A/N: Hey there, everybody. I am so sorry I took so long this time. Life's been crazy and I simply didn't find the time. I am so happy though, that I managed to complete this chapter now. I can't promise that the next updates will be any faster, but I will try and do my best. One of you asked about the pronunciation of baby Mila's name: for me, it is "Mee-lah" because it's closer to Amelia. I think I already mentioned it, but I just wanted to let you know that this chapter will include a time jump. Anyway, sorry once again for the delay and here comes chapter sixteen (only two more after this one). So, 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 he restored my faith

"Piece by piece, he restored my faith

That a man can be kind and the father should be great"

It's been quite some time since we last checked in with the Matthews, the Hunters and their friends. It's amazing to see just how much can change in five years' time, when really, not much has changed at all. At least it doesn't feel like it to our friends. I am aware that this sound a little bit confusing now: What is it? Have things changed, or haven't they? Well, it's gonna take me a little while to get you up to speed on the goings on. But I promise, it will all make sense in the end.

The birth of Amelia "Mila" Topanga Hunter had been a joyous occasion for everyone. Over the course of the next five years, the little girl grew up as the darling of not only her immediate family, but of the Matthews clan as well. It had been a while since a cute and cuddly little munchkin had arrived in their midst and everyone was excited to watch her grow up.

Mila had been an adorable baby and was an even more beautiful child. She had her father's brown hair and her mother's brown eyes. On first glance, her and her big sister didn't look much alike. When taking a closer look, however, Maya and Mila looked so similar – their facial structure, the shape of their eyes and lips – it was remarkable. Maya was glad that Mila wasn't an exact copy of her though – she already had that in Kaya Hart. It helped the blonde to overcome her insecurities a bit more; with Mila it didn't feel like she was being replaced by her mini-me. Instead, it simply felt right having the little munchkin in all of their lives.

Katy loved doting on her new baby and Shawn quickly got the hang of taking care of an infant as well – with some help from Katy, Cory and Topanga, of course. Both of them made sure to make Maya feel as comfortable as possible – letting the blonde set the pace of how much she wanted to be involved in the raising of her baby sister.

They needn't have worried though. From the moment Maya first laid eyes on her baby sister, that was it for the teenager. The love she instantly felt for the small bundle lying in their mother's arms was overwhelming. Now I'm not saying that there weren't some bumps and bruises along the way – Maya's insecurities ran deep after all – but there was one thing the girl was sure of: she loved her little half-sister with all of her heart.

Maya and Josh were still going strong, but, of course, there had been some difficulties – it has been five years after all. Nobody would ever dispute their obvious love for each other or the fact that they were meant to be together and would most likely go the distance. But both of them were still young and had their own minds. They tried their best to keep to the open and honest communication they had had at the beginning, but they didn't always manage to do it. Maya was very similar to her mother and stepfather: she had a mind of her own and could be rather hot-headed. In the heat of an argument, that sometimes led her to say things she didn't really mean and regretted immediately afterwards. Josh was, in that aspect, the complete opposite of his girlfriend: he was someone who rather observed and waited. That sometimes led him to keep too much to himself and not tell Maya if something was bothering him. On top of that, Maya's insecurities were still a part of her. After every fight, no matter how much she tried to stop herself from doing it, she feared that Josh would leave her just like Kermit had. It took them some time – and some fights – for Josh to assure her that he wouldn't do anything like that. They would fight, there was no arguing that – all couples did. But he loved her and, together, they could handle anything. In the end, they were happy to say that they had mastered all of their conflicts up till now and had come out stronger and closer on the other end.

The year Mila Hunter turned two years old was an exciting one to say the least. Maya, Riley, Farkle and their friends all graduated high school and the big question arose: where would everyone be going for college? Lucas and Zay had decided to go back to Texas, while Smackle – being the genius that she was – had been accepted to Harvard. Maya, Riley and Farkle were all staying in New York, though they did not go on to attend the same college. While Farkle and Riley got accepted to Columbia, Maya had decided to join Josh at NYU. Farkle was majoring in Astrophysics and Riley had decided on Early Childhood Education. Maya had made her decision to follow in Cory, Mr. Turner and Mr. Feeny's footsteps – at least a little bit. The blonde wanted to become an art teacher and hoped to live up to her three role models.

Josh, having graduated from NYU, decided to do his masters at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He wanted to become a criminal psychologist – something that would enable him to work closely with his sister-in-law. Currently, Josh was doing a paid internship – curtesy of Topanga's connection in the legal world. Even though it was, at times, hard and exhausting work, the young man enjoyed every minute of it. That way, he felt that he could really help people and try to make a difference in the world.

The year of Mila's second birthday also introduced the Hunter-Matthews clan to another new family member. Not quite as unplanned and unexpected as Mila, another little Hunter was welcomed into the world. Jonathan "Nate" Cornelius Hunter was the one thing missing that would finally complete the Hunter family. Little Nate's birth was a pivotal moment in all of their lives. There were some complications and Katy had gone into labor early. The doctors had decided to do a C-section, and, for a little while, it had seemed like they wouldn't be able to save either mother or child. By that time, the whole waiting room had been filled with every single member of the Hunter and Matthews families along with their friends. They had come to console an inconsolable Shawn and Maya who were both beside themselves with fear and worry for their wife and mother. But, as we all know, Katy was strong and little Nate obviously wanted to live to meet his Daddy, sisters and family as well. Miraculously they both pulled through and recovered completely. However, due to some complications during the surgery, the doctors had told Katy and Shawn that the likelihood of them being able to conceive another child was very low. Katy had been devasted, thinking that she had let her husband down. She knew how much he loved his three children and they had originally thought about having another baby after Nate. Shawn, however, had assured her that the only thing that mattered to him was that he hadn't lost her or Nate. Having her in his life – along with their three children – was more than he ever could have thought possible for him. This was their family – it was finally complete, and he couldn't be happier about it.

