A/N: Okay, thank you guys so much for all of your great feedback. I really enjoy reading your reviews. A few weeks ago, one of you (it was a Guest, so I sadly can't address you by name) asked whether or not I take requests. I do, but like I said, things are pretty hectic right now, so bear with me. I really liked your idea about a Joshaya story to One Direction's "They Don't Know About Us"; I think I already have a few good ideas of how I want to approach it, which is why I'm really sad that I don't have the time right now. However, as soon as my schedule clears up a bit more, I will get to work on that. Thank you for the great suggestion! Anyway, enough from me, here comes Chapter 13. Some of the dialogue has been taken from "Girl Meets I Do" and "Girl Meets Goodbye". As always, feel free to leave a review and let me know what you think :)
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Girl Meets World characters.
Piece by Piece
Piece by piece I fell far from the tree
"Piece by piece I fell far from the tree
I will never leave her like you left me"
Soon. The Oxford English Dictionary has three separate definitions for it. As an adverb, soon means "within a short time, before long, quickly; (in early use) without delay, forthwith, straightway". As an adjective, soon means "taking place, coming about, happening, etc., soon or quickly; early, speedy". And as a noun, soon describes "the near future". All of these definitions have one teeny tiny detail in common: the actual time span of soon is never specified.
Soon. One word. Four letters. Not really your typical four-letter word, but to Maya Hart it was certainly becoming one. This particular word had been playing over and over again in the girl's mind ever since their faithful trip to the Mount Sun Lodge and had provided her with more than a few sleepless nights.
Soon. Who knew that such a cute little word could stir up so much havoc in one fifteen-year-old teenager? Maya surely hadn't. She and Josh hadn't been able to talk, just the two of them, ever since the ski lodge. Both of them were busy with school and the wedding preparations. And, to be honest, this whole not knowing was driving Maya insane.
Soon. What in God's name did it mean? But, of course, the brunette boy had chosen those exact two weeks to spend much less time at the Matthews' apartment than the whole summer before. They texted a lot, but this wasn't something Maya wanted to discuss over the phone.
Soon. Well, apparently – at least according to Josh – it was an amount of time that was at least 12 days. Because that's how long it had been since their little weekend trip.
Soon. Maya had had a long and animated discussion with Farkle about the exact definition of the little word – which was also when she had looked it up in the OED. They hadn't been able to come to a satisfying conclusion, but had succeeded in amusing Riley, who had been seated in between the two of them.
Soon. Well, there was one thing that was coming up soon: Katy and Shawn's wedding. It was this particular weekend – two weeks after their trip to the Mount Sun Lodge. Maya had made up her mind: she was going to enjoy seeing her Mom and Shawn get married and afterwards she would talk to Josh. After all, he was one of the groomsmen, so he had to be there. She was determined to find out what exactly he had meant sometime this weekend. And that's what Maya called soon!
To say that the Matthews household was in a complete frenzy would have to be an understatement. It was early morning, the day of the big wedding. The women had all spent the night at the Matthews' while the men had stayed at the new apartment Shawn and Katy had rented. It was only down the street from the Matthews' place and Shawn, Katy and Maya would move in there after the lovebirds' return from their honeymoon. Maya was sad to be leaving their old apartment – it held a lot of memories for the girl – but it would have been too cramped with the three of them living there. At the new place, Maya would have a big, beautiful room with a bay window of her own – that small detail was what had really sealed the deal – and there would even be enough space for another one or two little Hunters to come along sometime in the future. Maya had always wanted to be a big sister and, even though there had been not talk of it between Shawn and Katy – at least none that Maya was aware of – … well, a girl could always dream, couldn't she?
Anyway, with six women getting ready, the Matthews' apartment was a mess. However, Topanga didn't seem to be especially bothered by it; she was too busy making sure that things were running smoothly. Amy and Morgan Matthews had arrived the night before and were now fussing over the blushing bride-to-be. Katy didn't seem to mind, though. She was answering all their questions with a content smile on her face. To be honest, Maya had seldom seen her mother looking so at peace. Maya had been having doubts about whether or not her Mom and Shawn marrying so soon was a good idea. After all, things would change completely for all of them … and why should one go about changing things when everything was running smoothly. But seeing the loving smile appear on her mother's face every time she talked about her husband-to-be was all the prove that Maya needed. Yes, maybe things wouldn't be perfect, but really, when were they ever? The important thing was that they loved each other and would do their best to make things work.
Riley was currently on the phone with Farkle. Riley's boyfriend – it was still a bit strange for Maya to refer to the genius as such, but in a good way – had been invited to join the rest of the guys to get ready for the big day. Maya had a very strong inkling that Josh had had something to do with that, he probably didn't want to be stuck with his brothers – biological and "adopted" – all alone with no other sane person there except for Auggie and Alan. "So, how are things going over there?" Maya heard her best friend ask. "Is my father giving you a hard time? He is, isn't he? Hand me Uncle Josh, I'll tell him to keep Dad in check. And Shawn as well, with those two you never know. And Uncle Eric will probably be next. God, my family is complicated." Riley was working herself up into a real frenzy and Maya was about to intervene when the crazed expression suddenly left the brunette's face and a warm smile replaced it. "Well, maybe I am worrying too much. Yeah, I know you can handle yourself. You do seem to have everything under control … That's really sweet of you, Farkle." A light blush appeared on the brunette's cheeks. "Yeah, you too. Bye!"
