Chapter 14

Time Heals All Infected Wounds

Brooke sat in the passenger seat of Lucas' SUV as they traveled the streets of Tree Hill. Ever since the baby had been born he had been begging her to let him take Tyler back to Tree Hill to see the family. He missed his Mom, Keith, Lily, Haley, Nathan and his little J Luke. Since the big reveal of Clay and Brooke impending nuptials Lucas decided to keep a one track mind and only talk about Tyler whenever Brooke was concerned. He didn't want to be accused of trying to come between the happy couple after she made It clear she wasn't just marrying Clay for business. Lucas was hurt and he was angry but in the interest of his son he kept all that inside. Even now with them in close proximity Lucas was being the good little baby daddy and not fight. He would check the rearview mirror every once in a while to see if 10 month old Tyler was still asleep. He loved that little boy, more than life, more than he ever thought possible. His sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes were enough to make anyone's heart melt. He was a little disappointed because when Tyler was first born he had blue eyes and Lucas couldn't have been prouder and even gloated shamelessly for a bit but when the eye color changed he had to endure Brooke's playful taunts. Even Brooke was happy with how everything had turned out on the boy, he even got her dimples. Lucas checked the mirror one last time before he glanced over in Brooke's direction. She was busy typing away texting to Clay no doubt.

"Lover boy can't go one day without his 'dimples'?"

"Lucas, don't start."

"What I'm just making conversation."

Brooke looked up from her phone annoyed. She knew where this was going, where it always went. Lucas would make some jab about Clay, she'd bring up Rachel and or Peyton and then the war would start all over again but not this time. Brooke was way too tired to let him get to her.

"Conversation huh, well you suck at it."

"So he already making plans for the honeymoon?"

Lucas really didn't want to know the answer. The thought of some other man touching her, making love to her and possibly cuming inside her made him physically ill but for the sake of his son he'd try to be civil and friendly. Friends asked about that kind of stuff, right?

"Clay said he wanted to go to Costa Rica but I said no. There is no way I could go that far from my little Ty."

Her face always lit up the moment Tyler's name left her lips. He was the only male in her life that hadn't made her feel crazy. She loved that little boy and anyone who ever saw her with him could see it. Her eyes traveled to the back seat to see if her angel was still sleeping and was surprised to see he was, usually he'd be bouncing up and down in the back seat making all kinds of noises. There must've been something about being with his family…his whole family, which made him feel calm and safe. Lucas looked over and saw her smiling at the little person in the back seat and he too smiled.

"We made one handsome little guy didn't we I mean I know a lot of mothers think their kids are gorgeous but this guy is super cute. He's got heartbreaker written all over him."

"We sure did. He's going to be a heartbreaker just like his dad."

Brooke's eyes shot to him. She sure hoped he wouldn't be a heartbreaker just like his dad. She hoped he'd be a loving man. She didn't have too many of those around but she knew that the family they were headed to had a heck of a great man she would love if her son took after.

"You never told me how your uncle Keith reacted to you giving your son his name as a middle name."

"He was honored. I think I actually heard him tearing up over the phone."

"You know it's crazy to think that he was related to Dan."

"Well I use to think the same thing. Keith was always like my hero and even as a kid I knew Dan was such an ass."

"Dan was an ass. So is Lily gonna be around?"
"She should be. I talked to her last night and she kept going on and on about how she can't wait to see Brooke, I mean I'm her brother. You'd think she'd be more happy to see me." Lucas chucked.

"Well don't take it personal. It's a girl thing. I can't wait to see her, Keith and your Mom."

"Don't forget Haley and Nathan."

"I see them more often than the others. God have you seen Jamie, he's gotten soooo big."

"I know."

"And that blonde hair and blue eyes is so adorable, anything you want to tell me?"
"Huh?"

"Just wondering if that little guy back there has a little brother."

"A: That's gross and B: There's only one woman that has ever had me cum inside her-"

"Eww Lucas."

"And that's you. And gross, you didn't think it was gross when I did it. If memory serves we did it several times that night."

