Twice Blessed

by McGill357

Maya Hunter has been living in Europe for the past 10 years studying art. But now she's home for a visit. While home, she plans of catching up with all her family and friends. There's been a lot of changes since she left, some she knows about and some she don't. And some of those changes could have a major impact on her future.

9. Birthdays

"So you're not going to tell me where you're flying me for my birthday Farkle?" Maya asks. Her old friend just smiles and says: "Nope, a birthday surprise is supposed to be just that, a surprise." Maya scowls at him at first, but then smiles. She loves Farkle. She's known him almost as long as Riley and they'd do anything for each other. They had just gotten out of the Escalade that brought them to the hangar where the Minkus International jet was kept. "Well, you didn't tell me to bring my passport, so it must be somewhere in the U.S." Maya surmises. "You might as well give up Maya," Riley says. "He's not going to tell you." All she knows is that Farkle told her to pack a bag for a three-day trip that he and Riley were taking her on for her birthday. "I will tell you this though," Farkle says. "You'll probably figure it out before we land." Maya sighs and resigns herself to be ignorant of where Farkle is taking her.

They take off safely and head away from the city. It's a clear day and the visibility seems almost limitless. As they fly, the three old friends talk and reminisce about their lives as friends. Riley is most curious about Maya's time in Europe, especially in Paris. After several hours of flying, Maya sees a city off in the distance and thinks she might know which one it is. As they get closer, she asks: "It's Austin, Texas isn't it Farkle." He and Riley just look and her and smile. "It is," Farkle answers with a smile. "And you're taking me to see Lucas, Zay, and Isadora?" His smile gets wider as he says: "Yes, and Autry, Lucas' wife. She's anxious to meet you." Maya smiles now and says: "Good, I'm anxious to meet her too. That girl needs to be educated on what to call Huckleberry." This gets a huge laugh from Riley and Farkle. "This is a wonderful birthday surprise Farkle," Maya says. "Thank you for coming up with this idea." Farkle grins and tells her: "It was actually their idea Maya." Maya raises an eyebrow at this new information. "They begged me to bring you down here for your birthday and a reunion with them." Maya's old classmates hadn't seen her since college, and of course, Autry had never met her. "They would have loved to come to New York to see you, but they're real busy this time of year and can't leave the ranch, so I said I'd fly you down her. Of course," he continued, "it's been a while since Riley and I have seen them too, so it was a win-win for us."

As they neared the city, Farkle told them to get to their seats and buckle their seatbelts as they would soon be landing. After being cleared to land, Farkle began his assent. They weren't landing at the big international airport in Austin, but rather a smaller one on the city's outskirts. He made a smooth landing, then taxied to a nearby hangar where he was guided to a spot to park his plane. As they were taxiing to that spot, Maya looked through a window and spotted Lucas, Autry, Zay, and Isadora waiting on them to stop. "They're all here," Maya exclaims with a mixture of joy and surprise. "Yeah," Riley begins, "they made sure to clear their schedules so they could all be here to meet you. Like Farkle said, they're all excited to see you." As they're coming to a stop, Farkle sees how anxious Maya is to see them all and tells her: "As soon as we stop Maya, I'll open the door so you can go ahead and see them. We'll bring all the bags down." Maya smiles, "thanks Farkle.

As soon as she can, Maya exits the plane and excitedly runs to her old friends. The first to get to her is Zay. She engulfs him in a big hug. "Zay, it's so good to see you!" She says when she releases him. "It's good to see you too Honey Nugget," he returns. Isadora, who is right next to him holds out her arms for a hug from her old friend. Maya hugs her gently at first, remembering Isadora's struggles with close physical contact; but to her surprise, the physicist and now cowgirl hugs Maya tighter than she ever has. This stuns Maya to the point of being speechless. Isadora gives Maya the warmest smile she's ever seen from her. "I'm almost completely over my uncomfortableness with physical contact now Maya. Thanks to the wonderful people in our community and around Austin." Maya finally gets her voice back and says: "That's wonderful Issy; I'm so happy for you. And a cowgirl on a working ranch!? Wow! You have changed since I saw you last." The two share another hug. After releasing Isadora, Maya sees Lucas standing there, waiting his turn to greet his old friend. Next to him stands Autry, his wife. Maya recognizes her from the pictures Riley has shown her of the tall, beautiful, Texas girl. She's almost as tall as Lucas who seems taller than the last time she saw him. In fact, Zay and Isadora seem taller as well. She finally realizes they're not taller, but rather she's not wearing heals or platform shoes like she almost always did when she knew them from before. She rarely wears heals or platforms now to save her feet. Hoping that his rather tall and strong-looking wife doesn't mind a supposedly former girlfriend hugging her husband's neck, Maya smiles at Lucas and embraces her old classmate and friend; and he hugs her back. The hug is warm and cordial and totally Lucas. Many thought that she and the Texan had a thing for each other while the two were in high school together, but their closest friends knew different. Lucas did have a strong affection for Maya, but as a friend instead of a romantic interest. Perhaps only Riley understood more than Lucas what Maya had been through in her young life; her self-doubt; her lack of hope. As a result, he always fought for her and encouraged her. And, in their tight little circle of friends, only Maya's love of Riley exceeded her love for Lucas.

Maya gives him her brightest and warmest smile. "It's so good to see you again Lucas," she says. "I think ranch life and being a vet agrees with you." This gets a smile and a chuckle from Lucas. "Thanks Maya," he returns. "And I'd have to say that living abroad has agreed with you as well; world famous artist; jet setter; trend setter; pretty impressive I'd say." Maya rolls her eyes and scoffs: "pfffft, like I've told Riley and Farkle, don't believe half of what you've heard or read about me. What I actually am is an artist just trying to improve her art and live a dream." Lucas nods his understanding. Maya just enforced what he already thought, that she wasn't the jet setter she was made out to be by the press. Instead, she spent the majority of her time doing what she loved, painting. "Maya," Lucas begins, "this is my wife Autry. Autry, this is Maya Hunter you've heard so much about." Maya stood as straight and tall as she could, but still, she looked up as the tall Texas woman. She had no idea what Lucas's wife would think of her. Riley certainly liked her and told Maya she'd like Autry too. Then a bright smile breaks out over the taller woman's face and before Maya realizes it, Autry engulfs her in a big Texas hug. "It's so good to finally meet you Maya," she says. "Lucas has told me all about you." When she finally releases her, Maya asks: "Really?" Autry smiles and says: "yes, really. He's told me everything. And by everything, I mean ev-ver-re-thing," she drawls out slowly. "And anything he forgot, Zay and Issy filled me in on. Oh, and Riley told me a lot too." This takes Maya by surprise and she doesn't know how to answer, but Autry continued, this time with a serious look on her face. "He told me all about your struggles growing up Maya. How he felt a kinship with you because of some struggles he had as a boy; how much he cared for you and fought for and defended you whenever he could. That big, strong Texas heart he has is what caused me to fall in love with him." She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. "And he told me that outside of your tight circle of friends, most everyone thought you two were a thing, when in fact you weren't; triangle included." This caused Maya to smile. "He said all that was, was just confusion on his part." Maya finally says: "thanks Autry. I didn't want any awkwardness between us. I hope we can be friends. Lucas loves you, and that makes you special to me." Everyone can see Autry is touched Maya words. "Guys," she begins as she looks at the little group assembled in the hangar, "she's everything you said she was and more." She looks back at Maya and says: "I think we're already friends Maya." Then she smiles and adds: "and maybe you can tell me some things about Lucas that the other haven't." Maya grins while thinking, then asks: "Do you have a nickname for Lucas, Autry?" Lucas gives a low groan which causes Riley, Farkle, Zay, and Isadora to giggle. "Well," Autry begins, "I call him Luc sometimes, but that's actually a common nickname for Lucas. What do you ask?" Another groan erupts from Lucas, causing more giggles. "Well, Autry, we need to talk," Maya tells her. "Oh, I think I'm gonna like this," Autry says as she loops an arm through one of Maya's and begins to lead her out of the hangar. She looks back at the rest of the group and says: "Luc, you and Zay help Farkle with the bags. Maya and I have some catchin' up to do." Then she winks at Riley and Isadora, who have knowing grins on their faces, and motions for them to follow her and her new friend. As they near the SUV that will take them all back to the ranch, Autry suddenly burst out laughing and shouts: "Ranger Rick! I love it!" Then a few seconds later she shouts: "Huckleberry!? That's even better!" Lucas just sighs, shakes his head and says: "Well, I guess she's back." This gets a round of laughter from the old friends. But then a soft happy grin appears on his face and he says: "But it's really good to see her again." This gets him a loving hug from Riley and Isadora.

