Disclaimer : I don't own anything so there!

DEDICATED TO SARAH, BECAUSE SHE'S BEEN WITH ME EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER , AND C-CHAN96 – BECAUSE SHE REVIEWED EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER IN 1 GO LOL.

MEME-ANN : She has to leave though, I mean c'mon giving Europe is a big deal, and it ain't as though she's going forever. Correct me if I'm wrong, it was you and Chelsea, that suggested a C/C fic, and I just kept my promise lol. Yeah Connie and Charlie are cute together, though I will admit, I also LOVE Connie/Adam fics, they're another good pairing lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!

C-CHAN96 : I've got a sneaky feeling this is going to be one of those long shout out thingy's again lol. Not that I mind since it makes my chapter look even longer than it is lol. Diehard DC fan eh, I only ever watched a few episodes here and there, but I did watch the final one, whilst crying my eyes out might I admit. Personally though, I thought Joey should have ended up with Dawson. Jen I thought suited Pacey better, but who am I to say lol. I won't tell Connie about you and Charlie if you don't tell her about me and Adam. She's a bit selfish don't ya think, wanting all 3 lol. Yeah, totally agree, it'd be a bit hard for Connie to have a family with Charlie if he happened to be absent, but miracles can happen lol. You wouldn't kill me would ya, I mean think bout it, kill me and no-more Charlie/Connie stories lol. Oh no, no, no, Charlie isn't, it's totally ADAM! Don't argue, I'm telling you, just cause you're jealous lol. I can't actually picture any of the ducks being bad parents to be honest, I suppose I could have a go, but I don't think it would turn out that good lol. Well that's good, at least you have a purpose in life, everyone needs one, and if anyone ever says you haven't, you can always inform them that you have lol. I bet you were still tired, I'd probably have needed a week to recover lol. By all rights, there should be people chasing us with straight jackets don't you think? Lol. You wouldn't begrudge Connie the trip of a lifetime would you, can't blame the poor girl with everything she's had to put up with, bless her lol. Oh, you know they'll end up together do you? Might have to change the ending now just to prove you wrong lol, I could kill Connie instead lol, nah, that's a little cruel even for me lol. I've already killed one person, two would be pushing it don't you agree lol. You're waiting is over, the chapter is here, but sadly it is the last one :( but I'm sure you'll get over it lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!

XSARAH : Adam's great isn't he. I want a friend just like him, though I probably wouldn't want to stay 'just friends' for long though lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!

Chapter 17 - FINAL CHAPTER

I woke the following morning, the bed empty beside me. I turned to look at the clock and realized it was already 8am. I'd have normally been up nearly 2 hours by now. Curiously, I crept out of bed, checking both Jonah's and Holly's rooms as I headed toward the stairs. They were both empty and I surmised Charlie had them both down stairs. I walked into the kitchen to find Jonah just finishing his breakfast, and Holly was sat in Charlie's arms, finishing her bottle off.

I watched them secretly for a few seconds. Never in my wildest dreams had I expected my life to end up like this.

FLASHBACK

The following morning, I headed over to my mom and dad's to say goodbye to them. I spent about half an hour with them, ensuring them both that I was going to be fine, and that Jamie and Colleen were picking me up at the other end. I left, my mom in tears making me promise to let them know that I got there safely, and I'd keep myself safe.

I headed straight back home, for another hour before it was time to head off to the airport. Adam was supposedly coming round with Molly anytime soon to say his goodbye, and to probably warn me of the same things both my parents had done. I wasn't really expecting Charlie to come, but I was hoping to see Jonah before I left.

With a sigh, I climbed the last few stairs, before going to unlock my apartment door. I walked in, tossed my keys on the sideboard, before heading straight to sit down on the couch.

"BON VOYAGE"! Banners and balloons popped out from no-where followed by about 12 people.

"HOLY CRAP". I screamed in shock. "What are you guys doing here". I hugged the first duck in line which happened to be Dwayne.

"Do you really think we'd let you go off to Europe without seeing you off, Duck style". Luis hugged me next.

"CONNIE"!. Jonah screamed, as he squirmed through the sea of legs.

"Hey little man". I scooped him up into my arms. "No Charlie I take it". I looked at Adam, and he shook his head dismally. "Can't say I'm surprised".

For the following hour, I visited with all the ducks, mainly having lectures about looking after myself given to me. I couldn't believe they'd all flown out again, just to come and see me before I left. I had no idea what I'd done to deserve such amazing friends. Just before I was due to set off, I slipped into my bedroom, and sat on the edge of my bed. I reached over for the phone, before cautiously dialing a number I knew like the back of my hand.

