Sorry for the long wait. As you can tell this is a long chapter and I spent more time planning the final chapter than writing. Also sorry for the errors in this story. I have a life and don't have as much time to revise. Thank you to all who have followed along with this story since I started and to my new readers. I hope you enjoyed this little story. This is my last story. I won't be writing fanfiction anymore. So enjoy the last ever chapter.

"You can go see her now." said Dr. Maury.

When they got Spencer to the hospital they rushed her to the ER. Her blood sugar was low, something about her heart was irregular and there were some other things the doctor had to test out. Toby had to wait outside her hospital room for nearly two hours. The sun had come up around the same time Dr. Maury told Toby he could see Spencer.

"Only for a little while though," Dr. Maury said. "We're done with tests for now but we want to give her time to rest before we do a follow up in just a few hours."

Toby nodded, "thank you, doctor."

Toby stepped into Spencer's room and she was asleep in her hospital bed. There was something about the sounds of the hospital room that made Toby feel a little uneasy. He's spent a lot of time as a child at hospitals sitting next to his mother's bedside. Here he is again standing just a couple feet away from his wife's bed. Toby took a deep breath, sat down on the soft chair next to her bed and took her right hand in his. Her face wasn't as pale as it was when they found her. There's a bandaged on the top corner of her head most likely from when they'd knock her out by hitting her head. Her face is slightly bruised and there's a cut near her lip. Spencer's heart beat seemed normal. Her breathing was labored but that's probably because she's exhausted. Toby brushed the hair out of her face and tucked it back behind her ear.

"Spencer," he began. "I don't know if you can hear me right now but I just want to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't do a better job of protecting you. But i never stopped trying to find you. I couldn't sleep until you were back and safe. You mean everything to me and I'm so glad that you're alive. You're going to be okay soon the doctor said so. Lucy's safe too but she really misses her mom. The sooner you get better, the sooner we can go back to being the family we were always meant to be. I promise you, Spencer, that I will do a much better job of protecting this family."

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, "I love you."

Spencer slept for most of the day. Toby's been by her side as often as he was able to. There were a few times a nurse asked him to leave while they did a check up and changed her meds. Toby returned to Spencer's room after getting something to eat from the cafeteria. It's after 7 pm and a nurse told Toby that she woke up once when he was gone but only for a few seconds before going back to sleep. They hoped she'd wake up soon and long enough for her to maybe eat something. She was given a little bit of water when she woke up but she needs food to help get her strength up. Jason sat in the room for over an hour before leaving the hospital to go pick Lucy and the girl up from the airport. Emily, Alison, Hanna, and Lucy booked a flight as soon as they got the call that Spencer was rescued and in recovery. Aria had to work so she's going to fly out tomorrow hopefully to visit.

Sometimes Toby will read to Spencer even though she's asleep. He's not even sure she hears anything he's saying but he likes to believe she does.

"Sin from thy lips?" Toby read out loud. "O trespass sweetly urged. Give me my sin again."

"You kiss by the book."

Toby looked up when he heard someone else quote that next line. It wasn't just anyone who said that. It was Spencer. Her voice was barely audible but he heard it. Her eyes were slightly opened and her hand had moved from her side to her stomach. Her head was turned facing him.

"Hey," he closed the book and sat forehead. "You could hear me."

She nodded smiling slightly, "every word."

Toby set the book on the table and took Spencer's hand, "how are you feeling?"

"Tired," she said, closing her eyes for a second to take a deep breath. She opened them back up, "I'm also a little sore and thirsty."

"Hold on," Toby stood up to fill a paper cup with water the nurse set aside for Spencer. He came back over with the cup and helped her tip her head up so she could drink.

"The nurse said to drink some water slowly when you wake up."

Spencer sipped the water slowly and it felt refreshing going down her dry throat. When she finished the cup of water, Toby set the cup back on the sink counter. He returned to his chair and held Spencer's hand, rubbing it slowly.

"If you need anything please let me know."

"Lucy," Spencer mumbled. "Where is she?"

"She was being cared for by Emily and Alison with Hanna's help. Jason left to pick them all up at the airport and should be here soon."

Spencer took a long pause before speaking again, "how are you doing?"