Lucas shot her that cocky grin he always did when he talked about their past sex life. Brooke could only laugh. It wasn't too long ago when she'd get uncomfortable about that topic and start screaming and storm off but somewhere after her son was born and now she found a confortable place with him.

"Down boy. Besides I'm only joking. So where to first?"

"I think they're all back at the house but I have something I want to show you."

"Lucas Scott if this is the start of a dirty joke I am so gonna kick you square in the balls."

"No, no nothing like that. It's a good surprise."

"Well alright."

They drove through the neighborhoods, weaving in and out till they turned on a street call Sunny Side.

"You remember that I told you I've been working on making steps to improving my life?"

"Yeah…so."

"Well do you also remember talkin' about roots and stuff and how you wanted Tyler to have a life that was stable and happy and cookie cutter-like where he could swing around on a tire swing and play around in sprinklers?"

"Yea."

The car came to a stop and Lucas unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car leaving a confused Brooke to sit there and spin around to see him pulling their son out of the back seat.

"Well this place may not have the swing yet but it's got sprinklers."

Brooke turned to face the house that Lucas had bought. It looked like a hime straight out of better homes and garden. It was a single story light colored brick home with bay windows and a red wooden door. The driveway looked like it circled around to what she assumed there was a basket ball goal. Lucas appeared in view with Tyler still asleep and draped over his shoulder.

"Now I know you're gonna say this is crazy but-"

"No."

"No. You don't think this is crazy?"

"No, I love it. It's. . . perfect."

"Why don't you get out and come on in and take a look."

She slowly got out of the car and gave the house a once over again and followed where Lucas had disappeared to. She walked up to the door and walked into what she felt like was a dream. Back when they were still good and in love Brooke would talk about how she couldn't wait to raise her baby in a house just like this. It gave off the same feel as Nathan and Haley's did the first day she was in Tree Hill. There were hard wood floors with huge dark red area rugs that were super soft to the touch, The rugs matched the couch and chairs in the living room and the fire place was to die for. The exposed brick was beautiful and the walls were covered in pictures of Tyler already. She walked into the kitchen were Lucas was and walked over to him and hugged him. Poor Tyler stirred at the feeling of being smothered between his parents but drifted back to sleep once Brooke released them.

"This place is great Luc. It's exactly how I pictured a home for him would look."

"I remember. Now I know that you probably want to have a place like this with…him…but I figured it was a good idea to have a place here in Tree Hill, you know close to the family and all."

"No this is a good idea. And yes we may want to get a place like this some day but I know his father wanted to give him this and well….I'm glad."

"I'm glad you're glad."

They shared a familiar gaze till it became obvious that if it lasted any longer it would be trouble. Lucas cleared his throat and Brooke turned around and walked slowly back into the living room and surveyed the room once more. Lucas soon joined her.

"You want to see Tyler's room?"

"Yeah I'd love to."

She followed him towards the back and when she entered the light and midnight blue room she felt a sharp pain in her chest. It was exactly how she described the room in one of their conversations, right down to the stuffed giraffes and bears. There were painted stars on the ceiling along with a huge full moon. She had seen it in a baby magazine and thought that a sky turning into night would look great in a baby's room. There was a rocking chair by the bay window and Lucas had a seat and began to rock his son. Brooke use to dream for moments like this, moments where she could pretend they were a family. Lucas' eyes were closed and his head was leaned towards Tyler. She could tell he was doing the very same thing she did, she loved the smell of her baby. Lucas was no doubt inhaling his scent. She hated to disturb the moment but her bladder had different idea.

"You have a bathroom around here?"

"Yeah you can use the one in my room, go out and hand a right and it's the first door on the left."

She nodded and exited the room and followed his directions. When she entered the room she got that sensation again. There in the middle this bright room was a bed with what appeared to be black satin sheets and a deep blood red comforter. Over to the side was a night stand with a picture in a silver frame. It was shocking because it was a frame she remembered buying a long time ago. Her fingers traced over the letters, 'b o y f r i e n d'. The photo was also the same. It had been one she and Lucas took when they were first together, it was the same photo and frame she dropped the first time she found out how much of a son of a bitch Lucas Scott was. She studied the picture and found herself envious of it. In that picture Brooke was happy, she was in Lucas' arms and she was happy. She almost dropped the frame again when she heard Lucas' voice behind her.

