It had been a couple of weeks since their last movie night, so Maya was looking forward to it, for a couple of reasons. One: they we're going to watch two movies, a double feature, and two: she was completely rested this time and knew she'd stay awake for the first movie and for the second one as well. She and Shawn were already sitting in the living room waiting for Katy who was being helped with the popcorn and drinks by Josh.
"Come on you two," Maya said impatiently, "it's showtime already."
"Hold your little Maya horses." Katy said referencing a joke Shawn once made to Topanga. "I don't want us to spill the popcorn or the drinks."
A few minutes later the four were all set up with popcorn and drinks and they started the first movie. It was one that Maya had been wanting to watch with her parents, "To Kill a Mockingbird," the screen adaptation of Harper Lee's classic novel. All four had read the book but had not seen the movie and were anxious to do so.
A little over two hours later when the movie ended, the four began to stretch a little to ease the kinks in their muscles from sitting so long. "So what did you think of the movie Maya, as compared to the book?" Shawn asked.
"Well, I liked the movie and am glad we watched it, but I like the book better." Maya answered.
"Me too." Shawn returned.
After a short pause Shawn said: "I need to get up and walk around a little."
"Yeah, we probably all need to do a little of that before the next movie." Katy said as she got up.
As May and Josh got up, Josh said: "I could use some fresh air. Wanna go up on the roof for a few minutes Maya?"
"Yeah, that sounds good. I could use some air too. Is that okay mom?"
"Sure Baby Girl. That'll give me some time to pop some more popcorn."
"Great, let's go Boing."
A few minutes later they walked out onto the roof of the apartment building. As they did so, Josh said: "This is where your mom and dad got married isn't it?
This got an immediate response for Maya. She turned to face Josh with a big smile and said: "Yes, it was right here. That was a great day."
Josh said: "I've seen the pictures that Shawn took here with all the decorations, but I'd like to hear you describe it. From an artist's point of view I guess.
"Well," Maya began, "Dad had all of it done in secret and surprised all of us. He had white and pink flowered wreaths hung up there and there. And a matching flowered arbor over there with a lectern in front of it for Mr. Feeny to use. There were flower pots in several places. And he had strung up pink light globes over there by the wall. And pink and white flowers were put in different places to bring it all together. It was all so beautiful and well done."
"And what about the ceremony itself? Josh asked. "Shawn has pictures of you all in your wedding dresses and the guys in their suites, but what was the ceremony like?"
"It was simple and short, but beautiful." Maya began. "Augie and Ava came out first as the flower boy and girl. Then Mr. Feeny came out and stood behind the lectern. Mrs. Mathews, Riley, and I came out next and stood here." Maya stood where she did on the day of the wedding. "Then dad came out and stood across from us. Then Mr. Mathews came out and walked mom down the aisle and stood next to dad. Mom looked so beautiful in her wedding dress. I don't know where Mrs. Mathews found that dress on such short notice, but she is a miracle worker."
"After that, mom and dad read the vows they'd written together to each other. Then Mr. Feeny finished the ceremony and pronounced them husband and wife. Mom and dad kissed for the first time as husband and wife and then we all walked out. And that was it."
"Wow, that was short." Shawn said. "But it did sound perfect."
"It was." Maya continued. "Even if I did interrupt it half way through."
Josh: "Interrupted? How?"
"Yeah, I guess you don't know about that." Maya said with a slightly embarrassed look on her face. "Let's go sit on that bench over there and I'll explain. That bench is special also."
As they walked over to the bench and sat down, Josh asked: "This old metal bench" How could it be special?
Maya smiled that wonderful smile at him that he loved so much and explained. "I've never told you about what happened; what I tried to do earlier that day." Josh shook his head anxious to hear her story. "Well, earlier that day, I tried to talk them out of getting married.
"What!" Josh exclaimed. "I thought you wanted them to get married. So you would be a family like you've always wanted."
Maya: "I did, up until the day of the wedding, then I got scared."
Josh: "Scared." Of What?"
Maya: "Of what might happen after they got married. My experience up to that point was that when mom go married, bad things start to happen. I told dad that bad things happen to him and me and I didn't want this ceremony to take place."
"What did Shawn say to that?" Josh asked in disbelief. He hadn't heard any of this before.
"He cut me off real fast and told me that the wedding wasn't about me, but about him and mom. And they were marring because they loved each other."
"Wow!" Josh exclaimed. "Sounds like he was pretty stern with you there. But you ended up loving the wedding and them getting married. I could see the happiness on your face in the pictures that Shawn took. What changed your mind?
