A/N: Hello my lovely readers! Sorry I didn't update sooner, I'm coming down with a cold so I've been kind of out of it, plus I've had assessments and tests. Year 11 is kicking my butt :P
However, today was my last test (woohoo!) for the term, and therefore I can post more regularly since I've only got one more week of school before my two weeks holidays!

A Few Announcements:

1. This story will be finishing within the next three weeks :(

2. I've started a new Brucas story for Dianehermans and if you're a fan of them then please check it out!

3. I'm writing TWO NEW NALEY STORIES! Thibbs65 asked for a Naley in College story, which I will be basing off of the movie "The Prince and Me" and I'm writing another story based off of the movie "A Cinderella Story"

I will be uploading the new stories in a few days, a week maximum, i hope you all check them out!

Anyways, on with the show! (or story in this case haha)!
Enjoy!

26. Telling the Family, and One More Surprise

Nathan and Haley sat side by side, surrounded by their friends and loved ones. Tonight was Karen, Keith, Lydia, Jimmy, Deb and Dan's last night in Tree Hill. Jimmy, Lydia, Deb and Dan were heading back out to Europe, stopping through to check on the other James' kids yet again, and Keith and Karen were heading out to open the newest franchise store of 'Karen's Cafe' in San Francisco, which would involve them staying there for a few months to set everything up.

Nathan gently held Haley's hand in his under the table, the engagement ring on her left hand poking slightly into his skin. He smiled at the feeling of his mother's ring on his fiancee's finger. He was pretty sure that was his new favourite word.
Fiancee.

Haley looked over at Nathan, silently questioning whether or not now was the right time. Surprisingly, no one had noticed the ring on Haley's finger yet, which she found odd since everyone knew Nathan had been planning to propose. She shrugged it off however, thinking that they all assumed he was waiting since he hadn't been able to propose to her like he had originally planned.

Nathan nodded at Haley's silent question, before clearing his throat and standing up, bringing Haley with him. They waited for a few moments as the entire Baker-Davis-Scott-James family combo quieted down.
"We have an announcement to make" Nathan smiled, looking over at his mother who was holding his son, as she winked at him. She had noticed her ring on Haley's hand but had kept quiet, wanting to give the couple the opportunity to tell their families when they were ready.

"Well?" Lydia enquired "Spit it out, we're not getting any younger" she joked.
Haley smiled as she held up her left hand, proudly displaying her engagement ring "Nathan proposed" she beamed.
Everyone was silent for a moment, before Jimmy stood up and started to collect the plates "That's nice sweetheart" he started "Now, who'd like dessert"

Nathan smirked at Haley's look of shock. How had her family been so...ok with it? She didn't think they'd be upset, but considering her and Nathan's mum's had been betting on the day they'd get married since they were born, she figured they'd be excited, happy, something!

"Wait" she said, halting Jimmy in his steps "That's it!? You guys have been waiting for this moment since the minute we shot out of our mothers, and all we get it that's nice sweetheart!?" She stated, her voice clearly emphasising her shock.
Jimmy rubbed his lips together, looking around the table. Seeing the smirks of everyone, he let go, bursting out laughing, as the rest of the dinner party joined him.

Haley looked around, now even more confused "What the hell!?" She asked, sending a pointed look at her father.
"Relax Haley Bob, we're only teasing" Lydia smiled as she bounced out of her chair, and engulfed the couple in a hug "I'm so happy for you sweetheart!" She squealed
Haley let out a chuckled as she wrapped her arms around her mother "This is more like it, thank you!" she joked smirking at her father who simply chuckled and continued to clear the plates.

"Well son" Dan started as he walked over to hug the young couple as well "I was wondering if you'd propose before we left" he laughed as he hugged his son
"Well, I was going to wait until the moment was perfect, but...I got kinda impatient" he confessed, blushing a little bit.
Dan chuckled "I understand, believe me. When I proposed to your mum, I had it all planned out three weeks in advance. The amount of times I almost gave in and asked her" He chuckled "I swear, every time I saw her all I wanted to do was get down on my knee and tell her how much I loved her and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her" He smiled as he kissed his wife's cheek.

"Wait a second" haley interrupted "You all knew?"
"DUH! who do you think helped him plan his wonderful proposal to you?" Brooke answered.
"I'm just surprised you didn't blab Davis. You got a big ass mouth at the worst of times" Peyton retorted.
Brooke glared at her friend "Don't tease Blondie. You forget, I know all your secrets" she poked her tongue out at the blonde girl.

"Besides" Jimmy spoke entering the room again "He had to ask us for our permission" He finished as the other three adults nodded.
"You asked both our parents?" She questioned looking up at Nathan
"Yeah" he replied "I figured, since we were only 17, that they'd want to know. Plus, they're family. I wanted to make sure they were ok with it"

"When did all this happen?" She asked
"Graduation Day" he smirked, seeing the lightbulb go off in her head
"I knew you didn't leave your shirt there!" She yelled out as the puzzle pieces fell into place in her mind.

...

"I'd like to marry Haley" He blurted out.

the room filled with silence for a second, all the adults processing what Nathan had just said
"As in, now?" Deb asked
"well...not right this second" Nathan joked "I want to ask her to be my wife. It doesn't mea we'd be getting married in a few months. I'll wait as long as she wants to before we get married. But, I can't wait another second without being able to ask her to be mine for the rest of our lives. To have a family with me." he spoke honestly

"I know we're young" he continued "But that's why I asked all of you. I know it's traditional to only ask the father, but I respect all of you, and I figured you deserved to know"
Jimmy stood up and walked over to the boy. He chuckled at Nathan's nervous state. He hadn't seen him like this since he caught him with a PlayBoy magazine when he was 13.

He bent down and put his hands on the young man's shoulder "You take care of my little girl. Anything happens to her, although I doubt it will, I'm coming after you" he smiled
Nathan looked up, surprise filling his eyes "Seriously?" He smiled
"Yeah. I agree, you are young. But, you two have been through more than what most adult couples go through in their entire relationship. Just...don't make me a grandfather anytime soon. again" He chuckled.

Nathan stood up and hugged Jimmy "Thank you" he said into the man's shoulder
Jimmy patted him on the back "Of course kid"

...

"Wow" Haley whispered "You really did think this all out"
"of course" he said cupping Haley's cheek "I love you Haley. And I meant it when I said I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, and build a bigger family with you"
She leaned up and kissed him, quickly but passionately "I love you too"

Nathan smiled as he spoke again "I have one more question for you"
Haley smirked "Well, considering we're already getting married, I highly doubt anything you say can trump that" she joked.
Nathan chuckled as he took her hand in his once more "What do you think about me adopting Ryan?"
Haley looked at him shocked, for the second time that night.
"I was wrong. You definitely could trump that" she whispered "Are you sure?"
"Of course!" he told her "Haley, he's my son. I don't care what science, biology says. He's MY son, he always has been. And I want the whole world to know it. So, what do you say?"

"I say you're right. You are his father, and he's your son" She smiled
"So...?" He questioned
Haley giggled, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She nodded her head as she wrapped her arms around his neck "Yes" she whispered before kissing him once more.

A/N: OK! The end of another chapter. Let me know what you think, I figured it was time Nathan adopted Ryan. What'd you think of the family's reaction? Next up will be a bit of a time jump, either to the wedding or to Ryan's official adoption. Not sure just yet, I'll try and update ASAP, depends on how long this cold chooses to stay for!

Please leave me a review, they make my day!

- Maddie :)