Hello everyone! It feels so strange to know this is the final chapter of the story, it's been a long time coming and we've all expected it and yet I still can't believe it! I'm going to leave all the 'thank you's' until the end of the story because there's so much I wish to say.

I hope in all hope that this final chapter can give me the reviews I've been hoping for. Your comments mean so much to me and I've been so glad of them all the way through. We're almost there in beating 'In Need Of A Saviour' for my most highest reviewed story ever. All I need is 14 more reviews and we've done it! If we could just get there it would be amazing.

I also hope that you guys will continue to read 'Love That Scar's The Heart' I'll have much more time to work on it after this is finished and I hope those who haven't yet started to read it will give it a try. I'll assure you that you'll not be disappointed!

This chapter is dedicated to each and every one of my precious reviewers. You're all fantastic!

Anyway, let's get this over with...I promised I wouldn't cry... :(

Chapter 40 – Love Never Ends – Epilogue

ALL was well, indeed it was, Gabriella thought that bright summers day, four years later as the sun was beginning to set into the far west of beautiful Albuquerque.

It was so easy to think everything was simple. Jacob was cradled in her arms, sleeping comfortably as she rocked him back and fore. At four years old Jacob often complained that he was too old to go to Gabriella for everything yet it still left a soft flutter in her heart when he'd crawl up onto her lap and cuddle in close to sleep.

Jacob was beginning to look more like Troy every day. He shared his father's bright bold blue eyes and the same shining sandy hair that Gabriella loved so much. He was like a mini version of Troy, her perfect little boy in every way. Gabriella smiled as she thought about this; she reached a hand into her son's hair and stroked the bangs out of his eyes. Jacob shifted but did not wake, he merely snuggled in deeper to his mother's breast and murmured for a moment before his breathing became even again.

It was nice to have these moments to herself. Troy and Katie were out getting some groceries; they wouldn't be out too long. Gabriella relished her quiet time. Though her post natal depression was gone it was always good to get away from the kids every now and then. She loved her children dearly but there was always that edge of exhaustion in the back of Gabriella's mind that drove her to need some space. Troy understood, their relationship had improved over the years and the pair had reached a great level of sympathy and appreciation. The couple were both thirty one years old and though it wasn't considered old it had definitely brought upon them a deeper sense of maturity than they had once known.

Of all the things that had ever surprised Gabriella about the way life had turned out it was the strange yet erotic passion she still felt for Troy. They still loved each other, irrevocably! There was still many a fine warm night where, when overcome with desire, Gabriella and Troy would find the time to make soft, fervent, indulgent love. Of course this had to be done when the children were sleeping or when they slept over at their cousin's house but all the sneaking around made life exciting or at least that's what Troy said.

Gabriella shifted and Jacob jerked awake with a start. He looked around for a moment, puzzled but met Gabriella's tender familiar brown eyes and relaxed, slumping into her hold and yawning.

"Hello Mommy." He whispered quietly.

Gabriella smiled brightly and leaned down to kiss his forehead, "Hello my little prince. Did you have a good sleep?" She asked him affectionately. After all these years she still couldn't believe that Jacob was hers. He was just so handsome.

"Yes, 'Jacob nodding rubbing the sleep from his eyes, "where's Daddy and Katie Kat?"

"Hush now, 'Gabriella said reassuring rocking him, "they'll be back soon."

Katie and Jacob were very close. Jacob doted on his older sibling and often followed her around, adoring her to the fullest. Katie didn't seem to mind most of the time, she liked to show her little brother different things and teach him everything she knew.

"Mommy." Jacob said again.

"Yes."

"Can I go play with Chad tomorrow?" He asked imploringly.

Chad Jnr was Taylor and Chad's little boy. Chad had inherited Taylor's intelligence, he was curious about the world, eager to discover new things but he'd inherited his father's wild, fantastical mane of hair. He was born a couple of months before Jacob and the two were the best of friends. Their friendship had been almost immediate, they were quite inseparable and the friends loved it. They'd wanted their younger children to be close, just like Monique and Katie. Little Chad and Jacob were mischievous in every sense; they were known by everyone in Albuquerque and were rarely apart from one another. It was a good friendship, one very much like Troy's and Chad's had been and Gabriella and Taylor often prayed together that it would last. The world was easier to face when you had a best friend you could rely on and Chad and Jacob would definitely need each other.