"Spencer," Toby chuckled. 'You're the one who got kidnapped and is now lying in a hospital bed. I'm not the one to worry about-"

"You didn't answer my question," she said, sounding more like herself. "Just because I'm in a hospital bed doesn't mean that you're completely fine."

"Yeah you're right," he said. "I drove myself crazy worrying about you for days. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to save you that I never stopped even when I lost hope."

"For someone who usually curses at hope," she said. "I never lost it."

He looked at her, "you didn't?"

She shook her head and her smile returned, "I knew you'd find me. You're my hero. Since day one you've always been my hero."

"I'm so glad you're safe," Toby brushed his fingers through her hair. "I love you so much."

"I love you too."

Toby leaned forehead and kissed Spencer softly on the lips. Spencer put her hand on his face to kiss him back. They were interrupted by the sounds of footsteps coming up the hallway. The footsteps stopped in Spencer's doorway and they both turned to see who was there. It was Jason who appeared at the door but Spencer could see three other figures behind him.

"Hey sis," Jason greeted softly. "How you feeling?"

"Not great but not terrible," Spencer answered.

"Are you well enough for a few visitors?" Jason asked.

"Sure," Spencer sat up the best she could.

Jason stepped in and he was holding Lucy's hand. Hanna, Emily, and Alison stepped in behind them. They all had small smiles on their faces. Spencer's face lit up when she saw Lucy. Lucy looked up and grinned widely at Spencer.

"Mommy!"

Lucy let go of Jason's hand and ran to her mother's bedside. Toby picked Lucy up and set her on the side of Spencer's bed.

"Hey there sweetheart," Spencer said, bringing Lucy in for a hug.

Lucy's arms went around Spencer's neck and she buried her face into the crock of Spencer's neck. When the little girl began to cry, Spencer rubbed her daughter's back and kissed her head several times.

"It's alright, Luc I'm here. I'm here."

After a long moment of hugging, Lucy pulled back to give herself some air. Her face was all red and wet from crying. Spencer ran her fingers along the sides of Lucy's face to clean her tears.

"You alright, honey?" Spencer asked.

Lucy nodded, sniffling. "I was so worried about you mommy."

"I'm okay now," Spencer said. "And I'm going to be fine. We're all going to be fine."

"I missed you so much."

Spencer smiled and tugged on Lucy's arm, "I missed you too. I love you."

"Love you too mom."

Spencer brought her in for another hug. This one didn't last as long as the last. When Lucy was released from the hug, she faced Toby was still sitting there smiling at the both of them. Lucy carefully scooted off of Spencer's bed and moved on to Toby's lap. Her little arms went around his bold shoulders and Toby held Lucy on his lap.

"You did it, dad, you saved mommy."

Toby smiled, "did you ever dought I would?"

Lucy smiled and shook her head. She hugged Toby and his smile grew. Spencer watched them from her bed and smiled.

"Okay," Alison sniffled and smiled, opening her arms. "It's my turn to hug Spencer."

Spencer laughed when Alison moved to the side of the bed and hugged Spencer tightly. Emily gave Spencer a hug and then Hanna did. Jason also came over to Spencer's side to hug her and kissed the top of her head. They all spoke for a bit but not very long. A nurse came in with a tray of soup for Spencer to eat before she went back to sleep. Before Spencer went back to sleep, she said a goodbye to everyone.

"I'll see you in the morning, okay Luce?" Spencer said, holding her daughter's hand. "Emily's going to take you back to the hotel to sleep and then you'll be right back here to see me in the morning."

Lucy nodded and gave Spencer a hug, "bye mommy. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, sweetie," she kissed the side of Lucy's head.

Lucy broke away from her mother's hug and then moved back to hug her father.

"Goodnight daddy."

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

Toby gave Lucy's head a kiss before letting her go with the other girls. Before Jason stepped out with them, he gave Spencer another hug. Now, it's just Spencer and Toby again. Spencer turned her full attention on Toby and patted his hand.

"You should go too."

"What?" He tilted his head. "No way am I leaving. I told you I was going to stay by your side until you're well enough to come home."

"Toby you've been up for days. You need sleep."

He shook his head, yawning in the process, "I'm not tired at all."

