DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING.

So here it is...I can't believe this is over. I'm not sure if I am doing a sequel or not. I have had mixed opinions when the reviews have come in. I have some ideas for a sequel and I was thinking of writing it during the time period that happens between the last chapter and the epilogue. Let me know what you think. Please review!!!!

EPILOGUE

"Jeez, Moira, you act like you've never seen a baby before," Taylor was teasing her.

"I can't help it, she's so cute!"

"Did you see those little toes?" Sharpay asked.

"What do you mean little? This child has monkey toes!" Kelsi exclaimed, leaning down and kissing the baby's head. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey…guys?" Troy's voice filled the room, and he was immediately verbally assaulted, the loud voices causing the baby to start fussing.

"Dude, out!" Taylor had moved to where she could see him, he was still around the corner from me.

"What the hell! You know better!" Kelsi yelled, and I could see her put her arms out as if she was pushing someone.

"My eyes are covered! I see no nakedness!" Troy defended himself.

"No one's naked in here, Dork," I said.

"Damn."

"That doesn't mean you can come in here!" Sharpay squeaked.

"Well, quit hogging my daughter then!"

Our tiny four-month-old daughter was fussing in Moira's arms, her little hands balled into fists as she waved her arms above her. Kelsi took her out of Moira's arms, who pouted, "I'm not hogging her."

"More people arrived?" I asked, still around the corner, unseen by Troy.

"Yeah, Mom just got here…hi, baby girl…" I heard his voice soften as Kelsi must have handed our daughter to him, and my heart swelled.

"Don't be gone too long, she'll need to eat before I get poured into this dress."

"And no bringing her back in here yourself!" I heard Lisa snap at him as she walked in. "Just have your mother bring her in."

"Quit your bitchin," Troy was muttering as his voice faded away. Lisa was still smiling when she walked around the corner.

"Jeff and Eric's boutonnieres are in place, and they're both ready," she said, then stopped short as she looked at me. Taylor was still working on my curls, but my makeup was already done.

"So they're still willing to do this?" I asked.

"Well, Eric's already a blubbering mess…"

"He's such a wuss," I heard Taylor say as she was finishing my hair.

"But they're both all for this," Lisa continued. "One on each side of you."

I couldn't help but smile.

"Everything's ready," Kelsi said as she walked up to me. "Tracey and Shelly are here. Don't worry, as soon as they saw the baby they made a beeline for her."

"With all those rock stars out there, I think they'll be more interested in flirting than traumatizing you." Lisa said.

Kelsi nodded in agreement. "And security is working double time today."

"Man," Sharpay spoke up, "you know it's love when he agreed to have the wedding here."

We were back in New Mexico, in the suburbs of Albuquerque. This was the same church my parents had married in. The pastor officiating was the son of the man who had performed my parents' wedding, and the members of the church had unanimously agreed to allow us to hold it there.

"Knock knock," Lucille's soft voice filled the room, followed quickly by the baby's cry. "I think my granddaughter's hungry, and last I checked no one out there can feed her."

"Okay, Lady, other than your dress, you're ready," Taylor's words barely registered as Lucille gently placed the baby in my arms.

"Can you give us a moment?" I asked everyone, and they all knew what I meant. I'd asked for this—to be ready, minus the dress, a little early so I could have a moment's peace with my little girl.

I sat on the couch in that dressing room cradling her as she ate, staring in wonder at the miracle in my arms. Her hair was a soft blonde—Lucille said Troy's hair had been blonde also—and the light fuzz was sticking up around her headband. I laughed softly, recalling Troy and Ryan's discussion about 'brain squeezers' as they called them. As I laughed, she opened those beautiful eyes. They were the shape of Troy's and the color of mine. Every time she laid those eyes on her Daddy, her face would fill with joy, and her lips—those perfect lips, the carbon copy of Troy's—would curl up in a smile.

"Well, this is it, baby girl," I said softly. "We made it, we're doing it. Today…today, your Mommy and Daddy are getting married." I blinked back the tears that threatened. "And Mommy can't cry because Taylor will kill me for ruining my makeup." I paused, looking at that precious face.

"I still can't believe this is happening, like it's some kind of… dream. Married. Not to say we haven't tried getting married before, but that's another story for some other time."

I continued talking to her in hushed soothing tones as she ate, stopping as she needed to, having her switch sides midway through. She was dozing intermittently towards the end, and when she was finally finished, I laid her down beside me as I fixed my nursing bra.

A soft knock sounded at the door just before Jessica Carter entered. "Hi!" she said with her warm smile. "Is she about ready?"

"She's done," I replied, smiling down at my daughter's sleeping form.

"She's getting so big!" Jess exclaimed, gently scooping the baby into her arms.

"Thanks for doing this," I said as I glanced at the clock.

