A/N: Hello everybody. I have to tell you, I am saying those next words with mixed feelings: it is done. This story has finally come to an end and I'm both happy and sad to say goodbye to it. This is the first really long chapter-story I ever wrote, and it's been a long, exiting and educational journey for me. Had someone told me how this story was going to turn out in the end back when I was doing my first outline of it, I probably wouldn't have believed it. I had originally planned on writing a one shot or a few short one shots focusing on Maya and Shawn's relationship, inspired by Kelly Clarkson's "Piece by Piece". Well, as you can all see, that didn't really work out. This story came to me piece by piece and I let it lead me where it wanted to got. And, I have to admit, I'm really happy with how it turned out in the end.
I want to thank all of you for your nice feedback, I really enjoyed reading every single review and it was nice to see you being excited as to where this story was going. A special thanks to those of you who continued to review almost every chapter: ShannonCrystal (who also gave me the idea for Lynnie's middle name), ajnejedi, Nork, DancingGoddess, SparkyGurly227, Daisyangel, We'llBeTheStars, lovelyhanna, JoshayaShipper4ever and everyone I might have forgotten now. Thanks a lot, to all the Guest reviewers and also to those who just reviewed once or twice. Like I said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your opinions.
This is the last chapter. It's a very long one – the longest in the whole story actually – and please don't ask me how that happened. I had a lot to say in this chapter and it just kind of went from there. As always, I'm excited to see how you like it.
Like I already mentioned a couple of times before, I am planning to continue writing and already have two stories in mind. I am still deciding though and would really appreciate to know which story you'd like to see next: one would be based on One Direction's "They Don't Know About Us", the other one on Taylor Swift's "Mine".
Thank you for enduring all of my rambling just now and I won't keep you from the reading the concluding chapter of "Piece by Piece" any longer. Thank you all for joining me on this journey. And now, one last time, 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
"Piece by piece"
We are currently writing the year 2029. Summer 2029 to be exact. First, let's put this date into a bit of perspective: it's been 13 years since the big wedding of Shawn and Katy Hunter; 12 years since the birth of Amelia Topanga Hunter and 10 since Jonathan Alan Hunter came into the world; it's been 6 years since Caitlyn Hartley Matthews had been welcomed into the family; it's been 5 years since Riley Matthews and Maya Hunter officially became Riley Minkus and Maya Matthews.
Now in those last five years, a lot has happened to our favorite family clan. We have watched our friends grow up, find love, build their own families and make their way in the world. The Matthews family has grown and became the Matthews-Hunter-Minkus family and still included a lot of honorary members. Many things stayed the same, but a lot changes in five years' time. Now don't worry, all will be revealed in due time. But I have decided not to reveal everything upfront this time around – where's the fun in that? Let's just jump right in and I'll let you find out piece by piece – one last time.
"Okay everybody!" Maya Matthews called. The 28-year-old teacher had a small pile of bags stacked up right in front of her feet. Sometimes it still surprised her just how much luggage her little family needed for a single day at the beach. And it's not like the biggest bag belonged to her – nope, of course not. What exactly are you implying here? Oh, who am I kidding, of course the largest piece of luggage belonged to our favorite blonde. But anyway: "It's a beautiful day and we have to leave in the next fifteen minutes, if we don't want to be late! So, let's get a move on, people!"
"Hold your horses, Gorgeous." Her husband chuckled as he emerged from their bedroom, clad in shorts and a shirt. It was only the beginning of summer, but the weather forecast had predicted today to be hot and sunny – in short, perfect beach weather. Maya herself was wearing a dark-blue skirt along with a white shirt. "Besides, it's Father's Day and I'm a father, don't you think you could cut me some slack here?" he teased and placed a quick kiss on his wife's lips.
"Precisely, it's Father's Day! Thank you, Handsome," Maya pointed out. "And I am very much looking forward to spending it with my Dad – and your father, and everyone else, might I add – at the beach. For which we should be leaving … oh, I don't know … very soon! Remember?"
Josh burst out laughing. "Remind me again when you became such an early bird? Because I seem to recall young Maya being the complete opposite."
Maya groaned. "You can blame Dad for that." And it was true; Maya had always been a rather grumpy person early in the morning. That was, until her Dad moved in with her and her mother. Shawn was an early riser and – gradually – Maya and Katy had adapted to the new pattern. Something that had, admittedly, proven to be rather helpful once there were babies in the house.
"Well then," Josh said, making Maya giggle. The 31-year-old man hugged his wife from behind and placed a kiss right behind her ear. "Alright, I'm ready to go. Happy now?"
Maya grinned. "Very much so." The blonde turned around and kissed her husband on the lips. Even after so many years together, Maya and Josh were still as in love as they always had been. Being married and raising a family together hadn't always been easy and the two of them had had their fair share of arguments and fights. However, the love those two shared had never wavered and had enabled them to come out of their fights united and stronger. "I'm sorry I'm being so anxious today; I'm just so excited! I have a feeling today's gonna be a great day!"
Josh chuckled. "Nothing to be sorry about, Gorgeous." He brushed a blonde lock that had fallen into his wife's face back behind her ear. "And we're celebrating Father's Day together with the whole our whole entire family. Of course, today's gonna be a great day."
Maya giggled before sobering up a bit. She looked up at her husband and an adoring expression spread across her face. "I love you, Handsome."
A similar expression came across Josh's face as he placed a soft kiss on his wife's forehead. "And I love you, Gorgeous," he replied. "Now what do you say? Should we disturb the peace and call in the troops?"
Maya grinned sheepishly as she turned around in her husband's arms. "Hey, munchkins! I hope you're ready to go because Mommy and Daddy most certainly are. Now get your tushies in here!"
"Coming, Mommy!" their daughter's voice could be heard coming from the other room. "I just helped Hunter find his cap," the little blonde explained as she entered the living room.
"That's my girl." Maya smiled at her daughter. For being only six years old, Lynnie was very mature and had taken her little brother under her wing from the day Maya and Josh had brought him home from the hospital.
Josh, having three much older siblings, had grown up as basically an only child in the Matthews household from five years old on when Morgan had gone off to college. And Maya too had been an only child for most of her young life. The two of them had come to an agreement very quickly when it came to the decision of whether or not they wanted to have another kid. The answer had been a pretty clear Yes; so, when Lynnie had been 2 years old, her little brother Hunter had been welcomed into the family. Brother and sister were growing up to be inseparable. Well … unless Hunter's best friend was in the picture, but more on that later.
"You got everything, princess?" Josh asked as he crouched down and straightened the little girl's sun hat.
Lynnie's face lit up. "Yes Daddy." Maya's suspicions had been proven completely true. While Lynnie was her mother's little best friend and the girl loved her Mommy dearly, there was no use in arguing that the Lynnie was her Daddy's little girl. She had her father completely wrapped around her little finger and Maya was sure that any boy wanting to ask her out someday would be in just as much trouble as Josh had been – especially when you counted in two overprotective grandfathers, an overprotective honorary great-grandpa and uncle and … well, an overprotective Cory Matthews. Maya already knew that she would have her hands full with keeping the men in her daughter's life at bay when the time came. But really, the older blonde was glad for that. Her daughter had what – for a long time – Maya had been deprived off: a whole bunch of men, who would do anything to protect her.
"Wait for me!" another voice could be heard as a little brown-haired blue-eyed whirlwind rushed into the room.
Maya giggled as she crouched down and caught the four-year-old in her arms. "Don't worry, buddy. There's no chance Mommy, Daddy or Lynnie are going anywhere without you."
The little guy grinned at that and kissed his Mommy's cheek. "I love you, Mommy."
Maya's heart welled up at that. "And I love you, little man."
