Wow, this seems surreal. I can't believe I am actually posting the epilogue to this fiction. This chapter is a tad shorter than the others, but I honestly didn't think that their conclusion had to be longer than this. I believe that I will leave all of you satisfied with the ending to Entwined & Laced!

All I wanted to say was thank you so much to you readers for your support over the past year. Sonny and Chad's story does not end here as many of you know with stories - it is only the beginning to a happily ever after. All I want to say to you now is thank you and I really appreciated all the reviews I received. Definitely a bittersweet feeling, but so many great things have come from this fic - as I mentioned last chapter. On a final note, Entwined & Laced is a story that I have greatly enjoyed writing, and I wish to say thank you again for sharing this ride with me!

And so for the final time, please enjoy this chapter, and thank you all so much!

Epilogue

Entwined & Laced

It was trying, she had to admit, the past three years she spent sharing a life with someone else other than her mom. Whenever they started a pointless argument, it had to be her to back down first to let him cool down and apologize for his reckless behaviour. She knew that they had their differences, and it had once cost them their relationship.

No matter how many times she tried to run away, he had a tight hold on her, never letting her go. He always told her that he wouldn't make that mistake again. The way he expressed his raw emotions always tugged her heart, paining her. She still hadn't forgiven herself for hurting himself like that. The way he had changed into an entirely new person, less arrogant, less conceited, less Chad Dylan Cooper.

It was as though the famous CDC was not there, but instead the innocent, heartbroken Chad. However, as the years went by and they grew accustomed to one another, Sonny knew she couldn't hold him accountable for all of their troubles. She grew to be the better person because of the trials and tribulations their relationship had to endure. She didn't get mad – that mad, at least – whenever he would boast about his new movie deals when she was having a dry spell. And likewise, he wouldn't get jealous when she was offered countless of movie deals within a short period of time. They were almost in sync with one another, one moving with the other following.

She understood that because they were Sonny and Chad, they were always going to fight and bicker. However, it didn't diminish the fear or insecurities she had three years prior. She honestly thought that she could get over them but whenever she saw Chad act with a gorgeous blonde actress in a movie, she would always dread his phone call. She would always think the next phone call would declare their break up and ask for her to move out.

She honestly didn't understand why she couldn't hold more faith in Chad's trust. But she did understand three years ago, her insecurities and desires for Chad to change almost cost them their heart and relationship. And she didn't want to risk another heart wrenching period of sorrow for both of them.

She knew that Chad did change, more than she had expected. He was less cocky, less of his previous arrogant self to secure his relationship with Sonny. Nevertheless, there was still something missing that she demanded from Chad, and she herself didn't know what.

But she definitely didn't expect him to do this either.

It was a beautiful Sunday evening, as Chad and Sonny were basking in each other's company at Venice Beach. The sunset had conspired into a beautiful array of shades and hues of pink, red, orange and yellow. The waves had softly brushed against the shore, wetting Sonny and Chad's toes as well as the sand in between them.

"Breathtaking," Sonny whispered, looking forward of the beautiful display of colours.

Chad agreed, "Yeah." Though his attention was at his beautiful girlfriend at his side.

After a few minutes silence, Chad started, "Sonny?"

"Hmm," Sonny murmured as she drew designs with her fingers in the sand.

"Do you ever think of us? And where we are going from here?" Chad whispered, as he tightened his grip on her waist.

She broke her gaze from the sunset and looked at him. "What do you mean? Of course I have, but what does that...oh my," she finished off lamely when she noticed he moved his position onto his knees when he grabbed both of her hands. He held something tightly in his right hand, and from her angle, it looked like a velvet box. "Chad?" she whispered, in disbelief.

"Sonny, I've been doing a lot of thinking. And I know this may be a bit crazy, but I guess guys in love do crazy things," he opened his right hand to reveal his box. He opened the lid and inside was a diamond ring.

"Chad," she whispered breathlessly.

He continued, "You have been my savior in Hollywood. You saved me from going off the deep end. When we weren't together, it was like my heart was ripped apart from me. I honestly can't picture myself anywhere else than spending the rest of my life with you by my side. I love you so much, Allison Munroe. And I want to ask you – will you marry me?"

"Chad, I..." Sonny trailed off, glancing at the ring and Chad. She noticed that his face was earnestly eager and was awaiting her response.

Instantly, overwhelmed, she stood up and whispered, "I can't."

Chad's face instantly blanched, but he covered up by remarking, "You can't?"

"I think it's best that we don't be together anymore," Sonny's words echoed those of her own from three years ago.

Chad instantly understood why her answer was this and grabbed hold of her wrist, spinning her around. "No," he snarled into her face, "I am not letting you do that to us again."

Sonny's eyes started to rim with tears, "I'm sorry, Chad."

"Why are you like this, Sonny? Are you honestly so afraid of us being together forever? Don't you want to be with me? Don't you love me?" Chad threw at her accusatory.

Sonny's eyes darted up at him and remarked, "Of course I do. You know I do."

"Then why are you doing this?"

She inhaled deeply, "I am doing this because I love you." In response to his bewildered expression, she continued, "I still have not overcome my insecurities, Chad. And because of that, I don't want to hurt you in the future where the damage can be permanent. If you become bound to me now, I can't save you from whatever hurt I may inflict upon you."

Chad's furious stance diminished as he realized what she was saying. His gaze softened as he grabbed hold of her hands. "I don't care of that. I love you and I am ready to throw myself into your path, even if it means hurting myself. All I know is that if I don't be with you forever, you would be doing more harm to me."

"Chad, I..."

"Marry me, Sonny."

Sonny contemplated, even though she knew what her answer would be. She remarked breathlessly, "Yes."

"Yes?"

She nodded, smiling through her tears. "Yes."

"Yes!" he remarked as he spun her around and leaned forward to kiss her on her forehead. As he set her down, he noticed the hesitant expression in her eyes.

"We will be fine, Sonny," Chad whispered, slipping the diamond ring onto her ring finger.

She inspected it, before whispering a quiet, "Are you sure?"

Chad brushed a stray hair from her face, leaning forward to murmur in her ear, "I'm not sure. But I know we will take it one step at a time."

Sonny's eyes rimmed with tears, glistening because of the now evident moonlight, "Together?"

Smiling, Chad leaned closer to touch his forehead with hers. "Of course, Shortcakes."

Sonny smiled as she wrapped her arms in an embrace, soaking in his warmth. They finally were able to let go of the hindrances and move forward.

They were finally entwined and laced forever.

Always exploring and unleashing,

ღ 'rEd RoSe-StArFiRe-RoSeFiRe'