Hey guys reviews greatly appreciated. Tks for reading! Chapter 2

'We're getting married, Jake and I.'

What do you say to something like that?

Do you continue to splurge out all what's left of your heart, leaving it on the table for everyone to see and judge?

Or do you suppress those welling emotions back down again, like you always do?

'Oh that's great! Congratulations!' he reached over to hug her.

'You guys have to come,' she gushed, her sparkling green eyes smiling. 'You and Brooke you'll come together right?'

Me and Brooke?

Oh yes, me and Brooke.

'Yeah, yeah, of course we'll come together, Brooke and I,' he cleared his throat. 'I suppose I better go…' he said fumbling for his car keys.

'You're not waiting to see Jake…' she said. 'He just went out… he'll be back soon…'

'Oh no I'm really in a rush,' he said standing up. 'I'm supposed to meet… to meet Brooke for dinner.' He walked over to the door and opened it.

'You take care Peyton,' he said turning around to look into those eyes. 'I'll be here for you… if you ever need me alright?'

Peyton looked at him curiously as she held the door open. She nodded softly.

'Alright,' she smiled sweetly up at him.

'Bye.'

'Bye.'

Peyton closed the door slowly behind her, in total oblivion to the heavy steps Lucas made down the front porch. In total oblivion to the desires of her own heart, except perhaps for a pang of unexplainable disappointment in her own sweet heart.

Ring ring.

'Hello?'

'Hey Peyt, it's Jake,' came the muffled voice on the other end of the line.

'Hey fiancé,' Peyton said smiling. 'You got the lilac stuff?'

'No… I… I thought? Oh…'

'You thought what? Come on don't make me nag before we get married!' Peyton cried. 'Go get them now! Love you!'

'Love you Peyt, I really do. Bye.'

'I really do love her,' Jake thought, hanging up the phone. When he saw Lucas, he thought it was over. He wanted to run over, to punch the guy, to fight for Peyton. But then he stopped himself, the battle's already over, buddy – and you know it.

But now?

'But I love her… and she loves me. Just maybe not as much as she…

I really love her.

That's enough isn't it?'