A/N: This story is going to be like a western, along the lines of cowboys, and ranch living. It'll still be set in Tree Hill, but the characters are not teenagers, they'll be adults. Tree Hill will be described totally differently. The only thing I'm using from the show is the characters names and general appearance. In this story Haley and Brooke are sisters, and Haley is married to Nathan, and they live on a ranch. Brooke is helping Haley out during her pregnancy, so she had to leave her job as a dancer in New York to come stay and help. Lucas is a neighboring rancher, who is close friends with Nathan. His character is kind of taken from his stint as the Lone Ranger on the WB's TV movie. And I got this idea from a book I was reading by Nora Roberts (one of my favorite authors). The book is entitled "With Open Arms". I pretty much borrowed her story line and incorporated my own take on it. Let me know what you think.
Tree Hill, NC
Triple C Ranch (Nathan and Haley's ranch)
The land surrounding the Triple C ranch was a magnificent paradox. Spreading plains and rolling hills coexisted with mountains and towering pines. From her position on the porch swing, Brooke Davis took in the astounding view in front of her. The endless fields of greens dominated the lush land, and the blue skies seemed to stretch on forever. It was late April, and Brooke wondered how much longer she would be able to enjoy the serenity of ranch. She dreamed of long walks and wild rides on one of Nathan and Haley's spirited mounts. With the hooves pounding thunderously against the earth, and her hair flying freely behind her! Unfortunately, none of that could happen yet, she had her sister to take care of, and a house to keep while she was ordered to stay in bed for the next month.
Brooke remembered when her brother-in-law, Nathan had called her in New York in a panic, letting her know that Haley was facing complications in her pregnancy and they needed help. He hadn't wanted her to leave her job and place, but Brooke didn't want to hear it. All that was important was that her sister needed her, and nothing could've stopped her from coming.
She and Haley had always been close, only being a year apart in age, they had depended on one another most of their lives. And even though Haley was now happily married with a wonderful husband, they still shared that internal bond that no one else could understand. The sound of the tea kettle going off in the kitchen pulled Brooke away from her thoughts and back to the matter at hand. She went to take the kettle off the stove, and poured it into two cups before bringing it into Haley.
"Here sweetie, I brought you some tea" she said as she entered the bedroom. Haley was propped up on her pillows and was reading one of her sappy romance novels. Brooke shook her head in disgust. "Aren't you getting a little tired of reading that trash?" she asked disgusted.
Haley looked up at her sister and smiled warmly "Hey, being bedridden doesn't give you a lot of options for extracurricular activity, so it was either this, or driving myself crazy staring at these four walls" she said as she put the book aside to take her cup of tea.
"I'll take your word for that Hales, but you're just going to have to get use to it, you've got at least another month left before the good Doctor looks you over again" Brooke took a seat on the chair next to the bed and grabbed the novel Haley had been reading. "Why do you read this stuff anyway? You already found your hero, or Prince Charming, or whatever it is that they have the guys be in this book"
"I guess I'm just a sucker for a good love story, speaking of which, what about yours?" Haley looked at her sister with a mixture of sadness and soft understanding. She knew Brooke was an independent person who didn't believe finding the love was one's sole purpose in life. She was a cynic of sorts, one might say. That was where she and Brooke differed most. Haley was a romantic at heart, and always enjoyed a good love story. Brooke on the other hand was more practical and systematic. She didn't allow herself to go off into fairy land dreaming of her Prince Charming. Traits that were both admiring and saddening at the same time!
"What about it? You know I don't have time for that, and plus, I don't believe in love. It's just a silly emotion that wreaks havoc on the person falling into it. I, for one, do not need that kind of distraction in my life" she told her sister whiling tossing the novel aside.
"Well, I do believe in love, and I'm not going to give up on you B. I know there's a heart yearning for love in there somewhere" Haley smiled while pointing at her chest where her heart would be. "You know, there is this incredibly hot guy that owns the neighboring ranch to us. Word is he's an eligible bachelor, and not a very bad catch. I hear girls are swarming all over him."
"Hmm, sounds like a bore to me. And if so many girls are after him, than let one of them have him. I want no part of it." Brooke stood up and looked sternly at her sister, cutting her off before she could say anymore "End of discussion Hales. I understand that because you're in love, you want everyone else to be too, but that's not realistic. Now, you need to get some rest, and I have to go start dinner." Haley, knowing when not to argue with her sister, conceded to her command and handed her the empty tea cup before snuggling into her pillows.
Brooke went to go towards the kitchen when she heard the sounds of horse hooves approaching and went out to the porch instead to see her brother-in-law riding up with another rider. She stepped out onto the stoop just when they reached it. She greeted Nathan with a smile as he dismounted of his horse with a concerned expression etched out on his features until he spotted her, and noticed the smile on her face.
