Disclaimer: I own ONLY AnneMarie, Fabiola, Madam Velosomikh, Madamé Císerosa, K.C. Anderson, Amelia Herrington, and baby Mariah.

Summary: This may be out of order in whatever way, but hey, its my story, I get to decide how it goes. ;-) Sorry if it takes a while for me to get it posted, but I've been writing it in whatever time I get between classes and stuff and I'm laptop less so its all scribbled down on paper and I've actually gotta find time to type it all up. But hopefully I'll find enough time somewhere. :-) Also, I've decided to make it easier on people to let me know what they think, and give me more ideas of what to write. If you would like, I can be reached via email or Yahoo! messenger at or via AOL instant messenger as PrincessSpzMnky . Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like. :-) Happy Reading :-)

Hey Guys!

I just want to say thank you to EVERYONE who has been reading and reviewing these past few years. You guys are absolutely the BEST! If it hadn't been for all of you, I never would have gotten this far. Originally this story was only posted in an effort to get a certain friend off my back. ;-) But here I am today, with 102 chapters. I've been told that this is a record for YAY ME! LOL Anyway, thank you sooooo very much everyone! I really do appreciate all the love and support I have been given since first publishing my work. You guys have just been completely amazing!

I know you have all been anxiously awaiting the fate of this story . . . Well . . . I'm sorry, but the next chapter will be the last. I've had everything written out on paper for so many years, and after going through a box of stuff last night, I found an old notebook with more writing in it, and as I flipped through, I discovered that I had written an ending that I had completely forgotten about. It seems very fitting to end this massive work, as the Oliver family is moving on with their lives. We all need to move on too. Don't worry though, this won't be the end of my writing. I'll just have more time to go back and work on other stuff. :-)

I just wanted to give a big huge thank you to everyone. I have really enjoyed entertaining everybody for the past few years. Even more so, I have enjoyed reading all of your comments. You guys have been the most wonderful readers in the world! Be sure to check out my website and sign up for my email list, as any new additions to my writing collection will be posted there. Also, the Amy Jo Johnson Fan Club is making a come back. Check out my website for details. :-) Thanks again for all the love and support, and I do hope you will review the next two chapters, I am very anxious to hear what you all think:-)

Dreams

Preparations

The Next Weekend

AnneMarie stood in the livingroom of her house, talking to some friends as everyone else mingled around her. The house was bustling with activity as everyone was gathered together for AnneMarie's graduation party. Decorations spread throughout half the house, and loud music played from the stereo, but was nearly drown out by all the voices. The house was packed with friends and family form all over not just the state, but the world.

"Hey, can I have everyone's attention?" Tommy's loud voice boomed across the room as he turned down the music. Slowly, the room got quieter as everyone turned to face where Tommy was standing. "We're going to cut the cake and open presents in a minute, but first, I'd like to say a few words . . . First of all . . . Where is my sister? . . . Come here AnneMarie." he said as Kimberly joined him. "Ok. First I'd like to thank everybody for being here, and say Congratulations of all the graduates. You guys are Awesome! Way to go!" Tommy said, looking around the room at all of AnneMarie's friends. "But today is more than just a graduation for me. It's more of a depressing celebration because I'm losing the one person who has constantly stood by my side for the last 12 years . . . AnneMarie has always been the one constant in my life. She's been my best friend since the day she moved to California. Always standing by me and telling me that she loves me, even when I know she's the only one. AnneMarie has always let me be me, and loved me unconditionally, even when I know she really wanted to kill me . . . I remember the day I found out I had a sister . . .Heck, I remember whining for one when I was little, because I was bored being an only child. But I really lucked out! At 17, I got the brother and sister I had always dreamed of, and they've both been so amazing! Especially AnneMarie. She's the best sister and friend that anyone could ever have . . . I really don't know what I would have done without her. I know that my wife would probably go crazy!" Tommy said laughing. "But I think the harsh reality of it is that we all would have gone crazy. AnneMarie really has been the glue that sticks this family together."

"Tommy . . ." Kimberly said softly.

"Anybody else want to say something?"

"No thanks, you're doing just fine." Mr. Oliver told him.

"I will." Kimberly volunteered.

"No crying!" Jason kidded from behind her.

