Sorry about the delay, I had some crazy stuff happening here and warm weather means at least 4 hours a week spent mowing. :( Hope you enjoy.

Ch 26

Nathan dragged himself out of bed the next morning and stumbled into the bathroom for a shower. After another long, restless night in which he spent more time staring at the ceiling and worrying than actually sleeping, he needed something to wake him up and make him feel human again. Haley had texted him around 7 that she needed more time and that had kept him awake for a while, but eventually his exhaustion caught up to him and he slept again.

Grabbing a gray t-shirt from his bag he slid it on over his head and headed downstairs, hoping there was some breakfast left for him to eat. He'd barely eaten the day before and his stomach was reminding him loudly of his neglect.

"Good to see you finally up," Dan was sitting at the counter with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, "I thought you were going to sleep the whole day away."

"Sorry, rough night," Nathan recovered from his surprise and grabbed a muffin and an apple off the counter before walking over to the fridge and getting himself some orange juice. One of the reasons he'd let himself go back to sleep was to avoid this conversation and now he was scrambling to decide how much to tell his father when he wasn't even sure what was going to happen himself. He didn't want to lie, but he didn't want to say anything that might not make sense if Haley agreed to his proposal either. The moment was an example of how difficult their every interaction was likely to be if they decided to go through with his idea and it made him once again doubt the wisdom of his proposal. Unfortunately, just as every other time, he couldn't come up with any other alternative that would have a chance at saving his mom.

"I assumed," his father answered, "when I checked on you earlier, your blankets and sheets were all knotted up."

"Nightmare," Nathan admitted, sitting down on a stool and starting to eat. He wasn't sure what to think about the fact that Dan had looked in on him. In one way, it felt good that he cared enough to take the time, in another, he was a little annoyed since that was the type of thing you did for small children, not emancipated 17 year olds.

Dan watched, waiting for him to give an explanation for his arrival or a reason why he was there instead of at school on a Monday. He wondered if his mother even knew where he was. Finally, he cleared his throat, "So how's the wrist?"

Nathan frowned before looking down at the brace he still wore there, "it's healing, just not as fast as I'd like."

Dan nodded in understanding, knowing the frustration for an athlete when their body fails them. "It'll be good as new soon. I know you can't fully practice, but have you been working on the move to the point? Keeping that starting spot will be important to the scouts, even if they have already offered you something unofficially. It's a shame you're not going to be ready for the first game."

Nathan wasn't sure how far he should let this conversation go when there was every chance he wouldn't even be a Warrior when the first game rolled around. It seemed like the best bet was to stay as close to the truth as possible without saying anything that would give away their plot. "I'm doing everything I can to get better and get back on the court," he settled for saying.

"Good. You have no idea how lucky you are to have the opportunity you've been given. I would've killed for a chance to play on a team like you do, to have the best coaches, the best facilities, scouts at just about every game. Not to mention the great academics there," Dan praised him, "I'm so proud of what you've accomplished, of how you've overcome your challenges and worked to earn the advantages you have now. Don't let this injury keep you from making the most them, your entire future is riding on what you do with this season."

Nathan sat quietly, knowing Dan would probably throw a fit if he had a clue what Nathan was planning. He sipped at his juice for something to do while he waited for the next question, knowing that eventually the real questions would come. He didn't have to wait before he was proven right, "So what brings you back to Tree Hill on a school day? I can't imagine your coach is happy with you missing practice, even if you can't fully participate yet. Plus, it's not good to get behind in your studies."

"I didn't have classes today because of an orientation thing for underclassmen and Coach gave me permission to miss," Nathan explained. "They're doing a short scrimmage and I can't join in anyway." Of course, he didn't mention that that was for one day only and if he didn't get back he would be missing things. He hoped he'd have an answer by the end of the day and he'd either be back for classes or to pack up his things.

Dan nodded, "and the reason you're back here without even so much as a phone call telling us you were coming?"

Nathan sighed and decided to go with the closest approximation of the truth, "Two things actually. I didn't know ahead of time I was coming, but I needed to see Haley and I wanted to talk to you about some important things that would be better said in person."

Dan latched onto the second half of that statement as Nathan had hoped he would, "What's going on?"

