Disclaimer: I do not own Girl Meets World. Disney Channel owns Girl Meets World.

From the laptop of Marieneal

Thank you for your patience. I promise I appreciate each one of all. Here is, at last, the final chapter. The one everyone has been waiting for. This is the first fanfiction I have started and actually finished. I'm happy it's over but sad. I can at least, start some of the short stories I've been dying to write.

ENJOY!

-Marieneal

Chapter 15:

Josh dropped Maya off at his uncle's. "I'll see you later okay?" Josh said. Maya leaned back into the car and kissed him. "Of course." "Let me know if I can do anything to help with Riley." "I will." Maya leaned back into the car and kissed him again. She ran up to Riley's bay window as Josh pulled away.

Riley was sitting in the bay window as Maya approached. "Alright sunshine, what's going on?"

Riley's head fell into Maya's lap. She mumbled into her lap. "Lucas and I are fighting." Maya just kind of rolled her eyes, she already figured.

"Tell me all about." She said soothingly, and she pet Riley's head.

Riley sat up and began the story. After she finished her tears were falling fully down her face and she did her best to wipe them away, but her heart was crushed.

"Maya, I just don't want to stand in his way. Lucas needs to go to this college and if I want to do anything with dance I need to go to Julliard."

Maya nodded her head, trying to think of a way to comfort Riley.

"Riles, you won't be keeping Lucas from what he wants. He wants to be a vet and he wants you. He can have both. He'll still be receiving the same education."

"But the college he wants to go to has a much better academic program."

Maya took a deep breath. "Riley, you can't control Lucas. At the end of the day, he's going to do what he wants. He wants to be with you. I'm calling him right now and he's going to come pick you up, and you both need to talk this out." Maya reached for her phone.

"Maya! I don't want to budge on this. I still feel like I'm interfering."

"Hey Maya, what's up?"

"I need you to come pick Riley up. She's a drunken mess and she needs you. I can't because I'm currently with Josh."

"Wha- I am not drunk."

Maya covered the phone. "SHHH. You two are fighting and if he knows you're not okay, he'll get here faster."

"Maya? Where is she currently at?"

"Her house."

"Huh? Yeah, sure I'll be there shortly…" Lucas said a little confused and hung up.

"Alright, well Lucas is on his way, which means I'm on my way."

"Maya, I need you here." "No, you don't. You and Lucas need to work this out yourselves." Maya disappeared out the window and made her way home.

Lucas pulled up shortly after and appeared in the window. Riley's face was red, and her eyes were puffy and swollen from crying. Lucas came over and pulled her close. Riley held onto him tightly. It was like she couldn't let go or otherwise she'd lose him.

Lucas rubbed her back to soothe her. "Riley, you don't smell like alcohol, so I'm assuming Maya pulled a fast one as she normally does."

Riley nodded into his chest.

Riley sat back and took a deep breath before she spoke, "We need to talk." Lucas nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We do."

"Let me start off with a response to something you said yesterday, Riley. My veterinary dreams and you aren't complete without the other."

"Lucas, I saw your eyes when we were in the library, they lit up when you were talking about becoming a vet. They lit up again when you mentioned getting accepted into the University. If I make you stay in New York with me, you're going to end up regretting it for the rest of your life."

"My dream about being a vet wouldn't be a reality without you. My dreams can change, and they did. Now you're a part of them. My years with you in them, have been the best. There's been ups and downs, but I don't want to do them with anyone else. You're the one I choose, it's always been you."

Riley thought back to the time at the ski lodge a few years prior when there had been a love triangle between her, Maya and Lucas. Lucas had said the exact same thing. Maya might be right.

"I don't want to stand in your way."

"You won't. You'll be standing beside me. Guiding me."

"Lucas, I know this is your decision, but please, don't regret it later."

Lucas smiled. "I won't. You're everything to me and I can't imagine being with anyone else."
He pulled her into his arms and breathed her in. "Thank you, Riley."

Lucas took his leave after the two discussed their plans of visiting each other during college.

The last week of school was finally here.

Lucas sent in his paperwork for the college four hours away from Riley's. It was still too far for his liking, but they were going to make the most of it.

Classes were being released early, as was school. It was the last week. There was nothing left to do except a little bit of make-up work and final exams. Riley was in the process of clearing out her locker, as Lucas strode up and backed her against it.