"Well, that's why this simple iron bench is important too. All of this was taking place in the Mathews' apartment. After dad told me that the wedding had nothing to do with me, I still thought I had one more card to play, so to speak. I told him to prove to me that they were ready to get married. I was pretty defiant with him then and I thought I had hit him with a question that couldn't be answered. But I was wrong."
"How so?" Josh asked with his curiosity peaking.
"He just said sarcastically: "How could I possibly do that?"
"That really startled me and then he led mom and the rest of us up here on the roof which he already had decorated. He pretty much said he wanted them to get married that night. This took us all by surprise, especially mom."
Josh: "How does this bench fit in to this story?"
"Let me finish and you'll see." Maya said with a grin. "Mom ran into his arms then and I could tell she was all in on getting married that night. And then I saw a look on mom and dad's faces that I hadn't noticed before. Mom had never looked any anyone else like that, not even Kermit. And that changed everything for me. I could see that he loved her and she loved him. And this wedding should take place and that we would become a family. And that was why I interrupted the ceremony when I did. To tell dad that I was with him and mom in taking a leap of faith. He and mom both had relieved looks on their faces." Maya looked off into space now and she remembered that day with fondness.
"The bench Maya," Josh said, his curiosity about to burst.
This snapped Maya out of her trance. She looked at Josh, smiled, and answered his question. "After I had realized that the wedding was going to happen and I wanted it to, Riley and I sat down on this bench, while the rest of them started wedding planning. I was thinking about what I had just realized and trying to get my head around it. It was a feeling like nothing else I had ever had. Then Riley read my mind, like she always does, and gently explained to me what I couldn't figure. She said: 'This is something good. This is something good that is happening to you, Maya."
"With those few, simple words, it all became clear. What I was feeling was happiness; unbridled happiness that I knew would last forever. And even though I had been happy before because of Riley's friendship, this was the first time I allowed myself to believe it. And I just said: 'This is what it feels like.' She hugged me then and we just sat on this bench for a while and shared the moment."
Maya looked at Josh then. He was looking at her and smiling. He knew now why the bench was so important and in fact why this whole area was important to her. And he told her that.
Maya stood up then and took a few steps away. She indicated the whole area with her arms and said: "Who would have ever thought that the roof of a New York apartment building could be so important? But it is."
"That's what I thought." Josh said. "That's why I wanted to do this here."
"Do what?" Maya thought with a furrowed brow trying to figure out what he meant. She turned then to ask him and looked up expecting to see his face, but she didn't. What she did see was the top of his head because he was down on one knee looking up at her. And he had a little velvet covered box in his hand. When Maya saw that, she gasped audibly, she involuntarily covered her mouth with her hands, and her eyes filled with tears.
Between her and Riley, Riley had always been the dreamer. She's the one who dreamed of being a princess who wanted a handsome prince to carry her away on a beautiful white horse. And Lucas had done that for her in middle school. And Riley always said that someday a handsome young man would get down on one knee and ask her to be his wife. And she would tell Maya that it would happen to her one day too. And Maya would always say: "Whatever you say honey." But she never believed it would happen to her. Even when her and Josh started dating, she would not let herself believe it would happen to her because she didn't want to be disappointed. It hurt too much. But after Josh told her that he loved her, she began to let herself believe that maybe it could happen to her. But she still had doubt. And she certainly didn't expect it to happen now. They were both still in school and had told each other that they'd wait till they were out of school and working before they'd talk about their future together. Yet here she was now, looking down at Josh, who had a look on his face that was filled with so much love for her that it made her insides melt. And she knew what he was about to ask her.
"Maya," he began, "I never knew if I'd ever meet anyone like you. You're smart and sassy and fiercely independent, yet kind and giving. And I can't imagine a life without you in it. And I know we said we'd wait till we had jobs before talking about our future together. And while marriage might still be a while away for us, I wanted the world to know that we belonged together…forever. So, Maya Penelope Hunter, will you mar…?"
"Yes!" Maya suddenly shouted, surprising Josh and herself. Letting her emotions overrun her was something Riley might do, but not her. As she looked down at Josh, he had a slight grin on his face, but she knew she'd spoiled the moment. "Sorry." She said meekly. Josh's grin got bigger and he started again.
"Maya, you are the love of my life and the best thing that's ever happened to me. You make me happier than I ever thought I could be. So, Maya Penelope Hunter, will you marry m…?"
"Yes!" Maya interrupted for a second time. And her face turned red with embarrassment this time.
"Maya!" Josh now said with a little bit of annoyance in his voice.