Nathan explained about the bills, leaving out how dire the situation was. Truthfully, it would've been nice to have someone like Dan to help guide him, but just like with his mother, he knew he wouldn't want him to make the decision he knew he had to.

"I know you helped before, but she already said she wouldn't accept more from you and the number is more than I'm sure you could spare," Nathan started, "I wondered about maybe some kind of fundraiser, but I wouldn't have any idea where to start..."

He'd already realized that even once they got the money he had to have a way to explain it to his mother if he didn't want to admit their farce and thought this was as good as it was going to get. It would also get them a legitimate start to paying bills while he waited for some of his money to come through.

"I'll talk to my wife, but I'm sure we could come up with something. Obviously it would work better if we did it where people know her. Do you think she'd be willing to do something at her bar?"

Nathan hadn't considered that, but realized it made sense, "I can try, but she doesn't even know that I heard how bad it is. I have a feeling she won't be very happy that I brought it to you."

"Okay, I guess that makes sense and I can work with that. Maybe I can just call her with the idea and tell her I know how expensive hospital bills can be. She doesn't have to know you suggested it, although I do think it would be a good idea for you to tell her you know," Dan was glad for the chance to help. "Keeping it from you is probably as hard on her as finding a way to pay the bills."

Nathan hadn't thought of it that way, "I'll think about it."

"And I'll see what I can do to get things started," Dan said, standing up and straightening his suit. He grabbed his phone off the counter, "I'll make a couple of calls on my way to work." He headed for the back door before turning, "are you still going to be here in a few hours?"

"Probably," Nathan nodded, knowing he wouldn't get an answer from Haley until at least 3 when school was done for the day.

"Good. I didn't miss what you said about coming to see Haley. We can talk about that later too," Dan grinned before starting to close the door behind him. "By the way, it's good to see you son."

Haley was sitting in her Advanced Calculus class and having trouble concentrating on the lesson on Integrating Functions, instead finding herself daydreaming and doodling in her notebook.

Haley Scott

Mrs. Nathan Scott

Haley James Scott

The teacher asked her a question and she looked down at her notes, nearly breaking her pencil when she realized what she'd been doing instead of paying attention. Not only was she going to have to borrow notes from someone to do her assignment for the evening, but this was one of the most important decisions she'd ever made and she couldn't make it based on her crush on him. She had to be one hundred percent sure not just that she was willing to do what he asked, but that she'd be able to handle it long term.

She had to be honest with herself and think of all the problems the marriage would cause. She'd been writing them down and the list was a mile long , but the one she was most stuck on was if she could really see him every day, live with him, and only be able to show her real feelings when they were in public. It would be both a blessing and a curse to hold his hand and probably kiss him so people believed their story, and then have to revert to hiding her feelings when they were alone. She wasn't sure she was strong enough to handle that, especially for an entire year, and letting him down after beginning would be even worse than just telling him no.

She looked over to the clock, ready for class to be over since for the third subject in a row she wasn't absorbing anything said anyway, when she saw him walk by the door. She gasped, drawing attention to herself, convinced she was now completely losing her mind. It was bad enough he'd constantly been in her head, and she had to admit her dreams, but now she was seeing him in places he'd never be. She was seriously going crazy.

"Ms. James," the teacher stared her down, almost as if he could read the ridiculous scribbles where her notes should be, "is there a problem?"

"Um," her face turned red as everyone waited for her answer, "I think I need a drink."

Mr. Linden rolled his eyes, but waved her toward the door. "Maybe when you come back, you'll actually pay attention."

Haley ducked her head as she walked out of the classroom, embarrassed at being called out. She couldn't ever recall a time she'd been spoken to by a teacher before, at least not when she couldn't blame it on either Brooke or Lucas. As she went to get her drink, she glanced down each hallway, hoping to see the familiar dark head of hair that would at least let her know she wasn't just imagining things, but there wasn't anyone down any of the paths. She sighed, knowing she had to suck it up and make her decision soon or she'd lose her sanity.

Nathan walked into Tree Hill High for the first of what he prayed would be many times. The office had given him directions, but the school was laid out differently than any he'd ever attended and it felt a bit like being in a maze. After taking two wrong turns, he'd finally figured out where the coaches office was and was now preparing to knock. "Don't just stand out there, come in," he heard, making him jump.