"Is Hales all right?" he asked as he walked up to her.
"She's fine," Brooke reassured him. "She's just restless from being confined to the house, and missing her husband very much."
Nathan smiled warmly at that last statement "I guess I'll go see how my girls doing then, after I unsaddle the horse and put him away."
Brooke lifted her hand up to stroke the geldings mane "She needs you now Nate. Why don't you let one of your men do it, or I will, just go see her now."
"You don't..."
"That's alright boss," the other rider said cutting him off "I'll take care of stabling your horse, you go in and see your wife."
Nathan turned to his companion and flashed him a wide grin before heading into the house "Thanks man." He turned to Brooke before entering "You coming in?"
"No, I think I'll just hang her for a bit, you and Hales need some time alone."
"Thanks B." Nathan smiled his gratitude, and than went in search of his wife.
When she heard the screen door close behind Nathan, Brooke dropped herself onto the swing seat in the porch, and burrowed herself into the blankets that were provided there. She hadn't realized how exhausted she'd been until now. Taking care of the cooking and cleaning of the house on top of taking care of Haley had really begun to take its toll on her body. Just a couple of more weeks she thought as she allowed her tired body to finally succumb to sleep.
"Funny place to be falling asleep."
Brooke woke up with a jerk of her body, confused as to where she was for a second. She looked in the direction of the voice only to find herself staring into the most intense blue she had ever seen. The speaker had a lean chiseled face, his skin bronzed from the outdoors, but it was the eyes and their color that caught and held her attention. She could see a hint of gold locks peeking out from under his hat.
"Good evening ma'am" he touched the brim of his hat in respect, his eyes mocking her.
"Evening," she returned, struggling to straighten herself from the swing and trying to hide her embarrassment at being caught dozing.
"You could catch a cold sitting out her too long without a hat to protect your head. The wind's picking up out there, even though it's April and suppose to be spring, it's still a bit chilly." His speech was slow and thickly drawled. His weight was distributed evenly on both legs, hands in his pockets.
"I'm not the slightest bit cold," Brooke answered defiantly, hoping her teeth didn't choose that moment to start chattering. "I was just out getting some air while Nate and Hales spent some time alone."
"I can understand that, and besides, it's a fine evening for sitting out her and watching the sun set." He said, as he glanced out into the fading brilliance of the sun as it disappeared behind the horizon. He turned back to her with a slow and careless smile gracing his features, unable to resist his smile, Brooke's own lips curved in response.
"Well then," she said as she rose from her seat, amazed at how far she still had to look up to meet his eyes. "If you keep quiet about catching me dozing off, I'll make sure you get a piece of the apple pie I baked for dinner."
"Now, that's a tempting offer." He considered it with a stroke to his chin. "I'm partial to apple pie myself. Only one or two other things I'm more partial to than that." His eyes roamed over her in a thorough and intense study that caused her heart to pound with unaccustomed speed.
There was something about him she thought, something unique. A vitality that was at odds with his lazy drawl and careless smiles! She watched him push his hat farther on his head, revealing more of that shock of blonde hair. "You've got yourself a deal." He said, as he held out his hand to confirm the agreement, and she placed her small ones in his.
"Thanks." The word was whispered breathlessly, as she found herself shocked at the currents of electricity running up and down her arms from the contact with his hands. She pulled her hand abruptly out of his, wondering what it was about him that caused such a reaction from her. "I'm sorry about the comment I made earlier. About the work hands taking care of Nathan's horse." She spoke in a rush, to conceal a reaction she couldn't understand.
"There's no need to apologize," he assured her and the new soft texture in his tone both warmed and unnerved her. "We're all really fond of Haley."
"Yeah, well, I..." she stammered, suddenly needing to put safe distance between herself and this slow-talking man. "I'd better head back inside. Nathan must be starving by now." She looked past him and spotted his horse still saddled and waiting patiently outside. "You didn't stable your horse. Aren't you done for the day?"
"Oh, yes ma'am, I'm done for the day." There was a hint of laughter in his voice now as he looked at her. Brooke failed to hear it since she was busy studying the horse waiting outside.
It was a magnificent Arabian chestnut, dark and gleaming. It had to be at least sixteen hands with classic lines and a fully flowing mane. It stood tall and proud, waiting for its master. Brooke knew horses, and she recognized an Arabian stallion anywhere "That's an Arabian." She spoke out loud.
"Yes it is ma'am," he agreed easily, entirely too easily she thought. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously at him.
"No regular ranch hand can afford a horse of that magnitude that had to be worth at least six months pay." She stared at him, only to see him return her look with a bland poker face. "Who are you?"
