August 22nd, 2013, 12:45 a.m.
Nettuno, Italy
The Beach
"Peyton," Lucas began, and Peyton could tell from the look on his face that whatever he was about to say was not planned, it was not the speech that Nathan had told her would move her to tears. She could see from the light in his eyes, from the way he was standing that he was thinking that something had changed. "Peyton Elisabeth Scott, you are many things, to a lot of people, and you always have been. You're a daughter to your father, and ex-girlfriend to two of the people sitting in that audience, a friend to so many more than that, you're my, my best friend, my everything, and you're the mother of the four most beautiful children in the world. I know that the way we got here wasn't traditional. The last time I asked you to marry me, was the second time, and we got married in a chapel in Vegas, with only our closest friends and an Elvis impersonator there, and I wouldn't change that for the world, but I am glad that were here, finally doing this the way that I know you wanted to, the way that I took from you. We're here because I love you, and I want nothing more than for you to have the wedding of your dreams, because you are my dreams. You and our kids are my life, my happiness and my existence, and I promise to love you, and to cherish you, and to stay by your side for the rest of my life, and for all of eternity. I love you Peyt, and I'm going to love you until the last day of forever." He smiled at his teary eyed wife, and he moved closer to her, placing one hand on her hip as opposed to taking her hand, which as far as he could tell, was holding his daughter up against her. "True love always, Blondie."
Peyton smiled, leaning into his semi-embrace. "I love you too Luke." She whispered, inaudible to anyone but Lucas, and maybe the priest. She raised her voice so that the hundred odd people on the beach could hear her as well. "Lucas Eugene Scott, I remembered the first time I ever saw you, really saw you. We were in sixth grade, and of course I had seen you before. You were the talk of the town when we started school, and I was friends with Nathan, so I had seen the way Dan regarded you, but we were so young, and I didn't really think much of it then. That all changed the fall my mom died. My mom dies on a Tuesday, and I didn't come back to school for two weeks, and when I did, my homeroom had been changed, because if you looked out the window the right way, you could see the light that my mom ran. I didn't know anyone in this class. Nathan, Brooke, Bevin, they were all in the other class, and I felt so lost when I was walking down that hallway, I remember. I didn't know where I was going, and Brooke was being great, but she saw her mother twice a year, so she really couldn't even empathize, despite what I know were her best attempts." Peyton smiled and winked back at her best friend, standing right behind her, remembering, surely, that fateful day. "Nathan was not all that much of a help either." She left it at that. No need to dwell on the fact that he hadn't even found the time to utter a simple 'I'm Sorry'. She saw his apologetic, ashamed face, and she smiled back up at him, quickly returning her gaze to her husbands. "So I was feeling pretty lost when I walked into Mr. Sadden's homeroom. I wasn't paying much attention to him when he told me who I was sitting next to; I just went to the seat that he showed me, right next to another empty seat. I started crying, softly, to myself, nearly as soon as I was sitting down, and I was just thankful that my seat was completely isolated. I didn't notice the door opening, and I sure didn't notice the immediate change in attitude as you walked in. That summer had been the one where our entire class had really found out about you and Nathan, and you were having a hard time of it, I remember. I did notice it though when you sat down next to me, and reached over tapping me on the shoulder, and asked me if I was okay. You knew who I was, and you knew perfectly well that Nathan would have you for it later, but you knew that I needed that, I needed someone to care, and you looked like you did. I didn't talk to you for the rest of the year, because Nathan was moved into that homeroom the next day, and Haley the day after that, but Lucas, that's who you are. You're the guy that helps the girl just because you know that she needed it, and I will always love you for that. I've loved you since we were juniors in high school and there hasn't been a second since then that I haven't been in love with you. There have been hard time, and there were times when I was sure that we wouldn't end up here, but I never gave up hoping, and I never gave up loving you. You told me once that you would wait forever for me, and I'm telling you that by I now I hope you know that you don't have to wait, not for me, because Lucas Scott, I have it all, and I have it with you. I love you, and I always will." She could feel the tear running down her face, and she could hear the applause of the audience, and the priest final words, as he pronounced them again man and wife, and then she felt Lucas pull her closer to him, careful not to harm the daughter still captured between them as he kissed her.
August 22nd, 2013 1:35 a.m.