"We'll see. Go back to sleep my poppet, you're tired." Gabriella ordered soothingly and turning and curling into her side, Jacob drifted back into his dreams where everything was magical and enchanting.

The other families were doing well too, Gabriella thought as she watched Jacob sleep again. Sharpay and Zeke owned their own bakery called 'Pink Cookies' (one guess who came up with the name) and were well on their way to have another baby. Sharpay was four months pregnant. Ryan and Robin were doing well and little Maxi had just celebrated his fifth birthday. He was like Ryan in so many ways; he loved colourful hats and Musicals which didn't come as a surprise to anyone. Kelsi and Jason had split up for a while two years ago due to the fact that Jason didn't do enough around the house but fate intended them to be as one and after a year apart they were back together, loving life and planning a second wedding.

Yes, everything was fantastic. Everything was peaceful!

"HONEY, we're home." Troy's voice called through into the kitchen as the front door closed with a click. Gabriella was in the kitchen, making supper when Katie came darting in, her long dark hair bouncing wildly as she bounded up to her mother and hugged her tight.

"Hey Mom." She said exuberantly.

Gabriella leaned down and kissed Katie's cheek, hugging her back.

"You were gone pretty long, 'she chastised firmly but with a cheering smile, "where in the world have you been?"

"We went to the grocery shop but ran into Derek Winston." Katie answered as a blush spread across the soft supple skin of her cheeks. Derek Winston was a twelve year old boy Katie had developed a rather swooning crush on. Troy had sensed it a couple of months ago at the Albuquerque school fair and it was backed up when Gabriella found 'I Heart Derek Winston' printed in the back of every page in Katie's school books.

"Ooh, Derek huh?" Gabriella said grinning.

Katie ducked her head and said nothing. The sheer shame of having been caught out by her parents when crushing on a boy was embarrassing.

"What did you think of this Derek then?" Gabriella asked as Troy came into the kitchen, a bag of groceries clutched in his arms.

He approached her and kissed her chastely on the lips, his face grim and disapproving, "I don't like him one little bit. He's not good enough for my Katie Kat."

"So he's charming then?" Gabriella laughed.

Troy nodded, "sadly, yes."

Gabriella sighed contently as she gazed up at her husband. Even after all these years he still made her insides twist and knot up in pleasure. Troy seemed older; his glorious ultramarine eyes looked tired and drawn though when he saw Gabriella, they glimmered with love and excitement. His hair had lost some of its shine though it would take many, many years for it to age. He was muscular, firm and strong, sometimes feeling those muscles above her as they made love drove Gabriella mad...how could anyone be so perfect?

"Supper's nearly finished, 'Gabriella said beaming, "Katie why don't you go and call your brother, he's in his room."

Katie nodded looking happy to escape and left the kitchen as quick as possible. Troy chuckled light heartedly and placed the grocery bag on the table beside him. He scooped Gabriella up into his arms and kissed her hungrily, capturing her lips with his own, pushing his tongue into her mouth and tasting the sweetness she offered him.

"I've missed you." Gabriella whimpered as she trailed her hands into his hair, yanking him closer to her as if she couldn't get enough.

"I've missed you too, 'Troy muttered into her neck, "all I've wanted to do is be with you. Just you wait until tonight Mrs Bolton. I'm going to take you to bed and –"

"Mom, Dad I...eww. Don't do that!" Katie said coming into the kitchen and sticking her tongue out in disgust as she watched her parents make out.

Gabriella pulled away and laughed, turning to her daughter, "I'm pretty sure you and Derek Winston will be kissing soon enough. You won't think it's so bad then will you?"

"Don't say things like that, 'Troy shuddered through gritted teeth, "she's my little girl and I'm probably likely to kill the boy which is illegal...once again sadly."

"Oh don't be so silly Troy, 'Gabriella smacked his shoulder playfully, she turned to Katie and winked, "you'll be a good girl won't you Katie Kat?"

Katie shook her head and turned pink. Ignoring her mother she turned to Troy, "Daddy, 'she said brightly, "can I sleep over at Hallie's tomorrow night please? We've got an English project that needs finishing."