Yes, while Lynnie was Daddy's Little Girl through and through, Hunter Alan Matthews was Maya's little mini-Boing. Coming up with a name for their son had been a lot easier than naming their daughter and both Shawn and Alan had been so happy to have their grandson named in their honor. Lynnie continued to look very similar to Maya – with only a little bit of Josh in her, for example in her dark-blue eyes. Hunter meanwhile was growing up to be almost an exact replica of Josh – with a bit of Maya and, inexplicably, a bit of Shawn in him. Yeah, nobody could really tell how that was possible, but Maya and Josh swore that their son had certain similarities with his grandpa.
Josh finally clapped his hands together and grabbed some bags with each hand. "Okay, family! You ready for a day full of Matthews-Hunter-Minkus family fun?"
"Yay!" the two kids cheered in true Riley Minkus, formerly known as Riley Matthews, fashion. They both adored their cousin/aunt – yes, the family tree kept on being complicated – and lovingly referred to Mr. and Mrs. Minkus as Aunty Riley and Uncle Farkle.
"Then let's get going!" Maya exclaimed, grabbed one kid in each hand and, together, the Matthews family headed down the stairs to their car.
The drive to Long Island went by surprisingly fast. Josh was in charge of navigating the big city traffic while Maya kept the kids entertained with songs and car games. Pulling up into the parking lot, Maya and Josh started the long process of getting all of their luggage and children safely out of the car without forgetting anything or anybody.
Finally, Josh had most of their bags in hand while Maya held another bag in one and Hunter's hand in the other hand. Lynnie held on to her brother's other hand tightly, successfully securing the little bundle of energy between herself and their mother. Suddenly, they were interrupted by a big shaggy grey dog barreling right towards them.
"Oh boy," Josh groaned as he shook his head. "Not again."
"Ham!" Hunter exclaimed and wriggled free from his mother's and sister's grasp.
"Come here boy!" Lynnie called as she crouched down. The dog rushed over to greet the little girl and was enveloped in a big hug by the two Matthews children.
Maya chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, come on, Josh. You know you love him." Maya put down her bag and went over to great the dog as well. "Hey there, boy. How you doing, champ?"
"Oh alright." Against his will, Josh smiled. "Come here, Ham." The grey dog immediately jumped up and barreled over to greet his favorite member of their little family. As much as Josh liked to say otherwise, he had a big soft spot for the furry animal. Maya was pretty certain he only pretended to be so grumpy, so the kids wouldn't start badgering him for a dog of their own – so far, his plan seemed to work.
"Okay, Ham," Maya said. "Now where's …?"
"Hamilton Matthews!" The shaggy grey dog didn't even wince when he heard his owner's shrill shriek. The little guy was very smart and knew exactly how to get out of any trouble he might be in with the hand that fed him.
"There he is," Josh and Maya chorused, matching big smiles spreading across their faces.
"What were you thinking, just running away from me, huh?" The owner of the shaggy dog had finally spotted them and made his way over, all the while shaking his head. "You could have gotten seriously hurt!"
"Uncle Eric!" Lynnie and Nate chorused as they caught side of their favorite – don't tell Cory! – uncle and took off towards him.
"Oh, oh!" Eric exclaimed excitedly as he enveloped the two kids in a group hug. "It's cousin Hunter and my niche Lynnie! How you doing, kids?"
"Great!"
"Awesome!" Eric grinned at them one more time before turning to their parents. "My brother!"
"My brother!" Josh greeted his oldest brother happily. It had been quite some time since they had last seen each other, and Josh had missed Eric dearly.
"And Melody!"
"Hey Eric!" Maya jokingly rolled her eyes to appease the older man and hugged her brother-in-law tightly. She had missed him a lot as well and had given up on correcting him about her name a long time ago. She knew he was only doing it to tease her.
"And now you." Eric turned towards his dog, who was happily wagging his tail and looking up at his owner with big innocent eyes. "Hamilton Matthews!" Eric started again, but quickly faltered. "Oh, just look at you, I can't be mad at you, can I?" Ham barked happily. "Come here, buddy." The shaggy grey dog rushed over towards his owner and happily sat down in front of the man, waiting to be patted.
Mr. Feeny's death had affected everyone in the family. But the person most saddened had been, without a doubt, Eric Matthews. He and Mr. Feeny had shared a very special bond – one of student and teacher, of mentor and mentee, of close friends – and Eric had been a frequent visitor at the Feeny residence up until Mr. Feeny's passing. A few days after the funeral, Eric had walked by the local animal shelter. He had stumbled across a big shaggy grey dog, who had just run away from one of the dog walkers. It had been almost like fate when the dog had stayed rooted in his spot as Eric had approached him and had let himself be patted and brought back to the shelter without causing any fuss. The lady from the shelter had told Eric the sad story of the still nameless dog. The furry little dude had been found, abandoned, at a rest-stop and had a hard time trusting anybody – except for Eric as it seemed. After thinking long and hard about it – a whole 24 hours – Eric had decided to adopt the dog. He had given him the name Hamilton – Mr. Feeny's middle name – and the two of them had been inseparable ever since. Together, they had managed to get through their grief and trust issues respectively and had come out stronger in the end.
"Hey, I'm starting to feel jealous here," another teasing male voice interrupted them. "Can you believe it? The guy finally finds someone else to adopt and I'm completely out of the picture. I mean what am I, a potato?"
"Hey there, T.J.," Maya greeted their newest arrival with a big grin.
"Long time no see," Josh chimed in. "How you doing?"
"I'm great." T.J. grinned. "I was actually just paying my favorite big brother over there a visit when he invited me to come along on this big family outing. I hope that's alright." The guy suddenly looked a tad insecure.
"It sure is," Maya immediately assured him. "We'd love to have you."
"The more the merrier," Josh agreed and patted the older guy on the back.
"See, Tommy," Eric chimed in and gave his "adopted" brother a side-hug. "Told you, you're family. And everyone knows you'll always be my favorite little brother."
"Hey," Josh protested, causing everyone to chuckle. "Oh, who am I kidding, at least I still got Cory."
"Yeah." Tommy smiled, referring to Eric's earlier comment. "One big crazy extended family we got there."
Eric, Maya and Josh shared a grin. "And we wouldn't have it any other way."
It was a five-minute walk to get from the parking lot to the beach. Once there, Maya let go of her children's hands and the two young Matthews and Ham started chasing after the beach ball Eric had brought along. The adults chuckled as they watched the children dashing through the sand while giggling in delight. A loving smile spread across Maya's face. Her Mom had been right, the blonde thought, there was no song more beautiful than her children's laughter.
Suddenly however, something else caught the children's attention and they took off at a mad speed while excitedly calling: "Grandma! Grandpa!".
"Lynnie! Hunter!" Alan called as he crouched down and caught his grandchildren in a big embrace. Amy and Morgan Matthews stood next to them and smiled fondly at the sight. Maya looked around the part of the beach that had already been claimed by the eldest Matthews and their daughter. Some blankets and beach chairs had already been placed, right around the huge grill that would later on be used for barbecuing purposes, along with some sunshades and a few coolers.
"I'm next!" Amy immediately said and the children hugged her next.
"Hey, what am I?" Morgan teased. "Chopped liver?"
"Aunty Morgan!" the kids chorused and enveloped the blonde in a big hug next.
"Much better." Morgan grinned as she patted the children's heads affectionately.
Maya, Josh, Eric, T.J. approached the group with Hamilton in tow and the next round of greetings began. Eric and Josh wished their father a "Happy Father's Day". Alan, however, would have to wait a little while longer for his gift until the rest of his children was present as well.
"How you doing, Amy?" Maya inquired.
"Just fine, honey," Amy assured her daughter-in-law. "How about you, sweety? The kids keeping you on your toes?"
Maya laughed out loud at that. "No kidding. Those two can be a real handful. Especially Hunter, who sometimes reminds me so much of his Grandpa Shawn that I think naming him after Dad probably wasn't the wisest choice. Seriously, you'd never guess that there's no biological relation whatsoever between those two."
Amy grinned. "But you're happy?"
