There's a time in every little girl's life where she dreams of her fairytale wedding. For Madeline Scott, that day was today. June 23rd; it was also the day Haley James was officially marrying her prince— Nathan Scott.
Maddie watched with sparkling eyes as her new mother twirled in front of the mirror, donning her gorgeous Clothes Over Bro's original wedding gown. It fit Haley like second skin, and proudly displayed her almost four month pregnant stomach. At this point, the bump was as prominent as a basketball cut in half, and the wedding dress only accentuated it. Haley smiled at her reflection, blinking to avoid the burning sensation of tears. She told herself she wasn't going to cry, but between the hormones and excitement, the promise was looking futile.
"Mommy, you can't cry! You'll ruin your make-up," Maddie bossily scolded, causing the rest of the bridesmaids in the room to laugh.
Though they tried to keep it small, the wedding ended up comprising of most of their family and friends, which, turned out, there were a lot more than either Nathan or Haley expected. They settled on the same church gardens that Haley's parents had gotten married in.
"You know, bub, my beautiful granddaughter has a point. You don't want your eye makeup to smudge."
Haley turned and gasped, "Mom!" She didn't think her mother would make it. After all, Lydia James hadn't stepped a foot back in Tree Hill since her husband died. "What— what're you doing here?"
Lydia's lips crinkled into a warm smile, "You think I'd miss my youngest daughter's wedding? Plus, I think it's time I met your new family, don't 'cha think?"
Haley rushed over to her mom and threw her arms around her neck. If she hadn't already been on the verge of crying, she would be now. Her eyes were a floodgate, cracking open. "I'm so happy you're here," she whispered.
"There's no place I'd rather be, sweetheart." Lydia's green eyes pooled with her own tears, carefully running her hand through her daughter's softly curled hair.
Haley desperately tried to wipe her eyes without ruining Brooke's hard work. "You look stunning, baby girl."
"Thank you, Mom."
Lydia discreetly wiped the corner of her eye, then sprawled her palms over her daughter's swollen stomach. "So, it is true, huh? Nathan's boys have super powers."
"Mom!" Haley's cheeks blushed a deep crimson. She was very aware of her daughter and future mother-in-law's presence two feet away.
"What?" Lydia chuckled, "You know it's true. I just had to come and see it myself. Twins! Unreal."
Despite her obvious embarrassment, Haley couldn't help but crack a smile. She, too, still had moments of disbelief. Putting her own hands on top of her mother's, Haley sighed dreamily. "I know. We're so excited."
"Do you know the genders yet?"
Haley shook her head 'no', but Maddie couldn't help but overhear. "I'm gonna have a little brother and a baby sister."
Haley laughed and leaned down, "Oh, is that right Sunshine?"
"Yep! I just know it."
"Well aren't you a smart-cookie?" Lydia joked, "Hi, Maddie. I'm Lydia James. I've heard so much about you."
"Are you my new Gramma?"
Haley watched as her mother's eyes swelled, "If you'd like me to be, then yes, I'd love to be your new Grandma."
Maddie grinned and launched herself into the older woman's arms. "This is the best day ever!"
Just then, Deb Lee came over with a warm smile. "Hey Ladies, sorry to interrupt but Maddie, your daddy wants to see you really quickly."
Maddie waved goodbye to Lydia, then turned serious, "Okay. I'll be right back, Mama. Don't go anywhere!"
Haley giggled, "I wouldn't dream of it, Mads."
Deb crinkled her nose playfully and reached out to lead Maddie out of the room, before squeezing Haley's shoulder. "You look beautiful, Haley. Welcome to the family."
. . . . . . . . .
Nathan fretfully paced back and forth. He didn't know why his nerves were consuming him. Today would be one of the greatest days of his life, and yet, here he was, ready to puke. He hadn't seen Haley in over 24 hours. Brooke all but forced her to stay with her last night due to some stupid tradition. He barely slept. He just wanted to hold Haley and tell her how much he loved her and the babies. The whole night he was worried sick. What if something happened? He hadn't been able to stop texting her the entire time. He knew one thing for sure, the minute they got married, he was never going to let go of her.
"Hi, Daddy!" Madeline greeted with her infectious smile. "Wait 'til you see Mama. She looks like the most beautiful Princess in the whole wide world."