Nate Hunter had dark blonde hair and dark blue eyes. Growing up with not only one, but two big sisters, Nate probably wouldn't have it very easy, but – just like it had happened with Mila – Maya immediately fell in love with her little brother. The blonde loved spending time with both of her little siblings and was oftentimes sad to no longer be living in the same household as them for most of the time.

Even though the two best friends didn't end up going to the same college, Riley and Maya were dead set on sharing an apartment. They eventually found one in between NYU and Columbia. It was located in an older building, rather small and in dire need of some fixing up. But the two girls didn't mind. It was theirs and they had no problem doing some small repairs – or rather have Josh and Farkle come over to lend a hand.

Josh and Andrew had moved into a bigger apartment after graduating college. However, about a year later, Andrew and his – finally – girlfriend Charlie decided to get a place of their own. So, Josh was stuck and on the lookout for a new roommate – something he hated doing ever since he had been "Shnoop-a-loop"'s roommate during his first term. Farkle was in a similar situation as Josh had been back in the days, only his roommate was even more annoying. The genius pulled through as best he could – and may or may not have spent the odd nights at Riley and Maya's place to get some peace and quiet – but was always on the lookout for something else to turn up. After some matchmaking – curtesy of Riley and Maya – Josh and Farkle decided to give it a go. Farkle moved in and their troubles ended. The two guys had become really good friends in all the years they had known each other and both were a bit embarrassed that it took both their girlfriends to point them towards the obvious solution to their problems.

So, as you can see, a lot has changed over the course of the last five years. And I'm sure I've not even managed to tell you the half of it, but I promise we'll get there. When you think about more closely though, not a whole lot – of the important things – has changed. Our favorite couples – be it Josh and Maya, Riley and Farkle, Shawn and Katy, or Cory and Topanga – were still together and going strong. While yes, the Hunter-Matthews-clan had grown and was continuing to grow, they were all still as close as ever and big family dinners – including honorary members Farkle, Jonathan Turner and Mr. Feeny – were a very common occurrence. Not everything was perfect – life never was – but all of them were happy with were they were and how things were going. And I, for one, am excited to see what the future has in store for all of them. So, let's have a look, shall we? And remember, we are about five years after the birth of Mila Hunter.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Maya Hunter whisper yelled as she entered her parent's apartment. "I'm too late, aren't I?"

"I'm afraid so, kiddo." Her father smirked. He was sitting on the couch, his arm wrapped tightly around his wife. He quickly grabbed the remote and paused whatever they were currently watching.

"Damn it," Maya groaned as she let herself fall down next to her parents.

"I'm sorry, baby girl," Katy Hunter told her oldest daughter and put an arm around her in a comforting gesture. "But they're both fast asleep already. They had a really exciting day and were out like lights."

"Just my luck having my last class of the day run late." Maya shook her head.

"Don't worry, kiddo," Shawn Hunter said. "You'll see them first thing in the morning. You're still staying the night, aren't you?"

"Sure am." Maya grinned before a pained expression spread across her face. "The apartment just got so crowded. I'm glad to get out for a while." Some remodeling was going on at Josh and Farkle's place. While Josh was out of town with his supervisor for a case, Riley had offered her boyfriend to stay with her and Maya.

"I can imagine," Katy told her. "When can the two move back in?"

"Probably by the middle of next week," Maya said hesitantly. That was one of the things she needed to talk to her parents about. Not today, she decided. Now she just wanted to have a quiet night in catching up with her mother and father.

"And Josh is coming back tomorrow?" Shawn asked.

"Yeah." Maya paused. "I was thinking he could stay here this weekend as well. Cory offered to have him stay at their apartment, but Josh and I haven't seen each other the whole week. And four people would just be too much for Riley and my apartment. Would you be okay with that?"

Shawn and Katy shared a smile. "Sure, kiddo," Shawn said. "You know Josh's always welcome here."

"Thanks Daddy." Maya went over to give the older man a hug. "Oh, how far we've come from you threatening my boyfriend with a baseball bat," she teased.

Katy burst out laughing, but Shawn just gave his daughter a defiant grin. "Well, it worked, didn't it?"

Maya couldn't really argue with that. Yes, she and Josh had had their fair number of fights during the five years they had now been dating. There were enough times she had gone to either Riley or her parents to vent while Josh had gone out for a run with Farkle to blow off some steam. However, they had always managed to make up afterwards. "I guess," Maya grudgingly admitted. "Do you still have it? The bats?"

Katy rolled her eyes while Shawn's grin just grew wider. "I have three now!"

"Three?" Maya's eyes went wide. "But … your place … the Matthews …"

"And at your and Riley's place," Shawn said proudly.

"How?"

"Riley." Maya gave her father a disbelieving look. "She found it funny."

"Unbelievable." The younger blonde shook her head but couldn't help herself from chuckling. "You're crazy, you know that? Mom, you married a crazy man!"

"I know," Katy said, grinning at her daughter.

