Graduation and United Extend Family (Chapter Twenty)
June, 2019-Hunter Apartment (Early Morning)-
Maya was in a deep sleep - dreaming of herself and Joshua starting to run towards each other from opposite sides of a meadow when. . She felt an earthquake happen then suddenly fell off a cliff and onto. ..
"OW! Guys!" the green nightgowned 18-year-old Maya Hunter fumed as she awoke having fallen on the bedside floor squarely on her backside due to her twin siblings George and Amy bouncing on her mattress.
"My-my! Wake up! My-my! Wake up!" the red pajama clad 2-year-old blond, blue-eyed George Hunter insisted.
"What the . .fur hat? It's 5 in the morning!" Maya groaned as she looked at her bedside alarm clock.
"We know! My-my! Read us a story! Read us a story. PLEASE!" the yellow pajama clad 2-year-old brunette, brown-eyed Amy Hunter begged.
"Why aren't you in your rooms and why aren't you asleep?" Maya asked as she got off the floor and while trying to crawl back into her bed.
"We got bored there and we wanted a story!" George insisted.
"But why me and not Mommy and Daddy?" Maya sighed.
"Because you're gurgitating today and won't be around much the rest of the summer. You said so last night, " Amy replied.
"That's graduating! Yes, I'm getting that diploma then I'll be interning with Mrs. Minkus helping to design clothes for the J.B. Minkus line in addition to helping out at the Feeny Foundation and at Dandelion Fields until I start at Juliard late August," Maya explained as she got out of the covers.
"But why won't you be here? Don't you love us, or Mommy and Daddy anymore?" Amy asked while George nodded.
"Amy, someday you'll make a great mother-in-law. Yes, of course I love all of you and always will," Maya explained as she hugged them.
"Then, why, My-my?" George asked.
"It's because you two need to stay home to be taken care of by Mommy and Daddy until you're ready to go to school .I'm grown up so I'm finished with high school. I'm ready to start making my way in the world. Do you understand?" Maya asked as she started to pull them off her bed and led them towards their own bedrooms.
"Do you think we can go meet Julie Lard?" Amy asked.
"That's Julliard. And it's a college not a person! Sure you can one day if you are willing to dream a cool dream and work hard to make it happen," Maya laughed.
"Did you always think you could do it?" George asked.
"When I was about your age, I thought I might become a dragonfly princess but then I got sad for a long time and thought dreams and hope were for suckers," Maya sighed.
"What happened?" Amy asked.
"I explained it to you. Daddy is daddy to ALL of us and always will be forever but he wasn't always mine and my . ..original daddy left me and Mommy all by ourselves and we got scared," Maya sighed.
"Why?" George asked.
"Because we didn't know what was going to happen to us. Then one day Daddy came and knew he loved Mommy and wanted the best for both of us so that's how he became my daddy and encouraged Mommy and me to dream again," Maya explained.
"You mean Daddy was Prince Charming?" Amy asked.
" I guess he was but it took Mommy's kiss to awaken HIM to become that!" Maya reflected.
"But why do we have to stay with Mrs. Morgenstern during your gurg. .grah du ay shun?" Amy asked as Maya mouthed the word for her after gently putting her index finger on her toddler sister's mouth.
"Because you two tornadoes wouldn't enjoy sitting still for a couple hours, listening to boring speeches and you might get lost in the crowd when everyone cheers. Mommy and Daddy have explained this to you," Maya recounted as she led them to George's room.
"Yes, but we want to hear it from you!" George insisted.
"Now Daddy, Uncle Cory, Uncle Jonathan, Uncle Jack,Nana and Mr. Minkus will all take lots of footage of this which you can see one day when you're interested," Maya explained as she opened the door to George's room.
"Will Uncle Eric be there,too?" Amy asked.
"Yeah, and I know he's also a tornado but all of us who love him love him for how he is. And you'll see him with everyone else at the big party at Topanga's this afternoon!" Maya laughed as she started to lead George back to his bed
"OK, thanks for telling us that story about you, Mommy and Daddy. You think one day I'll grow up to be like him, Grandpa Alan, Boingo Josh or Mr. Neefy?" George asked.
" That's Feeny but yes, those all would be great goals to go for. But how about Uncle Cory?"Maya asked.
"He's nice but I don't want to whine like him," George snorted.
"Let's keep that to ourselves, George and Amy," Maya laughed.
"Why?" George asked.
"Because it would keep things cool if you did," Maya explained.
"Oh," George replied but Maya wasn't sure he quite understood.
"Who would you like to grow up to be like Amy?" Maya asked.
" You, Mommy, Nana, Grandma Amy, Mrs. Neef - Feeny or Aunt Topanga would be cool," Amy reflected.
"Isn't it great that you guys have so many cool folks you can choose from?"Maya asked.
"Uh huh!" George and Amy said together.
"But never forget that each of you is unique. Now, back to your beds and stay put until Mommy and Daddy wake you up," Maya insisted as she tucked George into his bed, kissed him on the forehead and started to lead Amy back to her room.
"But I have to go potty!" George insisted.
"Me,too! "Amy added.
"OK, I'll lead you guys to the bathroom, then wipe you down then put you back to your beds, tuck you in and THEN you stay put until Mommy and Daddy wake you up, " Maya sighed as she pulled the covers off George's bed and led him and Amy towards the bathroom.
. . .
" I think the twins woke Maya again. You want me to get that?" Shawn asked he put his feet onto the floor in their bedroom.
"Nah, she's got this one and this will be good for her to keep corralling them in mind while she and Joshua court," Katy laughed as she grabbed his right arm which prompted Shawn to put his feet back under the covers.
"In a few hours, our daughter graduates and with honors- to boot! Isn't that cool?" Shawn exclaimed.
"Yeah, it sure is! But we can think about that after cuddling. OK, Gorgeous!" Katy laughed as she kissed Shawn and stroked his beard while he embraced her.
"Never imagined I'd enjoy cuddles as much as I have," Shawn laughed.
.. .
-Graduation Day Abigail Adams High Auditorium (later that morning)
"Mother, don't be upset!" Farkle pleaded backstage.
" You had a perfect 4.0 average and all those extra credit activities but what do you? Blow Driver's Ed.," Jennifer fumed.
"Mother, I was just trying to show I could parallel park in a tiny spot by squeezing the car into it," Farkle sputtered.
" Yes, but did you have to get out of the car to actually squeeze it like an accordion before carrying it to the spot? " Jennifer boiled.
"Well, the boy did show initiative by compressing the car against a stone wall to half its former length. Not every student has the brains or strength to do that. Too bad it wasn't drivable after that even after Farkle stretched it back out, "Minkus shrugged.
"You're one to make excuses! You blew your own chance of being the John Adams Valedictorian by flunking science," Jennifer fumed.
"Shh! Not so loud! I should have gotten the Nobel Prize for my project instead of that happening," Minkus sputtered.
" Your project escaped and ate every single streetlight in a mile radius before the SWAT team took it down!" Jennifer recalled.
"Well, if I have to take the 2nd spot, I'm happy Number One is who it is since she's shown a great deal of improvement through hard work these last three years," Farkle offered.
"And we Minkuses STILL ahead of the Lawrence-Matthews A average," Minkus smirked.
"Why do you think young Miss Matthews didn't keep that up after Freshman year as much as she had in Middle School?" Jennifer asked.
"Perhaps the curriculum proved more challenging than Riley had anticipated," Farkle offered.
" Hmmph! I have my suspicions but what's done is done," Jennifer sniffed.
"Mother, please try to stay nice to her and Maya at least until the Ceremony is over," Farkle pleaded.
"I'm always nice," Jennifer sniffed.
"Jennifer, nobody's that naïve ," Minkus groaned with an eye roll.
" Young Miss Hunter actually has lived up to Farkle's hype of her these last few years," Jennifer insisted.
" Mother, thank you for hiring her!" Farkle beamed as he gently hugged Jennifer.
" Miss Hunter showed me that she was the most competent, qualified and hardworking of all the applicants. It had nothing to do with your liking of her," Jennifer sniffed.
"Well, I'm happy you did so anyway! " Farkle insisted.
"I don't care if you two can crush boulders into powder, I miss you the three of us giving each other bear hugs before your transformations, " Jennifer groaned.