He straightened his shoulders and pushed open the door, "Hey Coach Durham," he took a couple of steps into the small office. It was nothing like the office of his coach back at Oak Hill. That one was large and pristine, made to both draw in and intimidate recruits. This office was lived in, with pictures of teams and players he'd coached in the past. Nathan liked it.

"Well well, Nathan Scott," Whitey smiled, standing and coming around the front of his desk. "To what do I owe this pleasure? Here to see how us regular folk live?"

Nathan smiled and shook his head, although in a way he'd done just that, "I do my offseason playing in a rundown YMCA or on a half gravel playground court. This is much nicer than either of those."

"I heard about your wrist?" Whitey gestured to the bandage, "How's it coming? I bet you're itching to get back on the court."

"Doctors said I should be good for full contact in two weeks," Nathan unconsciously flexed the injury, "and yeah, being sidelined sucks."

Whitey laughed, moving to lean against his desk. "I thought you'd be at school. What brings you my way?"

"When I was here before, you said if I ever needed a place to play, you'd love to have me on your team," Nathan decided to just lay it out there. What Dan had said about him needing to be on the court had gotten him to thinking about the technicalities/difficulties of switching teams. "I was wondering if that was still true."

"Of course it is," Whitey stood up straighter, "but why would you ever leave Oak Hill?"

"There are some things going on that may make it a necessity," Nathan didn't want to go into details. "If it happens, do you have room for me here?"

"You aren't in trouble are you?" Whitey asked, his eyes narrowing. When Nathan shook his head no, he continued, "Then I'll make room."

"I'm technically on the Oak Hill roster, though I haven't played yet," Nathan had tried to look into the details online to see how the rules worked, but couldn't find any specific rules or examples that fit his situation. "Will that cause any problems?"

"It might, but I'll work it out if you need me to," Whitey promised.

"Are you sure? It might not be easy," Nathan didn't like dumping this on the coaches' lap. When it came to star players, things were always a lot trickier than with the average student.

"Son, when you're my age you know everybody in this business and most of them owe you favors. I won't pretend to understand why you'd want it, but if you do, I can make sure it gets through," Whitey assured him. Pausing he looked at the clearly troubled boy in front of him, "Your daddy won't like it though. He's proud as punch to have you at Oak Hill and he and I haven't ever really gotten along."

Nathan knew his father would be disappointed, especially after their conversation earlier, "I know, but I'm not doing it lightly. If I transfer, it's because it's what I have to do."

"Well I'm not sure it's in your best interest, but if you decide it's what you want, I'd love to have you," Whitey told him. He was sure there was a much bigger story behind the request, but figured the kid had enough going on without someone prying, "and if you need to talk, the offer is still open. You can come to me anytime."

"I might take you up on that," Nathan nodded, relieved at the old coach didn't push for answers he wasn't ready to give, "thank you, for that and for the help."

"Don't thank me yet, I haven't done anything," Whitey said. " I have to say, you don't get surprised often at this age, but you just made my year a hell of a lot more interesting. Now let's talk about how you like to play..."

Haley sat in the quad with her lunch in front of her, staring off into the distance. What would her friends think if they knew what she was considering, really leaning towards doing? Would they even believe their story? How would they react?

"Hey Hales," Lucas was the first to make it to their table, "I thought you had tutoring today?"

"I needed a break so I got someone to cover for me," she answered. Truth was, she did need a rest, but even more than that, she knew she'd be worthless and she didn't have the energy to spend trying to avoid letting Ethan have the chance to ask her out. Of course, one of the upsides to the plan Nathan proposed was she'd have a date for events and not have to worry about anymore matchmaking. That alone might be enough to sway her and the idea of not having to worry about raising money for college was tempting as well. Still, her main reason for considering it was also one of the main ones holding her back. She wanted so badly to help him save his mother, but she was terrified she'd screw it up and ruin it for all of them.

"Nathan's back in town. Not sure why, but he showed up at the house late last night," Lucas informed her. "Did you know he was coming?"

"Hmmm," Haley murmured, not sure what Nathan had told them, "Um, no. He didn't tell me."

"That's weird. We didn't know either. He just showed up on our doorstep and asked if he could stay the night. I think my dad was going to try and get some answers this morning," Lucas continued. "It must be important for him to drive so far."

