I'm so sorry you guys. Very truly sorry. I have been dealing with a very personal matter which I'm still trying to deal with. I'll just go ahead and tell you guys so you can maybe accept the delay on the chapter. I just found out that I am eight weeks pregnant which was definitely unexpected. I wasn't planning on having any kids for at least a few years so I'm dealing with it. I'm truly happy and excited about it-I love children and can't wait to have some of my own. I was just expecting it to be a little further down the line. My husband's ecstatic, though. :) So, I just want to say thank you for sticking around and waiting.

Okay, so here's the next chapter. This chapter may seem like a filler chapter and quite honestly, it kind of is. Haha! But there are some important parts in it as well.

There is going to be just one more after this which will close this story to an end. Thanks again so much for the story alerts and PMs and especially the reviews. I'm really sorry that I'm not going to list everyone who reviewed last chapter. My mind is so scattered right now, and I just want to get this out to you. I also want to apologize for any grammar/spelling/etc mistakes within the chapter-I didn't really go through and proofread anything.

So, enough talking and onto the reading...

Nathan and Haley stepped out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport with a sleeping Jamie in Nathan's arms and was instantly bombarded with a few reporters. They were spitting out question after question towards them, but neither Nathan nor Haley were actually listening. They just wanted to get away from them.

Haley sure didn't miss this. You would think she'd be used to it by now, but she wasn't. She hated the press and all of the attention. That was something she never cared for. It was the worst right after Nathan was first drafted into the NBA and once word circulated of their separation. During that time was extremely difficult for her. On top of dealing with the actual personal side to things, she had to deal with these vultures who didn't understand boundaries whatsoever.

Nathan sensed how uncomfortable Haley must have been and wrapped his left arm around her shoulders and pulled her further into him while still holding Jamie securely in his other arm. He wanted nothing more than to shield them both from the outside world in this moment. He knew Haley hated the attention she and Jamie received once he became a part of the Bobcats. Heck, even during their college years they had some spotlight shown on them. She was just never one for the celebrity type of lifestyle.

He spotted the limo he had called ahead for and hastily led them over to the vehical. Once they were safely inside, Nathan laid Jamie down and draped a blanket over him before taking a place next to Haley on the seat across from Jamie. He glanced at her and noticed the tension that was practically seeping out of her body. "We should be taking off as soon as the driver comes back with our luggage." He said trying to ease some of her tension.

"Okay." She said quietly with a small, timid smile which was definitely forced.

"I was thinking we could head to the hotel and get settled. We can let Jamie sleep a little longer while we freshen up ourselves." He suggested.

"Sounds good." She agree vaguely avoiding eye contact.

"Haley, I'm sorry." He apologized quietly.

"For what?" She asked confused finally looking at him.

"For this. The reporters. I just...I'm sorry." He repeated.

"Why? It's not your fault." She reassured.

"It kind of feels like it is." He mumbled under his breath but she heard him. Now it was he who was avoiding eye contact with her.

She took a deep breath before talking once again. "I haven't dealt with reporters like that for almost a full year. It sounds naive, but I wasn't prepared for it. It just brought back some unpleasant memories." She began as he nodded in understanding. "But Nathan, it's not your fault. You can't control them or the stories they publish. I'm not mad at you or blaming you or anything like that, and I'm sorry if I made it seem like I was."

Nathan nodded his head accepting and believing her. He smiled as she scooted closer to him and cuddled slightly into his side. "Are you okay?" He asked surprised that she was initiating such closeness.

"I'm fine. I just want to feel safe and secure." She answered as he wrapped his arms around her. "I only feel that with you." She whispered.

Nathan knew he must have looking like a grinning idiot. His lips broke out into a big, boisterous grin which seemed to stretch across his entire face. He didn't say anything in response, though. He didn't want to chance ruining the moment.