"Good God, you two!" Maya exclaimed, a big grin on her face. "Get a room!" Of course, the blonde was only kidding. She loved seeing her two best friends so deliriously happy together. And Farkle had managed to calm Riley down over the phone just now, which usually was not an easy achievement. Maya had to hand it to the guy, he was proving to be a great boyfriend to her best friend. Ah, she knew it – Team Farkle all the way!
"Oh, hush you!" Riley shook her head, the blush getting more prominent. "Now, come over here and sit down. I need to do your hair. Mom is gonna kill us if we're not done in time."
"Oh yeah." Maya quickly took her seat. "It really isn't a good day to get on your mother's bad side." And that was no exaggeration. Topanga was determined to make this wedding great and had a no-nonsense attitude towards everyone involved. Let's just say, it was a good thing that Eric wasn't at the apartment right now – things probably would have gotten ugly.
Topanga walked into Riley's room just as her daughter was putting the finishing touches on Maya's hair. "Oh great, you two are right on time. I swear, your grandmother and aunt are driving me insane. Ava just came over, so they are a bit distracted from gushing over Shawn's future wife by now gushing over Auggie's wife of 50 years. Ugh, at least I can depend on you two."
"Always, Mrs. Matthews," Maya assured as the two girls switched seats and she got to work on Riley's hair.
"My girls." Topanga came over and gave both of them a kiss on the cheek. "Remember, we're gonna do hair and make-up here and then head over to the church and get changed there. We don't want the dresses to get wrinkled on the drive there."
"We got it covered, Mom," Riley assured before wincing as Maya brushed her hair and found a knot.
"Very good." Topanga checked something off on her list. "Oh yeah, Riley I heard you talking to Farkle earlier. Everything alright there? Shawn's not freaking out or anything?"
"Not that I heard of." Topanga shot her daughter a warning glance. "I'll call him just as soon as Maya's finished with my hair and check."
"Thank you, sweety." Topanga nodded. "I swear, he better not get cold feet or I'm gonna drag him down the aisle myself," she muttered, making the girls laugh.
"How's my Mom?" Maya asked hesitantly. "Not freaking out or anything? Last time I checked, she looked very calm."
"Still surprisingly calm," Topanga said. "Much more relaxed than I was."
"Well, she does have the best maid-of-honor/wedding planner there is." Maya grinned at the older woman.
"Oh yeah, that she does." A pleased expression came across the woman's face. "Anyway, I'll let you get back to your preparations. Remember, we'll be leaving in an hour. Make sure you're ready by then."
"No problem," Riley assured. "We'll probably be the first ones out the door."
And Riley was definitely right with her assumption. While the other four women had to rush back into the apartment multiple times because they had forgotten something, Riley, Maya and Ava – the flower girl – waited patiently out in the hall – dress bags in hand and make-up and hair done. Finally, everyone had gathered all of their things together and the seven of them headed to the church.
Just as they entered the foyer, Maya dropped her purse and the content spilled out all over the floor. She told the other women and girls to go on ahead, they were already running a bit late. "Just great," Maya muttered as she hurried to gather up all of her things.
"Need some help there, miss?" Another person crouched down beside her to help.
Maya looked up startled before a smirk spread across her face. "Well, hello there, Josh." The blonde looked the boy up and down. He was already wearing dress pants and a nice shirt. However, the shirt was only half buttoned, and the matching tie hung loosely around his neck. The rest of his outfit was missing completely. And damn, he still looked really cute. "Make sure, you don't let your sister-in-law see you like that. You'll give her a heart attack."
"You saying I don't look good, Gorgeous?" Josh winked and posed – well, as much as was possible while crouching on the ground.
"Well," Maya started, a mischievous grin on her face. "Let's just say that right now you have more of a ruggedly handsome appearance instead of handsome in the traditional sense."
"But I'm still handsome?" Josh grinned.
"You really only hear what you wanna hear, don't you, Boing?" Maya shook her head in amusement as they both stood up. Good, this was good. This was their usual flirty banter. She could handle this.
"Well you, of course, look gorgeous as ever." Josh shot her a charming smile. "I'm just confused. Nobody told me that the attire would be casual/sweatpants and a T-Shirt … what's it saying … 'We are all fools in love' …" Josh trailed off.
"Oh, relax Boing." Maya laughed and desperately willed herself not to blush. "It's a quote from Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice to be exact. The shirt was a gift from Shawn." Yes, Shawn really had liked the movie. He and Maya had even made Katy sit down with them to watch it – and they may have watched Sense and Sensibility afterwards, just for the heck of it. "And Mrs. Matthews herself approved the outfit. She didn't want our dresses to get wrinkled, so we were allowed to wear comfy clothes on the drive here."
"Josh!" a voice interrupted them and Shawn came rushing out of one of the rooms, looking every bit as disheveled as Josh. "I need you to come back in there. Your brothers and my brother are driving me nuts. Your father isn't really helping, he's having too much fun fussing over Auggie. The only sane person in there is Farkle and I need you to back him up."
"What in God's name are you guys doing in there?" Maya asked curiously.
