Chapter 9
"She's here," Lucas spoke to Nathan as they finished changing the babies into their new outfits Brooke had picked out for them. Nathan smiled and he and Lucas took the babies to where they would be waiting. Everyone took their places. Peyton, Brooke, Jake, Tim, Mouth, Deb, Dan, Keith, Haley's parents, Chris and the rest of the Ravens basketball team were seated to the side of the sidewalk Haley would be walking from at any time. Lucas was standing next to Nathan who was standing next to the minister. Both babies were in a bassinet next to Lucas. Right on cue, music began to play and Karen walked down the aisle. She took her place on the brides side. Haley squeezed her dad's hand as he escorted her down the aisle towards Nathan. Nathan was taken away by how beautiful she looked. He began grinning like an idiot and everyone noticed. Haley winked at him and they both started laughing. Lucas elbowed Nathan.
"You got it bad," Lucas whispered to Nathan but loud enough so everyone could hear him. Everyone started laughing. Haley finally reached the front with Nathan and took her place beside him.
"Today we are here to bring together Nathan Scott and Haley James Scott… for the second and hopefully last time…" the minister began as everyone chuckled, "this is not a normal ceremony by any means. Mr. Scott has stated several times to me that he and his wife are very much in love and also very much married so traditional vows will be skipped. Tonight, you all were invited here to witness the love that both Nathan and Haley share, a love that they now also share with Nate and Dakota. The words you are about to hear, come straight from the heart… Nathan?"
"Haley… I love you so much. I think deep down I have loved you since the first time I actually saw you at school. We've been through a whole lot together. A lot of bad times, but also good times as well. I want you to know that I will never ever give up on us ever again. We have a family now, and like I promised God while the three of you were fighting to survive in the hospital, I will never let any of you down again. This is my promise to you, Haley. From this day forward," Nathan spoke as a tear trickled down Haley's face. Nathan took Haley's face in his hand and wiped the tear away with his thumb. She smiled at him.
"Nathan, I want to start off by apologizing for all the pain I have put you through. I love you with everything I am and I have never meant to hurt you as much as I have. You have brought so much joy into my life. Without you I am nothing. I am certain that the rest of our lives will only be filled with happiness and laughter. You bring out the best in me, sweetie. Ever since the first time you and I spoke, you had my heart. A heart that will belong to no one other than you for eternity, I love you Nathan and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together," Haley spoke as Nathan leaned down and kissed her lips.
"I now pronounce them husband and wife, again. Nathan, Haley, Dakota, and Nathan Scott, everyone!" the minister pronounced. Everyone was on their feet clapping and cheering. A formal dinner was brought in for everyone to stay and celebrate. Peyton and Brooke made their way towards Haley who was changing Nate's diaper.
"Well, well, Mrs. Scott, again!" Brooke exclaimed smiling.
"Brooke! Peyton!" Haley squealed as she ran over to hug her friends. "I have missed you guys so much."
"We just wanted to tell you that we're so sorry we never tried to call or anything. I mean can you blame us for being a little pissed off at you?" Peyton asked.
"No, it's okay. I'm the one who should be apologizing for leaving to begin with. I was so stupid!" Haley frowned.
"Well, hey, at least everything worked out for the best anyway, right? You and Nathan are together again and Lucas and I are together again and even Pey is talking to Jake again. Everything is how its supposed to be… Well, except for you and Nathan being parents already. We're not even 20 years old," Brooke started.
"How does it feel to be a mom?" Peyton asked as she looked over Haley's shoulder at the two beautiful babies.
"It feels great. I'm just glad that it was me that gave this incredible gift to Nathan…" Haley smiled.
"Yeah, what about Nathan though? He signed that contract to play at Duke…" Brooke stated as she let one of the babies squeeze her finger.
"Um, I don't really know right now. I know that playing ball is what keeps Nathan happy and I would love for him to stay in school… It's really up to him. Anything he wants to do I will gladly go along with. He's my husband, for better or worse and I have to trust that he will make the best decisions for our family," Haley sighed as she sat down in a chair next to the babies.
"Wow, that was really deep, tutor girl," Brooke looked confused.
"So, what are the big honeymoon plans?" Peyton asked changing the subject.
"I have no idea," Haley started, "you'll have to ask Nathan on that one. He's planned everything out…"
"Speaking of Nathan, who is he talking to?" Peyton asked, pointing towards where Nathan was standing. Haley's mouth dropped.