It was a couple hours later that the three of them were sitting in Lupie's Cafe eating a late lunch. When they left the hotel, Nathan told her he had a surprise for her. She tried to get it out of him throughout the whole drive, but he refused to release any details. Once they pulled into the parking lot, Haley was speechless. This cafe held sentimental value for the both of them, and they dubbed it as "their cafe".

"I love it here." Haley stated.

"Me, too." Nathan agreed.

"It's peaceful and quiet. There aren't any reporters around or anyone here bothering us. It's just us." She said.

"Just the way I like it." He added as they shared a sweet smile.

Their moment was interrupted by another voice. "Well, look what we've got here. Nathan and Haley Scott."

"Hi, Maggie." Haley greeted warmly.

"It has been way too long since I've seen the two of you in here." Maggie scolded playfully.

"Sorry. Things have been..." Haley began but drifted off not knowing what to say. She glanced at Nathan who seemed to be sporting the same emotions.

"I know." Maggie jumped in. She wasn't stupid or naive. She watched the news and read the same magazines as everyone else. Did she believe every story? No. She has gotten to know Nathan and Haley over the years, and she knows that the stories of what happened between them were definitely exaggerated and fabricated from the press. "All that matters is that you're here now." She added to relieve the awkwardness. "So, did you guys have a good Christmas?"

"We did." Nathan said smiling at Haley. "My whole family went up to a ski resort in Vermont. It was great."

"Yeah, and we went down these huge hills of snow! That was so much fun!" Jamie joined in excitedly.

"You did! Wow, that sounds awesome!" Maggie placated.

"It was!" He said.

"Did Santa come and bring you awesome presents?" She asked.

Jamie went on to start listing all of the presents he received as Maggie, Nathan, and Haley listened and laughed at his exuberance.

The four of them talked for another fifteen minutes before realizing it was time to go. It was approaching three o'clock, and Nathan had to be at the TWC Arena at five o'clock. Both Nathan and Haley wanted some time to relax before they left for the game. They said their goodbyes before heading out.


They arrived at the hotel half an hour later leaving them time to sit back and relax for awhile before getting ready. Haley flipped on the television as Nathan and Jamie went over game plans and stuff like that. Haley shook her head and laughed at how into it Jamie was getting. He was so excited about going to the game tonight.

This just in-Nathan and Haley Scott reuniting?

Those words captured their attention as they all focused on the television screen.

Earlier this year, word broke out of Nathan's split with his wife, Haley, of seven years. There were several allegations that Nathan had been cheating on her but Nathan and his reps denied that to be the case and there hasn't been any official word as to what lead to their actual separation. The couple also has a five year old son, Jamie, who is currently in Haley's custody.

Our cameras caught a few glimpses of Nathan walking out out the Charlotte Douglas International Airport with both Haley and Jamie closely in tow earlier this morning. Neither of them had a comment to disclose nor did Nathan's agent, Clay Evans, when we spoke with him on the matter. Our sources have confirmed that the three of them were up in Vermont spending Christmas with Nathan's family. So what was it? A final Christmas together before their divorce is finalized? Or are they actually reuniting?

That's all we have on the story at the moment. Stay tuned as we will be the first ones to unleash the dirt.

"Wow, they don't waste anytime, do they?" Haley asked rhetorically with a sardonic laugh.

"Daddy, are you moving back home?" Jamie asked innocently full of excitement catching both Nathan and Haley off gaurd. The two of them looked at one another not really sure how to answer that.

"I, umm...I'm just going to go for a walk." Haley said after a minute had passed. She stood up from the bed and made her way towards the door. Nathan was quick to follow her and asked her to wait. She turned towards him hesitantly waiting for him to continue.

"Are you okay?" He asked timidly.

"I'm fine." She said with a smile trying to reassure him. "I just need a few minutes by myself. But I am fine, Nathan. I promise." She said.