"For what, holding her during the ceremony? Yeah, that's such a chore," Jess teased.

"I'm just still so… you know, I don't want her passed around, or people getting annoyed with her, and I don't think…" I paused as I unzipped the bag containing my dress, "…that it would be prudent for me to be holding her while I'm up there."

"Gabi, it's an honor," she said, still smiling down at the baby. "I'll let the girls know you're ready for the dress."

"The dress," I muttered. "What the hell, I hate long dresses! And now I have one that requires…help to get in."

"I could always go pick you up some little black number."

"Ha ha, very funny."

Jess was laughing as she gave me a one-armed hug. "Thank you, Gabi," she whispered in my ear.

"For what?" I asked, watching her walk towards the door. She turned around and flashed her brilliant smile.

"For proving me wrong."

One thirty in the afternoon—to start on the upswing—I stepped out into the hallway to greet my brothers. There they both stood in black tuxes; Jeff, the mean cuss that was barely taller than me next to Eric, the giant teddy bear. I stepped between them, hooking arms, holding onto each of them for support.

"If you start skipping and singing about some damn wizard, I'm kicking your ass," I heard Jeff mumble, and I laughed, grateful for the ease in tension.

I spied Jackie checking the hallways before he re-entered the auditorium portion, and when his eyes met mine, the big burly man broke into a fatherly smile.

"It's about damn time," he whispered as my brothers and I approached the doorway.

I knew exactly what he meant.

I closed my eyes hearing the wedding march start, praying I had the strength to do this without falling apart. Since walking actually required having my eyes open to do so without falling on my face, I slowly opened the lids, drinking in the sight of what had to be a dream.

The room had been transformed into a sea of white, candles and lilies everywhere. The soft smells calmed my fraying nerves as my eyes scanned over the crowd. For merely close friends and family, the church was absolutely packed. I saw all three of my sisters sitting together with their spouses, including Mark who was still trying to reconcile with Lisa. Sharon and her husband were there, sitting right behind the newly-engaged Sharpay and Craig. Speaking of Craig…Dr. John Craig was there also with his very young, very pregnant wife. I smiled at Taylor, who had been trying to see if I'd cried my makeup off. Kiera was on Chad's lap with Moira beside him holding her two year old brother, Aiden.

Across the way, Jessica held my daughter safe in her arms, Troy Burke beside her. Troy Burke…now that's a man who knows a thing or twelve about persistence…

All of my and Troy's immediate family was there, including both of his parents, their spouses, and all of his siblings. Ryan was standing beside Troy, winking sideways at Kelsi, my maid of honor, who was blushing ever so slightly.

And Troy… God help me, my knees got weak when I saw him. He was dressed all in white, his hair perfectly disheveled, just a hint of stubble on his face—he'd actually done what I asked!—and his eyes…the most beautiful eyes, the same eyes that had haunted me for years, were calling me home.

At the exact moment that I wished my parents were there, a small stream of sunlight peered through the single window near the ceiling, shining down next to Troy where I would soon stand. "Show offs," I whispered to the sky just as I began my journey down that aisle.

Lisa's backyard looked like a scene straight out a storybook. White twinkling lights cascaded around, the warm glowing light illuminating all of our guests. The soft breeze carried the scent of the dozens of lilies that were placed on every table, and a collective "awwww" had gone through the crowd when Troy picked one and placed it in my hair, tucking the shortened stem behind my ear just before our first dance as husband and wife. Much champagne was flowing, although I didn't touch a bit of it, so I was handed a glass of sparkling cider as Ryan stood.

"A toast!" he exclaimed, raising his glass. "Not to worry; I'm not as hateful during these as some people," he added, winking at me.

"At least you know who's gotten married!" Troy Burke piped up, and all of us that knew the story shared a good laugh.

"But seriously," Ryan continued, "even though meeting Gabriella also meant meeting Kelsi, which put me in Albuquerque where my ass was nearly annihilated…" Again with the laughs as Kelsi cozied up to him, softly kissing the scar on his neck. "Oh, hell, what was I saying?"

"Annihilation!" someone called out.

"Annihilation, right… um… well, shi…er, crap, sorry Mom." He grinned sheepishly at Lucille, who merely smiled and shook her head. After the laughter had died down a bit, Ryan continued.

"Troy, my brother… I've known you since I was born. You have tormented me, tortured me, taught me all of your bad habits… came into my room to tell me I had to do your chores and walk out scratching your butt…"

"I knew he'd throw that in," Troy whispered.

"You became Mr. Moody Rock Star, calling me at all hours of the night, guilting me if I couldn't stay on the phone…"

"He's the king of the guilt trip!" Jason called out, and Troy raised his hand as if to accept his crown.

