"Isn't it a beautiful night tonight Josh"? Maya asks. "It is Maya," he answers, "I could stay out here all night."
"Me too," she says as she snuggles closer to Josh and pulls his arms tighter around her. They're sitting on the beach at Stuart and Jennifer Minkus' beach house. They'd been invited there by the Minkuses, along with Farkles' other friends and their significant others to spend the long Labor Day weekend with them. Stuart and Jennifer had also invited their long-time friends Cory & Topanga Matthews and Shawn & Katy Hunter as well. Currently, everyone was sitting around a large bonfire. Earlier, they had all enjoyed a huge meal that Stuart and Jennifer had catered. In addition, they were having all their meals catered for the weekend which included keeping the kitchen stocked with a variety of snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy at their leisure.
In all there were eight couples enjoying the roaring fire: Stuart & Jennifer, Farkle & Isadora, Cory & Topanga, Shawn & Kathy, Riley & Brody, Maya & Josh, Lucas & Amanda, and Zay & Vanessa. It was a crisp fall-like evening with not a cloud in the sky and a bright full moon. The unspoken expected beach attire for the weekend was: shorts, sweatshirts, and tennis shoes, which everyone had on this evening. As Maya looks at everyone sitting around the fire, she can't help but reflect on her life, especially the past three years or so, and marvel at how fortunate she is to have all these people in her life. She knew they all loved her and she loved them all back. It had been almost three years since she entered rehab and she hadn't had any alcohol since then and has rarely been tempted to have any. And even despite all the bad things she'd done while drinking, all these wonderful people had stood by her. And none ever brought it up. And it wasn't because they didn't want to talk about it. She knew any of them would talk to her about her struggles during that dark part of her life, especially Riley and Josh, but rather, they saw no usefulness in bringing it up. To all of them, it was over and done with and a bright future for all of them to look forward to.
As Maya continued to look around, her eyes stopped on Stuart and Jennifer. They had been quietly talking to their closest friends: Cory, Topanga, Shawn, and Katy who were sitting on either side of them. When there was a lull in their conversations, Maya said: "Mr. & Mrs. Minkus, I don't think we can ever thank you enough for inviting all of us here to enjoy your beautiful beach house and for all the other gatherings you've invited all of us to." Maya's seniment was shared for everyone else there, including Farkle and Isadora. The Minkus' had invited them to Christmas parties, New Year's Eve parties, graduation parties, and numerous anniversaries and birthdays, and Maya wanted to express her gratitude for everything they did for their circle of friends.
Stuart and Jennifer share a smile at what Maya has just said and then smile at Shawn and Katy, letting them know they appreciate what their daughter has just said. "You're welcome Maya," Stuart says as he turns toward the young couple curled up together on the beach. "Jennifer and I love getting all of us together so we can enjoy each other's company. When I was younger and in college, all I thought about and strived for was business success. And I achieved that. I have a helicopter you know." Stuart looks at Cory and Topanga and the three share a little laugh at what has become a running joke between the three. "But when Jennifer came into my life," Stuart continues as he takes his wife's hand in his, "I realized that success wasn't fulfilling without having someone in your life to share it with. She's the one who urged me to get together with Cory and Topanga and your parents, and renew old acquaintances. And we wanted to do the same with Farkle and his friends. We've enjoyed every minute of every get together we've had with all of you," Stuart continues as he indicates all those around him. "It's brought us such joy, he continues, "so I guess it should be us thanking you."
This brings contented smiles to everyone there. As the evening goes on, everyone enjoys casual conversation with one another or just contented silence as they gaze into the dancing flames of the fire. Finally, later in the evening, Stuart says: "I believe Jennifer will go for a walk on the beach on this clear beautiful night if anyone would like to join us." Cory, Topanga, Shawn, and Katy quickly agree to go as well. After they leave, one by one, each of the couples decide on a beach walk as well.
All had left have except for Maya and Josh, who were content for the moment to stay by the fire. Maya finally asks Josh: "do you want to go for a walk on the beach?"
Josh responds with: "if it's okay with you, I think I'd like to stay here for a while longer. "I'm enjoying just sitting here holding you.
