Hey everyone!

First off, I hope you're all safe and keeping healthy from the Coronavirus that seems to have completely swept through the world. If you're affected or know someone that is, my thoughts are with you. And since everything seems to closing for the time being and we're all in social isolation/self quarantine I figured it'd be a good time to start writing again.

Secondly, thanks to everyone who continues to support not only my work, but others as the archive seems to be getting smaller.

Thirdly, the time of this story is a little off, but I just had to upload it! And thanks to incorrect quotes from tumblr for this idea!

Are lastly, I'm thinking of updating Hard Hits next and then either Complicated Web or Wide Side? Any thoughts?

I seriously love you all and if we all do our part and help people in continuing to stay healthy, this virus will soon pass. We're stronger when we work together.

joshaya00423: That's how you know it's love! Thank you so much and I'm glad you liked the surprise at the end!

Laugh instead: Haha, right! That's a lovely visual. That's so true. When you know, you know! I loved being able to show their happy ending and surprise! I'm so glad you liked it!

Alexa0016: I love that song too and you're welcome! I knew it had to be used and Joshaya was the perfect couple! Surprise and I'm so happy you liked it!

someday00293: Lol, definitely! Joshaya's still got it! It was fun writing it and having it be a surprise! I'm so happy you liked it!

Whenitsover: Exactly! That's love right there. I love the song too and thank you for the super kind words! I'm so happy you liked it!

Joshaya: Thank you! And yes it was! I love happy endings!

It's Allie: Thank you so much! Haha, true, that part isn't that pretty, but the relationship between them is so adorable! Josh is a sweetie and surprise! I'm so glad you liked it!

xxAmy: Mine too and yes! I knew it'd fit perfectly for them. Thank you and I'm so happy for liked it!

MorganReadsALot: He did and that's love! They're perfect together and I'm so glad you liked it!

Guest: Thank you and it's was fun writing it through Josh's perspective. And thanks! It was fun having it as a surprise!

Jen2000: Right! It's such a beautiful song and really gives you the feels! And I knew it had to be Joshaya's song! Thank you so much for the sweet review! It's love and I'm so happy that you liked it so much!

Ash543: Yes! When a guy knows you're the one, it's the best feeling. Real love and Josh definitely knew! He's very sweet. I'm so happy you liked it and exactly! That song and lyric says everything!

Enjoy!

Christmas is everyone's favorite time of year and holiday. For the Matthews' it was all about family. For the Hart's, it was all about counting their blessings and for the Minkus', it was about celebrating all the good things from the past year.

But as the kids got older, it wasn't about one thing or another. It was about being together and from that moment on, all the families celebrated with one big holiday party as one big, happy family.

By the time middle school came around, the kids made more friends and added to the group with three additional families and even though there were more people crammed into an apartment, no one would have it any other way. It was their tradition, no matter how old they got or how far away they traveled, everyone came home for the holidays.

Now, ten years later with the older adults deciding to have their own party, a smaller, quieter one; the kids, who are now adults as well, still had their party and invited old and new friends to the awesome festivities.

"So, who's the new guy in the corner?" Zay whispers to Lucas as the girls are walking around and mingling with the guests.

"He's a co-worker of mine. He started working at the clinic about four months ago," Lucas answers and then smiles and waves as a couple walks past him.

"Oh, that's Jack? He seems so much quieter than you described him," Zay responds, staring intently at the new guy.

"Dude, stop staring," Lucas sighs, shaking his head at his best friends none subtle ways. "And of course he's quiet here. He doesn't really know anyone and Riley practically guilted him into coming tonight."

"Ah. Good old Cotton Candy Face. I'm glad she hasn't lost her touch over the past years," Zay smiles fondly.

"What do mean over the past years? We're not old Zay," Lucas grumbles, taking slight offense.

"Haha, no bro. I didn't mean it like that. All I mean is that with you two married and all, I assumed Cotton Candy Face would move on from interfering in peoples lives," Zay explains with a huge grin.