"Ashley!" Both Brooke and Haley exclaimed.
"Watch Nate and Dakota. I will be right back," Haley grabbed her dress and headed towards Nathan and Ashley.
"What are you doing here?!" Haley spat as she stood next to Nathan.
"I was just coming by to say congratulations. Tim had called me and told me about the rush wedding," Ashley stated, feeling uncomfortable now.
"No offense, or anything, Ashley. You seem like a real nice girl but Nathan is my husband. He's the father of my babies, and this is now my home. I would really appreciate it if you would leave!" Haley stated angrily as she began inching closer to Ashley.
"Hales, back off her. It's okay. She didn't come here to try to ruin my surprise for you. She came by to bring my things that she still had. It's cool. You're the one making a scene," Nathan spoke to his wife in a hushed tone so that all the other watching eyes wouldn't hear him.
"Fine! You want to talk to her, go ahead. Be my guest," Haley spat before turning around and marching inside. She found herself in her and Nathan's new room. She locked herself in. She heard a knock.
"Go away!" She cried as she took off the dress.
"Haley, open up, it's me, Luke."
Haley opened the door to her friend, letting him enter before she locked the door again. He sat on the bed and saw her slide down against the door til she hit the floor. She buried her head in her knees. Lucas made his way over to her and put his arm around her.
"Haley, you have to trust Nathan." Lucas sighed.
"I do trust him. I do not trust her. Why did she have to come back today of all days? Couldn't she have mailed him his belongings, or better yet kept them? Why wasn't it him that came after me, Luke… It's like when she's around I'm no longer good enough," Haley cried into Lucas's shoulder.
"I don't know the answers to any of your questions, Haley. But I do know that Nathan loves you. Not her. He chose to have this ceremony today in front of your friends and family with you. Don't give up on it so easily," he kissed the top of her head as he spoke. He sat with her until she finally fell asleep than he picked her up and put her in the bed, tucked in. Lucas let himself out of the room and went back downstairs. Many of the guests had already left. It was just Peyton, Brooke, Jake and Nathan in the living room with Nate and Dakota.
"How is she?" Nathan asked concerned.
"She'll be okay. She's asleep," Lucas said as he sat down next to Brooke.
"Here's the popcorn," a female voice spoke as she entered the room. Lucas looked up and saw Ashley standing there with popcorn.
"What is she still doing here?" Lucas asked his brother.
"She wanted to stay and apologize to Haley…" Nathan answered as he scooted over for her to sit down.
"Yeah, well, Haley is asleep. Why don't you write a note or something and get the hell out of here…" Brooke spat angrily at her cousin.
"I'll…uh…I'll walk you out Ashley," Nathan spoke up.
Ashley grabbed her purse and Nathan walked behind her towards her car.
"You know, it would probably be best if you didn't come around anymore, Ash. I love Haley. I always have and I can't risk losing that by trying to stay friends with you," Nathan spoke bluntly as he opened her door for her.
"I understand, Nathan. Maybe one day she'll come around and we can become friends. After all, you did say she and I were a lot alike…" She smiled.
"I did say that. Who knows… Maybe one day." Nathan kissed her on the cheek and watched as she sped off. He went inside and immediately could tell they had all been watching from the window.
"You kissed her! Why in the hell did you kiss her, Nate?" Brooke demanded.
"Why in the hell were you all spying?" Nathan demanded back.
"Because unlike you, we all care about Haley," Peyton spoke up.
"Don't even start. You all know I care about Haley more than the rest of you. That was a goodbye kiss and it was on the cheek… I don't have feelings for Ashley. How many times do I have to tell you all this?" Nathan asked.
"Nathan, don't get mad at us… We just worry about you. I told you before why we can't trust Ashley. She's a bitch deep down and the whole goody good image is fake." Brooke stated.
"No, actually, Brooke. You never did get around to telling me or any of us this story. One minute Ashley is your best friend. The next, she's your worst enemy… I don't get it!" Nathan yelled.
"Yeah, well, Ashley is the reason my other cousin and my aunt are dead," Brooke declared.
TBC!
Hope you all have enjoyed my story so far. There are many twists and turns coming up and I promise a whole lot more Nathan and Haley happiness. Keep the reviews coming. I appreciate them all!