Shawn looked over towards the blonde, only now realizing that she was standing right there. "Oh, nothing. Everything's fine." Shawn looked her up and down, a small smile forming on his face when he recognized the shirt. That smile was, however, quickly replaced by a worried expression. "Does Topanga know you're dressed like this?"
"Ugh," Maya groaned. She walked over and started shoving her stepfather-to-be in the direction of his room. "Of course, she does, she actually looks pretty similar. And now you both go, get dressed! We've got a wedding to get to!"
"Yes, yes, of course." Shawn hesitated for a moment. "Maya, your Mom …?"
"Is just as jittery as you," Maya assured. "But in a really good way and only since we arrived here. Before that she's been completely calm and collected. To be honest, I've seldom seen her so happy."
A brilliant smile spread across the man's face. He leant over to his stepdaughter-to-be and gave the girl a kiss on the forehead. "Thanks, kiddo."
"No problem, Da … Shawn," Maya stumbled over her words. It was getting very hard to still call the man she looked at as a father by his first name. But she was afraid of freaking him out by just calling him Dad out of nowhere. And how does one go about asking someone if you could call them Dad. Maya shook her head. That was something she would deal with later. "Now get going!" Shawn nodded, gave the girl a quick hug and headed off. Maya looked at Josh, who was still standing next to her. "You should probably get back in there, too. Shawn seems to need you."
"Yeah," Josh muttered. He turned around but, after taking one step, stopped dead in his tracks. "Maya?"
"Hm?"
"Do you think we could talk? Later?" Josh asked hesitantly. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."
Maya nodded. "Yeah. There's something I want to talk to you about, too." Josh nodded. "So, later?"
"Later," Josh agreed and both teenagers headed towards their respective rooms.
A little while later, almost all the women were dressed. Topanga was wearing a beautiful white A-line chiffon dress with a mint-green sash around the waist. Cascading ruffles highlighted the V-neckline and the hem stopped just above the woman's knees. Maya and Riley's dresses looked very similar, except for a few details: theirs were white A-line knee-length chiffon dresses with a princess-scoop-neckline; the bodices were dotted with sparkling beads; Riley's dress had a lavender sash while Maya's had a light-blue one. Ava was wearing the miniature edition of the girls' dresses along with a pink sash and a small basket of flowers already in her hands – also with a pink sash on the handle. Amy and Morgan – also wearing very pretty dresses – were sitting on a couch and had the four of them twirl in front of them to show off their dresses. Katy was still in the changing room, putting on her wedding dress.
"Oh, you girls," Amy gushed. "You all look so beautiful. Ava, you are just adorable. And Riley, Maya you two look so grown up. God I really must be getting old."
The other four laughed when they were suddenly interrupted by another voice. "Maya," Katy called from the changing room. "Could come in here for a second, baby girl? I could use some help."
"Coming, Mom!" Maya called. She entered the other room and stopped dead in her tracks. "Mom, you look so beautiful!" the girl gushed. And she wasn't exaggerating in the least. Katy was wearing an A-Line Off-the-Shoulder Sweep Train Chiffon Wedding Dress. The lace bodice was dotted with beads and sequins. Yes, Maya had been with her mother when she had bought the dress. But seeing her not only in the dress but with her hair and make-up done and with that half-nervous half-deliriosly-happy smile on her face was something completely different. She looked like a real-live fairy princess.
"Thank you, baby girl." Katy tried to keep the happy tears at bay, so as not to ruin her make-up that had been so carefully applied by Topanga. "Would you mind zipping me up?"
"No problem." Maya approached her mother and quickly closed the zipper on the back of the dress. "But really Mom, you look gorgeous. Shawn's eyes are gonna drop out when he sees you. And he'll probably be speechless as well, we'll be lucky if he can even get his vows out."
Katy giggled and carefully hugged her daughter. After they let go of each other, she held her little girl at arm's length and studied her carefully. "Well, baby girl, I have to say you don't look so bad yourself." Maya gave her mother a twirl and giggled. "You look beautiful!"
"Thanks Mom." Maya smiled contently. "We should probably get back out there, or someone will break down this door. Amy and Mrs. Matthews are very impatient to see you."
A big grin spread across the older blonde's face. "Well, then I'd say we better not keep them waiting any longer."
"Katy, you look positively radiant!" Morgan gushed and the other women and girls in the room could do nothing but nod in agreement. Katy and Maya had just stepped out of the changing room into the common room where the others were already waiting for them. To appease the others, Katy twirled in front of them, making the others aw, clap and gush.
"I'm speechless!" Topanga exclaimed. "And we all know that doesn't happen very often." The others giggled and a comfortable silence spread across the room.
Eventually, Amy cleared her throat and the others turned towards her. "There's something I wanted to say," she started and approached Katy. A warm smile spread across the older Matthews woman's face as she took both of Katy's hands in hers. "Katy, I want you to know how happy I am that you and Shawn have found each other. I have always looked upon Shawn as if he were my own and, I have to admit, him never finding someone he loved enough to settle down with, had me worried. But now I know that it was necessary. Otherwise, he wouldn't have met you and Maya. Seeing you three together fills me with so much happiness – I can't even describe it." Tears were forming in everyone's eyes and Topanga quickly distributed tissues amongst the others. "And being here today at his wedding really is a dream come true." Amy and Katy hugged while the others just watched on, completely moved.