"Lucas Scott, ma'am." The slow grin appeared again, widening, deepening, and then settling as he lifted the brim of his hat at the introduction. "Pleased to meet you."
The neighboring rancher who had all the woman flocking to him, Brooke's mind flashed with what Haley told her. Anger darkened her eyes.
"Why didn't you say so in the first place?"
"I just did." He pointed out.
"You know what I mean; you had me thinking you were one of Nathan's men."
"Yes, ma'am." He nodded.
"Will you stop saying that!" she commanded. "That wasn't very nice, tricking me like that. All you had to do was tell me who you were from the beginning and I could've taken care of Nathan's horse myself."
"It was no big deal, I didn't mind doing it for Nathan." His expression became annoyingly agreeable.
"Well, Mr. Scott, I see you've had a fine laugh at my expense. I'm glad I could be the butt of your joke. I hope you enjoyed it." she stated coldly.
"Yes ma'am." His grin widened some more. "I sure did."
"I thought I told you to stop..." She stopped herself from going on any further, biting her lip in frustration. "Oh, just forget it." Tossing her head to the side, she took a couple of steps toward the house, than turned back to look at him crossly. "I've noticed your accent has modified quite a bit, Mr. Scott."
He just stood there not replying, but continued to stand negligently against the door post, his hands still in his pockets, his face darkened by the late-afternoon shadows. Brooke spun around and stomped into the house. "Hey," she heard him call out, and turned toward him before she could stop herself. "Do I still get that pie?"
Her only answer to him was a glare. His laughter, deep and rich, followed her into the house.
The sound of the slamming door reverberated throughout the house as Brooke struggled out of her jacket, and stomped into the living room to find Haley and Nathan sitting there. Haley, seeing the look on her sister's face, slipped further down her pillows and blankets and hid her face behind her novel. Nathan, however, didn't recognize the storm warning in Brooke's eyes and flushed cheeks. He greeted her with a smile.
"Where's Luke?" he asked her as his gaze slipped past her to see where his friend was. "Don't tell me he left without at least grabbing a cup of coffee."
"He can go straight to hell without his coffee." Brooke sneered.
"Well than, I guess he wanted to get back home before it was dark." Nathan surmised. His nod was sober, but his eyes were shining with merriment.
"Don't play innocent with me, Nathan Scott." Brooke advanced on him. "That was one rotten trick, letting me think he was a help hand, and..." A giggle escaped from behind the novel. "I'm glad you find it amusing that your sister has been made a fool of."
"Oh B, I'm sorry." Sighing warily, Haley lowered her book. "I just find it hard to believe that you mistook Lucas for a ranch hand." She burst out laughing, and Brooke was torn between pleasure at seeing her sister laughing again and irritation at being the subject of the joke.
"Well, seriously, what makes him so special?" Brooke demanded. "He dresses like every other guy on this ranch." But as she thought about it, there was something different about him. Something that definitely set him apart from the other guys, she just wasn't sure what it was. "The nerve of the man." She turned to Nathan again. "Calling you boss like that, and ma'aming me in that exaggerated drawl of his. Who does he think he is?"
"I just think he was being polite, that's all," Nathan suggested innocently. His smile though, was amiable and pure. Brooke sent him one of her most deadly glare.
"Men." She exclaimed as she rolled her eyes. "You're all alike, and you all stick together." She said in disgust as she marched out of the living room.
Because Brooke kept herself pretty busy cleaning, cooking and taking care of Haley, time at the ranch past by quickly for her. Once in a while she was able to take a little walk around the ranch, enjoying its beauty. Although she never got to go too far, just in case her sister needed her. It had been a few days since her unpleasant running in with Lucas Scott, and Brooke was finally over their encounter. She was in the kitchen washing dishes when Nathan walked in.
"Hey Nate, what are you doing home so early?" she turned toward her brother-in-law only to see that he was not alone. Purposefully she ignored him.
"I wasn't too far out," Nathan explained as he took off his hat and jacket and placed it on the hook that was on the door. "Luke was giving me a hand with the broken fences along the borders of the ranch, and I felt it only right for me to offer him lunch."
"Hope I'm not imposing ma'am." Lucas said, as a slow smile spread across his face.
"No imposition Mr. Scott, but I hope you'll settle for potluck, since it's the only thing I've had time to make."
"One of my favorites," he paused, giving her a cheeky wink "next to apple pies."
Brooke sent him a withering glance and turned away to warm the stew.
"I'll just go tell Haley I'm home," Nathan announced to nobody in general, and strode away. Brooke did her best to ignore Lucas' disturbing presence. She quickly set to stirring the stew.
"Smells good." Lucas mover over to the stove and lounged against it. Brooke went to the cupboards to retrieve some bowls.