"Mother, we'll always treasure our time with you as the eons zoom by, " Farkle insisted.
" It would be nice if you two got at least one planet winding up worshipping me by then," Jennifer sighed.
.
. .
"You look quite sharp in your Faculty Cap and Gown, Cor!" Shawn proclaimed.
"Well, it's one of the perks of the job," Cory laughed.
"Odd seeing you in a suit instead of jeans, flannel shirts and work boots," Cory laughed.
"Well, I had to dress up for this one . Jack and Morgan also took the day off from our reno projects to see Maya and Riley ! Not every day my eldest gets the parchment!" Shawn reflected.
" Cool," Cory replied.
"And today our daughters get that parchment or whatever the NYC system prints it off of these days. Three years ago, I couldn't have imagined this would be in my offing much less corralling twin two-year-old tornadoes but this is IT!" Shawn laughed.
"These last three years with you around have been among the happiest of my life, Shawnny," Cory gulped.
"Same here- even with the bumps we've had to deal with," Shawn exclaimed.
"Bumps?" Cory asked.
"Yeah, like Thanksgiving Sunday of '16 when Katy found out the whole truth about the five of us trespassing and vandalizing during the Feeny Dig. It took some time for all of us to hear the end of that one," Shawn reflected.
"I still haven't heard the end of it from Topanga. I make it a point never to say the words 'Thanksgiving' and 'Sunday' in the same paragraph if I can help it," Cory admitted.
"But she was part of that whole mess," Shawn protested.
"Exactly- and, as a result, Topanga got called out by three civilians- Mr. Feeny, Dad and Katy. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't shoot down their cases against her actions and inactions during the Feeny Dig. She didn't like that at all," Cory groaned.
"Sorry you've had to deal with that flak Cory," Shawn sighed.
"Don't be. You know I love and admire Topanga more than just about anyone else in the world but she likes to believe she's perfect and can never be wrong so it was good to see her get knocked down a few pegs that time by folks who hadn't studied the bar like she had," Cory half-laughed.
" In any case, just because our daughters won't be going to the same college doesn't mean our bond's done yet! Auggie's set to be a teen in a few years right about when George and Amy get into kindergarten and we've got middle and old age to stare down!" Shawn reflected.
" For so long, I thought you'd never find your way back but it's so awesome you're here with us and that my folks, Mr. Turner and the Feenys all lived to see it," Cory sniffed.
"So there's no hard feelings about Maya having. .." Shawn pondered.
"Nah, not from me! She's earned it! If Riley wants to hold any grudge about it, I'm willing to let her stew in her own over it," Cory proclaimed.
"Riley's improved a great deal as a person these past two and a half years not being so overwhelming to her friends and, more importantly, treating you, Topanga and herself with respect!" Shawn insisted.
"That's really the key to life is learning to treat oneself with respect no matter what happens," Cory insisted.
"True that! Too many years I didn't do that and rejected too many lifelines thrown my way," Shawn sighed.
"But you're here now!" Cory insisted as he hugged Shawn.
"Yeah, who'd have thought Stuart had it right by being Mr. Feeny's pet while I was just stupid," Shawn sighed.
"Not stupid! Just stubborn," Minkus laughed as he suddenly seemed to pop up.
"How did you. .?" Cory asked.
"And we're all here to see our children take that crucial step for adulthood. I only hope Farkle recalls what his youth and adolescence were like in the eons ahead," Minkus reflected as he put his hands on Shawn's and Cory's shoulders.
"Now, Stuart. Do you truly plan to just step aside from Minkus International and let Farkle run the world?" Shawn asked.
"Of course not," Minkus replied.
" I didn't think so," Cory sniffed.
"I intend to be the Co-Guardian of the Milky Way while he gets used to running this planet. Yes, it wasn't just sheer vainglory on my part that spurred me to transform my own and Farkle's physiques to the invincible, immortal mode," Minkus insisted.
"OK, you said something about discovering something doing a math problem in the 6th grade, right?" Shawn asked.
"Yes, it was during the time Mr. Feeny asked if there was a math formula for two men washing a car when I wound up trying to work out whether time flowed via a steady stream instead of random bursts repeating when I somehow popped out of this planet into another plane or dimension when I found the answer," Minkus explained.
A/N- So, yes, readers since the original BWM had Minkus have this happen in their AU, that's why Minkus and Farkle were able to have these Ultimate Revenge of the Nerds in this AU.
"Really, Stuart? "Cory scoffed.
"Yes, and there I discovered what it took to transform a few kooky ideas into my current international corporate conglomerate AND the fact that Farkle and I have unique DNAs that have been capable of having our bodies transformed into us being effective galaxy guardians who will safeguard untold quadrillions of forms of intelligent life from harm for eons! " Minkus insisted.
"But. ." Cory sputtered.
"You thought you just were able to wish me away the last day of 6th Grade? Nah, I had discovered the ability to randomly transport myself to virtually any point of the galaxy by sheer will and took that time to study the Ring Nebula up close," Minkus laughed.
"Look, if it turns out you and Farkle just lucked out for a few years or decades getting superhuman strength, then we'll all have a good laugh when it's all over but if it turns out that you two will be here for eternity, then we'll enjoy the ride and you can name a comet after me and Cory in a few million years," Shawn laughed.
"I'll keep that in mind, Shawn! Any luck with getting those new art supplies for the Feeny Foundation?" Minkus asked.
" The kids should have it there this afternoon! We're all stopping by there after our party at Topanga's and we can catch Harley & Claire up on stuff," Shawn laughed.
"Good! How are Jack and Morgan doing these days?" Minkus asked.
" Jack and Morgan got engaged last week and you know that Senator Eric and Lucas's mother Rachel got engaged the week before. I'm not sure how far apart those weddings are going to have to be to keep those two grooms from clashing," Shawn laughed.
"At least they quit fighting over who was supposed to wind up with Rachel," Cory shrugged.
"And how is working on those renovation projects with them, Shawn?" Minkus asked.
"Actually, better than I would have imagined. Jack's showed Morgan and me the best legit ways to make the most of our monies earned from the renovations so not only have I got Maya's Juliard tuition covered and have a good start for the twins' future tuition but I will actually be able to buy a vacation cottage in Fiji in the next few years which Katy and I may eventually retire to,"Shawn explained.
" So do you think Katy will be ready to teach drama full time next year?" Minkus asked.
"She's been having the time of her life at Abigail Adams teaching drama part time these days while we both corral our little ones! Between construction, renovation, photography and poetry from me; art, design and music from Maya and drama, costume,play writing and set construction from Katy, our little ones will have lots of options they can choose from! " Shawn proclaimed
"Mr. Turner, we weren't expecting. .." Minkus sputtered.
"Normally, I'd have blown off the last day of citywide bureaucratic red tape and gone with Laura and little Sean for a long weekend in our Long Island beach house but my bestie Eli's got laryngitis so I've got to sub for this Ceremony!" Mr. Turner explained.
"Great you could make it, Jonathan. It's a big day in the Hunter, Matthews and Minkus clans!" Shawn exclaimed as he hugged Mr. Turner
"So does Little Amy still like younger men because Little Sean seemed interested in her during their last playdate in spite of Little George wrestling him?" Mr. Turner asked.
"They're only three months apart and they're all single digits. You're as bad as Rachel Friar trying to get George with the Crenshaws' daughter Daphnée!" Shawn scoffed.
"It's easier to deal with offspring's pairings if you have known quantities, "Minkus reflected.
"I'm thankful Auggie's got Ava and I gotta admit that Lucas is probably good for Riley. You're finally cool with my Baby Bro Joshua with Maya, Shawn?"
Cory asked.
"He respected me, her and himself despite Katy's and my rules and they're now both of age so, yeah, I'm cool, "Shawn shrugged.
. ..
"Now for the Valedictorian of Abigail Adams Class of 2019, Maya Penelope Hunter! You and Katy did it, Shawn! " Mr. Turner exclaimed.