Nettuno, Italy
The Beach
Most people have small weddings, and big, lavish receptions. Not Peyton and Lucas. Most of the wedding guests had left a half an hour ago, after wishing Lucas and Peyton their best. Only fifty or so of their closest friends remained on the beach for the reception. The kids were being carefully watched by Annata, as they rest of the adults hurried to transform the beach from a wedding chapel to a dance floor.
It was done by the time Peyton and Lucas returned from the house, everyone changed. Peyton, instead of the beautiful wedding dress she had previously donned, was wearing a white dress that her closest friends knew was the dress she had worn to her Vegas wedding. Lucas had removed the suit, and changed into a pair of light kaki pants, the same black shirt and tie. Nathan and the rest of the men were dress down similarly, this reception was meant to be slightly less formal than most. All the older kids had been relieved of their wedding attire, Jamie, Lo, Chaim, Brody and Sawyer all wearing kaki pants and green, red, orange and blue knit polo's, respectively. Avery was dressed in a patchwork halter with a slightly floral print, and Bailey was in pale blue dress with shells embroidered into the bottom and the top. Lilly in a one shouldered, pale green dress, Ollie in a light pink halter, and Jenny was dressed in a pale orange dress. Haley, Brooke, Lindsey, Deb and the rest of the guests were also dressed in more casual dresses, no one in any shoes.
"Okay guys." She heard voice say, and Peyton's jaw dropped as she turned around, recognizing the familiar voice, and seeing Mia next to the DJ booth. "Time for the introductions. I know that most of you know each other already, but I figured there's a few of you out there who don't, so here it goes." Mia paused as Lilly and Jamie walked down the same pathway as before, this time onto the newly assembled dance floor. "I am very proud to introduce to you two of the cutest kids in Tree Hill, the junior bridesmaid, Lilly Roe Scott, and the miniature groomsman, James Lucas Scott." Both kids were grinning from ear to ear as they both walked, Jamie's arm on Lilly's as was traditional, to the side of the dance floor, just in time for Mia to introduce "The two people who probably don't need to be. Ms. Brooke Davis-Adams, and Mr. Nathan Scott, the Matron of honor and the Best Man." Both still took the attention well, smiling off at the people, many of whom they had known most of their lives, before they too moved over. "And it is now my pleasure to introduce to you Avery, Brody, Bailey and Chaim Scott. Otherwise known as the 'lets and the life. Oh, and those people holding them are their parents." Mia laughed to herself, frowning when no one other than Peyton laughed with her. She rolled her eyes. "Just kidding." She smirked. "Introducing, for the second time, Lucas and Peyton Scott." Peyton smiled as she heard the sound of a camera going off somewhere in the distance. "And now it's time for the first dance."
The opening chord of the Secondhand Serenade song that they had picked out signaled to the rest of the wedding party that it was time to clear the dance floor.
Slow
down, the world isn't watching us break down
It's safe to say we
are alone now, we're alone now
Not a whisper, the only noise is
the receiver
I'm counting the seconds until you break the
silence
So please just break the silence
"I love you Mrs. Scott." Lucas said, smiling when he saw his wife visibility react to the name, even after nearly two years. He pulled her into his arms and happily swayed with her intone to the music. They hadn't had this opportunity at their first wedding.
The
whispers turn to shouting
The shouting turns to tears
Your
tears turn into laughter
And it takes away our fears
"I love you too Mr. Scott." Peyton whispered into his chest, happily resting in her husband's arms.
So
you see, this world doesn't matter to me
I'll give up all I had
just to breathe
The same air as you till the day that I die
I
can't take my eyes off of you
"You happy?"
"More
than you could ever know Luke."
"Good." He smirked as e bent
down and captured her lips again.
And
I'm longing, for words to describe how I'm feeling
I'm feeling
inspired
My world just flip turned upside down
It turns around,
say what's that sound
It's my heart beat, it's getting much
louder
My heart beat, is stronger than ever
I'm feeling so
alive, I'm feeling so alive
They danced like that, happy in each other's arms, paying no attention to the people around them, or anything else that wasn't each other. Because it was nearing two in the morning, it was obviously not necessary to have a meal. As convenient as that was, cost wise, it had left Luke and Peyton with a slight dilemma as to what the order of the reception should be. Finally, the order was decided, so it surprised neither Peyton nor Lucas when A Twist in My Story ended and was soon replaced with the by Mia, who was explaining what would be happening during the latter part of the dances.