"But you love me," Shawn boasted proudly.

"Of course, I do, Dad." Maya shook her head and went over to give both of her parents a kiss on their cheeks. "But you're still crazy."

The three of them sat in a comfortable silence for a little while. Maya's gaze eventually fell on the TV and she couldn't help but grin. "He making you watch it again, Mom?"

Katy groaned and Shawn just grinned. "Of course, he is," the older blonde said. "I have no idea why he likes it so much. I'm always feeling so uncomfortable, but your father loves watching it, so here we are."

"It's a great show," Maya teased.

"Exactly!" Shawn exclaimed.

"Don't encourage him," Katy hissed half-heartedly. While yes, she did feel weird watching the show, she was still really glad that both her daughter and husband liked it so much.

"It's an amazing show!" Shawn pointed out. "And Mila and Nate love it too. Besides, this is a marathon they're showing because the new season premieres next week. And is it so bad that I like watching my wife finally being able to do what she really loves?"

Yes, you heard right. After many years, shortly after Mila's birth, Katy's acting career had finally taken off. She had been cast as a minor character in a few movies before landing a guest role in a well-known TV-series. Originally, she was only scheduled to appear in a handful of episodes. But the director and writers – as well as the viewers – were so impressed with her that she was asked to appear in more episodes and was now even part of the main cast. Her pregnancy with Nate had also been included in the show – up until the dramatic ending – and she was welcomed back with open arms after her recovery.

"Of course, it isn't," Katy assured her husband. "I'm really glad you like it, you know that. But it still feels weird to see myself on TV."

"Well, deal with it," Shawn simply said. "You're an amazing actress and it's finally your time to shine. Enjoy it!" Maya quickly nodded her approval. The girl was so happy to see her mother, who had had to work her butt off for so long trying to give her daughter a good life and had had to put her dreams on hold for years, finally doing what she loved to do.

"Thanks, hun." Katy leaned over and kissed her husband. "It really means a lot to hear you say that."

"You chose good, Mom," Maya said quietly. "He's a keeper."

Katy giggled and Shawn blushed. "Maya …"

"No, Shawn, she's right," Katy interrupted. "Not many husbands would have willingly taken a step back from their career and taken care of the kids to enable their wives to pursue an acting career. You're an amazing man, Shawn, and all four of us love you so much."

"We really do," Maya agreed.

Shawn had gotten all choked up upon hearing his wife's loving words. "My girls," he said in a hoarse voice. He wrapped an arm around each of the Hunter women and hugged them tightly to him. He placed a quick kiss on each of their foreheads. "I love you so much."

Neither Katy, nor Maya were exaggerating. When Katy had gotten the offer to appear as a series regular, Mila had been barely a year old. In her mind, she had already decided to decline when she told Shawn about it. Her husband had surprised her when he would hear nothing of that. He had asked her if taking the part was what she really wanted. Not wanting to lie to him, she had admitted that it was all she had ever dreamed about. That had been all Shawn needed to hear. He had told her to go for it and try it. In turn, he would take a step back from travelling, opting to take on local jobs and write articles for the time being to be able to take care of Mila. His free time had been spent goofing around with his daughters and taking pictures of both of them. Maya had posted some of them on social media and nobody could have predicted what had happened next.

The pictures had been a huge hit and Maya had gotten a few messages asking her who had taken them. This had led to Shawn taking on some small jobs photographing babies and families whenever he could get a babysitter for Mila. As it turned out, Shawn really had a talent in dealing with babies – calming down the fussy ones and getting them to pose perfectly. Eventually, when he got more requests, he had started taking Mila – who had always been an easygoing and quiet baby – along with him. This had proved to be a real hit. When little Nate had come along and Mila had gone off to nursery school, he had done the same with his little boy with similar results. It wasn't the same as being a travel photographer and Shawn would be lying if he said he didn't miss it. But there was one thing Shawn loved even more than life out on the road: and that was being a Dad to his three kids and a husband to his beautiful wife. So really, things couldn't be better for him.

"So, how exactly is work?" Maya eventually asked her mother. The TV-show was about to show its final season.

"Really good actually," Katy admitted. "I'm sad to see something I've worked on the last four years come to an end, but I'm also excited to see what comes next." Katy paused.

"Your Mom's gonna be a movie star!" Shawn exclaimed.

"What?" Maya asked, her eyes going wide.

"It's not completely sure yet." Katy eyed her husband. "That's why I didn't want to say anything yet …"

"Sorry," Shawn said sheepishly and gave his wife a quick kiss. "I'm just so proud!"

"It's fine," Katy said, a loving expression stealing its way across her face while she looked at her husband.

"Hello!" Maya exclaimed. "Daughter to future movie star! Details please!"

Katy and Shawn burst out laughing. "Alright then," Katy said after calming down a little bit. "I'm in the running for a rather big part in a movie by an up and coming director. It's not quite official yet, so I can't tell you too much, but it's looking really good." Katy paused. "And … there's something else …"

"What?" both Shawn and Maya exclaimed. Apparently, that part of information was new to her husband as well.

"Well, Diane – the director – and me got to talking after the call-back," Katy started. "She's really nice and we got along very well. She told me a bit about herself and I told her some of my … our … story. How I raised Maya alone – with the help of our friends – after Kermit left us and how we eventually found Shawn. She found it very interesting and asked me to elaborate. Well, to put a long story short, she said that she really liked our story and asked if I would be interested in helping her turn it into a movie."

