Summary- What if Peyton's 14 year old cousin moved in with her? How would she affect the gang? This is my first story ever so give it a chance.
Disclaimer- I only own the idea.
This story takes place after 5x12, everything happened Nathan and Haley are together and happy and Brooke already has Angie. Lucas and Peyton are on their way to being friends even though they love each other.
Authors Note: I know I suck, it's been forever. I'm sorry. Anyway I wanted to thank everyone for sticking by me through this story I'm sad to see it end, but I'm excited to get back to work on "A Promise to Myself" which will be updated soon. I hope this epilogue is satisfying. Thank you, thank you, and thank you to everyone!
"C'mon Anna giggle for mama. You can do it baby." Peyton encouraged her daughter while making funny faces at the same time. Lucas watched, unknown, from behind her chuckling silently to himself. "So you'll laugh for daddy but not for me?" Peyton continued "What did he do that's so special?" Deciding to make his presence known, Lucas stepped further into the room and slipped his arms around Peyton's waist.
"You know" he began placing a kiss to her collar bone "She's not going to answer you." Peyton playfully swatted his arm before turning around in his embrace.
"Luke you have to tell me what you did to make her laugh, I've tried everything!" Peyton whined, giving Lucas puppy dog eyes. He sighed before giving into his wife's request.
"Ok, so you know how you are always telling me that I shouldn't leave my shoes near the door?" Peyton nodded, unsure of where he was going with this story.
"Because someone could trip over them." She continued, it was then realization dawned on her. "You fell?!" Peyton didn't even bother to hide the amusement on her face.
"Right on my ass." Lucas concluded "Our daughter found it hysterical and laughed for three minutes straight." Peyton failed to hide her own laughter at her husband's story but seeing his pout gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Are you ok baby? Do you need me to make it better?" With his eye brows raised suggestively Lucas grinned toward the bedroom. Blushing, Peyton shook her head and picked up Anna into her arms. "Mr. Scott are you suggesting that we go into that room and do all sorts of dirty things while your baby daughter and a fifteen year old in the house?"
"Mrs. Scott are you saying that you don't want to?" Lucas countered with a smirk. Anna covered her face with her chubby hands as if saying "I don't want to hear this" causing both adults to laugh.
"Well that may be true, but we need to head over to Nathan and Haley's soon." Lucas sighed but nodded his head.
"And Carly still doesn't know that it's actually a surprise birthday party for her?" Peyton shook her head while pulling a water bottle from the refrigerator with her empty hand.
"She doesn't have a clue; she thinks that the dinner we all went out to last week was the only thing for her birthday. As far as she knows we're just going to Nate's for a regular barbeque." Peyton answered sipping her water before placing it on the table. "Now I have to get this little bug dressed" She added, tickling Anna's tummy. "So when we're done we can head out." Lucas smiled, kissed both of his girls heads as they walked out of the room. Soon they were replaced by a brunet teen with a cell phone attached to her ear.
"Dean I can't I'm sorry…. Well it looks like you are going to have to go shopping with Paige by yourself.... I'm going to Nathan and Haley's for a barbeque and I promised I wouldn't miss it…. One shopping trip with her alone won't kill you…. I'll tell you what since I have to bail on this one I'll go see that new Transformers movie with you on Saturday, my treat… Ok, later." Carly concluded shutting her phone. "Guys are exhausting." She stated simply to Lucas who grinned.
"Yeah well, what can you do?" Lucas tried not to laugh at the tone in her voice. They had set up Dean to call Carly, giving her an invitation to join him and Paige shopping. They hoped that this would throw her off from the surprise party and apparently they succeeded. "Are you ready to go?" Carly nodded slipping flip flops onto her feet.
"What do you think?" She added, twirling around. She was wearing a strapless orange sundress that fell to about mid thigh with a blue stripped bikini hidden under it for late afternoon swimming that she promised Jamie.
"I think that that dress is a little short and the bathing suit is a little revealing." Lucas answered teasingly. Carly rolled her eyes, throwing her cell phone in her purse.
"The adoption papers haven't even become official yet and you're already acting like my dad." Giggling she watched as Peyton and Anna re-entered the room; Peyton wearing a red halter top with white shorts while Anna styled a blue and white flowered one piece with ruffles hiding her chubby little legs. Reaching for the baby Carly smiled as Anna happily slid into her arms. "Hey Anna Banana are you ready to go swimming?" Anna happily clapped her hands, while her blond curls shook around her face. "Well let's go then."
