This I swear Chapter 1, an o.c. fanfic

Disclaimer: I own nothing. The song belongs to Nick Lachey and the characters to Josh. This was a one piece story written overnight as I was listening to the Nick Lachey song. Hope you like it!!!

Marissa Cooper (soon to be Atwood) was standing in front of a mirror, looking at herself in her wedding dress. Her best friend and maid of honor Summer Roberts-Cohen was standing by her side. "Oh my god Coop! You look like an angel." Summer exclaimed, tears in her eyes. "Don't start crying, because you'll get me started and I've already had my make up redone once." Marissa warned. "I can't help it. It's all the hormones. I can't believe you wanted to have the wedding now! Couldn't you have waited until after I had given birth?" Summer questioned. Summer was now in the 7th month of her second pregnancy, while Marissa was in the 3rd month of her first. "I didn't want to get married with a huge bump Sum." Marissa responded. "I have to go and make sure Hope is ready. I think my job here is done." Summer commented. Marissa softly nodded her head before enveloping her friend in a hug. "Thank you for everything you did Sum. I know that planning everything couldn't have been easy." Marissa uttered. "You're my best, my only friend Coop. You and Atwood deserve the best. Go out there and end this. You two are sole mates." Summer responded before leaving Marissa alone for a few minutes before the wedding ceremony began.

You're there by my side
In every way
I know that you would not forsake me
I give you my life
Would not think twice
Your love is all I need believe me

Marissa was waiting for her boyfriend Luke Ward at the end of the driveway of her family home when she first met Ryan Atwood. Luke was late as usual, making Marissa question why she was dating him in the first place. Ryan was waiting for Sandy Cohen, his attorney who was talking with his wife and he had walked to the end of the driveway to smoke a cigarette. The attraction between the pair was immediate. Ryan was determined to protect Marissa, who in his eyes was eternally fragile and pure, while Marissa saw an escape from the Newport bubble in Ryan. They became each others best friends and confidants. Ryan was one of the few people Marissa would never be afraid to cry in front of, and Marissa was one of the few people except for the Cohens who knew the truth about Ryan's childhood. This was not to say that their relationship was without problems. It was almost as if drama followed them every step of the way. From pregnant ex girlfriends to gun bearing sociopaths and from their families to their friends Ryan and Marissa had a tumultuous 3 year on again off again relationship. It seemed as if as time went by the problems got worst for the young couple and they would often lose sight of the important things for them.

I may not say it quite as much as I should
When I say I love you darling that means for good
So open up your heart and let me in
And I will love you 'til forever
Until death do us part we'll be together
So take my hand and hold on tight
And we'll get there
This I swear

One month before graduating from High School Marissa and Ryan made certain decisions about their relationship. They decided to take some time off from being together to see what they wanted to do. They both wanted the next time they got together to be for good. They both stuck with their plan to study at the University of Berkley, determined to at least be civil with each other, while Summer and Seth would both be in Rhode Island. Marissa was out on a date with a guy from one of her psychology classes when she realized that she had been unconsciously comparing all of her dates to Ryan and that while going out on dates was thrilling and fun, she craved the stability in her life that Ryan offered. From that moment on Marissa stopped going out on dates and began spending time with Ryan again. When she admitted her feelings to him, Ryan told her he would think about going out with her again if she got a 3.5 GPA or better at the end of the academic year. Marissa was lounging by her pool with Summer when the letter with her grades came. She nervously ripped it open, and when she saw the grades she ran over to the Cohens and kissed Ryan before showing him the letter with her 4.0 GPA.

