Well, everyone, here it is, the final chapter! I can't believe that it's actually here. It's bittersweet. While I'm excited to conclude this story, I'm also sad. This one has been such a joy to write, and I thank each and every one of you for your reviews. Honestly, your complements and excitement added that fuel to my fire, and reading your notes added such happiness to my life.

I hope you enjoy the final chapter below!

Love, MU

Six Weeks Later

Darien sipped at his coffee, seemingly ignoring the flash of blonde hair darting around in the vicinity. He continued to focus on the paper as opposed to the near-meltdown that was about to happen.

"THIS," Serena shrieked as she hopped on the balls of her feet, desperately trying to zip up her dress, "IS WHY I SAID NO WHEN YOU GOT IN THE SHOWER WITH ME."

He chuckled, but continued to read an article on wealth fund moves. "You weren't exactly protesting," he mumbled as he flipped on to the next page.

"Ooooooh," she scorned, unable to object. He lifted his head and smiled at her as she continued to struggle with the zipper. "Help me, please?" she pleaded as she lifted her hands in defeat.

Shifting up from his seat, he walked over to Serena, who was in the process of lifting her hair. "Ah, you've got a piece of fabric stuck in here," Darien announced as he wedged it free, the zipper sliding up the back of her dress in ease.

"Oh thank God, for a moment I thought I was putting on weight or something," Serena sighed in relief. She let her hand open, the blonde hair falling in waves to her mid-back, a crown of earth-toned flowers with a bowed ribbon nestled on her head.

His eyes lingered. She looked unequivocally beautiful. Mina certainly had no qualms picking out bridesmaid dresses that were stunning, putting the myth of intentionally ugly bridesmaid dresses to bed.

As his eyes roamed, he placed his hands gently on her hips. His fingertips caressed the textured fabric of the rose-gold dress, slightly risen against the cloth, yet smooth like chiffon. He closed his eyes, savoring in the sensual moment before having to part ways from her. She smelt of roses and apricots, a subtle scent that made his heart beat when in his proximity. She stilled as he hovered closer to her backside, his fingers unmoving as he leaned in closer to her ear.

"Your shoes are in the library," he whispered.

"Oh, shit!" she cried as she shuffled to the library, the intimacy of the moment shattered as she scurried away. He threw his head back and laughed as she returned, hopping on one foot trying to slip the tan colored shoe on.

"You might want to sit for that," he teased, eliciting a frown.

"Yeah, you might want to shut up now," she replied as she plopped into the chair, slipping her slender foot into the caged heel. "Why the fuck Mina thought these shoes were a good idea," Serena grumbled as she wiggled her one foot in.

"They look uncomfortable."

She shrugged, only to have a quick change of heart after she shuffled over to the floorlength mirror. "Ohhhh, now I see what she was thinking. Damn! That woman, she's a genius, a genius I tell you!" Serena praised as she profiled herself, twisting her limbs while posing.

"10:15," Darien responded with a glance at his watch.

"Shit shit shit!" Serena cried, ceasing her self-vogue session before pulling herself away from the mirror and over to her bag. "Please tell me you made coffee."

He nodded his head. "On the counter."

"Oh thank god!" Grabbing the silver container, she flipped open the lid and took in a lengthy sip, only for her eyes to nearly bulge out of her head. Darien raised an eyebrow in question as he watched her lips purse in protest while she swallowed. "Gah!" she cried. "What the hell?!"

"What?"

"It's… ugh!" she over-exaggeratedly announced as she made a putrid face.

"What do you mean 'it's ugh?' You have a problem with my coffee?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact. What is wrong with it? It tastes bitter."

"I have these beans imported thank you very much."

"From where, the asshole of the south? Why is it so bold?"

"It's French pressed."

"The fuck?!"

"What?"

"Couldn't you just make some normal coffee?"

"This is normal coffee."

"No, it's not!"

"Yes, it is!"

"And what's worse, it's black!"

"Yeah, that's the correct way to drink coffee."

"Please tell me you have cream in the fridge."

He rolled his eyes. "Yes," he admitted in annoyance.

"Thank God," she praised as she darted over to the fridge.

"You're just going to ruin it," he declared aloud to the body that was head-deep in his refrigerator. She reappeared quickly, a container of creamer in her hand.