Gabriella gazed at her daughter lovingly. Katie was an exquisite child and she was proud to be her mother. Her hair was longer, reaching just to the bottom of her back in fine lavish dark ringlets, her eyes were shining, brave and blue like the stunning crystal waves of the ocean. She was slimmer too and taller and it made Gabriella very sad knowing she was growing up and would one day not need her anymore. The revelation stung every layer of love she'd built up in her heart.

"I guess that'll be alright, 'Troy's voice broke through Gabriella thoughts, "does Auntie Kelsi know you'll be coming over?"

"Yeah." Katie nodded.

"Well that's fine by me." Troy exclaimed with a smile, "go back up and call your brother again. Dinner is ready."

"Thanks Dad. Thanks Mom." Katie said happily running over and pressing a kiss to each of her parent's cheeks before she disappeared out of the kitchen again.

Gabriella turned to Troy and buried her head into his chest. Troy pulled his arms around her waist and clung to her, relishing her hold.

"Are you okay? You look kind of sad." He said.

"You don't miss a thing, 'Gabriella replied with a smile, "It just worries me that Katie and Jacob are growing up a little too fast. One day we'll wake up and they won't need us anymore."

"Hey, 'Troy said stroking her back tenderly, he pulled back so he could look down on her better, "we're their parents. They'll always need us."

"Do you think so?" Gabriella asked a little unsure.

"Absolutely!" Troy said smiling broadly.

"You know I love you, don't you?" Troy asked.

"Yes and I love you too, 'Gabriella nodded, "more than anything in the entire world."

She played with the buttons of Troy's shirt, her eyes turning seductive and needful. Kissing the lower base of his jaw, trying to forget about all her worries of the future, Gabriella crooned, "Now Mr Bolton, what are you planning later? Did you mention a bed?"

Troy's eyes sparkled and he pulled her closer and silenced her with his lips.

THE dazzling light of the moon shone through the bedroom window that dark, warm night. Gabriella and Troy lay in their bed, the sheets covered over them as they kissed eagerly. Troy straddled Gabriella, his hands greedily roaming over her body still covered over with her pyjamas. There was enthusiasm in their movements, the children were bed sleeping and they wouldn't be disturbed.

They'd been planning on having another baby for a while. Gabriella had expressed her need for a third child to complete their perfect little world, another boisterous son or a lovely little daughter to care for. Troy could only second her decision, he wanted anything Gabriella wanted.

"This is nice." Troy said in between kisses.

"Hmm, 'Gabriella giggled cupping her husband's face in her petite little hands and bringing him closer, "peace and quiet. Just you and me."

There was a tap at the door and the pair jumped apart. Troy looked at Gabriella and laughed, "I think you may have spoken too soon."

"Hush, 'Gabriella giggled before she called out, "come in."

The door opened slowly as the couple composed themselves, re-buttoning buttons back up and fixing their mangled hair, controlling their heavy breathing.

A very timid, very small looking Jacob stood in the doorway, clutching his teddy bear and looking bashful as he gazed at his parents with sad eyes.

"Mommy? Can I come and sleep in with you and Daddy? I had a nightmare." He said in a whisper.

Gabriella looked to Troy who nodded and she held out her arms to him. Jacob darted over and climbed into the bed, crawling up into her embrace. Kissing his forehead, Gabriella looked at Troy and smiled.

"Tomorrow." She promised him.

"What's tomorrow?" Jacob queried curiously.

"Nothing, 'Gabriella smirked, "something I have to do for your father that's all, 'she said looking at Troy and winking seductively, "Now little man, it's time for you to sleep."

The three lay down and Jacob pressed himself close to his mother, needing her comfort. Troy wrapped an arm around them both and watched as Jacob's tense stature began to loosen up as all his worries faded away.

"Perhaps we should stop reading all those fantasy books to him, 'Troy said, "he's still a little young to read about monsters."

"Nonsense! My mother read me fantasy books at the age of two years old. It didn't do me any harm. Besides, those books expand the imagination." Gabriella reprimanded.

"I like reading them." Jacob said determinedly.

Troy rolled his eyes but did not argue anymore, "fine, whatever you say."