"You get lost….oh."

"Yeah oh….How did you get this?"

"I got it from Rachel."

"Oh."

Brooke turned away from him for fear he would see the hurt in her eyes.

"So how is my former friend anyway?"
Lucas made a few steps towards her before answering.

"I wouldn't know, she hasn't really been around. She's MIA."

Brooke turned back towards his voice that was much closer and was stunned at how her body reacted with being this close to him….alone….in his bedroom….alone.

"Tyler still asleep?" was all she could manage to get out. The heat from his breath on her face still gave her chills and then feeling his hand on her side magnified that same chill into a full on bolt of electricity. Her eyes were trained on his and his eyes were trained on her lips. It was as if her lips beckoned him to get as close as possible. At that very moment he threw all caution aside and closed the distance and pressed his lips into hers'. She shifted away slightly but Lucas' lips never left hers'. His other hand found its way to her other side and gripped slightly hard on her hips as if to claim them for his own. She hands pressed against his abs and then she raked her fingers up to cup his face. Moments of bliss passed before they stopped at the sound his doorbell ringing. The parted slightly and gazed into each others eyes. Her chest heaved from the sudden access to air and neither made a mover from each other till the doorbell sounded again. He backed way hesitantly and made his way to the front door and was pleasantly surprised to see his little sister and family. Fits of giggles and laughter filled the house as Brooke, still back in his bedroom, tried to gather herself. She soon exited the room and was attacked with hugs. Lily was first to get a hold of Brooke and almost cut off her circulation as the tiny arms gripped around her waist. Keith was next.

"Would you get a load of this girl. She has a baby and look at her she looks positively gorgeous."

"Easy there honey. Hi sweetie, we're so glad to see you" Karen said pulling Brooke into another hug.

"So where is my grandson?" Keith asked almost salivating, he loved that boy from the very second he saw him. That day in the hospital as he stood in front of that glass next to Lucas he knew there was nothing more important to him than his growing family.

"Tyler is in 'his' room asleep." Brooke answered as she leaned down to pick up Lily who had her arms lifted. As she bent down Lucas had the opportunity to get a good look down her shirt and was happy to enjoy the view, even if it was for a split second, his inappropriate look didn't go unnoticed by Keith.

"Hey why don't you girls go bond and leave us fellas to talk." Keith suggested as he crossed the room to Lucas.

"Yeah, Lily can show us her new dance routine she's been dying to show us."

"Dance routine?" Brooke asked.

"Yeah, she's a junior miss Raven's cheerleader."

"Wow a cheerleader huh, well little Lily is going to have to be beating the boys off with a stick," both Lucas and Keith frowned at that statement, neither were ready to think about Lily dating just yet, " and did you know I use to be a cheerleader in high school and in college?"

"No. Brooke come on I want to show you my wutine"

"That's routine honey. Come on Brooke and I will sit in the living room and let you get started."

The girls walked out and Brooke couldn't help but look back and when she did she saw Lucas staring at her. Those blue iris' had a way of looking right into her soul and seeing her deepest thoughts and desires. She knew right then she was in trouble.

"You done ogling the mother of your child or would you like a moment alone."

"Aw Keith."

"Don't 'Aw Keith' me, look Luc you know I love Brooke and that's why I'm saying what I'm about to say…Leave her be."

"What?"
"I said leave her be. Ever since this mess with you kissing her best friend-"

"You know about that huh?" Lucas said rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yes I do, courtesy of my daughter in law."

"Haley and her big mouth."

"Hey don't blame Haley. You were the one that messed that girl up and I think until you get yourself completely straightened out you need to leave her alone."

"Keith I get what you're saying, and I hear you loud and clear. We're trying to make a go at it with being friends."

"Friends?"

"Yes just friends."