"And Shawnie finally tying the knot is taking the pressure off of me and Eric for a while, so thank you for that," Morgan joked, trying to lighten the mood again. After all, nobody really wanted anyone's make-up to be ruined so shortly before the ceremony. She succeeded because the others immediately started giggling.
"Well," Topanga chimed in. "There's still Josh. Maybe he'll beat you guys to the altar." Topanga winked at Maya, who was trying furiously not to blush. "You know, someday." Okay, too late: Maya was starting to turn beet red and Riley and Katy burst out laughing. Even Ava – being the observant and nosy little girl that she was – allowed herself a small chuckle.
"Mom? Do you know what those four are giggling about?" Morgan asked, turning towards her mother.
The older Matthews woman had a knowing smirk on her face – making Maya wonder exactly how much she knew about what was going on between her and Josh. "All in good time, Morgan," Amy said cryptically before turning back to Katy. "Anyway, Katy, there is one other thing. While Morgan and I were dress shopping, Topanga here sent me a picture of your wedding dress. Even back then, I thought it was so beautiful – and so exactly you. The store we were in had a lot of accessories along with dresses and something caught my eye." Amy walked over to her purse. "Now, if you don't like it, we'll just act like I never showed it to you. But once I saw it, I could immediately picture you wearing it along with the dress. But still, it is completely your decision." And with that, Amy handed the blushing bride a small box.
Katy opened the gift carefully and what she pulled out was the most beautiful thing Maya had ever seen. It looked a bit like a tiara but made out of little crystals and crystal flowers. "Amy, this is beautiful," Katy said breathlessly. "I would love to wear it." With a brilliant smile, Amy took the item from Katy and carefully placed it on her loose curls, securing it in place.
"Mom!" Maya exclaimed. "Now you really do look like a fairy princess!" And the others quickly agreed.
The whole wedding party – except for the groom himself – was waiting in the foyer, ready to start the ceremony. There was only one small problem. Their minister was still not here and Topanga was slowly but surely freaking out. Cory was trying to soothe his wife – unsuccessfully.
"I can't believe he's not here yet," Cory eventually muttered. "Wasn't he the one always on our cases about punctuality. And now he's late for this!"
"Hold your horses, Mr. Mathews," a familiar voice suddenly rung through the room. "I'm right here."
"Mr. Feeny!" Topanga accused. "You had me worried sick!"
"I apologize, you two," the older man said. "I was delayed, but now I am here. So, should we get started?" Topanga nodded and was once again rushing around to get everyone into place.
"Who's that?" Ava asked, gesturing to their minister.
"Mr. Feeny," Auggie said matter-of-factly.
"Who's Mr. Feeny?" Ava inquired, still confused as to why this man – who didn't really look like a minister – was here.
"I think he's my grandfather." Auggie shrugged, making everyone else laugh.
"You're a minister, too?" Riley addressed the man himself. Maya stood beside her, seemingly just as curious to hear the answer.
"Just go with it," Mr. Feeny waved them off with a warm smile.
"Okay." Riley and Maya nodded.
"I am many things to many people," Mr. Feeny said cryptically.
"Grandpa!" Auggie exclaimed and happily approached the older man.
"No!" Mr. Feeny said firmly and the whole party started chuckling. The former teacher gave them a nod before disappearing inside the church to take his place at the altar.
"Okay! Places, everybody!" Topanga called as she pushed and pulled people to get them where she wanted them to stand.
"Ouch, Topanga!" Josh complained as he was harshly pushed towards Maya, stumbling into the girl. "Was that really necessary?" But Topanga had already moved on and was pulling at Jack to have him stand next to Riley. "Sorry, for that." Josh looked at the blonde standing next to him, really seeing her for the first time since they both arrived in the foyer. "Wow, Maya …" he trailed off before a familiar smirk came across his face. "Still gorgeous."
Maya grinned. "Why thank you, kind sir." The girl curtsied, making the boy laugh. "And you look quite handsome yourself if I might be so bold."
"Always, Hart." Josh grinned. They were about to continue their conversation, but Topanga once again called everyone to order. It was time to start the ceremony.
Maya had been right. As her mother made her way down the aisle, the Shawn's eyes went wide and his jaw dropped. Maya giggled as Cory shoved his best friend gently from the side. Composing himself a bit, Shawn's eyes never once left Katy as she made her way towards him. The look that the two of them shared made Maya gulp – this was love in its purest form.
"We are gathered here today to witness the joining of two souls," Mr. Feeny started once Katy had reached them. "Shawn Patrick Hunter and Katy Grace … Cleeterbooskay." People chuckled.
"It's Clutterbucket," Katy told him gently, also giggling a bit.
"Yes, I know," Mr. Feeny said slowly. "I'm just trying to give you some dignity."
"Well, then make me Hunter as quick as you can," Katy dead-panned and Shawn grinned.
"Now I believe you two have written your own vows," Mr. Feeny said before turning to Shawn. "Mr. Hunter, the assignment is due right now."
"He needs more time, Feeny," Cory bargained as if they were still in school.
Shaking his head, Mr. Feeny turned towards Katy. "You got anything?"