Nathan turned, and almost instantly, his heart rate fell back into its normal rhythm. A smirk stretched over his lips. Maddie looked adorable in her purple dress. She had two very important jobs she was more than eager to accomplish— be the flower girl, and Nathan's 'best man.' Lucas jokingly feigned hurt, but, after seeing the look of pure glee in Maddie's eyes, he knew he could never compete. Maddie was Nathan's best friend, besides Haley of course.
"She always looks beautiful," Nathan said with a dopey smile. "And so do you, little bear."
"Thanks, Daddy!"
Nathan smirked and fiddled with this black bow tie. "How do I look? Good enough to be standing next to your Mom?"
"Uh-huh. You look so handsome!" She gushed, "Like a Prince!"
His crooked smile widened, "Thanks. And hey, I owe you big time. You played a huge role in getting me and Haley together. I don't think we'd be here without you."
Maddie smiled, "I'm happy I helped."
Nathan chucked before squatting down and hugging his daughter, "Me too, Maddie. I love you so much."
"I love you, too."
"Good. Now I need your help with just one more thing,"
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Haley was seated in front of a small vanity as Brooke did a quick touch-up. "Baby Daddy is going to combust when he see's you, tutor-girl."
She playfully rolled her eyes, "Brooke, don't let him hear you call him that. You know he hates it."
"Yeah, yeah," Brooke rasped, "he should be proud he gets that nickname. No one else could be called that."
"True," she laughed and softly rubbed her stomach mindlessly.
"Feelin' okay?"
"Better than I've ever felt in my entire life," Haley whispered. It was true. Never in her wildest dreams would she have ever imagined feeling this happy.
She didn't think this type of happiness existed in real life.
"I'm back, Mom!" Maddie announced, running into the room with a bouquet of purple flowers and a white envelope. Ever since the adoption papers were filed, Maddie called Haley some variation of the word 'Mom' every chance she could get.
"Whatcha' got there, cutie?" Brooke asked.
"Daddy told me to give this to you, Mommy."
Haley turned slightly and smiled at the oversized flowers. "Thank you, Maddie." She then graciously accepted the bouquet, smelling their sweet yellow centers before opening the envelope with her name scrawled on it in Nathan's messy handwriting. Inside was a small card, and she began to read.
Babe,
In just a few short minutes, you are going to walk down the aisle and steal my breath away; just like you do every single time you walk into a room. Just one look at your beautiful smile, and just like that, I forget how to breathe. I'm not usually good with words, that's more Lucas's nerdy and cheesy department, but somehow, everything I'm writing — everything you're reading right now— is true. I'm not trying to woo you, it's just natural. You're so beautiful, Haley James (soon to be Scott!) — and yes, I used 6 exclamation points because that's how freakin' excited I am. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and how excited I am you're going to be my wife. I'm literally the luckiest guy alive. Not only do I get to be your husband, but I get to be a Dad again! I'm happy the twins are part of today, and I can't wait to meet them. You're going to be such a MILF (and I know you're totally blushing right now), well technically you are one already because you're Maddie's mom, and we're both so grateful for that. I couldn't have imagined a better mother for my children. You, Haley James, are one extraordinary woman and I'm going to love you for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything you've done and continue to do. I love you, I love you, I love you.
See you soon!
Always & Forever,
Nathan
Haley blinked in attempt to ward off those pesky tears. "Dammit," she muttered, feeling one escape and slide down her cheek. "Why does Nathan have to be so damn sweet?"
Brooke fanned her friend's face feverishly, "No, no, no. Don't you dare cry."
"Yea, mama, don't cry! You have to go walk to Daddy now."
Haley wiped her cheeks and smiled, "Okay, you're right, let's get me married!"
"Places everyone!" Maddie shouted bossily. She was adorable with her hands on her hips. "Bridesmaids line up behind me. Mama, you start walking when the music plays. Everybody got it?"
Haley laughed at Maddie's stern tone. "Yes ma'am," she mock saluted. "See you at the alter, Sunshine."
Maddie displayed her dimples, "and now we'll finally have the same last name."
. . . . . . . . . . .