Complete silence spread across the room. "What?" Shawn eventually croaked out.

"She wants to make a movie about … our life?" Maya clarified.

"I don't know," Katy quickly said. "It could just be something directors say and don't mean. But she has brought it up a few times since then and … I don't know. What would you guys think about it?"

"What?" Shawn and Maya once again asked.

"Well, it's not only my decision," Katy pointed out. "It's your story, too."

"How close to the real thing would it be?" Maya slowly asked. "Would it be like an exact replica?"

"No!" Katy immediately said. "I suppose it could be, but I wouldn't want that. We'd change the names of course and probably some of the plot … I guess it would be our decision really … how much we would give to Diane. But we – our family – would know it's about us."

"And you said you were supposed to help her?" Shawn clarified. "How exactly would you be involved."

"Well, apart from giving her the story …" Katy paused. "She asked me to play the leading part. To play … me … I guess."

Another moment of silence spread through the room. "Do you think she was serious?" Maya asked slowly.

Katy didn't say anything for a minute there. "I think she was. She's been bringing it up almost every time we saw each other and has even asked to meet with you guys as well. I told her I would need some time to think about it and to ask you two of course. There's no rush, she still has the movie she is currently working on. But it's something I wanted to tell you guys sooner rather than later."

"It's a good thing you did," Shawn said and Maya nodded her agreement. "And I think it's definitely something to think about."

"It's nothing we should rush into," Maya pointed our and both of her parents nodded. "But I think it could be … cool."

Another round of silence spread between the three Hunters. "Well, I think this is something we should definitely sleep on for a few nights," Shawn eventually said. "And I, for one, am starting to get tired." Both Maya and Katy yawned in agreement and Shawn chuckled. "But there's one more thing." His girls looked at him curiously. "We haven't asked Maya if there was anything new going on with her? Anything to report, kiddo?"

Maya was quiet for a minute. There was something she needed to tell her father … two things really. She glanced over at her mother, who looked at her expectantly. "Now?" Katy mouthed. Slowly, almost not recognizably, Maya shook her head. No, not tonight. This had been enough news for one evening. Tomorrow was another day. It wouldn't kill her to keep her secrets for one more day. "No," Maya said firmly. "Nothing for tonight at least. I'm beat, too. We can talk tomorrow."

After bidding her parents goodnight, peeking in on her sleeping siblings and getting ready for bed, Maya was lying in her old room, not able to find any sleep. Her mind was working in overdrive thinking about what her mother had told them tonight and about the secrets she was currently keeping. Her mother knew about one of them and Riley, of course, knew about both of them. Josh knew one, but not the same one as her mother; she hadn't been able to tell him about the other … thing … because he was gone on assignment. Laying her hand on her stomach, trying to calm her nerves, the blonde took a deep breath. One more night, she thought. Tomorrow, she could finally tell Shawn and Josh. Tomorrow, she could finally let go of her secrets and ease her mind. But the blonde was also a bit scared of tomorrow. Because while she hated keeping secrets, finally letting them out could create a whole new set of problems. The blonde shook her head and took another deep breath. She was 21 years old; she was not a kid anymore. Why was she so nervous about telling her parents? She could handle this – she had to. Anyway, there was no use in obsessing over it now. She would just have to take this piece by piece … one step at a time. And finally, Maya fell asleep.

"Maya!" was the first thing the blonde heard the next day: two children's voices – a boy and a girl – excitedly calling her name. The first thing she felt was something – someone – jumping onto her bed and letting themself fall down on top of her. The first thing she saw, after finally opening her eyes – were the widely grinning faces of her little sister and brother.

"You're here!" Nate exclaimed.

"We missed you!" Mila chimed in.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you guys!" Maya immediately started giggling and pulled her two half-siblings into a tight embrace. "Come here, you little munchkins!"

Katy and Shawn stood at the door with matching adoring expressions on their faces, seeing their three children catch up and, eventually, start a pillow fight. "Sorry, baby girl," Katy called to her daughter. "We held them back as long as we could."

"No problem!" Maya called back as she quickly ducked to avoid the pillow being thrown by Nate. Instead of hitting Maya, it now flew directly at Mila. The brunette quickly grabbed another one and hurled it back at her little brother.

Shawn was standing by and watching the whole thing with a longing expression. Katy noticed this and immediately started chuckling. "Go on!" Shawn grinned, kissed his wife on the cheek and quickly threw himself into the fray. Katy got out her phone and took a few pictures of her family that was now completely immersed in a pillow fight before joining in as well.

After a large breakfast, the Hunter family took off towards the park. Shawn and Katy took their place on a bench among many other parents while Maya played with her two siblings. The younger blonde was glad to finally be able to spend some quality time with her sister and brother again and both Mila and Nate seemed to enjoy the attention from their big sister immensely. The played a few rounds of tag and hide-and-go-seek. Shawn, never having been one to just sit by and watch, quickly joined in and Katy was content just watching her little family race around the park. The sound of her children's and husband's laughter had always been her favorite song after all. Afterwards, their little group headed to the playground. Once there, Katy joined them and, together with Maya and Shawn, helped the little ones while playing on the swings, the slide and the monkey bars.

Deliriously happy, but completely exhausted, the Hunters eventually returned home. After putting the two little ones down for a nap, Maya, Katy and Shawn took a seat on the couch and were, for the moment, completely content with just lying there in complete silence. After a while, Katy shot her daughter a look. Maya, after seeing it, took a deep breath. This morning had been perfect and she had been able to forget about her secrets for a little while. But now, it was time.