"Well I don't know how to tell you this but friends don't usually look at each other the way you two just did."

"I-"

"No Luc. You either leave her be or you make something happen. Tyler deserves to have the family you had when you were growing up."

Keith walked away to the kitchen as Lucas uttered something along the lines of that's what I want too.

After spending an hour or two with Keith, Karen and Lily they left to go home. Keith convinced Karen it was time to give the young parents some time alone, and they even volunteered to take Tyler with them but Brooke refused to be without her baby. She really just wanted to make sure that there was no alone time for her and Lucas. She felt confident that as long as Tyler was around he wouldn't try to make the moves on her again. Haley and Jamie showed up later that afternoon and they all decided a trip to the park would be perfect for the kids because the day was so beautiful and there was still daylight left. While Lucas played with the kids on the swings Haley and Brooke had a little chat.

:"So how are things Brookie Cookie?"
"They're good Hales, for a change."

"Hey I want you to know how proud of you I am."

"Proud for what?"
"I mean look at you two. You guys have come such a long way that …I don't know if another couple could've been so mature."

"Thanks. So how are things for you Haley Bob? Lucas tells me you and Natey have been working on another one of my god kids."

Haley blushed. She was so happy they were trying again and so happy she could share that with her best bud Brooke.

"Yea we are."

"I bet that's been fun. If I remember correctly making the baby was way more fun than having one."

"I can't lie. I love the fact that my gorgeous hubby can't get enough of me."
"I vote a girl next, this family could use another girl."

"Why me?"
Haley looked at Brooke as if she was crazy and the only one with a working uterus.

"What me? No I don't thinks so."

"You and Clay never talk babies?"
"No."

"Why not, you'd think that's something you'd want to talk about with the man you love, oh wait he's not the man you love."

"Haley stop."

"No I won't stop, not when I see the way you and Lucas are together. Brooke he's still in love with you."

"And he's still married Hales."

The silence in that moment told Brooke there was something Haley was hiding.

"Haley…what is it?"
"I….I…He…"

"Spit it out Hales."

"I'm not supposed to say anything."

"Haley. Come on I'm your best friend, if you know something I should know it's girl code that you have to tell me."

"Rachel and he are getting divorced."

Haley blurted it out so fast she had to look around to make sure that Lucas didn't just hear her betray his confidence however the look on Brooke's face told her everything she needed to know.

"So there, I told you. Now that you know he's not going to be married too much longer….what's your excuse now?"
A very good question. Brooke hated it when Haley went all Dr. Phil on her. Brooke had to admit she was a little happy to hear about him FINALLY ending his marriage to Rachel. But did it matter anymore?

"Brooke it's getting late and I'm sure you could use the time to think so if you want I can take Tyler with me and-"

"No Hales, you can't take my son so Lucas and I can be alone."

"Just offering Brookie but I want you to think about this. He loves you, he never stopped and if you're really honest with yourself…you'd admit you feel the same way."

Haley got off the bench and headed to Lucas and the boys to retrieve her son and retreat home to her husband who she would no doubt be screwing soon. Lucas and Brooke stayed to play as a family. They spent the rest of the day playing with a huge bottle of bubbles Lucas brought and when the sun started to go down they headed home.

The next morning Brooke showed up at Nathan and Haley's to talk but when she got there they were gone. She had fucked up and now she realized more clearly now. She had made the decision to head back to New York and get the ball rolling on her wedding plans and leave Lucas Scott and all his charm behind. As she got on a plane she realized hated herself. She hated the fact that she had yet again let Lucas in, she hated the fact that she wanted to let him in, but she hated it more that she could still smell him all over her.

Next Chapter

Brucas Baby Birth revealed!

Forgiveness is a virtue

Wedding day jitters

More fast forward in time

I know what you guys are thinking. I won't confirm anything yet for those who are thinking it so you'll just have to read on. Some warning, if the time jumping confusing you let me clarify that I have no kids so I know nothing about the development of babies and I'm just kinda guessing on it so please forgive my stupidity. Hope you guess liked this chapter, SIMON SAY REVIEW.