Spencer smirked, touching his face, "you need to sleep."

"I know but I don't want to leave you."

Spencer scooted as far over on the bed as she could. She lifted the blankets up and gestured for Toby to lay down. Toby got up from the chair and very carefully laid down next to her. She turned her body so her head was resting on his chest and he put his hand on her waist. They laid quietly together for some time. Neither of them knew who fell asleep first. They were both exhausted. Toby pressed his lips to Spencer's forehead and lingered there as they both drifted off to sleep safely in each other's arms.

Spencer was kept in the hospital for two more days. On the day of her release, she was warned to take it easy for the next couple days. With Toby around, she was sure she'd be in good hands.

Lucy sat on Spencer's hospital bed while Spencer was fixing her outfit. She's not wearing anything real fancy. All she has is a white sweater and a pair of blue jeans with brown shoes. When Spencer turned away from the mirror, Toby came into the room with a bouquet of flowers and a red star shaped balloon. Spencer could tell something was up the second she saw Toby's face. He was smiling but it wasn't a full as it usually is.

"Hey beautiful," he handed Spencer the flowers. "These are for you."

"How lovely!" She beamed then gave Toby a peck on the lips. "Thank you."

Toby walks over to Lucy to hand her the balloon, "and this is for you."

Lucy hugged him and said, "thanks, daddy."

Toby stood back to his normal height to face Spencer who could clearly tell that he had some news to share.

"Alright," she sighed. "Just tell me is it good news or bad?"

Toby blew out a slow deep breath, "Spencer, Jason and I told you what happened to your dad that night."

Spencer frowned and nodded, "yeah, it was shocking but also not so much a surprise. My father made some deal with Colin and that resulted in all of this."

"We also told you that your dad did the same thing to your sister Melissa."

"That's what shocked me the most," Spencer said. "What happened to my sister happened to me too. I really am Melissa's little sister. I'm just glad I didn't end up doing what Melissa did. I wouldn't have Lucy if I did."

Toby stepped back to the doorway and said, "as I was leaving the gift shop and on my way back to you, I heard someone at the front desk. They mentioned your name so I stopped."

Spencer tilted her head, "Toby what are you trying to say?"

"You have an unexpected visitor."

Toby gestured to someone standing outside the door and a woman who looked similar to Spencer stepped in the room. Her hair was light brown and cut just below her shoulders. She was dressed in a long black coat with buttons and held a black purse. Spencer's eyes went wide and her jaw dropped.

"Melissa?"

Melissa smiled softly, "hi Spencer."

Spencer stood up straight, "what are you doing here? How did you even know that I was here?"

"Jason got a hold of my agent and then my agent called me. Now, I'm here to see you and hopefully patch things up between us."

"Why would you want to do that? You've always hated me."

Melissa stepped more into the room, "I didn't always hate you, Spencer. Most of the time it was just me being the basic older sister. When you gave the news that you were pregnant I was scared for you. I was scared that dad would try to do to you what he tried to do to me."

"What do you mean by tried?" Spencer wondered.

Melissa stepped out of the room for a second and reentered the room holding hands with a younger boy with dark brown eyes and light sandy hair. Spencer could tell where this was going because that kid has Melissa's face structure and skin tone. The kid was sort of tall. Spencer's guessing he got that from Colin.

"Spencer," Melissa smiled at her sister. "This is my son Taylor. I've kept him a secret for the last 7 years."

"Melissa oh my god," Spencer put her hand over her mouth. "But I thought…"

"Dad did too," Melissa explained. "When I found out that I was pregnant, I had no plans of getting rid of my child. Dad and I fought about it for weeks. Eventually, I told dad that I would abort my baby just to get him off my back. When dad thought I got an abortion, I told dad that I got offered a job in England. That wasn't true. I ended up really going to Chicago to raise my baby. That's where I've been living the last seven years."

"But all those post cards mom and dad would get from you in London," Spencer said. "You pulled that off for two years of my life."

"The guy I dated and is now my husband works in London for two months out of the year. When he's not working in London he works at a hospital in Chicago. Well, Wren doesn't work in London anymore but he did for the first four years we were together. We ended up getting married and decided to just stay in Chicago."