As they drive down the road, headed back to the ranch, Maya marvels at the countryside. "Wow!" She exclaims. "The scenery here is not what I expected," she begins. "I guess I didn't pay that much attention to it when I was here as a teenager. It's beautiful, but a different type of beauty than I'm used to seeing." Lucas asks: "What do you mean Maya?" The artist thinks for a minute, then answers: "What I'm used to seeing in upstate New York and places in Europe, is a lot of greenery. There's a lot less greenery here, but it's still breathtaking." She turns to look at the Texans in the group, "I can't believe you get to live in a place that is surrounded by suck beauty, and I can't wait to paint some of it." Farkle had told Maya to bring along some painting supplies, because she might want to paint where he was taking her. "We know we're all lucky to be living here," Zay says. "It's one of the prime motivators for us to keep the ranch going." The others nod their agreements with what Zay said.

Later, Maya sees the entrance to the ranch her four friends call home. A big grin forms on her face. "I remember this from the last time we were here, even though it was a long time ago." Lucas, who's driving, looks at Maya through the rear-view mirror and says: "Yeah, that entrance is something almost everyone who's visited here remembers." They drive on for about a mile and Maya sees cattle and horses on both sides of the road. Then she sees three houses come into view. "The two newer houses must be yours," she says as she nods toward Lucas & Autry and Zay & Isadora. "And I recognize the other as the old original ranch house where we stayed before when we were in high school. But where is your vet clinic Lucas?" Autry answers: "We put it on another part of the ranch on a main road so people wouldn't have to come to the main entrance to the ranch to get to it." Maya takes this all in, then Lucas tells them: "You three will be staying in the ranch house with Pappy Joe. He doesn't get up as early as the rest of us, so you all will can sleep in." Lucas follows this up with a little chuckle. "Hey, we get up early too," Riley protests. "Six o'clock early?" Isadora asks. "To get chores done before the workday gets started?" This gets a stunned looked from Riley. She obviously wasn't expecting that response. "Well, maybe not quite that early," Riley says. "I guess ranch life isn't as glamorous as I thought." The four Texans all laugh lightly. "That's okay Riley," Zay says. "Ranch life does have a lot of hard work involved, but it's worth every early morning, every calloused hand, every aching muscle, and every skinned knuckle. None of us would trade it for anything." The other three ranchers nod in agreement. "Pappy Joe taught us that," Lucas adds. This gets Maya to thinking about Lucas's grandfather. She'd really been looking forward to seeing him again. Just then, she sees him on the front porch of the ranch house, sitting and rocking in a rocking chair. "Is that Pappy Joe?" Maya asks. "Yep, that's him," Lucas answers with a little bit pf pride in his voice. "He's somewhere in his mid to late eighties; he won't tell us exactly how old he is." This gets a chuckle from everyone. "He uses a cane to help him walk now, but he still gets around pretty good. He loves to ride or hitch up a wagon and ramble all over the ranch, just to make sure everything's okay. He does that about once a week." After a slight pause, Zay adds: "But the main thing he does is advise us on how to run the ranch. He has a wealth of knowledge of that and other things as well; like how to live a happy life. We run the ranch," Zay continues, "but he's the heart and soul of it." Maya sees the four Texans nod in agreement.

When Lucas stops in front of the ranch house, he looks at Maya and says: "Go ahead on Maya. He's really looking forward to seeing you," indicating Pappy Joe. Maya grins at him, opens an SUV door, and runs to the front porch where Pappy Joe is waiting. Before she can get to him, he stands up to greet her. When she pauses, he smiles a big, wide smile at her and says: "It's good to see you again darlin'. Welcome back." A few tears well up in Maya's eyes at the senior Fryer's greeting. When he opens up his arms to great Maya, she closes the distance between them and embraces him in a hug. He wraps his big arms around her and hugs back. She remembers this feeling. Pappy Joe is more than a head taller than her, and bigger everywhere else, by a lot. She feels tiny inside his embrace, but safe and cared for. When they release each other, Maya smiles at the big Texan and says: "It's so good to see you again Pappy Joe. I've missed you and Lucas, Zay, and Isadora. And I just made a new friend in Autry." The big Texan laughs a hearty laugh. "We've missed you too Maya," he replies. "And we're glad Farkle and Riley came up with this idea to fly you down here for your birthday. We've got a few things planned for you to do with everyone." Maya nods her understanding, but adds: "Well, I hope you included some time for me to paint and do some sketching. Farkle told me to bring my art supplies because I might want to paint. And he was right. I've already been inspired buy just the drive over here."

"Ha haa," Pappy Joe laughs with pleasure. "Don't worry about that darlin'. You'll have plenty of time for your art. Wouldn't have it any other way." With that he leads Maya inside the ranch house and the room she'll stay in while there. He does the same for Riley and Farkle after greeting them with big hugs as well. Once they're all settled in, they return to the living room, where Pappy Joe has someone for them to meet. There are two people standing there waiting to meet them. One is a lady slightly taller that Maya who looks to be in her mid to late forties. Next to her is a boy who appears to be around ten or eleven. Both have dark black hair that's so black is shines. They also have beautiful, piercing, black eyes. To Maya, they seem to be of Mexican decent. "Maya, Riley, Farkle," he begins, "I'd like for you to meet Isabella Meléndez and her nephew, Juan." Then he turns to them and says: "Isabella, Juan, these are our good friends, Riley and Farkle Menkes, and Maya Hunter, our birthday girl. They all exchange warm greetings with each other. Isabella is surprised to hear Maya speak fluent Spanish. Maya sees her surprise and explains with a smile: "I grew up in a Spanish speaking neighborhood in New York. And for the past several years, I've been living in France and I enjoy visiting Spain from time to time which keeps me up on my Spanish." This gets a smile from Isabella and Juan. "Well, you speak Spanish very well," Juan comments, which gets quick agreement from Isabella. "Gracias Juan. Fue amable de su parte (Thank you Juan; that was nice of you to say), Maya answers. Then Pappy Joe explains: "You didn't get a chance to meet them when you were here before, but Isabella's family and her husband's family have worked on this farm since the day it was formed in the 1800s. This ranch wouldn't be what it is today if it wasn't for their loyalty and hard work. They're family to us and not just employees." This brings shy smiles from Isabella and Juan. "Zay and I played with Isabella's younger brothers and sister when we were growing up," Lucas says. "We went to school together until me, and then Zay, moved to New York; and you know that story." The three New Yorkers nod in acknowledgment. "And we were all happy when they moved back to continue running our ranch," Isabella says. "Now," Pappy Joe continues, "Isabella is in charge of the ranch house and keeps everything running smoothly. And that means," he continues with a smile, "that I'd advise you to do whatever she tells you to do while you're in her house. Believe me, you don't want her mad at you." Pappy Joe chuckles at his statement, but Isabella exclaims: "Oh Mr. Pappy, don't scare them with talk like that. I'm not that bad." She chuckles along with Pappy Joe, but then adds: "but I will keep this house neat and clean." This gets knowing smiles and nods from everyone.

For the rest of the evening, Lucas and Autry take the three visitors on a tour of their veterinary clinic. They're shown the entire facility and what all they do there. Autry tells them that most of their work is done at other ranches. They tend mostly to sick or otherwise ailing ranch animals; cattle, horses, and occasionally working dogs. But as Lucas explains, they also treat pets at their clinic. He tells them that treating those pets, dogs and cats, is equally important as treating livestock animals because these pets are considered valued members of their owner's families. "And they're more than just lap pets," he tells them. "Cats help keep the rodent population down and dogs make excellent guardians of the home, alerting their owner's if strangers are approaching, even in the middle of the night," he goes on to explain. "Lucas," Riley exclaims, "I had no idea how important your work is here. You should be proud." Lucas and Autry give each other knowing smiles. "We are Riley," Autry says. "Luke and I grew up on ranches that were remote and had little access to veterinary help. Looking back, we remember several times where livestock was lost due to a lack of veterinaries. We both saw a need for this and that's why we opened our clinic and offered our services to the surrounding communities."

