Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters!
Peyton snuck a glance at her watch again. She'd gotten up ridiculously early and primped and preened for hours. She wanted to smack herself for being so worried about what she looked like. Chances were that Lucas was just going to drop the girls off, not stay and chat. She tried to justify her actions by telling herself that it was only because she wasn't going to see him for weeks. Even that didn't help because she usually went weeks without seeing him, but this time she wouldn't even have the opportunity to.
Glancing out the window, she spotted Lucas's car coming down the road and the butterflies in her stomach started fluttering again. She forced herself to take a couple of deep breathes and headed out the door to help get the girls' bags in the house.
"Thank you, so much, for the Peyton. You really don't know what this means to me." Lucas said gratefully as he hopped out of the car and popped the trunk. Peyton simply nodded with a smile and began grabbing duffel bags. Lauren and Charity, realizing their parents probably wanted a moment alone, headed straight into the house.
"So, where do you go first?" Peyton asked, even though she had his schedule memorized.
"I fly to New York in the morning to finalize some things, then we're headed to Boston. Two weeks from now this will all be a memory, but right now I can't even fathom it." Lucas admitted with a smile. Peyton was happy for Lucas. She knew, better than most, how long he'd dreamed of this and to see him achieve his dreams, was wonderful for her.
"I'm so happy for you Luke. You deserve this." She said, smiling.
"And what about you? Entering your work into a gallery show? That's great news!" Lucas said excitedly. Peyton couldn't help smiling. She was excited to see her work displayed again.
"I know, I could hardly believe it when Rich called and said that I'd been selected." She replied.
"Who's Rich? The gallery owner?" Lucas asked. Peyton wished she could detect a hint of jealousy, but there was none in his voice.
"Yes. Richard Cooper. I'm actually really excited to meet him. We've spoken so much this past week, it'll be nice to put a face with a name." She explained, finally heading into the house with the girls' bags. Lucas grabbed the last few and followed her.
"Well, I guess I'd better be going. I still have some packing to do." Lucas said slowly, dropping the bags onto the couch.
"Do you want to stay for dinner?" Peyton blurted out. She had tossed the idea, of inviting him to stay, around in her head all morning. Lucas's eyes lit up at her offer.
"Wait, are you cooking?" He asked suspiciously. Peyton laughed. She was known for her ability to burn water.
"Uh, no. I was thinking we could order some take-out?" She said with a shrug.
"Well then, I'd love to." Lucas replied with a grin. She loved the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled.
"I was hoping you'd say that." Peyton admitted, shyly. She had nearly given up hope that Lucas still harbored any romantic feelings for her.
"Did you really think I'd turn you down?" He asked, raising his eyebrows. Peyton shrugged and nodded.
"Don't you know how much I love you, silly girl?" Lucas asked, crossing the room and cupping her chin in his hand.
"I was beginning to wonder." She admitted softly. It was difficult to formulate much more of a response because his lips were soon on hers. In her mind she was screaming and jumping for joy. She melted into his arms and deepened the kiss.
"Mom, what are you doing? I thought you were gonna order some food." Lauren asked from the hallway. Peyton and Lucas sprung apart quickly. Peyton glanced at Lauren and was surprised to see an amused smile on her daughters face.
"Ugh, yeah, what do you guys want?" She asked, and busied herself with getting everyone's orders and phoning them in. She made a mental note to talk to Lauren later. She hadn't seen a real smile on her daughters face in months. It was refreshing, even if her timing was slightly annoying.
Once the food was ordered, the girls began setting the table and Peyton joined Lucas on the couch.
"So, where were we?" Peyton asked, cuddling up to Lucas. Lucas wore a pained expression on his face. Peyton pulled back and waited for him to speak.
"I'm really glad that we both still want this, don't get me wrong, but I can't ask you to put your life on hold until mine settles down enough to have time for us." Lucas explained slowly. She wished he would meet her eyes, but he kept his eyes on his hands.
"What are you talking about? You're only going to be gone for two weeks. I think I can handle 2 more weeks." Peyton said lightly. It was just like Lucas to try and be unselfish, but she wasn't having it. She'd waited too long for this man to give up now.
"I know, but what if it doesn't stop there. I mean, I've got another book in the works, with another deadline, and if that ones does well, there will be another tour, and speaking engagements and.." He started, but Peyton put her hand on his arm, signaling him to stop.
"And I'll be there. Through all the meetings and the tours and the girls clamoring for signatures. I'll be there. I'm not going anywhere, Lucas Scott. There is nothing you could say that would make me." Peyton said stubbornly. Lucas turned to her, a smile spreading across his face.
"I was hoping you'd say that." He admitted, caressing her face with the back of his hand.
"What, you don't know how much I love you, silly boy?" She whispered, as their lips met.