"Why have you never told me this?" Spencer asked. "You gave me such a hard time when you learned that I was pregnant."

"I told you I did it because I was scared and I had to protect my child," Melissa said. "I knew Colin or dad would try to do something to hurt us so I kept Taylor a secret. But now that both Colin and dad are gone it's safe, to tell the truth."

"No one knew about him?" Spencer asked.

"No, not even mom," Melissa said.

"Wow."

Melissa kneeled down so she was eye level with Taylor, "sweetie you remember I told you about my younger sister Spencer right?" Taylor nodded.

Melissa turned Taylor towards Spencer, "that's her. This is your aunt Spencer."

"Hey," Taylor said.

"Hi Taylor," Spencer smiled and gestured for Lucy to come over. Lucy stood up from the bed with Toby's help and joined Spencer's side.

"This is my daughter and also your little cousin, Lucy."

Taylor smiled warmly at Lucy, "hi. I can't believe I've got a cousin."

"What's your favorite activity?" Lucy asked.

"I like to play soccer, ride my bike, read books, and watch movies," Taylor said.

"I like soccer and watch movies too!" Lucy exclaimed. "But I can't ride a bike yet. At least not until daddy takes off my training wheels."

Spencer, Melissa, and Toby smiled at the friendly interaction between the children. Spencer looked at Toby then at her sister.

"You've met Toby then," Spencer said. "In the hallway."

"Yeah," Melissa nodded. "After I gave him a background on who I was, Toby was nice enough to show me to your room. You two are married?"

"Yes," Spencer smiled and reached for Toby's hand which he gladly accepted. "We've been married for a few months. He's incredible and has worked hard to keep us safe."

Melissa chuckled, "yeah based on the two minute he gave me to explain myself he seemed like a real good man."

Spencer wrapped her arms around Toby's waist, "I love him so much and he's a good father to Lucy."

"Spencer I know that you and I have a rough history and I haven't ever really given you a reason to trust or forgive me. I am sorry for everything."

Spencer let go of Toby and went to hug Melissa. Melissa was stunned at first but hugged her sister back. Spencer pulled away after a few more seconds and smiled.

"You're my sister Melissa," Spencer said. "I may not ever be able to forgive what dad did or even mom for not wanting to speak to me, but you I can give a second chance. You explained why you did what you did to me and I understand. You're my sister and I love you."

Melissa smiled a teary smile, "I love you too Spencer."

Spencer wiped her own tears and said, "Toby and I along with some friends are going to lunch this afternoon. You and Taylor are welcome to come with us."

Melissa nodded, "I'd love too."

That afternoon, Spencer, Toby, Jason, Melissa, and Spencer's friends along with their kids got together for lunch. They all had a lot of catching up to do since the last time they all saw each other. Spencer and Melissa also had a lot more to talk about. They gave each other their addresses and phone numbers as well as making plans to visit each other a few times a year. In Chicago, Melissa got a job as a social worker. Even though lunch went on for three hours, it wasn't long enough. They probably would've hung out longer but both Spencer and Lucy were getting sleepy. Melissa has to get back to Chicago by the next morning so she and her son are going back on the next flight out of Philly. Aria and her daughter also have to get back by tomorrow evening so they're leaving in the morning. Alison and Emily have to be back the day after because they have a meeting with the adoption agency. They've been waiting to hear if they're on the waiting list to adopt a child. Hanna decided to just leave Rosewood whenever Spencer and Toby felt ready to return back to their own home. Which won't be for another four days because Spencer needs time to rest before traveling. Even if Philly is only a few hours away.

After saying all of their goodbyes, Spencer and Toby took Lucy to the Hastings lake house. For some reason, they thought it would be better to stay there over staying in a hotel room for the next four days. Jason will be staying with them too. That lake house has four full bedrooms so they have room for him. Hanna said she'd stay in her own hotel room for the night since she already paid for it.

That night, Jason offered to share a room with Lucy because he felt that Toby and Spencer could use the privacy. Plus, they wouldn't have to worry too much about Lucy sleeping alone after all that's happened. After Toby and Spencer said their goodnights to Lucy, they went off to their own room down the hall.

"We're down the hall if you need us, baby," Spencer said.