"Fine with me," Maya says, "I'm kinda enjoying this too." The two sit in the sand and continue watching the fire and enjoying being close to one another. Josh is sitting on the sand facing the fire while Maya is sitting between his legs, facing the fire. His long arms are wrapped around her which makes her feel warm and safe. She enjoys simply being close to him. Everyone has noticed that over the past several weeks, the young couple has been getting closer and closer. There have been several "get-a-room-you-two" jokes used on them, which just makes them laugh. Once, while they were having dinner with Riley and Brody, along with Riley and Maya's parents, Riley used that line on the two while they were wrapped up in an easy chair at the Matthews' apartment; an easy chair meant for just one person. Cory gasped and was mortified at what came out of his "little girl's" mouth, while everyone else just laughed. But Maya couldn't resist getting a little jab in on her former teacher and father-figure. "Okay," Maya says casually, "is your old room available?" This gets a loud screech from Cory who quickly asks Topanga where the key to Riley's old room is so he can lock it. This gets another round of laughter from everyone….except Cory of course. And Maya can't resist getting one more poke at Cory: "Relax Matthews," she begins, "I was only kidding." This relaxes Cory somewhat, but then Maya says: "besides, Josh's apartment isn't too far from here."
This almost gets an even bigger screech from Cory, but just before he does, he sees the devilish grin on Maya's face. "Alright Maya," he begins, "you almost got me again. But do me a favor you two, please," he begs of his younger brother and his mischievous girlfriend, "I know I can't stop you from doing whatever it is you might be doing together, but could you please keep it to yourselves?"
Maya decides to take pity on Cory and tells him: "Okay Cory, I'll stop with the teasing." Cory breaths a sigh of relief and relaxes. She's about to imply something to Cory about what Riley and Brody might be doing together, but she sees a disapproving look on Riley's face, they can still read each other's mind, and decides against it.
Maya smiles, as she remembers the good times she's had with her two families since her and Josh started dating. The two fall into a comfortable silence as they gaze into the fire. Then Josh starts planting little kisses on Maya's neck, then moves down to the nape of her neck and top of her shoulder. This causes Maya to shudder slightly and for chill bumps to rise on her upper body. She doesn't mind though; she likes the feeling. She's come to know the differences in the way Josh kisses her here, because he does it a lot. She can tell when these kisses on her neck and shoulder are amorous and when they're just playful and affectionate. These kisses, she can tell, are the playful type. Mmmm, that feels nice" she says as she leans her head back more, giving him easier access to her neck, indicating to him that she's enjoying what he's doing to her. "I'd be happy if we just stayed like this for the rest of the night," she tells him softly.
"Me too," he tells her. Josh continues kiss her neck and shoulder, knowing she's enjoying it, for the next several minutes, then stops, causing Maya to lazily moan slightly. He sighs slightly and says: "Move in with me Maya."
This causes her closed eyes to open and to sigh deeply. She rolls her eyes, untangles herself from his arms, spin around on her butt till she's facing him, and wraps her legs around him hips. She puts her arms around his neck, looks him in the eye, and says: "Josh, we've been over this. You know I would love to move in with you. And even though, my mom & dad, your mom & dad, and Cory & Topanga wouldn't say anything about it, they would be disappointed in us. And I don't want to disappoint them; not after everything they've done for me."
"I don't want to disappointment them either," Josh responds.
"Then why did you even bring it up again?" She asks.
He doesn't answer her question, but asks her another one: "What if I told you I could talk them into not minding us living together.
She gives him a bewildered look and responds: "Good luck with that, especially with my dad. He's not as over protecting with me as Cory is with Riley, but still, he wouldn't be happy about it."
"I can change his mind," Josh responds. "I can change all their minds."
"And just how are you going to do that?" She asks in an annoyed voice, quickly growing tired of this old conversation.
"Magic," he responds with a big smile.
"Magic?" she asks, and gives him a bewildered look. He says nothing, and just nods his head. "And just what kind of magic are you going to use on them?" She asks defiantly while using air quotes with her fingers on the word 'magic.'
"I have a magic pouch," he responds, as he reaches into his shorts' pocket and pulls out a small, grey, cloth pouch with a draw string at the top. When she looks at him like he's crazy, Josh says: "Take it and see the magic inside." He still keeps, what Maya sees as, a weird smile on his face, but Maya takes the pouch from his hand.
As she's opening the pouch to see the "magic" inside, she says: "Josh, why are you playing this kid's game with me? This is serious. You know how much I'd love to move in with you; but there is just no way…." She suddenly stops in mid-sentence and her eyes grow bigger and bigger. She swallows hard, then pulls out the contents of the pouch. And it is what it felt like, a beautiful diamond ring.
When she gives Josh a surprised and questioned looks, he says: "It was my grandmother's ring. My dad's mom, my grandma Matthews. I have only a small memory of her, since she passed when I was just a little boy. But Morgan, Cory, and Eric remember her well. The ring was left to Morgan, but last week, she came to visit me and gave it to me."