"Yeah," Katy said quietly. She turned to Shawn and looked up at him. "I was looking for a quote that applied to us and what I found was: 'Marrying for love may be a bit risky, but it is so honest, God can't help but smile on it'. The lives we've led until now have made us both wonder if live knows what it's doing with us at all." She paused and Shawn nodded in agreement. "When my first husband left Maya and me, I never thought I'd find love again. I never thought I'd trust anybody enough ever again to let him into my life – into my daughter's life. And then I met you." A big smile spread across Katy's face and Shawn mirrored her expression. "Neither Maya nor I have ever been a big fan of change. But the day you came into our lives, you changed them completely. And I think I speak for the both of us when I say that we wouldn't have it any other way. You are in our lives now and that's where you belong." People were reaching for their tissues as Katy finished her vows.
Even Shawn looked a bit flustered. He leaned over and gave his bride a sweet kiss on the cheek before clearing his throat. "Here's my life: my two best friends get married and have a daughter who has a best friend whose mother is you. I believe in life and in the long road that led me here to you. I promise I'll walk with you as long as you'll let me."
"I promise I will walk with you no matter where it leads," Katy added.
"As long as you're next to me this is our road," Shawn finished the part they had written together. However, Katy was surprised to find that he had more to say. "'There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.' Kerouac wrote that in On the Road. I feel like my entire life I've been on the road. Until I found you, that is. With you, I have no desire to run away anymore. I am where I'm meant to be. I am home. Good things haven't come to me very often. But since I met you, I can't imagine life possibly getting any better than it already is." Shawn paused. "I love you, Katy. I know those are just words, but I don't say those words a lot. I was never even sure what they meant. Now I am." Katy had tears in her eyes and Topanga quickly handed her a tissue. Riley had placed a comforting hand on Maya's arm because the younger blonde was very moved by her stepfather-to-be's speech as well.
The moment of silence was only broken by Mr. Feeny. "Who wrote that for you?
"We wrote it together," Katy said in a hoarse voice. "But the last part was all him."
"Oh," Mr. Feeny said simply. "Well, Mr. Hunter. I always knew you had potential." People once again chuckled.
Sitting in the first row, right beside Auggie, Ava started sniffling.
"What's the matter, Ava?" Auggie asked in a concerned voice.
"This reminds me of our wedding," Ava said with tears in her eyes.
"It's their time now, darling." Auggie grabbed the girl's hand and patted it reassuringly. "We lived our lives."
"Do you, Katy Grace, take Shawn Patrick to have and to hold until death do you part?" Mr. Feeny asked.
"Yes," Katy said with a brilliant smile. "Yes, I do. No matter what happens."
"And do you, Shawn Patrick, take Katy Grace to have and to hold until death do you part?"
"I do," Shawn said. "Guys!" Shawn grinned and the whole wedding party chuckled. "I do!"
"Then I pronounce you man and wife." And before Mr. Feeny could say anything else, Shawn had already gathered up his new wife in his arms and kissed her firmly with all of their guests cheering in the background. The newlyweds however weren't aware of that, they were completely immersed in themselves. They had done it! They had finally found their happily ever after!
Cory stood up and clinked his spoon against his glass to get everyone's attention. However, he did a bit too good of a job, as the glass ended up breaking into tiny pieces. There was a moment of complete silence before everybody burst out laughing. "Well, that didn't go according to plan, but at least I have your attention," Cory joked as people slowly calmed down. "Hello everybody, I'm Cory. I'm the best man at this little shindig and I've been Shawn's best friend for … how long has it been now, Shawnie?"
"We don't really have to get into that!" Shawn called and the guests chuckled. "Everyone knows we're old!"
"Aw, Shawnie, I'll tell you how long it's been. 30 years! 30 years I gave you! And the second you meet a girl, I'm old news. Twist the knife, why don't ya? You make me sick." Cory glared at the groom and everyone – being perfectly aware of Shawn and Cory's special relationship – burst out laughing. Topanga just shook her head at her husband's antics. "Okay, okay, I'm kidding. You know I'm kidding. Anyway, as I already said, I've known Shawn for a very long time. And as long as I've known him, I have never seen him this happy …" Cory trailed off, seeming to be deep in thought. "Because I've never seen him happy. Am I right, Happy?"
"Totally right, Grumpy," Shawn retorted and people once again chuckled.
"Shawn has gone through a lot of ups and downs in his life. He had a lot of people leaving him and is not one to trust easily or let just anyone into his life. He watched me meet and fall in love with my wife Topanga – that beautiful woman right over there, who's been bossing everyone around today."
"Cory!" Topanga exclaimed.
"Topanga!" Cory copied her. "Shawn has always been first in my life, but Topanga is my entire life. And that's how I want Shawn to feel about Katy."
"I do!" Shawn quickly played along in and the crowd "Awed". "I love Katy, Cory. She's first in my life, you're second. Maybe even third, that's how much I love her." The guests once again laughed.
Cory smiled fondly at his best friend. "I know that," he said in a much more serious voice. "Because Shawn and Katy are perfect for each other. Shawn has always known how to get out of anything. The only thing that holds him here is Katy. And Katy's daughter Maya – you know Maya? The cute little blonde girl over there who has been crying her eyes out during the whole ceremony because she was so happy."
"Matthews!" Maya protested to everyone's amusement. "Oh, who am I kidding."