"Yeah," Haley put some food in her mouth, hoping it would give her an excuse to not say anything further, but she didn't need to worry anyway as Peyton and Brooke arrived a moment later.

"Is it true?" Brooke asked immediately, "Is Nathan back?"

"Where did you hear that?" Haley swallowed. She wasn't surprised that Lucas knew, but she was sure he hadn't exactly advertized his brother's arrival.

"It's all over school. Rachel was telling people she saw him last night. She claims he's going to be her date for Homecoming," Peyton answered. "I don't buy it for a second since he couldn't stand her over the summer, but it does seem strange that he's here without letting any of us know about it."

Haley bit her lip, unsure what do, but figuring she needed to say something, "I'm sure he's not interested in Rachel," she put out there. Of course, he did say he would have to figure out another plan if she turned him down and she was sure Rachel would be more than happy to take her place. Her stomach churned at the thought, "but he is in town. I talked to him last night."

Lucas turned to her, his face showing his confusion, "but you said...?"

"I said I didn't know he was coming and I didn't. He just showed up and needed to talk. You know we got close this summer and I told him I'd always be there to listen. There's some stuff going on with his mom and I guess he needed that last night," she explained, trying to keep things basic, "we went on a walk and talked for a little while and then he left, probably for your house."

Lucas squinted his eyes as if trying to see through the holes in her story and Haley forced a smile to her face. One thing was for sure, if she and Nathan were serious about even attempting this, they were going to have to sit down and get their stories straight. She stood, looking down at her watch, "I just remembered that I'm supposed to meet with Principal Turner about the National Honors Society ceremony. I'll catch you guys later."

"That was weird," Brooke frowned at Haley's hasty departure. "I thought she met with him yesterday." She turned her Lucas, "do you think it has anything to do with Nathan?"

"I wouldn't be worried about it. He's been talking to your dad lately and he probably just figured it was his last chance to visit before basketball games start," Peyton pointed out, "I'm sure it's not a big deal."

"I guess we'll find out soon enough," Lucas said, "but I have a feeling there's more to it and I think it involves Haley somehow."

"What else could it be?" Brooke asked. She wondered if Lucas had any idea of the feelings his best friend had for his brother or if they had anything to do with that brother's reappearance.

"I don't know," Lucas looked over at his friends, "but I don't think I'm going to like it."

Haley sat in her 5th period study hall and watched the birds flying around outside the window. Instead of studying, she'd spent the last 20 minutes revising and adding to her pros and cons list. In the past, it had always been her go to when it came to making any important decisions. Which classes to take? What to major in? What college should she go to? Should she buy a car or save the money toward college? She'd even done one to help choose her first pet when she was 8. Lately though, she'd been doing things she'd never done before and she'd done them solely based on feelings and emotions. She knew what those same feelings were telling her to do, but she couldn't let herself do something as big and important as get married without really thinking things through. She had to try and reclaim control of the situation that so far had her feeling like she was completely overwhelmed. Unfortunately, her list hadn't helped her as much as she'd hoped. There were definitely more cons than pros, but for once she couldn't just accept that and move on. The few pros just seemed so much more important than anything on the other side and added to what her emotions were telling her, and as crazy as it sounded even to her, she knew which way she was leaning.

She looked at the clock and saw that there were 15 minutes left in class and almost 3 hours left in the school day. She couldn't wait that long, she needed to talk to Nathan. She raised her hand and got the teacher's attention. She had to get out of there.

She told herself it was to get some more answers before she could make a final decision, but she knew herself well enough to admit that would be a lie. She'd missed him terribly while he'd been gone and wondered if she could even consider letting herself make a choice that would send him back on his way, hurt and disappointed and possibly forced to turn to someone else, when one three letter word would let her see him, be with him every day. She knew it would be hard, but the chance to be with him, to be there for him, seemed to outweigh the downside.

She headed for the office and told them she was going home sick. They didn't doubt her for a moment, one of the advantages of being considered the perfect student, and she went to her locker to get her things. Her hands shook as she turned the combination, the nerves of the coming conversation getting to her.

"Hey, I thought you were sick," Ethan leaned against the lockers next to hers, "Trish said that's why you cancelled our session."