"Dad?" Maya carefully asked.

"Hm," Shawn said, his eyes still closed.

"Last night you asked if there was anything new going on in my life." Shawn opened his eyes and nodded for her to continue. "Well, there is."

"Go on," Shawn encouraged his daughter with kind smile.

"Riley and I are moving," Maya blurted out. Both Shawn and Katy's eyes went wide. Yes, that had not been the news Katy had been referring to.

"Why?" Katy asked.

"Where?" Shawn chimed in.

Maya took a deep breath. "The apartment is just too small. It was always supposed to only be temporary until we found something better. We've already been living there much longer than we had originally planned," Maya started. "Both Riley and I have been able to save up some money." The girls had started working at Topanga's during high school and, after Katy had had to take a step back because of her acting, the had both started working more hours. "And now … we found something."

"Where?" Shawn repeated his question from earlier.

"Josh and Farkle's place," Maya rushed out. Both of her parents raised their eyebrows and, if she wasn't mistaken, she could see small knowing smiles making their way across their faces. "You knew?"

"Waiting for it actually," Katy admitted while Shawn jumped up to get something. "The apartment is big enough for four – with each couple sharing a room at least – and we know that you and Riley have been spending a lot of time there anyway. Both you and Josh as well as Riley and Farkle have been dating for … what is it … six years? We thought it would only be a matter of time and were wondering when you would finally make it official." She dropped her voice. "And then with certain … new developments."

"We had this planned way before … that happened," Maya clarified.

"I know," Katy assured her daughter. "But it does make things … easier?"

"It might." Maya shut her mouth when she saw her father entering the room once more, phone in hand.

"Ah, so they're over at your place right now?" he asked and Maya would bet her favorite painting set that none other than Cory Matthews was on the other line. She knew that Riley and Farkle had planned on telling her parents today as well. "So, who won?"

Maya shot her mother a glare. "You didn't?"

Katy just shrugged. "Are you really surprised?"

Maya groaned. "Nope, not at all." Of course their parents had bet on when the move would finally occur.

"Rats!" Shawn exclaimed.

"Who won, hun?" Katy asked, clearly amused.

"Topanga!"

"Of course, she did." Maya chuckled. While Shawn kept on ranting, Katy excused herself to do some laundry. Watching her father, Maya shook her head in amusement before sobering up again. There still was one thing she had to tell him. "Daddy?"

Shawn immediately stopped ranting when he heard his daughter address him. "Yeah, kiddo."

"There's … one other thing," Maya carefully started.

Shawn sat down beside his daughter and looked at her expectantly. "What is it, kiddo."

"Well," Maya said. "I don't quite know where to start."

Shawn gently nudged her. "Take all the time you need."

The blonde took a deep breath. "Were you sad?" she finally asked. "When the doctors told you that Mom probably wouldn't be able to have more children."

Shawn, being caught completely off guard with that question, took a moment to collect his thoughts. "A little," he admitted. "We had discussed having another child after Nate. But mainly, I was relieved that your mother and little brother were alive and well. It was touch and go there for a while."

"I remember," Maya said quietly. Sitting in that waiting room, not knowing whether or not her mother and little brother would make it, had been the scariest moment in her young life. "They were so lucky."

"We all were," Shawn said. "But, to answer your question. I was sad – so was your Mom. But we both know that we were so lucky to have you and Mila and Nate. The five of us, that's our family. That's how it was meant to be and I, for one, am really happy how it turned out."

"Me too," Maya admitted. "Now, would you mind if our little family would include one more member?"

Shawn's eyes went wide. "He finally did it, didn't he?"

"Huh?" Maya asked, completely confused. "Who?"

"Josh!" Shawn exclaimed. "He finally proposed!"

"What?"

"Oh, I am so winning this bet!" Shawn clapped his hand together excitedly. "Congratulations, kiddo." He hugged the blonde girl tightly to him. "The protective father is coming on in just one minute. But first, I need the phone. Huh, Topanga thought it would be another year. Take that!"

"Shawn!" Maya exclaimed as she started to laugh. "We're not engaged!"

"You're not?" Shawn asked, looking a lot more dejected all of the sudden.

"No." Maya chuckled. "But it's good to know you'd be so happy about it."

"Well sure," Shawn said. "Josh is a great guy and you guys have been dating for six years now. It wouldn't be totally out of the blue."

"I guess it wouldn't," Maya pondered. "But no, that's not what I was referring to."

"What then?" Shawn asked, very curious now.

"Years ago, I told you that I knew you'd make great Dad someday and it seems like I was right about that," Maya started. The blonde took a deep breath. "Now I think you'd also make a great Grandpa. How would you feel about being one?"

Shawn didn't say anything for a moment. "Well, I think that I'd like to be a Grandpa someday. I don't know if I'd be any good, but I'd definitely do my best. How come you are asking me …" he trailed off. He looked his daughter up and down and Maya gave him a nervous smile. "Maya, are you …?"

"Yeah," Maya said. "At least according to the test, the doctor I went to see and … oh … one moment." The blonde stopped her rambling to grab her purse. She opened it, pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to her father.

Shawn took it in his hands carefully, as if he were afraid to break it. He looked at it, his expression filled with pure wonder. "You're having a baby."

"I am," Maya nervously confirmed.