As Maya looked down at him, she realized that Josh wanted this moment to be perfect because it was so important to both of them. It reminded her of the first time they spent the night together. Josh had wanted that to be perfect too and after a shaky start, it had been. And now she was messing up this moment that he also wanted to be perfect. So she looked down at Josh and said: "Give me just a second."
Now she closed her eyes and willed herself to relax. She took in a long breath through her nose and slowly let it out through her mouth. And as she did that, a feeling of peace like she never felt before flowed over her as if someone had poured a warm bucket of water over her head. And she realized something. What was happening to her now wasn't a dream coming true, but rather a destiny being fulfilled. Instead of fate bringing them together, this was what was destined to happen to them. They were supposed to meet when they were children and stay in touch through adulthood. They were supposed to fall in love with one another. And Josh was supposed to ask her to marry him like he was now. Life knew what it was doing, and this was the way things were supposed to happen all along.
With that revelation, Maya opened her eyes, looked down at this man she loved more than her own life, and said: "Please continue."
When Maya opened her eyes and looked down at him and said "please continue," Josh saw a peace on her face like he'd never seen before and it made her spirit shine brighter than it ever had before. And he knew, more than ever, he was doing the right thing by asking her now. And he continued.
"Maya, you and I were always meant to be together. You knew that even when I didn't. But I finally figured it out." (Maya smiles) "When I'm with you, I know there's nothing we can't do together and I feel like the best version of myself comes out. I want us to take care of each other forever. So, Maya Penelope Hunter, will you marry me?"
Maya smiles and Josh sees her eyes shine brighter that he's ever seen them. And with calmness and absurdness that comes with knowing what is right and good, Maya answers: "Yes Josh, I will marry you."
Josh takes the ring from its box and slips it onto Maya's left hand. After he does, he stands up to face her. As he is standing up, she puts her arms around his neck, pulls him close, and kisses him for the first time as his fiancée. Tears are in Maya's eyes as she finally releases the kiss and hugs him tight.
After releasing him, she looks at the ring and says: "It's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen."
Josh smiles and he watches Maya admire the ring. "She's so amazing." He says to himself. "I know the diamond in the ring is small. And she deserves so much more. She's just trying to spare my feelings." "Thank you for saying that Maya." He begins. "But I know the diamond is small and you deserve one so much larger. But that's all I could afford right now. I promise that when I get a job, I will buy one much larger and have this one replaced with it."
Maya looks up at Josh with a surprised look on her face. "Josh, I don't care about the size of the diamond."
"You don't," he says in surprise.
"No," she returns. "The reason it's so beautiful is because it's on the ring finger of my left hand, and you put it there."
Josh looks into the eyes of his beautiful fiancée and sees the sincerity and love in them. "You are so amazing." He says. "And I'm so lucky you're in my life. Do you have any idea how much I love you?"
"Yeah, I kinda do. Hopefully as much as I love yo…." That's as far as she got as Josh, in one swift move, takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately. Maya lets her body melt into his as she responds to his kiss, holding the back of his head with her hand as his hands interlock behind her back.
As they finally end the kiss, they let their foreheads touch briefly. Maya realizes her breath's heavy as if she'd been holding her it for a long time, which she may have because she lost track of time as they kissed. She looks into Josh's eyes and says: "I love you Joshua Gabriel Matthews." He responds with: "And I love you Maya Penelope Hunter."
"Soon to be Matthews." She says with a smile. Josh returns her smile, but then says: "Soon yes Maya, but not too soon. I know this happened fast and we didn't talk about it, but I think we should still wait till we both graduate and are working before we plan our future together, which includes marriage plans. I hope you understand."
"Of course I understand Josh, and I agree. We're going to be together for the rest of our lives. I can wait a little longer." She flashes him a smile letting him know she's with him on this. "And I still want to live with Mom, Dad, and Mandy for a little longer."
Josh smiles. "That's what I thought. So it's good all the way around then?"
"Absolutely." She responds. She looks around briefly and realizes: "We've been up here for a while and I bet Mon and Dad are wondering what's happened to us. So we should go back down now. And besides, I'm dying to tell them the good news!"
"So you think they'll like the news?" Josh asks.
"Yeah," Maya responds softly. "I think they'll love it."
Josh takes Maya's hand and they head back to the Hunter's apartment. When they open the door to the apartment, Shawn and Katy are sitting on the couch waiting. Katy says, "What have you two been doing? Shawn was about to come looking for you."
Josh and Maya look at each other and Josh nods to Maya, who says: "Josh just asked me to marry him." Then she shows them the ring and continues: "And of course I said yes." When Maya says this, the reaction from her mother was instant and surprising to her. Katy gasped loudly, just as Maya had done earlier. And also like Maya, she covers her mouth with her hands and tears fill her eyes.