After their tour of the clinic, they head back to the ranch house. As soon as they walk in the front door, the three visitors are greeted by a delicious aroma. "Mmmm…., what is that?" Maya asks with a big grin on her face. Her mouth begins to water along with Riley and Farkle's. Pappy Joe chuckles at their reactions. That's exactly what he was going for. "That, my friends, is smoked brisket, fresh out of the smoker," Pappy Joe answers. "Wow! I just thought I was hungry until I smelled that!" Farkle exclaims. "When do we eat!?"

"Farkle!" Riley warns. "That's impolite, we're guests here."

Once again Pappy Joe can't help but laugh. "It's okay Riley darlin'. We're all friends here. And we like havin' guests who bring an appetite. But to answer Farkle, it won't be too much longer I believe, but I'll go check." But before he can even take a step, a familiar sound is heard: "Ha-Hurrr!" Everyone turns toward the door that leads into the kitchen, where the sound came from. "Cletis! It's so good to see you," Maya shouts. "Oh no," Lucas says as he rubs his eyes and has a look of misery on his face. "I'd forgotten that Cletis was going to be here when Maya was." Autry looks at him and asks: "What's wrong honey? Don't Maya and Cletis get along?" He looks at his wife and then at the two in question, who are now embracing is a warm hug. "Oh they get along just fine." He answers. "A little too fine for me." When Autry gives him a questioning look, he continues. "It has to do with Maya always teasing me. I'll explain later." Suddenly, Maya and Cletis are standing in from of him. "Hello Lukey," Cletis says. "Hello Huckleberry," Maya says. Then from both of them in a loud duet comes: "Ha-Hurrrrr!" Satisified with their greeting to Lucas, the two walk away with big smiles on their faces. "That was hilarious!" Autry exclaims. She notices Lucas wasn't laughing and asks: "that's not bothering you is it? You know they're just having fun with you, right?" Then he smiles and says: "Yeah, I know." His smile gets brighter and he continues: "It's kinda Maya's thing with me. It's her way of letting me know she cares about me. And I actually like it…., but don't tell her I said that. It would spoil her fun." She smiles, kisses him, and says: "It'll be our little secret." Cletis, who's been helping with the brisket dinner, tells everyone: "it'll be ready shortly.

About 30 minutes later, they're all sitting at a large dinner table in the dining room adjacent to the kitchen and enjoying their first of, what would be, several homecooked meals with the Friars. The dinner conversation is pleasant as everyone catches up on each other's lives since college. The Texans want to know about Maya's adventures in Europe, of course. And she takes the time to tell them many stories that she wouldn't tell just anyone. She tells them about how the first couple of months in London were hard on her and she had to grow up fast. She missed her parents, her brothers, and her friends so much that it made her very homesick. She decided not to tell them how much she missed a certain uncle of her best friend. After talking about her time in London, she notices the concerned look on all their faces. She lightened the mood then by telling them it was worth it though. She learned so much during her time there, before moving to Rome. She said that move was much easier than her move to London. She knew what to expect and was excited about furthering her art studies. She finished by describing her move to Paris, where she'd been living the past three years or so. She told them that this last move was a dream come true. She was working at one of the most prestigious art conservatories, art galleries, and art teaching facilities in the world, and that more than likely, she'd eventually live and work in Paris permanently. The table goes silent after hearing that. No one knowing what exactly to say. Zay finally breaks the silence. "I think I speak for everyone at the table when I say, we will miss you Maya." Everyone nods in agreement. "And I think I also speak for everyone when I say, we are all very, very proud of you as well." There's more enthusiastic agreement them. "Thank you everyone," Maya says with more than a little emotion in her voice. Her closest friends being so proud of her made all the hard work and sacrifices she made worth it. Zay continues with: "And even though you're becoming a famous artist, you'll still be 'honey nugget' to us." This gets loud laughter from everyone, especially Maya, who says: "thanks Zay, I need you guys to keep me humble." As the evening begins to wind down, the three New Yorkers thank Pappy Joe for the wonderful dinner. "I'm happy everyone enjoyed it," he says. "Now get some good sleep tonight, we've got a long day planned tomorrow for the birthday girl." The three guests, especially Maya, look at him with expectations. "About mid-morning tomorrow, so you city folks can sleep in," he grins at his good-natured teasing of his guests, "we're going on a tour of the entire ranch, and that will take a while. Then tomorrow evening, for Maya's birthday, we're going to have an old-fashioned Texas Bar-B-Q at the ranch pavilion next to the house. It's the place we have all our special events. Everyone from the ranch will be there; Isabella and her family, and of course Cletis and his wife Valeria . Hopefully it'll be a party you won't soon forget Maya." She smiles at the senior Friar and says: "thank you Pappy Joe. I'm already looking forward to it. After some more visiting with each other in the living room, they head up to bed.

The next morning, after a light breakfast, Pappy Joe and Cletis lead the group out to the horse barn. There they find ten horses saddled and ready to ride. Lucas & Autry, and Zay & Isadora, are going with the group, along with Cletis and Roberto. "Wait a minute," Maya says in surprise, we're not riding horses for our ranch tour today are we? I've never been on a horse." "Neither have we," Riley and Farkle chime in together. Pappy Joe and Cletis laugh. "Lucas told up you'd say that, "Pappy Joe says. "But the only proper way to tour a Texas ranch is on horseback." When he sees slightly nervous looks on his three guests, he says: "Don't worry you three. Roberto here picked out our gentlest horses for you three to ride." When he realizes his guests haven't me Roberto, he introduces him. "This is Roberto Garza, Isabella's brother and Juan's father, and one of the finest horsemen you'll ever meet." This eases the worry of the three New Yorkers somewhat. Roberto eases it a little more. "Don't worry my friends," he begins, "these are three of our oldest and gentlest horses. You will enjoy riding them." Slowly the three visitors make their way to their horses. Each is given a leg up onto their rides for the day. Lucas has to adjust Maya's stirrups to fit her shorter legs. "There you go short stack," he says, which causes the others to laugh at Lucas's old joke. Maya scowls at them before saying: "if I didn't love you all so much, I'd punch you right now." This of course gets laughter from everyone, including Roberto, when he sees that Maya is only teasing her friends back.

As they venture out onto the ranch, Pappy Joe explains everything that comes into view and what it means to the ranch. As they ride along at a slow walk, Cletis, Roberto, & Isadora, ride along between their guests to further ease any anxiety they might with their riding. Isadora makes sure to ride along next to Maya. Few knew outside of their friend group that only Riley and maybe Farkle loved Maya more than her. All through high school, Maya was always considered one of the coolest students in the whole school. But everyone saw that Isadora, the nerd, was one of her best friends. This changed a lot of peoples' minds about Isadora and anyone else that was considered a "bookworm." And Isadora was so grateful for that. It helped bring her out of her shell, much in the same way it did Riley. After they had ridden for a whole, Maya says: "Wow Issy, you look so natural on that horse. It seems as if you were born on one." She flashes Maya a bright smile. "Thank you Maya," she begins. "I was as surprised as anyone at how easily I took to it. But now, it seems like it's a part of me, as is ranch life. I love my work at UTA, but if I ever had to leave my work, for whatever reason, I know I could spend the rest of my life working on the ranch and be very happy." Maya just shakes her head in amazement and smiles. She's so happy for Isadora. "Yeah, she's a real cowgirl now," Zay says with a smile as he pulls up next to his wife. "All thanks to you, my love," Isadora says as she gives him a quick kiss.

The riding tour goes on for the rest of the morning. Pappy Joe does most of the talking, pointing out different landmarks and telling them the history of the Friar ranch. At one point they come across an old house that looks still usable, but no one seems to live there. "That's the original homestead house that my great-grandfather built when he first settled here," Pappy Joe tells them. "We use it as a line camp house now, but I want to keep it intact because of its historical significance to the ranch. They all stop to look at the little structure for a few minutes as they let the value of the house, to the Friars, sink in. Maya takes particular interest in it. Then, secretly, takes a few pictures of it for an idea she has.