"Does Josh …"

"Not yet," Maya said. "I only realized that I might be after he had already taken off on his trip. I took a test and it was positive. I thought I could wait till he came back to confirm, but I was freaking out. Riley noticed my strange behavior, so I told her. I told Mom as well and she and Riley came with me to the doctor. So, as of now, you know as well as Mom and Riley. And probably Farkle because Riley can't keep anything secret from him." The blonde chuckled nervously.

Shawn nodded. "You'll tell Josh tonight?"

"Once he gets here," Maya confirmed. "I didn't think this was over-the-phone-news."

"Maya?" Shawn asked.

"Yes, Dad?"

"How do you feel about it?" he asked earnestly.

Maya took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Nervous," she admitted. "You probably guessed that it wasn't planned. Josh and I have talked about kids … you know, in the future. And he did say that he would like to have kids while we were younger. As much as he loves his parents, he would have loved to grow up while they were younger like his siblings and I totally get that. But I don't think he meant quite so early." Maya chuckled nervously.

"I get that," Shawn said. "But Maya, how do you feel?"

The blonde took a deep breath. "I wasn't quite certain at first," she said. "I am 21 and still in college. Josh also has some years left before he is finished with his schooling. It's far from ideal to say the least." Maya paused. "But then we went to the doctor's and … Daddy, I heard it's heart beating. My baby's heart beating – mine and Josh's. It was the most beautiful sound."

Shawn thought back to when he and Katy had gone to her doctor's appointment. The first time he had heard Mila's heartbeat and the same with Nate. There had been no words to describe the experience. "So, you want to have the baby?"

"I do," Maya said firmly. "I know it's not going to be easy. I also don't know what Josh will want to do. But … this is my baby. And Mom and I didn't have it easy as well, but she managed. I still have a lot to figure out, but … I think I can do it … I want to do it." She looked at her father expectantly, not quite knowing what to expect. Would he think she was crazy? Would he support her?

"I'm gonna be a Grandpa," Shawn said slowly before enveloping his daughter in a tight hug. "And don't you worry, kiddo. Your Mom and I are going to help you any way we can."

Tears formed in the young woman's eyes. "That's what Mom said," she said hoarsely. "But it means so much to hear you say that, too. I was scared you wouldn't approve."

"Maya," Shawn started and looked his daughter straight in the eye. "You don't ever have to worry about that. No matter what, you mother and I will always support you. I know this won't be easy, but this baby is going to be so loved, it won't even know what hit it."

Maya smiled, recognizing the exact words she had told her parents to assure them she was happy about being a big sister when Katy was pregnant with Mila. "Thank you, Daddy." And with that she tackled her father in a big hug.

Maya Hunter was sitting in her room a little while later. To be more precise, she was sitting at her own bay window. The blonde needed a place to think and what better place was there. She was glad that both of her parents were so supportive of her and had immediately offered to help her out. Riley's answer had been the exact same one: she would support her Peaches in whatever she decided. Maya was pretty certain of what she wanted, even if there still was some figuring out to do on how she could finish her studies, earn money and take care of a baby. But the blonde was determined to make it work and, as we all know, once Maya Hunter had set her mind on something, there really was no stopping her.

Now there was just one unknown factor in the equation. What would Josh say? Maya didn't know. She knew that she loved him with all of her heart. She knew that she already loved the little baby growing inside of her. And she also knew that she would do everything in her power to be the best mother possible. She would not be like Kermit and leave and disappoint the innocent child, not for anything. She would aspire to be like her Mom – and Shawn: she would love this child with everything she had and would make sure that it had a childhood very unlike hers and very similar to that of her siblings. Now the only question was, how would Josh want to fit into this equation.

A sudden knock on her window startled the young woman. She turned, fully expecting to see her best friend sitting on the fire escape to make sure she was doing alright. Instead, the blonde was delighted to see none other than her boyfriend of the last six years, Joshua Matthews sitting there with the biggest grin on his face. Maya quickly opened the window to let him in.

Once Josh was fully in her room, the blonde tackled him in a hug. "We do have a front door, you know, Boing?" she teased.

"But this was so much more romantic," Josh argued as he leaned in to kiss his girlfriend. "God, I've missed you. One week is too long!"

"Five days," Maya corrected. "But I'm glad you feel the need to completely exaggerate just because you missed little old me."

"You saying you didn't miss me?" Josh teased as he started tickling Maya's sides.

The blonde giggled. "Just a tad." To distract him, she leaned in and kissed him firmly.

"Glad to hear it, Gorgeous," Josh said after they separated.

"How was your trip?" Maya asked. "Were you successful?"

"Very." Josh grinned and proceeded to tell Maya all about it. "Anyway, Adam's really pleased with my work. He mentioned something about us working together after I completed my studies."

"That's amazing, Josh!" Maya exclaimed. "I'm so happy for you."

"Me too." Josh smiled at her. "So, what's been going on here? Anything new with you, Gorgeous?"

"Well, there is one thing," Maya said slowly. "You might want to sit down for this."

"Sitting down? Sounds serious." The two of them took a seat at the bay window. "Is it bad?"

Maya hesitated. "I don't know."

"Is anyone sick or dying?"

"No," Maya assured him.

"Are you breaking up with me?"

"No!" Maya immediately exclaimed.

"Then it can't be that bad," Josh concluded and placed a kiss on his girlfriend's forehead.