"Okay." Mia began, completely aware of the touchy subject that she was about to delve into. "Today we have a bit of a different situation, regarding parents. Unfortunately, neither the bride nor the groom's mothers could be with us today, physically, and fortunately Luke's dad wasn't invited. So what we're going to do is a bit different. I would like to invite Mr. Larry Sawyer and his daughter to the dance floor, for our traditional father daughter dance.
In
my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no
fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
The Martina McBride song had been picked out by Larry Sawyer himself, his most prideful contribution, and Peyton was glad that he had picked it, as every chord was made just that much more meaningful.
"Thank you for being here daddy." Peyton whispered, as her father wrapped his arms around her, much as she remembered him doing when she was a small child, at her Aunt's wedding.
"Baby, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I am really so happy for you, and I know your mother is too. You have it Peyton, you found in Lucas what so many people will spend their entire lives looking for. I found it in your mother, and I know that it was hers, was my, greatest hope, that you would find someone who you love that much. Love enough to follow to the end the end of the world and back without blinking en eyebrow."
In
my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and
the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives
me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my
daughter's eyes
With the end of the second verse, came another addition to the dance floor. Lucas, with both Avery and Bailey in his arms. Peyton smiled, tears running down her face as she knew that she had made the right choice here. She had wanted her children to be part of the dances, and originally, the girls had had their own song, I Hope You Dance, but after a lot of thought, it was eventually decided that it would honor all those lost so much more to acknowledge that their influence was what had shaped Lucas and Peyton as parents, which was exactly what Peyton and Lucas were trying to show.
And
when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in
my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what
life is all about
She watched happily as her husband twirled around, Bailey giggling in his arms, Avery on the ground, one hand clasped in his as she stumbled along the dance floor.
In
my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am
and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe
raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made
me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes
The song ended, and Peyton knew that this next one would be the hardest. The mother son dance was not a required dance, but Peyton knew that Luke had wanted it, and so there was no questioning him when he had slid the disk with the song into her hands two days earlier, though she had known exactly how hard it would be for him to listen to the song, and then to later watch his wife take the floor with their sons.
Dragon
tales and the "water is wide"
Pirate's sail and lost
boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love
you
Godspeed,
little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you
each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
No one moved as Lucas took his place, standing stationary, at the center of the dance floor, a standing tribute to his mother, tears streaming down his face as he both remembered her, grieved for her, and knew in his heart that she was happy wherever she was.
The
rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the
couch
Goodnight moon, will find the mouse
And I love you
Peyton took the floor sooner than she had planned, Brody in one arm, Chaim in the other, and she immediately walked over to her husband, sliding their oldest son into his arms. She smiled as she heard Brody squeal, laughing "Dada", as he reached up for his father face, and she smiled to herself as she saw Lucas smile back. She still couldn't understand his martyr complex. He did not have to grieve alone.
God
bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the
stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love
you
She took his open hand silently and awkwardly pulled him into her arms, trying to not hurt the little children in between them as she swayed slowly with him, watching as he relaxed in her arms.
Godspeed,
little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you
each night on angels wings
She barley noticed the ending of the song, and she probably wouldn't have even heard Mia's announcement that everyone could join the party, if she hadn't have seen the people crowding around her.
"You okay?" She whispered, looking at her husband. She gestured over to Mia.
He nodded, kissing her quickly. "Go see Mia wifey." He smiled to himself as she slowly let his hand drop and walked away from him.
Peyton quickly found the raven haired DJ, though she had to fight to get though the crowd to see her. "Mia!" She exclaimed, (Sorry about any confusion, read the A/N at the end) "How are you?" She was standing in front of the boot, and she smiled as Mia rolled her eyes.
"I'm doing great. And you? Little Miss Married Twice?"
"I'm good, great. I'm great. And don't be mocking my marriage." She moved over to the other side of the booth, halting immediately when she got her first good look at her oldest employee.
"Can we talk in private?" Mia's attitude was completely changed as Peyton laid eyes on her very pregnant stomach. Peyton only nodded as she led the girl up to the house, sitting her down in the kitchen.
