Thanks for the reviews CabbieLoverSAC22 and Guest! Thank you to the new favorites and followers!
A/N: I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. OMG we are at the last official chapter before the epilogue which is already written out just needs to be typed. This final chapter was tricky but I hope you all enjoy it and it was fun writing once I got my juices flowing. Hope you love it plus the epilogue which leads right to the sequel!
Chapter 25
"Wow, you look….beautiful." Shawn said half an hour later after they arrived as Angela walked out of Rachel's dressing room and ran into him in the hall. Her braids were pinned up with crystal pins and she wore a long strapless purple dress with silver strappy shoes.
"You look nice yourself." she pulled him to her and adjusted his purple tie. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and stepped back taking him all in. He had his hair gelled back but his signature runaway hairs still came undone framing his forehead. He had trimmed his goatee and had put on her favorite Calvin Klein cologne that she secretly loved.
"Well Mr. Hunter I cant wait to see you out of the tux."
Shawn grabbed her waist and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. He pecked first not wanting to ruin her lipstick but as he got into it he thought screw it and slid his tongue on her bottom lip asking for entrance and Angela obliged.
She began running her fingers through his hair as he placed his hand on her ass and pulled her closer into his body.
Angela let out a slight moan as they heard someone behind them clearing their throat.
They broke apart then turned and looked at a smirking Morgan.
"Well, well, well, was wondering where you went off too Ms. Supposed to be checking to make sure everything's ok."
"Yes, um I am." Angela patted her dress and turned and walked the rest of the way down the hall heading to the ceremony room.
Morgan stared at a bewildered Shawn who looked stuck. She patted him on the shoulder.
"Go get yourself together big boy. Don't think I don't know your plan either." She walked back in the dressing room as Shawn stayed in the same spot, his mouth dropped as he thought about her words hoping she didn't mean what he thought. No one besides Jack and Rachel were supposed to know. He came too when he heard yelling coming from the men's dressing room.
Next moment Jack came out bewildered. "I promise man, I'm getting a new best friend, you should too, They're both insane!" Jack pointed towards the room.
Shawn chuckled. "You know those Matthews" Shawn headed to the door he turned and looked at Jack. "Best man to the rescue."
Angela walked into the hall as the staff were still setting up.
"No those flowers should be more centered." She rushed to a worker setting up a bouquet.
"So that's what Mrs. Matthews was trying to explain." The employee said as she looked on and instructed her fellow co workers fix the others.
"Mom!' Shanice squealed as she rushed from the arms of Mr. Fenny at the sight of Angela.
"You should be helping Rachel, don't worry we got them under control." Amy said patting Angela on the back.
"Ok, well I'm going to get a little air and then I'll bring Shanice back here with you guys in a few minutes before I go back into that craziness."
Angela and all the women laughed as she headed out the hall.
Angela stepped onto the streets, she regretted not bringing a jacket or at least a shawl. The wind was a little crisp on her bare arms. Luckily Shanice still had on her cardigan. All in all it was a beautiful day for a wedding in Manhattan.
"You sure do look beautiful." A voice said behind Angela's back.
Angela's mouth dropped open.
"Ja…Jared, what, what are you doing here…? She instinctively hugged Shanice closer. She couldn't explain the uneasiness she suddenly felt. "Didn't? Didn't we already talk?"
"Well I said I'd be your date and I don't go back on my word." He stepped closer to her as she instinctively took a step back.
Jared frowned. "Now come on Angela, I know there is attraction between us."
"Jared, look you're a nice guy but I thought we covered this." she hugged Shanice a little tighter.
Jared chuckled. "You see you don't understand Angela, you will be my date." he grabbed her wrist hard.
"What are you doing!?" Angela yelled jerking her hand but he wasn't budging. Shanice began to cry.
People walking down the street slowed and gave the scene stares as one man began to walk up the stairs to intervene the hotel front doors opened.
"Get the hell away from her!" Shawn pushed Jared back.
Jared stumbled back and looked at Shawn with daggers in his eyes, he pulled back intending to swing but was stopped by someone crushing his balled up fist.
Alan Matthews twisted his arm until he was facing him. "Now see, you don't want to do that here or ever matter of fact. These are my children you're messing with and I will not tolerate it, especially on my other sons wedding day." Jared was cringing under the crushing weight of Alan's hand that was squeezing his for dear life. "Now you're going to leave here today and don't even think of showing your face around them again or believe me it will be worse."