Everybody stared in adoration as Maddie walked, well, ran, down the aisle throwing purple petals around the ground. Nathan watched proudly and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek when she made it to him.
After Haley's five bridesmaids— her three sisters, Brooke and Peyton, walked down the aisle with Nathan's groomsmen, Lucas, Clay, Tim, Skills, and Tony, the music changed and it was Haley's turn.
Their friends and family members stood from their chairs and watched in pure awe as Haley stepped down from the horse drawn carriage.
Nathan's jaw physically dropped, and as he wrote in Haley's letter, he forgot how to breathe. It's as if his body stopped working.
"Breathe, Daddy," Maddie whispered, taking his hand in hers.
Nathan couldn't even look away from the angel making her way to him. They shared a secret smile, as Haley nearly started to shake from Nathan's intense stare.
"I love you," he mouthed.
She giggled softly, "I love you more."
Finally, she could barely take it any longer, and started to run to the front where Nathan immediately took her hand in his.
"Hi," he grinned excitedly.
Haley blushed, "Hi."
He knew he probably shouldn't, but leaned down and kissed her cheek. "You look absolutely beautiful."
"Nathan, I can't wait any longer. Let's get married."
He chuckled and guided her towards the pastor who greeted them with a polite smile.
"Friends, family… we are gathered here today to witness the holy matrimony between Nathan Scott and Haley James. Anyone who objects speak now or forever hold your peace."
Maddie stepped forward and grunted, "Nobody say anything!"
Laughter filled the air, and luckily, no one objected.
Nathan stood facing Haley with a giddy grin, and she just wanted to kiss him. It was so cute how excited he looked.
Her smile matched his, but for the slightest second, a pang cramped in her stomach. She tried to hide the pain from her features, but Nathan picked up on it instantly.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Do you need to sit down?"
The pastor was talking, but Nathan and Haley were having their own private talk.
She shook her head, and silently thanked God that the pain went away. She read in a book that random cramping is expected and nothing to worry about— so she hoped this was the same case.
Her grip on his hand got tighter and it was time to read their vows.
Nathan went first; "Hales, the first time I saw you was in your classroom. I was there to talk about Maddie, and somehow, I ended up falling completely and utterly in love with you. I don't think either of us could have ever predicted that, but I am so happy it did. You are my best friend and the light in my life. I never thought I'd fall in love and I never thought Maddie would have a mother but then you showed up and it all changed. I can't wait to spend every day by your side raising the family we've created. I promise you I'm going to love you for the rest of my life and into eternity. No matter what happens today or tomorrow, I know everything is going to be okay because you're by my side. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us. I vow to always protect you and to be the reason you wake up and go to bed with a smile. I vow to be your best friend, your lover, and your partner in crime. And most importantly I vow to love you always and forever."
Haley wiped the tears from her eyes and at this point, no longer cared if her make up was smeared all over her face.
She stuck her left hand out and smiled when Nathan slid the gorgeous diamond encrusted band over her finger.
"Nathan, you and Maddie have been the best surprises of my life— well besides the twins," she giggled, "and I've never been happier than when I'm with you. For so long I thought I'd have to go through this life alone and then I met you and it changed. I fell in love with your kind smile, and the way your beautiful blue eyes light up when Maddie giggles. I fell in love with the way your arms fit around me. You made me believe again. You made me see the magic in the world. Most importantly, you gave me something I never thought I would have. A family. Because of you I'm gaining a perfect daughter and two babies. You'll never know how grateful I am for that, but I vow to make it up to you for as long as we both shall live. I vow to be your light in the days of darkness. I vow to be your shelter in every storm. I vow to be the best wife and mother possible. I vow to love you more than you could ever possibly know. I vow to never, ever let go of you, Nathan Scott. You're my always, and I'm your forever."
He grinned and felt her slide the wedding ring over his left finger. "Can I kiss her yet?" He asked the pastor.
The pastor chuckled, "as soon as I pronounce you man and wife."
"What're you waiting for?" Maddie interjected impatiently.
"And now, by the power invested in me by the state of North Carolina, I pronounce Haley Bob James and Nathan Royal Scott as husband and wife. Nathan you can now kiss your br-"
Before he could even finish his sentence, Nathan bent down and pulled Haley in for a hungry kiss. It was as if he hadn't held her in 24 years much less 24 hours.