A little after noon, the group tops a small rise, and what they see takes their breath away. The land has leveled out and it seems like it goes on forever. To one side is a large lake with several groves of trees around it. To the other side is what seems to be a never-ending forest with trees of all different kinds with bright green leaves. Behind that are several mountain peaks. And the grass around all of this is greenest Maya has ever seen. "How far does your ranch go Pappy Joe?" Riley asks. "As far as you can see and a little further darlin'," he answers. "This is absolutely magnificent," Farkle observes. "Yes it is," Riley agrees. The two continue to stare at the spectacular landscape. Lucas notices that Maya hasn't said a word, but is staring intently as what she sees. He and Autry, along with Pappy Joe ride up next to her. She's pulled one of her legs up in front of her and has it laying across her saddle. She seems to be perfectly comfortable in that position. "You haven't said anything yet Maya," Lucas observes. "We wanted to bring you here because this is the most beautiful place on the entire ranch." Maya just keeps staring, seemingly not hearing what Lucas has said to her. Finally, she acknowledges the presence of him, and the others around her, and without moving her eyes from the landscape says: "I have no words to describe what I'm seeing Lucas. I've had the chance to see some amazing places in the traveling I've had the pleasure of doing, but nothing I've seen matches the sheer beauty of what I'm looking at right now." The three Texans around her smile at her reaction. They'd hoped she'd like this place. "I….I can't believe you guys get to live here and see this every day," Maya says with nothing but awe on her face. "We call it God's country Maya," Pappy Joe says. "And we feel blessed every day we get to wake up here on the ranch." After a few minutes of silence, Maya speaks again. "Well, God has certainly blessed this place with incredibly beauty. Thank you for bringing me….us here to see it." Smiling, Lucas says: "you're welcome Maya. We were hoping you'd like this place." Maya contemplates his words, then turns to them and says: "Pappy Joe, I've found the place I want to paint. There's no way I can leave this ranch without painting this incredibly beautiful place." He smiles and says: "Done Maya, you can start today if you'd like. We have a few more places we want to show you, but we can do that another day. So if you want, you can start now. And don't worry about getting your art supplies out here. Just tell me what you want and I'll have Isabella get them from your room and have someone to bring them out here in one of our ranch four-wheelers. That way, they'll be here right after the lunch we brought with us that Isabela packed for us." Overcome with his generosity, Maya thanks him and gives him a kiss on his cheek, which causes the old cowboy to turn slightly red with embarrassment. "Watch out now Pappy," Zay says, "we don't want to catch you crying or anything." Pappy Joe looks at him with a scowl on his face and says: "Zay! How'd you like to be put on horse barn mucking duty for a month?!" His voice seems harsh, but everyone sees he's trying his best not to laugh. Never-the-less, Zay backs down. "Okay, okay, forget I said that," he begins in his best meek voice. "I remember the last time I had barn-mucking duty, and I don't want to do that again." This gets a laugh from everyone, including Pappy Joe. "What in the world did you do Zay?!" Maya asks in amazement. "He forgot to get Issy a wedding anniversary gift a few years ago, so Pappy Joe made him clean barns all day for two weeks!" Lucas tells her. Maya laughs, then says: "Well, I hope you learned your lesson Zay." He just shakes his head and replies: "Oh I did; believe me I did."

After the laughter dies down from that story, they ride to one of the shady tree groves near the lake, where Lucas, Zay, and Roberto retrieve the lunches from saddle bags and set up a picnic area for them to eat. Just as they were finishing their lunches, they hear the sound of an engine coming toward them. Soon they see a four-wheeler with Maya's art supplies in it top the rise overlooking their picnic area. Maya sets up her easel, canvas, paints, and brushes, everything she needs, on the top of the rise so she can see the entire landscape, and begins to paint. After getting started, she tells Pappy Joe to take everyone else and finish the ranch tour while she stays and paints. Everyone protests at first, but she tells them she wouldn't enjoy it anyway because her mind would be on this place the entire time. They reluctantly agree and begin to mount their horses to leave. Roberto volunteers to stay behind with Maya and bring he back to the ranch house. Pappy Joe tells him to have Maya back before dark for the Bar-B-Q they have planned for the evening, then they mount up and leave the artist with her work.

Later that day, at the ranch house, just before the sun sets, Roberto brings Maya back for the Bar-B-Q. Did you get the painting done Maya?" Pappy Joe asks. "No," she answers, "I'm about half-done maybe. I'll need to go tomorrow morning to finish." Pappy Joe asks: "Roberto, can you take Maya back tomorrow and stay with her?" He answers: "Of course I can." Maya, worried about him staying with her the whole time, says: "Roberto, I may be out there most of the day tomorrow to finish up. It'll be boring just watching me paint, so why don't you go, come back to the ranch house while I'm painting, and pick me up at the end of the day. Even if I finish before you come back, I won't be bored. I could look at that scenery for hours at a time." Pappy Joe's about to say something, but Roberto beats him to it. "No, no, Miss Maya," he begins, "we never leave anyone alone this far out from the ranch house, especially a guest, and I won't be bored." He looks at Pappy Joe and says: "Mister Joe, it's amazing to watch her paint. I've never watched anyone do it before. It's…. it's like magic. She begins with nothing, a blank canvas, and then slowly turns it into something beautiful. It is a pleasure to watch her work." Pappy Joe smiles and tells Maya: "Well, there ya go darlin', you're all set for tomorrow."

Soon, the air around the ranch house is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of slowly smoked beef ribs and brisket. "Mmmmm, that smells incredible," Farkle says. "I can't wait to eat!" Everyone chuckles at Farkle's impatience. "It'll be ready soon Farkle," Pappy Joe tells him, but then he warns: "Now Farkle, I want you to control yourself this time. I last time you got a look in your eyes like that for Texas Bar-B-Q, you almost ate yourself sick." Farkle has to agree. "I know Pappy Joe. I promise I'll control myself this time." Later, bowls of food are brought out and put on the table under the ranch house pavilion, and everyone begins to dig in. As he promised, Farkle didn't go overboard with the bar-b-q, but he enjoyed himself immensely as he ate. So did the others, especially Maya. They made her sit at the head of the table as the guest of honor, because it was her birthday. They surprised her in the end when they brought out a huge cake with "Happy Birthday Maya" written on it in icing. Isabela baked the cake. She told Maya it was an old family recipe, passed down generation to generation. It was a traditional Mexican cake and she only baked it for special occasions and special people. Maya was very grateful to Isabela and her family for this honor and thanked them again and again. After they'd finished eating and were enjoying after dinner conversation, Maya stood up and told everyone she had something to say. She thanked everyone first, who had a hand in preparing this "wonderful birthday feast," as she put it. But she had more to say. "I also want to thank everyone here," she began, "for treating me like Maya; just Maya, a family friend." She sees confused looks on their faces and continues. "You see, out there," she indicates with her hands indicating "out there" is any place outside of the ranch, "I'm Maya, the famous painter. Most people I meet want something from me and will try doing nice things for me to get it, like buying me expensive meals. And believe me, that gets old. But here, with you all, I'm just Maya, the family friend. Here I can be me. And I know this wonderful meal you prepared for us was done with love for family and friends, and not to try to get something. And that means more to me than you could ever imagine." Then she holds up her glass for a toast. "So here's to family and friends; may you always keep me humble." Everyone holds up their glasses and then drinks to Maya's toast. "Don't worry Honey Nuggets," Zay says with a smile. "We'll kick your butt of you start getting' get to big for your britches." This gets a laugh from everyone, especially Maya, who says: "Thanks Zay, I'm counting on you."

The next morning Farkle and Riley make their way to the kitchen to see what's for breakfast. They find everyone at the kitchen table enjoying breakfast. "Sit down you two," Pappy Joe declarers, "We've got plenty to eat this morning." As they sit down at the table to eat, Riley says: "shouldn't we wait for Maya?" I'm sure she'll be up soon."

"No need to darlin," Pappy Joe tells them. "Her and Roberto left before sun-up this morning."

"Before sun-up," Farkle says, surprised that she'd be up that early. "Yep," Lucas replies. "She asked Roberto last night it he'd take her that early. She wanted to get to the lake before sun-up to see the sun rise over it. She may put that in her painting." Riley smiles upon hearing this. "She's not normally a morning person," she says, "but when it comes to art, all bets are off." Everyone seems to agree with Riley. "Art is her passion," Isadora says. "I can actually relate." When she gets some questioning looks, she explains: "Oh, I don't mean relate to art, but relate to passion about something you love. I'm passionate about science, but I'm also passionate about ranch life. If someone had told me a few years ago that I'd be getting up before dawn to feed and take care of horses and then look forward to riding one all day, I'd have thought you were crazy. But look at me now. I love it and couldn't be happier."