"Thank you, Uncle Jonathan! When I first got here, I didn't think I'd not drop out but then Daddy not only helped heal Mom and me but he encouraged me to do my best. He told me that when he graduated John Adams High all those years ago, Aunt Topanga was Valedictorian but she let him speak and he said then he regretted not doing his best when he was in high school. So I'm thankful that he ,Mom and Nana have encouraged me to do mine because now I'm doing what I love in art, music and designing clothes and am looking forward to Juliard in August and I'm thankful I have the support of the boy I love Joshua Matthews who's also encouraged me to live up to more potential than I thought I had had. Also, I'd like to thank my friends Farkle Minkus and Isadora Smackle for helping to encourage me to embrace science and studying as well as my bestie Riley Matthews for being there for all of us while letting us thrive on our own. Lastly, I want to thank my favorite teacher Mr. Cory Matthews for his fairness and encouragement and our families' mentors for two generations and counting, Mr. George and Mrs. Lila Bolander Feeny. This diploma is for all of you -and especially for the tornadic two my baby brother and sister, George and Amy. Dream, believe and do good, Little Ones! " Maya wearing a golden silk gown beneath the graduate gown exclaimed as she finished her speech.
"Thank you, Miss Hunter! And now presenting Abigail Adams High Class of 2019! "Mr. Turner exclaimed as hundreds of caps got tossed into the air- along with Lucas Friar's father's cowboy hat to the cheers of the whole auditorium.
. ..
. .. .
Mr. Lucas Caleb Friar is pleased to announce the impending marriage of his mother
Mrs. Rachel Kimberly McGuire Friar
To Senator Eric Randall Matthews (the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eric Matthews) on Saturday, June 6,2020 at Dandelion Fields' Church and Reception Hall to be performed by the Reverends George Hamilton Feeny and Lydia Veronica Bolling.
Mrs. Friar is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jason Trent (Nadia Cassidy) McGuire and the granddaughter of Mrs. Annie Donegal Cassidy and the late Mr. Seamus Cassidy and the late Mr. and Mrs. Rory McGuire.
Senator Matthews is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alan Matthews and the late Mr. and Mrs. David "Sam" Bernard Cohen.
. . . .
. .
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Patrick (Katy Grace Hart) Hunter are pleased to announce the impending marriage of their daughter
Ms. Maya Penelope Hunter
To Mr. Joshua Gabriel Matthews (youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eric Matthews) on Saturday June 6,2020 at Dandelion Fields' Churh and Reception Hall to be performed the Reverends George Hamilton Feeny and Lydia Veronica Bolling.
Ms. Hunter is the granddaughter of Reverend Lydia Veronica Bolling and the late Mr. Chet Hunter and the late Sgt. Martin Peter Alveira and the late Ms. Katharine Christine Daly.
Mr. Matthews is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alan Matthews and the late Mr. and Mrs. David "Sam"Bernard Cohen.
. ..
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eric (Amy Rebecca Cohen) Matthews are pleased to announce the impending marriage of their daughter
Ms. Morgan LeFay Matthews
To Mr. Jack Chet Hunter (the son of Mrs. Elaine McGinty Hunter Connor and the late Mr. Chet Hunter) on Saturday, June 6,2020 at Dandelion Fields' Church and Reception Hall to be performed by the Reverends George Hamilton Feeny and Lydia Veronica Bolling.
Ms. Matthews is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alan Matthews and the late Mr. and Mrs. David "Sam" Bernard Cohen.
Mr. Hunter is the grandson of Mrs. Helena Romano McGinty and the late Mr. Roland McGinty and the late Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Hunter
. ..
Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Angus (Topanga Walburga Lawrence) Matthews are pleased to announce the impending marriage of their daughter
Ms. Riley Chloe Matthews
To Mr. Lucas Caleb Friar (the son of Mrs. Rachel McGuire Friar and the late Mr. Caleb Lucas Friar) on Saturday, June 6,2020 at Dandelion Fields' Church and Reception Hall to be performed by the Reverends George Hamilton Feeny and Lydia Veronica Bolling.
Ms. Matthews is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eric Matthews, Ms. Rhiannon Chloe Curtis Lawrence Prescott and the late Mr. Jedidiah Peter Lawrence.
Mr. Friar is the grandson of Mr. Joseph Caleb Friar and the late Mrs. Sally Pearl Houston Friar and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jason Trent McGuire .
. ..
. . .
. .
" Eric, I'm going to get you for this!" Jack fumed at Dandelion Fields' Church on Saturday, June 6,2020 that morning as the grooms, groomsmen and bridal fathers all were getting into their suits.
"Hey! I thought you were cool with me marrying Rachel and you marrying Morgan," Eric gulped.
"No, not that! Fine to have kept our bachelor party booze free but charades? Pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey? A piñata? "Jack fumed.
"Hey! Don't be mad because I'm the one who smashed it and I got that cactus candy inside!" Eric exclaimed while smacking his lips.
"Who thought up that bachelor party anyway? Mister Rogers?" Jack fumed.
"No, you can give credit to Cory and me! We're both having our young daughters getting married to fine young gentlemen- and we're keeping all of them fine until Mama and Reverend Feeny pronounce the lot of you married!" Shawn insisted.
"Not to mention, Shawn, Dad and me are all married men and we're not about to get into anything that could mess up OUR marriages," Cory laughed.
"Yeah, but Eric and I've been to the rodeo more than once before this last roundup. Not to mention that Rachel's… " Jack sneered.
"Jack! You're talking about my bridal suite!" Eric warned with a fist.
" I was going to say that Rachel's been married before and had a son so she's not entirely new at this and Morgan. .." Jack started to say.
"NO! NO! NO! Peas and carrots! Peas and carrots! Morgan's saved herself for you all these years until your honeymoon! Peas and carrots!" Cory shouted while putting his hands over his ears.
"Come on. Don't be a baby, Cory. Morgan's thirty. .." Jack started to say
"You do want to walk instead of being wheeled down the aisle to marry my only daughter, right Jack?" Alan warned as he put his right arm around Jack's shoulders
"Fine, Mr. Matthews," Jack sighed.
"Now, of course, I'm going to welcome you to our family and you, Rachel and young Maya will all be able to join Topanga in calling me 'Dad' and Amy 'Mom' but you're not quite there yet," Alan laughed.
"Dad, I think I got Eric and Rachel to join Maya and my votes so how about we have a barefoot wedding in a few hours?" Joshua pleaded.
" The tailors measured the suits pants' legs to be worn with shoes and we're nowhere near a beach!" Alan insisted.
"Besides, you don't want to chance me and Pappy Joe steppin' on any toes with our boots on," Lucas shrugged.
"You've done it before and I've stomped back on them twice as hard," Josh insisted as he flexed his biceps.
"Easy there, Unky! " Lucas laughed.
"You live and go to school in New York and we agreed to let you wear your late father's cowboy hat to the wedding despite it being inside Miss Lydia's church so why be so Texan here?" Joshua fumed.
" Cause we ARE Texan! " Lucas laughed.
" You sure you're up to this dynastic deal of Hunters, Matthewses and Friars all becoming one big family tree maze?" Shawn laughed.
"Well, it will be tricky to complain about the in-laws but, yeah, it's something we've all wanted for decades, " Jack laughed as they hugged.
. ..
"How are the corralled grooms doing back in the stockyard, Gorgeous?" Katy asked as he came back to the bridal section of the church.
"They're starting to chomp at the bit somewhat but they all seem ready to get married. No cold feet in spite of Joshua still trying to make it a barefoot wedding!" Shawn laughed.
"George wants to trade places with Amy. I told him boys are ring bearers and girls are flower tossers," Katy sighed.
"In spite of only having me against you three, he's a typical three-year-old boy. I'll see what the deal is," Shawn pondered.
. .
"Daddy. Why can't I throw the flowers?" George stomped while trying to undo his small tie.
"Don't do that, George!" Amy snapped at him.
"Daddy, Can Amy. .?" George asked.
"She's right. Leave the tie as 's only for a little while," Shawn cautioned.
"But Daddy what about the flowers?" George asked.
" Why do want to throw the flowers anyway? You'd be bringing four whole rings up to the front!" Shawn explained.
"Yeah, but they're all light but throwing flowers would be like practicing pitching!" George insisted.
" Not exactly and does Amy want to trade places?" Shawn asked.
"No, I don't! " Amy insisted.
"But. .." George started to say.
" Do you think it would be fair to Amy?" Shawn asked.