Maya shook her head in amusement before sobering up. "Well, it isn't bad. At least I don't think it is. I don't think you'll think it's bad. Or you might … I don't know …" she started rambling.

"Maya!" Josh interrupted her, trying to keep himself from chuckling. "Why don't you just tell me and we'll go from there?"

"Yeah, sounds good," Maya admitted. "But I need you to promise me something."

"Anything."

"I need you to let me get it all out before saying anything," Maya said. "Please?"

"Alright." Josh nodded. "I can do that."

"Okay." Maya took a deep breath. "Josh, I'm pregnant …"

"You're …" Josh immediately started.

"Josh!" Maya interrupted and Josh shut his mouth. He took a deep breath and nodded for her to go on. "I'm pregnant. I found out this week, after you had already left, and I didn't think this was something you wanted to find out over the phone," Maya started to exclaim. She looked at Josh for confirmation and he nodded slowly. "I took a test and originally planned to wait to go to the doctor's until you came back. Halfway through the week I started freaking out, so Riley convinced me to go and find out for sure. I'm about six weeks along. So far, everything seems to be alright, both with me and the baby." Upon hearing that, a relieved look spread across Josh's face.

"I want to keep it," Maya said firmly. "I am aware that this might not necessarily be your wish – and I understand that – but I do. At the doctor's, I heard the baby's heartbeat and I guess … that was it for me." Maya paused. "Now I know this is a lot to take in, it was for me. And I want you to know that, while I do want to keep it, I don't expect you to feel the same way. I talked to my parents yesterday and they assured me that they would help me out – so has Riley. But I do want to ask one thing of you." She looked Josh in the eye and he nodded for her to elaborate. "Whatever you decide, I need you to be sure about it and stick to it. There is nothing that would make me happier than having you be this baby's father. But if you decide to do it, I need you to promise me you'll be there for it. No matter what happens between us or anything I need you to be there for the baby. If you have any doubts about it, I completely understand. This baby wasn't planned and I am not holding you to it. But, if you do, I want to know about it now." Tears started forming in the blonde's eyes. "I don't want you to … stick around for a few years and then just … leave." The tears were now freely falling down Maya's cheeks.

It was killing Josh to just sit there and do nothing. But he had known Maya for long enough now. Before he could even think about hugging and comforting her, there was something else he needed to do. He had to tread carefully, however, or he might risk losing her. To say that he was overwhelmed by this news was an understatement, but now he needed to get a grip and get it quickly. "Maya?" he asked carefully. "Can I say something now?"

Quickly trying to compose herself, Maya nodded her head. "Sure, please … I'm sorry, I just …" She started tearing up again.

"It's totally fine," Josh assured the blonde. "Maya, I love you."

Maya was stunned. "I love you too, Josh. But I …"

"I love you, Maya," Josh repeated and took her hands. "I love you so much. And I want you to know one thing:" He paused and looked at his girlfriend, making sure she was listening closely. "I am not Kermit."

Maya's eyes went wide. "Josh, I didn't mean to insinuate …"

"I know you didn't," he assured her. "And right now, I really hate him for hurting you so much that it affects you even fifteen years later." Josh took a deep breath, calming himself down. "Maya, I can't predict the future and I can't promise you what is or isn't going to happen in ten, fifteen or twenty years. I won't lie, I am surprised by what you just told me and we are definitely going to have some figuring out to do. But I can promise you one thing: I am not Kermit. I am not going to just up and leave. I am going to be here until we figure everything out. And I am going to be here with you every step of the way." Josh paused, giving Maya time to process. "This is my baby, too. And while, yes, it has definitely been unexpected, this might also be the best thing to ever happen to us."

Once again, tears started gathering in Maya's eyes. But this time, they were happy tears. "You think so."

"I do," Josh assured her. "We are having a baby, Maya."

"We are having a baby," Maya repeated before she was enveloped in a hug by her boyfriend. "Boy, I'm so glad you feel that way." She paused. "And I'm sorry for insinuating that you might be like Kermit. I thought I was finally over that time of my life … I guess I'm not."

"It's totally fine, Maya," Josh assured her. "You were just looking out for the baby – our baby. And who would blame you."

"I'm really lucky to have you, you know that?" Maya asked as she cuddled up to the young man.

"And I'm really lucky to have you – both of you." Josh carefully placed his hand on Maya's stomach and a big grin spread across the blonde's face.

"We can do this, can't we?" she asked.

"We can," Josh assured her. "And we won't be alone. You already said that Shawn, Katy and Riley want to help and I'm sure my parents and Cory and Topanga will feel the exact same way. We'll be fine – all three of us. We'll just take this piece by piece."

"One step at a time," Maya agreed.

Neither one of them could have said how long they had stayed there, just sitting and enjoying each other's company. Maya was happy; the blonde felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Josh was with her on this. Her parents were on her side, just like her best friend. And speaking of a certain best friend of hers, I think you can guess who the next person to knock on Maya's window was.

Maya and Josh turned to find not only Riley Matthews, but also her boyfriend Farkle Minkus sitting on the fire escape with matching grins on their faces. Josh leaned over to open the window and Riley rushed inside.

"Did you tell him? Did you tell him?" Riley asked, bouncing up and down excitedly. "Please tell me you told him!"

"Well, if I hadn't already, I would have to now," Maya joked.

"Yay!" Riley exclaimed and quickly tackled first Maya, then her Uncle Josh in a tight hug. Yes, the brunette might have gotten older, but otherwise she hadn't changed all that much. She was still the Riley Matthews we all know and love.