The conversation may have continued but another knock at the door stopped everything.

"That'll be Katie, 'Troy mumbled to Gabriella before called out, "come in Katie Kat."

The door creaked open and Katie stood before them, biting her lip hard as she watched her family, lying in the large double bed.

"Can I come in? Couldn't sleep." She said.

"Of course. Come here." Gabriella laughed and closing the door behind her, Katie clambered into them bed and lay next to Jacob who was nestled in beside Gabriella as if he never wanted to leave her go again.

"Well...this is interesting." Troy said with a smile as he looked over the top of Katie and Jacob to where Gabriella lay, holding in a fresh new giggle.

"It's good." Gabriella said with a satisfied nod, perhaps the children did need them after all.

"I hate not being able to sleep, 'Katie groaned, "it feels like the night goes on forever."

"I know. When I can't sleep your Daddy tells me stories." Gabriella told her little ones.

Jacob and Katie's eyes lit up with the prospect of a story, both were avid readers with vivid imaginations.

"Oh please tell us a story Daddy!" Jacob pleaded.

"Yeah, come on. Tell us a really good one." Katie implored, looking terribly excited.

"I don't know, 'Troy said turning on his side to face his family that were waiting anxiously for him to begin, "what kind of story do you want to hear?"

"One about monsters!" Jacob cried.

"Not tonight, 'Gabriella said shaking her head, "you'll have another nightmare."

"A love story then." Katie asked keenly, Gabriella chuckled, ever since Derek Winston Katie had a soft spot for romance stories.

Troy gazed across at Gabriella in the dark, silently loving her, proud that she had given him two very special children, "okay then, 'he said not taking his eyes away from hers, not wanting to even, "a love story it is."

"Daddy...can there be a dragon in the story?" Jacob queried hopefully.

"Sure there can." Gabriella smiled.

"Well are we sitting comfortably, 'Troy said and the children nodded, "then I'll begin. This story is about an extremely beautiful princess named Gabriella in love with a strong handsome Knight named Sir Troy who was pulled apart from each other by an evil dragon named Loretta." He said in a serious voice. The children laughed.

"Ooh, this sounds interesting, 'Gabriella said, "maybe they fell out of love because they weren't together anymore."

Jacob and Katie looked between their parents who were smiling at each other dreamily. Troy reached a hand over the blanket and took Gabriella's in his, their embrace kept their little ones safe from any kind of harm.

Troy shook his head, "no, never. You see Gabriella; their love for one another was strong. Once upon time my favourite person in the entire world told me 'Love Never Ends' and they were right, 'he said sitting up and leaning over the children to press a kiss on her forehead before sitting back down, "It doesn't!"

Done! I promised I wouldn't cry but I almost am. This chapter was very emotional for me. I know I didn't do a lot of background on the others but I wanted this final chapter to be situated around Gabriella and Troy and the way their life had changed for the better you know??? If you didn't like it, you have every right to tell me. I'll only be a little upset! :D

Okay! It's time for the big thank you's!

Thanks for everything you've done for me everyone. I couldn't have asked for better people to review my stories. You've all been so amazing. Thanks to everyone whose ever...

Considered reading.

Read the story.

Read the first few chapters of the story and got bored.

Only reviewed a few chapters here and there.

And Read and Reviewed the entire story from start to finish! You guys are awesome!

I'm really glad you've enjoyed the story guys and I do hope you'll continue to read my other stories and stay faithful to me. This story has been through a lot and we've been through it together. What with me not updating or that girl who tried to steal it once...thank you for all kicking up about that by the way...I couldn't have stopped her without you. Not to mention all your support and excitement and the way you've given me great ideas about how to write it! Gosh, I could go on forever but I have to stop. I'd name all of you one by one if I could but it would take tooooo long.

So please, keep reading and hopefully I'll start a new story very soon. In the meantime, please keep reading 'Love That Scar's The Heart' and for those who haven't started reading it yet, please consider it. Here's the Summary...

An odd match. A peculiar, out of this world match. She was perfection; beautiful, bold, intelligent...he was invisible, lonely and scarred...physically! How could an unparalleled pair, fire and ice, work so well? Troyella!

Anyway, thanks again and review! xoxMusicalxox/Si xxx (sobbing)