He had his arm braced above her head and his hand on her hip. He captured her lips in his and left a sensual, burning kiss. He broke away and her eyes looked up at his wanting more. Lucas leaned down and whispered into her ear.

"My parents are gone for the night, went to some concert or something. Please, come over tonight, let's finish what we started."

Riley couldn't talk, her senses had come alive. She simply looked into his heat-filled eyes and nodded in understanding. He left a kiss on her neck and made his way to his truck.

Tonight, had to be perfect. Lucas was finally going to be with Riley. He stopped by the super market and grabbed two steaks, potatoes, and asparagus.

He got home and started marinating the steaks. He looked around the house for the candles. "Mom? Where are the candles?" Lucas called out. Lucas' mom appeared. She was putting an earring in her ear. "I think they're in the bathroom under the sink. Is there any reason why you need them?" "Yea, Riley's coming over for dinner. I want to make tonight special for her. She got into Julliard." Lucas hid the real reason why she was coming over, but why tell his own mother he planned on getting laid?

"Oh, my goodness! Let her know that I'm happy for her and I hope she excels." "I will Mom." "Behave yourself too. Her mother terrifies me." Lucas laughed. Their moms were friends but that didn't stop his mom from being paranoid with Topanga being a very successful lawyer. "Don't worry Mom, I won't hurt Riley." "You know very well that's not what I'm worried about."

Lucas looked at her with a mischievous smirk. "Lucas. I'm serious. I don't need either of her parents freaking out on me." Lucas went over to her and kissed her on her cheek. "I promise Mom, tonight is just celebrating her getting Julliard." "Okay sweetie, final opinion, how do I look?" Lucas looked at his mother.

"You look beautiful mom." "Good, your father is a pain. Alright sweetie, I'm leaving." "Bye mom." Lucas laughed. He grabbed the candles from under the sink and set them up on the dining table. It was about 3 now. He went and cleaned his room and got a shower afterward.

He chose a black V-neck with a white over-shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. He put some cologne on and made his way down stairs. It was about five now. He threw the steaks on the grill and got the potatoes boiling on the stove and the asparagus in the oven.

Riley stepped into house and all the smells hit her at once. It smelled so delicious. Lucas was at the grill with his back turned. Riley came up behind and wrapped her arms around his waist. "What's all this for?" She asked.

"Well," Lucas responded. "I wanted to make tonight special for you. I mean we never really celebrated us getting accepted into the colleges we wanted, not to mention I wanted to make sure this night was special."

Lucas turned around and Riley was wearing a purple choker which went underneath her dress. He knew what that accompanied, he had pictured her in it for many nights.

He could already feel himself getting an erection as he turned back to grill and moved the steaks. Hoping Riley hadn't noticed his growing shaft.

Riley made her way back inside and started setting plates and silverware. Lucas began to serve the food and Riley sat across from him.

The only noise in the room was forks hitting plates. The silence between them was slightly awkward, but they were both anticipating the night to come.

Lucas cleared his throat. "So, what'd you end up telling your parents?"

"I let them know I was at Maya's. My normal scapegoat." Lucas smiled. "She has come in handy so many times." "She's the greatest." Riley finished her food and went to put her plate in the sink.

Riley finished rinsing the plates off in the sink and turned towards Lucas. There was definitely an awkward silence. The air was heavy.

"So, uh, let's put on a movie?" Lucas said, unsure of how to remedy the situation.

"YES!" Riley said too quickly, dying to get rid of the awkwardness.

They made their way into the dark living room. Lucas grabs the remote and puts on Netflix. "What did you want to watch?" "I'm not sure, why not a rom-com?"

Lucas changed the genre to romance as Riley set up a pillow fort for them. She grabbed a blanket and snuggled underneath it. Lucas was scrolling past movies, trying to find one.

"We could always watch Twilight." He suggested. "NO! Anything but that!" Riley laughed.

Lucas kept scrolling, "Here." He handed the remote over to Riley and sat down beside her, throwing his arm around her and snuggling her closer. Riley put a movie on, and leaned into Lucas, breathing in his cologne. He smelled amazing and it made her anticipation rise.

Riley moved in between his legs and Lucas wrapped his arms around her. They sat and watched the movie in silence. About twenty to thirty minutes into the movie, Lucas starts getting restless.

He hugs Riley closer. Riley, too engrossed into the movie, doesn't really notice.

Lucas moves his hands to rub along her sides as his head drops to her neck and his lips begin to leave light kisses.