"Deliriously so," Maya assured her mother-in-law and looked over at her husband. "We both are."
Amy leaned over and gave the blonde a big hug. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. All my kids settled and happy."
"You think she forgot about us, Weasel?" Eric whispered to his little sister upon catching their mother's words.
"What did I say about the nickname, Mr. Squirrels," Morgan shot back. "Besides, while we may not be settled in the most traditional sense – you know, married with kids – I can't say that I'd want to change my life the way it is now. I think that's what Mom's referring to." Morgan paused for a moment. "How about you? You happy, Eric?" Eric thought about his little sister's words for a moment and, he had to admit, she did have a point there.
Morgan had grown up to be a career woman, now even being the CEO of a very successful company. While she had not yet found someone to share her life with, she couldn't say that she was missing out on anything in particular. She had a great family that loved her dearly and a whole bunch of nieces and nephews to cuddle and spoil rotten. Maybe there was more out there for her in the future, but, right now, Morgan thought, life couldn't very well be any better.
And Eric … well, Eric was Eric. While his original plan – to one day become President of the United States – hadn't quite worked out, he still managed to make a difference while being part of the U.S. Senate. He loved his family and friends dearly and made sure to spend as much time with them as he possibly could; and, even better, he had finally reconnected with his "little brother" Tommy and had a great friend and companion in Hamilton, who had helped him overcome the grief of his former mentor's death.
Yeah, Eric thought, he wouldn't change things either. "When did you become so wise, little sister?"
"I've always been wise, big brother." Morgan grinned teasingly while affectionately patting Ham's head. "You just never realized it."
Amy, having heard the whole exchange between her two children, walked over, stood between them and put her arms around both of them. "I am so proud of all of you, you know that?" she asked and Eric and Morgan smiled at her. "All my children managed to find their way in the world and are happy with where they are at. What else can a mother ask for?"
Josh and Alan walked up to the three of them. "Everything alright here?" Alan inquired.
"Everything's perfect, Dad," Morgan assured him with a warm smile.
"Just Mom telling us how proud she is of all of us," Eric said smugly.
"Well, she's right," Alan said matter-of-factly as he put his arm around his youngest son, who was standing right beside him. "We're both very proud of all of you. I couldn't imagine having four kids equally as great – each of you in your own way."
"Thanks, Dad." Morgan smiled and her brothers nodded their agreement.
A little while later, Amy clapped her hands together. "Okay, everybody. Enough with the sentimentalities. We don't want anyone to start crying, do we? And I for one am awfully close right now." Everyone chuckled at that. "Besides, look who just showed up!"
It was the Hunter family. Maya was first to race up to them and envelop her father in a big hug to wish him a "Happy Father's Day". Her mother was next to receive a hug, before the blonde teacher turned to her little siblings. Mila and Nate enveloped their big sister in a group hug and grinned at her conspiratorially.
"You remembered to bring it?" Mila asked cryptically and Nate looked up at Maya expectantly.
"Of course, I did," Maya assured them with a sheepish smile.
"Great." Nate grinned mischievously. "Maya, can we keep him in suspense a bit longer? Please?"
"Dad's been going nuts all day, obsessing over what we got him," Mila told her big sister with a grin. "You should have seen his face when we told him you had the gift and he'd have to wait until later to get it."
Maya burst out laughing. "That's Dad for you. Okay, I'm in. Let's let him stir a little while longer."
Mila and Nate high-fived. "Told ya she'd be on board," the ten-year-old boy boasted. Yes, the Hunter children – even though there was a big age difference between them – were like three peas in a pod. Maya loved her little siblings with all her heart and the two younger ones didn't feel any differently about their big sister. Sometimes, it made Maya sad to think about how much sibling fun she was missing out on by already being an adult, who had work and a family of her own. But then again, she felt that it made the time she did share with her siblings much more special and she wouldn't give up her husband and children for anything in the world. This was her life, her family and – to her – it was perfect.
Katy and Shawn had already completed their round of greetings and were now sitting on a beach chair, each of them having one of their grandchildren in their laps – Shawn had Lynnie and Katy had Hunter. Mila and Nate took off to greet the rest of their family as well and Maya just stood by and watched the scene in front of her with a big grin on her face.
The next part of their family to arrive were the Minkuses … Minki … Maya was still unsure about the plural from of Minkus. Alright, the next part of their family to arrive were Mr. and Mrs. Minkus along with their little baby Minki.
"Peaches!" Riley called, as if she and Maya hadn't seen each other in years, when, in reality, they had seen each other two days earlier while their kids had been having a playdate. To the two women that didn't matter, though.
The times of them seeing each other daily and spending hours sitting and together in their bay window were over. They each had a job, husband and children to take care of. They were still the best of friends, but both Farkle and Josh had taken over part of the role as Riley and Maya's respective best friend on more than one occasion. And that was alright, that was life; the times they were a-changing, things didn't stay the same and both Riley and Maya had come to accept this particular fact – just like Shawn and Cory had done many moons ago. But, not to worry; just like with Cory and Shawn this didn't mean that the two women were any less close when they were together; it just meant that … things weren't as they used to be. And Riley and Maya both new that they had to appreciate and treasure the time they did get to spend together even more than before.
So, having missed her best friend equally as much, Maya took off and raced towards the brunette. "Honey!" The two of them crashed into each other, causing them to fall into the sand while their husbands stood by and watched them with amused expressions. Just like Katy and Topanga, Josh and Farkle knew about and respected the special bond their wives shared. It didn't mean that the women loved their husbands any less – the quantity was the same. The quality, however, as Farkle had observed years earlier, between the love of two best friends and the love of husband and wife was different.
"Hunter!" the eldest Minki suddenly called excitedly from right beside Farkle as he saw the youngest Matthews at Josh's side.
"Nicky!" Hunter reciprocated with equal excitement and the two boys raced towards each other, just like Maya and Riley had done. They, too, crashed right into each other and ended up falling to the ground as well, causing everyone to burst out laughing at the sight of the two women and two boys lying next to each other, sprawled out in the sand.
"You thinking what I'm thinking, Amy?" Shawn asked the woman sitting right beside him, Lynnie still on his lap.
"That we're currently watching the next generation's Cory and Shawn?" Amy asked, never taking her eyes off of her grandson and great-grandson. "Because in that case: yes Shawn, I am thinking exactly what you're thinking."
Shawn grinned at the older woman. "Well, I guess we shouldn't be surprised, should we?"
"Not at all," Alan chimed in. "With Riley and Maya being Cory and your daughters, it only made sense that their children would carry on the tradition."
"It's the circle of life," Katy added as her two youngest children came to sit beside her. The older blonde smiled at them lovingly.
"Boy, I'm really starting to feel old right about now," Shawn groaned and everybody laughed at that. "Not only do we have the second-generation Cory and Shawn over there, but a third one already."
Alan chuckled and put an arm around the younger man's shoulders. "Don't worry, you get used to it." And everybody just started laughing harder.
Deciding to leave their sons in their wives capable hands, Farkle headed over to greet the rest of his family, along with Josh and the stroller, in which the two newest additions to the Minkus family were currently sleeping peacefully. Everybody jumped up, excited to see the babies – and Farkle, of course – and the greetings once again commenced; Riley, Maya, Hunter and Nicky joined in not soon after.
Shortly after both their weddings, Maya and Riley had been surprised to find themselves pregnant at exactly the same time. Riley had been a bit scared, being a first-time mother and all, but her best friend – along with her mother and Katy – had been by her side every step of the way, sharing their experiences and calming the brunette down. And gradually, Riley had gone from panicking to being a really excited mother-to-be. Farkle had been an amazing father-to-be. Within days of each other, Hunter Alan Matthews and Nicholas Minkus had come into the world and had quickly become the pride and joy of their respective parents and, in Hunter's case, of his big sister. Seven months ago, Riley and Farkle had then welcomed the twins – up till now still the youngest addition – into the family: Violet and Penelope Minkus.