Lucy nodded, "I know mommy."

"We'll see you in the morning. Goodnight," Spencer said.

"Sweet dreams, angel," Toby added.

"Goodnight, mommy. Goodnight, daddy," Lucy said. "I love you."

"We love you too," they said together.

Later in their bedroom, Toby sat on the edge of the bed just watching Spencer. He watched the way she carefully brushed out her hair. The way she rubbed lotion all along her arms and legs. He watched the way she stretched her arms back and yawned. Just like she did every night before coming to bed. He actually missed watching her do this. He missed everything about her. His eyes began to water just thinking about how close he came to losing her for good. Spencer applied chap stick over her already smoothed lips, flipped her hair around and then turned around. When she saw Toby's face her heart melted.

"Hey," she went over to him and rested her hand on the side of his face. "What's wrong?"

He just simply sighed and smiled at her, eyes still overflowing with tears.

"Hey," Spencer sat next to him on the bed and wrapped her arms around his toned body. He rested her head against her shoulder.

"It's okay," she whispered. "I'm here. I'm here and alive and safe. I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

Toby wiped his face against her shoulder and sniffled. She too was crying. She missed him so much when she was being held captive. She thought about him every minute of every day until they were back together. She thought about him and Lucy. She also thought, what if I don't get out of this alive? What would happen to her family? What would happen to her friends? Spencer had no doubt in her mind that Toby would stay strong and continue to raise Lucy like the perfect father he is to her. She also knew that he'd be miserable and broken without her.

"I love you so much," he whispered into her ear before kissing the side of her face. "God, I thought I almost lost you for a second. Colin he… He made me think you were dead for a short period of time."

Toby took his head off of Spencer's shoulder and looked at her.

"For twenty minutes," he choked. "Twenty minutes he made me think that you died in that fire at the lodge. Those were the worst most painful twenty minutes of my life. I-"

"Toby, Toby, shush," Spencer put her finger on his lips and caressed his face. "I'm right here. Look at me."

She brushed the long ends of Toby's hair out of his face. Toby's watery blue eyes met hers. Spencer continued to caresses and rub his hair as they looked at each other. Really looked at each other. Spencer is here. Spencer is alive and she is here with Toby.

"You're here," he whispered.

She pressed her forehead against his and nodded, "I'm here."

Toby's hands went to her waist and the back of her head. Spencer played with Toby's hair a bit, stroking it and pushing it back. Neither of them blinked as their eyes stayed trained on each other. Until Toby finally leaned in and kissed her. They kissed so hard and with so much passion that both of them forgot for a second that anything bad had ever happened. Toby slowly began leaning them back onto the bed. Their hands roamed over every inch of their bodies as their lips worked furiously to make up for lost time. They paused for a long moment to take a breath. They breathed hard and looked at each other as they held on like their lives depended on it.

Toby swallowed dryly and said, "you need some rest."

"I will," Spencer said while moving her hands through his hair. "Right after I make love to my husband."

"Spence," he was hesitant but didn't move away from her or release her from his hold. "You just got out of the hospital. The doctors told you to take it easy the next few days."

"So," she smirked and turned their bodies so she was on top of him. "We'll take it easy. We were only apart for a few days but because of the circumstances, it felt like I've been away from you for years. I love you and I've missed you and I want to have sex with you now."

Toby wasted no time arguing and went on kissing her.

3 years later

5:57 am. That gives Toby three more minutes until his alarm goes off. Three more minutes he gets to lay here next to his wife. Three more minutes of quiet and peace. His eyes are closed and he's sound asleep but somewhere deep inside his brain, he knew that time was coming. Then it did. At 6:00 Am sharp, the ear piercing sound of Toby's alarm rang loudly in his ear. He reached out quickly to silence it before it woke his wife. He sighed into his pillow and laid there half asleep. He only moved when he felt the left side of the bed move and a small body press against his back. He smiled when he felt her kiss the back of his neck and wrap her small arms around his torso. Toby opened his eyes and turned over onto his back, he opened up his arms to welcome the brunette to lay her head on his chest. Spencer's eyes were still closed but she didn't need them open to find her place. This was how they started most of their mornings. Toby's alarm would go off at 6 in the morning. He'd always try to turn his alarm off before it woke Spencer but mostly every morning it did wake her. Spencer would always roll over to lay her head on Toby's chest so they could get a few minutes of cuddling in before they really started their day.