Later that day, the six younger adults, Farkle, Riley, Lucas, Autry, Zay, and Isadora, ride out to check on Maya and Roberto. They find Maya, as expected, sitting on top of the rise, engrossed in her work. She has spots of paint on her cloths, face, and hands, indicating how hard she's been working. But as Riley noted, she's working hard but has a constant smile on her face as she's working. She stops for a few minutes to greet her friends. She'll only let Farkle and Riley look at her unfinished work. She forbids anyone else from seeing her painting before it's finished. "I'll be at the ranch house in a few hours guys," she tells them. "I want to finish before the light is gone. Then, after it's dried, I'll show it to everyone, probably tomorrow before we leave to go back to New York." They bid Maya goodbye and head back to the ranch house.

That evening, just as twilight is beginning, Maya and Roberto arrive back at the ranch house. Once again, Maya forbids anyone from seeing her painting until she says it's ready. She tells them she has a couple of things to finish on it before they can see it. They all groan in mock disappointment, but agree to her wishes. Later, the group is treated to another wonderful dinner, their last for this trip to the Friar Ranch. After dinner, they stay at the table to enjoy after-dinner coffee and conversation. All but Maya that is; and Pappy Joe notices this. He sees her through the window on the front porch. She seems to be in deep thought as she stares up onto the beautiful Texas sky. He makes his way onto the front porch with her and sits in his favorite rocking chair, but Maya seems not to notice him and continues to look at the night sky. Finally, he says: "Beautiful night tonight, isn't it Maya?" This seems to get her attention briefly and she turns to him and simply answers: "Yes, it is." Then she grins slightly and adds: "I guess it's true what they say: 'everything's bigger in Texas.' I guess the sky and stars are too." This gets a smile and a slight chuckle from Pappy Joe. But he notices that Maya returns to looking off into the distance. He also notices something different about the look on her face. It's different than when she's admired the beauty of the ranch before. And he believes he knows why. "Who're you thinking about Maya?" He asks. Must be someone special by the look on your face." This gets her attention again as she looks at him with slight embarrassment as a kid would when caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Oh, no one," she lies. "Just thinking about going back to New York? I'm gonna miss this place." But she hasn't fooled Pappy Joe one bit. "Now Maya," he begins, "I'm thinking you're thinking about some feller; a very special feller I believe." This takes Maya by surprise. "No, no," she sputters, "why would you think that?" Pappy Joe can't help but smile at this beautiful young woman he's grown so fond of. "Maya," he begins, "I've watched both my kids grow up and fall in love. I've watched their kids grow up and fall in love. And I've watched Zay and Isadora, ever since Zay introduced me to her, fall in love. I know that look darlin', and it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Fallin' in love is the greatest feeling in the world, and I hope this guy, whoever he is, knows how lucky he is to have you in love with him." Maya can't help but smile at his words. But as soon as her smile appears, it disappears again. "It's a little more complicated than that," she tells him. "How's that?" He asks. She proceeds to tell him the story about her and Josh from high school to college and her leaving for Europe to study art, about Josh getting married, having a daughter, and loosing Ann, to her reconnecting with him, helping him to heal from the tragedy he's had to endure, and ultimately her feelings for him returning, and, as she put it, "screwing things up royally." Pappy Joe takes all of this in before saying anything. "I remember Lucas and Zay telling me about him and you, Josh I believe his name was." Maya nods her agreement. "Tragic thing that happened to him. All your friends here went to the funeral, and so did Autry, even though she didn't know him, or you. But she knew how important it was for Lucas, Zay, and Isadora to go, so she went to." Maya again nods her head in understanding, appreciating what she's just been told. "Has his old feelings for you returned?" He asks. This question surprises her. "I….I don't know," she answers. "We haven't talked about it." This time it's Pappy Joe's time to nod in understanding. Finally he says: "I think you should tell him how you feel about him darlin'. It's the only way you're ever gonna find out if he feels the same about you." Before she can say anything, another voice says: "Pappy Joe's right Maya; you should tell him." She turns to see Lucas standing there with the rest of her friends.

"How long have you all been standing there?" She asks, slightly annoyed. She wanted to be left alone with her thoughts, even though that hasn't seemed to help her much. "Long enough," Zay says with a sympathetic smile. Maya sighs noticeably. Pappy Joe, sensing he may have caused the artist some anxiety, decides to give her a little grandfatherly advise. "Maya, has anyone ever told you about Lucas' grandmother Rose?" Maya smiles. "He has a little," she answers. "He said she was kind and loving and you two were still in love even after having kids and grandkids." Pappy Joe smiles at those memories. "We were," he begins, "and it was hard losing her, but we still have great memories of her. But one thing I never told any of you is how her and I got together." Lucas looks surprised and says: "No, you never have." Pappy Joe smiles and continues. "Well, you see, we went through high school together. She was the prettiest gal I'd ever seen, but I always thought she was out of my league. I was from a cattle ranching family and she was from a rich oil-money family. And I just didn't think a girl that classy and that beautiful would ever be interested in a sunburnt son of a cattle rancher, even if she did smile at me occasionally." This gets a chuckle from the group of friends. "But one day," he continues, "I decided to take a chance and ask her out, and if she said no, well, then I'd know where I stood. But she said yes, and we never looked at anyone else again." Riley, as expected, let out a big "awwww." No one teased her though; they were feeling the same as her. "Now Maya, I'm going to offer you a little advice: take a chance; tell him how you feel; you never know what may come of that. But one way or another, you'll know where you stand." Maya thinks about what she's just been told. Then she looks at Pappy Joe, smiles, and says: "That's what I've been thinking so much about, whether or not to tell him."

"Then why haven't you?" He asks.

"I guess I'm afraid of what he may tell me," she answers. "And, I don't want to mess up what we have now, which is a friendship I cherish very much." Riley comes over to Maya's and sits down next to her. She takes her best friend's hand and tells her: "you're not going to mess that up Maya. Josh loves you, as a friend first. And remember what he told you at the ski lodge all those years ago?" Maya looks into her old friend's eyes and smiles. "He told you he'd never not want you in his life." Maya nods with a smile. "Tell him Maya," Lucas begins, "tell him how you really feel about him. Take a chance like Pappy Joe says." Maya smiles at the attention all friends are giving her and appreciates it. "I will," she says, I promise."

The next morning, everyone sleeps in a little, but are eager to start their day before Farkle, Riley, and Maya fly back to New York in the afternoon. "Where' Maya?" Riley asks. "She left with Roberto about an hour ago," Pappy Joe tells her. "She said they'd be back around noon. She's up to something; I know it; I just don't know what it is. I got up around two this morning to go to the bathroom, and I noticed the light in Maya's room was on. And Roberto said she was up when he got here this morning around five o'clock, and she was busy drawing something, but he wouldn't say what. Whatever she's up to, he's in it with her." Everyone kind of shrugs their shoulders knowing they'll just have to wait until Maya is ready to show them what's she's up to. After breakfast, they all decide to do another ride around a different part of the ranch than they've seen before. As they are getting on their horses, Riley says: "I wish Maya was here. She loves this ranch and I know she'd like to see more of it." Pappy Joe adds: "Well, whatever she's doing now must be pretty important to her." They all agree, then head out on their ride.

Around noon, Maya and Roberto arrive back at the ranch house. Maya makes everyone leave the living room while she prepares what she calls a surprise, and she'll call them when she's ready. About thirty minutes later she calls the group back into the living room. What they're greeted with is the sight of something large and rectangular shaped propped up in one of the chairs with a sheet covering it. They all believe that it's probably the painting Mayas been working on. But instead of revealing what it is, she walks up to Pappy Joe and hands him a small rectangular object that's been wrapped in plane brown paper and tied with white twine. When he looks at the famous artist with a "What's this?" look on his face, she just says: "Open it." When he does, what he sees makes his eyes nearly pop out of his head. What he sees is a framed drawing made with plane paper and pencil. But what is drawn on the plane paper and the way it's been drawn makes it more that plan, it makes it beautiful. "Maya, this is incredible!" Pappy Joes says in awe of what sees. He shows the framed drawing to the group gathered in the living room, which gets wows from everyone. It's a drawing the original ranch homestead that Pappy Joe had shown them on their first ride around the ranch. "I took a few pictures of it when we were there so I'd have something to go on," Maya begins, "because I had an idea, and this is the result. I was up all last night finishing it."