The next family member didn't come with a big entourage but was welcomed just as enthusiastically as everyone who had come before him. Shawn was first to jump up and envelope Jonathan Turner in a big hug, with Maya and Katy hot on his heels.
"Happy Father's Day, Jon," Shawn said with a sheepish grin.
Jonathan chuckled and rubbed his neck. "Thanks, Shawn." He clapped the younger man on the back before turning to the two women. "Shawn's wife and daughter." He grinned at the two blondes. "Still makes me happy to say that."
Katy and Maya enveloped the older man a group hug. "Still happy to hear it," Katy mumbled and Maya nodded her head in agreement.
Lynnie and Josh were next to approach the group. "Johnny!" Lynnie exclaimed and rushed towards her Grandpa's former teacher, who caught her in his arms with ease. The other adults all had to bite their tongues to keep themselves from chuckling.
"Not one word," Jonathan hissed and the others couldn't stop themselves anymore; they burst out laughing. While Jonathan loved his role as honorary Great-Grandpa to both Lynnie and Hunter, all of them had agreed that the children referring to him as "Great-Grandpa" when he was younger than their Grandpa Alan would be a bit weird. Josh had suggested that the kids could call him Uncle Jon or just Jon, whatever the man in question preferred. Jonathan had been on board, but somehow Lynnie had turned "just Jon" into "Johnny". Now, coming from anyone else, Jonathan would immediately have shut the cutesy nickname down. But, what can I say, just like with her father and grandfathers, Lynnie had the older guy wrapped around her little finger and was now, along with her little brother and – eventually – Mila and Nate, the only person who was allowed to call Jonathan "Johnny". "How are you doing, princess?"
"I'm great." Lynnie grinned. "I missed you, Johnny!"
Jonathan hugged the little girl tightly to him. It had been quite some time since Josh, Maya and the kids had been at Shawn and Katy's at the same time as Jonathan. "I missed you too, princess," Jonathan said in a hoarse voice.
"Good to see you, Jon," Josh suddenly chimed in and greeted the man with a hug. "It's been a while."
"It really has." Jonathan looked towards Shawn. "This family get-together was a great idea."
"I wholeheartedly concur," Shawn said with a warm smile. "But I can't take all the credit. I only had the idea; Amy and Alan were the ones who pulled it off and got everyone to show up." Having a family as big as the Matthews-Hunter-Minkus clan was great but keeping up with every single member – especially with people now living all over the place – was proving to be a real challenge. That was exactly why the elder Matthews, Cory and Topanga, as well as Katy and Shawn took turns hosting big get-togethers at their homes; however, somebody always had prior engagements. Today though, everyone – and with everyone I mean everyone – had RSVPed Yes. This was also one reason why the family had agreed to meet at the beach instead of at someone's home; it simply would have been too crowded.
Suddenly, something caught Jonathan's gaze and his eyes lit up at the sight of his youngest great-grandson playing with Hamilton in the sand while Eric and T.J. were keeping a watchful eye on those two. Immediately searching for little Shawn's little Cory – aka Nicky – he could see the eldest Minkus kid with his parents. It was a rare sight to see those two boys, who were normally attached at the hip as soon as they were in one place together, in separate places and Jonathan knew it wouldn't last very long.
"Hunter!" Jonathan called after the little boy, making Shawn, who was standing right next to him, almost jump out of his skin.
"Johnny!" Hunter called as he raced toward the older man, who caught him in his arms.
"Oh, you mean …" Shawn started, but trailed off in embarrassment upon seeing that his former teacher's gaze was focused on his grandson and not on him.
Jonathan, Katy, Maya and Josh burst out laughing at that. "You thought he was … oh, this is too precious," Maya said between laughs.
"Yeah, yeah, very funny," Shawn muttered, but couldn't keep himself from chuckling along. "I just suddenly had some sort of flashback to high school."
Everyone else only started laughing harder. Suddenly Jonathan snapped his fingers. "That's it," he exclaimed as he set Hunter back down on the ground. "Maya, Josh, would you two do me a favor and call your next little one Matthew?" He looked at the young parents with pleading eyes. "Just imagine! Me calling Hunter and Matthew and both Hunter and Matthews jumping out of their skins!"
Maya raised her eyebrows. "Next little one?"
Josh just shook his head while chuckling. "Jon, really think about it," he said. "As funny as that would be – and it really would be; Matthew Matthews? The poor kid."
"Huh." Jonathan thought about that for a moment. "Okay, maybe not my best idea … unless … quick where are …?" His eyes searched the beach, trying to spot the people he was looking for. "Ah, there they are! Hey Riley, Farkle! I have a favor I'd like to ask you." And with that, the older man took off, leaving everyone else standing there and succumbing to another laughing fit while discussing the name "Matthew Minkus" amongst themselves.
The next people to arrive to the Matthews-Hunter-Minkus barbecue were a tall, handsome, brown-haired man and an even taller, pretty red-headed women. Everyone had expected the man's arrival, but seeing his companion brought sheepish grins and big smiles to their faces.
But no one – and I mean no one – put their reaction into better words than Eric Matthews. "Rachel!" he exclaimed as he rushed – a barking Hamilton in tow – towards his former roommates and best friend.
"And Jack!" Shawn added, hot on Eric's heels. While Eric hugged the red head, the two Hunter brothers took their time to catch up with each other. "Well, Jack. I'd say it's about time you finally brought a girl to one of these family gatherings."
"Oh, shut up." Jack shoved his younger brother but couldn't stop the light blush from appearing on his face.
"Oh, I'm just teasing." Shawn grinned as he walked over to give Rachel a hug as well. "I'm glad to see the two of you being friends again."
"Yeah, you two did lose touch for a few years, didn't you?" Eric added.
"Um yeah, …" Rachel said, looking a bit flustered all of the sudden as well.
"Sure …" Jack added, not very helpfully.
Maya decided to help her uncle and his … friend … out a bit. "Hey there, Uncle Jack!" she greeted.
A grateful smile appeared on the older guy's face. "Maya!" he exclaimed as he rushed towards the woman. "And Katy!" he added, seeing the older blonde standing right behind her daughter. "Where are the little munchkins?"
"Over there with their Dad and Grandpa Alan." Maya gestured towards where her children were currently watching their grandfather heat up the grill.
Rachel shook her head in wonder as she addressed Shawn. "I still can't believe you're a Grandpa," she said. "Things sure have changed, haven't they?"
"They really have," Shawn agreed with a warm smile. "Did you think, back in college, that things would turn out the way they did?"
"No, not really," Rachel admitted as she glanced over at Jack with an adoring smile. Realizing what she was doing, the red-head quickly shook her head and turned back towards Shawn; the younger Hunter brother however wasn't blind and had seen the way she looked at his older brother – huh, maybe things hadn't changed completely. "To be honest, I always thought you'd end up with Angela," she said in a quiet voice – not knowing how much Katy knew about her husband's ex-girlfriend and not wanting to cause any trouble between them.
"Most people did," Shawn admitted. He looked over towards his wife lovingly. "Who knows, had she not gone to Europe with her father back then, things might have turned out differently." Shawn paused for a moment. "But they didn't."
"Do you sometimes wonder what it might have been like?" Rachel asked, once again glancing towards Jack.
Shawn didn't even hesitate. "No, I don't," he said simply. "I know that she's happy and I'm glad. She contacted me not too long ago, asking if we could meet up. I brought Katy along and Angela introduced us to her husband Ethan – really great guy, a military man like her Dad. We've been meeting regularly for quite some time now, with the kids as well. Angela and Ethan have two boys, Alvin and Wyatt, who became good friends with Mila and Nate." Shawn smiled. "I'm glad we reconnected and became friends again. And as much as I loved her back then, what Katy and I have together – what Angela and Ethan seem to have together – is something completely different and I wouldn't want to change it for anything in the world."