Lucas chuckled as he watched his brother swoop Haley down, still attacking her lips. He playfully put his hands over Maddie's eyes.
When air became an issue, the married duo pulled apart and held their hands in the air, laughing.
"I love you, Mrs. Scott."
"I love you too, Mr. Scott."
. . . . . . . . . . . .
The reception was now in full swing and Nathan and Haley had barely come up for air. At one point she had even dragged him into the bathroom to have her way with him. Nathan loved a pregnant Haley and all the benefits that came with it.
They were now sharing their first dance as a married couple, and Haley rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes to breathe in the moment. "Mhmm, I was hoping you'd pick this song."
The familiar tune to "Then" by Brad Paisley played as the two of them swayed on the empty dance floor.
"Now you're my whole life, now you're my whole world. I just can't believe the way I feel about you girl…"
Haley giggled as she opened her eyes and looked at her husband, "are you singing?"
"Maybe," he shrugged, completely care-free. Yes, he knew he sucked at singing, but the song was special for him and Haley.
"God, I love you," Haley marveled, standing on the tips of her toes to kiss him longingly.
"I love you, too, wife." Nathan beamed. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Never felt better," she swore. "Although, I think I need to take these heels off. They're killing me."
He chuckled, "Okay, here let me help." He bent down and helped her slide the heels off. She was now three inches shorter than him, so she stood on his shoes as they continued swaying.
Their sweet moment was soon interrupted, however, when Maddie came running over. "Hi Mama, hi Daddy!"
"Hey kiddo. Having a good time?"
"The best! Grandma Deb just gave me a sip of wine!"
Haley and Nathan's eyes widened, "what?!"
"I'm just kidding," she giggled, "but she gave me five dollars to tell you that she did."
Haley laughed as she watched her husband place his hands over his rapidly beating heart, "God, you nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"Sorry, Daddy." Maddie smirked. "Can we dance now?"
Sensing his reluctance, Haley smiled and kissed his cheek. "Go dance with our girl. I think I need a little break anyway."
"Okay, but as soon as the next song ends I'll come sit with you. Drink water, baby."
"Okay husband," Haley agreed then kissed Maddie's cheek. "Love you, Sunshine."
"Love you, too!"
Nathan smiled and picked up his daughter, watching as Haley went on to sit with their mothers.
"We did it, Maddie."
Maddie smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, "did what?"
"We got the girl. Well, I got a smokin' hot wife and you got a pretty amazing mom."
Maddie's eyes widened, "what does that mean, Daddy?"
He chuckled, "it means we got really lucky."
"We really did," she beamed.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Nathan and Haley cuddled up in the corner, sipping alcohol-free champagne, listening as their friends and family gave speeches about them. Lucas had just said a heart-warming one, while Brooke's had been quite funny. They were soon surprised, though, when Maddie walked up to the DJ and grabbed the microphone.
"I just wanted to say a few things," she smiled and both their hearts melted. "I just wanted to say how much I love my Daddy and Mommy and I'm so excited we get to be a family. My mommy was my teacher in the beginning of the year and I wished one day she could be my mom. I never knew it would come true, but I saw how much my daddy loved her and I wanted nothing more than for him to be happy. Now we're both so happy because Ms. James became Mrs. Scott. She might not be my teacher anymore, but that's okay, because I still get to learn from her everyday."
Haley was a sobbing wreck by now. She had to hide her face in Nathan's neck otherwise she'd be a blubbering mess in the pictures.
He soothingly ran his hand over her back. Okay he loved a pregnant Haley, but maybe not the hormones.
"And I'm so excited 'cuz now I get to be a big sister and I hope I have a little brother and a little sister so we can play and I can tell them how we have the best mommy and daddy in the whole world. Okay, so that's it. I love you guys and I'm so lucky."
After being applauded, she ran over to her parents.
"That was the best speech, little bear. Thank you." Nathan hugged her, then kissed her on her forehead.
Haley wiped her tears with the back of her hand, "that was so sweet. We love you so much."
The family of three, soon to be five, cuddled into a hug. The day truly could not have gotten any more perfect.
