Authors Note:

Well, here we are…the last chapter to a story I spent a long time working on. It's bittersweet for me, really… this story has been very special to me and part of me doesn't want it to be done. I have had the ideas for this chapter since before I started writing this story back in 2009…I always knew how I wanted to end it. I finally made it!

Although, there will be an alternate ending, which will be posted separately as a short story…. It needs to be more than a chapter, haha.

Anyways, this has been a great ride and I was happy to get a couple reviews on the last update. Made me happy knowing there's still people out there that still read this. So thank you, thank you, thank you! I do hope you enjoy this last chapter… Also, stay safe out there, everyone.

Chapter 24: There You'll Be

15 years later…

June 8, 2025

The warm Malibu breeze blew through Oliver's hair as he drove down the Pacific Coast Highway. He always felt uneasy on this road, even after all these years, and he let out a shaky breath. A sudden hand on his right knee calmed his nerves some and he happily placed his hand on top. Smiling, he turned to look at his beautiful wife. "Thanks, Joannie…"

"It's okay, Ollie," she said with a small smile. "We're almost there."

"Mind if we still make a quick stop before we go to Heather and Randy's?"

Joannie nodded, knowing exactly where he wanted to go. "I don't mind at all. We still have plenty of time."

Oliver smiled. "Thanks…"

"Daddy?" a small voice suddenly rang out.

Oliver glanced up into the rearview mirror to find his 5-year-old daughter looking right back at him. Those brown eyes always melted his heart. "Yes, Lilly?"

"This is where you and mommy grew up?" she asked while taking a look at her surroundings.

"Yup!" he happily responded. "And remember how mommy and I talked to you about moving here?"

"Yeah! I get to go to school soon!" she stated with great enthusiasm.

Joannie laughed. "You sure do, sweetie. You'll be going where daddy and I went when we were little. Do you like that idea?"

"Yes!" Lilly happily cheered while doing a little happy dance in her car seat.

Both Oliver and Joannie were laughing now. "I'm very glad you're excited. Growing up here will be awesome for you," Oliver added.

Before too long, Oliver turned off the highway towards his first destination. He felt bad it had been so long since the last visit, but life sure had kept him busy lately. "Still have the two Roses back there with you, Lilly?"

"Yup!" she chirped and picked them up from the spot next to her.

"Perfect. Keep them nice and safe," he said with a wink, earning a smile in return.

Several minutes later, they drove down the small road of the cemetery and stopped once Oliver knew they were close enough to walk. "Okay, kiddo, we're going to say hi to our friends quick and give them these flowers, alright?" he asked as he unbuckled her.

Lilly nodded as she hopped out of the car.

Joannie took her daughter's hand as they followed Oliver. "When we get to the spot, Lilly, we're going to let daddy have a moment alone, okay? This is always hard for him."

"Okay," Lilly replied softly as she looked ahead at her dad. She's heard stories of her parents friends a lot, but this was the first time she got to visit them at the cemetery. It was still a little hard for her to understand it all, but she knew it was definitely important to both of her parents.

While the two girls stood back, Oliver finally approached the graves of his two best friends. Tears stung his eyes as he knelt down between them. "Hey, you two…" he hoarsely whispered while placing one rose in front of each stone. "Sorry it's been so long… I always think about you both, though. I miss you so much…" He quickly wiped at his eyes, trying to keep his tears at bay. "I brought someone here to say hi to you guys…my daughter…" At that, Oliver turned and signaled to Joannie to bring Lilly over.

"You okay, daddy?" she asked while giving him a big hug.

"I'm a little sad, but I'm okay," he sincerely replied. Oliver then pulled back and turned so Lilly could see the graves. "Lilly, want to say hi to our friends?"

Lilly gave a small smile and slowly walked up closer to the tombstones. She tried reading the words and felt proud when there was one word she definitely could read. "Lilly! Is she the one I'm named after?" she asked.

"She sure is! Lilly and I met when we were four years old. Can you believe that?" He smiled when her eyes widened.

"Wow! That was, like, forever ago!"

Joannie laughed. "Hey, we're not that old!"

"Anyways," Oliver continued while chuckling at his daughter. "Lilly and I met Miley in middle school. They were instantly best friends."

Lilly smiled fondly at that. "And they fell in love, right? Like you and mommy."

"Oh they sure did. You still remember quite a bit from that movie I got to work on, don't you?"

"It was a good movie, daddy," she stated proudly.