"Okay. Well, we'll be here." He said unsurely. He honestly didn't know how Haley was truly feeling right now. On one hand, he actually believed her when she said she was fine. On the other hand, she's been so gaurded with her feelings in the past year that he didn't know if she was being completely honest. All he could do was give her her space and hope and pray that she would come back to him. He leaned forward and kissed her gently on her forehead. He had to bite back the smirk that was threatening to form when he noticed the sligh blush that invaded her face. That was at least a good sign, wasn't it. He asked himself.

Haley was wondering around the hotel with no specific destination in mind. She honestly just needed to get some air. She doesn't regret for one second coming with Nathan here. Jamie wants to be here. And she wants to be here. It's just the reporters popping back up isn't something she was prepared for or ready for. Being reminded once again of what happened between her and Nathan brought back some painful memories.

The elevator doors opened, and she stepped out into the lobby. She spotted the gift shop and made her ways towards it. She walked through the opened doors and started perusing around. There was a lot of Charlotte Bobcats items. There were little trinkets including keychains, bumper stickers, and so much more along with some clothing including shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and jerseys. The sight of the clothing reminded Haley that she didn't have any clothes for the actual game tonight. She searched through the racks and immediately found a Bobcats jersey which had Nathan's logo on it. She found her size as well as finding a different jersey for Jamie before making her way towards the cash register.

"Hello. Did you find everything you need?" The cashier asked in a polite manner.

"I did. Thank you." Haley returned.

"Oh, you're...oh my gosh, you're Nathan Scott's wife." The girl said recognizing Haley almost immediately.

"Yes, I am." Haley answered hesitantly. She took a deep breath preparing herself for whatever may happen next.

"I had heard that Mr. Scott was staying with us and that his family was as well. Is this for the game tonight?" She asked holding up the garments.

"Yeah. It was sort of a spur of the moment trip, and I realized just now actually that I didn't have any clothes for the actual game tonight." Haley answered.

"Well, you came to the right place in the right town." She joked as the two girls laughed while Haley signed her receipt. "Can I just say that you are absolutely gorgeous." She complimented once their laughter calmed down.

"Oh, wow. Well, thank you." Haley said caught slightly off-gaurd. She knew her face must have been bright red right now. She didn't respond well to these types of compliments. She was so embarrassed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you or anything. I was ju..."

"No, it's okay. Really, that's sweet of you. Thank you." Haley interruped trying to reassure the girl.

"I just thought that it never hurts to hear a compliment." She said as Haley smiled at her. "Well, you are all set. Have a great time at the game tonight. Go Bobcats!" She cheered as they laughed.

"Thank you again." Haley said before exiting the gift shop and heading back towards the elevators to go back up to her room.

Meanwhile back in the room, Nathan and Jamie were relaxing on the bed. As soon as Haley left the room, Nathan went back to the bed as Jamie instantly asked him if he was moving back home again. He crawled on top of the bed as the two boys leaned back against the headboard.

"Jamie, I'm going to be really honest with you, okay." Nathan began as the little boy nodded. "I'm not moving back home."

"Why? Mommy won't let you?" Jamie asked sadly.

"No, it's not your mommy. Your mom is the best mom in the whole world. Never forget that." Nathan said.

"But why aren't you coming back home?" Jamie questioned sadly not understanding the whole situation.

"I want to, buddy. I do. I want to be at home with you and your mom. But your mom and I are having a little time out right now." Nathan tried explaining as well as he could.

"This is a long time out. Mine don't last this long. You guys must have done something really bad." Jamie pointed out innocently causing Nathan to chuckle.

"We did. Well, daddy did. But I'm trying to do something right now. Jamie, I don't want you to get your hopes up about me coming back home, but I do want you to know that I do want to come back home. I love you, buddy." Nathan said.

"I love you, too. Do you love mommy?" Jamie asked.

"Of course. I love your mom very much." Nathan answered.

"Mommy loves you, too. She cries a lot at night. I think she misses you, because she always stares at a picture of us." Jamie said causing Nathan's heart to constrict slightly.