Riley notices and shifts slightly.

Lucas' hands drop to her hips and he proceeds to grip, bringing them back against him. His erection starting to press into her. He begins to leave heavier kisses on her neck.

He leaves one hand on her hip, holding her against him and his other hand moves to her front. Riley barely spreads her legs. His hand rubbed her inner thigh.

It isn't much but enough for her to feel a warmness pool in between her legs.

Lucas begins to gently suck on her neck, enough for her to feel it and turn her on more, but not enough to leave a mark.

She spreads her legs a little more.

Lucas plays with the side of her underwear near her womanhood, but still not touching it. Riley groans slightly, making him react with a breathy chuckle against her neck.

Riley begins to squirm, the heat between her legs needing to be touched. He was still running his fingers along the side of her underwear. She was starting to get quite notably wet with expectation.

Lucas was going to tease her longer though, he ran his hand up along her side and to her breast. He, then, cupped her right breast, squeezing lightly and playing with her nipple. Riley began squirming more.

"Lucas" She pleaded, elongating the last part of his name. He began to get more aggressive with her breast, his left hand moving towards her heat, or so she thought. It moved instead to the left side of her underwear, repeating the same thing he did before.

Riley groaned again.

He had finally moved his fingers to rub her clit. Riley gasped out. Lucas grasped her tightly to him, grinding his hips up to her. His fingers slowly rubbed her. Her head dropped back onto his shoulder. She was breathing heavily.

He dipped his finger inside her and found her soaked. "You're extremely wet. Why is that I wonder?" He said to her, huskily. "Mhmm." She managed to say.

His finger began to go in and out of her, the butt of his palm rubbing her clit. She was practically panting now.

Lucas added two fingers now and began to build up tempo. "L-lucas, if you continue…" Riley pleaded, yet couldn't finish. Lucas had added a third finger and now had a steady rhythm going.

She jumped up from his lap and straddled him. She looked at him, her eyes dilated and heavy with pleasure. She pressed her lips to his. Lucas began to take her dress off. They broke apart long enough for it to go over her head.

Lucas looked at her body with the lingerie set on her. "I saw this in your bedroom, but I couldn't imagine how sexy you would look in it."

He suddenly grabbed her hips and slammed himself against her. Riley cried out both in pleasure and pain. He was straining against his pants. Riley rocked her hips against his cock, getting closer.

She was about to finish as Lucas lifted her up slightly and she braced herself against his shoulders as he worked to get his pants off and slipped a condom on to his dick from his pocket. Her climax was to be held off. He positioned her above him.

Her eyes were closed, her nipples were erect, her slim body shaking, her breathing erratic and soft.

"I've got you. I won't hurt you." Lucas said. Riley nodded her head with her eyes still closed. Lucas focused to the task at hand. He gently lowered her down onto him. Riley let out a deep breath.

Lucas was tense, doing his best to keep from plunging into her like he so desperately wanted to do. He lowered her a little bit further onto his dick. Lucas grunted.

"Lucas just do it, I can handle it." He looked up. "Are you sure?" He said, sweat beading on his forehead. "Yes, I can't take it anymore, I need you in me."

That was all he needed to hear.

At that, he began to pick up the pace and intensity of his thrusts, although still within a range that Riley found more pleasurable than painful. Riley gasped as he continued thrusting deeper. Each thrust inching closer to fully penetrating her;

She bit her lip as suppressed a grunt of pain as his dick had now fully penetrated her.

He felt her tense and stopped. "Are you okay?" "Y-yea, keep going."

Lucas began moving again. He moved his thumb to her clit and let the motion of their bodies create the stimulation. Riley began moaning loudly as the pain subsided, goading Lucas to move faster inside of her. He moved his hands and they were grasping her hips again. He slammed her down as his hips rammed upwards.

"LUCAS!" She cried out, gripping his shoulders and her inner walls hugging his dick. Her climax was powerful as wave after wave hit her.

Lucas finished shortly after her. His pleasured groan going along with his release. Riley collapsed against him. His arms weaved around to her back and held her close. Their breaths mingled.

"That. Was. Amazing." Lucas breathed out. "Mmm." Riley lifted her head off Lucas' shoulder and gave him a long lazy kiss.

She broke away from his kiss and got up. She made her way up the stairs into his bathroom and started the shower. Lucas followed her and disposed of the condom into the waste basket in the bathroom.

