Even though Peyton had decided to work from home, she was busy negotiating the record deals. Mia had called to say now the tour was over, her and Chase were taking some time out together so she wouldn't be back in Tree Hill until after the baby was born but told Peyton to fax the new contract over for her to sign. Lucas was at home with her which meant he did most of the 'hands on' caring for Sawyer while working on a new novel. Julian's movie had gone into production. Lucas and Peyton had given him permission to use their old house to film in as Karen had expressed that she couldn't quite bring herself to sell it yet so it was still theirs. Julian and Brooke had been reconnecting slowly and he had her asked her to do the wardrobe for the film which she had eventually accepted after deliberating over it with Peyton. Nathan was back on a regular work out, preparing for the start of the season and working with Clay on various endorsement deals. Haley was busy working with Peyton on her own contract as well as drawing up Mia's and two weeks had rushed past without any of them really noticing. They were all busy and tired but each grateful that they were all working towards their dreams.

Haley stood looking up, her head tilted to the side.

"Um, left a bit. Clay lift your end up a bit higher…no too high. Okay, perfect!" she beamed.

Nathan and Clay smirked at each other and climbed back down to the ground to look over their work. Across the windows of Peyton's office they had hung a banner that read 'Congratulations Peyton!"

Brooke stuck her head in the door. "I just spoke to Luke and they're just about to leave. Positions everyone," she shouted in a sing song voice.

Haley and Quinn took a quick look round to make sure everything was ready. Balloons were dotted around the office and there was a large pile of presents for mother and baby on the floor by the desk. Nathan and Clay had brought a second sofa in for the day and had moved that and the one Peyton already had in the office to the centre of the room.

The side door to Tric slammed shut and they heard footsteps getting closer.

"Luke, I love you for worrying, I really do. But it's just one day."

"I know, Peyt, but there's like two weeks to your due date and-"

"And what Lucas? The doctor said the baby is as healthy as can be. It's going to be big and beautiful and I'm fine," she sighed and she stepped into the office and jumped back slightly as did Sawyer who was holding her father's hand.

"Surprise!" everyone shouted.

"What's going on?" she eyed them suspiciously.

"It's your baby shower, silly!" Brooke appeared at her side.

"I didn't think I'd need a baby shower," she replied. "We kind of have everything a baby needs from last time," she laughed.

Haley walked to her other side. "We know, but we decided that the last baby shower was a bit clouded by worrying and stuff so we wanted this one to be fun and full of happiness."

Peyton felt her eyes gloss over and touched her hand to Haley's arm. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"Luke, Clay, that's our cue. We can leave and go shoot around."

"You knew about this?" Peyton asked Lucas.

"I did. The worrying was just an act," he winked. "If I'd have been perfectly happy about it, you would have suspected something. Have a good time. And you know, take it easy."

"I love you," she told him as she kissed him softly. Brooke quickly looked behind Lucas and grinned.

"Okay, well before you guys go, present number one is here!" Brooke clapped her hands together. Lucas looked over his shoulder and laughed and stepped to the side revealing Mia.

She stood beaming at Peyton for a moment before rushing to hug her. "Hi boss!" she laughed.

"Mia! What are you doing here? I thought you and Chase were away?"

"Well," she smirked. "We were, but I wanted to be here for this so we cut it short but I wanted to surprise you. So I called Haley and said I'd be flying in."

"Thank you! I'm so glad you're here."

"Me too. But you seriously think I would have missed this? Besides I know you're going to need some help around here when the baby comes and with Miranda leaving so it's time I give you something back for all that you gave me."

Peyton touched her hand to Mia's cheek briefly.

"Ok, it's getting soppy in here. Time for us men to leave, and shoot around." Nathan announced bringing his arms before him to demonstrate his manliness which made all the girls laugh.

A little later the girls were all sat round opening presents.

"Okay, this one next. It's from me!" Brooke said excitedly, passing a small box to Peyton.

She looked over at Brooke with a questioning look in her eye.

"What?" Brooke asked innocently.

"You've done enough! I think everything Sawyer owns is from you," she chuckled.

"I will never have done enough. Now, open it!"

Peyton unwrapped it carefully and revealed a jewellery box. She opened the box and gasped. "Brooke, it's beautiful," she told her as she lifted a silver bracelet from the box. Brooke leant over and held it in her fingers.

"There are three charms on it already; for Lucas, Sawyer and new baby Scott. And you can add to it to remember something big in your life."