"Don't go to work today," Spencer mumbled.

Toby smiled, wrapping his arms around her, "you know how much i hate this part of the day."

"I hate it too," she said. "Why don't we just cancel this part of the day today and stay here?"

He chuckled, "you know you say that every morning."

"And it never seems to work to keep you in bed." Spencer sighed and climbed over him. She smiled down at him, "But i know something that never fails to keep you in bed for a few extra minutes."

Spencer pressed her body on top of Toby and kissed him. He put his hands on her waist and tried to hold her as close to him as humanly possible. With each kiss they shared, Toby's smile grew wider.

"Spence," he muttered between kisses. "I really need to get going."

He pulled his lips away from hers but that just prompted Spencer to start kissing his neck seductively.

"Spencer," he moaned.

God, why does she always do this to him? Toby couldn't help himself. He arched his neck so Spencer could reach that spot on his neck below his left ear. That spot he knows she knows makes it hard for him to resist her.

"God," he sighed in defeat. "You win."

Toby gripped her waist tightly and flipped them over. Spencer held her hands in his hair and giggled when he reconnected their lips in a heated kiss. Toby's not usually late for work but it looks like today would have to be one of those days.

After that, the two of them were well awake. Spencer laid underneath the covers all smiley and satisfied as she watched Toby slip on a pair of clean boxers. "You're going to be the death of me woman," he said as he got up from the bed. He heard her laugh and he smiled to himself as he made his way to the bathroom.

"Come on Isaac. Eat your cheerios."

This was a pretty sight to see. Spencer turned around from her place in front of the kitchen counter and watched Lucy attempting to feed her brother his breakfast. Spencer and Toby finally had a kid together who's now 2- and a half. Isaac will be 3 on September 11th. The floor creaked as Toby made his way into the kitchen dressed in his work clothes.

"Good morning dad!" Lucy greeted with a toothy smile.

Toby leaned down to kiss the top of Lucy's head, "good morning sweetheart." He then kissed Isaac on the head. "Good morning."

Toby gave both of them a pat on the head before making his way to Spencer. She smiled as they kissed good morning.

"Yuck, you guys!" Lucy made a disgusted face. "Could you guys not? Trying to eat breakfast over here."

They smiled, "okay Miss. Drama Queen," Spencer teased.

Toby chuckled, "Lucy you ready for the game today?"

Lucy immediately pumped right up and said, "you bet I am!"

Toby cocked his head in the direction to the hallway, "okay. Go get dressed so I can take you to school."

Lucy's face fell, "do I have to go to school today?"

"Well," Spencer teased while moving closer to Toby, "or you could just sit there and watch me kiss your father for-"

"No!" Lucy screeched and shot right off to her bedroom to get ready.

The couple laughed and shared a brief kiss before separating. Toby said goodbye to Isaac before leaving the house for work and to take Lucy to school. Spencer cared her coffee cup over to the table and sat down with Isaac. She scooped up a spoonful of cheerios and held them out to his mouth.

"Come on Isaac! One more bite!"

Spencer's smile widened as Isaac leaned forward and took the spoon in his mouth. He ate the cheerios until the spoon came out clean.

"Yay!" Spencer cheered. "Good job buddy."

Isaac giggled and clapped his little chubby hands together.

Later that afternoon at Richmond's soccer Field, a large crowd began to gather for the first soccer game of the season. Lucy plays soccer for her school's soccer team. It's not a big league since she only plays on the 3rd-grade team. Toby and Jason co-coach Lucy's soccer team. Her soccer team is a mix of boys and girls. Since Lucy is the faster player on the team, she's a striker. Her friend Heather is the goalkeeper and her other friend Josh is in the midfield defense.

Everyone showed up for Lucy's game. Melissa came with Taylor. Hanna drove down with Matthew. Ezra and Aria came with Layla. Spencer and Toby aren't the only couples with a new addition to the family. A couple years ago, Emily and Alison adopted a young girl from Ghana. They named her Gabbi and she's 2-years-old. They're already in line to adopt another child from the same place.