"No but how about we get someone else to be the ring bearer then me and Amy could both throw out stuff?" George asked.
"Well…" Shawn started to say.
"Please, Daddy?" George pleaded.
"OK, Son! I'll see what I can do and IF I can find another small child who can do the ring thing then MAYBE you can toss seed packets and Amy can toss flowers to the crowd," Shawn sighed.
"YAY!" George exclaimed as he jumped up and down.
" I said 'if' and 'maybe' and you've gotta promise me to not throw them at anyone's face or eyes!" Shawn insisted.
. ..
"You ARE? Whoa! That's amazing, Rachel!" Angela exclaimed as she hugged Rachel in the dressing room.
"Yeah, not even Eric knows this yet but I'm going to have to tell him before the service starts!" Rachel insisted.
"So you sure about this. I mean, you just finished raising Lucas. And Eric. ..well, you know," Angela gulped.
" He's wise when it counts and he'll be even more vigilant watching out for our baby than he is for other children in need," Rachel reflected.
"But how are you going to. I mean, you brides aren't supposed to see your grooms until. ." Angela gulped.
"That's where New Millennial texting comes in handy to route around these old traditions," Rachel laughed.
"I guess a text is better than having this sent back and forth by smoke signal or Shawn," Angela laughed as they heard a knock.
"Are you ladies presentable?" Shawn asked on the other side.
"Yes. Is there something you need to tell us about Eric?" Rachel asked.
"No, I need to talk to Angela for just a minute. You can stay if you want," Shawn insisted.
"I've got to send this vital text to Eric and Tommy so I'll leave you two be for now," Rachel related as Shawn came into their dressing room.
"You two look great! " Shawn exclaimed.
"Thanks but is there anything else you need to tell me?" Angela asked.
" There's been a slight change of plans. George doesn't want to be the Ring Bearer so he can toss the seed packets with Amy tossing the flowers so I was wondering if Daphnée could be do the job?" Shawn explained.
"Let me find out. Now, Honey. Mommy and Mr. Hunter would like you to do a very important thing. Could you slowly walk down ahead of everyone else while holding a pillow with two hands then hold it up and then hand them the pillow when they ask for it?" Angela asked her 30 month old daughter while kneeling to the floor.
"Will Georgie be there?" Daphnée (in a flowered sundress with her hair in braids but with her paternal grandmother's slanted eyes) asked.
"Sure, it's kinda his idea!" Shawn laughed while also kneeling.
"Remember, it's somewhat like when Daddy has to stand at attention reviewing his soldiers," Angela reminded her.
"OK, I can do it" Daphnée giggled.
"Good girl!" Angela laughed.
" Georgie and Amy are around the corner. Would you like to see them again so you three can go over your parts? Your Mommy, Daddy and I will all remind you three one last time before it's time," Shawn gently insisted before Angela kissed her on the head and she ran to join her playmates.
"She sure seems happy and amazingly unspoiled," Shawn laughed.
"So are your twins- despite their incredible energy!" Angela laughed.
" Could I ask you why you and Jared picked those names for Daphnée?" Shawn asked.
"Sure. Daphnée is for my maternal grandmother who'd been born in Haiti while Aiko is Jared's maternal grandmother's name," Angela reflected.
"Haiti? So you and Daphnée are descended from folks who actually had the first successful slave revolt since Sparticus? That's amazing! " Shawn laughed.
" I have to admit that I didn't know that until I reconnected with my mother Michele," Angela sighed.
"So, how did that go?" Shawn asked.
"It turns out that she has had a longtime alcohol problem and essentially went away for treatments when I thought she just was vacationing as a child then one time never came back," Angela sighed.
" I'm sorry to hear that. No wonder you hated my drinking. I hope you don't regret finding her," Shawn sighed as he hugged Angela.
"You were right! I needed to find out the truth. She's actually fairly nice to Daphnée- when she's clean," Angela sighed.
"So you don't let them have unsupervised . .." Shawn gulped.
" I wish I could but there's no reason for my child to see her grandmother drunk so I have to make sure she's sober when we see her then stay vigilant the whole time. I've had to end more than one visit when I thought she had snuck a shot," Angela sighed.
"That sucks it has to be like that," Shawn groaned.
"Yes, it does and I'll tell Daphnée what she needs to know as she gets older so she can make her own choices with Michele as an adult but I can't chance her seeing stuff she doesn't need to see or think I condone. Is that awful of me?" Angela explained.
"No, Angela. You're being the best parent possible to her!" Shawn insisted.
"You really think so?" Angela asked.
"For too many years after his death, I put Chet on a pedestal . Even as late as when I found out George and Amy were on the way, I imagined if he were living that I'd have had him visit them but stayed vigilant the whole time and not let them be unsupervised with him . However, by the time they were born with Mama having told me her side which put together so many unmatched ugly puzzle pieces about him and Virna. Well. . if he were still living today, no way would I let Chet near my Katy or my babies for any reason and I'd tell them all exactly why! "Shawn sighed.
"I can't blame you there. Have you ever heard from Virna or any of the other Hunters since. ..?" Angela asked.
"NOPE and, you know, since Chet was actually the best of that lot, it's truly been for the best!" Shawn insisted.
"So you think I'm doing right by Daphnée with Michele?" Angela asked.
"That's up to you and Jared but ,from what you've told me, at least Michele isn't deliberately harmful or exploitive but I can't say I can remember more than a handful of times when Chet wasn't that way with me," Shawn groaned.
"Come on, Shawn! Cheer up! In another two hours, your daughter, your brother and my bestie are all getting married to Matthewses so we're all joining a fantastic extended family! "Angela insisted.
"You're right, Angela!" Shawn exclaimed.
"And, thanks to the Minkus DNA HOORAY, I've found out that I'm a 5th cousin one-removed to Riley Matthew's fiance's Lucas's Best Man Isaiah Babineaux through a common Haitian ancestor! "Angela laughed.
"So Jared doesn't mind his cousin Miko dating such a close in-law?" Shawn laughed.
" We've got nothing on your new big family!" Angela giggled.
. ..
"What happened?" Cory asked as Eric collapsed.
" I don't know. We were standing there one minute then Eric took out his phone and. ." T.J. gulped.
"Wake up, Senator Matthews!" Agent LaChance pleaded.
Rachel:Eric, the doc's confirmed the test's positive. We're having our own baby in seven months time!
"Hoo boy! Eric! Eric! Wake up!" Cory and T.J. shouted as soon as they saw the above text.
"Huhn. Oh, I had the wackiest dream. I dreamt I got elected Senator and Rachel came back to me then…" Eric gulped then fainted again.
"Shoot! Snap out of it, Scalawag! My boy went through the same thing!" Pappy Joe Friar snorted.
"Mr. Friar, tell him how your son managed fine -and he &Rachel didn't have the Senatorial health network to help them," T.J. pleaded.
"Hey, Little Big Man, we always had running water! " Pappy Joe snorted.
"What's going on here? "Farkle asked.
"Oh, his high and mighty step pappy to-be's got news that Lucas is going to be a big brother!" Pappy Joe explained while pointing to Eric seated on the floor with his head between his knees.
" Didn't you have that reaction with Isadora?" Lucas asked.
"No. We'd been married a few months but that was Mother's reaction. I'm still a bit flummoxed that in another six months another generation of Minkus is set to see the light!" Farkle laughed.
"So I'm going to be a big brother and a. .." Lucas beamed.
"GROOM! In two more hours, you're going to be a GROOM- and don't you forget it," Zay gulped as he put his hand over Lucas's mouth.
"Funny how Lucas's reacted to becoming a brother," Cory laughed while Alan gulped.
"Jack, why don't you take Cory to see if Shawn might need your help to see if there's anything Topanga, Riley or Maya could use about now," Alan pleaded.
"But if I go there, won't I chance seeing Morgan before the. ..?" Jack gulped.
"Just drop Cory off then scurry on back here!" Alan said with gritted teeth.
"Cory, let's go see if Shawn needs our help!" Jack gulped before quickly leading Cory away.
"Alan, you be thinking what I'm thinking?" Pappy Joe whispered.
"Yeah, we may be related by more than just marriage before too long. If so, somebody better hogtie Cory before he makes the connection," Alan groaned.
. ..
.