"And then, nothing. No calls. It's like I…" Ryan mock-wiped his eyes. "It's like I didn't exist anymore. No, seriously, he started stalking some chick he didn't even know, and the next thing he takes my ass out and gets me in trouble for dancing on a bar…I cussed, didn't I? Fuck..shit… sorry Mom." My cheeks hurt from smiling already, but I couldn't stop the laugh that came from me.

"And now… um… ah… Phoenix. Phoenix, the city that rocks, the city where my brother lost his heart… to you." Ryan held his glass out to me. "And I had to hear about it for fucking ever until he had the guts to tell you… shit!"

"Sorry, Mom, yeah yeah I know," Lucille quipped above all the laughter. Ryan hid his face as he tried to retain control over his obvious case of the man-giggles, then he crooked his neck and straightened his tie.

"So, for real…" Ryan wiped a stray tear. "A toast! To Troy and Gabriella…"

"And to Body English!" another heckler called.

"That little black dress!"

"Advil and Diet Pepsi!" Sharon added.

"Hell, Advil and Gatorade! Woo hoo Girls Night!" Sharpay exclaimed, to which there was scattered applause from the women, myself included.

"To Family Jewels!"

"Easy on my family jewels there," Troy shouted back, his arm tightening slightly around me.

"To Not John and Not Telling!" Moira chimed in.

"To wrong numbers!" Dr. John Craig shouted from the back, his glass of champagne raised, causing the crowd to erupt in laughter and applause.

"Amen to that," Troy whispered softly in my ear.

"Hell yeah! To … to wrong numbers!" Ryan finished at last, "and how they've blessed us all." He held out his glass towards us. "Salute!"

After taking a drink from our glasses, Troy took mine from my hand and placed it on the nearest table. He cradled my face in his hands, his eyes changing to the most beautiful shade of blue, full of promise. "I love you, Gabriella Bolton," he whispered just before he covered my lips with his, giving the crowd what they were cheering for, leaving me absolutely breathless.

The reception was still in full swing as I changed into dark clothing. I had just fed the baby and she was laid back on the bed of the room I had once stayed in, her legs kicking, her eyes wide. I heard the door open, the noise filtering in as Troy entered the room. "What are you doing?" he asked, eyeing me warily.

"Trust me?" I asked, placing a soft kiss on his lips. "I just have to do this one thing."

"Do you think you can actually get out of here?" he asked, knowing the paparazzi had most of the neighborhood staked out.

"Yeah, I think so," I said, slipping my dark shoes on.

Troy was smiling softly down at our beautiful little girl, who let out a tiny squeak when he came into view. "Hello, baby girl," he crooned to her as he always did. The contrast of such a tiny child being held in his big strong hands always fascinated me. "I'm so happy you're here," he continued talking to her as he cradled her close to him. "I'm happy…and I'm grateful that you're okay… that everything…" he continued, looking up at me, "is okay."

"I think someone was looking out," I said softly, closing the small distance between us, putting my arms around Troy.

"And you have her all dressed in black, too?"

"She'd glow in white," I pointed out.

"Dun dun dunnnnn… stealth baby." I had to laugh as he bounced her, a small squeak coming from her as he did his faces and voices that always kept her amused. "So you're taking her?"

"Of course," I replied. "We'll be back."

He helped us make our escape to the neighbor's house, out their back door, through their yard across to the next street over where Sharpay's vehicle sat, a car seat strapped in and ready. Once the baby and I were secure, we were on our way, winding through the streets to the open road I knew so well.

I had to park further away than usual, but walking onto the grounds wasn't difficult at all. I held my daughter close to me, wishing I'd brought a blanket as the night air was starting to get cool. As I walked up the hill and followed the path, I could almost feel them with me, watching me.

"Hi Mom, Hi Dad," I said, kissing their headstone as I sat in the grass that was moist with dew. "I'm sorry it's been so long… but guess what! Since you cannot guess I will tell you. Today was my wedding. Yep, we did it… Troy and I were married today. Same church as you. Oh, and I brought you a surprise visitor." I kissed my daughter on the cheek and she nestled into me.

"This is your granddaughter," I continued. "Elizabeth Christine Bolton. Troy named her even… after you, Mom," I said, smiling at their headstone, tears touching my eyes when it hit me just how much I wished they could be there. Elizabeth fussed slightly when one of my tears fell on her. "I'm sorry, baby girl," I whispered as I held her closer. My phone began buzzing in my pocket, and seeing the number I answered.

"What's wrong?" How could he tell, just like that?

"I'm… just…" I shrugged.

"I know, I know. Hey… do me a favor."

"What's that?"

"Cross your arms," he said softly. I snuggled our daughter into me, crossing my arms just as he said, my heart overflowing.

"Done."

"Now squeeze… not too tight, baby girl needs to breathe." I almost laughed at his last statement, but I did as he asked. "Did you do it?"

"Yes," I breathed.