"You know what, you go ahead and drink your hot bean water," she said dismissively as she twisted the lid open to her coffee. "I'm going to go ahead and add cream because I love myself."

A chuckle escaped his mouth as she dumped the cream into her coffee, only to have a full smile break free as she animatedly spun the top back on to her cup and took in a long, exaggerated sip.

It just… fell out.

She stopped. "What did you say?" she asked, her mouth slightly parted, her eyes wide with a look of apprehension. For a moment, he was stunned himself.

Their eyes met, and in that exchange, he saw everything: fear. Uncertainty. Vulnerability. Understanding.

Commitment.

Slowly, he made his way to her, never breaking eye contact. She turned her body to face him, her chest rising and falling quickly in anticipation of what was next. Words once so difficult to say, it strangely hurt more to try to hold them back. He placed his hands on her forearms before pulling her closer, pressing his head against her forehead. "I said," he repeated softly, "that I love you."

Her mouth remained ajar, her eyes still focused on him. "You do?"

He nodded his head against hers. "Yeah," he reaffirmed, both for her and himself, "yeah, I do."

Anticipation washed over him as she remained silent, her breathing still rapid as she remained in his arms. Internal panic briefly began to surface when he saw her eyes water, but it was a smile, one as bright as the sun, illuminating his soul as it stretched across her face, that all apprehension washed away.

"I love you, too," she whispered. He could feel her body relax in his arms as the words came out, those same fears he felt not moments ago dissipating. He cupped her face, stroking his thumb against her cheek, taking notice of the rosy complexion shining brighter than the blush that grazed her cheekbones.

He nudged her chin up with his thumb. Her lips parted, tinted a color that reminded him of raspberries, as she took in a sharp breath. He leaned in and captured her lips, closing his eyes to caress her mouth with his own. Lips so familiar, yet a kiss so different, it sent shocks throughout his system. Her hands found their way to the back of his neck, her fingers slipping into the nape of his neck. His hand slid up her jawbone until he cupped the back of her neck and kissed her again, intensely, tenderly, possessive in his touch.

Desire swept through his system as their kiss intensified, forcing himself to break away from her. Her eyes fluttered open, his heart swelling when her bright, blue eyes glancing back at him. As much as he wanted to stare into them longer, relishing in the tenderness and love he could see them expressing, he knew that she needed to be at the church.

"10:32," he whispered, snickering when she crashed back into realty.

"Oh, no, Mina's going to kill me!" she exasperated as she tugged on his cuff, effectively dragging him behind her. The passionate moment quickly dimished as she scooped up her bags and waddled out the door, desperately trying to balance her purse, make up bag, overnight bag, garment bag, and maintain her balance. He plucked a few of the items out of her hands to help once the door closed behind them, watching her as she readjusted herself while they waited for the elevator to arrive.

He realized a few weeks ago just how strongly he felt about her. He was sitting on his chair, focused on reviewing yet another contract, when unexpectedly she just came up and kissed him. No big deal, just kissed him right on his temple. It completely caught him off-guard. Then, she bounced away, no expectations or follow-up, onward in to another room.

The act left him frazzled. For the first time, he found himself wanting her to expect him to respond. He dropped the contract on his desk and followed her, finding her humming along with a pop song as she washed up the dishes from their earlier dinner. She looked at peace, radiance shining off her as she stared mindlessly out the window.

He snuck up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He buried himself in the crook of her neck, taking in a greedy inhale of her perfume. He relished in the warmth of her body, suspended in the feel of her skin against his. She tiled her head back, only for him to savor in it more. It was peaceful. Loving.

Although the act was so simple, it brought a stillness to his life he hardly experienced.

A warmth he never wanted to let go.

#

Serena dabbed at her eyes before erupting into applause, Mina and Mal kissing on the alter after the preacher declared to the congregation the blessings of marriage. Love shined throughout the building, decorated modestly in earth-toned florals and cream and pink satin ribbons. The newlyweds ascended the aisle, Mina's lacy, shimmering train gliding against the ruby red runner. Serena followed behind Lita and Raye as they rejoined with their partnered groomsmen. She linked on to Eric's arm, a colleague of Malachite, but her eyes immediately found Darien's out in the crowd. She waved her arm in his direction, which was currently clasping a bouquet of magenta and coral peonies, orange roses and mini white and yellow poms as they made their way to the back of the church before heading out for a two hour photo session in a Rose Garden not too far away from the reception hall.