"Well that's the first time I have ever seen a snail pass a moving car." Carly said sarcastically, unbuckling Anna from her car seat and handing her off to her mother. "Seriously Luke, I know you're worried about Anna but live on the edge a little, instead of going 12 go 15." Peyton giggled at her husband's un-amused expression as they walked toward the house.
"Haha." Lucas muttered "But let's see who's laughing in about, thirty seconds?" He continued, shooting a look to Peyton. Carly tilted her head.
"What's going to happen in thir-"
"SURPRISE!" Carly was cut off from the chant that echoed as soon as they stepped onto the back patio. Looking around she saw Mouth and Millie sitting on the swing, Nathan and Haley holding up the "Happy Birthday" sign, Deb and Jamie huddled by the table of presents, Skills eyeing the birthday cake while Brooke lectured him sternly with Chase laughing at her side. Finally she saw all of her friends crowded by the table of food. Turning around to face Lucas and Peyton she watched as they tried to hold in their laughter. Even Anna was covering her little mouth in the attempt to cover her giggles.
"Oh, you suck!" Carly laughed at the pair before burying her head in her hands. "You know I hate surprises!" Peyton nodded, guiding her cousin towards the group of people.
"Yes, but I also know that you deserve this. So happy birthday cuz!" Everyone erupted in laughter before returning to their previous activities. Carly made her way through the group, thanks each of them in her own way.
"I hate you both, you know that right." Carly told Dean and Paige while her other friends looked on. Swinging an arm casually around her shoulder, Dean nudged her.
"We needed some way to throw you off."
"You know this means I'm not paying for Transformers on Saturday right?" Carly added, receiving a sheepish shrug from Dean.
"Yeah I kinda figured." Carly laughed along with her friends when she felt a small hand pull on her dress. Looking down she saw Jamie staring up at her with a grin evident on his face.
"We got you Carly! Daddy and Mama were afraid that you would find out but I knew that you wouldn't!" Carly grinned at the boy before kneeling down to his eye level.
"You sure did get me Slim-Jim. Now how about we go swimming in this pool of yours?" Jamie nodded his head eagerly, running to get his floaties. Carly quickly stripped herself of the orange dress before slipping into the pool.
Lucas watched as Carly and his nephew splashed around before the rest of Carly's friends joined in. Looking around he noticed the absence of his wife and daughter. Stepping inside he made his way to the spare bedroom, finding both people he was looking for.
"What are you doing babe?" Lucas questioned the blonde who was riffling through her bag. Lifting her head to meet her husband's eye she answered.
"I wanted to change into my bathing suit and make sure Anna didn't need changing before she goes in the pool." Lucas nodded, picking his daughter off the bed and cradling her close to his chest. "I'll be right out." Peyton continued, walking into the adjacent bathroom, bathing suit in hand. Lucas looked down into Anna's large eyes.
"Are you excited to go swimming Anna?" He questioned the baby who responded with a head tilt. "Is that a yes?" He laughed just as Peyton retreated from behind the closed door. Lucas's mouth dropped at the sight of his wife, she had always looked great in a bathing suit but pregnancy had done wonders for her body. Her chest filled out the top of the suit more and her hips were much more defined. Catching him staring Peyton placed a hand on her hip.
"What are you staring at Scott?" She questioned.
"Oh just the sexiest women in the world." He answered, laying a soft kiss on her lips.
"Oh, I forgot to ask you; did our surprise for Carly pull through in time?" Peyton questioned Lucas, who ginned.
"Yep, it's in the top desk drawer. I didn't want her to find it early so I figured we could give it to her at home later." Peyton smiled and kissed him once more.
"Sounds perfect."
"Damn, you cheated!" Lucas heard Skills yell as they stepped back outside. Walking over to his brother Lucas searched for answers.
"What's going on?" Nathan laughed, looking towards the pool.
"Skills wanted to race Carly and apparently he doesn't like being beaten by a fifteen year old." Lucas chuckled along with his brother while Carly climbed out of the pool, slipping a towel over her body. She walked over to where Brooke was showing Peyton her engagement ring, once again. The teen then took Anna from Peyton's arms. Chase had proposed to Brooke only three days earlier and she couldn't be happier, especially when she got to show off her ring.
Lucas looked to Peyton, then to Haley, and finally to his brother.
"Man, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Nathan only nodded, a smirk planted on his face. Quickly the two men spilt up, running towards their wives. Nathan immediately grabbed Haley by the waist and Lucas threw Peyton over his shoulder.
"Lucas what do you think you're doing?" Peyton yelped.