"That must be nice," Rachel said quietly. "Loving someone so much that there's no doubt in your mind about it."
"It is," Shawn said. "But I can tell you one thing; opening yourself up so much to let that other person into your life, knowing fully well that losing them would hurt you more than anything you've ever known before. It's scary as hell."
"Why do it then?" Rachel asked.
A small smile appeared on Shawn's face. "Because … you can't hide away your feelings. Love does come with conflict, there's no easy way to reach your Happily Ever After. It can come at a great cost and sometimes people and relationships aren't what they appear to be in the first place. But if, in the end, you find love – isn't it worth taking those risks?" Shawn looked over towards his wife and children and his eyes simply lit up as he echoed Maya's words to Riley from many years ago. "After all, what would life be without love?"
Rachel took a deep breath. "I guess you have a point there."
"Just … something to think about," Shawn said, also knowing that pressuring the redhead was the last thing she needed. "You and Jack … you did not just reconnect as friends, did you?"
Rachel didn't say anything for a moment. "He told you?"
"No," Shawn admitted. "But I know my brother. He's trying to hide it, but that big goofy grin he looks at you with speaks louder than words."
A shy smile came across Rachel's face. "We're taking things slow," she said. "Not because of him, Jack has been all in ever since we met up again; he would have loved to introduce me as his girlfriend today. It's me … I'm scared to lose him again … we're not in our twenties anymore, this might be the real deal … I guess that's why I didn't want to tell everyone already, why I'm holding back. It's not that I don't love him, I'm just …" Rachel trailed off.
"Insecure?" Shawn offered.
"Is that so bad?"
"It's understandable," Shawn assured her. "I've been there, trust me. But I think you should talk to him about it. My brother's a good guy and I don't want him to get hurt. You're my friend and I don't want you to get hurt either. So just … let him know where he's at with you … and when you're ready, take a chance. I'm sure you won't regret it."
Rachel was quiet for a moment. "I will," she said slowly before giving Shawn a hug. "Thanks, Shawn. You're a good guy, too. When did you get so wise?"
"Well, being a Grandpa apparently does that to you," Shawn joked and Rachel laughed. "Wanna come meet my family?"
"I'd love to," Rachel immediately agreed with a brilliant smile on her face.
And that was how Rachel got introduced to Shawn's wife, children, son-in-law and grandchildren. Ten-year-old Nate looked at the redhead curiously. "You came with Uncle Jack, right?"
Rachel looked over towards the man in question and the two of them shared a warm smile. "I did," she said.
"So …" Nate started. "Are you our Aunt Rachel then?"
"Nate," Katy immediately interrupted her son – having heard bits and pieces of Shawn and Rachel's conversation – while Shawn chuckled nervously.
"No," Jack jumped in, sounding just the tiniest bit sad to have to disagree with Nate's observation.
"Well," Rachel suddenly said, making all the grown-up look at her with wide eyes and the kids curious. "Not yet, wouldn't you say so, Jack?" She shot her boyfriend a nervous smile.
And Jack? Jack stood there completely baffled before he tackled his girlfriend in a hug and kissed her. Shawn put an arm around his wife's shoulders and Katy leaned her head against him; he watched his brother with a pleased expression on his face, happy that finally, things were working out for another Hunter. "I think," Jack said, after he and Rachel separated again. "Not yet sounds really good."
Maya gently shoved her husband and gestured to the couple in front of them. "Remind you of something, Boing?"
Josh laughed at the old nickname. "Whatever do you mean, Gorgeous?"
"Oh, you know." She grinned up at her husband. "You think they're gonna make it?"
Josh looked at the brown-haired man and redheaded woman, who were now playing with the Hunter and Matthews children. "You know what, I think they will." Josh placed a kiss on his wife's forehead and a sheepish grin appeared on his face. "You know, someday."
Maya laughed out loud at the familiar word. "Someday, you sure?" she teased.
Josh nodded. "Oh yeah."
"Alright then." Maya held out her hand towards her husband. "My money's on … soon. What do you say, Handsome?"
Josh grinned. "I'm saying: you're on, Gorgeous."
"Where are they?" Eric whined. "The kids are starting to get hungry!"
"Don't you mean you're starting to get hungry, Uncle Eric?" Mila asked with a knowing smirk on her face.
Jack and Alan exchanged amused grins. "Same thing," they chorused, making everyone else burst out laughing.
"Haha, very funny." Eric rolled his eyes but couldn't help himself from chuckling along.
"Eric's right," Amy eventually agreed after everyone had calmed down a bit. "What if something happened?"
"Mom, I'm sure they're just running a bit late because someone took forever to get ready," Morgan assured the elder Matthews woman.
"Neither Mom nor Ava take this long to get ready," Riley pointed out, a slightly worried expression on her face as well. The brunette hugged little Penny tightly; Violet was meanwhile in the arms of her father.
"Don't think Morgan was referring to either of them, niche," Eric told his niece, making everyone laugh once again.
"I resent that!" A new voice rung across the beach and everyone spun around.
"Finally! My brother!" Eric called and took off towards his younger brother with Shawn, Josh and Morgan hot on his heels.
"My brothers! And my sister!" was everything Cory was able to say before he found himself enveloped in a big group hug.
"Rachel!" Topanga meanwhile exclaimed upon seeing her old friend again. She rushed off towards Rachel and Katy and the three women spent some time catching up. Riley and Farkle eventually headed over there, so their kids could greet their grandparents.
Twenty-year-old August Matthews and Twenty-one-year-old Ava Morgenstern meanwhile headed over to Amy and Alan to greet the eldest Matthews. Yes people, you heard right. Auggie and Ava were still together. Well, not still. After spending most of their childhood as an old married couple, the two of them had decided to take a break from their relationship when they became teenagers. Not to worry, Auggie and Ava had remained inseparable as friends; but both of them had agree that they didn't want to miss out on anything because they were clinging to a "relationship" they had formed when they were five and six years old respectively. After going through middle school and most of high school as the best of friends – along with Dewey – the two of them had gradually realized that their feelings were starting to change. It was no longer puppy love or the love of two friends that connected them. It was something more. So, Auggie had decided to ask Ava to prom during their senior year of high school. The two of them had been together ever since and were now following in Maya and Josh's footsteps by attending NYU together.
"May I have everyone's attention please!" Alan finally called everyone to order after the last rounds of greetings had commenced. "Now, you all know I am not very good with words, so I will keep this short and to the point." People laughed at that. "It's been quite some time since all of us have been together at the same place at the same time. Over the last years, as our family has continued to expand, it has proven to be very difficult to get everyone under one roof and I think I am speaking for both Amy and myself when I say that I am so happy all of you were able to follow our invitation to spend this beautiful day with us." People cheered and whistled. "And now I am very happy to say the words everyone has been waiting for: Let's get lunch started!"
And boy, did they get lunch started. While Alan, Shawn and Jack got busy manning the grill in alternating shifts, the rest of the family spread out their homemade dishes – from salads in all shapes and colors over baked beans and couscous up to a variety of desserts – and finished setting up beach chairs and blankets, so everyone could find a place to sit.
"Boy, that was good," Cory said as he patted his stomach.
"Sure was, Cor," Shawn chimed in and everyone else murmured their agreement, too tired and full from all the eating to do much more than that.
After everyone had had their chance to digest for a little while, Morgan slowly stood up and cleared her throat, thereby calling everyone's attention to her. "Well, I think I'm speaking for everyone when I say that this has been the best barbecue, I've been to in quite some time." Everyone clapped and whistled. "Thank you, Mom and Dad, for organizing everything and managing to get every last member of our big weird and crazy family to get their tushies here." Alan and Amy shot their daughter a grateful smile. "But let's not forget the actual reason we're all gathered here today," Morgan continued her little speech with a sheepish smile. "It is Father's Day after all and – my oh my – do we have some fathers gathered here today. Now I – speaking for all of us children – would like to ask the Dads to come up here to receive their gifts." Another round of whistles and applause spread across the crowd. "Now, I'd like to start with the two youngest fathers of the bunch: Farkle, Joshie, would you please come over here?"