Flashback To Morgan's Visit with Josh
Morgan had called him a few days before and asked if she could come and see him; he quickly said yes. He doesn't get to see his big sister as much as he's like. After buzzing her into his building, he waits for her to get to his apartment. When she does, they greet each other with a warm hug. They sit on Josh's couch together and he asks: "So what brings you to New York?"
"What," she answers in mock surprise, "can't a sister come and see her little brother for a visit."
"She can" Josh begins, "and little brother loves it. But said big sister doesn't come from the middle of the country, where she lives and works, Kansas City, all the way to New York just for a little visit." He grins at her with a look of triumph on his face.
"Smart ass," she mumbles, which gets a chuckle from Josh, "you've always been too smart for your own good sometimes." After she lets that sink in for a few moments, she continues: "but you're right, I did come to see you for an additional reason." She reaches into her purse and pulls out a small, grey, cloth pouch. When he looks at the pouch and then her, she says: "Take it, open it, and see what's inside."
He does as she instructs, and is surprised by what falls out of the pouch. When he looks at her questioningly, she explains: "this was grandma Matthew's ring. She wore it from the time grandpa put it on her finger when they got engaged, till the day she died. She continued to wear it even after grandpa passed. I know all this because she told me the ring's story before she passed. I believe she had already decided to leave it to me, though she didn't tell me then."
"But she left it to you Morgan," Josh says. "Why do you want me to have it. I have very little memory of grandma."
"I know," Morgan says with a sympathetic smile. "But lately I've been thinking about it a lot. And I've decided that you should have it so you can give it to Maya when you ask her to marry you." Josh's eyebrows shoot up almost to his hairline in surprise when he hears why Morgan wants him to have the ring. "Don't look at me like that Josh," she continues. "You two love each other. And it's the kind of love mom and dad have; the kind of love Copy and Topanga have; the kind of love I hope to have someday." When Josh doesn't say anything, she goes on: "You two should be married Josh. I've been with the two of you when she's had to leave and you knew you wouldn't see her again for the rest of the day. I saw the pained look on your face, and hers, when you parted. Neither of you wanted to be apart."
"I….I don't know what to say Morgan," Josh stammers in disbelief.
"Just say you'll ask her to marry you…..soon, and I'll be happy," she tells him.
Return to Present Time
"She went on to tell me," Josh says, "that grandma told her the ring should stay in the Matthews' family. And she said that grandma would have loved you Maya, and would have approved of you wearing her ring." Maya in near tears now as Josh continues his story. "Dad told me the same thing: that grandma would have loved you; so did Eric, and so did Cory. Dad even told me that you reminded him of grandma. He said she was fiery, passionate, loyal, and even a bit of a rebel."
"But what about the rest of you family Josh?" Maya asks. "Will they approve of me having this ring? It has such a wonderful history in your family."
Josh smiles at her question. This young woman, who he loves so much, has, once again, shown him one of the reasons he fell in love with her, her love and loyalty to his family. "They all approve wholeheartedly Maya. Morgan told me she went to dad, Eric, and Cory, for their approval which they gave immediately. Our whole family loves you, Maya, and would love for you were a part of it….officially." Maya is overwhelmed with emotion. This was completely unexpected and she's having trouble taking it all in. Josh realizes this and knows it time to do the most important thing he'd planned for tonight. "Marry me Maya," he says gently. "Let's begin our life together."
With those words, tears begin to finally trickle down her face. "Yes, I'll marry you Josh. I love you and want us to live together forever." With that, she throws her arms around his neck while clutching the ring tightly, and kisses him more passionately that she ever has.
When she finally breaks their kiss, she wants to put the ring on her finger, but can't because her hands are shaking so bad. She's about to get frustrated, when Josh takes both of her hands in his, which calms her immediately, as his touch always does. When she looks into his loving eyes, Josh says gently: "That's my job Maya." Then he takes the ring from her hand and slides it onto the ring finger of her left hand. "Perfect fit," he tells her. She looks at the beautiful diamond ring on her finger and thinks about how it got there and what it means to her, Josh, and both their families. She looks at Josh and says: "promise me you'll never leave me. You told me that once, when I was alone and scared."
"I remember," he says gently as he looks into her eyes. "And I also told you that there's nothing that would ever make me leave you." She nods her head that she remembers. "That was true then, and it's true today, and always will be. I love you Maya and I can't imagine a life without you in it." She sees the love on his face and feels it in her heart. She throws her arms around his neck again, and begins kissing him passionately again. But this time, their kiss is much, much more passionate that the previous one. She hugs his neck tighter with her arms and pulls his body closer with her legs which are now tightly wrapped around his waist. Their breathing gets heaver the longer their kissing goes on, and it's obvious that if they don't stop, their passion for each other won't end tonight with a simple smile."
