Author's Note: Well, this is the end and it's very bittersweet. Maybe that's why it took me so long to actually sit down and write it. ;) Anyway, this was my first ever story and because of your support I had the courage and inspiration to start a couple other stories. Your reviews mean everything to me and what keeping me going. I love each and every one of them, so thank you for reviewing and I hope this epilogue doesn't let you down.

Thanks to Maggie for being an amazing beta even with the technical difficulties. ;) This is dedicated to Gray, who is baby Caleb in my world. ;)

"Forever And Ever Amen"

Love is patient,
love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil,
but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

"How's my big beautiful boy?" Haley beamed down to her baby boy who just happened to be turning one that very day."

"Mama!" He squealed and clapped with delight, then held his arms up for her to lift him up.

"Did you have a good nap Caleb?"

He looked at her for a moment as if pondering the question. "No," he shouted before bursting into a fit of giggles at his mother's over-dramatized shocked expression. Animated expressions were a big hit with him and everyone catered to his every whim.

Haley laid him on the changing table and began to change his diaper. To distract him, she handed him a squishy blue toy, filled with water and sparkling stars; Brooke had given it to him and from that day on it was one thing that could keep him entertained. He could squish and stare at it for hours and Haley always laughed because usually Brooke was right beside him just as amazed by it as he was. He had a million toys but he couldn't get enough of that damn squishy tube. It seemed as if Brooke's shiny object syndrome had been passed down to him.

Staring down at his transfixed face, she just couldn't get over how beautiful he was. She knew all mothers said that, but he truly was. It amazed her how he was the perfect blend of the Scott's and the James'. Caleb's dark hair, long body, and blue eyes were all Nathan's and even though the color of his eyes were Nathan as well, the large almond shape was all Haley. Not to mention that his chubby cheeks and full lips reminded her so much of his namesake. She and Caleb had shared the same features when they were little, and her son Caleb was the proof that eternal life could be found in the gift of children.

Nathan walked in quietly and caught Caleb's eye, but he quickly put his finger to his mouth signaling for his son not to blow his cover.

She was so beautiful. Her sapphire blue, strapless, knee-length dress hugged her every curve, showcasing her growing stomach, much to his delight. And as cliché as it sounded, she truly glowed. Of course, even before she had even been pregnant with Caleb she had a certain radiance about her that no one could touch upon. He could stare at her for an eternity, pregnant or not, and it would never be enough.

"What are you smirking at?" Haley laughed at Caleb, watching him giggle as she sealed his diaper.

"The man he inherited that smirk from." Nathan whispered in her ear as he slipped his arms around her waist.

Giggling, Haley leaned back into Nathan's arms. "Lord help me, because I can't resist it from either of you."

Kissing the side of her neck Nathan looked down at his son. "I'm sure I will be in for some retaliation when our little girl inherits your irresistible pout that I can never say no to." He informed her as he rubbed his hands over her swollen belly.

Closing her eyes for a bit, Haley enjoyed the comforting rhythmic patterns Nathan was creating over the contours of her now prominent bump. At nearly five moths along, she was starting to show, and Nathan couldn't keep her hands off of her baby bump any more than he could have off of her normally flat stomach. She never expected to get pregnant again this soon, but apparently Nathan was even more attracted to her being a mom, and a few short months after Caleb was born, they were expecting a second bundle of joy.

Smiling at the love of her life, she realized that he was born to be a father, and more so he loved being a father to their children. He was always staring at her with Caleb and it seemed his hands were permanently attached to her stomach, at least while they were public. They always seemed to wander either north or south whenever they had time to themselves.

But at the same time, it wasn't entirely his fault they were in this blessed predicament. She fully agreed with him that there was just nothing sexier than witnessing the love of your life caring for your child, and Nathan was no exception; he was as hands on as it got and Caleb worshipped him. She had never been able to resist him, but watching the look on his face when he talked or looked at their son, made her want him even more.

A stab of emotional pain coursed through Haley, as it often did in moments like these. It was when her mind traveled back to Lucas. Wondering where he was and if he was happy. While Nathan would constantly reassure her that Lucas had no right to her guilt, it still didn't stop her from feeling it. She made a lot of mistakes, and she never wanted to not face her responsibility for the pain she caused Lucas.

Maybe it was selfish on her part, but a small part of her could never really be at peace with her life until she knew Lucas had forgiven her. She didn't know if she would be able to truly accept her happiness with Nathan until she knew Lucas no longer held her responsible for destroying his. Lucas may have made plenty of mistakes as well, but he loved her and she knew he did what he did out of desperation, not evil intent. It just hurt her to know Lucas wasn't a part of their world anymore…his family's world.