Under the applause of their families, the two men made their way towards Morgan. "What did we talk about, Morgan? With the nickname?" Josh shot his big sister a mock-glare.
"But it's so cute," Morgan gushed while ruffling her brother's hair.
"Whatever you say …" Josh shot Eric a conspiratorial grin. "… Weasel."
Morgan was quiet for a moment there before. "Well played, little bro," she said. "Nickname officially dropped."
Josh grinned. "Thank you."
Morgan shook her head and went back to the task at hand. "Now, kids? Wanna join me over here and hand your fathers their presents?"
Lynnie, Hunter and Nicky immediately rushed over; the two boys were carrying very similar looking gift-wrapped boxes in their hands. "Happy Father's Day!" they chorused as they tackled their respective father in a big hug, making both Josh and Farkle chuckle in delight.
"Thank you, munchkins." Josh placed a kiss on his children's foreheads before starting to unwrap his present.
"It's from Penny and Violet, too!" Nicky explained to his Dad.
"That's very sweet of all of you," Farkle praised and pulled the little guy in another tight hug before mirroring Josh's actions.
"You guys, I love it!" "It's beautiful!" were the father's reactions upon seeing what their kids had gotten – or rather made – for them. Both Farkle and Josh had received a beautiful picture – curtesy of Shawn Hunter – that showed each of them with their respective children. Even cuter than the picture itself, though, was the frame it was displayed in. Both frames had obviously been decorated – painted and covered in macaroni, glitter and all kinds of other ornaments – by the children themselves.
"You did this all by yourself?" Farkle asked Nicky, a proud expression on his face.
"Almost," Nicky admitted with a sheepish smile. "Lynnie helped me."
"I didn't do much," Lynnie downplayed her effort – she had been the one keeping an eye on her little brother and her little brother's best friend while the three of them had decorated the frames. "And Mommy and Aunty Riley also helped."
"We didn't do anything!" Maya immediately assured.
"We only provided the material!" Riley added, causing everyone to laugh.
"Well, all three of you did an amazing job!" Josh praised.
"You really did! Thank you," Farkle added and both fathers once again embraced their children before returning to their seats.
"Alright then," Morgan once again called the attention of everyone involved to her. "Now, for the next father: Jonathan, would you come over here, please?"
"Me?" the man in question asked, his eyes wide.
"Well, I know we have two Jonathans here now, but since Nate doesn't have any children yet …" People burst out laughing. "Yes, of course you, Jon." A light blush on his cheeks, Jonathan walked towards Morgan. "Shawnie, your turn."
Shawn approached his father figure with a sheepish grin on his face and a little gift-bag in his hands. "Happy Father's Day, Jon."
"Shawn," Jonathan started in a hoarse voice. "You know you didn't …"
"I know I didn't," Shawn interrupted the man. "But I wanted to. It's not much, but you deserve to celebrate this day too, Jon. You know, you do."
"Thanks Shawn." The two men hugged and Jonathan started unwrapping his gift. "Oh …"
"I know it's not much," Shawn immediately jumped in, nervously rubbing his neck. "But while Riley, Maya and I were looking for pictures of their husbands and kids, we stumbled upon this particular one. They originally came up with the idea and I got on board very quickly. Well, and then I was there while the munchkins were decorating their frames … and there was a spare one left … and then one thing led to another and you are holding the result in your hands right now …"
"Shawn!" Jonathan interrupted the rambling man standing in front of him with a laugh. He took another look at the item in his hands. It was a picture frame containing two pictures of him and Shawn – one from back in the days when Shawn had been living with him while Chet was on the road looking for Shawn's Mom, and another one taken very recently at one of the family dinners. Both pictures showed Jon and Shawn with big, happy smiles on their faces. The frame looked very similar to the ones the kids had decorated. All in all, it was a very cheesy and corny gift – Shawn had had his doubts about it – but, in the end, it came from the heart. "I love it."
"You sure?" Shawn asked hesitantly. "Cause if you don't, that would be …"
"I'm sure, Shawn." The older man enveloped his former student in a tight hug. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Shawn smiled and the two of them started to make their way back to their places.
"Hold your horses there, Shawnie," Morgan interrupted them. "You can stay put, cause you and my big brother Cory are up next."
"Really?" Shawn asked excitedly.
"Oh boy!" Cory exclaimed as he came jumping over to them. The two men had a hard time standing still, both having been kept in suspense by their children for long enough.
"Alrighty, Maya, Mila and Nate; Riley and Auggie. Your turn," Morgan called.
The five of them approached their fathers, gifts in hand. Shawn received a rectangular gift-wrapped box while Cory received an envelope.
"Uh, kids," Cory said, eyeing his present skeptically. "You forgot something?"
"Nope," Auggie grinned.
"Just open the envelope, Dad", Riley beckoned.
Cory did as he was told and his eyes went wide upon realizing exactly what his kids had gotten him. "No way!" he exclaimed as he tackled both of them in a hug.
"Way!" Riley and Auggie chorused, pleased that they had succeeded in making their father happy. Cory's present was a weekend trip. Just him and his two children visiting the most famous rollercoasters on the East Coast. Topanga had volunteered to help Farkle with the children, so the three of them were free to go. Both Riley and Auggie had agreed that it had been too long since they had spent some quality time together and with their father; that's how they had come up with their idea for the gift.
Meanwhile Shawn was also tearing off the gift-wrapping paper and curiously looked at the item in his hands. It was a leather-bound book – a leather-bound scrap book to be exact. On the cover, the words "World's Greatest Dad" were engraved in silver writing. "Kids, I love it." Shawn enveloped his three children in a group hug. "Thank you, guys."
"Well, then open it," Mila beckoned impatiently.
"It gets even better," Nate added.
Shawn did as he was told and his breath hitched upon seeing the first page already. It displayed a picture of Shawn, Mila, Nate and Maya together; they were just sitting on the couch at the Hunters' apartment, all of them wearing their pajamas, getting ready to start a movie night. The background of the page had been beautifully decorated in painting – Maya's doing probably – and there was a caption under the picture that read "Us and Dad – Monthly Movie Night at the Hunters". Shawn quickly flipped through the pages and his heart welled up. All pages were similar to the first one – a beautifully designed background and a fitting caption. The pictures displayed on each page showed Shawn and his children through the years. From the first picture ever of him and Maya – the one taken on her 14th birthday – over him and Maya sleeping peacefully on the couch while he had taken care of her during Katy's audition, to him and Maya at the Semi-Formal and so on. Eventually, a little baby Mila appeared in the pictures as well – the first being a picture of the proud father holding his newborn baby daughter. And finally, Nate showed up as well. There was one of Shawn, Maya, Mila and Nate having a pillow fight together. The last picture had been taken last winter and showed Nate and Shawn dashing over the ice with Maya and Mila watching them in the background.
"It's beautiful," Shawn said in a hoarse voice. Maya, Mila and Nate looked at each other, pleased expressions on their faces. "Thank you, guys. Really, I love it."
"You're very welcome, Daddy," Mila said and her two siblings nodded in agreement. The four of them hugged and headed back to their places.
"Okay," Morgan called everyone's attention to her one last time. "And finally, the moment we've all been waiting for. Dad, would you come up here, please?" Alan approached his daughter and gave her a tight hug. "My brothers, if you would be so kind as to join me." Eric, Cory, Josh and Shawn walked towards their sister.
"First of all," Cory started. "I'd like to point out that you – dear father – are not an easy man to shop for." Everybody started laughing at that.
"But after many many many brainstorming sessions," Eric continued. "We finally found something."
"Two somethings actually," Shawn added. "And, as luck would have it, I am holding part one right here."
"Happy Father's Day!" all five of them chorused as Shawn carefully handed the big, heavy present to Alan.