"Daddy, what do you think?" Maya asked as she opened the door and wore a baby blue lace floor-length gown with orange blossoms in her hair and open-toed blue leather sandals.
"You may be shorter than the other three but you're going to outshine those other brides!" Shawn proclaimed.
"Are you ready for this?" Maya asked.
"Intellectually, I know you and Joshua have done everything right, love each other and do right be each other but emotionally, I wish I could have raised you from birth so I won't have to see you grow up so fast," Shawn sighed as he hugged Maya on the shoulders.
" I know, Daddy. But these four years have been the best of mine and Mom's lives so far and now Joshua's joining the five of us!" Maya exclaimed.
"I know you're sure about this and are ready but what about the other thing?" Shawn asked.
"I didn't expect Kermit and his new wife or kids to actually accept the invite but, good or bad, they're part of our story,too. Is Mom really okay with that?" Maya asked.
"She says she's somewhat replaced anger with indifference for him and, for your sake, she's ready to be civil today. But say the word, I can get Mama to have Helma bar them from here!" Shawn insisted.
"What about you, Daddy?" Maya asked.
" Oddly enough, if I hadn't known how badly his neglect and abandonment had damaged you and your mother, I might have become friends with him," Shawn admitted.
"Well, there's no point punishing either my half-sibs by him or even my stepmother Dana and he is a bit contrite so that counts for something. I guess," Maya sighed.
" You think you guys may have a sporadic birthday/Christmas card deal like you do with your great-uncle Miguel Alveira? "Shawn asked.
"Possibly so but right now I'm going to marry Joshua in front of all of the above, become a Matthews including becoming Riley's and Auggie's AUNT!" Maya laughed.
" Are you going to try to make them call you that?" Shawn laughed.
"Only when they get too annoying," Maya laughed.
"Oh, they won't be your only niece or nephew. Mrs. Friar just texted your now honorary Uncle Eric that they're having their own baby!" Shawn proclaimed.
"All these folks I'm going to be on a first name basis with. I'm going to miss calling him as well Uncle Cory and Aunt Topanga by their titles once I become their baby sister-in-law," Maya laughed.
"I have the feeling they're going to need us to keep them on an even keel once they learn everything going on," Shawn sighed.
"Lucas let it out?" Maya gulped.
"Yeah. He did. Alan Matthews just texted me so I could keep it from your Uncle Cory. I want you to know that Mom and I will be there for you if you're …" Shawn insisted.
"Daddy, I'm not! Not for at least another nine and a half months if tonight goes well," Maya insisted.
"Maya, you mean that you're still a . . " Shawn gulped.
"SHH! Don't let it get around, Daddy! It would hurt my bad girl rep!" Maya laughed.
"Not that it's any of my biz but. .[WHEW]" ,Shawn interjected.
"I think all of us can later somehow keep Uncle Cory and Aunt Topanga from totally melting down but you understand why we need to keep this quiet until after Nana and Mr. Feeny have done their parts and, of course, Joshua and I will do all we can to help," Maya proclaimed.
"Oh, yeah! Of course, it will be interesting to see how your new in-laws will handle becoming great-grandparents," Shawn laughed.
" How did they do with the news of Riley's arrival?" Maya asked.
"They somewhat freaked but mostly because they thought Uncle Cory and Aunt Topanga were too young and inexperienced to be first time parents- especially your Mom Amy," Shawn recalled.
"So they may actually get some satisfaction of seeing Uncle Cory and Aunt Topanga squirm like they did at the news a generation earlier . That should be interesting!" Maya pondered.
"So you think you'll be ready to go back to Juliard this fall while Joshua starts his internship at that architecture firm?" Shawn asked.
"Sure, it will be in our own place not in the NYU married dorms like Lucas and Riles are going to be dealing with," Maya explained.
"True- and only six blocks from our apartment," Shawn added.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready for your double duty in another hour?" Maya asked.
"It just means sprinting back after marching with the groom parade. Not a marathon!" Shawn shrugged.
"Daddy, thanks for everything and, believe it or not, I AM going to miss living with you, Mom, George and Amy, " Maya broke down and cried.
"I know but our family isn't splitting- just getting a LOT bigger!" Shawn proclaimed as he hugged Maya's shoulders.
"Yeah. Oh, help me, Daddy!" Maya gasped.
"What's wrong, Hijita?" Shawn asked.
"It just hit me that I'm going to be a great-aunt and I'm not even twenty!" Maya gulped.
" Adventures of the Matthews Family! At least this time, neither of us will have anything to do with Cory and Topanga getting grey hair!" Shawn laughed.
. ..
..
"Mr. & Mrs. Feeny and Mr. & Mrs. Matthews, why don't you take us up on our offer?" Minkus asked in another part of the church.
"We've lived in our old neighborhood for decades now," Alan scoffed.
"I know but all of your children and grandchildren now live in Manhattan and it can't be fun to have to keep commuting back and forth to Philly," Minkus insisted.
"True that," Amy sighed.
" What's more. is a bit of a headache for Lila and I to go back and forth to Manhattan see our honorary charges at the Foundation and the Hunter twins," Mr. Feeny conceded.
"Farkle and Isadora have struck out on their own with their new penthouse overlooking Central Park (only 30 stories up) so his old Suite is fallow," Minkus explained.
"But we've lived in our two houses for all these years," Lila sighed.
"Farkle's Suite could fit your entire suburban block and then some. Say the word and I could have your entire dwellings replicated there side by side - trees and gardens included with sunray lamps to keep them growing. You two couples would still be neighbors but all on one floor with no more stairs - and you'd be within easy access of our Minkus commissaries, malls and infirmaries on the lower floors as well as a nonstop elevator to the street level and Subway station," Minkus insisted.
"Alan, do you think this could work?" Amy Matthews asked.
" Amy, we may need stick around Manhattan for awhile to console Cory and Topanga- after we gloat a bit," Alan Matthews shrugged.
" Oh?" Amy asked.
"I must be putting on my vestments, directly Mr. Minkus so what would we need to compensate . .?" Mr. Feeny asked.
" Nothing whatsoever. You and the Matthewses raised two families that have enriched my own tremendously and I personally want to take care of you and Mrs. Feeny the rest of your lives. All that has been more than compensation enough," Minkus insisted.
" We can't make a rush decision but Lila and I will discuss this a great deal in the next few days as will the Matthewses," Mr. Feeny declared while Lila, Alan and Amy all nodded.
"Excellent! Jennifer and I will look forward to your being our neighbors!" Minkus declared as he walked off.
"Father, are you sure about having them live in my old Suite?" Farkle whispered as he came up to Minkus.
"I've missed too many years with them and I don't want to miss any more," Minkus admitted.
"But what about Mother? "Farkle asked.
"She doesn't need to visit any of them if she doesn't want. It's not about her," Minkus insisted.
"Isn't that what you said about our jaunt to China in November?" Farkle asked.
"True! Oh, I still think we need to tell the world about how we wiped out a horrible plague that would have caused the entire world to become mask-attired hermits and shut-ins- to say nothing of stopping virtually all travel and direct schooling ," Minkus insisted.
" Three people in China got nothing more than what they thought were head colds before we cured and eradicated that affliction. If we tell everyone how close the world came to being decimated by that, there'd be widespread panic," Farkle sighed.
A/N- This is an AU. Therefore, since Minkus and Farkle don't actually exist in our world, why not have these folks who DO exist in this AU get rid of that horrible affliction in their AU.
"Perhaps, but think of it as a good rehearsal to us being Galaxy Guardians for eons!" Minkus insisted- as he put his right arm on Farkle's right shoulder.
"I'd rather enjoy my time being with Isadora and our impending offspring instead of thinking about that," Farkle sighed.
"Yes, but imagine how cool it will be for them to have a father and grandfather who happen to be the most robust bipedal immortals in the galaxy," Minkus laughed.
"I suppose, Father,"Farkle sighed.
"And already people are thinking we're more twin like! I wonder how many ID's I'll wear out before they stop carding me with the entire world knowing who I am and that I'm infinitely older than I appear? " Minkus shrugged.
"Let's not think about that and just make sure Mother does okay at this wedding," Farkle replied.
. ..
"Whoa! Thar! Where ya think you're going, Rachel. You're supposed to be on the brides' side of the church!" Pappy Joe exclaimed as he grabbed Rachel in her purple knee-length gown by the upper arms.