"Oh for Pete's sake!" Came a voice. "Get a room you two. There are sixteen bedrooms in the beach house, go find one." It was Farkle and Isadora Smackle. They were returning to the bonfire after their walk along the beach. His teasing remark got a giggle from Isadora as well as himself.
Maya's startled by his voice at first and tries her best to compose herself as she comes down from the high she'd just experienced. She finally is able to stand, and says: "It's okay Farkle."
"I didn't say it wasn't okay, Maya," Farkle says with a grin. "Just don't do it here on the beach, in public, while the rest of us are trying to enjoy the fire" Farkle wasn't upset; he just enjoyed teasing them, although he would have been embarrassed if his parents had been with them.
"No, Farkle," Maya says in frustration. She holds out the hand with her ring on it, and says: "Josh and I are engaged."
As soon as they hear this, Farkle and Isadora's eyes light up with excitement. Farkle says: "it's about time," and hugs Maya. "I'm so happy for you Maya. You and Josh belong together."
Josh watches as the two old friends hug each other in mutual joy, and doesn't notice Isadora walk up to him. Before he realizes it, she stands on her toes and kisses him on his cheek. He's startled and looks at her in surprise. "What was that for?" He asks in genuine curiosity.
Isadora smiles at him and says: "That's for making my friend so happy. She deserves to be happy." She pauses for a second, then continues. "I love Maya. All through high school, she was always the coolest girl there and I was considered the nerdiest. Yet she hung out with me and told everyone I was her friend. As a result, I never got teased by anyone. They were all afraid of her." This gets a chuckle from Josh. "Anyway," she goes on, "you're Maya's Boing, and that makes me very happy."
"Thank you Isadora," Josh says with a smile. "That means a lot to me. Maya loves all her friends and I want all of them to like me."
"We do," Farkle says as he walks up to Josh. "You make Maya complete. She's never been this happy. Congratulations Josh."
While the two young men share a handshake and hug, Isadora hugs Maya's neck tightly. Without releasing her, Isadora says: "Congratulations Maya; I'm so happy for you."
Maya hugs her back and says: "thank you." When the two release each other, Maya notices Isadora's eyes are watery. "Issy," she begins, "I'm the one who's supposed to be crying now, not you."
"I know," she says. "But I've learned from you, and Riley, and Farkle, that when your friends are happy to the point of tears, you'll be happy to the point of tears also."
"Hey, what's all this hugging about," asks Zay, as he and Vanessa along with Lucas and Amanda walk up to them. "Are we missing something?"
"Yeah, kinda," Farkle answers. Everyone looks at Maya and Josh, indicating they should break the news.
Josh nods at Maya, who holds up her ring hand, and says: "Josh and I are engaged."
"Well it's about darn time," Zay says in mock exaggeration. "I was beginning to think we'd all be grandparents before ole Josh here popped the question." This brings a howl of laughter from everyone, including Maya and Josh. Then congratulations and hugs are exchanged all around.
After things calm down a bit, the group migrates into two camps: guys and gals. While the guys tease Josh about a wild bachelor party, to his embarrassment, the girls all want to get a close look at Maya's new ring. She tells them the story about the history of the ring and how it got from Josh's grandma Matthews to her finger. The girls all swoon over the story as they look at Josh with more admiration than they'd ever had for the slightly older adult who has always had Maya's heart. Maya, bursting with joy, after telling them all the story, says excitedly: "I can't wait to tell Riley!"
"Tell me what?" Riley asks as she and Brody join the little group. "Brody and I heard all the commotion coming from hear from way down the beach. So what's going on?"
"Well Maya," Isadora says, "you said you couldn't wait to tell her, so now's your chance."
Everyone looks at Maya, especially Riley, waiting for her to say what she has to say to her best friend. "Maya smiles brightly, raises up her left hand, so Riley can see what's on it, and says: "Josh and I are engaged."
There is a brief moment of silence as what May just said, sinks into her brain. Then there's an ear-piercing "MAAAYAAA!" from Riley who bolts straight for her best friend. This takes everyone, especially Maya, by surprise. Farkle yells:" incoming Maya!" but it's too late for Maya to react and Riley tackles her, which knocks her to the ground, and Riley lands on top of her. Riley lays on top of Maya while wrapping her arms around Maya's head, pinning her to the ground. She rocks back and forth, ranting: "Oh Maya this is wonderful! I was hoping this would happen! Uncle Josh has always loved you! He's perfect for you."
While Riley is ranting on, Maya is trying to best to get her best friend off of her. At the same time Riley is wildly ranting, Maya is saying: "Riley….honey….you're grinding me….into the….sand. I'm….getting…. sand….in my….shorts….and….places….on my body….where sand should never be."