"All night!" Lucas exclaims. "How are you staying awake?"

"Coffee and adrenalin right now," Maya answers with a laugh. "I wanted to make that drawing for everyone on the ranch, but especially for you Pappy Joe. I could tell how much that old house meant to you."

"Thank you Maya," Pappy Joe says with genuine thankfulness in his voice.

"That was the appetizer, now it's time for the main course," Maya announces. She walks over the chair and pulls the sheet off what she'd been hiding. And sure enough, it was the framed painting of the lake area Maya had been working on. Everyone was stunned into silence with mouths open. Finally, Maya asks: "Well, what do you think?" Autry is the first one to find her voice. "Maya, this…this is a masterpiece." Everyone agreed. "Pappy Joe, perhaps stunned more than any of them asks: "If this how you see the lake meadow Maya? I mean I can tell what and where it is, but it never looked that beautiful to me." This gets a knowing smile from Maya. "A painting, even a landscape like this one, is not the same as a picture taken with a camera," she begins. "This is seen through an artist's eyes and filtered through my heart and my soul. This is how I saw it." Again, everyone is stunned into silence with Maya's words. Finally Lucas says: "This is going to look incredible hanging in a gallery or museum in New York or Paris, Maya." Everyone agreed. "Thank you Lucas," Maya begins, "but it's never going to hang in a gallery or museum. Where it belongs, where it's going to stay, is here, in this house on this ranch." This revelation, of course, surprises everyone. "Maya," Pappy Joe exclaims, "this is a masterpiece. It can't hang in a dusty old ranch house in Texas. The world needs to see this."

"Then the world will have to come to East Texas to see it, Pappy Joe," she answers. "Because this is it's home now." Pappy Joe and all the other Texans are trying to come up with some way to talk her out of, what they consider, a terrible mistake, but Riley knows it's no use. She walks over to her old friend, put an arm around her, kisses her on the cheek, and says: "You might as well give up Pappy Joe. Maya and I have been best friends all our lives and I know that look. She's not going to budge on this. The painting stays here. This is it's home now." More stunned silence now. Finally Lucas walks over to his grandfather and hugs him gently and a silent message passes between them and Pappy Joe give Lucas a knowing nod. Lucas walks over to Maya and takes his ole friend into his arms for a hug. Maya feels the love in that hug, the love of everyone in the room. When Lucas releases Maya, he says: "Thank you Maya. Thank you from all of us. We are all humbled buy this gift of love from you. And I promise you we'll cherish this painting for the rest of our lives and pass down it's legacy and story to our kids and down through the generations. It will stay in our family and on this ranch forever." Maya is moved to tears by Lucas's words. "Thank you Lucas," she says. "All an artist wants is for their work to end up someplace where it's appreciated; and I know it will be here."

After lunch Riley, Farkle, and Maya pack up their things for Lucas to drive them to the airport to go back to New York. Before leaving the ranch, the three New Yorkers says goodbye with tears, hugs, and kisses, to Isabella, Roberto, and their families along with Cletis and his wife. Then they load up into the van and Lucas drives everyone to the airport, including Pappy Joe. Once there, they say their goodbyes with more hugs and tears. Maya saves Pappy Joe till the end. He hugs her tightly and longer than he ever has. She can feel the love in his strong arms. When he finally let's go of her, he looks at her and Maya can see his eyes begin to water up a little. "Maya," he begins, I want you to know; and you too Farkle and Riley, that you'll always have a home here. Come back any time." Maya looks up at the old Texan and says: "I think I can speak for all three of us Pappy Joe, it already feels like home. We'll be back." The three head to the plane to leave. Just before they get on board, they look at the little group of Texans one last time. "I love you guys," Maya tells them. Then a big grin spreads across her face and she ends with: "Even you Huckleberry." This gets loud laughter from the Texans except for Lucas of course. But he just grinds and shakes his head. "Some things don't change I guess." But then he can't help but laugh with the rest of them. Just before the plan door is shut, Maya hears Autry says: "Huckleberry, I love it!" And Maya grins from ear to ear.

Later, after Farkle takes off and sets his course for New York, he asks Maya is she had a good birthday weekend. Riley checks on her from the co-pilots seat and says: "She's sound asleep Farkle. I guess that all-nighter she pulled has finally gotten to her.

A few days later, back in New York, Maya is at Riley's apartment. "Have you been to see Uncle Josh and Mati since you've been back, Maya?"

"I have," Maya answers with a smile. "I called Josh that evening after we go back to New York, and had dinner with them the next evening."

"Oooo, dinner with them, that sounds….interesting," Riley says with a sly grin."

"Now Riley, don't go getting all excited about that," Maya says as she rolls her eyes at her excited friend. "It was just dinner. I've had dinner at their apartment before. We had tacos, Paco's Tacos, but just tacos for that dinner. It was just a friendly dinner with friends. After that, Mati and I did some drawing together, like we do most evenings when I'm with them, then after Mati went to bed, Josh and I talked for a while, then I spent the night there and had breakfast with them the next morning." Riley's eyes grew huge at the thought of Maya spending the night at Josh's apartment. Maya had forgotten that she hasn't told Riley about her spending the night at Josh's apartment before. It had come to be so routine with them that she really hadn't thought about it being any thing special. "Riley," she begins, "don't go reading anything into that. I've done it several times. The first time it happened was when I hung out with Mati on a Saturday Josh had to work. I told you about that."

"Yes you did," Riley says, "but you never mentioned spending the night with him."

"Spending the night at his apartment," Maya corrects. "It was late when Josh got back to the apartment and he didn't want me going back to my place that late, so I spent the night, but Josh slept in his bed and I slept on his couch." Riley notices a warm smile on her best friend's face as she tells her about staying at Josh's apartment. When Maya see's Riley looking at her with a grin on her face, she realizes what Riley must be thinking, and wants to explain further. "It's not what you're thinking Riles. Yes, it's enjoyable being with Josh, but that's not what's causing that warm and fuzzy look on my face that you're seeing. I helped Josh put Mati to be that night. She wanted to hug me goodnight, which surprised me, and when she did, she told me she loved me." Now Riley understands what caused that look on Maya's face. She sees Maya's eyes glisten when she tells her this. "I've never felt anything like that before Riley. And I realized that I love that sweet little girl too." Riley can't help it and hugs her friend lovingly. "Mati adores you Maya," Riley tells her. "It's obvious when you two are together. And she's told me stories about what you've done with her and for her. You've been so good for her Maya, and for Josh too." Maya can't help by smile at Riley's observations. And she's a little embarrassed too. "I just trying to be a friend to them."

"And you have been Maya," Riley says. "This is the happiest I've seen them since they lost Ann, especially Mati. And Ann would be so happy that you're helping her little girl." This causes Maya to look at Riley with alarm. "Whoa there Riley, I'm not trying to be Mati's mom. She had a mom, and a great mom from everything I've been told." Riley takes one of Maya's hands in hers, gives her a knowing smile, and says: "I know you're not Maya, so does everyone else. All I'm saying is that you're done everything with her that a knowing and loving mother would have done. And it shows on her face. You seemed to have come along when they needed someone like you the most. And I don't know if anyone else could have done what you've done, for Uncle Josh as well as Mati." Maya smiles and nods at her. "Josh told me the same thing Riley. I guess I'm going to have to believe you." After a moment of comfortable silence between the two, Maya looks at Riley and says: "Riley, I think I understand a little now how much a mom loves her children. And it's not like anything I've ever experience before, not even your love for me. She seems to have become the most important thing in my life, at least for now." Riley tears up hugs her old friend again, happy that she feels than special kind of love for Mati. "And I know you love Uncle Josh too, and want to be with him again." When Maya starts to protest, Riley stops her. "We don't lie to each other Maya. Can you honestly tell me that you're not in love with Josh now and weren't in love with him when you dated in college?" Maya can't say anything and just slowly shakes her head. "And he loved you back then too, I know he did; but for some unknown reason you two would never admit that to each other." Again, Maya stays silent but nods her head. "What I want to know from you now is, are you going to tell him that your old feelings for him have returned?" Maya knows she's not going to be able to talk her way out of not answering. "I am," she answers and Riley breaths a sigh of relief. But then Maya adds: "Just not right now." Riley is startled by Maya's stipulation. "Maya!" she yells, maybe a little too loud. "Wait Riley," Maya pleads. Just here me out." Riley nods her head that she'll listen, but crosses her arms in front of her chest silently saying: "You better have a good reason."