"Hi, you've reached Charlie and Jonah and sometimes Connie. We're not in right now, so leave a message and we'll get back to you". Then a loud piercing beep sounded.

"Look Charlie, if you're there please, just pick up". I spoke softly, hoping he would pick up. After a few seconds, I realized he wouldn't. "Ok, well um, I'm setting off in a few minutes. I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry about the other day, and um, I know that what you told me was the truth, but you have to understand that I need some time to think everything through, and figure out my feelings for you. Um, I guess I'll see you in 3 months. I'll call and see how you're both doing. For the record, I do love you, I love you very much, I just need some time. Bye". And with that I put the phone down with a sigh.

"Didn't pick up, huh"? Adam asked from the doorway. I shook my head disappointed. "He'll come around". He came and sat beside me.

"Will he"? I looked at him questioningly. "I wish I had your optimism". I nudged him gently with my shoulder. "C'mon, I best get going, otherwise I'll never want to leave". I stood up, and headed back into the living room.

There was a cab waiting for me outside. Portman and Fulton helped me down with my suitcases and Averman had hold of my carry on. Jonah was in my arms, his arms wrapped tightly around my neck, not wanting to let me go.

"Right, have you got your ticket"? Goldberg asked me.

"No". I answered.

"WHAT"! Came 11 panicked replies.

"I've got to pick it up at the airport, remember Jamie booked the flight for me". I replied. "And before you ask, my passport is in my carry on, as well as all emergency contact numbers". I informed them.

I began saying my goodbyes to everyone, feeling slightly emotional as I did so. Though I knew I would only be away for 3 months, it was still a long time, and it wasn't as though it was a 5 minute journey away. It was almost a 12 hour flight. I had said all my goodbyes with Jonah still sat on one hip.

"Right then little man, I have to go". I told him gently, giving him a quick squeeze before trying to prize him away from myself.

"No. I want to stay with you". He whimpered immediately, as big tears entered his eyes as well as my own.

"I wish you could, but you can't. You have to stay here and look after daddy. He'll miss you loads". I continued trying to prize him away.

"You stay then". The tears spilt.

"I'll be back before you know it. I'll call you every few days I promise". I finally got him to let go.

"I love you". He cried.

"I love you too". And with that, I passed him to Adam and climbed in the cab, wiping my tears away.

As we drove away, I turned and waved to everyone, feeling a slight pang as they suddenly disappeared from sight. Jonah's face was clear in my mind, his tears running down his cheeks, as though I'd just broken his heart. By the time I turned back around, tears continued to fill my eyes, and were threatening to spill. I was half tempted to make the driver pull over and let me get out and head back to them.

"So, you going anywhere interesting"? The cab driver struck up conversation.

"Um, Europe". I replied simply.

"Sounds pretty nice. You going for long"?

"3 months". I answered.

"You got plenty of friends anyway. Are they gonna help your husband look after your little boy"?

"I'm not married, and he's not my little boy".

"Oh". Was the drivers reply.

The rest of the trip was made in silence. I starred out of the window, trying to remember all the sights, I wouldn't see for 3 months. When we got to the airport, the driver, helped me get my suitcases onto a trolley, and I paid him my fair, before he wished me a good time in Europe.

I headed through the maze of people, dodging people wherever I could. The main area of the airport was jam packed with people, that most were ignorant to your existence. When I got further toward my gate, it quietened down a little. I headed straight for the check in desk, where I apparently needed to go, to collect my ticket. After filling in all the appropriate things, the man handed me my ticket, and took my suitcases from me, before directing me to where I was to wait. I checked my watch, and noticed there was only another 10 minutes until I was due to board.

"CONNIE"! I heard my name being called. I looked around and saw no-one I recognized, before realizing they can't have been shouting me. "CONNIE"! I heard again. This time, I stood, trying to look over everyone's heads. "Connie". I heard, yet this time they weren't shouting. I turned around sharply to the sound of the voice.

"Charlie". I sighed dejectedly, not really wanting or needing to go into another argument with him.

"I couldn't let you go without saying goodbye". He told me. "We've been through too much to let what I said spoil what we've already got". He admitted.

"You got my message". I figured he'd heard me say that I loved him, and changed his mind about being ok with me leaving.

"No, what message"? He questioned.