Maya finally feels Riley's body getting off of hers, but it isn't Riley who's doing it, it's Josh. He has put his hands around her waist and is gently lifting his overly excited niece off of Maya. When Riley realizes this, she turns her head to look at Josh and says: "What are you doing Uncle Josh? This is the happiest moment in Maya's life and I want to be with her."
Josh, knowing how happy his niece is for her best friend, none-the-less, eases her off Maya and onto her feet; then says sweetly: "I know you do Riley's, but I don't want you to bury my finance in the sand before I have a chance to marry her."
This gets a round of laughter from everyone, except Riley, who is still agitated with her favorite uncle for removing her from Maya. "Thanks Josh," Maya says as she gets up from the hole Riley has ground her into and begins to shake the sand from her shorts. Then she looks at Riley, who has finally been released by Josh, and says: "Honey, I love you, and I know you're beyond happy for me, but like Josh said, you were burying me in the sand which I'm still trying to get off of and out of my body." Everyone giggles at Maya's statement as she shakes a little more sand from her clothes.
Riley walks over to her and says: "Sorry Maya, I guess I got a little carried away."
Maya gives her a big smile and says: "It's okay Riley. You wouldn't be you if you didn't go crazy every once in a while. Besides, I'll always have Josh to pull you off of me."
"That's true," Riley says with a smile. Then suddenly her eyes snap wide open and she launches herself at Josh this time and screams his name: "Uncle Josh!"
And just like before, it takes everyone by surprise. And again, Farkle tries to warn Josh this time, yelling: "incoming Josh!" But it's too late again and Riley tackles Josh, knocks him over, and falls on top of him.
This time Riley starts kissing Josh all over his face and in between kisses, says: "Uncle Josh….I'm so happy….for you too….you've got the best girl….in the world….and you two are….going to be….so happy together."
Josh, after regaining his composure, tells Riley: "Riley, is this appropriate, you kissing my face, I'm your uncle?"
She responds by saying: "You marring my best friend, trumps me kissing you." Then she begins on him again.
Josh is trying to get her off him, even though he thinks what she's doing is sweet, but is surprised at how strong Riley can be when she's excited. Finally, Riley feels a strong pair of hands gently encircle her waist and lift her off Josh, it's Brody. She looks at him and says: "Brody! What are you doing!"
"Honey," he begins calmly, "Josh knows you're happy for him. Maya knows you're happy for her. And everyone knows you're happy for both of them. So you can stop attacking them now."
Everyone gets a chuckle out of this. But Riley just looks at her boyfriend and says: "but I have so much love and affection in my heart right now because of these two people I love so much, that I'm about to burst!"
Brody smiles at her mischievously, and says: "Well, how's about turning some of that affection towards your boyfriend?" This causes Riley to stop struggling, return his mischievous smile, and begin kissing him passionately.
After a little of their kissing, Farkle says, this time to Riley and Brody: "Now it's you two?! For Pete's sake! Get a room you two. There are sixteen bedrooms in the beach house, go find one." This finally cools the young couple off as they laugh at Farkle's suggestion, along with everyone else.
Soon, three other couples join the little group around the fire. "What's the commotion all about?" Stuart Minkus asks. "Yeah, we could hear you all from way down on the beach," Cory Chimes in.
Once again, everyone turns to Maya for her to make the announcement to the older adults who've just joined them. Maya smiles broadly again, but this time, a few tears form in her eyes because she's about to tell the four most important adults in her life, her mom & dad and Riley's mom & dad, her good news. "Mom, dad, everyone," she begins, "Josh has just asked me to marry him, and I said yes." Then she holds up her ring hand for them to see.
Katy is the first to react to Maya's news. She quickly glances at her husband, who smiles at her and nods. With that reassurance, Katy hugs her daughter tightly as they share their tears of joy. Katy eventually looks into Maya's happy eyes, and says: "I'm so happy for you Baby Girl. I wasn't exaggerating when I told you that your dad and I love and adore Josh. He makes you so happy, doesn't he?"
Maya smiles at her mother, and replies to her with tear-filled eyes: "Yes mom, he does. Through everything I've been through, from the triangle to Max, it's always been Josh. I didn't realize it sometimes, but as I look back on everything now, I can see he's always been the one." Mother and daughter share another long hug as their way of celebrating.
While hugging, Katy sees that Topanga is patiently waiting for her turn to talk to Maya. She releases Maya and let's Topanga know that she sees her. "Would you like to talk to your surrogate daughter?" She asks.