"I'll try . . . Um . . . I never had a sister. All I got was an older brother, who I rarely saw. But then I met Tommy, and his family adopted me in. And I blame Tommy for EVERYTHING! All the good things in my life, are ALL his fault!" Kimberly laughed. "That little girl I used to read to, who I taught to get revenge on my husband for me . . . The girl I spend hours shopping with, only to buy everything for her, and nothing for me. The girl who calls, just to say 'I love you' and stood with me at my wedding, then gave me a shoulder to cry on after my best friend was killed . . . The girl who has stood be me, no matter how much she didn't want to, and now is a second Mom to my own daughter . . . AnneMarie was with me through most of my pregnancy. She always knew what to do, and had a hidden talent for finding her older brother when he was hiding from me . . . AnneMarie always knows how to help, and is always there when you need her, BEFORE you need her!"

"Mommy!" Mariah said, running toward Kimberly, latching onto her leg.

"Mariah, come here." Tommy said holding out his arms for her.

"Mommy!" she said again, holding on tighter. Kimberly smiled as she bend down to pick up her daughter.

"I don't have a clue what I would have done these last few years, had it not been for AnneMarie. And like Tommy, this graduation is bittersweet for me too. I'm losing one of my best friends, my side kick, and the best manager that Hart of Hearts has ever had! But I know that AnneMarie is moving onto bigger and better things. And I actually ave a surprise for her . . ." Kimberly said as she turned to Jason, who handed her a manilla envelope. "This is something I have been working on for a few years, but never thought it would happen . . . So . . . AnneMarie, this is for you." Kimberly said, reaching into the envelope and pulling out a small box, handing it to AnneMarie.

"A key?" AnneMarie asked after opening the box.

"It's to Hard of Hearts London. I need a manager starting the end of summer, and figured since you'll be attending school there, maybe you wouldn't mind being a part of our expansion."

"Kimberly, you so Rock!" AnneMarie said, excitedly throwing her arms around her sister in-law.

"Welcome back to the team AnneMarie! The store wouldn't be there without you. Store number five is all yours!"

"Kim, this is so cool!"

"David? You wanna say something?" Tommy asked.

"Sure . . . Um . . . If you had asked me four years ago, I would have told you I would be watching my sister graduate through a hole in the clouds. I never thought I would be here today. But thanks to modern medicine, God's miracles and all the love and support from my family, here I am." David said with a smile. "Like Tommy said, AnneMarie is the world's best sister! There hasn't been a single time where we've had to discipline her at all. She's just perfect! But on the other hand, she got really good at disciplining us!" Everyone laughed for a moment, before David continued. "They say 'behind every great man, is an even greater woman.' Well, I have to agree. Because behind me is my little sister. The most amazing girl I have ever met! One who I can definitely say I could ever live without. So, since I promised not to embarrass AnneMarie, I'll just say that I love her more than anything, and I'll such up and let you all go enjoy the rest of the party."

A Few Weeks Later

"Tommy?" Kimberly said, poking her head into his office at the dojo.

"He's not in there." Jason said walking up behind her. "He's teaching a class right now. Do you need something?"

"I just got called into a meeting, and since AnneMarie is at work, I was hoping he could take Mariah for a couple of hours.

"Why don't I take her. We can go play for a little while."

"Thanks Jase, but I can't do that to you."

"Yes you can. I'll watch the Munchkin until Tommy is done."

"Are you sure Jase?"

"Positive! Hey Mariah, you want some ice cream?"

"Yeah!" Mariah said excitedly as she practically jumped for joy next to Kimberly.

"Cool! Come on Munchkin! You and Uncle Jason are going to go get some ice cream."

"Don't you dare spoil her dinner!" Kimberly warned him, as Mariah took Jason's hand.

"Bye Mother!" Jason joked as the two left the room.

"Hey, where's Jason going with Mariah?" Tommy asked as he walked down the hall toward Kimberly.

"To spoil her dinner."

"Great!"

"Exactly! I got called into a meeting, so I was hoping you could watch Mariah, but Jason said you were busy, so he's taking her for a while."

"Works for me!" Tommy smiled as he gave his wife a quick kiss, before entering his office. "When is your meeting?"

"In 20 minutes. I don't know how long it's going to take."

"Take as long as you need. I'll see you when you get home."

"I need your car."

"Why?"