"I take it, you know as well?" Maya turned to her genius friend.

"You really have to ask?" Farkle grinned and hugged the blonde as well. "Congratulations, Maya."

"Thanks, Farkle." Maya held onto her friend tightly.

The four of them spent a little while just catching up before deciding to go into the living room. There they were greeted with the sight of Shawn and Katy sitting on the couch along with Mila and Nate. When the little ones saw the newest arrivals however, they immediately jumped up.

"Uncle Josh!" they chorused and threw themselves at the brown-haired man.

"Munchkins!" Josh called back and picked both kids up and once to spin them around.

"Uncle Josh?" Farkle asked.

"Oh yeah." Maya nodded.

"He's like Uncle Jesse," Shawn explained. "He's everyone's uncle." Everyone laughed at that as Josh put the kids back down and they greeted the other two visitors next. Maya went over to sit beside her parents while her little siblings entertained the guests.

"So?" Katy asked.

"How did he take it?" Shawn chimed in.

"Everything's going to be alright," Maya assured them. "I think my baby is going to have a great Dad. Just like I have now."

Katy grinned. "I'm sure it will. Oh, I'm so happy."

A serious expression came across Shawn's face. "And if you ever have any doubt, remember … three baseball bats." And with that all three of them burst out laughing.

There was no baseball bat needed. Josh was the epitome of a caring father-to-be. He had been right in suspecting that his whole family would be equally as supportive as the Hunters. Amy and Alan were happy to have another grandchild; Topanga was gushing over baby clothes along with Katy; and Cory was deliriously happy that he and Shawn would now officially be related … well, sort of I guess … just, don't tell him, it'd break his heart to have that ripped away from him. Jonathan Turner had also been very happy to hear the news and, after having been called the baby's honorary great-grandfather from his side of the family by Shawn, he had suddenly become very flustered, shortly before having the biggest grin appear on his face.

All in all, even though this baby hadn't been planned, everyone was looking forward to its arrival very much. The whole family clan was bending over backwards in their attempts to support Maya and Josh in any way they possibly could. The two of them were so grateful and once again couldn't believe their luck in belonging to this loving – if slightly crazy – family.

A few months later

Maya Hunter was currently lying in a hospital bed. After hours of labor, the blonde was exhausted. This was the first moment she had had all to herself. Everyone – and with everyone I mean everyone – of the Hunter-Matthews-clan had come in to see the new mother and meet her little baby. Maya had loved every second of it, but she was now also glad to be able get a bit of rest. After assuring Josh that she would be completely fine and that he should go and grab a bite to eat – the young man had refused to leave her side for even a second after she went into labor – she was now really glad to have some alone time. Well, almost-alone time.

"Well, Miss Caitlyn Hartley Matthews, I guess this is it," Maya said as she looked down at the little bundle in her arms. A loving expression appeared on the blonde's face. It was true what they said, there was nothing like the love between a mother and her newborn child. "Now it's just you and me. You think we can handle this?" The baby gurgled in response and Maya grinned. "Yeah, I think so, too. And you know why? Well, as your Grandma once told me, it's because we're strong." The baby let out a huff of air and Maya giggled. She couldn't believe how much love she was already feeling for this little bundle in her arms.

Coming up with the baby's name had been quite a challenge for both Maya and Josh. Just like Katy and Shawn had done with Mila, they wanted their baby to have her own name while also honoring someone very important. That's how they had ended up with Caitlyn. Instead of calling her Katy – that would have been too confusing – they had decided on calling her Lynnie for short. In honor of the family and the little girl who had given Maya hope and had persuaded her to not give up on her and Josh's someday. Emma, Nick and Carolyn – who had decided that she had outgrown her old nickname – had moved to the west coast a year ago. Maya was still in contact with them, but not as much as she would have liked.

"Alright, Lynnie," Maya tried out the nickname and decided that it suited her daughter. The little girl had her blonde hair and they were both curious to find out whether her eyes would stay light blue or change to Josh's dark blue later on. "There's something I want to tell you. I want you to know that I love you very much and that I am going to do my best to be a great mother to you. Now, I'm new at this, so you're probably gonna have to cut me some slack, but I'm happy to learn. There is one thing that I can promise you, though. I promise that I will never leave you. You'll never have to wonder your worth because you'll always come first with me. You are my little princess and I'm gonna be there every step of the way as you meet the world.

"But I also want you to know that we won't be alone. You already met a lot of our family and they are all very excited to watch you grow up. But there is one other important person and that is your Daddy. He's gonna be there for you, just like Mommy. He'll never walk away and he'll never break your heart. He'll take care of things and he already loves you so much."

Maya paused and looked down to find her daughter gazing up at her curiously. Once again – just like they had many years ago – images started flooding her mind: of her and Josh bringing baby Lynnie home from the hospital to their apartment; of a toddler Lynnie taking her first steps at one of the big Hunter-Matthews-family dinners – Maya proudly cheering her on along with everyone else and Josh and Shawn desperately trying to get the camera to work; of Maya pushing Lynnie on a swing set in the park; of Josh and a little Lynnie coming up the driveway after he had just picked her up from soccer practice; of her daughter growing up happy and healthy – maybe even with a little sibling or a dog. A small smile appeared on Maya's face as she addressed her daughter once more. "Don't you worry about a thing, Lynnie. I am going to make sure that you have the best life. And it's going to be beautiful."