She climbed in. Lucas took his shirt off and then proceeded after her. The water sprayed over Riley, she looked down and noticed a slight tint of pink leaving.

The realization hit her. She wasn't a virgin anymore. She had sex with Lucas. She looked up at Lucas who was observing her reaction.

Lucas reached for his soap and squirted some into his hand. He lathered it with a washrag and placed the rag on Riley's body. He began to slowly scrub Riley's body as she was lost in her thoughts. Lucas grabbed the shower head and started to rinse her off.

Riley came back into focus. She looked at Lucas as he continued. "Lucas?" "Hm?" was his response.

"Your turn." Riley grabbed the rag and started soaping his body. She went around his neck with the rag and down his arm, moving the rag down his body, getting his abs and his legs, making sure everything was soaped. She knelt in front of his dick and proceeded to get his calves. Lucas swallowed. Riley came back up with the rag and nudged for him to turn around. She soaped his upper back and his shoulders, the muscles tensing as her hand followed the trail the rag was leaving.

Riley's hand felt erotic against his slick skin. Lucas was loving it. She finished soaping him and grabbed the shower head to rinse him off.

Lucas took the shower head from her and wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned her against the shower wall. He captured her mouth in a passionate kiss. He quit kissing her and rinsed himself off.

They got out of the shower and dried off. Riley took the towel from Lucas and wrapped it around her. She went downstairs to grab her clothes. When Lucas came down stairs after dressing she was dressed herself.

"So," he said. "That was a good movie." "Yea." Riley was unusually quiet. "Do you regret what happened?" Lucas walked over to her and used his fingers to tilt her chin up, so she was looking at him. "No, I would never regret being with you."

She embraced him. Her thoughts swirling. "I should probably get going." "Riley, we still have a while, my parents will be gone all night." "Nah, I've already done one naughty thing tonight, let's not make it worse. Besides, my parents will start to worry, it is still a school night." "I suppose you're right."

Lucas grabbed Riley and kissed her deeply. "I love you Riley. So much." "I love you too."

Riley grabbed her things and kissed Lucas good-bye one more time.

When Riley got home she went up to her room and texted Maya everything that had happened.

Maya was over to Riley's house pretty fast. "Wow, so you've done the deed." Maya stated. "Yeah." Riley replied. "How do you feel?" Maya asked.

"Strange and normal, at the same time. Is that possible?" "I suppose. You feel normal because you're still you, however you could be feeling strange because you could feel like you've matured more."

"I guess." Maya hugged Riley. "You'll be your normal self soon enough. C'mon, let's get to bed." Maya jumped up from the bay window and got into Riley's bed. Riley joined her. "Good night Maya." "Good night."

Thursday morning came swiftly. Riley slept decent. She got out of bed and got ready for school, they had Friday off and Saturday was graduation. Riley met Lucas at her locker and Lucas gave a swift kiss.

"Don't wait for me after school today, okay? I have to talk to one of my teachers." Riley said Okay and went to her class. As the school let out at the end of the day, Lucas made his way to the classroom.

Lucas knocked on the open door to the classroom and poked his head in. "Mr. Matthews, Can I talk with you?"

Cory quit erasing the chalkboard and faced Lucas. "Sure, what's up?"

"You may want to sit down for this." Cory gave him a weary look.

Riley walked home with Maya.

"Why couldn't Lucas take you home today?" Maya asked.

"He said he had to speak with one of his teachers."

"About what?"

"I'm not sure, maybe it's about a recommendation letter to his college."

"Who knows, you want to get some ice cream?"

"Sure." Maya and Riley walked into the ice cream parlor and ordered their favorite. They sat down at a table and began to dig in.

"So." Riley began. "Lucas and I had sex."

"Yea, you've told me. Are you still having trouble grasping it?"

"Yeah. I just… I'm not sure. I know I don't regret it, but maybe we should have waited."

"I understand what you mean. It's a part of you, you'll never get back."

"I know."

"Maybe it's a good thing you didn't wait though. Think about it, I had sex with Josh and you had sex with Lucas because we both really care about them. I don't think either of us would've gone as far if we didn't. Besides, they're not the types to hump and dump."

Riley gave Maya a weird look at her wording. "Okay, that's a peculiar way to put that."

"Meh, it was the first thing that came to mind."

"After talking to you, I feel a lot better about everything that happened."

"I'd say, the air around you two isn't as stifling."