Maya, worried at her mother's response to the news, says: "It's okay mom. We're not getting married now. We're going to wait till we've graduated and are working before we talk about when. We just wanted to let everyone know what we truly mean to each other."
Katy stands now and begins walking toward the young couple with her arms outstretched. Maya relaxes now as she sees her coming toward her for a hug. But she surprises her and Josh. Instead of putting her arms around Maya, she puts them around Josh's neck, hugs him tight, and begins to gently sob into his shoulder.
"Katy?" Josh says. Surprised and bewildered by her hug and her soft crying. As he gently puts his hands on Katy's sides, not knowing what else to do with them, he looks to Maya for an answer to her mother's actions and asks: "Maya?"
Maya, just as surprised as Josh, turns to Shawn and asks: "Dad?"
Shawn smiles at his daughter, who he's standing close to now, holds out his arm, indicating she should join him, puts his arm around her when she does, kisses her on top of her head, and says softly: "Give you mom a moment honey and I'm sure she'll explain herself." When Maya looks at him with still questioning eyes, he says to her gently: "Don't worry Maya. I think I know what she's thinking right now. And it's all good." Maya smiles at him, relieved now, and waits for her mom to explain.
Katy finally breaks her hug on Josh and wipes the tears from her face. She looks at a totally bewildered Josh, smiles at him and says: "Sorry if I stained your shirt Josh."
"That's okay," he replies, "I'm just totally confused right now."
Katy widens her smile and says: "Yeah, I guess you are." She turns from Josh to face Maya and says: "Come here Baby Girl," as she holds her arms out for her. Maya runs to her mom and the two embrace for a few minutes, not saying a word. Finally Maya asks: "So you're okay with this then?"
"Yes, I'm okay with it." She replies gently. "In fact, I've been hoping and praying for this since you two started dating."
"You have?" Maya asks with surprise.
"We both have." Shawn chimes in.
"You have!?" Maya says in disbelief. "We had no idea."
"Maya," Katy begins, "parents always want a better life for their children that the one they had. And I never wanted you to go through what I did with Kermit. I wanted you to find your Shawn the first time around. And I knew you had with Josh. That's why I hugged Josh like I did. That was spontaneous. I hadn't planned on doing that; it just happened. Sorry Josh. I didn't mean to embarrasses you. I guess it was just my way of thanking you for loving my Baby Girl."
"That's okay Katy. I'm the one who should be thanking her. Maya is the girl I've always looked for and was beginning to think I'd never find. But luckily for me, Maya doesn't give up so easily." (Maya, Katy, and Shawn all smile at that)
"Oh Mama," Maya began as she hugged Katy again. Maya would call Katy Mama instead of Mom when she was feeling particularly emotional toward her, like right now.
When they finally release their hug, Maya asks: "Why didn't you say something to us?"
"I was wondering the same thing." Josh says coming to stand next to Maya.
"Because you two needed to figure that out on your own." Katy says.
Shawn adds: "Many times when someone tries to push a couple together, even when they can see that couple belongs together, it can have the opposite effect. Especially with young couples like yourselves. We couldn't take that chance with you two."
So you both are happy for us?" Maya asks.
"We couldn't be happier." Shawn says. He then turns to Josh and says" welcome to our family…Son."
Josh smiles and says: "Thank you Shawn." He pauses for a second; thinking about something he realizes he needs to tell Shawn. "And I want you to know that I had fully planned on asking for your and Katy's permission to marry Maya. But this all happened so quickly. I decided to ask Maya to marry me because of something Katy said to me a couple of weeks ago." He looked at Katy and said: "Two hearts beating as one." Katy smiled at him.
"What does that mean?" Shawn said looking at them both.
"I'll explain it all later honey," Katy began, "but not right now."
"And I'll explain it to you Maya." Said Josh, knowing she'd want to know as well.
After a few moments, Shawn asked: "So I guess we're the only ones that know so far, since it just happened?"
"Yes," Josh answered, "but I'd really like to go tell Cory and Topanga right now."
"That's a good idea." Shawn says. And we'll go with you. I'd like to see their reactions; especially Cory's."
"Oh, do you think they'll be okay with it?" Maya asks.
Shawn and Katy exchange knowing glances and Shawn answers: "Yeah, I think they'll be okay with it."
Josh texts Cory and asks if it's okay for them to come down before they head down to their apartment.
After they get to the apartment and greetings are exchanged, Cory asks: "So what's up?"