"Go, Lucy!" Hanna cheered from the sidelines.

"Mom," Matthew pulled on his mother's sleeve. "Their game hasn't started yet."

Hanna gave her son a look and said, "just eat your ice cream cone."

At 3:15 pm, the game started and went on for two hours. The two teams were close. Lucy's team is the Richmond Dragons and the opposing team is the Hunter knights. The Dragons won the game with a final score of 3-2. The crowd cheered for Lucy's team. Everyone was proud of Lucy for winning her first soccer game.

After the game, everyone retreated back the Cavanaugh's house for a barbeque. Lucy's whole soccer team and their families were invited to come. The backyard was filled with loads of chatter and children's laughter. Spencer was seated on one of the lawn chairs with Isaac on her lap playing with a plastic horse. Melissa and Emily were seated in chairs beside them.

"How's Taylor doing in the 5th grade?" Spencer asked.

"She's doing really great. You know she just made the math bowl team again," Melissa said.

"That's great!" Spencer exclaimed. "Lucy wants to try to her school's spell bowl team but she'll probably have to compete a lot against the fourth graders."

"She can go for her grade levels spell bowl," Melissa said.

"Yeah, I told her she could do that but you know how the Hastings women work. We aim as high as we can go."

Melissa smiled, "Lucy really is her mother's child."

Spencer laughed.

"You guys are lucky," Emily said. "I hope my kid grows up to be smart like your kids."

"They will," Melissa said.

"Yeah Em. There are many levels of smarts for kids other than just being book smart," Spencer said.

"Spencer's right," Melissa said.

"Mommy," Lucy ran up to the adults with another young girl at her tail.

Lucy's friend looked to be the same age as her and wore matching uniforms. The girl's hair was long and dark and pulled back into a ponytail. Her skins brown and her eyes are a beautiful hazelnut color.

"Yes, pumpkin?" Spencer directed her attention to the girls.

"This is my new friend Julie. She's new to my school and a new teammate on our soccer team," Lucy explained.

Spencer smiled at the other young girl and said, "hello Julie."

"Hi Ms. Cavanaugh."

"Anyway," Lucy directed the attention back to her. "Would it be okay if Julie spent the night?"

"Well, sure!" Spencer said. "As long as it's okay with her mom. I would like to meet and speak with Julie's mom if I could."

"Julie doesn't have a mom," Lucy said.

"I live with my grandma," Julie explained.

"Oh," Spencer's face fell but a smile soon reappeared. "Then if it's alright, i'd love to meet your grandmother."

Julie smiled, "she's talking to Lucy's dad and her uncle."

"We already asked daddy and her grandma," Lucy said. "And they said to check with you."

"Well, then, sure Julie you are welcomed to stay over tonight," Spencer said with a friendly smile.

Julie smiled so wide you could see her teeth, "thank you, Ms. Cavanaugh."

The two girls ran off to continue playing whatever game Lucy was playing with her friends. Emily got up from the table and was replaced with Toby. Melissa held her empty cup and rose to her feet.

"I think I'll go get some more lemonade," Melissa said and walked off.

Isaac sat on the ground playing with all the toys his mom had set out for him. He seemed pretty happy in his own little world. Spencer sat back in her chair and sighed as she looked at Toby who sat there smiling at her. She reached for his hand and he gladly accepted.

"Well," Toby said.

Spencer sighed, " well, here we are."

He nodded and his smile grew, "here we are."

Spencer got up from her chair to sit down on Toby's lap. Toby wrapped his arms around her body and rested his lips against her temple. The two just sat there together as they watched all their friends and family together. Arf! Arf! They heard the giggles of Lucy's friends get all riled up as Manson came running up to play with the girls. His tail was wagging wildly behind him, his tongue was out, and he's barking up a storm. Lucy smiled and threw a tennis ball for him. Everyone laughed when Manson ran straight into a table before quickly going after the ball.

Spencer leaned her head against Toby's and said, "this is perfect."

He nodded in agreement, "it sure is."

The end. Again thanks for reading. And thank you to all the people who have read and supported all my other stories. I'll miss writing for you. As always I ask for one last review from you guys.