"Mhmm."

"I'm serious! There was so much sexual tension it was almost intolerable."

Riley laughed. The girls made their way out of the restaurant and to the Bay window.

Friday Morning

Riley stretched her arms out as she woke up. She searched around for her phone before she found it under the pillow. She checked her messages to see that Lucas had texted her.

Lucas – Care to go on a date?

Riley's heart fluttered. She didn't think it would ever stop as long as Lucas was by her side.

Riley – Sure when did you want to go?

Lucas – Soon.

Riley – Ok let me just get showered and everything.

Lucas – I'll meet you in the bay window?

Riley – Sure.

Riley set her phone down and grabbed a change of clothes from her closet.

She went to her bathroom and turned on the shower. The water poured over her as she thought about Lucas and Wednesday night. Her hand dropped down her stomach and one hand moved to her breast. She rubbed over clit and felt pleasure course through her body. She played with her fold for a little bit before going further and inserting one finger inside of her. She moved to where her thumb was on her clit and her index finger inserted into herself.

She never heard the bathroom door open and close.

She started moaning as she inserted a second finger, oblivious to the world around her. She felt two large hands cover hers and she jumped in surprise. Lucas went to her ear and began to suck on it as his hands replaced hers. He whispered in her ear, "what were you just thinking about?"

"I-uh," Riley stuttered. Lucas pumped three fingers into her. "You were thinking about Wednesday, weren't you?" His fingers got a little more aggressive pulling Riley closer to her climax. "Y-yes!" She was panting heavily as he continued. "Mm, let's see if we can't have a repeat then?" Lucas said huskily. Lucas pulled Riley against him tighter and dropped his head, so he was sucking on her neck.

Riley cried out as her climax hit her with full force. As the climax rolled through her, Lucas braced her against the shower wall as water cascaded down his back. He positioned himself at her entrance and plummeted into her. "Lucas!" Riley gasped out.

His big cock pounded into her. She could feel every inch of him as he slid in and out of her. Riley had her hands braced in front of her. Riley's breasts were hitting the cold shower wall.

Lucas was enjoying the view he had of his girlfriend. Her plump round ass was in the air, glistening from the shower. He continued to smash into her. Riley had another orgasm rip across her body. Her sex was clenching around his cock. He had to pull out soon.

Riley rocked her hips backwards into his and he about lost his seed. Lucas held Riley's hips as he retreated from her body. He rubbed his dick against her sex bringing him closer and closer. He grunted as he gripped Riley's sides tighter and his seed spilled onto the shower wall in front of Riley.

Lucas and Riley stood panting in the shower as the water cascaded down. Shortly, they began to wash up and got out. Lucas pulled his pants and t-shirt back on and rubbed the towel on his head. He grabbed Riley by the waist and pulled her body towards his.

He brought his mouth to hers and caught her lips. Riley's nerves were on fire again. Lucas broke away with a knowing glint in his eyes. Riley snatched the towel from him and dried herself off.

Lucas left the bathroom and went to her room to sit by the bay window. Riley towel-dried her hair and brushed it out. She put her underwear on followed by the floral dress she picked out. She left the room and went to her bedroom.

Lucas was looking out the window when she walked in.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. Riley was sorting through her closet looking for a jean jacket. "I feel fine for the most part."

He looked at her and smiled. "That's good." Riley grabbed the jacket she was looking for and slipped it on. Lucas looked at her outfit choice and frowned.

"You should probably wear shorts for what I have planned today." Riley looked down at her outfit choice. "Hm. What do you have planned today?"

She went to her drawers and pulled out a pair of short blue denim shorts and grabbed a tank top from her closet.

"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you now would it?" Lucas had the goofy grin on his face.

Riley smiled as she changed her outfit quickly. She grabbed a pair of sandals and slipped them on. "You ready to go?"

"Yes."

Lucas and Riley exited through the bay window and got in his truck.

Lucas pulled up into a grassy park. He and Riley climbed out of the truck. Riley walked over to him and slid her hand into his. "Where are we?"

"Today," he started, "We're going to paddle boat."

Riley gasped and got the biggest smile on her face. "I love it!"

Lucas pulled her along as they walked down to the dock and got in a boat.

Their day consisted of laughs, shared kisses, and hand holding.