Katy, Shawn, and Josh all look at Maya letting her know that she can tell them. "Well, a few minutes ago, Josh asked me to marry him." Then she holds up her hand so they and see the ring. "And I said yes."
"Awww!" and "Congratulations" came from Cory and Topanga. As Josh looks at Cory, hoping for his blessing, Cory opens his arms up and says: "My brother," to which Josh answers: "My brother." The two embrace then and Cory continues: "I'm so happy for you Josh. And I'm happy for Maya as well. You know how much we love Maya don't you Josh?
Josh, sensing where his brother is going with this says: "Don't worry Cory, I'll take care of her, I promise."
"Good," Cory says back to him." Then he turns to Maya, but before he can say anything, Maya says: "I'll take care of him too, Mr. Mathews, I promise." Then she continues: "Also don't worry about our school work, we're not getting married till after we graduate."
"This is all wonderful news your two. Thanks for sharing it with us tonight," Cory says.
"You're welcome Mr. Matthews." Maya says. "So you and Mrs. Matthews approve?"
"Of course we approve honey." Cory says with a smile. "We've been hoping and praying for this since you two started dating."
"Wait, you too?! You both have?!" Maya asks in disbelief while looking at both Cory and Topanga. They both nod at her which prompts her to say: "Thank you Mr. Matthews, that means a lot to us."
"Cory, honey, call me Cory from now on." It was obvious to him that Maya was having a hard time believing what she'd just heard, so he continued: "Maya, you're not a little girl anymore. You've grown into a wonderful young woman that any parent would be proud to call there's. And besides, I'm not your teacher anymore."
Maya is touched by this obvious act of respect Cory's given her. She smiles brightly and him and says: "Thank you Mr…, I mean Cory." She hesitates a moment then says to him: "But, you'll always be my teacher."
Cory, trying not to let his voice crack, says: "Thank you Maya. You couldn't have said anything kinder to me."
Topanga now gives Maya a big hug and says: "I'm so happy for you Maya."
After Topanga releases her hug, Maya says to her: "Thank you Mrs. Matthews. That means a lot."
"Topanga honey, call me Topanga from now on. For the same reasons Cory said."
Maya is almost overwhelmed by this outpouring of respect she's just received from two people she's admired and loved for so long. For once in her life, she's speechless.
Finely Cory asks: "So since this has just happened, we're the only ones that know about it so far?"
"That's right," Maya says, "but I need to do a video chat or something with Riley. She should her about this ASAP."
"Well I think I can help you out with that." Topanga says. Then she turns toward the doorway that leads to the rest of the apartment and says: "Okay honey, you can come out now. I know you're about to go crazy." Maya turns to the doorway, and suddenly Riley appears.
"Riley!" Maya yells and runs to her best friend. They meet and hug each other tightly. When they finally release their hug, Maya says: "What are you doing here Riley? I didn't know you'd be home."
"I know." Riley says. "I had some classes get canceled, so I decided to come home for a couple of days. I had some studying I needed to do tonight and I was planning on surprising you tomorrow, but you surprised me instead.
"So how were you holding up back there honey?" Maya asked with a grin, already knowing the answer.
"I was about to die!" Riley said with exasperation as the two girls laughed together.
"So, what do you think about this?" Maya asked with some nervousness.
After a moment of hesitation as she thinks about her answer, Riley finally smiles her big smile that Maya loves so much, opens her arms wide and says: "Aunt Peaches!"
The two hug again. And as they do, Riley says softly into Maya's ear: "I'm so happy for you Maya. Uncle Josh is a great guy and you deserve to be with a great guy."
As they released their hug, Maya says: "Thank you Riley. That means more to me than you could ever imagine."
"Yeah, and to me too." Josh says as the rest of the group walks up to them.
When they do, Riley hugs her Uncle Josh and says: "Congratulations Uncle Josh. You're engaged to a wonderful girl you know."
"I know Riley. And before you say anything else, yes, I'll take care of your friend. I promise."
Suddenly from behind them, in the doorway leading to the rest of the apartment, a tiny little voice, obviously sleepy, says: "Sissy, what are you and mommy and daddy doing here?"
The group turns to see Mandy, the youngest Hunter daughter, standing in the doorway, sleepy eyed, and dragging her favorite toy with her, Barry the Bear II, a gift from her second big sister, Riley.
Maya rushes to her and says: "Mandy honey, what are you doing up?"
Mandy responds: "You and Riley screaming woke me up." As Maya approaches, she spreads her arms out for Maya to pick her up. Which she does.
"I'm sorry Mandy. We didn't mean to wake you. We were just excited."