" Pappy Joe, the man I'm about to marry is in distress and he needs. .." Rachel insisted.
"No more than Caleb was when he found out Lucas was on the way," Pappy Joe shrugged.
"You couldn't possibly know that. We were in Ethiopia when we found out," Rachel sniffed.
"I knew my boy and I knew myself when Mama Pearl told me Caleb was a' coming!" Pappy Joe laughed.
" You know that if Caleb were still in this world, there'd be no one else but you need to believe me that Eric's special and we love each other," Rachel pleaded.
"Yep. He's no more touched than most folks on Capitol Hill," Pappy Joe snorted.
"Pappy Joe," Rachel groaned.
"OK, even though you didn't ask it like Lucas asked me about Miss Riley, you've got my blessin' to marry Mr. Eric- even if it's by a preacher lady," Pappy Joe shrugged.
"Now Miss Lydia has worked very hard and she's .. ." Rachel insisted.
"Yeah, I know! Women preachers just ain't something I grew up with but she's given Miss Riley and Miss Maya polish these last few years an' that's something good," Pappy Joe shrugged.
" I know I'm not polished," Rachel sighed.
"I never imagined Caleb would have chosen a Californie Yankee like you in a million years but you loved him and did right by him- and what's more important, you've loved and done right by Lucas. He didn't come up as he did just from his few memories of Caleb and MY influence," Pappy Joe conceded.
"You mean that, Pappy Joe?"Rachel squealed as she hugged her father-in-law.
"Yeah, I guess I do,"Pappy Joe shrugged.
"He's been the most important person in both our lives for so long but now.." Rachel gulped.
"Now, you've got a new man and a new baby but we've still got Lucas, Miss Riley is going to be a Friar AND they're going to make you a grandma an' me a great-grandpa!" Pappy Joe laughed.
" You knew? " Rachel gulped.
"Sure! Lucas had that very same look I did when Mama Pearl told me about Caleb," Pappy Joe shrugged.
" Oh, I know that it won't be easy with Lucas in the NYU pre-vet program and Riley in the secondary educational one there and we can't tell Cory or Topanga until after the ceremony,"Rachel pleaded.
"Shoot! I ain't sayin' nothin'. Them two make your dust devil fiancé look like a statue -especially when upset!" Pappy Joe shrugged.
. ..
. .
" Are you sure you don't want some tapioca pudding before I walk you down the aisle? " Cory asked as held up a spoon of it from a pudding bowl while Isadora and Zay's girlfriend Miko helped adjust her white veil over her ivory-knee length dress (worn with ivory flat open-toed sandals).
"No, Dad. No, Mom," Riley gulped trying not to get sick at the sight of it.
"But it's always been your favorite! " Topanga insisted.
"I'm not up to it right now. Wedding jitters," Riley attempted to giggle while Isadora gave her a knowing look.
" I don't envy your Uncle Shawn right now! He has to corral little Daphnée Crenshaw along with his dervish twins George and Amy so they march with rings, flowers and seed packets. THEN he has to escort your Aunt Katy THEN go back and fetch Uncle Jack before FINALLY fetching Maya! All I have to do is walk you down the aisle," Cory laughed.
"Mom?" Riley cried.
"Oh, you're such a pretty and tall bride! Are you sure you don't want to wait for us to schedule your very own wedding instead of sharing it with Mrs. Friar, your Aunt Morgan and Maya?" Topanga asked.
"Mom, I'm sure," Riley proclaimed.
"Now, remember, if you want to call the whole thing off, my car's parked in the back here and…" Cory pleaded.
"Dad…" Riley sighed.
" I just thought I'd try," Cory shrugged.
"Cory, wasn't it awesome how Lucas asked for our blessing before he proposed?" Topanga sniffed.
"Yeah, but I just hate to see my baby girl go out into the big bad world," Cory sobbed.
"Courage, Cory!" Topanga insisted as she led her husband out of the dressing room to give him a hug.
.
.. .
"How did you deal with telling your folks and the Minkuses, Isadora?" Riley asked while her parents were out of the room.
"Since Farkle and I had just married and moved into our own abode, it was somewhat different. My parents and Mother Minkus viewed it as a dynastic coup while Father Minkus started to calculate how many generations of progeny he and Farkle will get to know," Isadora pondered.
"I'm not sure I'd want my husband to be an immortal strongman while. ." Riley sighed.
"Yes, I already considered that but, as Mother Minkus has said, just because we won't see the end of the journey doesn't mean we can't make the most of the time we're on it for all our sakes and what a ride it's been so far!" Isadora swooned.
. ..
.
"Look at you! All set to wed Jack in blue!" Amy sniffed at seeing Morgan in a full-length sky blue gown.
" Mom, Dad. You're ready for this?" Morgan sniffed.
"Yeah, Jack's a good man and it's been good we've all long since cleared the air!" Alan proclaimed.
"Any advice, Mom?" Morgan gulped.
"You know we had that talk when you were thirteen and .." Amy gulped.
"Not that but you and Dad are easily the happiest couple I know after all these years- and here I am about to marry Jack who I love and there's still things that drive me up the wall about him," Morgan sighed.
"There's stuff about each other that drives each of us up the wall but the key is to learn to love those parts, too- even if you never quite learn to like," Amy beamed while she hugged Morgan.
"Anything you'd like to add, Dad?" Morgan asked.
" Oh Father of Two Grooms and a Bride and Grandfather of One Bride. If Miss Lydia hadn't offered us a wholesale rate and the four of you all didn't agree to pay for your own parts, I don't know HOW we could have pulled this off, " Alan laughed.
. …
Lila Bolander Feeny played the piano to start the procession.
First in the procession was 31-month old Daphnée Aiko Crenshaw carrying the Ring Pillow at her side but not running down the aisle. Then came 3-year-old George Hunter throwing the seed packets to each side while he walked down to join Daphnée at the front of the pulpit. Then came his twin Amy Hunter tossing flowers to each side.
Then Eric's Best Man, Thomas Jonathan Murphy escorted Rachel's Matron of Honor Angela Moore Crenshaw to the pulpit before T.J walked to the extreme right side while Angela walked to the extreme left side.
Then Jack's Best Man Shawn Patrick Hunter escorted Morgan's Matron of Honor Katy Hart Hunter and each followed the previous pair.
Then, Joshua's Best Man August Cory Matthews (aged 11) escorted Maya's Maid of Honor Ava Hephzibah Morgenstern (also 11).
Lastly from this group, Lucas's Best Men Farkle Minkus and Isaiah Babineaux escorted Riley's Matron of Honor Isadora Smackle Minkus and Riley's Maid of Honor Miko Matsomoto.
Then, one by one. Eric followed by Jack, followed by Joshua finally followed by Lucas (in Caleb's cowboy hat) walked directly to the front of the pulpit.
Immediately afterwards, Shawn and Lucas walked to the side door then ran all the way back to the back of the church where the brides were all waiting.
"Who presents these brides today?" asked Lydia.
"I , Lucas Caleb Friar, present my mother Rachel Kimberly to be married to Senator Eric Randall Matthews, "Lucas declared in a loud voice.
"I, Alan Eric Matthews present my daughter Morgan LeFay to be married to Mr. Jack Chet Hunter," Alan declared in a loud clear voice.
" I, Shawn Patrick Hunter, present my daughter Maya Penelope to be married to Mr. Joshua Gabriel Matthews," Shawn declared in a loud, clear voice.
" Um. … I. ..Cor. Oh, do I have to say the full name?" Cory hiss-whispered.
"Its already in the program, Dad and everyone else said theirs. Please, Dad," Riley pleaded.
"Trying again. I, Cornelius Angus Matthews, along with her mother Topanga Walburga Lawrence Matthews , present our daughter Riley Chloe to be married to Mr. Lucas Caleb Friar,"Cory groaned.
"Cory! " Topanga shouted from her front row seat.
"If I have to say MY full name, your full name gets said outloud,too!" Cory replied.
"I could have said Katy's name!" Shawn fumed.
"I could have said Amy's…" Alan added.
"Enough of this nonsense already. Let's proceed!" Mr. Feeny insisted.