"Love you, too Maya." Cory grinned. "Anyway, I can't think of two people more perfect together than those two sitting right there." Cory gestured towards the grinning newlywed couple. "Well, except for Cory and Topanga of course." People whistled and clapped. "So, I guess there is just one more thing for me to say before my lovely wife takes over – if you would all raise your glasses with me." People did as he asked. "Shawn, you're a good guy. Yes, you've done some things in the past, but that's okay. And you know why? Because you're her problem now." Cory jumped off the stage under a hurricane of laughter, whistling and clapping. He rushed towards the newlyweds to give both of them a big hug as his the maid-of-honor got up on stage.
"Hi everybody, I'm Topanga – Katy's maid-of-honor," Topanga introduced herself. "I don't have the comedic talent of my husband – the best man – and honestly, I think that's a good thing." People chuckled at that. "So, instead of joking around, I want to share a little story with you: a few days ago, both Katy and Shawn approached me separately. They wanted to know, if I thought they'd make a good wife or husband, respectively. Now, you all know that I am a calm and collected person, so very rationally and quietly, I told them 'If you're getting cold feet, I will drag you up there myself!'"
People laughed. "Funny enough, neither one of them was having a case of cold feet. They were determined to go through with this wedding. All they wanted to know was whether I thought they would be good at being married. They both don't have the best track records when it comes to previous relationships, so they were scared that they would ruin this one, too. But there is a difference here." Topanga paused and the room was completely silent, waiting for her to continue.
"I strongly believe that life has a plan for each and everyone of us. And the things we do and the people we meet are supposed to help us get there. So, I didn't see their previous relationships as failures; I saw them as getting one step closer to where you are supposed to end up. And I think they are there now. My husband Cory came into the room right after they asked me and told them something very wise: 'Only someone who is truly in love with someone else would care if they're ready'. Only someone who cares enough to ask, knows for sure." People awed and Shawn and Katy shared a sweet kiss.
"I have to agree with my husband in one point: I can't think of two people more perfect together than those two sitting right there. And now I don't want to keep you any longer because there is one more person in this room who would like to say a few words – and I think that hers are the ones that matter most." Topanga shot Maya a conspiratorial grin and the blonde started to make her way towards the stage. "So, if you would all join me in raising your glasses – to Katy and Shawn!" People echoed her words and the sound of glasses clinking together filled the room as Topanga gave Maya a hug and left the stage to her.
"Hi everybody," Maya greeted the guests. "Now, for those of you who don't know me – I'm Katy's daughter Maya." Polite clapping filled the room and the blonde smiled. "Most of you know that my Mom and I are very close. We've been on our own ever since I was five years old. We had a lot of people helping and supporting us and I couldn't be more grateful to them – you know who you are – but at home, it was always just the two of us. And to be honest, I think we managed pretty well, didn't we Mom? Because we're strong."
"You bet, baby girl!" Katy gave her daughter a thumbs up and a brilliant smile. She remembered saying those words to little five-year-old Maya the day her father had left them.
"I didn't have the most conventional childhood, but I had great friends and a Mom who loved me more than anything and that was all that was important. Shortly after my father left, my mother used to cry herself to sleep and I, being the light sleeper that I was, would go into her room and try to comfort her. 'Mom, would you stop crying if Daddy came back?' I'd ask. And she'd look at me and say 'We don't need anyone else, baby girl. All I need is you.'" Maya paused, remembering.
"And you know what – she was right. We never needed anyone else in the house – it was a girls-only-zone and we managed just fine on our own." Maya paused for another short moment. "But that didn't mean that we didn't want a man in the house. We didn't just want anyone – we wanted someone special. And I think I'm speaking for the both of us when I say that we couldn't think of anyone filling that place better than you, Shawn." Both Katy and Shawn's eyes welled up with tears.
"I met Shawn when I was thirteen years old. Before that faithful day, I had only ever heard about Cory's best friend, Topanga's rival when it came to Cory's affection and Auggie and Riley's infamous Uncle Shawn. It was common knowledge in the Matthews household that Riley and I were the next generation's Cory and Shawn." People chuckled at that and Maya grinned.
"Well, to my younger self, that was nice and all – but I didn't know what it meant. Now, I do: Shawn and I are so similar. We have both been through a lot of pain and heartbreak to get to where we are now. Piece by piece, step by step, Shawn taught me that hope is not for suckers; that you need no biological relation to be a family; that there is a difference between a father and a Dad. He helped my Mom pick up the pieces when my father disappointed me the third time around. He filled the empty space in both of our hearts. He took care of me when I was home with the flu without having any obligation to do so. Piece by piece, he restored my faith that a man can be kind and a father can stay."
You could hear a needle drop in the big room; everyone was speechless because of the emotional speech having been given by a girl of merely fifteen years. The only sound was that of people sniffling and rummaging around their purses, trying to find tissues. Maya herself had tears in her eyes and it was safe to say that there was not a single dry eye in the room. The blonde took a minute to collect herself before addressing the guests one last time. "So, if you would all join me in raising your glasses once more." Maya raised her glass and everyone copied her motion. "To my parents – Katy and Shawn!"
"To Katy and Shawn!" Everyone echoed and Maya received a hurricane of applause. The next thing Maya knew was that she was being swept up into a bone-crushing hug. Her mother had rushed over to her as quickly as she could and was now hugging her little girl tightly to her.
"That was beautiful," Katy said, her voice hoarse. Maya could see tears forming in the corners of her mother's eyes. "Thank you so much, baby girl. It really meant a lot hearing you say all of those things. I swear, there's not a dry eye left in the room. Even Shawn teared up."