"Thanks, sweetie." Lilly then gave Oliver another big hug and sat on his knee. He thought back to his early college days when he went in for movie production. Robbie Ray had been asked about doing a movie about Miley's life; personal and as Hannah. He insisted that Oliver worked on the team since he knew both Miley and Lilly so well. The success of that movie had launched Oliver's career. It led both he and Joannie to L.A. and, at the time, was a great escape from the memories of Malibu. A great escape from everything…

Oliver shook his head as memories flooded his mind. "Miley and Lilly would have absolutely adored you," he said as he booped his daughter's nose.

"I wish I could know them," she responded with a smile. Then, Lilly hopped off of Oliver's lap, went up and placed a gentle kiss on each stone. This resulted in Oliver tearing up at the very sight of it. "Thank you for being daddy's best friends," she said with nothing but sincerity.

Joannie could see that Oliver was too choked up to speak, so she went over and placed a hand on Lilly's shoulder. "We should leave soon, you two. We don't want to be late to the Truscott's."

Oliver smiled; wiping his eyes. "When you're right, you're right." He pushed himself up off the ground and gave one more look at the graves. "Love you guys…"

After a brief moment of silence, Oliver turned and led his family back to the car. He was pretty anxious to see everyone again, but he definitely felt much better after visiting Miley and Lilly. He knew he would have to stop by more often after they moved back from L.A. Surprisingly, he was looking forward to getting a little piece of his past back.

Meanwhile at the Truscott's, Heather finished setting out all the food and was very happy to have everyone gathering. It took a lot of planning to have everybody available on the same day. "Randy!" she called out. "People should be arriving soon."

Randall came jogging into the room, laughing, while trying to escape his 'attacker'. "You'll never catch me!" he cried out in mock fear.

Just then, a little 5-year-old boy rounded the corner, a Nerf gun in his grasp, and laughed loudly as he shot a foam dart at Randall. "You'll never escape me, dad!"

"Oh no! You got me!" Randall then landed onto the couch, faking pain from the shot.

Heather laughed at the display in front of her. "Okay, you two, time to put the Nerf gun away. People will be here very soon."

Randall swooped up his son. "Jackson's kids will be here to play with too!" he chirped. "How does that sound, Ryan?"

"Great!" he cheered while wrapping his arms around Randall's neck for a hug.

Heather's heart swelled with happiness as she watched Randall hug Ryan. Ryan had been their adopted son for nearly two years now. After she and Randall decided they wanted to try adopting a child, they were introduced to Ryan several months later. He was three-years-old and abruptly orphaned after a terrible car accident took the lives of his parents. No other family member was left for the poor boy to go to. The story broke their hearts and, after meeting Ryan for the first time, they knew they needed him just as much as he needed them.

A knock at the front door pulled Heather from her thoughts and she happily jogged over to open it. The young man standing in front of her brought her pure joy. "Oliver!" she happily cried out before embracing him in a much needed hug. "Sweetheart, it's been too long…" she said more quietly.

"I know," he rasped out and tightened the hug. "I'm sorry…"

"No need to be sorry. I'm just glad you guys made it. Please, come in," she said as she stepped aside. Joannie offered a big hug to Heather as well.

Oliver lightly grasped his daughter's shoulders after they all entered the house he knew all too well. "Heather, I know it's been a couple years, but Lilly's been excited to meet you."

Heather's eyes fell onto the young girl that looked a lot like her father. She was still touched beyond words that they named their daughter after her own. Kneeling down, Heather offered a genuine smile. "Hi, Lilly… Last time I saw you, you were just two-years-old. You sure have grown a lot since then."

Lilly smiled. "Daddy told me a lot about you. You're Lilly's mom, right?"

Heather smiled again; feeling her heart ache. "I sure am. It's very special to me that your mommy and daddy named you after her. They were very close."

Just then, Randall came over with Ryan. "Do you remember Oliver and Joannie at all, Ryan? You were very young last time you saw them."

"No…" he softly spoke while keeping his eyes on Lilly. "You're named after my sister… I never got to meet her, though."

"She and my daddy were best friends," Lilly responded with a smile.

This made Ryan smile. "Well…maybe we could be best friends, too!"

"Yeah!" Lilly said with enthusiasm.

Joannie noticed Oliver's eyes started to well up with tears and she gently squeezed his hand. "Lucky for you two, because you'll be in the same class together at school."

Both of the kids' eyes lit up as they shouted "Yay!" together at the same time.

Just then, the doorbell rang and Randall went over to open the front door while Heather approached Oliver. "I think they're going to have something special like you had with Lilly…"

That was all it took for Oliver to allow his tears to fall. "I still miss her so much…" he rasped out while wiping his tears away.

"Me too, sweetie… I'm just glad you're moving back." She smiled when Oliver returned a small smile.