When she turned back to place them on the kitchen table, she noticed that he had shed his outdoor clothing. The slim-fitting jeans he wore rode snug and low on his narrow hips. His flannel shirt fit snugly over his broad shoulders and hard chest. The dancer in her quickly responded to the firm, well-proportioned body; there was not an ounce of spare flesh on him.
"Don't talk too much do you?" His drawl was there again, the exaggerated twang a reminder of their last encounter. Brooke turned her head, prepared to freeze him with her eyes only to find he was less than a few inches away from her. For a moment, her mind could not function for the closeness of him.
"I really have nothing to say to you, Mr. Scott." She struggled to keep her voice cold and detached, but could feel the blood rushing to her face.
"Well, now, we'll have to see if we can change that." He spoke with easy confidence as he straightened to his full height. "We're not much on formalities around her. Just call me Luke." Though his words were spoken with his lazy delivery, there was an undertone of command. Brooke's chin rose in defense.
"Maybe I prefer to keep it formal between us, Mr. Scott." She said with emphasis on his name.
His lips curved into one of his careless smiles, but in his eyes she noticed something different. Power she recognized, she wondered how she had missed its presence the first time.
"I don't think there's much of a chance for that." He paused and tugged at a loose lock of his hair before adding with infuriating emphasis. "Ma'am."
Brooke was saved from formulating a response when Nathan walked back into the room.
"I'm going to have my lunch with Haley, do you mind keeping Luke company?" Nathan asked, unaware of the tension emanating from Brooke.
Brooke swore silently, last thing she wanted to do was keep the company of Lucas Scott. "Of course," she answered with an impersonal smile.
Within a short time, Brooke found herself sitting across the man she wanted to avoid most.
"You've got a great talent with dumplings B." Her brows went up involuntarily at his use of her nickname, but she kept her tone even.
"Thank you Mr. Scott. It's just one of my many talents."
"I'm sure it is," he agreed with an inclination of his head.
"You haven't changed much from the girl in the picture in Haley's parlor." He stated to Brooke's astonishment.
"You were about fifteen," he continued. "A bit skinnier, but your hair is the same, not quite willing to stay in a bun." Brooke's astonishment turned into a frown at the work "skinnier." She remembered the photo clearly.
"You'd just finished doing your performance of Swan Lake." She had been fifteen when that picture was snapped by her mom. They had just finished production in the show and Brooke had dance the lead.
"Haley's just as proud of you as you are worried about her." Brooke said nothing, only stared at his handsome features. His brows raised slightly, a movement that would have gone unnoticed had she not been staring intently at him. Confused, Brooke struggled to bring her thoughts back to order.
"I'd forgotten about that picture, it was so long ago." Brooke, wanting to get away from the direction of the conversation got up to get coffee. "Would you like some coffee?" she may not like him, but she had to at least be polite.
"Yes ma'am, black." Brooke didn't even have to turn around to see the slow grin creasing his face again, she knew it was there. She set the cup down on the table with a bang. Before she had a chance to grab her own cup, her hand was captured in a firm grip. There was nothing soft about his hands, it was hard and masculine.
Completely outmatched in strength and size, Brooke didn't even bother to struggle. She realized underneath his lazy demeanor was an underlying strength. So she allowed her hand to stay captured in his but shot him a resentful glare. "What do you want" she asked, annoyed at the husky note that came over her voice.
His eyes left hers to travel slowly down her face, only to linger at her mouth. Taking his time, he slowly moved back to her eyes.
"You seem a little jumpy." He stated sardonically, as if the heat from the touch had no effect on him whatsoever, though she herself felt like she was suffocating.
Brooke, feeling a desperate urgency to shake off contact, started tugging at her hand.
"Your eyes are fabulous when you're angry, you know that B?" His tone was conversational. "Temper definitely agrees with you. You grow beautiful with it." He laughed as he pulled her closer to him.
"You're insufferable," she said, still struggling to free her hand from his grasp.
"For telling you you're beautiful? I was just stating the obvious. I'm sure it's been mentioned to you before."
"You men are all the same." She ceased her struggle long enough to aim a lethal glare at him. "Just because you're bigger and stronger, you think you have the right to grab and grope whomever you please."
"I don't grope Brooke." His softly drawled. For an instance, the cocky man vanished, and she glimpsed the shrewd and lethal man beneath. Here was a man who not only expected to have his way, but would. "And the next time I grab you, it won't only be to hold your hand." Releasing her, he leaned back in his chair. "Consider yourself warned."
A/N: Okay, just some clarifications. Nathan and Lucas has the same last name, but they are in no way related in this story. Scott happens to be a common name. Any questions please let me know. Thanks!