"I miss you guys, too. But Jamie, no matter what happens with your mom and me, we both love you so much. You are the most important thing in our lives, and we will always be a family." Nathan said as Jamie wrapped his arms around his dad's shoulders as they embraced in a hug. The two broke apart once they heard the door to their room opening as Haley walked in.

"Mommy!" Jamie exclaimed while jumping off of the bed and running over to his mom about tackling her in a hug. "I love you. So does daddy." He said.

"Well, I love you guys, too." Haley said smiling at her son before looking up and catching Nathan's intense gaze. The two shared a loving look before Haley and Jamie pulled away from one another. "Well, Jimmy Jam, I've got you a surprise for tonight." She said.

"What is it?" Jamie asked in excitement.

Haley pulled out his jersey and watched as the little boy's eyes lit up.

"Daddy, look!" Jamie exclaimed taking the jersey and rushing to show his dad. "It has your name and number on it!"

"Wow! That's so awesome!" Nathan returned in the same fashion as Haley made her way over to them.

"Mommy, what about you?" Jamie asked.

"I've got one, too." She said pulling out her jersey.

"Awesome! I'm going to go put mine on!" Jamie exclaimed running away and into the bathroom.

"So, I have my own little personal cheering section, huh?" Nathan smirked.

"Yeah. The cheerleaders." She teased.

"Oh, you're funny." He said as he began to tickle her sides.

"Stop, Nathan." She laughed. However, she stopped laughing as he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her in closer to him. Her breath hitched slightly.

"Are you okay?" He asked quietly.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She reassured looking into his eyes so he could see the truth and sincerety behind them.

"Good. What about tonight? You know there's going to be reporters there." He reminded her gently.

"I know. But I'm not going to let them get to me. Let them take their pictures and print their stories. Tonight's about the game and about you." She said.

"And about us." He added.

"Of course." She agreed.

He smiled softly at her before leaning in and brushing his lips against hers in a sensual kiss which she instantly returned. Neither pushed for mofe, though. They just continued kissing each other in a soft, sensual manner. Letting the kiss linger for just a couple minutes longer, Nathan pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. "I'm so glad you guys are here with me." He said so quietly she almost didn't hear him.

"So am I." She said.

"By the way, I love your jersey. Way to support me and the team." He said.

"You like the jersey because I'm supporting the team or because I'm wearing your name and number?" She challenged while playfully quarking her eyebrow up.

"You're forgetting that you're already wearing my number." He smirked pushing his right hand underneath her shirt and tracing the spot in the middle of her lower back where his jersey number 23 was inked into her skin. His smirk grew wider as he felt the shiver pass through her body. "I've branded you for life." He said seductively.

"Yes, you have." She said.

"You're mine. Always and forever." He said.

"Always and forever." She repeated in a whisper. She was just about to make the first move this time and began to lean forward when the sound of the bathroom door opening had them springing apart.

"Look! Isn't it so awesome?" Jamie exclaimed failing to notice what was transpiring between his parents.

"It's so awesome!" Both Nathan and Haley placated.

"Well, it's almost time to go. I better go put mine on, too." Haley said grabbing her suitcase before heading into the bathroom casting one final glance towards Nathan.


Nathan Scott drives the lane and goes in for the layup scoring two for the Bobcats who continue with their 89-81 lead over the Bucks.

Haley and Jamie cheered loudly as they listened and watched the play form out in front of them. Haley glanced up towards the time clock and noticed there were two minutes and ten seconds left in the final quarter. Her nerves were shot at this point. She was not the type who was into sports at all, but she always seemed to get into the games Nathan played in. Even though she wasn't the sports watching type, it never failed. She always found herself on pins and needles while watching Nathan. She had to also admit that it was sort of an aphrodesiac for her. Watching Nathan running up and down the court with sweat dripping down his body and add to that his aggression and his intensity all in one was such a turn on for her.