"You know that is something Riles can't stop doing. It's in her nature to want everyone happy and included. And besides, Jack didn't mind coming since he doesn't have family around here," Lucas beams fondly at his wife who is talking animatedly to their neighbor.

"True, true. Cotton Candy Face loves happiness. That's what we all love about her. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to talk to Jack and see if I can loosen him up a little bit," Zay grins as he pats Lucas' shoulder before walking away.

"Zay," Lucas calls out, but it doesn't do any good as his friend ignores him and keeps walking through the small crowd. He watches Zay and Jack meet and share an awkward hand shake and as soon as Zay starts talking, he mumbles, "Lord help us," under his breath and takes a long drink of his beer.

OoOoOoOo

Meanwhile, Riley had finally slipped away from the crowd and into the kitchen to grab more food when Maya rushes in and blocks the door with her whole body, stopping Riley's exit.

"Uh, Peaches? You okay?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm fine. Just hiding for a few minutes," the blonde replies and then moves off the door and grabs a beer from the refrigerator.

"And why are you hiding? I thought you liked everyone?" Riley wonders, her expression turning into a frown.

"Oh, honey, it's not that," Maya quickly assures her. "I do like everyone. But it's just that, now that Josh and I are married, everyone is asking about when we're going to start having kids and if we're going to move into a bigger place and it's making my head hurt. Parties are supposed to be fun."

"Parties are fun and people ask those types of questions to everyone. They're like the typical icebreakers, especially with couples who are married and all that. Lucas and I get those questions all the time and we got married a year ago. Just try to give a simple answer and to not let it go to head and put pressure on you two. It's the Christmas season and you should be happy and cheerful!" Riley exclaims joyfully.

Maya can't help but smile and laugh at her best friend's enthusiasm and agrees, "I am happy. I'm with my husband and all our friends. Thank you for the advice. I love you, Riles."

"And I love you, Maya. Now, let's go back out there before they come looking for us," Riley smiles, handing Maya a tray of snacks and grabbing the other one.

"Good idea. Oh, and you might want to save Jack. I saw Zay chatting with him and who knows what the dork told him," Maya shares with a nervous smile.

"Oh, gosh. I definitely will, thank you," Riley nods as both girls exit the kitchen and head to the snack table before going off to their perspective places, one to their husband and the other to save their friend from another friend.

OoOoOoOo

Riley spends about a half hour with Jack and embarrassingly learns Zay has word vomit as he told their friend a lot about them. Especially some stuff that was supposed to stay between the eight. Like in high school when she when she forgot her keys at home and the six of them had to climb up the fire escape only to have the police called on them because one of her lower neighbors thought they were robbers and they had to sit out on the curb for their parents to arrive. Or the time Lucas and Farkle got talked into joining her, Maya and Zay in their senior showcase only to have their costumes ruined by Zay's 'master plan ending' and showing everyone in the audience their underwear. And the one that tops the cake and mortifies them all was when the eight were home from college during one summer and created a blog as a hobby and somehow sent a link to everyone in everybody's email contact list and shared an hours worth of very private conversations. So yeah, the next time they decide to have a party, they are definitely going to give Zay ground rules.

OoOoOoOo

While Riley was with Jack, Farkle chats with Zay as he notices his friend looking suspicious by the large punch bowl Riley recently set out.

"Hey Zay, what are doing?" he asks in a low tone.

"Hey buddy!" Zay greets very cheerfully.

"Oh no. Zay, what did you do?" Farkle cries out in a panic.

"No-nothing, Frankie," he stammers, smiling widely.

"Are you drunk?" Farkle hisses, quickly scanning the area to make sure no one else listening.

"What?" Zay asks, his voice suddenly going high pitch.

"Damn, you are. How'd you get drunk?" Farkle questions sternly.