Security came out at that moment followed by a frantic Lila and Amy. They escorted Jared from the premise and Amy took a still crying Shanice back inside.
Angela felt sick, she looked at Shawn who was stone faced but had moved to her and put his arm around her shoulder.
"I'm so sorry." She turned and hugged into his chest.
"Wha? Sorry for what?" he pulled back and looked into her face, his look of anger changed to concern and confusion.
"This isn't your fault, you didn't know he was crazy."
"But still, around our kid, what if he had of hit me or worse did something to her, right in my arms in the open! Damn I was so careless and stupid not seeing the signs." Angela was going hysterical.
"Angela, look at me. Everything is ok, there are tons of people around, he wouldn't have been able to do anything. Plus I'll be damned if something happened to my number 1 women."
Angela looked into the eyes she loved as she felt everything in her warm and be at peace. Right here is where she had always belonged. The doubts, fears it all washed away. Ups and downs, good and bad. This was home for her. She finally found a home after all these years of searching, home she had visited before and just had to find her way back.
"I love you." was all she said before she leaned in and crashed her lips into Shawn's. She relaxed and moaned slightly swiping her lips over his asking for entrance, She relished in the feel of it as images flashed in her mind. Not past memories but things that were unfamiliar. A house, long flowing white dress, looking into Shawn's eyes as he stood at an altar, an older Shanice around six or seven holding her dads hand. Little did she know but Shawn had a mirage or images too and it made what he planned to do even more nerve racking.
They parted and Angela sighed.
"That was…..wow." Shawn was at a loss for words.
Angela silenced him with a peck on the lips.
"Well Mr. Hunter lets go get these crazy kids married and maybe we can get to more wow later." She winked linking her hands in his as they walked together back inside.
From there it was smooth sailing. Within half an hour they were ready to begin. The flower girls Rachel's little cousins went down first followed by Joshua who didn't want to be called anything but ring man.
Shawn stood right beside Jack as he watched the wedding party come down the aisle. Morgan was followed by Topanga and two of Rachel's cousins. Eric was holding her cousins Naya's hand rather close and Shawn just chuckled to himself but soon focused once he saw the person he had been waiting on.
Angela had freshened up and looked beautiful as she walked down the aisle. She stole glances to Shawn every once in a while and took her place right next to Morgan.
The crowd all turned once the bridal song began to play by a smiling George Feeny. Rachel appeared in a long white crystal beaded dress that flowed about a feet behind her.
Shawn watched Jack rock side to side and knew the nerves he felt which matched his on but for different reasons. His face beamed at the women in front of him and he uttered one single word. "Home." Shawn paused at that word and glanced over at Angela who stole another glance at him at the exact same time and smiled.
The reception was beautiful after the water work filled ceremony they had a cocktail hour in the lobby while the finishing touches were added then they entered a conference room that had been decorated from top to bottom.
There were eight glass tables that seated eight set up with lavender flowers plus crystals on top of each. The rectangular table for the bridal party was draped in lavender silk with crystals all around the table.
Everyone was so happy. The food was delicious and everyone danced non stop. Angela watched as Cory awkwardly danced with Topanga rubbing her tummy the whole time. She saw Jack and Rachel so into each other that even when they danced with others they still couldn't help keep their eyes off of each other no matter where they were in the room. Eric was playing with an energetic Shanice while still talking to Naya who was eating up everything he said. She was sure he probably said Shanice was his child and she just shook her head. She danced with Shawn a bit but he seemed distracted and pre occupied. When she asked what was going on he wouldn't say anything except that he was ok and just really happy for Jack and Rachel. She knew it was more but didn't want to press the issue.
Once things began to die down a bit everyone settled in their seats and got prepared for the Maid of Honor and Best Man toasts. Angela squeezed Rachel's hand as she sat on her right. Shawn walked past behind her to head to his seat on Jack's left between Eric and Angela stopped him grabbing his hand. He jumped completely pale and flushed.
"Whoa Shawn, you ok?" Angela stood and grabbed his other hand.
Shawn nodded very fast. "Yea just a lot on my mind." He kissed her cheek and went to his seat where he and Jack, huddled together in hushed tones.
Angela sat back down and turned towards Rachel and Topanga. "What the hell is going on?"
Rachel glanced at the two men. "I really have no idea , don't worry I'll get it out of Jack tonight." she giggled.