In the beginning when things were still great for them, they always seemed to have their most exciting, intense sexual encounters after his games since it seemed to be just as much of an aphrodesiac for him as well. They had trouble keeping their hands off one just on a normal daily basis, but it was so extreme after his games.

Haley was snapped out of her thoughts as Paul Silas called for a time out. She glanced at the time clock once again and noticed there were thirty-six point five seconds left in the game before glancing over to the scoreboard which was now 93-92 with the Bobcats in the lead. When the hell did that happen? She questioned herself feeling incredibly frustrated. She actually felt sick to her stomach due to her nerves. She literally couldn't watch as the game once again began so she closed her eyes.

Time seemed to pass incredibly slowly and before she knew it, the buzzer sounded and she forced her eyes opened. The crowd erupted into cheers. She watched as Nathan thrust his fist into the air in excitement as his teammates all congregated around him. She looked down to Jamie who was beaming with excitement. "Mamma, we won!" He exclaimed looking up towards her.

"We did!" She said matching his enthusiasm bending down and picking Jamie up in her arms as they continued cheering and drowning in their excitement. Before she knew it an arm wrapped around her waist as she and Jamie were thrust forward. She looked up and noticed Nathan standing directly in front of them wrapping both of his arms around them.

"Daddy!" Jamie exclaimed.

"Jimmy Jam!" Nathan returned.

"Congratulations. You played great, Nathan." Haley offered up.

"Thanks, Hales." He responded.

Over the course of the next few minutes, Nathan did some interviews with his team and his coach. The reporters kept trying to ask questions surrounding his and Haley's relationship but he managed to dodge them all. A few asked if they could get an interview with the both of them, but Nathan firmly told them absolutely not. He couldn't stop them from taking their pictures or asking their questions or printing whatever stories they were bound to write, but he could control his responses and try as hard as he could to keep Haley, Jamie, and their relationship out of the lime light.

Clay was doing his part as well as he stood dutiful at Nathan's side throughout all of the interviews. When questions became way to personal or if the reporters kept pushing, Clay would quickly step in and put a stop to all of them or gently ease Nathan out of the interview.

After what felt like hours, Nathan seemed to finally be done with everything which he was incredibly thankful for. He was tired and hungry and just wanted to get back to his family. He caught up with Haley and Jamie who were standing and waiting with Clay. "Are you all done?" Haley asked.

"Yes. Finally." He answered.

"Hey, Nate!" A voice called out causing them to turn their heads in that direction where they noticed D. J. Augustine standing just a few feet away.

"Yeah?" Nathan answered.

"A bunch of us are going out tonight to celebrate. You coming?" He asked.

"Thanks, but no thanks." Nathan replied cautiously. That one statement and question had him instantly thinking back to his and Haley's relationship. He didn't have to look back at Haley to know she was thinking about it as well.

"Alright, man, but you don't know what you're missing. See you in a couple days." D. J. said before taking off in another direction.

"Nathan, if you...umm...you can go if you want." Haley stammered trying to fight back the tears.

"I don't want to go out with them, Hales. I want to spend time with you guys." Nathan said firmly yet gently. Haley didn't say anything in response. She just nodded her head. "I'm going to go take a quick shower and get dressed. Then, we can leave." He said. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before taking off towards the dressing rooms.

Haley watched him walk away, and she couldn't help the doubts that seemed to reserface once again. She hated letting her emotions control her like they were, but she didn't know how to get rid of them.

"You know, he hasn't gone out since you kicked him out." Clay spoke up capturing her attention. He saw the disbelieving look plastered on her face and knew he had to continue. "I'm being completely honest with you, Hales. You know I would never lie to you. You know how I am, and you've always called me out on my bull." He began as she smiled and nodded. "Ever since you kicked him out and said you needed some space and time to think, he's gone to practices and to games and then straight home or he's hung out with me at our apartments. He declines every invitation to go out with the other guys. He knew that if he didn't make a change then he would lose you forever. He doesn't want that. He's actually really terrified that he has lost you already."