"Nathan Scott put me down this instant!" Haley hollered. But both Nathan and Lucas ignored the women before swiftly tossing them both into the water. Everyone began to erupt in laughter as the two women emerged from beneath the water. Even Anna clapped her cubby hands together in Carly's arms. The two brothers high-fived before walking towards the edge of the pool.
"Sorry Hales, but we couldn't not do it." Nathan chuckled, bumping fists with Lucas.
"Haha, you guys are so funny. Can you at least help us out?" Deciding it was the least they could do, both men reached a hand out to their respective women; not noticing the look they shot to each-other. Before they could realize what was happening, Peyton and Haley yanked on the hand of their husband, pulling them into the pool along with them.
"Oh you're so dead!" Lucas yelled, pulling Peyton under the water with him while Nathan picked up Haley and threw her deeper into the pool. Everyone around was laughing at the adults antics, while Deb snapped picture after picture. Soon all the fun was broken by one voice.
"Grandpa Dan!" Jamie yelled, running to the back door. All eyes moved to where the man stood, Jamie now in his arms. The entire party was silent, no one wanting to be the first to break it. Slowly Carly passed Anna to Brooke and reached for a cup of punch. Taking each step slowly she came face to face with Dan Scott, taking a deep breath she handed him the plastic cup and smiled.
"Welcome to the party." Everyone went on with their activities, but Lucas jumped out of the pool going towards Dan. Cornering him he tried to lessen the fire in his eyes. Waiting for Dan to release his hold on Jamie he pointed a finger dangerously close to his face.
"Just for today." He seethed "Just for Carly and Jamie, and just for today." And without another word he went back to Peyton. Dan couldn't help but smile at the event.
It was progress.
"Can you swim to daddy Anna?" Lucas questioned his daughter, who was tucked securely in Peyton's arms. Carefully, Peyton placed Anna's feet in the water allowing her to kick wildly. While she kept a firm grip on her waist, not letting her head drop under the water. Walking toward Lucas she smiled when he praised Anna and picked her up, tossing her lightly in the air. Carly watched the exchange from her group of friends, but soon she saw Brooke walking to her.
"Hey Brookie."
"Mini Sawyer there's someone in the kitchen who wants to talk to you." Carly scrunched her eyebrows.
"Who is it?" Carly saw a hint of the smile Brooke was trying to hide but let it slide.
"Just, go in the kitchen." Following the order Carly walked into the house, her dress swaying with every movement. Turning into the kitchen she was shocked when she saw who was waiting for her.
"Hey." The person spoke, while Carly continued to stand there silently. "Um, how are you?" Still gaining no response they tried a different tactic. "I'm sorry." Lucky for the person they got a sound out of Carly, laughter.
"I'm sorry but you can't seriously be standing here, in Haley's kitchen while all of my family and friends are outside, when we haven't spoken in weeks just to say you're sorry." The person shrugged lamely.
"I'm really sorry?"
"Nick c'mon, what are you really doing here?" Carly asked seriously.
"Do you think we could talk somewhere more private?" Carly sighed, but nodded, leading them into the guest bedroom.
"Ok, now talk." Carly ordered. She watched as Nick paced back and forth through the room not saying a word. "Nick!" She yelled more sternly, she was surprised when instead of answering her; he instead put an envelope in her hand. "What is this?"
"Open-"
"Wait, hold that thought." She cut him off. Quickly Carly went to the door, opening it only to have Brooke, Skills and Jamie tumble into the room. "Hey guys, you weren't eavesdropping were you?"
"What pshh, no we, we were.." Brooke stumbled over her words.
"Guys can you like, leave. Now?" She questioned sarcastically to the little spies. Skills and Brooke quickly scurried away while Jamie refused to move and inch. "Slim-Jim can you please give me and Nick a little privacy?" The boy glared at Nick before looking back at Carly.
"Team Carly, Team Carly!" He chanted before running down the hall. Closing the door again she sat down on the bed and looked to Nick, holding up the envelope.
"Open it." He insisted. Doing as she was told, the teen pulled out a piece of paper with hundreds lists of number and then at the bottom a price. Noticing her confusion, Nick spoke up. "That's my phone bill from last month."
"Why are you giving it to me?" Carly shook her head.
"Look at the number dialed."
"It's mine." Carly realized.
"I wanted to apologize so many times, so I called you but after one ring I would chicken out and hang up." Nick said as he nervously flipped his hair away from his eyes. "I guess when you do it enough times the money really adds up, hence the two hundred dollar charge at the bottom."
