Chapter 1

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Haley looked at the time. 7:15 seemed way too early.

"Good morning, little one," she said while rubbing her growing tummy. After being tempted to hit the snooze button, she rolled out of bed.

As she stepped into the shower, Haley thought about how her life had developed. She was married with two kids and one on the way. She was only 23. It seemed unbelievable how so much could happen and so little time. Most people would consider going to college and raising children impossible, but not Haley. She just thought of it as a challenge. She successfully made it through and was currently in her first year as a music teacher at Tree Hill High School.

Haley spun her nine month pregnant body around when she heard the bathroom door open and close. She saw a silhouette through the shower curtain and knew it was him. She was about to peak out, when Nathan stepped in the shower with her.

"Good morning," he said before kissing Haley's forehead and stomach.

"How was your run?" Haley asked while lathering the wash rag.

"Great," Nathan began, "I ran to the café. Karen and Lily were working hard on decorating the place for the dinner tonight. Karen told me a bit of information. Lucas is coming home for three weeks."

"Seriously? Oh, Nathan, I'm so excited. He hasn't been home since…," Haley paused, "Grace's birth? Is that right? Has it really been three years?"

"Wow. I guess that's right. Karen said he'll be flying in early next week," Nathan said while turning off the water.

"I wonder if he'll bring her," Haley questioned as she grabbed the light blue towel.

"We'll see. I'm going to go down stairs and get breakfast going," Nathan replied as he pulled up his boxers.

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"Grace, Jamie—time for breakfast," Haley called up the stairs to her two children. Haley waddled back to the kitchen once she heard the sound of little feet running toward the steps. Nathan quickly placed toast and scrambled eggs on four plates and poured orange juice into the glasses.

First Jamie ran in. Haley noted how he looked more and more like Nathan every day. His dark brown hair was messy from a long night's sleep. The five year old pulled his body onto up the stool and began to devour his breakfast.

A few seconds later, three year old Grace came sprinting through the door. Her curly brown hair bouncing as Haley lifted her onto the stool next to Jamie.

As the family sat down to Saturday morning breakfast, Haley wondered if life would always be like this. It was perfect.

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Nathan had been coaching for the Tree Hill Ravens for two years now. He never thought that Tree Hill High would still be such a big part of his life. He and Haley had been teaching there for a semester now—her in the music department, him in physical education. After Whitey's retirement, Nathan wasn't sure about taking over the position, but with encouragement from Haley and Whitey himself, Nathan got the job.

Today was the first game for the Ravens. It was just a scrimmage, but it was still important. After breakfast, Nathan kissed his wife and kids and headed off to the game.

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"Thank you so much, Karen, for agreeing to watch Jamie while Grace gets fitted for her dress," Haley said while sliding open the minivan's door.

"No problem, Haley," Karen said while Jamie hopped out of his seat. "There are some cookies in the back of the café, Jamie. Lily should be back there." Jamie sprinted through the café door.

"So Nathan told me that Lucas is heading back to town tomorrow," Haley said while climbing back into the van.

"Yep, his plane will get in on Monday. Lily is so happy to see him. We were just in New York City in June to visit him, you know, but that seems like so long ago," Karen said as she stood on the curb talking with Haley.

"Is she coming along?" Haley asked.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. He keeps pretty quiet these days about romance, and I couldn't get an answer out of him. God, I miss him. I'm sure you and Nathan miss him too. Everyone does. Well, I better go before Lily and Jamie eat today's special," Karen said as she stood on the curb talking with Haley.

"Not everyone misses Lucas," Haley said to herself as she pulled away toward the familiar boutique down the street.

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"Aunt Peyton!" Grace screamed as she ran toward the thin blonde reading bridal magazines.

"Gracie! How is the most beautiful flower girl in the entire world?" Peyton asked while scooping up Grace in her arms.

"Good," Grace said before she was distracted by the hors dourves sitting on a nearby table.

"Hey, mama," Peyton smiled while rubbing Haley's belly.

"Hi. How are all the final touches coming on the wedding?" Haley asked her friend.

"They're going well, for now. Jake is pretty calm, and so am I. Jenny is being such a big help. She's so excited. Did you know that on Friday, the same day Jake and I get married, the adoption will be official, and Jenny will be mine?"

"Oh, Peyton, that's great," Haley said while hugging the blonde, "By the way, where's the owner of the place?"

"Late—as usual," Peyton said while rolling her eyes.

Soon the store's door flew open and in walked the brunette bombshell Brooke Davis.

"Okay, people. We have a flower girl dress to make!"