I'm wondering how I ever got by
Without you in my life to guide me
Where ever I go the one thing that's true
Is everything I do I do for you

4 years later Ryan was sitting in the crowd looking on proudly as his girlfriend Marissa Cooper delivered her speech during her graduation ceremony. After graduating from Berkley with undergraduate degrees in Architecture (Ryan) and Psychology (Marissa) the couple had enrolled at USC for their master's degrees. Ryan had graduated the week before with honors and now it was Marissa's turn. The formally damaged and fragile Marissa was class valedictorian and she smiled broadly as she saw Ryan sitting next to the Cohens, Summer, Kaitlin and her mother who was weeping openly when she went back to her seat. Ryan had already accepted a position at the Newport Group with Kirsten while Marissa was going to work as a school psychologist. Throughout the years Marissa had discovered that her mother was not the she devil she thought she was, that there were children who felt as lost as she had and that she wanted to use her wisdom and expertise to help other people, especially children. The only problem was that Marissa's job offer was in LA while Ryan would be working in Newport, meaning the couple would have a long distance relationship at least for the time being, dampening the spirits on an otherwise exuberant Marissa.

Summer Cohen didn't know what to expect when she drove up to LA to spend the weekend with Marissa. She had some big news of her own to share with Marissa, but other than that she had no idea what was going to happen. The two girls were enjoying lunch in an outdoor café when Summer excitedly announced that she was in the 3rd month of her pregnancy. Marissa was happy for Summer and tried to calm her down when she realized that Marissa would not be there for the two girls to share this special time for Summer. The girls were shopping for Summer in a maternity shop when Marissa received a call on her cell from the Dean of Students at Harbor High School with a job offer. Marissa listened excitedly as the Dean explained exactly what this would mean for her and that they wanted her to begin work as soon as possible. For Marissa who had just quit her job in LA, this offer was like a gift. She was ready to go back to Newport, ready to move on with her life and above all she was ready to be back together with Ryan and her friends and family. This seemed to make Summer especially happy as the pair spent the rest of the weekend planning for the baby.

So whenever you get there
Just reach out for me
I'll never let you down my love

Marissa had been feeling physically ill for weeks when she decided at Ryan's insistence to go to a doctor. As soon as Marissa found out what was wrong with her she felt an overwhelming sense of relief as well as anxiety. The drive back to the home she shared with Ryan had seemed to last for hours, when it in fact only lasted 15 minutes or so. Ryan was waiting for her, standing by their living room table that was set for two. Marissa curiously sat down on the chair Ryan had pulled out for her and didn't protest when he pushed the chair in. As the evening wore on Marissa sensed that there was something strange, but Ryan was elusive. The meal was spent in an uncomfortable silence, and by the end Marissa couldn't wait any longer. When Ryan brought out two pieces of her favorite chocolate cake, Marissa decided to tell him her news after the meal was over. What Marissa wasn't expecting was to choke on her first bite of cake and to find a simple diamond ring. When Ryan asked Marissa to marry him the tall blonde agreed under the condition it would be planned for the next month, as she was determined to be married before entering the 4th month of her pregnancy.

And I will love you 'til forever
Until death do us part we'll be together
So take my hand and hold on tight
And we'll get there
This I swear

Marissa had just put on the necklace her mother gave her as an engagement present when Kirsten walked in. "It's time sweetie." Kirsten informed her future daughter in law, causing Marissa to smile broadly. "Ok. I just want to thank you for everything Kirsten. I don't know what we would do without you." Marissa uttered emotionally. "You'll never have to find out. I couldn't be happier for you Marissa." Kirsten responded hugging the girl. Ryan and his best man Seth were the first ones to walk down to aisle and they were whispering nervously when Hope Cohen walked slowly towards her father and her uncle, stopping to throw flowers every few steps. Hope was followed by Kirsten, Sandy, Julie and Kaitlin. Summer had placed the bouquet of flowers in her hands over her bulging stomach as she walked down the aisle, eyes locked with her husband's the whole time. Marissa waited patiently for the music to change before she walked down the aisle with her father who had made the trip from Hawaii. As Marissa and Jimmy Cooper glided down the aisle Marissa looked at the people around her and her fears seemed to dissolve as she was surrounded by people who knew her, supported her and above all loved her.

And I will love you 'til forever
Until death do us part we'll be together
So take my hand and hold on tight
And we'll get there
This I swear

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