"Cause you don't have a carseat for Mariah and I do. So we need to trade cars."

"Ok . . ." Tommy agreed, reaching into his desk for his keys, then handing them to Kimberly.

"Thanks Honey. I'll see you later." Kimberly said giving him a quick kiss, as she handed him her keys.

"Bye Sweetie. Good luck!"

"Thanks Tommy. I'll call you when I'm done." Kimberly said sweetly, then left the dojo.

"Mommy!" Mariah cheered as Kimberly entered the house that evening.

"Hi Baby!" Kimberly said happily as she picked Mariah up, and kissed her cheek. "Did you have fun with Daddy and Uncle Jason?"

"Uh huh! Uncle Jason bought me ice cream!"

"He did! Wow! That was awfully nice of him! Did you eat all your dinner?"

"Yes she did!" Tommy said as Kimberly sat down on the couch next to him. "She's been a very good girl!"

"Oh good! I'm glad!"

"Mariah, why don't' you run and get your pajamas off your bed."

"Ok Daddy!" she said happily, as she jumped out of Kimberly's arms, and raced off toward her room.

"How was your meeting?" Tommy asked as he put his arm around Kimberly.

"Long! But it was good. We're just about ready to open the London store. My mom is going to meet us out there in a couple weeks to help get everything set up. All that's left, is to hire the staff, and I figured AnneMarie could help me with that."

"Sounds good."

"We're about to be very busy though."

"Don't worry about it, we'll be ok."

"I know. It's going to be great!"

"Mommy, will you help me?" Mariah asked as she walked back into the livingroom with her pajamas.

"Come here Sweetie." Kimberly said holding her hand out, and taking Mariah's pajamas from her.

"AnneMarie is pretty excited about managing the new store. She doesn't have to worry about finding a new job, or where she is going to live. Things have just completely worked out for her."

"Well I'm glad she'll be running the store for me. It takes a lot of stress off of me. I don't have to work about anyone messing up my company. AnneMarie and I have trained each other from the ground up. She's way more than qualified to not only run one store, but the entire company, all on her own!"

"Scary thought, isn't it?"

"No, not really. It's a major relief. I have absolutely nothing to worry about!"

"Mommy, when is AnneMarie coming home?" Mariah asked.

"Soon. But it's almost your bed time, so why don't' you call her and say goodnight."

"Ok." she agreed as Tommy reached for the phone, and dialed the number, before handing it to Mariah.

"Hart of Hearts, how may I help you?"

"Hi, can I talk to AnneMarie please?"

"Sure, just one moment. May I ask who is calling?"

"This is Mariah."

"Hi Mariah, this is Andy. How are you?"

"Good."

"Excellent! Are you being a good girl today?"

"Yes."

"Good! Tell your Mommy to bring you to visit me, ok?"

"Mommy, take me to visit Andy." Mariah told her.

"Hi Andy!" Kimberly said laughing.

"AnneMarie, Mariah is on the phone for you." Andy told her.

"Thanks Andy. Hi Mariah!"

"When are you coming home?"

"Not for a couple more hours."

"Mommy said to call and say goodnight."

"That sounds like a good idea."

"Will you read me a bedtime story?"

"How about Mommy and Daddy read you a story tonight, then I'll read you one in the morning."

"Promise?"

"I promise! I'll even tuck you in when I get home."

"Ok."

"Can I talk to your Mommy for a minute?"

"Mommy." Mariah said handing Kimberly the phone.

"Hey AnneMarie, what's up?"

"We got a late shipment in tonight, so Andy, Michelle and I are going to stay late to get it all out by morning."

"Ok. Do you need any help?"

"No, we've got it all under control. I have Michelle doing the inventory, and Andy and I are doing placement."

"Ok. Just let me know if you need anything."

"I will. Oh, Katie called from the New York store. They sold out of the black party dress."

"The halter dress?"

"Yeah. I've already shipped one of ours to the customer, and let distribution know we need more."

"AnneMarie, you are a Godsend! What would I do without you?"

"I have no idea!"

"Did the blue tops come in?"

"They're in the window."

"I love you!"

"You will like the new displays. They look fabulous!"

"Thanks to you!"

"No, they're your designs."

"And some of yours too. I don't know what I am going to do when you leave for London! I wish I could clone you!"

"Maybe someday." AnneMarie smiled.