Suddenly, Randall returned into the living room with their guests. "Guess who's here, Ryan!"

Robbie Ray, Jackson, and Rachel all smiled as the kids darted into the living room. "We finally made it!" Jackson happily announced.

All the kids started shouting with joy as they gathered in the center of the room and Rachel was quick to shoot them all a look. "Susan! Miles! Please stop encouraging the loud screaming, please."

Susan, their 8-year-old daughter, hid behind her ten-year-old brother Miles. "Sorry…" she replied sheepishly.

"Can we go out to the backyard?" Miles asked. "I want to show Ryan my new baseball glove.

"Yes, please go. Have fun!" Jackson answered.

"Yay!" Ryan cheered before taking Lilly's hand and followed his older friends out into the backyard.

"At least they're always excited to see each other," Robbie Ray said with a slight chuckle.

"Very true," Jackson stated with a smile. "And you!" he said, turning to point at Oliver. "It's been way too long, man."

"I know, I know," Oliver laughed as he gave Jackson a quick guy hug. "We're going to be moving back, though. We want Lilly to go to school at Seaview."

"She and Ryan really hit it off, too," Heather noted. "Hopefully they'll be friends for a long time."

"Yeah…." Oliver felt his throat tighten as memories flooded his mind. "I, um…need to use the restroom. I'll be right back…"

Heather let out a sad sigh as she watched Oliver leave the room. "I thought he was doing better…" she sadly said to Joannie.

Joannie offered a sad smile. "I think moving back is harder on him than he'll admit. He really does want to…but the memories…it's hard."

Robbie Ray shook his head. "As long as he doesn't fall back into old habits again…"

Everyone cringed at the memory of it all. After Lilly passed away, Oliver had fallen victim to alcohol addiction. It took nearly three years of AA meetings and therapy to help him through that difficult time and to get on track enough to go to school for directing. They also had the movie about Miley to thank to help him through hard times as well. Joannie had never left his side, either… Through all the heartache and fighting, she loved him too much to ever give up hope for him.

"He hasn't drank in thirteen years. I truly believe he'll be okay. Working on the movie about Miley's life as Hannah all those years ago really did help him," Joannie said with pride.

This made Robbie Ray smile. "He did a fantastic job as assistant director. I couldn't have asked for a better man for the job."

Just then, Oliver rounded the corner. He had to take a moment to compose himself before his announcement to everyone. Being back in the Truscott household was difficult, like he knew it would be, but he had to be strong. "Sorry," he announced, "I just needed a second alone."

"You don't need to apologize, sport," Randall replied. "How about we all have some of the delicious sparkling apple cider Heather picked up and get reacquainted?"

Now Oliver smiled. "Sounds perfect." He then took Joannie's hand and the two walked over to the loveseat.

Once Heather had all the drinks passed out, Joannie gave Oliver a nudge and an encouraging smile. "Tell them your news, honey," she whispered.

"Right! Right…" Oliver cleared his throat before standing. "Okay, everyone… Now that we've finally found time to all be together, I decided this would be the perfect time to share some news." All eyes were on him now and he offered a big grin. "I officially got approval and funding for my next movie! Filming will begin early next year."

Joyous gasps and cheers rang out as everyone stood to hug and congratulate him. Heather wrapped him into a gripping hug. "Oh, sweetheart, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you," he happily said as he tightened the hug.

Jackson patted Oliver's shoulders. "That's awesome, man. What's your movie about anyways?"

"Well… It's based off of what I, and all of you, went through with Lilly and losing her." At this, Oliver cleared his tightened throat. It was still a little hard for him to discuss. "Throughout my time in therapy and AA…it was suggested to me to find a way to move on through my passion. So, I spent the past few years writing it out and it ended up working pretty well for me. Everything in it isn't going to be exactly what happened…but based on it. I just hope I do it justice."

Heather wiped away a tear. "I'm sure it's going to be wonderful, Oliver."

"We're all very proud of you, sport," Randall chimed in. "I know Miley and Lilly would be proud of you, too."

Oliver smiled sadly. "That's what I'm going for."

Joannie leaned in, giving her husband a kiss on the cheek. "You worked very hard, honey, and definitely deserve this movie. Also," she said with a smile, "I have some news to share myself. Jackson? Can you call the kids in here, please? I want everyone in the room for this."

"Sure…" Jackson gave a curious look before heading towards the back patio door.

Now Oliver was giving his wife an odd look. "What's going on?"

"You'll see," she said with a smile.

Jackson returned with four very excited kids and they all sat down on the floor, continuing to chat with each other. Joannie then waved her daughter over. "Lilly, come here for a second. I have something to tell you and daddy."