It had been over a year since anyone had seen him. There had been a few postcards here and there and sporadic phone calls to his parents, but he hadn't returned to Italy, nor had he personally contacted she or Nathan.

Not that they would have even known for the first three months, they were too busy celebrating their reunion in their new home away from home; the beach house in North Carolina. A part of Haley ached to just stay there forever, but another part of her missed Jake and Brooke too much and she wanted Caleb to be an integral part of their lives.

Nathan's lips on her neck brought her back to her blissful reality and to the fact that their son was in the room.

"Don't start something you can't finish." Haley teased as she watched Caleb launch his toy off the changing table and then pout and scrunch his face when he realized he couldn't reach it. "Aw, my poor baby," Haley cooed as she retrieved the toy and took him into her arms, to which he gleefully accepted.

"Here, let me finish getting him dressed Hales and you go make sure Mom and Brooke aren't killing the staff."

As soon as she traded Caleb off, Nathan began blowing on Caleb's belly sending him into a fit of giggles.

Looking back at her Caleb and Nathan, she smiled. 'God, she loved them.'

"Are you INSANE?" Brooke screeched at the terrified cook. "I said Tiffany-blue and bronze icing, this is sea foam green and bronze! Do I need to drag your ass to New York and shove you in front of Tiffany's window."

Haley grabbed Brooke's arm and began to pull her from the kitchen. "It's beautiful Roberto you don't need to change it." She reassured the cook before yanking Brooke completely out of the kitchen and clamped her hands over her best friend's mouth.

"Brooke, you are nine months pregnant and you don't need to be screaming at people or we may be delivering this baby today. Now do you understand? Calm down." She smiled sweetly to her friend, but confronted her with a tone that left no room for arguments from the pregnant brunette..

Nodding, Brooke stuck her tongue out at Haley once she removed her hand. "I take offense to that. My screams soothe the twins, and this way they know my voice really well." Brooke grinned and rubbed her rather large belly that protruded proudly beneath her airy fuchsia empire waist frock.

Glancing out the open French doors, Haley smiled at the site before her. They had decided to set up the party outside on the deck and balloons, streamers, party favors, and presents were strewn everywhere in various shades of blue and bronze per Brooke's hormonal order.

Jake came up beside Brooke and kissed the side of her head. "How's my Buddha doing this morning?"

At first Haley thought Brooke would make sure Jake could never reproduce any more kids after starting to call her that a few months back, but it seemed Brooke relished in the fact her belly was expanding and she loved when anyone made reference to it. Any day now, their twin girls would be born and fill the house with even more beautiful chaos and a part of her knew Brooke would miss the feel of them inside her. Which probably meant more babies would be on the way shortly after.

Haley knew they would make wonderful parents. They were so in love and in her entire life she had never seen Jake so content and according to Nathan the same went for Brooke.

"I just stopped your wife from beheading Roberto and having to deliver your babies in jail."

Putting his other arm around Haley Jake laughed. "Ah, my two baby mammas always looking out for each other."

Haley was about to respond with a one of a kind sarcastic remark when something grabbed at her leg. Looking down she spotted her baby boy attempting to pull himself up from the hem or her dress.

Reaching down, she tried to pick him up, but suddenly his attention shifted to something behind him and he suddenly began crawling towards it as quick as his chubby arms and legs could go. He was starting to walk very well now, but crawling was still his method of choice when he needed to get somewhere fast.

Turning, Haley spotted Dan scooping up a laughing Caleb. "I should have figured he'd ditch the woman that gave birth to him for one of you male Scotts." Haley teased.

Dan chuckled, and raised an almost breathless and laughing Caleb above his head. "What can I say he loves the male bonding." Dan responded, all the while grinning at his grandson from below.

It amazed Haley at how much Dan and Deb idolized Caleb. Well, she always had a good feeling about Dan, but Deb on the other hand she wasn't so sure of. But as soon as they took Caleb in their arms at the hospital, it was clear he was one of them and none of the mistakes his parents had made would ever be held against him.

They spoiled him rotten and couldn't get enough of him. At times it made her wish her parents lived closer, but this is where she belonged, she could feel it in her bones. This was her home, it had been since she pulled up to the perfectly manicured lawn all those months ago.

--------------------

An hour later…

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Caleb happy birthday to you!" Everyone sang in unison as Caleb clapped excitedly along.

Nathan and Haley bent down beside his high chair, blowing out the candle while Caleb grabbed at the icing and decorations. When they rose back up, they shared a tender kiss above him, their eyes never leaving each other.

Shouts and laughter brought them out of the lovers' gaze and they were met with the sight of Caleb smashing his hands into his birthday cake, looking like the happiest boy that ever lived.