"First off, relax boo. I'm not drunk. Just a little tipsy. I'm trying to liven up the party. Secondly, I was snooping in Cotten Candy Face's kitchen and found tequila," Zay explains and then starts dancing in place.

"You drank tequila? How much?" Farkle continues, trying to stay calm as he holds onto Zay's right side to stop his movements.

"Like I said, relax bro. I didn't drink it," Zay laughs, thinking that's the funniest thing he's heard all day.

"Then how did you get buzzed?" Farkle inquires, patiently waiting to get to the bottom of this crazy story as his calm mood is running very thin.

"From that," Zay answers simply and points to the punch bowl.

"The punch? How in the-you spiked the punch? Seriously? It's a freaking Christmas party and you spike the punch?" Farkle whisper yells and narrows his eyes at his friend.

"Calm down, it's all good, man. Lucas is the only other person who drank it and he only had one cup. I'm not sharing my delicious and beautiful creation," Zay announces firmly.

"That's fine with me. Your beautiful creation is going into the kitchen and probably down the drain. And you better hope Riley doesn't find out about this or she'll be really pissed at you," Farkle states, rolling his eyes as he picks up the bowl and quickly walks away.

"Oh shit! Cotton Candy Face is going to be soooo mad," Zay repeats as he follows right behind Farkle and starts to immediately sober up and get sad.

"Yep," Farkle nods bluntly. "That's why when we're at the Friar's house, we don't mess with their stuff and steal and spike their drinks. Especially when there are other guests here."

"You're right. I'm sorry and thanks for helping me," Zay mumbles and then give Farkle a tight bear hug.

"You're welcome. Now sit here and don't do anything stupid," Farkle orders, pushing Zay to sit in one of the kitchen table chairs.

Over the next half hour, Farkle randomly checks in on Zay and is relieved that he has sobered up enough to go back out and socialize with the others.

The party continues for the next hour or so and when there's only a handful of people left, not including the eight, talking with Riley, Isadora enters the master bedroom to gather her purse and jacket when she notices Zay standing in the doorway to the master bathroom. Intrigued by the scene, she walks over to see something she's never expected.

"Um, why is Lucas lying on the bathroom floor crying?" she asks in a confused tone.

"He's drunk," Zay responds simply.

"And?" Isadora presses.

"And he saw a photo of Riley's husband," Zay whispers.

"But he's Riley's husband," Isadora shoots back blankly.

"I know," Zay mumbles, shifting from foot to foot.

"I'll go get Riley," Isadora sighs, shaking her head at the two Texans.

Minutes later, Riley comes walking into the bathroom and chuckles softly as she sits next to Lucas on the ground and carefully moves his head into her lap.

"Aw, Lucas. Don't cry, babe," Riley coos, gently rubbing his back.

"Riles? he chokes out, looking up into her brown eyes.

"Yeah, it's me, Luke," she smiles.

"I love you," he says any serious tone, never breaking eye contact with her.

"I love you too," she murmurs lovingly, bending down to kiss his forehead.

"But you can't! You married him instead!" he pouts with a frown. "I lost you to some good looking, stupid guy!"

"You didn't lose me, my love. I'm right here. Why don't you lie down in bed for a little while? It'll make you feel better and we can talk later," Riley suggests in a sweet voice as she tries to get Lucas up into a sitting position.

"I don't want to move," Lucas fights, somehow moving around so he's gripping Riley's leg.

"Okay, but I'm sure the bathroom floor isn't all that comfy. And I promise I won't leave you once you're up," Riley swears to him, kissing his cheek.

"You pinky promise?" Lucas probes in a serious tone.

"I pinky promise," Riley agrees, holding out her pinky finger.

Lucas grins and wraps his pinky finger around hers before sitting up and letting out a loud groan. "Oh, I don't feel so good,"

"I know, baby. I'm going to have someone get you some water and aspirin," Riley says, looking at their two friends standing in the doorway of the bathroom.