"My kids." Alan smiled as he started unwrapping the present. "Wow, this is amazing. Your work, Shawn?"
Shawn grinned. "The pictures, yeah," he admitted. "The others did the hard work."
"And quite a good job, if I do say so myself," Eric pointed out, causing Morgan and Josh to shove him from either side. "Hey, no conspiring against your wiser older brother!"
"Really good job indeed," Alan muttered as he took a closer look at his gift. It was a collage of pictures showing … well, basically the whole Matthews-Hunter-Minkus family as they were assembled today. The main focus was on Alan, though, so it showed him will all of his children, grandchildren and their individual families. There was even one of a younger Eric with little Tommy; one of Rachel, Jack and Eric; and, of course, one of Mr. Feeny with his favorite students. In short, this collage displayed all the people Alan loved most in the world. "It's perfect. Thank you, kids."
"Oh, but that wasn't it," Josh quickly jumped in. "Because here comes part two. Morgan, tell him what he won."
"Will do, Josh," Morgan took over. "Just like you said earlier, it has proven to be really hard to get this whole crazy family under one roof. It takes some really great people to do it. You and Mom managed it today and we decided that it would be a shame if we didn't have family gatherings like this more often. So, my brothers and I took got a year planner and started asking everyone in the family to tell us dates they would be available on. It took some bargaining and rearranging, but, in the end, we did it." Morgan grinned. "We found one weekend, not too long from now, were everyone has time. So, Dad, we would like to cordially invite you – and your lovely wife of course, but she already knows about our plans – to a camping weekend. With the whole family." Alan looked at his children, stunned. "This time, you don't have to take care of anything, we're doing all the planning. All you have to do is show up and spend a nice weekend with your family."
Alan was quiet for a moment. "My kids. I have to say," he finally started. "I think this is the best present I've ever gotten." All five of his children grinned and high-fived, relieved that their father really was on board, before tackling him in a big group hug.
"Thank you, guys, for your patience and attention. But I thought it was high time all of those amazing fathers got their recognition for everything they do for us," Morgan addressed the group one last time. "And now, let's let the family fun … begin!"
The family split up into subgroups: building sandcastles, going swimming, throwing balls for Hamilton and playing a game of beach volleyball. Maya and Auggie had been chosen as team captains for volleyball and were currently having a heated debate about who got to choose their members first.
Finally, Auggie had had enough and decided to take matters into his own hands. "Uncle Josh, how about it?" he asked. "Will you be on my team?"
"Try and stop me," Josh immediately answered and walked over towards his favorite nephew.
"Alright, I'll stop you," Maya interrupted, grabbing Josh's hands. "You're on my team."
"He's my uncle!" Auggie exclaimed, a big grin on his face, while grabbing Josh's other hand.
"He's my husband!" Maya imitated him, an equally large grin on her face.
Auggie immediately dropped Josh's hand. "Damn it, it's true this time, Maya."
"Huh!" Maya grinned at her best friend's little brother. "Sure is."
"Hey Auggie," Ava came up to them. "Can I be on your team?"
Maya, Josh and Auggie burst out laughing, each of them thinking back to Game Night all those years ago. "Great timing, Ava," Josh told the girl.
"You're on your own now," Auggie informed Josh. "My woman's here … again."
"So, it's you and me?" Josh asked his wife.
"You and me." Maya nodded. "Bring it on."
The game started and everyone had a blast. Maya's team consisted of Josh, Shawn, Mila and Lynnie while Auggie's team included Eric, Cory, Morgan, Ava and Nate – and Hamilton as an honorary member, of course.
"Why did we separate Cory and Shawn again?" Maya groaned after the fifth time those two had bombarded each other with the volleyball.
"I don't know how that happened," Josh said. "I thought we agreed never to do that again … hold on." Josh broke off when he saw Morgan serving the next ball. He dashed over towards his little girl, picked her up and, therefore, enabled her to pass the ball back to the other side, causing Lynnie to giggle in delight.
"Thanks, Daddy." The little girl placed a kiss on her father's cheek.
"No problem, princess." Josh grinned as he set Lynnie back on the ground and took over the next pass.
They played a few more rounds when, suddenly, Eric did a bit too good of a job with serving the ball and it flew away. "I got it!" Lynnie called as she raced after it, Mila – not wanting her little niece to get lost – hot on her heels.
The adults chuckled at the sight and waited for the girls to return. Those two, however took their sweet time and Maya was starting to get a bit worried. "I'm gonna go see what's taking them so long."
Maya took off after the two girls and eventually found them. Lynnie proudly held the ball in her hands and Mila stood behind her little niece protectively. They were in deep conversation with an older man. Maya approached the three of them quickly. "Hey girls!" she called. "What's taking you so long?"
Both Mila and Lynnie got sheepish looks on their faces. "Sorry, Mommy!" Lynnie called.
"This nice man helped us catch the ball," Mila added, looking up at the older guy uncertainly. "Sorry, Sir, I didn't catch your name.
"No problem, kid." Maya stopped dead in her tracks upon hearing that particular voice. However, where in the past, this voice had usually filled her only with sadness and regret, it now didn't affect her much. A bit confused, Maya continued her way towards the little group. "My name's Kermit. Kermit Hart," he confirmed Maya's suspicions. "And I have to say, you, little girl, look remarkably like my own daughter did when she was a kid. Her name's Kaya."
Lynnie – Maya's mini-me – giggled and looked over to her mother. "Isn't that funny, Mommy."
"And his daughter's name is almost just like yours," Mila added, clearly amused as well.
Maya finally reached them and Kermit's eyes fell on the older blonde for the first time. Maya, once again, could pinpoint the exact moment he recognized her; his eyes went wide and his jaw dropped – just like they had done all those years ago. "Maya?"
"Kermit," Maya nodded. Once again, she waited for that miserable, heartbroken feeling to eat her up, but it didn't. Taking a deep breath, Maya turned towards her daughter and little sister. "Mila, would you please take Lynnie with you and go back to our family?"
"But Maya …" Mila tried but, upon seeing Maya's stern expression, she relented. "Okay, big sis. Lynnie, come on, let's go find your Daddy and Grandpa Shawn."
"Okay," Lynnie agreed. "Bye Mommy."
"See you later, princess." Maya watched the two girls walk away before she turned towards Kermit. "Well, this is awkward."
Kermit chuckled uncomfortably. "Yes, it is."
"What are you doing here, Kermit?" Maya asked.
Kermit took a deep breath. "Father's Day family trip." He nodded over to where a blonde woman and a blonde teenager – his wife and daughter – were currently standing, watching the two of them with curious expressions on their faces. "How about you?"
"Same thing," Maya said, mentally counting down from 5 to 0 – her family did always have impeccable timing when it came to such things.
"Maya!"
"And here comes the cavalry." Maya shook her head, grinning, as he turned and saw her mother, father, husband and best friend rushing over to them. "Right on cue."
A few feet away from them, Katy stopped dead in her tracks. "Kermit?" she asked.
"Hello Katy." Kermit took a step back. "You gonna throw things at me again?"
Katy chuckled nervously. "I'm not sure yet. You gonna hurt my baby girl again?"
"Trying very hard not to," Kermit immediately said.
"Okay then." Katy nodded slowly.
"Just for the record," Shawn interjected. "I'm ready and willing to throw things at you any time. Just say the word, kiddo."
"Right behind you, Shawn." Josh looked at Kermit appraisingly and walked over to stand right beside his wife. "You okay, Gorgeous?"
"I'm fine, Handsome." And, for the first time, Maya really meant that.
"You bring one of the baseball bats, Uncle Shawn?" Riley asked in a low voice.
Shawn's eyes went wide. "Damn it, I knew I forgot something!"
"Guys," Maya finally called everyone's attention to herself. "I appreciate you all coming to my rescue – I really do. But … this is something I have to do by myself."
