Chapter 23

"So, you are under some stress from all the wedding planning and stuff like that?" The doctor asked.

"Yes. Could there be problems with the baby because of it?" Brooke asked worried, as she held Chase's hand tightly.

"Yes, that's a possibility. Researchers have long known that during times of stress, the brain releases several hormones, including one called corticotropin-releasing hormone, or known as CRH." She said, pausing before speaking again so they could take it all in.

"In past research, women who deliver prematurely or have low-birth-weight babies were often found to have high levels of CRH in their bloodstream, and other studies show a greater risk of miscarriage in women reporting stress," She paused again.

"So, right now I want you, Brooke, to just stay in your bed and rest. Just for 2 days. You can get up to get yourself something to eat and go to the bathroom of course, but I want you to get more rest than you usually do." The doctor said. "Okay? Any questions?"

"Can I still plan the wedding, because I'm almost done and it's only 9 days away." Brooke added.

"Yes, you can, but I want someone to be helping you with it. Anything else?"

Brooke looked at Chase. "No, I don't think so. Thank you Emily."

"Anytime Brooke. If you have any questions, feel free to call me." She said, smiling. "Have a good day."

"You too." Chase said, walking out of the door, still holding Brooke's hand. "So, I think I should take some time off from my job. Just to help you out."

"Chase, you can't. You need to, you have kids to teach!" Brooke said.

"I know, but my family comes first," He said, as he crouched down to the level of Brooke's stomach. "and those seventh graders wouldn't mind getting a sub."

Chase stood up and looked at Brooke. "I love you and the baby."

Brooke smiled. "We love you too." She said, giving him a kiss. "So how was the party last night?" Brooke asked.

"It was interesting."

"Peyton, Chase said he would take off from work to help me." Brooke said, while she was laying down on the bed.

"Chase needs to work, and I can help, cause you know I got fired from my job when I just left and I have nothing else to do." She said, trying to laugh, but sounding a little disappointed in herself.

"Are you sure?" Brooke said, not wanting to take time away from Peyton's day.

"Positive. Let Chase work."

"Okay, love." She got up from the bed. "Chase, go to work." She said sweetly.

"What?" He asked.

"Peyton insists she will come and help me. And anyway, I need my maid of honor to help me plan my goregeous wedding!" She said giggling.

"Alright then. Are you sure she wants to do it?"

"She said she was positive."

"Okay. I'll see you later babe." He said, kissing Brooke. "Now go rest!" He added, whacking her butt.

She got back on the phone with Peyton and went back on the bed. "Can you come over, hun?"

"Be there soon."

"Okay." She said as she hung up the phone and heard a knock on the door.

She got up from the bed, and walked over to the door.

"Hi Brooke." A blonde woman said.

"Haley."

"I am so sorry! I ruined everything! Are you okay? Yesterday you weren't feeling very well."

"I'm on bed rest Haley, for a few days, and I really need to rest." Brooke said.

"I really am sorry." Haley put in.

"I know you are."

"Do you forgive me?"

"Yeah." Brooke said. "So did you talk to Nathan?"

"He asked my how the party was and I just told him that Rachel and I got into a fight. He didn't look too pleased. So.. anyway, I gotta head off to work. I just wanted to stop by and apoligize. I'll talk to you later, Brooke."

"Bye girly."

"So, Peyton, I ordered red and yellow roses and I picked the blue bridesmaid dresses." Brooke said.

"That's great. What else?"

I got the photographer from this website," She pointed to the screen, and the cake from the shop down the corner."

"Good Choice, Brooke."

"Thank you darling."

"Where is the honeymoon?"

"Chase is surprising me! Isn't he romantic?" Brooke said, dreamy.

"Yes, he is." Peyton said.

"My dress..well you've seen it. I'm just scared it won't fit."

"Brooke, it will fit. And what did the doctor say about being so stressed?"

"Fine!"

"It'll be fine, the wedding will be perfect."

"My flower girls are Lily and Rachel, my ring bear is James. And Chase's two brothers, Lucas, and Nathan are the groomsmen. Rachel, Bevin, Haley and you are my bridesmaids. You, my dear, are also my Maid of Honor."

"Good good!"