The photos came and went, and as they made the drive to the hotel, Serena laughed happily along her best friends on the bench seat of the limo, sipping champagne and singing along to the various songs. Family and friends stood outside the entryway, waving their hands as the limo pulled into the parking lot, the girls giggling as they pointed out their men in the crowd. It warmed Serena's heart that the men were all friendly with each other, allowing a healthy balance of spending time with her best friends and her boyfriend.

Once the driver opened the door, Mina and Mal were curtained with bubbles, a fun twist on the old-fashioned rice throwing tradition. The bridal party followed, filing out of the limo and into the grand lobby of the old-fashioned hotel. When Mina had announced she picked the Azabu Grand Victorian Hotel, known for its antique charms and illustrious décor, Serena was slightly surprised. Mina was all about what was up-and-coming, a trendsetter so to speak. However, when Mina described her vision: a Bohemian-Victorian mash-up, it made sense. After all, Mina's gown, form fitting, high-collared lace, and the tiniest beading stitched in that she sparkled, was the perfect mix of the two genres. With the chandeliers, ceiling-height windows, and gold lighting illuminating throughout the ballroom, it really made Mina's vision come to life. The tables, dressed with white lace and rose gold tablecloths, included tall vases, filled with greenery and various white and orange flowers that poured over the edges generously.

As expected, the bridal party joined the married couple at the head table. Once the girls placed their flowers at their seats, Serena, Lita, and Raye shuffled off to the bar to join their dates for a drink before the speeches began. Serena slipped in to Darien's lap, his declaration still singing in her ears as she leaned her head against him. It was more intimate than she usually was, especially in public, but on this day of so much love, she could not resist. He did not object, either, as she noticed he placed his arm possessively around her waist, holding her in closer while they conversed with their friends.

"We've got to get over there," Raye announced to the girls shortly after finishing their drinks. Serena pouted slightly. She had been enjoying the intimacy of the moment and didn't really want to move away from Darien's arms.

"Okay," she acknowledged, placing a kiss on top of Darien's head before slipping out of his arms. "I'll see you later," she said as she parted, Raye and Lita immediately by her side.

"Spill," Raye said once they were out of earshot, causing Serena's eyebrows to raise.

"Spill what?"

"Oh, come on," Lita nudged, "you two were practically humping each other on that seat. What gives?"

"No we weren't!" Serena practically shrieked, her face turning red.

"I'm surprised his hand didn't wind up the back of your dress with how intense you two were!"

"Shut up!"

"So, spill," Raye asked again before Lita could embarrass Serena any further. "Something's different."

As the girls sat down, Serena sandwiched in between the two interrogators, she bashfully smiled as she picked at her bouquet.

"He told me he loves me," Serena said softly, a tender smile creeping on her face.

"Oh my god!" Lita cried out, placing a hand on Serena's arm before covering her mouth from the decibal she delivered.

"No way," Raye said with a grin, her eyes widening. "And?"

"I said it back," Serena answered before she was engulfed in a bar hug from both girls.

"Oh my God Sereeeeeena," Lita cried out as she squeezed her arms. "I'm so freaking happy for you!"

"It's about time!" Raye declared as she shifted her weight back into her chair.

"What does that mean?" Serena asked with a laugh.

"Oh, please. You two have been at this stage for weeks, it's about time you said something."

"You could tell?" Serena asked, her eyes widening.

"Duh," Mina chimed in, who seemed to materialize out of no where. The girls shifted their gaze onto the beautiful bride, her dazzling smile alluding that she overheard the conversation. "Oh my God Sere, I'm so happy for you!"

"And I'm so happy for you!"

"And I'm so happy for ALL of us!" Lita said with a raise of her glass.

"Damn straight!" Raye said as she lifted her glass.

"To kicking ass!"

"Finding love!"

"And sticking together through it all!"

"Congratulations, Mina!" the girls cried out before clinging their glasses.

The speeches began, the three girls giving a sappy, heartfelt speech about what it means to have Mina as a best friend. It started off tender, full of memories from their yesteryears, but they hit the heartstrings when they told her how they know that Malachite is going to be her new best friend. After all, the happiest marriages come from marrying your best friend. But, they warned, he better watch out, because they'll always be a constant in Mina's life, no matter where life takes them. Mina started sobbing midway through, dabbing her eyes before clinging on to the three girls. It was a moment none of them would ever forget.