"Maya …" everyone started interjecting at once.
Maya raised her hand and all of them immediately fell silent. "Please?"
Her mother reluctantly nodded – she knew her daughter very well; this was something she had to do. "We'll be right over here," Katy assured.
"Just call if you need anything," Riley added.
The two women left while Shawn and Josh still eyed Kermit appraisingly. "No breaking her again, okay," Shawn said firmly and Kermit nodded. "Alright." With one last hug for his little girl, he joined Katy and Riley.
Josh addressed his wife's father next. "I don't know you," he said. "And you don't know me either. But I've heard a lot about you and I want you to keep one thing in mind." Josh put an arm around Maya. "My name's Joshua Matthews and this beautiful woman right here, that's my wife. She's been through a lot and it took our family a long time to pick up the pieces from where you left her," he told the man in a hoarse voice. "I hope your intentions here are good, because Maya here has me, and her Dad over there, and a whole lot of other people who care about her and won't be happy if she breaks again."
Kermit nodded. "I understand that."
Josh nodded slowly. "Alright then." He turned to his wife. "You sure?"
"I'm sure," Maya said as she leaned up and placed a soft kiss on her husband's lips. "And thank you." Josh smiled and headed over to the others.
"They seem like good people," Kermit said slowly. "Your family."
"They're the greatest people in the world," Maya corrected.
Kermit gulped. "I'm glad you're happy. I never wanted you not to be. I'm sorry I couldn't give you that."
"Are you happy, Kermit?" Maya asked.
Kermit nodded slowly. "I am," he said.
"Is this her?" Another voice chimed in. "Is this Maya – my sister?"
Maya turned towards their newest arrival. "Hi Kaya." She smiled at the teenager – boy, that girl was still her mini-me. "It's very nice to see you again."
"You too." Kaya smiled shyly. "Even though I don't really remember the last time … Dad only told us the whole story a few years later – when I was old enough to understand." Kaya paused. "I'm sorry for what you had to go through; no kid deserves that. But … Dad wasn't like that anymore once he met my Mom." She gestured to the tall blonde, who had now joined them as well. The older woman was looking at Maya with a kind smile. "He was a great Dad to me."
"I'm glad," Maya said truthfully. "I'm glad you had a Dad and a great childhood, Kaya. And I have a great Dad, too. His name's Shawn." She gestured over to where her parents stood.
"So, your mother remarried? And you have another sister?" Kermit asked.
"She did." Maya nodded. "It's Katy Hunter now. She married an amazing man and they have two beautiful children together – my little sister Mila and my little brother Nate."
"And you're married, too," Kermit stated. "And have a daughter."
Maya nodded once more. "A daughter and a son – Caitlyn and Hunter. They're my everything."
"Wait a second … Katy Hunter," Kermit's wife interrupted. "Oh, I'm sorry. My name's Sarah Hart, it's nice to finally meet you, Maya."
"Nice to meet you, too." Sarah and Maya shook hands. "And yeah, Katy Hunter. That's my Mom."
Kaya gasped. "See, Dad! I told you the story sounded familiar!" she exclaimed. "Katy Hunter was the narrator in The Long Road to Someday!"
Oh yes, I didn't forget about the movie! The Long Road to Someday had been released in 2024 and had been an immediate hit. The title – just like the plot – was a combination of Katy and Shawn's, as well as Maya and Josh's love story. They did decide to make some changes, but I don't want to bore you with the details. Katy had not been cast as the lead role – she had felt that a younger actress would make the story more believable – but had done the voice-overs for the narrator at the beginning and end of the movie.
"Well, I'll be damned," Kermit said. "I didn't make the connection because I only knew your mother as Katy Hart. But her voice did sound familiar." Kermit paused. "Thanks for not making me appear too much like the bad guy."
"It wouldn't have been right," Maya said simply. They had wanted to tell her mother and father's love story; not make Kermit an evil villain. Instead of having her movie-father leave because he wasn't ready – not everybody would have seen that as a good enough reason – they made him leave because he had re-fallen in love with his old high-school sweetheart. So, movie-Maya's insecurities hadn't come solely from feeling replaced, but from not believing in love, even when it looked her right in the eyes – ahem, cue movie-Josh. This might sound a bit off right now, but, trust me, it worked.
"Wow." Both Kaya and Sarah suddenly looked a bit starstruck. And rightfully so, after starring in a few TV show and even more movies, Katy had become a semi-famous actress – just like she always had wanted.
Maya chuckled and gestured to where Katy was standing with the others. "You can go say Hi. She's right over there. I promise, she won't bite."
Kaya and Sarah grinned at each other and started to head on over. Kaya, however, stopped and addressed her half-sister one more time. "I'm starting NYU in the fall," she explained.
"Congratulations, Kaya," Maya said. "That's a really good school. I went there, too."
"Thanks." Kaya smiled. "Do you think … maybe … we could meet up sometime … get a cup of coffee and just … talk a bit?"
Maya smiled at the girl. "I'd like that," she assured her and Kaya immediately looked relieved. "I know a great place, too – it's called Topanga's. Here." Maya handed her half-sister a slip of paper. "That's my number. Call me anytime."
"Thanks, Maya." Both blondes hesitated, before they finally shared a hug. It was a bit weird, but in a good way. Yeah, Maya thought, she could get used to that. With one more smile, Kaya left, too.
"That was really nice of you," Kermit said.
"She seems like a great kid," Maya admitted. "You and Sarah raised her well."
"She is." Kermit looked at his wife and daughter with an adoring expression; something that, years ago, would have hurt Maya more than words can say. Now, she could smile at it. "Maya, I know this doesn't change anything and I don't even know if you want to hear it." Kermit paused and the blonde nodded for him to go on. "But I want you to know that I truly am sorry for what I put you through. I thought I was doing the right thing and never would I have imagined that my leaving could cause you so much hurt. So, I guess what I'm trying to say here is: I am sorry. I truly am."
Maya didn't say anything for quite some time, thinking about what Kermit had just said. Finally, she took a deep breath; she knew what she wanted to say. "What you did wasn't right," Maya said firmly. "But if you hadn't left, I would never have gotten a father as great as Shawn. I wouldn't appreciate everything he does for me as much as I do. I probably would take a lot more things for granted – like the love I feel for my husband; the love my husband feels for our children; and the love I feel for them. What you did wasn't right. But I'm finally at a place where I can tell you one thing – honestly and truly." Maya paused for a moment, blinking back a few tears. "I forgive you. Not for you; not for Mr. Matthews; but for me. Because I'm finally at peace."
She gave her father one more smile – which he reciprocated gratefully – before stepping away. Immediately, the blonde was enveloped in a big group hug. Her parents, husband and best friend had rushed over to her and were now holding Maya tightly.
"You okay there, Peaches?" Riley carefully asked.
Maya gave her best friend a sad smile. "You know what, Riles. I really truly am."
"No breakie?" Shawn wanted to know.
"No breakie," Maya said firmly. "All fixie."
"Oh, thank God," Katy and Josh chorused, causing everyone else to chuckle.
"What do you say, wanna head back to our family?" Maya asked, blinking away a few stray tears. "I really wanna kick Auggie's butt at volleyball!"
"Then what are we waiting for?" Riley immediately asked. "Let's get going!"
Katy and Shawn shot each other conspiratorial grins. "Bring it on!"
Those three walked ahead; Maya and Josh followed, holding each other's hands tightly. "You really alright, Gorgeous?" Josh asked.
"I really am," Maya confirmed. "I was finally able to forgive him. I am finally at peace."
A brilliant smile appeared on Josh's face upon hearing those words. "I'm really glad, Maya."
"Me, too." Maya got up on her tippy-toes and placed a tender kiss on her husband's lips. "I love you."
Josh smiled down at his beautiful wife. "And I love you." A mischievous smile appeared on his face. "No more someday and soon?"
"Nope." Maya grinned. "Only right now."