"Look Riles," she begins, "the reason I came over here today is to tell you I want to have a birthday celebration for Josh's next birthday. He'll be thirty-five you know." Now Riley's demeanor softens and she smiles. "That's a wonderful idea Maya," she says. "Josh hasn't celebrated his birthday in over two years. And Mati will love it too. She always lover her dad's birthdays." Maya breaths a sigh of relief and explains further. "I want Josh to enjoy his birthday. But if we talk about this now, and he doesn't have the same feelings for me, it'll upset him; you know how it is, he never wants to hurt me; and he wouldn't enjoy his birthday celebration. So I want to wait. But I promise I'll talk to him about my true feelings for him right after his birthday, okay?" Riley thinks about this for a minute, but finally gives in. "Alright, I can understand why you want to wait, and you did promise me you'll talk to him after his birthday, so I'll shut up about it….for now." This gets a knowing smile from Maya.

"So what did you have in mind for him?" Riley asks. "Nothing big or extravagant; I know Josh wouldn't like that. I was thinking dinner with family and friends, in a private room of a restaurant he likes, you can help me with that. Of course you, Farkle, and the twins will be invited; your parents; Augie and Ava; my parents and brothers; and some close friends of his. I also want to invite Eric and Morgan, and Alan & Amy. We'll sneak them into the city to surprise him. How does that sound?" Riley grins broadly. "Perfect Maya, that sounds perfect," Riley responds. "Good, then let's get to planning," Maya says.

For the next several weeks, the two old friends plan a surprise birthday dinner for Josh, it's a labor of love. A restaurant is selected and reservations are made; guests are called; and arrangements for places to stay are planned. Somehow they manage to keep all of this a secret from Josh and Mati. Maya tells them, about a week before his birthday, that she wants to take them out for a birthday dinner. Mati is excited about it, but Josh tries to brush it off, telling Maya he didn't want her to go to so much trouble; he tells her they could have a quiet dinner at his apartment with Cory, Topanga, and her parents, if she wanted. But Maya told him that reservations had already been made and he'd have a good time. When he realizes his objections are falling on def ears, he reluctantly agrees. But he can't help but feel excited about having a nice dinner with her and Mati. When his birthday finally arrives, Maya picks them up at their apartment building in one of Farkle's luxury SUVs. Josh tries to protest, but Maya tells him: "what's done is done," and that Farkle insisted on doing this for him and Maya. Once again he reluctantly agrees, but is soon enjoying his chauffeured ride because of Mati's excitement. When they arrive at the restaurant, they are met by the maître d', who recognizes Maya and says: right this way Miss Hunter, we have your table ready." When Josh looks at Maya with a look that says he's impressed, she responds with a smile: "What can I say? There are some perks about being well known in New York." This gets a smile from Josh and Mati. Of course, the maître d' is in on the surprise and leads them past table after table. Josh isn't suspicious at all until he realizes they're being led to a door in the back of the restaurant which he knows is a banquet room. "What did you do?" He asks Maya with an amused if not completely happy look on his face. "Something special for a special father and daughter," she responds with a sweet smile. Josh braces himself, not knowing what to expect from his mischievous life-long friend. The door is opened and Maya walks in, followed by Josh and Mati, into what is a banquet room with a long table set up for the guests. He's immediately greeted with a chorus of "surprise!" from everyone there. Josh is surprised and is about to protest, until he sees who's there. He immediately recognizes his family and close friends, including his parents, his oldest brother, Eric, and his sister Morgan, and their spouses. As they applaud his arrival, he turns to Maya and says: "I don't know what to say Maya. This is incredible." She smiles a triumphant smile and tells him: "Just promise me you'll relax and enjoy yourself tonight Josh. Everyone is this room loves you and wanted to be here." Josh just stares at her for a minute as his eyes get a little misty. "You are an amazing woman Maya Hunter. I'm lucky….Mati and I are lucky to have you in our lives right now." Maya actually feels her cheeks get warm from Josh's genuine words of graduate. "Aww, Boing," she finally gets out, which causes Josh to smile. "I haven't heard my old nickname in a long time Maya. No one calls me that but you," he begins, "it's good to hear you says it again." The two look into each other's eyes a second before Maya says: "Go on Josh before we both start to cry. There're people here who want to wish you a happy birthday." Josh holds his gaze on her for a second, they turns to greet his guests.

"This is awesome Maya! Thank you!" she hears a familiar voice say. She turns to see Mati staring up at her with the biggest smile she's ever seen. "You're welcome Mati," she tells the excited little girl. "Your dad's very special to me, and so are you." She reaches down and picks up the little girl, who hugs her neck tight. "Dad and I love you. I hope you know that." Maya's eyes well up with tears from the little girl's declaration. "I love you both too," she finally says. Then she quickly looks around the room and tells Mati: "Some of your cousins are here for you to play with. Why don't you go find them to hangout with. And don't forget to say high to grandma & grandpa, and Uncle Eric and Aunt Morgan." She smiles back, kisses Maya on the cheek, and says: "Okay Maya. See you later." With that she heads off to find them.

All of a sudden, Maya is engulfed in a constrictor-like hug. She knows immediately know who it is. "You did so good, Maya," Riley says as she releases her best friend. "Uncle Josh was completely surprised, and did you see the look on his face when he realized who all was here?" Maya can't help but smile at her friend's remarks. "Thank you Riley," Maya begins, "it couldn't have worked out better. I mean, do you see the look on his face?"

"I do Maya, I do," Riley answers. "And so does everyone around him." They both watch Josh as he's greeted, and wished happy birthday from his family and friends. After everyone has had a chance to wish Josh a happy birthday, Mays asks everyone to take a seat at the table so dinner can begin. She makes sure Mati can sit next to her dad on one side, with Amy and Allen on the other. Once that's done, she starts to take a seat on further down the table, but Josh stops her. "Wait Maya," he says, "sit her with Mati and me. You planned all this; you should sit here with us." Maya politely shakes her head and says: "Thanks Josh, but tonight is about you and your family. They should sit next to you." But Josh won't relent. "Maya," he begins with a kind but firm voice, "I told you before that you've been part of this family since you were a little girl." Before she can say anything, Amy speaks up. "He's right Maya. Here….sit next to Josh. Alan and I will move down." She finally gives in. "Alright, thank you."

As the evening goes on, there is much laughter and conversation. Some of the guests have bought birthday gifts for Josh, even though Maya had told everyone specifically not to bring gifts, that their attendance was all that was needed. As it turned out, most of those gifts were from his friends and were joke gifts pointing out that Josh was a "senior citizen" now. Those gifts were greeted with a lot of laughter. At one point, close to the end of dinner, Josh turned to Maya and said: "Thank you for this Maya. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. It feels good to laugh again." Then he leaned over and gave Maya a quick kiss on the cheek. Maya, overcome with emotion could only muster a slight nod and week "you're welcome." Josh's small kiss had sent chills down her spine. After Josh had turned away to talk to some of the guests, Maya feels a soft hand slip into hers and squeeze it gently, it was Amy's. She looks at the matriarch of Matthews family who says: "This is a wonderful thing you've done tonight Maya. My youngest seems happy again." Maya, not able to hold her emotions in check any longer, throughs her arms around Amy's neck and says: "Thank you Amy. That's what I've been trying to do since I first ran into him." She thinks for a moment, then says: "Your son means so much to me, but I think you know that." Amy smiles and tells her: "I know Maya; I know your true feelings for Josh." She hugs Maya's neck, then returns to her dinner.

