AN: Well here it is, the final chapter. I hope you all have enjoyed the story up until now and I hope that this chapter meets your expectations. I would like to thank all of you have have stuck with me. Now I'll let you read on...ENJOY!

Shikamaru sat in his office, in two days he was marrying Temari. He sighed and rested his head on the back of his chair; Sakura's face invaded his mind every time he shut his eyes. It was funny he thought, all he wanted to do was protect her, but in the end it hurt her even more.

"Excuse me sir" His secretary sounded over the intercom. "Your father is here to see you"

Shikamaru sighed as he ran his hand down his face; the last thing he really wanted was to deal with his father of all people. His father didn't even bother to knock as he entered his son's office.

"Shikamaru, can I have a moment?"

"Father since when did you ask permission to take up my time." Shikamaru sighed again.

His father let out a low chuckle. "I have noticed your work has been faltering these last few days." He said taking a seat across from his son. "Are you nervous about the wedding?"

Shikamaru didn't answer instead he averted his eyes to the window, the night view of the city and all its bright lights.

"Or" His father sounded curious "Is it because of Miss Haruno?"

Hearing her name Shikamaru snapped his gaze back at his father, who had a small but mocking smile on his face. "How do you know of Sakura?"

"Neji felt I should know. I believe he was right."

"She has nothing to do with anything?" Shikamaru grew defensive. "Leave her out if this. I am marrying Temari and that's final."

"I went and visited Miss Haruno at the hospital" His father continued not even acknowledging his sons words. "I had to see what kind of woman could make my son act like a love sick school boy. She was surprising very kind, a bit clumsy, but defiantly nothing like Temari." Shikamaru stared at his father; he was shocked that his father would do such a thing as that, considering the only thing he was ever worried about anymore was business deals. "I can see why you fell for such a girl. Don't get me wrong I had every intention of telling her that this was better for you in the end, but when she spoke of you she lit up, every word she spoke of you was loving and caring, she reminded me of your mother when we first met."

At this comment Shikamaru rolled his eyes. The thought of being in love with someone who was like his mother was ridiculous. "So what did she say when you told her?" He was pretty sure she cried her eyes out, just thinking about it made his own heart hurt.

"I didn't tell her. In the end I couldn't bring myself to add to the sadness that invaded her eyes."

"I see" Shikamaru sighed inwardly from relief, he didn't want her cry for him anymore. "What are your intentions for coming here father?"

His father stared at him for a moment before answering. "Your mother asked me to come."

Shikamaru chuckled; he should have known his mother was behind this. She always thought she could solve everyone else's problems. "Tell mother I'm fine and to stop worrying."

"I will do no such thing. I like to sleep in my own bed and not in one of the guest rooms. Where I am sure she'll send me if I even try to tell her that."

Shikamaru full out laughed, he still couldn't believe that his father was scared of a mere woman. Even though in the past she struck fear into him as well.

"I am glad you find humor at the thought of me being in the doghouse." His father pursed his lips.

Shikamaru took a deep breath getting his laughter under control. "Sorry. Are we finished now?" Shikamaru stood checking his watch. "Temari expects me home before too long."

His father stayed sitting and stared out the window. "I also want you to know I spoke to Gaara and Kankuro this morning."

Shikamaru froze; he had a feeling he wasn't going to like what was coming, and braced himself for the worst.

"I broke the contract with them." He said blankly.

"You did what!" Shikamaru slammed his hands on his desk. "After we worked so hard to forge our companies you go and….and do something foolish."

His father narrowed his eyes at his son. "I refuse to do business with a company where the president and vice president would threaten an innocent woman." Hearing this, Shikamaru fell back into his chair. "How do I know about it?" His father asked knowing his son wanted to know. "When you've been in this business as long as I have, one can be very persuasive. Gaara didn't utter a word, but Kankuro broke down and told me everything that his sister has been up to."

Shikamaru was in a state of shock. "Do you know what this means?" He said under his breathe.

"Yes it means we lost a 2.5 million dollar business opportunity."

"No" Shikamaru jumped to his feet. "The wedding is off." He stated heading for the door.

His father stood. "Where are you going?" He hollered after his son.

Shikamaru grinned over his shoulder. "Tell mom I'm sorry that she won't see her son get married."

"Wait Shikamaru!" His father shook his head as his son disappeared into the elevator. "How do you expect me to tell your mother you've eloped with a woman she's never met? I'll be sleeping at the office this time for sure."

Shikamaru raced up the stairs to Sakura's apartment. He couldn't wait to hold her in his arms again. Reaching the door he pounded as if his life depended on it. In no time Kiba swung open the door.

"What the hell do you………...Nara." Kiba scowled.

"Where…..is…..she?" Shikamaru panted trying to catch his breath.

"She's not here" Kiba hissed shutting the door, only to have Shikamaru force it back open.

"I have to……speak to her now." He pleaded, his breathing slowly returning to normal.

"Your three hours too late" Kiba stated. "She took the six o'clock flight to New York."

Shikamaru felt a sharp pain in his chest. "Why?"

"A job offer came up and she took it. She said she couldn't stay here, that she had to free herself of her memories of you?"

"Where? What hospital?" He demanded.

"Don't you have a fiancée waiting for you at home?" Kiba stated.

"……No. Now are you going to tell me or not." The men stared each other down; Shikamaru finally huffed in frustration and turned. "Forget it. I'll find out myself."

"Shikamaru"

Shikamaru turned only to be nailed in the face by Kiba's fist, sending him flying to the ground. Shikamaru touched his now bleeding lip and glared at Kiba.

"Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City" He said sternly. "And if you ever make her cry again I swear………….just take care of her alright." Kiba said, defeated but standing tall.

Shikamaru smirked. "You have my word."

Sakura yawned as she approached the door of her new apartment. She was exhausted from her flight and was glad that the hospital supplied a furnished apartment for her. When her apartment came into view she froze.

"Hello Sakura" Shikamaru said leaning on the wall next to her door.

"Shikamaru what…..What are you…?"

"Did you know" He began as he pushed of the wall walking towards her. "That a nonstop flight gets you here four hours sooner."

"Yes" She said taking a small step back. "It also costs twice as much. Now what are you doing here?" She asked again.

"Something I should have done along time ago" He caught her by the waist and captured her lips, putting all his love and passion into the simple gesture. Sakura dropped her bag and clung tight his coat, melting against his body.

Shikamaru sighed and rested his head on her shoulder. "I've wanted to do that for so long."

"I don't understand. What about Temari? And your wedding?"

"The one I love, the one I plan to marry is right here." He whispered placing kisses on her neck.

Tears streamed down Sakura's now flushed cheeks. "Shikamaru" She smiled.

"Hhhmm" She felt him smirk against her neck. "Say it again Sakura."

"Shikamaru" With that he captured her lips again.

"Sakura Haruno" He began retrieving a small black velvet box from his pocket. "Will you do me the honor of spending the rest of your life with me?" With slightly shaking hands he slipped the ring on her finger, awaiting her answer.

Sakura was shocked, but shook her head yes, unable to form words, this was what she has been waiting for. As Shikamaru held her tightly in his arms she couldn't help but believe that sometimes it's not so bad when you 'can't let go.'

AN: Well there you have it. I hope you all enjoyed! Again thank you all for reading and reviewing. I hope to hear from again on one of my other stories reveiw pages and on those of stories to come. :) Oh...Don't forget to review. lol LUV YA!