Disclaimer: I don't own any Lizzie McGuire characters. I partly own Sara. That's all.

A/N: It's over. Sorry, but now I am forced to bid you goodbye-at least until my next story. I hope you have enjoyed 'Buildup.'

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"I've got to take the chance
Or let it pass by
If I expect to get on with my life."

-Travis Tritt, Anymore

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The sunlight warmed her face as Lizzie moaned and rolled over. It was morning. Whatever had happened with Gordo the night before had come and gone, leaving her with a dull ach in her heart. For the last several weeks she had been imagining the feel of his lips on hers, the touch of his hand on her cheek. And last night these illusions had taken on human form.

Despite the heat radiating from the sun, she shivered.

At least he knew.

She showered quickly, dressed, and was walking down the steps as she heard her mom call, "Lizzie, breakfast."

She had no idea how she'd get through the next couple of days, next couple of years, really, but it all began with her favorite meal of the day.

Or her favorite guy of all time.

"Gordo?"

She stood in the kitchen staring at him in shock. Smiling slyly, Mr. and Mrs. McGuire slid out of the room with Matt's arm held firmly in his father's hand.

"What are you doing here?" It had been exactly one evening since the kiss, but already her lips were aching to feel his against them again. Ignoring their plea, she walked around him and grabbed an apple.

"Who let you in, anyway? My mom?"

He didn't say a word, only stood there, staring at her.

She took a bite, fighting for the nonchalance she was feigning. "What's up?" She swallowed.

And suddenly his lips were on hers, his arms around her waist. She dropped the apple to the floor and pulled him closer, savoring every moment of the kiss. Their lips explored each others, their hearts beating wildly in tune.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were still bright with love.

*About TIME!*

His voice was gentle as he brushed his finger against her cheek. "I need to tell you something."

A big goofy smile spread across her face. Automatically one just like it appeared on his as well.

"What?" She knew. With every piece of her being, she KNEW. But she wanted, needed to hear it.

"I broke up with Sara."

*Okay, it's not 'I love you' but as far as beginnings go, not too bad.*

"Why?"

He grinned again and she followed suit. It took every ounce of her self control not to jump up and down.

"Why do you think," he teased. He nudged her with his shoulder.

She laughed. "I'm afraid to say it out loud."

"Well, I'm not." His face grew serious as he took a deep breath. "Lizzie, my whole life has been one snapshot moment after another. But the memories I have, the only ones worth mentioning are ones where you're there too. You and I on vacation. You and I on the lake. You and I dancing. You and I competing. It seems that every time I think about something worth smiling about, you're there too. But I've always felt like that. So I had no idea why my heart started racing every time you came near. My feelings were changing and I'll be honest-it scared me. I promised myself on the way back from Rome, when I came so close to losing you, that I would give up these ridiculous feelings for you and move on. Or, at least, pretend I was moving on." He paused to smile gently. "I didn't have any plan about what to do if you fell for me."

She held her breath. Say it. Please, if you love me, say it.

He stepped closer until their lips were but a breath away. "I love you, Elizabeth Brooke McGuire. With all I am, and all I'll ever be, I love you. And I promise that no matter what you can always count on me to be there for you."

*Don't squeal, don't squeal, don't squeal.*

She swallowed another smile that was creeping its way out. "I love you too." And for the mess ups and near misses they had been through, they kissed.
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A spring breeze cooled Lizzie's shoulders as she brought out the mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise. Already, hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, chips, dip and drinks had filled the picnic table so all that was needed now were the condiments.

"I've got the chili," her husband announced, stepping outside. He rested the bowl on the table and pulled his wife to him for a kiss, then sat down beside her.

"Why do they always have to DO that," a 5-year-old, dark haired girl moaned.

Miranda Sanchez-Tudgeman laughed and kissed her daughter's forehead. "Because they're in love."

Larry grinned and brushed his lips against his wife's. "Was that a hint?"

"Ewww…" all the children shrieked.

"What's the matter," Matt McGuire asked, stepping out of his sister's home carrying plates.

"All the grownups are KISSING," 7 year old Sam Gordon informed his uncle. "And it's GROSS."

Matt chucked. His fiancée, Melina, approached him and firmly laid her lips on his. Then she stuck her tongue out at the kids.

"Eww!"

Lizzie smiled at the familiarity of the situation and lifted her smallest of three children, 2-year-old Megan into her arms. Her middle child, Josephine, was 3, and seated quite comfortably on her father's lap. Gordo caught her gaze.

"Have I ever told you how lucky I am," she asked, running her finger's through Megan's thin, but curly brown hair.

He took her hand. "Not today."

"I am so lucky."

Josephine snuggled closer against her father and Gordo kissed his wife's hand. "I'm the lucky one."

At that moment Mr. and Mrs. McGuire appeared outside. And, for good measure, kissed.

"Gordo, get off your lazy butt and help me serve," Matt called from the grill.

He grinned hand set Jo down. Carrying a plate to put the food on, he scolded his brother in law for his inability to cook. "Matt, you're supposed to TURN THEM OVER."

Miranda, seeing a spot open beside her best friend, sat down. "I can't believe how many years it's been," she commented as her eyes wandered to her husband. He winked at her as he gathered their daughter in his arms.

"I know," Lizzie agreed, watching her OWN husband. He felt her gaze on his back and turned and met her eyes. He mouthed 'I love you.'

"Was it everything you wanted," Miranda continued.

As her children each yelled what they wanted to eat, her husband kissed her forehead and dished out the food, she found herself answering, "Everything and more."