Chapter 1

April 4

It was Keith's 7th birthday party at the Scott household. Haley and Nathan had rented a moon bounce, which was set up in the back yard, and all the kids from Keith's 1st grade class, along with Zoe, were jumping in it. Haley, Nathan, Clay, and Quinn were sitting on lawn chairs visiting.

"I can't believe Keith is already 7," Nathan said. "Our little boy is growing up."

"I know," Haley said. "I want…"

"We're not having another baby," Nathan said.

"You didn't let me finish," Haley said. "I want him to stop growing up and just be a little kid forever."

"Me too," Nathan said.

"Zoe will be 7 in one month," Quinn said. "And the twins will be a year soon."

"I can't believe how fast time flies," Clay said.

"Let's not think about that," Nathan said. "Let's just enjoy this nice party."

Barbara Martin arrived with Pacey.

"Hello Haley," Barbara said in a fake nice voice.

"Hi Barbara," Haley said in also in a fake nice voice.

"Pacey is really excited about the party," Barbara said. "He likes moon bounces."

"Yeah," Haley said. "Goodbye. Party ends at 7:00."

"I'm not leaving," Barbara said. "What gave you that idea?"

"It's a drop-off party," Haley said.

"I'm not going anywhere," Barbara said.

"Mom," Pacey said. "You're embarrassing me."

"Go play sweetie," Barbara said.

Pacey went over and joined everyone on the moon bounce.

"Well sorry Barbara," Haley said in an insincere tone. "We don't have enough chairs."

"I'll just stand then," Barbara said.

Barbara looked at the moon bounce.

"I see you went with the basketball theme," Barbara said. "You know, Pacey's birthday party is next week. We're going to have a bounce castle and a petting zoo with pony rides."

"Sounds fun," Haley said. "If you were born in the 50's!"

"Hales," Nathan said getting up. "A word."

Haley got up and followed Nathan inside the house.

"I know Barbara Martin is a bitch and no one likes her," Nathan said. "But this is Keith's birthday party and I don't want a repeat of last year when you pushed her into the pool."

"Okay," Haley said. "Where's Lydia with that cake?"

Lydia and Andrew walked out of the kitchen with the birthday cake.

"It's right here," Lydia said.

After the party, Andrew and Barbara stayed to help clean up outside while Keith and Pacey continued playing video games in Keith's room.

"That was a great party for the kids," Haley said.

"But Pacey's party will be much better," Barbara said.

"Mom," Andrew said. "Be nice."

"Sorry sweetie," Barbara said.

Andrew walked over to where Lydia was picking up trash.

"You know, your birthday is coming up on the 19th," Andrew said. "What do you want?"

"I have everything I need," Lydia said. "I have a wonderful boyfriend and a loving family."

"Yes," Andrew said. "But what do you want for your birthday?"

"You're all I need," Lydia said.

"But what do you want?" Andrew asked.

Lydia smiled and walked off.

Later, Keith was lying down on his bed talking with Lucas via FaceTime on his iPad.

"Happy birthday Little Buddy," Lucas said.

"Thank you Uncle Lucas," Keith said.

"Hey," Lucas said. "You know how Lydia is going to be spending the summer here in Maine?"

"Yes," Keith said.

"Well your parents and I have been talking," Lucas said. "How would you like to spend summer in Maine as well?"

"Yes!" Keith cheered. "I'd love to! Oh thank you Uncle Lucas!"

"I can't wait to give you a great big hug and kiss," Lucas said.

"I can't wait either," Keith said.

Meanwhile in the master bedroom, Nathan and Haley were lying down on their bed cuddling.

"I love you," Nathan said.

"I love you too," Haley said.

Lydia came running into the room.

"Mom!" Lydia shouted. "Dad! I just got off the phone with Aaron! Lily had her baby!"