"The one I left on your answering machine before I left my place". I answered him, the thought of him just saying no for the sake of it, crossed my mind.

"That was you. I was just leaving the house to come and see you, when it started ringing. I thought it might have been Adam or one of the others calling to try and change my mind".

"Why did you change your mind"? I asked curiously.

"I went to see Jules. Just sat there talking to her"…

"FLIGHT 238 MINNESOTA TO FRANCE IS NOW BOARDING. PLEASE HAVE YOUR TICKET AND PASSPORT READY FOR INSPECTION THANK-YOU. THAT'S FLIGHT 238 MINNESOTA TO FRANCE IS NOW BOARDING". A crackly voice said over the loud speaker.

"That's me". I said suddenly.

"Let me finish first, please". He pleaded. "I realized, I'd already lost someone I loved, and I don't want to lose you too. I know you might not reciprocate the feelings I blurted out to you, but"…

"I do though". I butted in quietly.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said those things and expected you to feel the same way"…

"I love you too Charlie". I repeated.

"So, I was hoping when you came home, we could just go back"… He looked at me, as if trying to figure out whether he'd heard me right. "What… what did you just say"?

My flight was called again, butting in before I managed to repeat myself.

"I said, I love you too". I repeated for what I hoped was the final time.

As soon as my words registered, he pulled me toward him, gripping me into a tight hug. After a few seconds, he pulled away and gently kissed me. If it had been a cartoon, there would have been fireworks exploding in the back ground.

"I'm not saying that it's gonna be easy or anything, and I'm not saying I want to dive straight into a relationship or anything". I told him, as I pulled away gently.

"That's ok. We'll take it a step at a time". He told me, a smile playing gently on his lips. "C'mon, let's go see if we can get your luggage off the plane". He took my hand and began trying to lead me away.

"Charlie. No. I'm still going". I told him, pulling back.

"What"? He turned to face me.

"I'm not staying. I'm going to Europe".

"But… But what about, what you've just said"?

"It still stands. But I also think we need some time away from each other. I need this time, for me". I informed him.

"FINAL BOARDING CALL FOR FLIGHT 238 MINNESOTA TO FRANCE. I REPEAT FINAL CALL FOR FLIGHT 238 MINNESOTA TO FRANCE". The loud speaker informed us.

"Please don't go". He asked me, gripping my hand tightly.

"I have to Charlie. I still mean everything I said. We'll talk some more when I come home". I leant up and kissed him gently on his cheek.

"3 months. I'll be here waiting for you". He told me confidently.

"I'll call you all the time". I promised him, before I finally let go of his hand, and headed to the gate. I looked back once, seeing him still stood there. I handed the woman my ticket and passport, then took my passport back, and boarded, knowing he'd stay true to his word and be waiting for me when I got back. As I sat on the plane, I was so happy, that he'd come, because in all honesty, I don't think I'd feel the way I did right this second about him, if he hadn't.

I spent 2 months traveling Europe with Jamie and Colleen, taking millions of different pictures of landscapes and local events. I think the highlight of my trip, was the Berlin love parade, where I went through more than 10 films. Half way through my 2nd month, I was more than ready to head back home. As I promised, I rang the ducks regularly, updating them on the places I had been, and the places I was planning on going.

I was now quite a deep brown tanned colour, my hair was slowly getting lighter with the rays from the sun. I had completely filled 1 ½ suitcases with my own clothes I had brought from home, and the clothes I had bought over here. The last half of my suitcase was filled with 11 Hawaiian style shirts, though they were covered with the duck emblem. I had found a guy in Spain that designed shirts and after showing him a photo of the ducks, and my duck jersey I had taken with me, he had gladly designed the shirts. I had also bought Jonah a miniature version of the shirts, among other things as I knew it was only a few days away from his birthday.

Just thinking of his birthday made me homesick. I had NEVER missed one of his birthday. After a sleepless night thinking about nothing other than missing Jonah's birthday, and missing everyone back home, I made the decision to fly home on the next available flight. The following morning I told Jamie and Colleen about my plans. Jamie informed me, that if I wanted paying for my photo's I'd have to stay the full 3 months. On the spot I gave all my photo's to Colleen, and told her to hand them in, as though they were her own, and to keep the money for what I owed them for everything. Though they both thought it would be best if I stayed, they finally agreed, that if I wanted to go home, then I should.