"You were? Why?" The little girl asks.
"Well….." Maya begins as she carries Mandy to the couch and sits down, "we were celebrating."
"Celebrating what?" the little girl asked, not satisfied with the answer she got.
Maya smiles at her little sister. Then motions for Josh to come and sit next to her. "You know how much mommy and daddy love each other right?" Mandy nods her head.
"And you know how much Uncle Cory and Aunt Topanga love each other right?
Mandy nods her head again but adds: "Yeah, I catch Uncle Cory and Aunt Topanga smooching on the couch some times. It's kinda icky thought."
Everyone laughs at that. Maya smiles at her and then continues. "Yeah it is, isn't it? You see when two people love each other like mommy and daddy and Uncle Cory and Aunt Topanga, they get married. And Josh and I love each other very much, so a little while ago Josh asked me to marry him."
Before she can continue, Mandy interjects: "You said yes didn't you?!"
Surprised, Maya answers: "Yes Mandy, I said yes. And look at the pretty ring Josh gave me to let everyone know we're going to be married."
Mandy looks at the ring and says: "It's really pretty Sissy." Then she looks up at Maya and says: "Joshy makes you happy doesn't he Sissy?"
"Yes honey; he makes me very happy."
Mandy now turns to Josh and holds her arms up for him to take her, which he does. Then she says to him: "You make Sissy so happy. I love you Joshy."
"Awww," Josh begins, touched by Mandy's words which bring tears to his eyes, "I love you too Munchkin (his pet name for her). And Sissy makes me very happy too."
"And do you know what else, Mandy?" Maya asks getting the little girl's attention again. "When Josh and I are married, that means he'll be your big brother."
"Really?" She responds. "Then I'll have the coolest big brother in the universe!"
"Yes you will." Maya answers. Then the little girl lets out a big yawn, obviously sleepy, and lays her head on Josh's chest.
"I think it's time we got you back into bed Mandy." Maya tells her. "Would you like me to carry you back to your bed?"
She shakes her head no and says: "I want Joshy to."
"Okay," Maya says, "I think he'd like that."
Maya looks at Josh and smiles. He returns her smile as he gets up with Mandy in his arms and begins to carry her to her bed. She hugs his neck tight. Maya and Riley follow Josh, hand-in-hand. The rest follow them.
Riley says: "I think Uncle Josh and Mandy have really bonded."
"Me too," Maya answers, "I've really wanted them too, especially now." Mays holds up her left hand showing her engagement ring and smiles knowingly. Riley smiles back also knowingly."
When they get to her bedroom, which is actually Augie's, who's spending the night with friends, Maya and Josh tuck Mandy in while Riley watches. The other adults are standing just inside the room. As they watch the newly engaged couple talk with Mandy, Topanga leans in to Shawn and Katy and says in a low voice: "You know Katy, if those two decide to have kids one day, they'll make great parents."
Katy smiles and says: "I was just thinking the same thing."
As Maya and Josh finish tucking Mandy back into bed, Maya says: "Tell you what kido, Riley and I were planning on hanging out tomorrow, would you like to go with us?" Maya looks at Riley to make sure it's okay with her. Riley nods enthusiastically.
"I would love that Sissy." The little girl says with excitement. "Can Joshy come too?"
"Sure he can if he doesn't already have plans." Mandy, Maya, and Riley all look at Josh, not knowing his plans for tomorrow.
"I'd love to Mandy. It'll be fun."
"Yea!" She replies.
"Okay that's settled," Maya says, "Josh and I will come and get you two in the morning after breakfast and then we'll do whatever you want to. How's that?"
"Perfect." Mandy says with a big grin.
Maya: "Tell everybody goodnight and go back to sleep. We will have a long, fun day tomorrow."
"Goodnight Mommy; goodnight Daddy; goodnight Aunt Topanga, Goodnight Uncle Cory."
They all return her goodnights. Then she tells Maya, Josh, and Riley goodnight, closes her eyes, and drifts off to sleep.
When the group all gets back into the living room, Maya suddenly puts her arms around Josh's neck and kisses him. After releasing the kiss, Josh says: "What was that for?...Never mind. I just hope I keep doing it."
That gets a chuckle from everyone. Maya says: "That's because I love you. And this," she kisses him again, "is because my baby sister loves you too. That makes me happy."
After a few awkward seconds with Josh trying to hold back his emotions, Cory comes to his rescue by asking: "I'm assuming mom and dad don't know either?"
"No," Josh answers, now composing himself. "I thought Maya and I would go visit them in a couple of days and tell them. So nobody say anything if you talk with them." They all agree to keep their secret for now.