Isadora gives Riley a smile and nod and takes off instantly as Zay helps Riley stand with Lucas.

"Oh, man! This is going to be a great story to tease him about," Zay laughs as the three walk to the couple's bed.

"You will do no such thing, Isaiah Babineaux. You can only bring it up a few times for a good laugh if the story allows. But that's it! If you don't follow my rules, I'll be forced to tell everyone what happened before I got married and you were a weeping, blubbering mess," Riley counters with a stern expression.

"Damn, girl, all right. It's scary to see Mrs. Friar with a touch of Mr. Mathews come out," Zay grumbles.

"That's a terrible description," Riley chuckles. "But I guess it's also a compliment?"

"Eh, maybe? And you do know I was talking about you being Mrs. Friar, right?" Zay grins as Isadora renters the bedroom with the aspirin, Maya, Josh and Farkle in tow.

"Sorry. I tried to ban them from coming, but it went right over their heads," Isadora snips, rolling her eyes at their friends.

"Um, Izzy, you literally said, 'don't follow me or you'll be sorry', so of course we had to come, Maya interjects with a grin.

"Uh, Riles, is Lucas okay?" Josh questions with concern as the western hero is fast asleep.

"He's fine," Riley answers plainly. "He just drank a little too much."

"Okay. Let us know if you need anything. We'll clean up the mess and then head out," Josh offers, wanting to help his niece.

"Thank you for offering, but we're fine Uncle Josh. I'll clean a little bit tonight and leave the rest for tomorrow morning. But please take any of the leftover food and drinks. And happy holidays! I'll see you all next week for our annual New Year's Eve party," Riley cheers softly.

"If you're sure," Farkle joins in, making sure his best friend and 'first wife' was all right.

"Yes, I'm sure, Farkle. Thank you. I love you all so much," Riley tells him and the others sweetly.

"And we love you, honey. Call if you need anything and tell Ranger Rick, bye. I'll check in with you tomorrow," Maya winks as everyone else says their goodbyes and leaves the couple to their peace.

OoOoOoOo

The next morning, or more like afternoon for someone, Lucas finally gets out of bed and slowly makes his way to the master bathroom to freshen and clean himself up and then out to the kitchen to find his wife who needs the biggest thank you in the world.

"Riles, baby?" he calls out when he spots her doing the dishes.

"Good afternoon, sleepy head. Are you feeling better?" she asks in a tender tone.

"Yeah, I am. Thank you for taking care of me last night. I'm sorry I got drunk. I don't remember what happened, but I'm sure it wasn't good," he admits, sitting down at their kitchen island and grabbing a banana.

"It wasn't too bad, but you did drink a lot and fair warning, Zay's the one who found you first," she shares with a small smile.

"Damn it. He's never going to let me forget it either, huh?" Lucas grunts, shaking his head.

"He may bring it up a time or two, but I also have some information on him so he shouldn't be a problem," Riley assures her husband.

"Did you threaten him?" Lucas jokes with a smirk.

"It wasn't so much of a threat as a nice little warning. You know I'm a lover and not a fighter," Riley waves off Lucas' comment, but on the inside feels very badass.

"And that's why I love you," Lucas beams. "So, can you tell me what happened?"

"Seriously, nothing much. I don't know when you got drunk, but you saw our wedding picture and lost it. You were so sad when you thought I married someone else," Riley mentions all she knows as she dries her hands and joins Lucas.

"Well it's clear to see, even in a drunken state, I still want you. I love you so much, Riley," Lucas declares, kissing her deeply and passionately.

"And I love you, Lucas. Always," she glows happily and then pulls back to look him in the eyes. "But, love, next week at the New Year's Eve party, no drinking."

"Deal," Lucas agrees and chuckles as he kisses Riley's temple, knowing there is no one better for him than her.

And there you go folks! I hope you like it.

Again, thanks and until next time,

Missy xx