The last thing to be brought out for the dinner is a very large two-tiered birthday cake. It's decorated beautifully and has "Happy Birthday Josh" on it. As he's about to cut the cake, Cory pipes in: "We wanted to put candles on it little brother, but the fire chef said that would be a fire hazard." This gets howls of laughter, which causes Josh to blush, which causes everyone to laugh even more. While everyone is enjoying after-dinner coffee with the cake, Maya and Riley get together, away from the table to observe what's going on and talk about the evening. The conversation at the table has now turned to stories about Josh when he was younger for the express purpose of embarrassing him. All Josh can do is shake his head, smile, and take it, but Maya and Riley can tell he's thoroughly enjoying this as well. "Josh is really having a good time, isn't he Riles." Riley puts her arm around her and says: "He is Maya; this couldn't have turned out better."

From beside them, Maya hears: "Riley's right Maya; this is wonderful." Then another voice says: "I couldn't agree more; Josh can't stop smiling.' She turns to see Morgan and Eric, Josh's older siblings. "Morgan, Eric," she cries, "it's so good to see you both. I'm so glad you could make it!" The three exchange warm hugs. "Mom was right," Eric begins, "you've been so good for Josh, and Mati. Morgan and I were just talking about that." Morgan agrees and adds: "We could both tell, when we saw him on Thanksgiving, that he was getting better and that you were the reason for that. But this is the most we've seen him laugh since that tragic day. And it's wonderful to see." Maya blushes, but is grateful for their compliment because it shows she must have been doing something right. "Your little brother is very special to me, and so is Mati. I'm overjoyed that you think I've helped." Morgan and Eric look at each other and exchange smiles. Then Eric says to Morgan: "This is your idea Morgan, so you tell her. I'm afraid of her." This gets a laugh from Morgan. "Tell me what?" Maya asks. Morgan looks at Maya, smiles at her warmly, and says: "That you've fallen in love with Josh again." Maya's jaw drops upon hearing this. She remembers that Morgan never beats around the bush and always get's right to the point. It's one of the things she's always liked about her. But this has taken her completely by surprise. She looks at Riley who just shrugs her shoulders and smiles, letting Maya know she agrees with Morgan. Maya sighs and her shoulders droop. "Is it that obvious Morgan? Does everybody know?" Morgan smiles. "No honey, it isn't. But those of us who know you so well, can see it." Maya suddenly looks up at Morgan and asks. "Oh God! Do you think Josh knows too?" Eric gives Maya a sympathetic side hug. "I don't think so Maya. Ever since he lost Ann, he's concentrated on nothing but taking care of Mati. When you two were together in college, he knew how you felt about him, how you truly felt about him, that is wasn't just a crush. But his feelings have been so suppressed for the past two years, you're probably going to have to tell him how you feel if you want him to know." Maya nods her head in understanding.

"Have you told him how you feel?" Maya can see that Eric and Morgan both have the same question. "Not yet," she answers, "but I will….soon." They all three smile and Morgan simply says: "Good."

Finally the celebration begins to wind down and some are getting ready to leave. Josh, though, gets everyone's attention. "I want to thank everyone who came tonight," he tells them. "You all being here has meant so much to me." He clears his throat and then looks straight at Maya. "And I especially want to thank Maya for coming up with this idea and putting all this together. She seems to instinctively know what I need when I need it. What's she's done for me, and for Mati, over the past few months, has helped us more than she could possibly know, and I will be forever grateful." Riley hugs Maya who has to fight back tears. Then Allen says: "Let's have a round of applause for Maya to show her how grateful we are for what's she's done for our family, not just for tonight, but for everything she's done since she's been back." Everyone agrees with Allen and applauds the now thoroughly embarrassed Maya.

Everyone makes it a point to thank Maya personally for what she's done before they leave. The last to leave are Alan & Amy and Riley & Farkle. As Amy and Alan are saying goodbye to Josh and Mati, Riley get's Maya aside and asks: "Are you going to tell him tonight, Maya?" Maya nods her head. "Yes," she answers, "I'm helping Josh take Mati home, and after we've put her to bed, we'll talk, and I'll tell him then." She looks at Riley and with a Shaky voice says, "Wish me luck." She smiles at Riley nervously. Riley gives her a reassuring smile and tells her: "You're doing the right thing Maya." Maya nods is silence. "I'll call you tomorrow," Riley says and we'll talk about it, no matter what, okay?" Maya hugs her old friend and says: "Thanks Riles, that would be great."

Alan and Amy say goodnight to Riley and Farkle, and they do the same to Josh, Mati, and Maya. After making sure everything at the restaurant had been taken care of, post dinner, the three leave for Josh's apartment. When they get there, things don't go as Maya had planned. Instead of putting Mati right to bed, it was past her bedtime, the excited little girl wanted to talk about the evening's festivities. Josh didn't have the heart to make her go to bed and also reasoned that letting her stay up past her bedtime every once in a while, wouldn't hurt her. So the three sat in Josh's living room and swapped stories back and forth about the evening. This went on for over an hour until Mati couldn't stop yawning and couldn't keep her eyes open. "Alright kiddo," Josh begins, "time for bed." When she protested, Maya decided to come to Josh's rescue and take on the role of the strict parent. "Now Mati," she begins, "your dad has let you stay up waaaay past your bedtime. And don't forget, he let you eat all the cake and ice cream you wanted tonight." Then she giggled slightly and said: "Heck, at times it seemed like your birthday and not your dads." This gets a laugh out of Mati and Josh. "Alright Maya," the little girl says with a sigh and then a grin. "I'm really getting sleepy anyway." With that, they take Mati to her bedroom. They go through what has become a ritual for them when Maya's there: they get Mati into her PJs and then make sure she's tucked in good. She tells her dad, and Maya, she loves them, they tell her they love her, and then leave her room quietly. When they get to the living room, Josh notices Maya fighting back tears. "Here" he says, and hands her a box of tissues to dry her eyes. After a minute Maya says: "Do you ever get used to her telling you she loves you Josh? I mean, I don't think I've ever seen you tear up after that." Josh lets out a little laugh. "No, you never do," he begins, "and that's a good thing. But I promise you that eventually you'll be able control the tears." Maya sighs in relief and just says: "good." After siting in comfortable silence for a moment, "Josh says: "you said you had something to talk to me about?"

This reminds Maya of what she had planned on talking with Josh about after they'd put Mati to bed. But as she remembers the evening and the fun Josh had at his party, and how, after they'd gotten back to his apartment, the three had talked even more about the evening, she just couldn't chance the whole mood of the evening by talking with Josh about something as serious as the possibility of them having a romantic relationship again. Even if Josh would be all for it, there still would have to be a lot of serious discussion about where to go next with their relationship. And this just didn't seem the time to have that discussion. So, she decided to table that it until later. "I did," she began, "but it's been a great evening and we're both tired, so we can have that talk later." This seemed to satisfy Josh.

Maya decided to head back to her apartment then, even though Josh asked her to spend the night, but she promised she'd do it again sometime soon. They hugged goodnight and Maya left. She had a solemn ride back to her apartment before she finally decided she had done the right thing by waiting to tell Josh about how she felt about him. She went right to bed and fell instantly asleep. The next morning, she was refreshed and felt even stronger about her decision. Around 8:30, her phone rings. She rolls her eyes when she see's Riley's picture pop up on her screen. She knows Riley wants her and Josh to be together again. If fact she's thought that for several weeks now, because she's caught Riley staring at them a few times while they were talking. And now she knows that Riley wants to know about last night when her and Josh had left together with Mati. She answers her phone. "What happened last night Maya?" She begins. "What did uncle Josh say when you told him how you felt?" She can tell her old friend is excited, and hates to disappoint her. "I didn't tell him Riley," she states flatly. "Maya!" Riley practically screams into the phone. "You promised me you were going to tell him about how you feel after the party." Maya sighs, "I will Riley. I just couldn't last night." She knows Riley's disappointed in her. "Why?" She asks. "You know you can't keep putting this off."

"I know honey, and I will, "Maya answers. "I just couldn't last night. When we got back to Josh's apartment, we talked even more about the evening. He was so happy. He even let Mati stay up past her bedtime and talk with us. When we finally do talk about our feelings for each other, it'll be a serious discussion, and last night wasn't the time for it."

"Okay," Riley answers. But Maya can hear the disappointment in her voice. "I promise you Riley, that by this time next week, I will have told him."

"Promise?" She asks. "Have I ever broken a promise to you honey?" Maya answers. "No," Riley answers. "Well, I'm not gonna start now." She hopes that will make Riley happy, and she meant it. "Okay," Riley says. And she can hear the smile in Riley's voice.