came running excitedly into the room, pink frosting already smeared across their faces.

"Guys, the cupcakes were for later! We haven't even had lunch yet!"

"Ash... calm, yelling isn't good for the baby."

"Yeah... either of them." Violet and Seth came walking into the room. Well, Violet actually wobbled; she was 8 ½ months along with her second child, Seth's first.

The couple had gotten serious shortly after Seth's arrival in Andrus. After his successful revival of the shop, he decided to stay in town and help other struggling businesses, he'd really made a great name for himself. He'd even been branching out to the other small towns, helping those locals with their shops. He even had a catchy phrase, "Is your business near death? Call Seth!"

It didn't take long for Violet and himself to fall for each other. Having Xavier completely on board, made the whole process even smoother.

Randy and Ashley officially became the Orton's a little over 3 years ago. It was a small intimate ceremony held at the beach house. Randy's mom, Eileen had made the trip down; she shared the news of her impending divorce from Don; and also informed them of her plan to move to Andrus to be closer to them. She now lived a few blocks away, Randy couldn't have been happier.

Because of that, she couldn't be happier.

Emma's old boyfriend from Australia had moved to town as well. They were currently working on their relationship.

As for the other girls... Eve had gotten married and had a beautiful baby boy, her and her husband owned a gym in Denver, Colorado. Kelly had also gotten married to a former hockey player, she's a big-time model who travels all over the world, but calls Malibu home. Natalya is still a detective in Chicago, she has a wedding coming up in December; she's marrying another policeman. Kaitlyn stays very busy with her company, that has now gone global. She recently broke up with an abusive boyfriend and is now living in the beach house with AJ and Punk.

"Finally! How was the drive?"

"Oh, it was good! Thank you so much! I'm glad to be home for good."

"We're glad too! We've missed you... now come on and let's celebrate!"

Smiling, AJ kissed Punk on the cheek and walked off with the girls. The past four years had been extremely difficult; she didn't get to come home as often as she'd hoped, but thankfully their relationship stayed strong; with only minor derailments. At the end of the day, they knew they wanted each other, they knew they wanted each other, so they made it work.

"So, how does it feel to officially be a Vetinarian? And when can I take Bruno to you?" Kaitlyn asked with a smile.

"It feels great! A huge relief to finally be done." She answered, "and whenever I finally get myself a clinic."

"Dr. Densman is finally retiring, you should go by the clinic and speak to him. People aren't exactly busting down the door. He wants someone local... and that's basically what you are now."

"Hm... I'll give him a call on Monday. For now, I just want to enjoy everyone."

Later on that evening, the party had dwindled down to the Ortons, Seth and Violet, Punk and AJ, and the girls. Emma had gone home, the kids were upstairs going to sleep. The night was – thankfully – cool, due in large part to the ocean. Randy had made a nice fire for everyone to sit around.

"I can't thank you enough for all of this. It was truly unnecessary."

"It's no issue at all. You worked hard... you deserve a chance to just relax and let it all sink in, Dr. Lee." Ashley replied.

"We're all so proud of you... you made your childhood dream come true. I still remember when I would send you my stuffed animals for you to take care of." Kaitlyn chimed in.

"Well, I couldn't have done it without this wonderful support system. You guys have truly been amazing."

"You made it easy. You deserve this... I can't say that enough." Seth declared.

Silence fell over the group for some time, everyone watched as the flames flickered against the setting sun.

He couldn't imagine life getting any more perfect than it was in this moment, the woman of his dreams was finally back in his life for good. His sister had found love in someone that he trusted; someone that he knew would take care of her no matter what. Randy and Ashley, two people that he considered family; were doing great things for each other. Darkstar was doing amazing, there were actually talks of branching out.

"Hey, AJ... want to take a walk?"

"Sure."

Grabbing her hand, he smiled at everyone as they made their way towards the water. He took in all of the knowing glances from everyone, they knew what was coming.

"Just make sure to stay where we can see!" he heard Ashley's voice ringing in his head.

Hand-in-hand they walked to where the water hit the sand. In a swift movement, he turned her towards him and got down on one knee.

"Phil?"

"AJ... it's crazy to me that 8 years ago, at this spot, you first agreed to go out with me. Even more so that I asked you out after you accused me of stealing." He laughed, "but I'm glad that I did. You healed me, in more ways than one. Those four years that you were gone, they were tough, but I got through them, in large part due to Seth; but that's another story. Then you came back, and while part of me was thrilled, another was terrified of getting hurt again." He took a moment to gather his thoughts, "I sure as hell am glad that I did, because I cannot fathom life without you. So, April Jeanette Lee, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

He pulled out a small red box, flicked it open, revealing a gorgeous square diamond with a geometric design mount. Surrounded by several small diamonds. It was his grandmothers wedding ring, she'd told him to give it to someone special; someone that would carry on their last name with pride. It was the ring he was going to give to Alyssa on their wedding day; but he never got the chance.

"I appreciate the suspenseful pause... but my leg is starting to get numb."

She smiled, "Nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life with you; the answer is yes!"

With a giant smile on his face, he slid the ring on her left hand. Grabbing her by the waist, he spun her around, before placing a passionate kiss on her lips. Hearing the cheers from the group at the house, he couldn't help but laugh.

Life truly couldn't get any better than this.

a/n: There we have it! The PunkLee era is done, as far as my writing goes. Oh, who am I kidding? We all know that there is a one-shot coming soon. Haha I hope that you all liked this chapter, and I hope it gave you closure – should you have needed it.

I love you all so much!