"Do you think this is going to make everything better?' Besides I ended it, you shouldn't have to come and try to fix things." Carly argued.
"But you wouldn't have ended it if I hadn't been such a jackass." Nick countered "I came here because you never gave me a chance to explain myself."
"You abandoned me!" Carly yelled. "And then you just showed up to Peyton's wedding like nothing happened, just like you're doing now! Nothing is so important that after all this you still need to tell me" She walked to the door ready to leave when she heard Nick speak.
"I love you." Turning around slowly, Carly locked eyes with Nick.
"What?" She whispered as he walked closer to her.
"I said, I love you. That's what's so important." Carly felt tears welling up in her eyes as he spoke. "I realized it right before Sam told me about you, and when she did I became more confused than I ever have been. So I avoided you." Nick shrugged "Now I realize that probably wasn't the best way to sort out my feelings. But when I did I was going to tell you at the wedding but then you ended us." Carly furiously wiped the tears that were slowly making their way down her cheeks. "I tried to convince myself that it was for the best, but no matter how hard I tried it always came back to you. And when Nathan called me today-"
"Wait, Nathan called you?" Carly asked astonished.
"He told me that he knew that I loved you and I was an idiot if I didn't come here and tell you." Carly let out a soft chuckle.
"Nate."
"So here I am, idiot and all, telling you that I love you." Hesitantly Carly stepped forward and looked into locked her teary eyes with his crystal blue ones.
"I love you too." Slowly she leaned forward and presses her lips against his. It wasn't long, or intense it was just love. Pulling back, Nick pulled her into his arms while she leaned her head into the crook of his neck. "Mhmm, best birthday ever." She concluded making Nick laugh. "C'mon, let's get back out there so we can let Jamie know there are no more teams." Carly added, grabbing Nicks hand and leading him out the door.
"Carly! I was looking for you, Deb wan-" Peyton paused when she saw Nick standing next to her cousin, his hand secure around hers. Carly laughed when she saw her cousin's confusion.
"I'll explain later Peyt, now what does Deb want?" Snapping back into reality Peyton shook her head.
"Deb wants a group picture, so go stand in front of the pool with your friends and I'll get everyone else." Carly pulled Nick along to her friends as everyone else joined in the group. Everyone was in place, Haley and Nathan stood next to Peyton and Lucas while Jamie was on his father's shoulders and Anna was cradled in Peyton's arms. Behind them Brooke stood with Chase, while Skills stood next to Mouth and Millie. In the front Val, Paige, Maddie, Katie, Dean and Andrew stood in a line with Carly at the end, Nick behind her with his arms secure around her waist as she leaned into his chest.
"Ok guys are you ready?" Deb questioned, while everyone mumbled their yes's.
"Wait." Carly said, turning to face the cake table where Dan stood. "Mr. Scott, will you please be in the picture too?" Hesitantly Dan walked forward and stood to the left of Nathan.
"Alright, on the count of three!" Deb announced, hitting the automatic timer as she scurried to jump in the picture as well.
One. Two. Three. FLASH!
"Knock, knock." Lucas said as he and Peyton entered Carly's room later that night.
"Hey guys? Anna asleep?" Peyton smiled.
"Yeah today took a lot out of her." Carly laughed. "Me and Luke have a little present for you." Carly shook her head.
"Guys you've already done more than enough." Lucas shrugged and pulled a vanilla envelope from behind his back.
"Well then consider this a little bit more." He smiled, wrapping an arm around Peyton's waist. They couple watched as she tore open the top and pulled out the city confirmed paper. Carly felt a smile form on her face.
"The adoption, it's official?" She whispered, like she didn't believe it. Lucas and Peyton both nodded.
"As of yesterday!" Peyton concluded, just as excited as Carly. Without warning Carly flung herself at them wrapping her arms around them both.
"Thank you!" They all laughed together as Peyton handed Carly one more thing.
"Deb sent me the picture just now and I had this frame ready for it." She told the teen as she handed her the picture they took this afternoon in a black frame with a small white box under it.
"What's this for?" Carly asked with confusion, pointing to the unoccupied white area.
"You write whatever you want there, like the date or the event. Anything." Peyton explained.
"Do you know what you're going to write?" Lucas wondered out loud to Carly.
"I think I have an idea."
The next day the picture sat safely on the mantel with the caption reading My Family.
The end. Yep, that's it! I hope you guys liked the ending, I worked really hard on it trying to make it perfect. Please review, I want to know how you liked the ending. I want to thank all my readers because without you there would be no story! I love you all. Read and review xoxo!