I left 2 days later, headed for home. I worked it out, I'd get home, just in time for Jonah's birthday. I knew Charlie was throwing him a birthday party. It was hard to believe he would be 5 years old. Throughout my whole flight, I was wide awake, not being able to wait to see everyone again. I must have fallen asleep on the flight, waking up just in time to put my seatbelt back on for landing.

I rushed through baggage collections and customs, before racing toward the taxi rank. Eventually it was my turn to get in a taxi and I dove in, dragging my bags behind me, before telling him the address. As he was driving, I noticed the time, it was nearly 3pm, the day of Jonah's birthday. Before I knew it, I was paying the driver, grabbing my two carry on bags and two suitcases, before dashing up the front path, hearing the loud pitched shrieking of children. I barged into the front door, feeling it swing open, with the sudden opening of the door, I went flying landing on my front. By now the shrieking had stopped, and I saw at least 11 pairs of feet heading toward me.

"I'M HOME"! I yelled as I scrambled to my feet.

"Connie"? I heard a few voices question, then Goldberg's arms wrap around me, followed by another 10 people.

"The one and only". I smiled.

"CONNIE"! Jonah screamed as he bounded toward me. As he reached me, I lifted him into my arms.

"Hey you, happy birthday". I gave him a kiss.

"What are you doing home, you're not supposed to be back for another 2 weeks". Adam asked.

"You think I'd miss the birthday party of the year". I put Jonah down, and he immediately scrambled off to play with his friends.

"When did you decide to come home"? Averman asked as I had a round of hugs, but this time, it was one duck at a time.

"Um 2 days ago". I declared.

I walked into the living room, being met by my parents, Charlie's mom, Coach Bombay and Coach Orion. Again we went through the whole questions and hugs, before I finally sat down. I noticed Charlie looking at me every so often, but I also knew that neither my parents, his mom and Coach Bombay and Orion, knew anything about what was going on between us, and I didn't particularly think Jonah's birthday was the time to do it.

"But what about your photo's. Hadn't you got to stay in Europe for the full 3 months"? My mom asked.

"Yeah, I was meant too. But Colleen's gonna hand them in, and I've told them to keep the money". I informed them.

"Yeah, but wasn't this supposed to be a big career starter for you"? Casey questioned.

"It still can be. You see I still have the negatives, and a copy of the photo's".

I pulled all my photo's out from one of my carry on bags. I watched proudly as they each looked at every picture I'd taken. To be honest, I thought many of the photo's were my finest work. After they'd looked at them all, I started giving out the gifts I'd brought back. I gave my mom and Casey pure leather hand bags from Germany along with some maraca's from Spain. For my dad, Orion and Bombay I had bought a shirt with different foreign phrases on the front, and the English meaning on the back. After giving those out, I proudly presented the Hawaiian style shirts I'd bought for the guys. To say they were thrilled with them was an understatement.

Later that evening, after nearly everyone had left, I began falling asleep on the couch, jet lag finally catching me up. I could vaguely remember my dad asking if I wanted a lift home, but I can't remember giving him an answer. I awoke about 10.30, to find Charlie sat watching a hockey game.

"How long have I been asleep"? I mumbled, as I slowly pushed myself into a sitting position.

"A few hours". He replied, turning the TV off, and coming and sitting on the coffee table opposite me.

"You should have woke me". I told him.

"You looked like you needed it". He replied. "Look, stay here tonight, it's too late to be going home on your own".

"Thanks". I answered getting up. "I'm sorry about today, I knew I said we'd talk as soon as I got back".

"We can talk to tomorrow". He answered.

"Night". I leant forward, kissed him gently, then headed upstairs.

The following day we talked about everything, and decided to give us a try, though taking it step by step. Over the next few years we got closer still. A few weeks after we'd talked, we stopped hiding behind closed doors, and though there was speculation and gossip at the time, we overcame that. A year later, I moved in properly with Charlie and Jonah. By the time we had been dating 2 years, I was nearly 27, and Charlie was 28. He proposed of which I happily accepted. Over the next 6 months, we organized the small ceremony, inviting close family and obviously the ducks. At 28, I became pregnant with Holly. We were both over the moon, though slightly worried at how 7 year old Jonah would take the news. He however was more excited than us at having the prospect at having a little brother, saying if it was a girl, we were sending her back. Though as soon as she came, he became protective big brother.

END FLASHBACK

So that was how I became a mother, and stepmother by the age of 29. Although I often thought about how Julie would have reacted to all this, I always knew in the back of my mind, that wherever she was, she was looking down on us, a big proud smile on her face.

So what do you think? PLEASE R&R!