"Oh, yeah. Actually, I'm leaving now," she held her hand over her stomach, "I've tried to gut it out, but I'm just going to head home early."

"Sorry you don't feel good. Missed you at our session and I wanted to talk to you about something," he reached out to try and take her hand.

"Haley?" Nathan was surprised to see her in the hallway, standing closely with a good looking guy and holding hands?

"Nathan," Haley was always happy to see him, but she was also grateful he'd interrupted what would've been an awkward conversation. She yanked her hand away, "I'm not crazy," she added under her breath, "Thank God."

"Are you okay?" Nathan looked at her closer and noticed the tension in her body. His eyes went to the guy standing so close. He was clearly annoyed at the interruption, but Haley seemed grateful.

"Actually, I haven't been feeling well and I was going home early," Haley glanced over at Ethan before returning her gaze to Nathan, "Could you give me a ride?"

"I can drive you," Ethan offered, reaching up to place a proprietary hand on her shoulder.

"No, that's okay. Nathan doesn't have class and I need to talk to him anyway," Haley was quick to shut that idea down. She took a step away to remove the contact, "I'm sure he doesn't mind."

"No," Nathan said, confused by the interaction. "I'd be happy to take you."

"Okay," Ethan was obviously disappointed, "I'll talk to you tomorrow. Get some rest and have sweet dreams, hopefully of me," he winked before heading off down the hallway.

"Are you really sick?" Nathan asked when the other boy was out of sight.

"No, I just needed to get out of here and talk to you," Haley admitted, "Although, the thought of him in my dreams does give me a bit of indigestion."

Nathan laughed, "Not a fan?"

"Not at all," Haley shook her head, "Can we get going? We have a lot to talk about."

Nathan took a deep breath and released it, "Let's get out of here."

They drove in to the waterfront in silence, a mutually agreed upon decision to wait until they could give the conversation their full attention. It was too important to be distracted.

Haley stopped and looked out over the Cape, "You really think it's the only way, don't you?"

He nodded, leaning against the rail next to her, "I wouldn't be here dragging you into it if there were any other option. I've been wracking my brain and I can't come up with any other solution."

Haley sighed, "I can't either. Look, I want to help you, I really do..."

"But?"

She turned to look up at him, "I just don't know how we can make it work. I have so many questions."

"Okay then," Nathan sighed, gesturing for her to sit at the nearest table, "Let's see if I can answer some of them."

break

"Do you really think it'll be that easy?" Haley asked as they drove to her house hours later.

"I don't think it'll be easy at all," he disagreed, "I just think that we can do it."

"I still feel bad you'd be giving up your whole life to move here"

Nathan pulled into her driveway and put the car in park, "You're giving up a lot to help me, it's the least I can do. Besides, I knew what I would be giving up as soon as I made the suggestion."

"I know, but your team is important to you," Haley argued, despite her relief at being able to stay where she was comfortable. Although she admired him for doing it, she hated that he was giving up so much.

"It's not even a hard choice to make. I can't stay at Oak Hill because we have to live together and that would be impossible there. Girls aren't even allowed to enter the guy dorms and vice versa. If I went back home I'd have my mom and a couple casual friends, but we'd both be starting over at a new school and you would be giving up everything. At least I know people here."

Haley knew he was right, but it still bothered her that he was giving up something he'd worked so hard for. "I know, it just sucks."

Nathan gave a surprised chuckle, "It does."

"So we're really going to do this?" she closed her eyes and took a deep breath at his answering nod, "I guess it's now or never. You ready to do the hardest part?"

"Convincing everyone we're in love?" Nathan asked nervously.

Haley winced at his answer, but raised her chin. She knew where they stood and she was determined to push her feelings to the side to help him anyway, "No. Convincing my parents."

They walked into the kitchen and found her mother starting dinner, "Mom," Haley said, walking over and giving her a hug, "Is Daddy here? We need to talk to the two of you."

"Are you pregnant?" Mrs. James looked at her daughter closely.

"What? NO, why does everyone think that?"

"Well you have been extra tired and you did have some lightheadedness," this was news to Nathan and he looked over at her in concern. She'd told the boy at the school she was sick, but she said it was a lie. Was there something going on with her health?

"I'm fine," Haley waved her off, not wanting to talk about it, "We do have something serious to ask though."

