AN: This is the last chapter of "Long Time Coming." Wow. I can't believe it's over. First of all, I want to thank you all SO much for your support on this story! I didn't win at the Glee awards officially, but unofficially I feel like a winner a million times over! I have the best readers/reviewers in the whole world! You guys are amazing! I truly mean that. From the bottom of my heart: I thank you.

One note, the song used in this chapter is "playing" at the prom. But I had to put the lyrics, because they are so prominent to the story. Song: "Long Time Coming" (go figure, huh? ;P hehehe) by Oliver James.

With that being said, on with the epilogue! Please read and review! (it is your last chance, after all! ;) lol) :o) LOVE YOU GUYS!


Epilogue: Love's Been a Long Time Coming

Puck gingerly took Rachel's hand and led her out to the center of the gym floor. As he held her in his arms, she sighed in contentment. Mr. Schue had picked the perfect song to end the evening, Oliver James' "Long Time Coming." Rachel was happy to listen to the words and rest her head on Puck's chest. As they swayed, Rachel smiled as Puck's fingers lightly grazed up and down her spine.

Everybody wants to be loved
Every once in a while
We all need someone to hold on to
Just like a helpless child
Can you whisper in my ear?
Let me know it's all right

It's been a long time coming
Down this road
And now I know
What I've been waiting for
And like a lonely highway
I'm trying to get home
Oooh, love's been a long time coming

Rachel looked around her and saw the rest of the couples dancing. Tina was perched on Artie's lap with her arms hooked around his neck. Matt and Brittany were swaying and laughing as Matt peppered kisses on Brittany's cheeks. Mike and Santana were whispering and smiling like they were the only two in the room. Mercedes and Kurt were taking turns spinning each other like ballerinas. Finn and Quinn were silent as they let their gazing eyes do the talking. Even Mr. Schue and a blushing Miss Pillsbury looked happy and content.

You can look for a lifetime
You can love for a day
You can think you got everything but
Everything is nothing when you throw it away
Then you look in my eyes
And I have it all once again

It's been a long time coming
Down this road
And now I know
What I've been waiting for
Just like a lonely highway
I'm trying to get home
Oooh, love's been a long time coming

As Puck glided her across the floor, Rachel pondered over the events of the last school year. They had all been through a lot, but she doubted she would've made it through without Noah. Noah...the boy who started out as her enemy, grew to be a friend, and was now the boy she loved.

Didn't know I was lost
Till you found me
Didn't know I was blind
But now I see

Yes, she knew she loved him; she had known for awhile now. She also knew that now was the time to say something. However, before she could say anything, Puck twirled her around, dipped her, then held her close again to his chest. She could hear and feel the steady beat of his heart as she snuggled closer to him.

Can you whisper in my ear?
Let me know it's all right

He rested his cheek on her head and whispered, "Rach..."

"Yeah?" she whispered, back, not moving head from his chest, but snuggling closer to him and hugging him a little tighter.

"I-" he stopped when his voice cracked a little. He cleared his throat gently, then he said softly but with confidence, "I love you."

Her breath hitched in her throat as tears of joy sprang to her eyes immediately. Rachel looked up at him with gleaming eyes, and he stared back, trying to gauge her reaction. He smiled and looked down sheepishly, as if he were embarrassed he had said anything. She raised her hand to his cheek to guide his eyes back to hers. Rachel thought for sure the love swelling in her heart for him would make her burst at any time.

"I love you too, Noah," she said, with all the emotion she felt. "I have for a long time now." Then, she kissed him gently and laid her head back to its spot on his chest. She felt more than heard him sigh with contentment. She smiled as they continued to sway around the gym floor.

It's been a long time coming
Down this road
And now I know
What I've been searching for
Been a long, long highway
And now I see
Oooh, love's been a long time coming
Oh, been a long time

Sure, they had plenty to talk about. She and Puck, along with Quinn and Finn, were going to visit Kaitlyn next month. Then, they'd be out of school for the summer and have to compete in Nationals in July. Then, Rachel, Puck, and her dads would be on their way to New York for two weeks. Next year, Puck would be a senior, Rachel a junior. Soon enough, they'd be discussing college and their future. But, Rachel didn't want to think about that tonight.

Tonight, she just wanted to bask in the beauty and perfection of the scene she was in right at this moment.

Love's been a long time coming...


The End.

AN2: Some last minute things: So many people to thank, that if I tried to name them all I would surely forget someone. So, I'll keep it short and sweet: novice242, sweetcaroline1986, chamberlainofmusic, PuckleberryFinn123, IWantToHoldYourHand, and Maiqu, thank you all for reviewing practically every single chapter! Your comments and feedback kept me going! Thank you.

AN3: Between writing this story, I've published a lot of one-shots and a 5-part story. I would love for you guys to check them out! ;) My next multichapter project is still up in the air. I've been juggling ideas for three stories; my muse comes and goes on each one. I'm trying to buckle down and focus on one, b/c I'm not cool (or coordinated) enough to bounce between multiple stories! Haha! If you would like, put me on author alert to see when my next work is posted! :o) Check out my profile for my future project ideas and shoot me a message (or review) and let me know which one you'd like to see me tackle! Thanks!

Please remember: Reviews = Love! :o) Love you guys!

Until next time...