"Well I need to get back to studying if we're hanging out tomorrow." Riley says.
"And I want to get back to movie night, if you don't have any more surprises for me Mr. Matthews." Maya says to Josh with a grin.
"Nope, fresh out," he returns. "I'm ready to get back to movie night too."
They all say their goodbye's and go back to what they were doing before the big announcement. A couple of days later after Josh sets it up with his parents, he and Maya head to Philadelphia for their visit and surprise announcement.
In Philadelphia at the Matthews Home
"Mom, Dad, we're here," Josh announces as he and Maya come in the front door with their bags.
Alan and Amy come into the living room to great the young couple.
"Oh it's so good to see you both." Amy says as she greets them both with a hug.
"So glad you're here." Alan says as he hugs them also.
"Hey mom, hey dad," Josh says. "It's good to be home.
"Hey Grandma and Grandpa Matthews," Maya begins, "it's really good t see you too.
Amy flashes a smile her son's girlfriend. She loves Maya as if she were her own granddaughter. And marvels at the young woman she's grown into. Even though she loves the fact that the two are dating, it does feel strange, at times, that the girl she sees as a granddaughter is dating her son. She shakes her head and tries not to think about that. It makes her head hurt. She goes on to say: "Not that I'm complaining, buy why the visit? Just visiting? A home-cooked meal? Or what?"
"Actually, all of the above," Josh says with a smile. "But there's another reason." He looks at Maya who gives him a smile and a nod, then he continues: "A couple of days ago, I asked Maya to marry me. And she said yes." Maya holds up her ring hand for Amy and Allen to see.
"Congratulations!" Amy and Alan say at the same time. "This is wonderful news for us to hear." Amy continues.
"So, you're okay with it then?" Maya asks cautiously.
Amy takes Maya's hands in hers and gently says: "Of course we're okay with it honey. In fact, we've been hoping and praying for this since you started dating. You two have always seemed like you belong together."
"Wait, you too!" Maya says in disbelief. As Amy and Alan nod in agreement, Maya continues: "Everybody we've told, Mom, Dad, Cory, and Topanga, has said the exact same thing."
Amy smiles a sweet smile at the young couple and says: "That's because everyone who knows you two, especially those who've know you since you were children have thought that you belong together. We're all happy you figured it out finally."
"Thank you Grandma Matthews. That means so much to me. I…."
"You can call me Mom if you'd like to Maya, and Alan, Dad. I know you have a wonderful mom and dad, but that's what Topanga calls us, and we'd like for you to as well."
"Thank you….mom," Maya says hesitantly, but with a smile. Then the smile grows bigger and she gets a devilish look on her face and says: "Oh I can't wait till Riley and I are together with you and…dad (meaning Alan), I'm gonna have fun with that."
They all laugh at Maya's joke, knowing exactly what she means. After the laughter dies down, Amy says: "What don't you two put your bags up. I have some sandwiches made for lunch. Josh, you'll sleep in your old room, and Maya, you can sleep in Morgan's room like you always do. I don't care if you two are engaged, when you're here, you'll sleep in separate rooms until you're married."
"Yes ma'am," Josh says with a smile.
Maya kisses Amy on the cheek and says: "I wouldn't consider doing anything else Mom."
This brings a tear to Amy's eye as she watches her son and future daughter-in-law go up the stairs to their rooms.
A few moments later, they're all sitting around the kitchen, enjoying lunch, and catching up on what's going on in each other's lives. Amy is especially interested in how Josh proposed. When Maya tells her the story, Amy is impressed. She tells Josh: "Always treat her that well Josh. You know how much we love her."
"I know mom, Josh says. "I'll take care of her."
Before Amy can say anything else, Maya says: "We'll take care of each other. That's what we do." Alan and Amy are beyond happy at what their children are telling them.
Later on, Josh asks: "Is Mr. Feeny home? We want to tell him about us and we have a favor to ask of him."
"Yes, he should be home," Alan says. "I saw him tending to his flowers just before you got here."
"Thanks Dad. Wanna go see him now, honey?" Josh asks Maya.
"Good a time as any." Maya replies.
A few minutes later, they are at Mr. Feeny's door and Josh knocks. A few seconds later they hear him come to the door and open it. When he sees who it is, he is surprised. "Joshua, Maya, What a pleasant surprise," He says. "Please come in."
"Thank you, Mr. Feeny," they both say together.
"Are you here visiting you parents?" Mr. Feeny asks Josh.
"Yes we are," Josh begins, "we had something to tell them and that's why we came to see you; to tell you also and to ask a favor."