"Why are you telling me this?" Haley asked. She wasn't mad or upset. She was just trying to process what Clay was saying.

"Because Hales, I see the doubts that are plagueing you right now. You can't keep letting those doubts stop you from trying to move forward. And I want to settle those doubts once and for all. I can't make the pain from what happened before go away, but I can damn sure make sure you don't have any doubts for the time you two have been separated. I love you guys both, and I want you guys to get back together and be happy. And it seems like you're both willing to at least try, and I don't want to see anything threaten that." Clay explained.

"Thank you." Haley said quietly. She actually believed Clay, and she felt like a huge weight was just lifted off of her. It's not that she didn't trust Nathan anymore, but it was nice to actually hear Clay tell her how Nathan wasn't going out anymore or anything like that.

Clay smiled softly at her as he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.


Haley quietly exited the bathroom having just showered and dressed for the night. She tiptoed gently towards the bed in the darkened room. She looked at the beds and noticed both Nathan and Jamie passed out on each of them. She let out a slight chuckle. She was just about to climb into the same bed as Jamie when she dropped the comforter and turned to climb into the other bed.

She stared at the contours of his sleeping face and smiled softly. She reached her right hand up and caressed his cheeks softly.

"I was wondering when you were going to make a move." His muffled voice sounded startling her slightly.

"You've been awake the whole time?" She questioned.

He smiled and opened his eyes meeting hers as he scooted closer to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her further into him. "How do you expect me to sleep when you're in the other room showering? Naked with water cascading down your body." He said.

"Nathan." She warned.

"I'm only being honest, Hales." He quickly said. "You're so sexy and amazingly beautiful. And the fact that I'm the only one who has ever had the pleasure of seeing all of you is a major turn on. I love you so much."

"I love you, too." She returned as the two of them shared a sweet kiss. "Thank you." She mumbled against his lips.

"For what?" He asked.

"For everything." She said. "I really do love you. I love the son you gave me. And I love how much you love me. I just love everything about you. And I know we've talked about baby steps, but Nathan, I really do want us to try again. I don't want to lose you or our family. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And while I do think we need to take things slowly, it's also time to speed things up."

"I don't know if I can with our son in the bed right next to us." He joked.

"I'm not talking about sex, Nathan." She said.

"I know you weren't, Hales." He added. "I know what you mean, and I want everything you want. Which is why I have something I want to ask you."

"What's that?" She asked quietly.

"Haley James Scott, would you like to go on a date with me?" He asked.

"I would love to." She answered. Her heart was fluttering. She couldn't stop the goofy grin that broke out on her lips.

He smiled at her before leaning forward and capturing her in a passionate kiss. They had to be careful not to go too far with Jamie in the room, but their kiss was definitely explosive.

Haley for the first time in a long time felt content. She felt that while they obviously had a lot to work through, they were moving forward rather than backward. It seems as though they were on the same page with their feelings and wants. And she was starting to believe once again that true love can conquer all. The trust was coming back into their marriage, and that was the main component to their separation. And she was ready to throw out all of her doubts and work on them as a couple and as a family. It was going to take time, but she was willing to take the time and open her heart once again.

There you go. Thanks for taking the time to read through this chapter. As I said before, the next chapter will be the final one. I haven't glossed over the whole pregnancy/infertility thing-that will be mentioned in the next chapter. ;) The next one will really tie this story together.

So, please let me know what you think. And again, thank you so much for the reviews I received for the previous chapter, and I am so sorry for not giving you guys a shout out. But I do genuinely appreciate it.

I should have the next chapter up soon. I've already started working on it, and it's going to be pretty lengthy considering I have to tie a bunch of stuff together. So stick around a little bit longer, and I will have an update. Thanks again. :)