Chapter 2 –

"Peyton? Peyton Sawyer?"

"That'd be me"

"Wow it's great to hear your voice! How are you?"

"Great! What's going on with you? Sounds like a full house at your place"

"Oh, it's a full house alright. 5 kids."

Peyton chuckled. "5? That's interesting!"

In his arms, Landon was crying of hunger. Braydin walked by.

"Braydin. Give your brother his bottle" Lucas handed the baby to Braydin who walked away with him and the bottle.

"Sorry.Yeah. Where are you? It's been years since we talked to you"

"I was actually traveling the world with my family.

"I heard you and Jake got married? Is that true?"

"Yeah, were married. We live in California now, but were actually in Tree Hill for a few weeks.

"No kidding."

"Yeah we were wondering if you and Brooke wanted to meet us for a coffee later tonight. I know Brooke and I didn't end on a good note when I left, but I hope we can work things out now."

"Actually Brooke's out of town this weekend. She's in New York for work. I'm home with the kids."

"Why Lucas Scott, I'm impressed. Your being Mr. Mom?

"Why does that surprise you so much?" Lucas joked.

"It doesn't, really. Listen, I need to go. So you won't be joining us tonight?"

Lucas hesitated. He really wanted to catch up with his friends, but what would Brooke think about it? Knowing the love triangle history between him, Brooke and Peyton he knew she wouldn't be too pleased. On the other hand, it had been too long. Besides, Jake would be there too so it'd be fine. Everyone was friends here, weren't they?

"Coffee sounds good. I need to get the kids to bed, but I can meet you guys around 10?" Lucas asked.

"10:00 it is. Oh Luke, is your mom's café still open?"

"Of course! And it's open till midnight."

"Great! See you later!" Peyton hung up the phone.

Lucas put the phone down and felt jitters. He couldn't wait to see Peyton – and Jake of course. In the living room, Braydin was feeding Landon.

"Braydin, I'm going out with some friends tonight. I need you too watch your siblings"

"Ohhh dad's got a date. Ohhh I'm telling mom" Braydin teased.

"I do not have a date. Just meeting an old friend up for a coffee. " Lucas insisted.

"Okay dad. Just put the rugrats to sleep before you go and I'll keep an eye on them" Braydin gave in.

Preston and Mercedes were watching TV upstairs in the family room.

"Kids! Get ready for bed! I'll be there to tuck you in a bit!'

"Okay daddy!" Mercedes called but Lucas could still hear the TV blaring.

"Now!" Lucas called. The TV. was off and he heard the kids getting ready for bed.

Meanwhile Lucas changed out of his house clothes into something more fashionable. Fixing his shirt collar, he walked out of his room down the hall to Preston's room but Cameron stopped him.

"Wow dad. You got a date tonight or something?"

Lucas looked down. Was he overdressed?

"No. Just going for a warm drink with friends. Help Braydin out with your brothers and sister if he needs you to, okay? I'll only be gone for an hour or two, the most"

Lucas proceeded to Cameron and Preston's room. Preston was reading. He was an intelligent kid.

" Hey kiddo. What are you reading?"

Preston lifted the book up so his father could see. It was a 2006 World Almanac for kids. Lucas smiled. Most kids his age wanted to ready storybooks but not Preston. He was a knowledge seeker.

"Do you want me to read to you?"

Preston sighed. "Dad. I can read you know"

"Sorry. Okay, you seem into the book so Ill let you read. Good night" Lucas planted a kiss on his sons head and walked to Mercedes room. She was jumping on the bed.

"Hey! What's this little monkey doing?" Lucas asked entering the room.

Mercedes shrieked with laughter and quickly sat down.

Lucas ran to tickle her and she started giggling. Lucas loved playing with his little girl; since she was the only girl in the family he shared a special bond with his daughter. Everything about Mercedes reminded Lucas of Brooke and he loved that.

After bonding time, Lucas tucked Mercedes in.

"I love you. Now go to sleep. You need your energy for the carnival tomorrow!" Lucas reminded.

"Okay. I love you daddy" Mercedes said yawning.

Lucas kissed his daughter on the head and turned the lights out. "I love you too princess. Good night"

With that, Lucas checked in on Landon, who was asleep is his crib.

"Okay boys. I'm heading out. Call the cell if you need me" Lucas told Braydin and Cameron, putting his coat on.

10 minutes later Lucas pulled up in front of the infamous 'Karen's Café'. It was the best known café in the town and it had been in business for over 30 years. Madison, Lucas' younger sister was working. Madison was 16 years old, Karen's daughter with Keith (Lucas' uncle). Sadly Keith had died in a school shooting tragedy before Madison was born. But every time he looked at his kid sister, Keith came to Lucas mind. She resembled her father a lot. To this day, Lucas missed him and wished he could have just one more day with his beloved uncle.

"Lucas!" Madison was wiping tables but looked up when she saw her brother enter.

"Hey Maddie. How are you?" Lucas gave his sister a big bear hug.

"Tired. How's everything at the house? Brooke's gone to NY right?"

"Yeah she'll be home on Monday. Everything's in control. I'm just meeting Jake here"

"Jake Jagelski? Your friend from High school?" Maddie asked.

"That's him"

"Is Peyton coming too?" a suspicious Madison asked. She was young, but she knew all about her brother's crazy past love life.

Lucas nodded. "Yeah."

"Wow. You did tell Brooke didn't you?"

"No. But I will"

The door opened and in walked in Peyton. She was alone and she looked beautiful. Her blonde hair was straight and short and she had 3 pairings in each ear. She was also very pregnant but she was glowing. Lucas was speechless.

"Lucas Scott. Get over here and give me a hug!" Peyton exclaimed.

Lucas threw his arms around Peyton and hugged her. It had been way too long!

From behind the counter, Madison watched her brother and suddenly didn't have a good feeling about this...