Her mother narrowed her eyes, but nodded, "I'll go get him."

She left the room and Nathan turned to Haley, "Don't ask," she stopped his words, "it was nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm fine," she didn't want to get into the reasons for her malaise, especially since she'd realized during all her thinking that a good portion of it was missing him.

"And you really think we need to tell them the truth?" Nathan wasn't sure it was the right way to go. It required both trust that they would agree with their decision and discretion that they wouldn't tell anyone the truth even if they didn't.

Haley moved over to sit on one of the high chairs at the island, "I do. It's going to be hard enough without lying to them."

Nathan nodded in acceptance before moving over to take the chair next to her, his leg bouncing furiously as he waited for them to return. "I guess I'll trust you on this, you know them better than I do."

"It's going to be fine," Haley reached over and put her hand on his knee. "We'll make them understand."

"And what if we can't?"

"We will," Haley assured him. She couldn't imagine her parents turning her down. They might not agree with her choice, but they'd always trusted her and let her make her own decisions.

"How do you know? I wouldn't let my daughter get married like this," Nathan stood and walked over to the back door, looking out at the backyard, "I'm sorry... this is a bad idea. I don't know if I can drag you into this..."

Haley walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder, "It's going to be okay. We can do this, we can save her."

"Can we?" he turned around and looked at her, "I've been so determined, but what if it doesn't work? What if all it does is buy her a little time?"

"Then at least we gave her a chance," Haley leaned her head against his chest, "Can you live with not knowing? We have to try."

He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her closer, "I'm supposed to be the one convincing you."

"You already did. We're a team now right?" she smiled up at him, "That's what we decided."

Nathan took a deep breath and nodded, "I..."

"What's this you need to talk about?" Jimmy James asked as he walked into the kitchen. "Oh, I get it."

Haley stepped back, "Um, this isn't what you think, well it is, but it isn't..." she stumbled through her explanation as she took in her parent's laughing faces. "Ugh. You guys are terrible."

"I'm sorry," Lydia said, trying to be serious, "It's just, the way you were talking a few minutes ago we expected it to be bad."

"Well you still might think that," Haley said under her breath before starting again. "We have something to ask you and I want you to promise you'll listen to all of it before you give an answer."

"Okay, this sounds ominous," Jimmy sobered at the seriousness of her statement, "how about we move this to the living room? I have a feeling I may want to sit down."

Haley and Nathan agreed, the four of them moving to the next room where the two youngsters sat on the couch, the adults in the chairs across from them. Nathan looked at Haley and she nodded for him to begin, "You guys know the situation we've been facing with my mother. When I went home she'd finished her treatment and things looked good, unfortunately, there was a lot I didn't know..." He went on to explain the bills, the mortgage, and the need for more treatment despite the insurance coverage running out.

Lydia moved over to sit next to him on the couch and gave him a hug, "I'm so sorry Nathan. I can only imagine how you must be feeling. I wish there was some way we could help."

"Well that's the thing mom," Haley wrapped her arm around Nathan's and leaned forward to see her mother, "there is something we can do."

She explained the inheritance and the stipulations for receiving it early, "Nathan is emancipated, so we just need your permission. "

"You want to get married?" Jimmy stood up and crossed his arms. "I didn't even know you were together."

"We're...not," Haley admitted nervously, "It wouldn't be...that kind of marriage."

"There is only one kind of marriage," Jimmy shook his head. "I understand the place you're in Nate, but that's a lot to ask of our daughter, of our whole family. I'm assuming other people have to believe it's real?"

Nathan looked over at Haley before nodding his assent, "I promise I'll take care of her. I'll help pay for her college and..."

"That's great, but that's not a reason to get married," Mr. James started to pace, "I know we haven't been the strictest or even most responsible parents, but we take marriage very seriously and we want all our children to have ones like ours. We want them to find the person that makes them as happy as we've made each other, not...this."

"Daddy," Haley tried, "I understand what you're saying, but this is..."

"No buts," Jimmy said, looking over at his wife, "I appreciate your problems Nathan and I hope you find a way to help your mother, but I don't think I can let my daughter be a part of it."

"You have to," Haley stood up, tears welling in her eyes "Please? You've always trusted me to make the right decision, to do the right thing and I've never taken advantage of that, I've never let you down. Now I need you to trust me that this is what I want, what I need to do."

