Love, Lies, and Loss

Disclaimer: I own no rights to One Tree Hill or any of its characters.

A/N: Thank you all for your wonderful feedback! I am looking forward to hearing more.

One Year Later

Brooke looked up at the bright lights above the runway. Never in a million years did she think she would ever make it this far. She went from a small town girl in a big city to an aspiring fashion designer in just a year's time. She smiled as she watched her line making its way down the runway. Her beautiful gowns and ensembles were fit for the runway and very possibly a stylish queen.

She had spent the last year working for one of New York's most elite fashion gurus. Attaining the job was not as much of a challenge as she had expected. A simple portfolio of her work was all it took. She began as just your everyday secretary, dealing with the usual phone calls and coffee making. After too many complaints about the awful taste of the coffee, her boss, Maria, called Brooke into her office and gave her a promotion. She told her that she hoped her design skills were better than that of her coffee making.

That one visit to Maria's office was all it took for Brooke. All it took to make her a known name around the building. It was her one shot to live her dream and she wasn't about to let it pass. So, she worked nonstop, around the clock, presenting her designs to Maria and in return getting criticism and advice. Ten months later, after slaving over a paper with a pencil, Brooke presented a design that Maria had nothing but interest for. She got offered a spot in the upcoming fashion show for new designers. Of course, she took it which brought her to today.

"Your designs were a hit with the crowd," Maria told Brooke after the show.

"Really? It was so amazing to see the beautiful models coming down the runway wearing my designs. It's like a dream come true," Brooke replied glowing.

"This is only the beginning my dear. If you continue to produce amazing designs, you will be on the top. I know you have the potential. If I didn't, I wouldn't have promoted you."

"Why did you promote me? I was a really bad secretary."

"I didn't hire you to be a secretary. I hired you for your designs. I knew that if you could stick out that horrible job that you would work your way to the top when I gave you the chance."

"Thank you for giving me a chance and believing in me," Brooke gave her boss a hug and wandered amongst the large crowd of beautiful people.

"There's my star. I've been looking all over for you," Brad Hughes said as he kissed Brooke on the forehead while putting his arm around her shoulder.

"Hey honey! I am so excited. You mom said that my designs were a huge hit. I'm doing it Brad. I'm living my dream!"

"I'm so proud of you and I love you."

"I love you too. Are you ready to get out of here yet? I've had a lot of excitement today and I really just want to go home and spend the rest of the night with my boys."

"Sure babe. Let me go find our coats and I'll meet you out front with the car."

Brad gave Brooke a peck and left in search of their belongings. Brooke took one last look and a deep breath before she made her way to the corridor.

The car ride home seemed like an hour to Brooke when in reality it was only twenty minutes. Her thoughts ran wild the entire ride. She had been so busy over the past year that she barely thought about her old life or the loved ones she left behind. But that was all in the past. She had a new family and new friends now.

Brad had to nudge Brooke once they parked. She looked over at him and got out of the car. She walked up the front porch of their beautiful Victorian home and entered the mansion. She was greeted by their live in maid, Nora.

"How's Tegan doing tonight?" Brooke asked the women.

"Oh he's sleeping like a baby should," Nora replied.

"I had some good news for him, but I suppose it could wait until morning. I've had a long day and I'm ready for bed. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Mrs. Hughes."

"Goodnight Nora."

Brooke entered the nursery and kissed her seven month old son goodnight. She then got dressed and joined her husband in bed. She snuggled up with her head on his chest.

"Brad."

"Yeah hon?"

"Does it ever bother you that Tegan isn't your son?"

"Tegan is my son Brooke."

"You know what I mean."

"I'm telling you he's my son. He always will be. I love that little boy as much as I love you, sometimes more."

"I know, but I just wondered if it ever bothered you."

"No, it doesn't bother me. Someday we will have a child that was created by both of us and I will love that child no more or less than Tegan."

Brooke sat up and starred at her husband. She had no idea when she moved to New York that she would find love again, especially so quickly. It seemed as quick as they met, they married. She owed all of it to Maria. Her boss not only gave her the chance of a lifetime, but also the man of her dreams. She introduced the two and soon they were inseparable.

While she would design, he would put headphones on her stomach. The fact that she was pregnant and soon to be single mother didn't seem to bother him in the slightest. He was there for her through everything; the pregnancy, the birth, and the child. They had already planned to be married, but Brooke insisted on waiting until she was back to a size where she would look remotely decent in a wedding gown. Regardless of the delayed marriage, Tegan was given the last name of Hughes. And that is how their happy family came to be. Brooke laid next to her husband and resumed the snuggling. She fell asleep with thoughts of how amazing her life had become in that one short year.

A/N: I hope you all liked this chapter! Don't get to upset just yet. It's only the beginning!