Topanga smiles and answers: "yes." Topanga hugs Maya tightly and says: "congratulations honey. I'm very happy for you." When they release each other, Topanga sees that Maya wants to say something to her, but is struggling to keep her emotions in check. To Maya, Topanga is more than an acquaintance or friend, but rather someone she's admired and respected all her life. She's her best friend's mom and the strongest person she knows. She'd helped raise Maya and taught her how a young woman should conduct her life.
Finally, Maya is able to speak. "Thank you, Topanga," she begins. "That means more to me than you could ever know. You've always given me the best advice, and I'm probably going to need a lot of advice about marriage."
This gets a laugh from Topanga. "You'll be fine," she says, "but I'll always be there for you." Maya nods her acceptance and thanks for Topanga's words. "Josh isn't as goofy as my husband," she begins, "so he'll be easier to live with." This gets a laugh from Maya. "But Josh has the same loving and caring heart at Cory, and he'll love you forever."
In the meantime, Cory and Shawn have Josh caught between them and are "laying down the law" to him. "Look Josh," Cory begins, "Maya is a wonderful, sweet girl and deserves to be treated right. And if you ever hurt her, they'll be hell to pay!" Josh tries to says something, but Cory doesn't let him. "You take over Shawnie," he demands and looks at his best friend.
"She's my daughter Josh," Shawn tells him sternly while looking directly at him. "And even though I didn't meet her till I was thirty-two, I love her just as much as if she had my blood in her veins." Josh tries to tell Shawn that he knows that, but Shawn doesn't let him. "And it you ever hurt her, you better pray that Cory finds you first, because if I do….well, what I'd do to you is too ugly to talk about."
Finally Josh gets a chance to say something to the two best friends: "Guys, guys," he pleads, "Your love for Maya is wonderful, but I could never hurt her. I finally figured out she's the best thing that's ever happened to me and I could never do anything bad to her." He searches for something else to plead his case: "I mean….I mean, I was the one who got her when she called for help. I took her in and fed her and forgave her for what she said to me." Josh is getting more desperate as the two men in front of him continue to glair at him. "And I was with her all through her rehab. "And….," he pauses as he sees Cory's and Shawn's faces change just slightly. "Are those smiles I see?" He asks himself, but he's not sure because of the way his fiancé's father and his best friend have shaken him up with their talk.
Cory turns slightly toward Shawn and says to him: "You think that's enough?"
Shawn answers: "Yeah, that should be enough." Then the two share wide grins at Josh's bewilderment.
"Wait a minute," Josh says, sensing something is up between his brother and his best friend. "Was that little lecture from you two staged?"
Cory and Shawn finally give in. "Yeah," Shawn begins. "We've been practicing that ever since Morgan asked Cory if it was okay to give grandma Matthews' ring to Maya as an engagement ring." Josh just shakes his head are the two old friends share a laugh. When the laughter finally ends, Shawn puts a hand on Josh's shoulder and says: "I'm happy for you Josh, and I'm happy for Maya. I know you'll treat her right. She's getting a good man. I know how you've been raised and I know you truly love her. And I hope you know what a great woman you're going to marry."
Josh smiles and nods his head. "I do, Shawn, I do," he tells his future father-in-law. "I'll take care of her; I promise." The two share a warm hug, followed by a hug from his older brother. Right after that Topanga and Katy come by to congratulate Josh as well.
When Josh finally gets back by Maya's side, Stuart and Jennifer Minkus approach him and the others. "Well, it's looks like we have a change of dinner plans for tomorrow night," Stuart says. When the others look at him questioningly, he continues: "tomorrow night needs to be an engagement party for our newly engaged couple. What do you think honey?" He asks his wife.
"I agree completely," Jennifer answers him. "I'll call the caterers first thing tomorrow and have them add lobster and champaign, and sparkling grape juice for Maya, to the menu for tomorrow night's dinner."
"And Cory," Stuart says, "call you parents and see if they can come. If they can, ask them to pack a bag and I'll send an SUV to pick them up and bring them here. And call Morgan and Eric also, so they can join us if possible."
"No, Mr. and Mrs. Minkus," Maya begins, "you've already done so much for all of us this weekend. That's just too much."
"Nonsense Maya," Jennifer quickly says, but with a gentle smile. "You are one of Farkle's closest friends and we love you. You and Josh are a wonderful couple and deserve a big engagement party. And by the way, you should start calling us Jennifer and Stuart now."
"I wouldn't argue with her Maya," Cory says, "she can be pretty scary when she wants to be." The two old friends exchange smiles and she gives Cory a quick peck on his cheek.
"Okay, if you say so Cory," Maya relents. "Thank you Mrs….I mean Jennifer. This is so kind of you.