"Hales," Nathan said, standing up beside her, "it's okay. I understand what he's saying and I can't say that my decision would be any different in his shoes."

"You need my help and I want to do it. It should be my decision," Haley was upset and turned into Nathan for comfort. He immediately wrapped his arms around her shoulders, one hand rubbing circles on her back.

"Jimmy, could we talk for a minute?" Lydia gestured to the kitchen.

Jimmy looked over at the teens as Haley cried against the young man's chest before following her out of the room.

"I think you're making a mistake," Lydia didn't waste any time telling him.

"You think I should let our daughter, our baby marry for money?" Jimmy was shocked at the idea.

"No, I think you should trust her to make the right decision for herself," Lydia shook her head. "You just said you want her to find a love like we have, but you aren't paying attention to what's in front of you."

"I know you think they're destined for each other, but that's not what I'm hearing," Jimmy argued, "I haven't heard a single thing that tells me they feel that way."

Lydia rolled her eyes at her husband, "Do you remember when we were young? I knew we were meant to be long before you admitted it. They love each other, even if they don't know it yet."

"This is too important to rely on your matchmaking instincts," he told her. "How can you be so sure you're even right?"

"Because she looks at him like he's the most important thing in her world and she willing to do something that normally would be way beyond her comfort zone to help him," Lydia moved to wrap her arms around his waist, "She's been miserable since he left."

"And what about him?"

"He looks at her like you've always looked at me," Lydia wrapped her arms around his neck. "They'll figure it out."

Jimmy hung his head, "She's my baby."

"She'll always be your baby," Lydia smiled, knowing she was winning, "but she's growing up and this is what she wants. You know how she is, if you don't let her do this, it'll tear her apart that she couldn't help. I think the time is here where you're going to have to learn to share being the most important man in her life."

"I get that, but marriage?"

"I know," Lydia wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea either, "I can't say it's my first choice for her either, and it may not work out, but Haley of all people deserves to make this choice for herself. You know if anyone could make it work, it'll be her and Nathan cares for her, that's obvious. You saw her a minute ago, she wants this Jimmy and I think she's earned the right to make the decision for herself."

He turned and looked out the window for several minutes, looking at the old swing set where all of his kids had played, where they'd grown before his eyes, "You know, I always wondered if she wouldn't end up a Scott someday," he gave in. "but never imagined anything like this. I can't believe I'm going to let you change my mind. You better be right."

"We've been married for over 30 years. You should know by now, I'm always right," Lydia tilted up her face and kissed him before pulling away and turning toward the living room. "Now let's go tell them the good news."

Jimmy reached for her hand and pulled her back to him, "You know I'm still not happy about this right?"

Lydia smiled, placing her hand on his cheek, "I know, and that makes me love you even more."

"What are you going to do if my mom can't change his mind?" Haley asked as they sat alongside each other on the couch. "I'm pretty sure that she's trying, but his face was dead set."

"I don't know," Nathan admitted, not wanting to think about his other options further unless he had to, "Dan is going to help me get a couple of fundraisers planned. I guess I'll have to hope they can buy us enough time to figure something else out."

"Will they be enough?"

"To fix things? No way. To at least give us some time? Maybe," Nathan answered. He thought about Quentin's suggestion to buy a bride, but didn't think he could do it. He'd been able to easily envision sharing an apartment with Haley, maybe even look forward to it, but the idea of pretending to love and cherish a stranger made his stomach churn. Still, he'd sworn to do whatever it took and if that's what he had to do, he might have to find a way to get through it. As much as he hated the idea, his mom had given up her entire life for him, how could he balk at the thought of one year?

Haley reached over and squeezed his hand, "We just have to hope my mom can work one of her miracles."

"Thank you," Nathan squeezed back, knowing a miracle is probably what it would take, "No matter what happens, I really appreciate that you're willing to do all this to help me. I'll never forget that."

"That's what friends do, besides, I..." Haley stopped and looked to the door as the heard her parents re-enter the room, trying to read their expressions. Her father still didn't look happy, but her mother's expression gave her hope.

Jimmy narrowed his eyes as he looked at them, seemingly studying their faces, before looking over at his wife and sighing, "I guess we have a wedding to plan."