"Okay, mommy!" Lilly jumped up and dove up into Oliver's arms.

"Like Oliver said before… It's great that we're all finally together and it is a perfect time to share some great news." She turned to Oliver and Lilly, smiling. "My doctor called the other day… We're going to have a baby!"
Lilly's eyes lit up while Oliver's widened with his mouth agape. "Oh my gosh! Honey, that…that's amazing! A baby?"

The room once again filled with cheers as the trio shared a very happy family group hug. "I'm going to be a big sister?" Lilly excitingly asked.

"You sure will be! Later tonight when we go to Grandma and Grandpa Oken's, I think you should be the one to tell them the news."

"Yay!" she shouted; throwing her arms up in the air.

"Joannie, this is just fantastic!" Oliver leaned in and gave her a passionate kiss. "If she tells my parents, then I think she should be the one to tell your parents as well."

"Yes! Please, mommy?" Lilly sweetly smiled.

"Of course you can." Joannie gave her daughter a kiss on her nose.

"A new movie and a new baby! This definitely calls for a celebration!" Randall chirped. "Let's order in some dinner. What sounds good to you, Joannie? You're eating for two now."

"I would honestly love an all meat pizza right now," she answered with a chuckle.

"Sounds like a plan!"

"What else sounds good?" Robbie Ray chimed in. "I'm helping out with paying!"

Excitement filled the room and Lilly hopped down from Oliver's grasp and ran back over to Ryan. Oliver smiled as he watched the two of them… They were both smiling and talking before Ryan shyly reached out and took Lilly's hand. It reminded him so much of when he and Lilly met at preschool…

Oliver was beyond thrilled of the news Joannie shared, but he still had the ache of wanting Lilly and Miley around to enjoy it with. No a day went by where he didn't think about them.

While everyone else gathered into the kitchen for beverages, Oliver wondered over to the fireplace in the living room. Heather and Randall had two eight-by-ten photos of both Lilly and Miley's senior photos that were taken at the beginning of that year. Between those were a few five-by-seven photos of Miley and Lilly together and one of the three of them together. Oliver let out a shaky sigh, fighting back more tears, and smiled at the photos. "Things are getting better guys… I promise. I'm sorry I kept losing my way. I just want to make you both proud…"

Joannie suddenly appeared next to him, holding onto a can of Dr. Pepper. "I picked this for you. I know it's your favorite."

He smiled, taking the can of soda. "Thank you…"

Her eyes followed his to the photos. "They have always been with you. I hope you know that."

"I do… I just wish the pain would go away. I still miss them so much."

"I can't promise you that it'll ever get easier…but remember to take it one day at a time. They'll be with you along the way."

"I couldn't have gone through this without you. I love you, Joannie."

"I love you, too." They both leaned in and shared a tender kiss. Then, Joannie held up her glass of water. "To Miley and Lilly."

Oliver nodded, smiling. "To Miley and Lilly…" Then, they clinked their drinks together and both took a sip in honor of their lost friends.

"Hey, you two," Heather called out from the kitchen. "Get over here! Time to give you both a toast!"

The couple laughed. "Okay, okay, we're coming," Joannie replied before heading over.

Oliver gave once more look at the photos of his best friends. "I love you both so much," he whispered. Then, he happily made his way over to the group of people he could never thank enough. He knew they would always have his back and it really helped him with the moving on process. Despite what they all went through, Oliver knew he was lucky to have such a loving family. Together, they would all keep Miley and Lilly alive through their memories. Their beautiful love story was one that needed to live on forever.

"To Oliver and Joannie," Heather began, "for growing their beautiful family."

"And to Oliver for his next big movie," Randall added. "Cheers!"

"Cheers!" they all chimed as they all clinked their glasses together.

As they happily chatted amongst each other, Oliver knew that he would be okay and that moving back to Malibu was the best decision. All he wanted was for his daughter to have wonderful memories to cherish like he does. He truly felt like he was home again. Something he hadn't felt in years.

"Cheers," he softly said to himself with a warm smile.

The End…

"In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky

In my heart there will always be a place for you, for all my life

I'll keep a part of you with me

And everywhere I am, there you'll be

And everywhere I am, there you'll be…"

(There You'll Be – Faith Hill)

There it is… I have enjoyed working on this story so much, and part of me is sad that it's over. Thanks to everyone (whether you still read this or not) for all the support and love. I hope the ending did this story justice.

Now I can work on the alternate ending. I'm mostly doing it for a friend of mine that wanted a happier ending to the story. Like I said, it will be posted as a separate story, so keep an eye out for it.

Thanks again. I love you all. Stay safe.