"I'm going to grab a towel," Haley announced, but before she stepped away Nathan pulled her gently against his chest.

"I love you." He whispered to her and left a soft kiss on her cheek..

This was something they had taken to doing. She wasn't sure if it was because they had almost lost each other or just because they couldn't get enough of saying it, but either way, their random 'I Love You's' became a treasured ritual.

"I love you more." She declared as she stood on her toes and kissed his lips, once, twice….

"You guys do know there is a child present." Jake chided, as he pulled Brooke semi-awkwardly onto his lap.

Nathan smirked. "What? It's his birthday, don't you guys want to see how we made him?"

Slapping his chest playfully, Haley turned and made her way to retrieve a towel, the sounds of her family's laughter echoing behind her.

Once inside, she went to the nearest hall and opened one of the linen closets. She was perturbed to find however, that all the towels were beyond her reach. Cursing genetics fro making her tiny, she was about to turn around and admit defeat when she felt a warm body come up behind her and reach above her head to retrieve a towel.

"You know, last time we went at it in linen closet, we scared your mother to death." Haley giggled, turning around, but she choked on her own air when she came face to face with Lucas, not Nathan.

Offering a small smile, he handed her the towel. "Wrong Scott."

Not really knowing what to say, Haley surprised them both by leaning in and timidly hugging him. He was stiff at first at her touch, but after a moment, he let her pull him close for a moment and then pulled away.

"I was expecting more of a slap." Lucas joked, but it wasn't too far from the truth.

Leading them both to a bench in the hallway, Haley struggled with her words, but once they sat down she gave it her best shot. "Lucas, if anyone should be afraid of reactions it should be me. I hurt you so much and I guess I figured that's why you stayed away because of your hate for me."

"Honestly Haley, I brought most of this on myself, you're just too much of a martyr, always were." He smiled kindly, his eyes falling down to her stomach momentarily reminding him of why he had stayed away for so long.

"I just needed time away Hales. I needed time to grieve us and grieve the loss of expecting a child."

Haley saw the sadness come over his features, but a second later it was gone.

"How is Caleb by the way?"

"He's just perfect Luke. He reminds me a lot of all you Scott men. He's walking and can say a few words. You're going to love him, I just know it."

Lucas couldn't help but smile as he watched Haley beam when talking about her son. It had taken awhile, but he was happy for her. "So, I see you and Nathan are doing well." Lucas motioned towards her midsection.

"Very, we're having a girl" She blurted out, then bit her lip contemplating her next words. "Lucas, you know I really do love him, I would never have hurt you if I didn't. What I mean is, I would never have betrayed you for anything less than what I've found with Nathan. I just really want you to know that…I'm not sure if it helps…"

"It does." Lucas interrupted her. "And for what's it worth, my foolish pride and misguided actions aside, I know you and Nathan are the real deal. I'm happy for you Haley…really."

Squeezing Lucas' hand, Haley felt a weight finally being lifted. "So, you do want to meet your nephew?"

The two once lovers walked together out to the party, audible gasps sounding around them once they stepped foot on the deck.

Everyone waited with baited breath to see what Nathan would do as he stood face to face with Lucas after a little over a year. No one was sure what the reaction would be, but all he did was stick out his fist, to which Lucas smirked and bumped in their brotherly ritual, and in that simple demonstration of brotherhood the past was forgiven.

"NO!" Caleb suddenly shouted, breaking whatever tension there was, perturbed that another person was getting even an ounce of attention.

Laughing, Lucas picked up his nephew who was covered in cake. "Hey there little buddy. I'm your Uncle Luke, sorry it took me so long to meet you."

Caleb looked at him oddly for a moment, then gave Luke a sloppy kiss right on the cheek, to which everyone awed and laughed.

After returning the sloppy kiss, Lucas handed Caleb to Nathan and took a thick envelope out of his back pocket. "I didn't have time to wrap this, but um… I couldn't think of a better present for Caleb." He extended it to Haley.

Opening it up, Haley looked confused for a second, then caught Lucas' eye. "Annulment papers?"

Smiling sheepishly, he stuck his hands in his pocket. "Yeah, well, you and Nathan are married in every way that counts, so it's really just a technicality anyway, but it's a technicality Caleb deserves. I thought about a divorce, but let's face it we both have grounds for annulment based on fraud." He chuckled nervously. "Besides I've put this off for too long and this way in thirty days, you can legally wed again."

"Oh Lucas." A now crying Brooke ran into his arms, nearly knocking him over.

"Well, someone's hormonal." He patted her back and smiled when he saw Haley mouth thank you to him and embrace Nathan.