"Well you three hurry up and get out of there. You deserve a break."

"We will. I'll see you when I get home."

"Ok, be safe."

"I will. Bye Kimberly."

"Bye Honey."

"Goodnight AnneMarie. I love you." Mariah said, taking the phone again.

"Goodnight Mariah. Sweet dreams. I love you."

"I love you too." Mariah told her, then handed the phone back to Tommy, as AnneMarie hung up, and went back to work.

"Tommy, have I told you that your sister is a Godsend?" Kimberly asked.

"Yes you have! Which reminds me, Mariah's passport came in today. We're all clear for London!"

"Oh good!" Kimberly said happily. "Only 3 more weeks."

"Is everything ready to go when we get there?"

"Pretty much. AnneMarie and I just need to do some hiring, and finish setting up the store Most of the merchandise is already in, we just need to get it out of the boxes."

"So setting up the store should only take a couple of days then."

"Exactly! And we're actually ahead of schedule for once, so we have plenty of time. We can actually enjoy our trip for once."

"How much more stuff does AnneMarie need before we go?"

"I have no idea, I was actually going to ask you that."

"Well the good news is that she'll always have clothes!"

"And that London is a major city, so AnneMarie can always go buy whatever she needs." Tommy added.

"So then all we really need to do, is finish packing."

"Pretty much."

"Mariah, come get your jammies on." Kimberly told her.

"Are you doing a fashion show while we're there?"

"Yep! It's all scheduled, and the models have already been chosen. I just need to decide on the clothes . . . I was actually thinking Mariah could model with AnneMarie this time. She loves watching everybody else at all the other shows, and she is completely adorable!"

"Kim, why not do a kids line? You're always designing Mariah's clothes anyway; you could at least get some money out of it."

"I don't know Tommy. I thought about it the other day, but it's a lot of work."

"And since when are you afraid of work?"

"I'm not. I'm just . . . I don't know Tommy . . . Kids are really hard to work with sometimes. And all Mariah's stuff, I do in my spare time. I've only had that one dress, last year, sent out for someone else to do. Her stuff isn't work, it's just fun."

"Well think about it. You're already doing all that work anyway, so why not get paid for it. You own a million dollar business, and everybody loves your clothes . . . You can still do Mariah's stuff, but then send the designs out for reproduction . . . I think you'll make a lot of money."

"I don't care about the money Tommy."

"I know . . . It's your choice. I just think you would be good at it."

"Mariah, do you like Mommy making your clothes?" Kimberly asked.

"I love my clothes!"

"See!" Tommy said ruffling her hair as Kimberly finished helping Mariah into her pajamas.

"I'll think about it." Kimberly agreed. "Mariah, go put your dirty clothes away please?"

"Mommy, will you read me a story?"

"How about daddy reads us both a story."

"No, I want you to read to me!" Mariah protested.

"You don't want Daddy to read to us?"

"No!"

"Ok . . . Go put your clothes away, and find a story to read." Kimberly said with a sigh.

"She misses you Kim." Tommy said as Mariah slowly headed out of the room.

"I know. I've been really busy lately. But it's going to get better soon."

"I know."

"I miss her too Tommy. She's my baby."

"Which is why we're running our own businesses. This way we're in charge of our own schedules, and actually have time for our family."

"I just wish I had a little more time sometimes. I feel like I'm missing out on Mariah growing up."

"You aren't missing out at all. You're always there for her, no matter how much other stuff you have going on."

"You know what . . . I think we should all take a vacation. The whole family."

"Ok. Whenever you'd like to go."

"How about next week. I feel like going to the Bahamas, or Cancun."

"And you want to go next week?"

"Why not? You're taking the summer off anyway, and we could all use a break. It'll give us a chance to spend some time together before we move, and AnneMarie moves away. It'll be fun."

"Ok. I'll call my parents after we put Mariah to bed."

"David too."

"Yes, David too." Tommy agreed as Mariah walked back into the livingroom with a book in her arms.

"What book did you get?" Kimberly asked.

"Cinderella."

"Cinderella? You love that story, don't you?" Tommy asked as he scooped his daughter into his arms, and kissed her cheek.

"Ok . . ." Kimberly said, opening the book. "Once upon a time, long long ago . . ."

To Be Continued . . . ONE MORE CHAPTER!