And the blonde wasn't exaggerating. Shawn had been hot on his new wife's heels and was now standing behind the two women, tears still in his eyes. "Aw Shawn, you old softie," Maya teased her new stepfather.
Shawn just shook his head and pulled his new stepdaughter into a hug, equally as tight – if not even tighter – as the one she had just received from her mother. "You are a really great kid, you know that?" he asked, his voice just as hoarse as her mother's had been. "And I am one lucky guy to be able to call myself your stepfather now." Maya gave the man a brilliant smile. "Thank you so much Maya, your speech meant a lot to me."
"It was my pleasure, Da … Shawn." Maya once again stumbled over her own words; a fact that both Katy and Shawn noticed immediately.
A look of understanding passed between the two adults. "What do you say, Katy? Is it time?" Shawn asked.
"I think it is." Katy nodded and both her and Maya watched Shawn leave, only to return a minute later with a big envelope in his hands.
"Huh?" Maya asked and both adults just grinned at her mischievously.
"Here you go." Shawn simply handed her the envelope and wrapped his arm around Katy. They both looked at the girl expectantly.
"For me?" Maya asked, a confused expression etched on her face. "But I'm not getting married? It's not my birthday either and Christmas is still a few months away."
"Well it's actually a gift for me just as much as a gift for you," Shawn said mysteriously. "Now will you just open the envelope, I'm dying here."
Both Maya and Katy giggled at his dramatic reaction and the girl quickly did as he said. She pulled a bunch of papers out of the envelope and sighed, thinking she had to read through all of them to get to the point. However, a single word caught her eye and the blonde gasped. "You want to adopt me?" she asked incredulously and tears started forming in the girl's eyes.
Shawn shot Katy a nervous look and she reciprocated with a reassuring smile. "Yes, I would like to adopt you. If that is what you want too, that is …" he trailed off. "I know this is a difficult decision to make. Take all the time you need."
Maya took another stunned look at the papers in her hands and then looked back up at the man. "I'm Maya Hunter." A brilliant smile spread across her face and she quickly tackled the man in a hug. "That's all I've ever wanted."
Shawn let out a relieved breath. "You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that, kiddo." Katy stood next to her husband and daughter, not quite believing how her life – once a complete mess – had turned out to be so perfect.
After Shawn and Maya separated, the girl realized that there was one more thing she had to try. "Da … Dad … Daddy," she started and Shawn looked at her, a mix of expectation and wonder in his eyes. "Dad ... Daddy ... Dad." She tried the words she had been stumbling over for quite some time now out and was gradually getting more comfortable saying them. A grin spread across her face. "Hey, Dad?"
"Yeah?" Shawn had a very similar expression on his face.
"I'm sorry," Maya said.
Shawn was confused. "For what?"
"For everything I'm gonna do," Maya said matter-of-factly.
Katy burst out laughing and Shawn just chuckled. "Well, you know the stories of Cory and me when we were your age." Shawn shrugged. "I don't think there is much that is going to faze me."
Katy and Maya shared a skeptical look before grinning. Shawn put his arm around both of them and Maya once again looked down at the papers in her hands. "I'm Maya Hunter."
Shawn and Katy shared their first dance as husband and wife to Lifehouse's "You and Me". Maya watched them with a happy and content smile on her face – still not quite believing her luck. Shawn's half-brother Jack was standing next to her and the two of them shared a nice conversation. He had been excited to meet his new niece and Maya immediately took a liking to the man. After a little while, Jack excused himself to go catch up with Eric and Maya sent him off with a smile.
The band started playing a couple of fast songs and almost everyone went out on the dance floor. Maya danced with her parents – she still giggled each time she referred to them as that – as well as with Farkle and Riley. Ava and Auggie joined them for a song before heading off to spend time with Riley and Auggie's grandparents. The three teenagers were just jumping around to "This is me" from The Greatest Showman when they were joined by someone else.
"Decided to join us, have you now Boing?" Maya teased as they let him into their little circle.
"That alright?" he asked with a happy smile on his face.
"Of course, Uncle Josh," Riley assured and Farkle nodded in agreement.
"We definitely deserve some fun after keeping your brothers in check for almost twenty-four hours," Farkle said, only half-joking.
"We definitely do," Josh agreed with a big grin and the two girls giggled. The song ended and was replaced by a slower one. All four of them recognized this particular song: Calum Scott's "You Are The Reason". Farkle shyly held his hand out towards his girlfriend and Riley accepted it with a big smile. He put his hand on her waist and she placed hers around his neck as they started swaying to the soft music.
"What do you say, Hart?" Josh addressed Maya with an expression similar to Farkle's as he extended his hand to the girl. "May I have this dance."
Maya nodded and took the boy's hand. "I thought you'd never ask," she told him with a small smile. "But it's not Hart anymore." At Josh's confused expression, she added: "It's Hunter. Shawn wants to adopt me."
"Wow!" Josh exclaimed. "That's amazing, Maya. Congratulations."
"Thanks, Josh." Maya grinned.
"So, Shawn is really – officially – going to be your father then?" he clarified.
"Yeah, I guess he is." Maya nodded with a pleased smile. A similar expression came across Josh's face before he got distracted by something behind Maya. She could see him nodding towards someone or something before looking back down at her with a shy smile. "Everything alright?"