-
The next day, in early afternoon, the caterers begin arriving with the food that is to be served that night. Jennifer had arranged for most of the food preparation to be held at the beach house so it would be as fresh as possible. The caterers were accustomed to this because the Minkuses had used them several times before, and Jennifer had insisted on this.
When dinnertime arrived, everyone gathered in the large dining room for the celebration. The older adults, including Amy and Alan Matthews who were able to come, though Morgan and Eric couldn't, sat together so they could talk, while the younger adults did the same. There was much conversation and laughter as everyone enjoyed the wonderfully prepared food. Near the end of the dinner, Jennifer said something to the head waiter who was serving them. He nodded and the wait staff brought out glasses along with the champaign and sparkling grape juice for Maya. After all were served, Stuart stood to address the group. "I think a toast is in order for the newly engaged couple," he began. Then he turned to Alan Matthews and said: "Would you do the honors, Mr. Matthews?"
Alan was surprised, but nodded a thank you to Stuart as he stood to address the group. After a brief pause, he began. "I believe everyone at this table was hoping this engagement would happen someday." This brought agreement from everyone. "Amy and I have loved Maya from the first day we met her. She was loyal to our granddaughter and always protected her. She also got into trouble a few times that Riley had to get her out of." This brings laughter from the group, to Maya's embarrassment. "So when we found out she had a crush on our youngest son," he looks at Maya quickly and corrects himself: "sorry Maya. It wasn't a crush and I guess you're proving that today." This brings a satisfying smile to Maya's face and laughter from the others. "Anyway," he continues, "when we found this out, we were a little worried about Josh. But as she grew up, with the help of her father, she turned into a daughter any parent would be proud of. But by that time, due to college and jobs, the two had drifted apart, and we thought that was the end of it. Then came the heartbreaking part of Maya's life that brought them together once again. And even though we wished that had never happened to her, we saw a look from him and a determination in our son we'd never seen before. We realized things had changed, and were delighted when they started dating. So when we got a call from Cory yesterday that they were engaged, well…., that was an answer to a prayer." Alan sees Maya's eyes watering from what he's just said. He continues: "As the parents at this table know, and what you others will learn if you're blessed with children, is that while you teach them, encourage them, punish them when needed, praise them when needed, and help them prepare for life, in the end, all we really want is for our children to be happy. So everyone, please raise you glasses for a toast to Josh and Maya's engagement. May they have a long, healthy, loving life together."
"Here, here's" are heard all around the table as everyone toasts the happiest of the happy couples sitting at it. As everyone sips their drinks, Maya suddenly says: "I would like to say something." Everyone looks at her as she stands. "Last night I had a lot of time to think about what happened yesterday. When I was growing up, believe it or not, I thought about my dream wedding like a lot of girls do, Riley Matthews," she says under her breath but everyone hears her and laughs. "And I dreamed of a big wedding like so many do, but I never thought I'd ever have one. I thought that just having a husband who wouldn't leave me, if I was lucky, was all I'd ever get." She feels Josh's hand in hers now, comforting her. "Then Josh was back in my life and I started to dream big again. But the last year and a half has shown me that big weddings aren't as important as who's at your wedding. So last night I started planning my wedding."
'Without me!" Riley suddenly said causing everyone to laugh.
"Oh, you'll be in on all the details Riley. I can assure you of that." Maya tells her while grinning. "But I want a small intimate wedding, with just the people at this table and maybe a few more. I want you all there and just you, because….you are my family." Tears formed in her eyes, but she continued. "My mom and I never had that, not like you all are family to me and mom. I loved Riley's family so much, I turned into them for a while, but I got me back. And now, I will be a Matthews. So, I want the theme of Josh and mine's wedding to be family. So please raise your glasses again." After everyone does, she continues: "Some are blood and some aren't, but all are family. I love you all….to family." With that she takes a sip of her sparkling grape juice. Everyone else follows suit and repeats: "to family."
When she sits down, Josh immediately takes her in his arms and says: "That was beautiful Maya. As beautiful as any painting you've done. I love you Gorgeous."
"I love you too Boing," she answers him as she presses her lips to his, which causes a round of applause for everyone.
Riley's eyes flutter open. She checks her phone for the time, 2:30 in the morning. Something caused her to wake up, but she's not sure what it was. Then something catches her eye. She's in one of the bedrooms of the Minkus' beach house. It's the night following the big engagement dinner. They all had stayed up late celebrating her uncle and best friend's great news. The bedroom, which she was sharing with her boyfriend, Brody, was on the third floor looking out over the ocean. That side of the third floor all contained bedrooms and they all had a door leading out to a veranda. In the dim moonlight and through the sheer curtains, she saw what had caught her eye, Maya. She was leaning against the railing of the veranda and looking out over the ocean. Riley checked to see if Brody was still sleeping and eased out of their bed and opened the door from their room to the veranda and went out. She eased toward her best friend who seemed to me mesmerized by the crashing waves of the beach, which was the only sound heard. As she approached, she softly says: "Peaches?" She's not sure why her best friend is standing out here, alone, and not sleeping with her fiancé.