"You didn't tell me you were dating anyone." Peyton said, trying to keep the ice out of her voice. She was hurt, she would admit that. She had thought she was close enough to Mia to at least have earned that.
She didn't notice the look of shame, embarrassment that crept over the younger girls face. "I'm not." It was the girl's broken voice that caught Peyton's attention, and she turned to face the girl all traces of anger leaving her as she slid her arm around Mia. "It was just a mistake. I was just… I didn't…" She looked as though she was bracing herself for a lecture that she had probably heard dozens of times before.
"It's not my place to yell at you Mia." Peyton said smiling, "I'm just a friend. Just here to help. How'd you parent's take it?"
"They kicked me out." Mia admitted. "Not that I was really living with them anyways, and I don't need the money, but I did need them."
"You could have come to me." Peyton said, pulling her closer to her.
"I didn't want you to be disappointed in me."
"Honey, I was having sex far before you were, and I did stupider thing than that. What about the father?"
"He doesn't want anything to do with us." She placed her hand on her stomach and Peyton felt immediately, hatred for this man.
"Who is he?" She noticed Mia's startled look. "Mia, you need help, you need a place to stay, and once you have this baby, you're going to need more help. I can help you. I have room at the old house, hell, I have room at the new house, but I want to know who this guy is so that if he ever drags his ass to Tree Hill looking for you I know who to kill."
"You don't want to know."
"Do I know him?"
"Kind of." Mia paused for a second before continuing. "Haley knows him better than you do."
"No." Peyton deadpanned. "No. No. No. No. Not him, of all the people in the world, Chris Keller? Please tell me I am misunderstanding something." She waited for a negation, but when she got none, she simply sighed. "Haley is going to love this. Brooke too. How far along are you?"
"About eight months." She admitted sheepishly.
Peyton rolled her eyes. "Look. Hon, I have to get out there, and you have to get to bed. I'll save you some cake." She smirked at the girl, and Mia knew better than to argue, and she headed to the room that she had been instructed was hers.
The blonde quickly walked back down the pavement, Andover to her husband, just in time to see him whispering to the interim DJ. She heard the young man's voice a few seconds later.
"Okay Lady's and Gent's. We are going to do our last dance, and then we are going to grab some cake, and then we'll call it a night. I'd like to give it up to the bride and the groom, their families and I want to thank you all for being here, and congratulations. This last dance, at the request of the maid of honor, is only for the bride, groom and their family."
Peyton smiled as she walked onto the dance floor, scooping up Avery and Brody as she went, and made her way over to her husband, who was holding Bailey, and Lilly, who had Chaim in her arms.
The chords of the unfamiliar song started, and Peyton found herself not caring that the boy had picked the one song it seemed, in the world that she hadn't heard of. She was happy. She was in her husbands arms, holding tightly on to the hand on her daughter as Avery wobbled to the music, Lilly holing her other hand.
That was the feeling that she held on to through the rest of the evening. That peaceful calm, happiness stayed with her as she cut the cake, as she said her goodbyes, and as she feel asleep in her husband's arms. In fact, that feeling didn't leave her until she was awoken in the middle of the night by a frantic yelling.
"What's going on?" She asked groggily, and she was surprised to hear Brooke answer her.
"Haley's water broke."
"And I mine did too." She turned around to see Mia standing in the doorway.
A/N: Okay. I made a mistake with the dates. These two kids (Mia's baby and Haley's babies are the babies from the prologue. I totally had the dates wrong in my head, and I just realized that it is no possible (at least in Haley world) for her to have another kid unless she gets pregnant like a week after she has this baby. So in the prologue, the date is wrong. It's actually going to be September 23rd, 2013. I already switched it, but I just want to apologize. If I have completely confused anyone, I am sorry. Really, really sorry. Other than that, I'm going to throw up my extra long declaimer: I don't own the following: One Tree Hill, And of the associated characters, A Twist in My Story (Secondhand Serenade), Godspeed (Dixie Chicks), In My Daughter's Eyes (Martina McBride), or just incase any one didn't know this, any of the clothes I ever discuss in the fic. The wedding stuff is all from David's and all the baby and kid clothes is from . Two more chapters then the epilogue. Review, Review, Review! 145?