"Welcome everybody to a very special event for all of us! Before we actually perform the marriages, the happy couples would like to make a few declarations so I hope our families and friends can wait just a little longer," Lydia proclaimed.
"Eric Randall , what would like to say to Rachel Kimberly?" Mr. Feeny asked.
"Rachel, when you first came into my life all those years ago, I thought I was amazed that this tall, beautiful, clever Amazon would want me. I know we later parted and I don't want to revisit that except that the time with you gave me strength to endure some tough times afterward. Then when we met again, I was so happy again that you actually wanted to give me another chance was so incredible and that your son Scarecrow. .Lucas wants me in the family is amazing. I love you with all my parts and look forward to being with you the rest of my life. Rachel, thank you so much for this!" Eric exclaimed.
"Rachel Kimberly, what would you like to say to Eric Randall?" Lydia asked.
"Eric, you've never been less than an excellent friend to me even when we weren't together and, yes, the memories of our initial time together also gave me strength to endure some sad times that happened later. I hesitated for a long time to see you again because I let fear of your possible resentment over our earlier parting and was worried that you'd reject Lucas for not having been yours .Those fears and worries have proven to be completely baseless and you've embraced both of us so I thank you for wanting us to be together again and embracing my son as your friend. How I love you, Eric Matthews!" Rachel proclaimed.
"Jack Chet, what would you like to say to Morgan LeFay?" Mr. Feeny asked.
"Morgan, when we met again, I was a pudding of resentment and hatred letting old hurts and pains eating me up from the inside but you didn't let me wallow or run away but forced me to see that there was more to life than holding onto old baggage. I thought tearing out old walls and scraping old floors would be a tedious chore and sheer punishment for what I'd done but you helped me to see that we were building something beautiful not just for those children in the Feeny Foundation but also for each of us. You've helped rebuild me from the inside out and even achieve something I'd have never thought possible- genuine friendship with my brother Shawn! When I first met you again, I didn't think I had anything to exist for but revenge and hatred but now I look forward to every single day with you and I feel younger than I did that very first day Eric brought me over to your family home and saw you for the first time- thinking you were too young and mouthy for me to bother with but you've grown into someone I adore more than anyone who I want to spend the rest of my life with. Thanks so much for opening my jaded, weary eyes to so many wonders, My Love!"Jack proclaimed.
"Morgan LeFay, what would you like to say to Jack Chet?" Lydia asked.
"Jack, I'm not going to argue that your first impression when we met again wasn't the best. But let's be honest. I've never been a saint or angel and I,too, had given up on many things and thought love was for dummies. You helped me see that true, mutual love was worth letting my guard down for and something to embrace instead of run from. I used to wonder if I'd be anything more than the Matthewses' daughter, sister or aunt and a hard worker who occasionally dated but now I see that doing what I love with the man I love has opened my eyes to so much more! Thank you,too, for your family Shawn, Katy, Maya, Miss Lydia, George and Amy helping me to make me part of yours and I look forward to being with you as well as our families becoming one!" " Morgan proclaimed.
"Joshua Gabriel, what would you like to say to Maya Penelope?" Mr. Feeny asked.
"Maya, you were always like no one else I've ever known. Witty, intense, stunningly beautiful and so creative but also quite empathetic, warm and caring even if you didn't want that part of you known to everyone. These last few years, I've seen you bloom into the most awesome person I could ever imagine. Some may have wondered how I could have chosen you when there were others who might have wanted to be with me but, as far as I'm concerned, there never was any choice. Through all our laughter, tears and even angry words, I've never not known you've loved me every minute and I hope you've known I've loved you every moment and will do so for all eternity! Thank you for encouraging me to embrace the roller coaster of our lives!" Joshua proclaimed.
"Maya Penelope, what you would like to say to Joshua Gabriel?" Lydia asked.
"Nana, thanks for asking me that. Joshua, yes, I admit that I was a sucker for your gorgeous exterior from the first time I saw you , but that's not why I've fallen for you all this time. You were one of the few who didn't see me a charity or pity case but who saw I could be more than I would have imagined I could be and I appreciate that you've always been honest but caring even when telling me what I didn't want to but needed to hear. I used to think love was for suckers but you've encouraged me to see that true love is something that will do nothing but enrich us and help carry us even during those times when we may be angry with each other. I also want to say that I appreciate you helping me embrace my own family as it's grown from just me and Mom to me, Mom, Daddy then Nana and then George and Amy. How I look forward to riding that roller coaster forever with you as soon as Mr. Feeny and Nana give the word! I love you, Joshua!" Maya proclaimed.
"Lucas Caleb, what would you like to say to Riley Chloe?" Mr. Feeny asked.
"Riley, the first time we met in that subway all those years ago, I was angry at Mama for taking me away from all my family and friends in Texas and, yes, scared being in this huge, loud city but you encouraged me to consider living here as an adventure and a fresh start. Now, Mama had said the very same thing but you, Maya, Farkle and Mr. Matthews were the first folks in Manhattan willing to give me a chance to be my best instead of thinking I was doomed to stay my worst! I'm happy I've stuck around because I've seen you grow these last three and half years into a warm, kind and caring person who supports our friends' and my choices even if you don't always agree with them! Now, you're due to follow Mr. Matthews's footsteps and become a teacher,too, and it's good that you've learned to how to listen when needed. That'll help make for some fine learning! I look forward to us being at each other's sides the rest of our lives. How I love you, Riley! " Lucas declared.
"Riley Chloe, what would like to say to Lucas Caleb?" Lydia asked.
"Lucas, when we first met in that subway, Maya may have seen you as bad and dangerous but I saw you as lost and needing friends but it wasn't pity that was the basis of our friendship. It has been seeing you grow and turn what had been a bad setback into something awesome. And, I thank you for sticking by my side even when I needed to be called out for having become so overwhelming and mean to everyone for so long. You also encouraged me to be my best and to make a fresh start after that time. I'm not going to pretend I won't worry about you getting scratched by a cat, bitten by a dog,kicked by a horse or gored by a bull when you fulfill your lifelong dream of becoming a vet but just as you're encouraging me to be the best person and teacher I can be, I want to encourage you to be the best person and vet you can be because that will make us both awesome people. I look forward to trading notes on schooldays and animal clients- but more importantly being together loving each other for the rest of our lives. I love you so much, Lucas Friar!" Riley insisted.
"Thank you everyone for those encouraging words to each other! Now it's time for Reverend Bolling and me to get to the vital parts of this ceremony. All brides, grooms and witnesses have already signed the marriage licences so they're technically married but we hope you are willing to indulge us clergy to make these bonds spiritual before these couples are considered truly wed,"Mr. Feeny proclaimed.
Then Mr. Feeny and Lydia each gave a brief sermon about marriage joining individuals and families together before Mr. Feeny asked each groom and Lydia asked each bride whether they took each other in marriage of their own free will,etc before all of them said their vows. All went smoothly until. ..
Cory saw Riley give Lucas a look which he reciprocated.
"Wait, they've got that 'how are we going to tell Dad' look and Riley didn't want tapioca earlier.'"Cory gasped as he caught it.
"SHH! " Eric, Rachel, Jack, Morgan, Joshua, Auggie, Ava, Maya, Angela, Alan, Shawn,Katy,Farkle, Isadora and T.J all shushed from the stage while virtually everyone else in the congregation did the same.
"Shawnny, it's the same look Topanga and I had when we had to tell Mom and Dad about. ..!"Cory gulped.
"Cory, shut up! I say this with love," Shawn hiss whispered.
"Then ,by the power vested in me and Reverend Bolling by the State of New York, we pronounce you husbands and wives. The brides and grooms may kiss!"Mr. Feeny proclaimed.
"NOOOO!""Cory screamed as he fell to his knees then started crawling as fast as he could towards Lucas.
"HELMA! Operation Daddy Sweep ! NOW!" Lydia pleaded as Helma and four other Dandelion Fields' staff members all picked up Cory en masse and physically carried him off the floor to the back stage of the pulpit.
The guests seemed a bit stunned for a minute.
"No need to get into a swivet just because of that,folks! The reception's starting now so everyone 's invited to adjourn for some cake, punch and snacks" Lydia proclaimed from the pulpit.
The congregation quickly dispersed.