"Oh lord, save the sex tales until after the honeymoon. So I guess its Showtime."
Angela letting Shawn's peculiar behavior leave the forefront of her mind stood up and clinked her champagne glass with her butter knife.
"Well I guess its time to say a few words about these crazy two sitting here all giddy and smiles."
Jack and Rachel beamed harder as they moved closer to each other.
"I remember when they first got together, they were so cute it was rather sickening."
Everyone laughed. Rachel hit Angela's hand.
"I'll never forget the time that Jack wore platform shoes to meet her height, it was so dorky and cute, something typical of Jack. But no matter what whether Jack and Rachel were together or not their friendship and bond was something I have always admired. They have always had a unmistakable cling and support for each other that lets me personally know they will have a great life together."
Rachel leaned over and gave Jack a peck on the lips. "With vain children just like their dad." Angela added. "Hey!" Jack chimed in.
"I'm playing Jack, you're not so bad anymore, you only groom yourself about ten times a day instead of twenty."
Everyone who knew Jack well burst out laughing. Eric laughed with his mouth open full of food.
"But in all seriousness I wish you guys the best. The two of you plus the rest of you up here were always the family I needed when we all met. I am so happy to be home and sharing this with you guys." At saying home she looked directly at Shawn who was still extremely pale but paying attention to her every word.
"To Jack and Rachel." Angela finished raising her champagne glass followed by everyone else.
Angela took her seat and all attention shifted to Shawn.
He got up as Jack patted him on his back. He looked sick but talked his normal smooth way as he cleared his throat.
"The little brother here. Well I didn't have the opportunity to grow up with Jack as I wished I had and I admit when we reconnected it wasn't easy sailing. Lets just say I can be a handful."
Jack patted him on his back.
"But one thing for certain is after Jack and I became close and I really got to know his quirks and dislikes I've never seen him more happy than when he was with….. Eric."
Rachel pointed to him. "Remember you're my brother now and the prank wars can resume!."
"Whoa scary red head I'm only playing, Jack was always most happy with Rachel no matter where they stood in life. Jack has taught me a lot over the years. You see I didn't grow up with the best sense of family. Cory, the Matthews, Mr. Feeny and Topanga were all I knew for a long time. When Jack came back around he helped me grow and see what family really meant. Now family is the most important thing to me." he looked at Shanice and seared a stare into Angela before he focused back on the crowd.
"I know Jack and Rachel have a bright marriage ahead of them and believe me I will be there to put him in a head lock if need be."
Jack put up his hands in a fighting stance as everyone laughed.
"With being family Jack and Rachel have agreed to let me steal the light for just a second."
Jack and Rachel smiled warmly at Shawn as everyone except Morgan looked perplexed.
Shawn moved from his seat and walked slowly towards Angela.
"Angela Shanaynay Moore, when I think about when I first met you I think sonnets, Shakespeare and Van Dame. I would have never thought that the butterflies you gave me then you would still give me til this day."
Angela's eyes widened as not a pin drop was heard in the room. Topanga and Cory sat with their mouths open wide as Jack and Rachel held each other with all knowing looks.
"Not a day since I met you have I not thought of you, I know in college I was stupid and other numerous times but there is one thing I am sure of is that you brighten my day, night, year and life. With our angel in the form of our little Shanice I finally know where the home I have been looking for has always been." he paused and moved the hair out his face.
"My brother and new sister convinced me no time like the present and I wish my dad was here to see me do this but I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I've always known it and was scared to say but I should have had the nerve to do this before you left those years ago but I wont miss out on the chance again."
Topanga was hyperventilating. Eric's mouth hung open. "Shawny" he said as Joshua elbowed him in his side. Amy and Lila both sat with tears in their eyes. Angela was frozen in time. All she saw was the man in front of her and she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Shawn got down on one knee and pulled a small box out of his tuxedo pants pocket.
"Angela Moore, I love you, will you give me the honor of being my wife and marrying me?" he opened the box showing a small diamond filled ring.
Silverware fell into plates all around them as people gasped and the room got silent waiting on a response.
Angela put her hand to her mouth as tears came uncontrollably. It was as if every moment with Shawn came flooding through her mind. High School, College, the good the bad, Shanice, Raven, Jared. None of the bad mattered and the good was only intensified. There wasn't a doubt in her mind about her answer was where her life was headed or where her home truly was.
"Yes." Rang from Angela's lips.