She looks at Riley and says: "Sorry Riles. I didn't mean to wake you. I tried to be quite and not wake anyone."
"You didn't," Riley replies, "not with noise anyway. I think I just sensed you were out her. Are you okay? You're not having second thoughts about you and Josh, are you?"
"I'm fine," Maya replies with a warm smile for her best friend, "and no, I'm not having second thoughts about Josh. In fact, other than your friendship, I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I'm going to be your aunt, Riley, so you better get used to it."
Riley giggles slightly, then says: "I'll have the coolest aunt in the world." She loops her arm through Maya's and continues: "so why are you standing out here? Aren't you a cold?"
"I was, a little," Maya replies, "but now that you're here, I warm." Riley smiles and snuggles closer to her best friend. "I woke up with so many things running through my mind; all good things though. Josh was sleeping soundly and I didn't want to wake him, so I came out here to….reflect on my life I guess." She sees that Riley is listening to her intently, like she always does when she knows Maya is talking about something that's serious or important to her. "When we graduated high school, if someone had told me that one day, I'd be a recovering alcoholic and engaged to Josh, I would have thought you were out of you mind. I might have believed the alcoholic part, but not the engagement part."
"Maya," riley says sympathetically, "I thought you had hope."
"I did Riley," Maya answers, "and I still do, but I never dreamed of hoping for what I have now: a job doing what I love doing the most, art; friends, first of which is you, who'd do anything for me; and engaged to the guy I've loved since I was ten years old, even though I didn't know what romantic love was then. Yet, here I am. And I'm the happiest I've ever been."
Riley looks into the sparkling blue eyes of her best friend and sees the happiness in them. "Oh Peaches," she says. "I'm so happy for you. You deserve all those things." The two old friends embrace in a warm loving hug and stay that way for a long time. When they finally release each other, Riley says: "things are changing again Maya." When she sees Maya wondering what she means, she continues. "Remember when we were teenagers and I said: things are changing Maya; we're letting boys into our lives? We didn't know what our future was going to be. And now, you'll be getting married and I probably won't be far behind."
Maya's eyes light up when Riley says that. "Riles!" she says excitedly, "Did Brody….?"
"No," Riley interrupts, then smiles at her best friend's excitement for her," he hasn't asked me to marry him….yet, but I think it will be happing soon. And when we're both married, who knows where life will take us."
"Maya? Riley?" the two girls hear at the same time from Josh and Brody. The two guys are standing in their respective doors to the veranda, wondering what's going on with their girlfriends. Is everything okay?" Josh asks. "I sensed you weren't in the bed with me and that woke me up?
"Yeah, me to," Brody says as he looks at Riley.
Riley and Maya look at one another and smile. Each thinking how sweet it was that each of their boyfriends missed them when they got out of bed. "We're fine guys," Maya says. "We're just having a little girl time together."
"Yeah, go on back to bed," Riley says, "we'll be in shortly."
After the guys go back into their rooms, Maya pulls her best friend a little closer and tells her: "I'm not concerned about where us being married might take us Riles."
"Why?" Riley asks.
Maya thinks for a moment, then answers: "I remember, back when we thought you and your family might move to London, you asked me to promise you that 'Time and distance have no power over us. You and I are together for as long as we live.' I made that promise with no regrets and that promise is as strong today as it was then." Riley's eyes begin to well up with tears as she remembers Maya's promise to her. "And besides," Maya continues, "I think our husbands are smart enough to know that if they tried to move us away from each other, they'd be hell to pay." This gets a laugh out of Riley and another long hug. When their hug ends, Riley raises her hand and says: "Thunder." And Maya answers by raising her hand and saying: "Lighting." Then their raised hands come together, like they have so many times, and they say together: "Forever."
A little while later, Maya crawls back into bed and snuggles up to Josh. She's not surprised he's awake and waiting for her. "Everything good?" He asks.
"Couldn't be better," she answers him. "I love you Josh.
I love you too," he answers, as he pulls her close and kisses her tenderly and passionately.
-END-
A/N: I hope you enjoyed my little story of forgiveness and redemption. I apologize for taking so long to post these final few chapters. The idea for this story came from personal experiences, not from me, but from a close family member. That family member has been sober now for over three years! We are all so happy and proud for him. Forgiveness and redemption are real!