Once recovered from the waterworks, dinner commenced, followed by the first dance. Malachite and Mina were flawless as they waltzed on the dancefloor, reminding Serena of the time Darien showed her how to ballroom dance. It was one of the first true moments in their relationship she could feel the intimacy between them, which had both excited and startled her. Her eyes wandered from Mina over to Darien. He, too, had turned to look at Serena. From the smile that was on his face, she could tell he was thinking the same thing, too.

After the waltz ended and the applause died down, the DJ began to play an upbeat mix of music. "Ladies?" Serena asked as she looked between Raye and Lita, who were already lifting up out of their seats to get on to the dancefloor. The group crossed the room over to their dates, the men currently engaged in a discussion over their drinks.

"Hey, come dance with us!" Lita cried out as the three girls reached the table, only for Nate to swat the air with his hand.

"In a minute," he dismissed. "So you're telling me," he redirected his attention to Darien, "that if I own 2,000 companies in my portfolio, and 10% go bankrupt, I'm still going to be fine?"

"Absolutely," Darien answered as he sipped back his bourbon. "For me, it comes down to the law of large numbers. I'd rather own small pieces of 2,000 companies than 100% of one company."

"Well when you explain it like that," Nate said with a shake of his head. "Damn, that makes a lot of sense when you say it that way."

"Bottom line," Darien said with a slap on Nate's shoulder, "the broader your portfolio is, the likelier you are to weather a market storm."

"What's this about broadening your portfolio?" Lita asked with one eyebrow raised.

"Nothing!" Nate said defensively. "I'm just asking!"

"Uh huh. You trying to become a venture capitalist or something?"

"No!"

"Darien?" she asked with a glare, one that Darien did not falter under, Serena noticed.

"Nothing like that, honestly," Darien said with his hands up. "I was just explaining diversification."

"401-k stuff," Chad interjected. "Portfolios for later in life."

"Uh huh," the three girls said with a cross of their arms.

"Anyway," Raye interjected, "we're dancing. Come join us when you finish this conversation." Linking arms, the girls shimmied into the middle of the dancefloor, twisting and shaking to the beat of the music amongst the crowd.

As she danced happily among her friends, she took a moment to think about how blessed she was to have her friends in her life. From high school to university, through love and loss, the girls were her rock, her foundation.

Her heart thumped, albeit a different reason. Turning her head, she looked over in the direction where she felt eyes on her. She was glad to see the familiar pair of navy blues watching her as he leaned against the pillar of the ballroom.

She held his gaze as he smiled at her.

Her feet glided across the floor in great stride until she was practically running, leaping into his open arms. As he spun her around, she squealed in happiness before he slid her body down until her feet touched the floor. Their foreheads pressed for a moment before their lips touched, a tender kiss shared before breaking apart to dance with each other.

Darien. Her heart beat wildly for him. A man she never thought she would fall for, her heart leaving behind all original misgivings she once held. She sent a silent prayer of thanks, appreciative that he came in to her life. Even in their brief time together, she had some so far. From their intense arguments, she learned so much about herself. How she would build walls to stop any one from holding her heart, how she would use arguing to drive men away.

She laughed inwardly; who would have thought, that if it had not been for that one review and their original criticisms they held, they wouldn't be here, learning from each other, falling in love. She wouldn't have moved on from the anger and resentment she held on to all long, ready to start the next chapter of her life.

After all, she resolved while she kissed him again, it can't start until you turn the page and start reading the next sentence.

The End

WAIIIIIIII~!

Thank you again SO MUCH for reading this! So many of you have been here since I started this story, and I thank you so, so much for your support along the way.

Also, a special shoutout to CassieRaven, who suggested the coffee bean line to include in one of my stories when I reposted something similar on tumblr. Once you suggested that I was like OHMYGOD I NEED TO USE THIS. Hahahaha!

I have another story in mind to start up, but it probably won't be for a few weeks! It's called "Failure to Launch," and it's mostly humor, but it is a UsaxMamo romance.

In the meantime, have a very enjoyable Easter/Passover, happy Spring, and once again, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your support.

Very Truly Yours,

MU (aka Kristi)