"I love it, thank you. But there needs to be a fourth already."

"For what?"

"You, B. Davis!"

Brooke smiled and hugged her best friend. "I love you P. Sawyer!"

"I love you too." she replied rubbing Brooke's back.

Quinn stood and picked up her gift and took it over to Peyton.

"I know I wasn't around during your last pregnancy but Haley and Nathan have spoken about it. I know it was a really hard time for you and Luke and that sometimes your fears got in the way of your joys so I thought it would be nice for you to have something to remember this by."

Peyton opened the box curiously and found a homemade photo album inside. She began to leaf through it and was immediately touched. The photographs inside were ones that Quinn had taken since they'd been back in Tree Hill; photos from their welcome home dinner, Haley's concert at Tric and several from the weeks they'd spent together while the others were away. They were all natural, candid photographs that Lucas and Peyton weren't aware had been taken. Peyton's favourite was a black and white photo from the barbeque at Nathan and Haley's. Peyton was standing beside Lucas who had his hand resting on Peyton's bump. Quinn had caught the fleeting moment in which Lucas looked down adoringly at his unborn child that was concealed inside.

"Quinn, this is so amazing. Thank you so much, I don't know what to say," she said as she reached up to hug her friend.

"Don't say anything, just enjoy it and remember it for the right reasons this time," she replied quietly.

"Okay, it's my turn!" Haley chimed in and pushed her gift into Peyton's hand.

Peyton opened the bag and peeked in. She laughed as she pulled out a baby sized Raven's jersey with Lucas' number and the KS embroidered over the heart.

"I tried to say to Nathan and Jamie that we didn't know if it was going to be a boy or a girl but they insisted that being a Scott they'd love it no matter what."

"It's so adorable, Hales! Thank you! Thank you all of you…for everything."

Nathan, Haley and Quinn walked through the front door. Jamie had gone back to Skills for a sleepover.

"So Peyton had a good time huh?" he asked as he closed the door behind them.

"Yeah, I think so. She was pretty tired by the end though," Quinn replied.

"You okay, Hales?" Nathan was concerned by Haley's silence.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Today just kind of brought back everything that happened with Peyton's last pregnancy. I'm just really happy that everything's gone smoothly this time. Lucas and Peyton both really deserve this."

"Well, you're a good friend Haley James Scott and what you guys did for Peyton was great," he said, pulling his wife into a hug. "I agree that after last time, she needs all of us to show her happy we are even though it's hard not to worry sometimes."

They walked through to their lounge and all froze when they saw Taylor and David sitting on the sofa.

"David?" Quinn gasped.

"Taylor." Haley added in a tone that summed up all her feelings about her sister's appearance.

Peyton and Lucas were laying bed talking about their new baby and discussing names when Peyton's cell rang.

"What's up Foxy?" she asked. "Urgh, she is?" Lucas nudged her and she mouthed 'Taylor' and he mouthed 'here?' back to which Peyton nodded her head slowly. "What? Quinn's ex David? No way. That's so…nope even though it's Taylor I'm surprised…No, I'm with you. It's messed up. Sure, we'll be there. Ok, Hales. Bye."

She replaced her cell on the bedside table and turned to Lucas.

"Taylor's with David."

"With?" Lucas questioned.

"Together, boyfriend/girlfriend with."

"That's messed up."

"Yup, that's the general consensus. Oh, and we're going round for dinner with them all tomorrow night."

"Do we have to?" he whined.

"Yes, because your best friend needs our support. We're going."

"You suck," he mumbled as he settled down further in the bed.

"Hales, calm down, please."

"Calm down? Calm down, Lucas? It's Taylor." Haley replied incredulously and she paced around her old, and Lucas' new, lounge, gesticulating wildly.

"And Taylor's a bitch, I get that, I do. But maybe you should give her the benefit of the doubt," he suggested cautiously.

"The benefit of the doubt?" Haley flared.

"Yeah, I mean maybe this it's the real thing between her and David?"

"Of course it isn't but even if it was she does not come here and rub it in Quinn's face. In fact she doesn't come here at all, because, because I hate her," she ranted until she collapsed in to an arm chair. Lucas laughed.

"You don't hate her, Hales. She's your sister."

Haley looked him and sighed, blowing her hair out of her face. "You're right. I don't hate her. But I don't like her."