"That's a hug—for my girls, from me."

"Troy…"

"But that's not enough anymore."

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Turn around."

I turned slightly and saw that familiar figure coming towards us, all dressed in black now and clicking his phone shut. The only light colored object besides his skin was the soft fuzzy blanket he carried on his arm. "I couldn't leave my girls all alone like this tonight," he said as I silently watched him through my tears. He sat down beside me taking Elizabeth from my arms and holding her up against him, her favorite blanket draped over her.

"Thank you," I whispered. "For… everything." He kissed me in response, soft and sweet.

"I could say the same to you." He smiled down at me "So, did you tell your Dad I finally made an honest woman out of ya?"

"Of course."

"Guess that means you can't lie to me any damn more," he said with a wink, stretching out and laying his head on my lap, our daughter lying on top of him, pushing herself up with her arms.

"Funny, Bolton, real funny. No more… omissions from you, then."

"Whatever, woman. I'm the king of the castle, lest you forget."

"You, sir, officially made me your queen," I reminded him.

"Oh, hell, what have I got myself into? Huh, baby girl? What did Daddy get himself into?" She smiled and kicked, her drool making a puddle on his shirt. "Great, my wedding night and the only puddle is from baby drool."

"The night's not over yet, sir," I said, running my fingers through his hair.

"Really? Cause last time I checked we were sitting at your parents grave and… who the hell is calling you?" I pulled my phone out of my pocket and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Chrissie?" the male voice on the other end of the phone asked.

"No, I'm sorry, you have the wrong number," I said, and after polite good byes I hung up. "Anyhow… where were we?"

"Um…" He pointed at the gravestone. "Parents. Grave. Drooling baby. Wedding night." He scowled. "And your phone…again."

"Sorry," I whispered, answering it again.

"Chrissie?" It was the same man.

"No, this isn't. You dialed the same number."

"Well then…who are you?" the man asked.

I felt Troy's fingers warm against my hand as he gently took the phone from me and put the receiver up to his ear. "Dude…dude, you got the wrong number. Nope…nope, just… rip it to shreds, don't call it again, 'kay? Sure thing." I stifled a giggle as he closed my phone, handing it back to me.

"Troy…"

"Nah, that's my gig. No more wrong numbers for you, Not Telling."

"Same goes for you, Not John." He smiled up at me. "And… where were we again?"

"Shesh, Woman, pay attention! Parents, grave, drooling baby, wedding night."

"Got it," I said.

"Hey, Gabi?"

"Hmmm?"

I watched Troy as he slowly sat up, still hugging Elizabeth against his chest. He pulled her close to him with his left hand, and I couldn't help but grin as our little girl wrapped her small arms around Troy's neck, cooing in his embrace. Troy looked back at me, his lips breaking into a smile. Gently he reached out, his warm hand cradling my face, and my eyes fluttered close, the wind blowing through the silence. His smile, those eyes, his hands securely around our baby girl-- I knew then that all of it in this moment will forever be engraved in my mind. I felt the touch of his lips on mine that brought a shiver all the way to my toes, and I inched closer with eyes closed, returning his kiss.

After a moment, he pulled back.

"Gabi..."

"Hmm?"

"Open your eyes," he murmured against my lips, and I did.

I met his intense gaze, staring into the same beautiful eyes that first drew me to him when we met years ago, losing myself as they pulled me towards him now. God, who knew we'd end up here?

"What is it, Troy?"

"I'm really glad I called you," he whispered before pulling me in for another kiss. For a moment we stayed like that, until Elizabeth suddenly stirred in his arms, and we drew back, laughing softly.

"She's absolutely beautiful, isn't she?" Troy whispered, glancing down as our baby girl wrapped her little hand around one of Troy's finger, and settled back to sleep. He was a great father.

I nodded, my heart swelling as I looked at him. He gave me another one of those beautiful smiles, moving closer towards me--

"Okay," he muttered against my lips, "who the hell is calling you again?"

I couldn't help but laugh at his annoyance, and I grabbed the phone once more, pulling it open. Lisa's voice bellowed on the other line.

"Where the hell are you? This is your reception, woman. You're supposed to be here. You better not be back inside my house, engaging in inappropriate behavior reserved for a hotel suite, Gabi, because I swear, even if it's your wedding night—"

I bit my lip, repressing the urge to smile. Troy raised his eyebrow in question, and after a minute, Lisa muttered a quick goodbye, distracted by one of Troy's single friends. I closed my phone without another word.

"Who was it?"

Troy pulled me to his side with one arm while still cradling our daughter on his left, and placed a kiss on my hair. I looked up at him, our faces inches away.

"Nothing," I whispered softly against his lips before drawing him for one long sweet kiss that made my heart flutter knowing I would always have it…for the rest of my life. "Just a wrong number."