"What? Yeah, sure, everything's fine," Josh assured nervously.
"Okay," Maya trailed off. There they were again – things were starting to get weird and Maya wasn't sure where they were headed.
"So, Maya," Josh started. "There was something I wanted to ask you."
"Yeah, I remember," Maya said. "There's something I want to talk to you about as well."
"Would you mind if I go first?" Josh asked. Seeing how nervous the boy looked, Maya nodded for him to continue. Josh took a deep breath to calm himself before the words rushed out of him. "I saw that The Huntsman is still running – I know how much you wanted to see it. So I thought … maybe when Shawn and Katy are back from their honeymoon, the two of us could go watch it. We can also go get something to eat before or after if you want."
"Sure, that sounds nice." Maya nodded slowly. The girl was confused, going out to get something to eat and see a movie was something that the two of them had done quite a few times already – mostly accompanied by Maya's friends. So why was Josh so nervous about asking her? Unless … "You mean … as friends, right?"
Josh hesitated. "We can go as friends," he said slowly. "If that's what you want … but I thought more along the lines of … it being a … date …" Josh paused and rubbed his neck. "Oh boy, this is not going according to plan. It went much better when I rehearsed it with Farkle last night." Josh's eyes widened when he realized just what he had said.
Maya giggled. "I take it Farkle was playing me?" Josh nodded, a blush slowly making its way across his face. "How did he do?"
"Not very convincing," Josh admitted.
"Sounds about right." Maya grinned. "Yes," she said simply.
"Huh?" Josh asked.
"Yes, I will go on a date with you," Maya clarified with a big smile on her face.
Josh's eyes widened. "Even though I just totally blew it?" he inquired. "Really, Maya, I had this all planned out. I made sure they played the right song – the one we danced to at the Semi-Formal; I gave Shawn his heads-up – that's who I was nodding at before; I wanted it to be perfect when I asked you out. You deserve for it to be perfect. And then you were standing there in front of me, smiling like you always do, and I turned into a blubbering idiot."
Maya shook her head and smiled at the boy. "It was perfect," she insisted. "It was perfect because it was you. Josh, I don't care about romantic gestures and speeches and all of that. The song was a beautiful idea, but everything else … Josh, our someday is finally here. That's all that's important."
Josh looked at the girl completely stunned. "You're amazing, Gorgeous, you know that?"
"There's word on the street," Maya joked. She hesitated for only a second before standing on her tiptoes and giving the boy a sweet kiss on the cheek. Both teenagers smiled shyly at each other. "So, what's this I hear about you giving Shawn a heads-up."
"Oh yeah." Josh laughed. "Well, after having a talk with both Katy and Shawn, he asked me to give him a heads-up before finally asking you out."
Maya shook her head. "So, you've been planning this for quite a while, huh?"
"Well, the talk with Katy was during your road trip back in the spring," Josh explained and Maya nodded. Katy had told her a bit about that – without going into too much detail, however. "And the one with Shawn was during our trip to the Mount Sun Lodge."
"Soon," Maya muttered and Josh grinned. "Do you have any idea how many sleepless nights you made me have because of that one simple word."
Josh grinned sheepishly. "Sorry about that. If it helps, that wasn't part of the plan. That was merely a spur of the moment thing."
"Of course, it was, Boing." Maya rolled her eyes. "So, I take it Shawn's on board."
"Getting there," Josh said and Maya nodded. She hadn't expected anything more. "That's actually why I wanted to postpone our date until after the two lovebirds are back from their honeymoon. That way Shawn can knock himself out with being the overprotective father."
Maya giggled. "You really are a very sweet and considerate young man, Joshua Matthews."
"I do the best I can," Josh joked back and leaned down to give the blonde a quick kiss on the cheek.
The two of them swayed a little more before they were interrupted by someone clearing their throat right behind them. They spun around and found themselves looking right at the overprotective father himself. "Now I think I've been a very patient man, haven't I, Katy?" he asked the blonde woman standing beside him, never taking his eyes off of the two teenagers in front of him.
His new wife just gave them an apologetic shrug. "Sorry guys, I tried to stop him."
"But I do think that it's about time … I got my father/daughter-dance." A warm smile spread across his features. "May I have this dance, Maya?"
For the umpteenth time that day, tears welled up in the girl's eyes. She even recognized the song that started playing right at this moment: "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw. "Why of course you may … Dad." Maya gave Josh a quick nod and the boy smiled at her. He knew how much that particular dance meant to her, especially now.
The boy turned to Katy and extended his hand towards her. "May I have this dance?"
"I'd be delighted." Katy grinned and the two of them started dancing as well.
The four of the were soon joined by two other couples: Cory was dancing with Riley and Farkle with Topanga. Maya took a look around and smiled. She was surrounded by the people she loved most and was finally sharing a real father/daughter dance with her Dad. "This is nice," Maya told Shawn.
"It really is." Shawn placed a kiss on top of Maya's head and the blonde grinned. The song was slowly drawing to a close and Shawn paid close attention to the lyrics. With a grin, he looked over towards his wife and could see her smiling and talking with Josh. "Hey, little Matthews!" Shawn called. Josh looked over and Shawn gestured towards Maya. "You take good care of my little girl, alright?"
Josh nodded solemnly. "Always."