"Okay. Question," he said quickly raising a finger. "Why is my kitchen table currently home to your entire pot and pan collection?"

"Oh, because Taylor can't cook if she doesn't have anything to cook in," Haley replied nonchalantly as if it was completely normal.

"Uh, you're crazy."

"Where's Peyton? She will get this so much better than you. I want a new best friend," she teased.

After Haley had left Lucas went up to check on Peyton and Sawyer. A part of him wished that he could photograph the scene before him without waking them up but the other half knew that it would be something he could never forget, photograph or not. Peyton was asleep on her side and Sawyer was facing her. Sawyer had positioned herself so that she was resting above the bump but still as close to her mother as she could be; nestling her head right into Peyton's neck, almost using her hair as a pillow.

He entered the room and settled himself behind Peyton. He gently put his arms around her and nuzzled the back of her neck. She stirred and Lucas laughed into her hair.

"I love you," he said quietly into her ear, lifting his head over her shoulder.

"I love you too," she replied.

Sawyer stirred slightly and fluttered her eyes open.

"Daddy!" she screamed when she saw Lucas.

"Hey beautiful," he smiled.

"Here," his daughter summoned him. Lucas pried himself away from Peyton and moved to the other side of his bed. As soon as he had lain down Sawyer jumped on him and took the wind out of him. She sat on his chest looking down at him.

"Plane, please," she said politely.

Lucas looked over at Peyton. "What do you think, mommy?" he winked.

"She can go for a short haul," she laughed.

Lucas lifted Sawyer up, his hands by her hips, and held her parallel to him. She laid her body out flat and extended her arms out either side of her and made 'ner' noises and blew raspberries in Lucas' face.

"Sawyer," her mother scolded. "That's gross!"

She stopped making the noise and just looked down at her father. She grabbed at his face and when he sat her back down she jumped up only to land on him as hard as she could. He laughed loudly as his daughter continued to attack his face. Peyton, unable to do much playing, leant over slightly and tickled her daughter's sides. Sawyer erupted into screams and giggles and eventually gave in. She settled down in between Peyton and Lucas, who were face to face and smiling.

"Her laughter," Lucas mused. "It's one of the most amazing sounds in the world." Peyton nodded.

"It is," she whispered. "Can you believe we're going to do this all again?"

"I think we better start believing it, there's a week or two to go," he laughed. "But yes, I can believe we're doing it again. Look at her," he nodded down towards to Sawyer. "We make great babies. I cannot wait to do this all again with you, Peyton. It's everything I ever wanted."

"Same here." She smiled as Lucas pressed his lips to her forehead and placed his hand in her own.

"So you're definitely not having contractions or anything?" Lucas asked, taking his eyes off the road for a second.

Peyton laughed loudly. "I'm afraid not, baby. We're going to dinner," she replied resting her hand on his cheek. "But if it starts going horribly, at least we have an out."

He looked over again and smiled at her. "I knew there was a reason I married you," he teased.

"Really? I'm still trying to work out why I married you," she replied.

"Oh, you're funny. You know that?" he laughed.

"I know. That's another reason you married me Scott."

Lucas and Peyton walked into Nathan and Haley's lounge. As it was a 'family' dinner Brooke had managed to get out of it, much to Lucas' annoyance, and so she was on baby sitting duty. Julian had asked if he could go round to spend some time with her and Sawyer as it had been a long time since he'd seen the youngest Scott and Brooke had readily agreed and offered to cook dinner. Peyton had laughed when Brooke had said it wasn't the reason she'd offered to baby sit, but Sawyer did make a great excuse if something went badly.

"Oh, it's Lucas," Taylor smiled far too enthusiastically for Peyton's liking. "And Peyton," she added, scowling. Peyton raised an eyebrow at her. Lucas laughed to himself. Even at just over eight months pregnant Peyton looked like she was capable of killing.

"Seriously Taylor, do you have absolutely no idea about hospitality?" Quinn threw at her as she helped Peyton with her jacket and took the wine from Lucas.

Haley walked down the stairs followed by Nathan.

"Hey, you two. Has Taylor offered you drinks?"

"No, but I think she was just about to," Peyton replied smirking.

Taylor offered Peyton a sarcastic smile and waltzed out to the kitchen. Lucas walked Peyton over to the couch and she slowly lowered herself down next to Clay who found the whole thing rather amusing.

"Do not say a word or I swear I will hurt you," Peyton scowled at him.