"You corralled a bad scene like a real pro. I tip my hat to you," Pappy Joe insisted as he did just that.
"Why thank you, Mr. Joseph. But this isn't my first wedding with a meltdown and no point in having one man's fit spoil things for everyone else. Please join us for refreshments in the Café," Lydia insisted as she pointed to the café while she ventured backstage.
"Much obliged, Ma'am!" Pappy Joe exclaimed.
"We'll wait for you and the others to join us, Lydia," Agent LaChance replied .
"Thanks for being understanding, Mr. Jasper and thanks for all your help today!" Lydia declared as she hugged Agent LaChance.
"So where's?" Pappy Joe asked.
"This way, Mr. Friar. Even observing the periphery of this amazing family has been most eye-opening," Agent LaChance laughed as he edged his shades for a second.
.
.
All other members of the wedding parties followed backstage- along with Topanga and Amy when Helma and the other staff members put Cory down.
Cory immediately clenched his fists and screamed as he ran towards the relocated Lucas.
Shawn, Alan, and Eric immediately attempted to tackle Cory but his adrenaline was too much for them.
"YOU! You Daughter-Deflowerer! Making a mockery of my Baby Girl's Wedding Day!" Cory snarled as he lunged towards Lucas- with only Farkle's iron grip picking Cory up wih one hand off the floor stopping him.
"Sir?" Lucas gulped.
"Dad, please," Riley pleaded.
"Riley, how could let him get you pregnant? What happened to waiting until the two of you graduated with full degrees?" Topanga fumed as she swung her purse and hit Riley with her picture hat.
"Mom? Dad? Why are you LAUGHING?! " Cory fumed as he caught sight of Alan and Amy nearly collapsing in a fit of laughter (at that point, Farkle put him back down but held onto to Cory's right arm with his own right hand).
"What goes around, comes around," Amy smirked.
"But. .but this is changing both their lives forever," Topanga pleaded.
"You're right. Just as getting married and having Riley changed yours and Cory's!" Alan insisted while he caught his breath.
"But how will they make …?" Topanga gulped.
"It wasn't easy but you and Cory made it and those two have all of us and lots of friends to help! " Shawn pleaded.
"That's good encouragement, Son!" Lydia beamed as she hugged Shawn,
"Thanks, Mama," Shawn replied.
"Yeah, and Rachel's going to be a gammer and I get to have a grape niche or grape cousin about the same time she gives me our own papoose !" Eric laughed.
"You're going to be a father, Eric! I can't say I was expecting that," Alan gulped.
"Yeah,Mom and Dad- and I can't imagine a better time or place to do it," Eric insisted.
" We're going to be grandparents of another baby, "Amy beamed as she kissed Alan.
"And also great-grandparents of yet another one!" Alan laughed as they hugged.
"You're really cool with me and Rachel becoming parents?" Eric gulped.
"It's a bit of a shock and surprise but it's a good one! " Alan admitted.
"Fine!Fine! Get all gushy that Eric and Rachel are going to give you a big strapping grandkid and you get to be great-grandparents,too, by Riley. Meantime, mock my fate of having to deal with the anguish of Riley having to juggle school and motherhood even younger than Topanga did," Cory fumed.
" Mr. Cory , Miss Topanga, Shawn's shared with you our story but your grandbaby is going to be loved and have so much that many babies can't imagine," Lydia pleaded.
"Yeah, but it's not what we wanted for Riley," Topanga fumed.
"Have you even thought to ask Riley what she wants?" Mr. Feeny asked.
"She's the one who has to make a lot of decisions," Lila added.
"Joshua and I will be there for her for them. How about you, Unc.. Er Cory and Topanga? Hmm, that's not as easy as I thought," Maya added while Joshua nodded then laughed as the two kissed.
"You're right, Shawn, Miss Lydia, Mr. Feeny, Lila, Maya. Sweetie, what do you want here?" Cory gulped (as Farkle finally released him).
"Dad, I'm sorry I disappointed you and Mom,"Riley sighed.
"You should… um, that is you should express to us what you want,Honey," Topanga conceded.
"Well, I still want to be a teacher and Lucas still wants to be a veterinarian but even though this wasn't what we planned, we DO both love, want to have and raise this baby," Riley insisted while Lucas walked up to her and the two kissed each other on the lips.
"'Panga-Bear, we're going to be grandparents," Cory gulped.
"Yeah, I know, Cor-Coa!" Topanga sighed as she and Cory hugged each other and nodded their heads.
"Eric and I will help those kids out as much as we can, you know that, Topanga," Rachel pleaded.
"I know. And you're going to be a mother of a baby at the same time you get to be a grandmother, "Topanga laughed.
"Yeah, AND trying to work out what being a Senator's wife means," Rachel laughed.
"You only have to be my Rachel and our papoose's mutter from now on . If the other Senators or their wives don't like it, tough ticker tape," Eric insisted as he hugged Rachel.
"Even though parenthood's totally unknown to me, I'll do all I can to help you and Eric as well as Riley and Lucas," T.J. declared.
"Thanks, Tommy!"Eric insisted.
"Riley, Lucas, we WILL welcome your baby and do all we can do to help out,too," Cory said with a gulp while Topanga nodded.
"Well, do you have any objections to me scooping up Daphnée and the Hunter Twins to keep them busy while you guys come to terms with all these babies on the way?" Angela asked.
"Thanks, Angela. See if Mama might want to show all of you to the Red Barn with all the livestock. My babies can't get enough of those animals," Katy laughed as Angela quickly hugged her then Rachel then Morgan then Maya then Riley .
"The Red Barn's this way Miss Angela and Little Ones and we have a new litter of lambs just born three days ago!" Lydia declared as she led them out.
"Between Rachel's ancient grandmother Mrs. Cassidy and three toddlers under four, I'd have thought there might have been problems from them but those four behaved just fine. It was my drama llama middle bro Cory who had to put the lemon in the lemonade!" Morgan laughed.
"Morgan, do you ever imagine there will ever be a quiet Matthews wedding with no one losing it?" Jack laughed.
" No, I can't- and I thought with safety in numbers we'd have had less chance of a meltdown," Morgan sighed as she hugged Jack who kissed her on the lips.
"So, are you and Jack?" Alan gulped.
"No, Dad! We're staying child free for the next few years so we can enjoy each other's company," Morgan insisted while Jack nodded and Shawn patted him and Morgan on their backs.
"How about you, Joshua?" Amy asked.
"Mom, not for at least another nine and a half months from now," Joshua laughed while hugging Maya who kissed him on the lips.
"You mean Maya's still. ." Cory sputtered while Joshua and Maya nodded and giggled.
"Cory," Topanga groaned.
" Shawn and Katy Hunter, right now I hate you!" Cory fumed as he pointed to the Hunters.
" We know, Cory, but we'll work it out . We always do," Shawn laughed while Katy hugged him as he patted Cory's shoulder.
"Yeah, I know. Because we're family and, from now on, are we EVER a family!" Cory laughed.
"Ava's grandparents want us to come up to the Catskills for the Fourth of July Weekend? Can we do that, Mom.. Dad?" Auggie asked as he came in from the main congregation.
"We'll see,"Topanga half-laughed.
"Mr. Feeny, do you think we'll be able to graft a Morgenstern branch to our Matthews-Hunter-Friar Frankentree? "Cory asked.
"With my luck, I may be around to perform THAT wedding,"Mr. Feeny laughed while he and Lila shook their heads.
So with that the whole wedding party went to join their guests(including welcoming Kermit and his newer family) to give cheer to the four unions celebrating eight folks' love for each other- and officially making for a much larger family than before all getting ready to embrace any good times & bumps ahead and each other! Then as soon as toasts (in water and lemonade) were raised, portraits were taken and a few dances took place, Joshua and Maya removed their shoes then ran barefoot to through the fields and woods to a secluded meadow two miles away to fulfill some of their respective fantasies- with expectations surpassed.
THE END
A/N- The BMW/GWM characters are the properties of Michael Jacobs, Disney,etc and not mine.
The OC characters of Shawn's mother Lydia Veronica Bolling, Shawn &Katy's eventual twins George and Amy Hunter, Angela's husband and eventual daughter General Jared and Daphnée Crenshaw and Lydia's employee Helma,etc. are mine.