-Maya-

She was watching TV at Josh's place. Her legs were tucked underneath her with a blanket on top. Josh was sitting beside her munching on popcorn. The movie was kind of droll noise in the background for Maya. She couldn't help but be distracted though. Everyone was leaving and going to college. She'd applied for the college Josh was at, so they wouldn't be separated, but what she really wanted to do was become a freelance artist. Travel the world and paint beautiful sights. Maya wanted to capture all the colors and images Mother Nature had to offer.

She took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Josh, I don't want to go to college right now."

He looked over at her. "Why's that?"

"I want to travel and paint. You know me. School, College, just isn't for me. I'm too much of a free spirit. Look," she continued to ramble. "I know college is important and such for a job and a degree and all the other blah stuff. But, can't I wait to do it? I mean, I still wi-"

"MAYA!" Josh raised his voice, finally getting her attention. Maya's mouth shut. "You can do whatever you want. I have you now, and I'm while I don't plan on letting you go, I don't want to stop you from doing what you really want to do. You're right, you are a free spirit. I'll be here when you get back, but I expect postcards with your art on them."

Maya jumped over onto him, knocking the popcorn on the floor. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she kissed him passionately. She was ecstatic that Josh understood her. His lips drank her in. His arms wrapped around her.

Soon enough, their clothes were off, and they were staring into each other's eyes. Their limbs were tangled. Their breathing was heavy. Maya didn't think she'd ever get enough of Josh. She didn't know how long she'd be gone, but she'd make a mental note to make sure he got his postcards. Maybe some could be more risqué than others.

Graduation Day

Riley's hair fell in large loose curls and she was helping Maya to straighten hers. Riley was wearing a beautiful black dress that fell to her knees. The dress complimented her curves without being sexy. It flared at her hips and had a sweetheart neckline with the straps wrapping around her neck. The shoes Riley wore, were a pair of red heels with a bow in the back.

Maya's dress was a bit simpler. The sleeves cut off high on her shoulder and the length fell to her mid-thigh. Maya's shoes were a pair of matte black flats.

"Alright, we're ready." Riley said as she ran the brush through Maya's hair one last time. The girls left the bathroom and threw on their graduation robes. They gave each other one last inspection.

"I can't believe we're graduating."

Riley produced a small sweet smile.

"I can't believe I'm graduating. Four years of this crap and it's finally over." Maya stated.

Riley laughed. She already knew of Maya's plans to travel.

The girls made their way downstairs. There were streamers and confetti everywhere.

"What the hell?" Maya asked. "Mr. Matthews, did someone die?"

The girls busted out laughing. Cory looked at Maya. "No!" Cory exclaimed. Topanga came and gave each girl a hug. "You two are graduating, of course." Topanga looked at her watch. "And if we don't hurry you won't be." Everyone hurried out the door and towards the school.

Maya and Riley were lined up along with Lucas, Smackle, Farkle, and Zay. Lucas made sure he was by Riley. "Today holds so much." Riley said to Lucas. Lucas looked straight ahead with a twinkle in his eye. "That it does." Riley gave a confused expression but didn't bother to press for more.

Mr. Matthews was at the mic and was giving a speech. "At last, we have Class of 2018. Riley Matthews, my daughter is valedictorian and class president will give parting words to her class."

Riley came forward as the rest of her class took their seats on stage. When they finished, Riley began her speech. "My fellow graduates, most would say that our journey begins today, however that is not the case. Our journey began much sooner. For my best friend, Maya, hers began in eighth grade, when her paintings began to take life. My journey began much earlier. I was enrolled into dance classes at the age of 5. Regardless of where your journey began, now is the time to continue it. I'm going to Julliard and Maya is going to travel the world and capture the beautiful visions it has to offer. Remember and treasure where your journeys began, you'll be looking to them to guide you further in life. We are high school graduates now. Raise your heads high, and know," she paused, the crowd anxious. "that we did it."

Everyone clapped, and tears were shed. Riley returned to her seat and Lucas kissed her on the cheek. Mr. Matthews returned to the mic and waited for the audience to settle before he began to call the names of those graduating. "Zachariah Babineaux, Lisa Bailey,"

After Mr. Matthews had called Riley's name and she sat down beside Lucas. He took her hand. Her attention was on him. She gazed into his eyes as he began to talk. "Riley, I love you. I loved the time we sat in the library and shared our hopes and dreams. I love how we're about to make them reality. You inspired me to take a chance on my dreams. Without you, I wouldn't be going to veterinary school. Riley Matthews,"

Riley looked forward and began to get ready to stand.