"What?" Clay asked.

"I know you think this is funny."

"No, I just find it weird that you're like totally the same size only pregnant."

"Seriously, how much have you had to drink?" Peyton quipped.

"He's right, Peyton. From the back you don't even look pregnant-"

"You look like a bus," Taylor interrupted.

"God, Taylor!" Haley snapped.

"Well at least I only look like a bus from behind. Where as you look like a tramp from every angle." Peyton replied, barely missing a beat.

Lucas nearly choked on his drink and Clay spat most of his down himself, both trying not to laugh. Taylor turned on her heel and marched back to the kitchen.

"Seriously, Sawyer, I love you," Nathan laughed.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be such a bitch-"

"Please, you think you need to apologise?" Haley asked. "I asked you here so you could make comments like that," she laughed.

Later they were all sat round by the pool. Conversation had died out and they were all picking at their food awkwardly. Haley slammed down her glass.

"Okay, so no one's going to say it, huh?"

"Say what exactly, Haley?" Taylor asked angrily.

"How messed up this is? You know, it doesn't take much to make me expect this from you Taylor, but David? Really?" she stood from the table and moved closer to the pool to look at both David and Taylor, with her arms crossed in front of her.

"What's so hard to understand Haley? Look at Peyton and Lucas."

"Uh, I'm sorry but why do we have anything to do with this?" Peyton asked.

"Well you dated Nathan and now you're married to and pregnant by Lucas," she replied.

"Yeah, right cos that's the same thing," Peyton answered in a patronising tone.

"Taylor," Haley sighed. "It's completely different. Nathan and Peyton weren't in love, let alone married. Just admit that you're only here to be a bitch and rub this in Quinn's face?"

Taylor stood from her chair and moved towards Haley. "Why Haley?" she shouted. "Is it going to make any difference what I say? You've made up your mind and nothing will change that," she finished, pushing Haley slightly.

Quinn joined them and pulled Taylor away slightly. "Don't push her, Taylor. This is Haley's house and to be honest the only thing that's given her, all of us, a reason to think you're only being bitch is because of how you've behaved in the past."

Before the others could even begin to explain how it happened, all three James sisters were in the pool. Taylor was slapping out at Haley and Quinn, who were both pushing and pulling at Taylor.

"Seriously, damn being pregnant," Peyton snapped. "I could totally go for kicking Taylor's ass right now."

Lucas raised his bottle to his mouth. "Yup, I could totally go for you being in that pool, all wet and fired up too," he smirked, despite the slap on the arm he received.

"Should we stop them?" David asked,

Clay and Nathan looked at each other and then back to the pool. They both answered with a 'nah' at the same time and continued to watch.

Lucas was laying in bed on his back, his arm around Peyton. He knew Peyton was finding it increasingly difficult and uncomfortable to sleep and as she generally only slept soundly when he was holding her, he usually waited until she was in a deep slumber before closing his eyes himself. He'd always wanted to be hands on and during this pregnancy he did everything he could to make sure he was being as inconvenienced as Peyton was. He sat with her every morning that she had morning sickness, holding her hair back and rubbing her back and at night he refused to sleep until he knew that she was. If she was going to get stuck awake then he'd stay awake with her.

Lucas felt the baby kick against him and when Peyton stirred he knew that the kick had woken her up.

"Do I really look like a bus from behind?" she mumbled, keeping her eyes closed.

"No. You look like my beautiful, pregnant wife who is carrying my beautiful, healthy baby."

"Are you sure?" she asked. "You're not just saying that cos I'm pregnant and kind of crazy?"

Lucas chuckled. "I'm absolutely sure, Blondie."

"Okay. Taylor's a bitch."

Lucas smiled at her tone and even though she had her eyes closed, he knew she was scowling.

"Go to sleep, Peyt," he said quietly and she nestled into him further. The baby kicked again and Lucas felt it in his side. He placed his hand on Peyton's stomach.

"You too, Baby."

A/N: Still want to thank you all for reading and reviewing! One thing I wanted to clear up: Dk you pointed out my use of 'they' and 'them' when referring to Baby Scott. It's not a well placed hint, more a poor use of pronouns on my part. I didn't want to give the sex of the baby away and I didn't want to use 'it'! lol

Next chapter is the birth! I'm halfway through it now and over the next couple of chapters I'll be making sure to write in the scenes some of you have asked for! As always let me know what you think and what you'd like!