"Oh?" Mr. Feeny says as he looks at the young couple with knowing eyes.
Josh and Maya look at each other, then turn to Mr. Feeny and Josh says:" a few days ago, I asked Maya to marry me and she said yes."
Now Mr. Feeny shows them a big smile and says: "Well, this is indeed wonderful news. I've been hoping and praying for this since you two first started dating, congratulations."
Josh and Maya stare at Mr. Feeny in disbelief. "You too," Josh exclaims, "everyone we've told so far: Mom, Dad, Cory, Topanga, Shawn, and Katy, has said the same thing!"
"Don't look so stunned Joshua, it's been obvious to all that know you well, that you two belong together. I am very happy for you both."
"Thank you, Mr. Feeny," they both say.
Then Maya says: We also have a favor Mr. Feeny, but first I want to say: I'm sorry."
Mr. Feeny and Josh both look at Maya wondering what she's talking about. Mr. Feeny asks: "What for?" To which Maya replies: "For this" as she throws her arms around Mr. Feeny's neck and hugs him tight, trying her best not to cry on his shirt, she continues: "I apologize Mr. Feeny," she continues, "I know you're a very private person and may be uncomfortable with shows of affection like this, but I just had to."
"It's fine my dear," Mr. Feeny begins, "I'm just at a loss for why."
Maya finally releases him and composes herself. She takes a step back and explains: "If it hadn't been for you, Mr. Feeny, this day, this event, that everyone is so happy about, especially me, probably wouldn't have happened."
"Oh, I don't see how that could be." Mr. Feeny says with slight bewilderment.
Maya looks at Josh, who gives her a smile. He knows what she means. She continues: "Josh told be about what you said to him about me several years ago and I've been wanting to thank you ever since. You told him that one day, when I got a little older, I wouldn't be a little girl anymore. That I'd become a young woman. That it was okay to like me then. And that young woman he described to him would be waiting for him in that future. And he listened to you."
"And that wonderful young woman was waiting for me, just like you said she would be" Josh added, "and I'm glad she was. She's extraordinary." Maya blushed a little at his words and gave him a quick kiss.
Mr. Feeny, clearly moved by their words, was hesitant to take any credit for their relationship and expressed his feeling to the young couple. But Maya reiterated that he was, in fact, a big reason for them getting together. And Josh agreed.
"Well," Mr. Feeny began, "if I did indeed played some small role in the two of you finding one another, then I am most happy. From the time I first saw you together, as children, I noticed there was something special between you two. You both acted different around each other, in a good way. And when I talked to Josh about you when I first had the chance, he said that he liked you. He further showed me that he cared for you, when he told me, as a young teen, that you had the most beautiful and saddest blue eyes he's ever seen. You indeed had a lasting effect on him Maya, even as a child."
"Those blue eyes are just as blue now," Josh said, "but no longer sad, which makes them even more beautiful."
"Indeed Joshua, indeed," Mr. Feeny agreed.
"Gosh," Maya began, "you two know how to make a girl feel great."
Mr. Feeny and Josh had to chuckle at that. Then Josh said: "We have a favor to ask Mr. Feeny." He looked at Josh then. "Our wedding won't be until we've both graduated, but when it does happen, we'd like you to perform the ceremony, to marry us."
As soon as Josh said that, the smile on Mr. Feeny's face vanished and the expression on his face gave Maya and Josh no clue to his reaction. But Josh assumed that this meant he was reluctant to perform the ceremony, so he quickly said: "If you'd rather not Mr. Feeny, that's okay, we understand. It's a while off yet and it'll be in New York, so it's perfectly understandable if you'd rather not."
"No Joshua, that's not it at all. I was just thinking…," he collected his thoughts before continuing, "one of the happiest days of my life was when I performed the marriage ceremony for your parents Maya. And I never thought I'd have a happier day. But marrying you two will be an even happier task. I would be honored to perform your marriage ceremony. Thank you for asking me."
"Thank YOU, Mr. Feeny. You just made our day!" Maya started to hug him again, but stopped short, respecting his personal space.
"It's okay Maya," he said as he embraced the young woman he'd grown so fond of.
After they released their embrace, Josh said: "We're going out with Mom and Dad for dinner tonight to celebrate our engagement. We'd love if you'd join us."
"I would be delighted." Mr. Feeny responded.
"Great," Josh said. "Say 7:00?"
"I'll be ready." Mr. Feeny returned.
"We'll see you then." Josh said as he and Maya left to tell Amy and Alan that Mr. Feeny would be joining them for dinner and the reason why. The rest of the weekend was filled with laughter and good wishes to Josh and Maya.