Mr. Matthews finished calling the names. "Family and loved ones, I present to you, the graduating class of 2018."

"Will you marry me?"

Lucas stopped Riley. She looked down at him with a surprised expression. As everyone around them cheered, Lucas and Riley were stuck in a trance. "What?" Riley managed. Lucas held out a ring. "Will you marry me?"

Every filed off stage except Lucas and Riley. "We don't have to get married today, or tomorrow, or any time soon. After we graduate. I spoke with your father, he gave us his blessing as long as it was after our education was done." Lucas was speaking nervously.

Riley sat there, trying to process everything. Lucas looked at her with hope in his eyes. It was difficult to turn him down, but she was confused, and this was a drastic step when they'd just taken a step further in their relationship. This was like a jump off the cliff.

"Nothing will change really, except that you'll be engaged and wearing this ring. Riley, please say yes. I don't want to spend another minute without you."

"L-lucas, I." Riley sputtered. She took a deep breath and weighed the pros and cons quickly, which surprisingly to Riley, they were very little cons.

"Yes."

Lucas' breath released. He slid the ring on her finger and kissed fervently. She'd said yes. He hugged her tightly and breathed her in. He couldn't believe she'd said yes. His heart was hammering against his chest as a few tears escaped his eyes.

EPILOGUE

She was beautiful. The light radiated off her white gown as she spun. Her dancing was graceful and entrancing. Her white tights sparkled as she finished her pirouette. Her skirt settled around her as she bowed to her audience. Multiple flowers fell at her feet. The New York Ballet made Riley their star. She'd worked hard for the spot and was now, the most famous dancer in New York. She finished her bow and gathered the flowers. She gave one last bow before exiting the stage.

Her husband, Lucas sat backstage with a bouquet of roses, eager to greet her. He loved that she had such a passion for her dancing. Riley walked into her dressing room and gave Lucas a kiss before she began to get dress into her evening attire. She and Lucas had plans for a romantic dinner out.

Lucas and Riley left the theatre and into his black Lexus. Security blocked the crowds from mauling the couple. As Lucas and Riley traveled to the restaurant, Riley moved to drop her into the crook of his neck and breathe him in. "Maya should be done traveling soon." He said. "Yea, I can't wait to see her." Riley responded.

"How long has it been?" "Ten years." Riley said solemnly. "Unless you account for her coming to our wedding day."

"I guess, but you weren't even sure she was going to show because you hadn't her from her." Lucas stated.

"She made it still and she was still maid-of-honor, much to Smackle's disappointment, but now Maya and Josh can get married."

"He's a patient man." Lucas said.

They arrived at the restaurant and sat down at their table. After they ordered appetizers, Riley began to talk. "So, rescue any animals today?"

"Yes, a poor dog swallowed a stick and the poor thing, the stick got stuck in her throat."

"Oh no." Riley said. She knew her husband's ability though. He was top veterinarian in the country.

"Will the baby be okay?" she asked.

Lucas smiled. "Yes. She has a follow-up tomorrow to make sure more damage wasn't done, but she should make a full recovery."

Lucas grabbed Riley's hand. "Now, speaking of babies, why don't start one. We're stable and our house is built. Surely, we're ready." Riley looked up from the appetizer that had been placed in front of them.

"Of course, I'm ready, but my stomach isn't." As if on cue, the waiter placed Riley's plate down in front of her. Riley dug into her plate.

Lucas smiled as his plate was placed in front of him as well.

They finished their meal and went home.

Riley went to take a shower as Lucas got dressed into his pajamas. The steam from the shower was sneaking out from the bathroom. Riley came out shortly dressed in only a towel. "So, about starting that family." Lucas came over and held Riley by her hips. "I was hoping we could start tonight." He placed his mouth on hers. The kiss turned feverish and the towel wrapped around Riley's body dropped.

They dropped onto the bed and held each other close.

"What do you want? A girl or boy?" Lucas asked. "I want a boy, but it honestly doesn't matter. I'll be happy with either." Riley kissed him underneath his chin.

"We can teach him how to play football." Lucas responded. "Mhmm." Riley mumbled and turned over and let sleep take her. Lucas turned so he was laying on his back with his arms behind his head. He was happy. He married his high school sweetheart and they were on their way to starting their family. Neither having to sacrifice their dreams. He dropped his arms to his chest and sighed contentedly as sleep took him as well.