Dan hugged Lucas tightly once Brooke let go. "You did good son." Then Dan turned to gaze at the rest of his family, taking in the scene. Jake was on his knees, talking to Brooke's belly, Deb was taking a million pictures a minute, and Haley was jokingly kissing and licking the icing off a giggling Caleb's face as Nathan looked on adoringly. Everything was exactly the way it should be and even without Karen by his side, Dan had found happiness through his family and in the fact Nathan got to live his life out with his own Karen in Haley.

Haley sat in the middle of her and Nathan's bed in nothing but one of his t-shits, flipping through a photo album her mom and Deb had worked on together for her baby shower when she was pregnant with Caleb. It was filled with pictures of Haley and Nathan's younger days, and looking at the memories always calmed her and made her smile.

Spotting her, Nathan grinned. He still couldn't get over the fact he got to share a bed with her each and every night "Our boy was out before I even got his pajamas on."

"He had a busy day and barely took a nap this afternoon. Not to mention we let him stay up way too late." She rationalized without looking up, her face transfixed on her favorite photo. It was a black and white photo of both she and Nathan at the age of one that was blended to make them look like they were posing with each other, even in their younger years. Haley was donning a princess tutu and Nathan a basketball jersey that swallowed him whole.'

After taking off his clothes, Nathan sat down behind her, rubbing her neck and looking over her shoulder. "What do you think ever happened to those two?" Haley off-handedly quipped not really expecting an answer.

Nathan smirked. "Didn't you hear?" He asked, and Haley looked over her shoulder to face him. "They lived happily ever after." He finished and kissed her smiling lips.

She giggled, turning completely around and then pushed him back on the bed. "You're so getting lucky for that line mister," she informed him as she straddled his hips and took off her shirt, revealing that she wore nothing underneath.

Growing hard immediately, Nathan ran his hands down her sides and over her incredibly sexy stomach. Her skin was like silk to the touch and his lips, hands, and dick ached to touch her and be inside her.

Haley raised up and impaled herself immediately, needing him too badly to wait even a second longer. She threw her head back in a spontaneous orgasm as he filled her completely. It was so a myth that women always needed foreplay. Sometimes a quickie was so damn good.

Almost losing it at the sight of her climaxing, Nathan closed his eyes to regain control. He felt her moving up and down, swirling around, encasing him so tightly that he was pretty sure there was no blood left in his brain. With his hands on her back, he urged her down, and captured one of her swollen nipples into his mouth, biting, sucking, and licking, until he felt her about to lose it again.

"Nathaaaaaaaaan." She moaned, grabbing her other breast and grinding down hard on him as another wave of ultimate pleasure swept through her.

Exploding inside her, he groaned as she milked him dry. "Damn, I love you Hales."

Lifting up, she slid off him and collapsed next to him, her head resting on her chest. "You are such a girl." She teased, giggling into his chest when he tickled her side.

"So small or big?" He suddenly asked after she laid in his arms for a moment, both of them basking in the sensation of being with each other.

She raised her head just enough to quirk her eyebrow at him. "Um, big, but usually you like to praise me during."

He rolled her on her side and sidled up behind her, using one arm to propel him up so that he could look down at her, and the other to wrap around her and stroke over where their daughter lay. "I meant our wedding, You have a such a dirty mind you know that."

"Wherever did I get that from Mister Scott?" Her accusatory tone giving away him as the culprit.

Leaning down, he kissed her forehead. "That's why you have to marry me, we're two of kind."

Placing her hand over his atop her belly, she felt his ring resting underneath hers, the metal of the bands sliding against one another. The day they placed those rings on each other's fingers would always be the day they started their forever in her heart.

"Small, family only and at the beach house." She finally spoke, excitement floating through her words.

"Sounds perfect Hales." He kissed her cheek.

"Do you want to wait till after the baby?"

He didn't even hesitate. "How about in 31 days?"

She flipped around in his arms as fast as she could with her belly, and peppered his face with kisses. "I was hoping…kisskiss… you would say that."

Once her lips landed on his, he took a hold of her bottom lip with his teeth and kissed her slow and deep. His hands moved to cup her cheeks and once the kiss ended he locked eyes with her. "Haley, you're my soul mate, the mother of my children, my lover, my everything. You have been my wife since the day I slid that ring on your finger and you'll be my wife for all time. This is only a piece of paper, but I want it so damn bad, so no man or government can ever say we're anything less than what we are."

With tears in her eyes, she kissed him again and this time it didn't end until they both collapsed in each other's arms hours later. And as Haley drifted off to sleep, she said a silent prayer counting her blessings. It wasn't long ago that she had lost her faith, but Nathan had helped her see the joy in life once again and even with all her loss find happiness that she never knew could ever exist.

Her grandmother's words echoed in her head and she realized, in Nathan, she had found her timeless love in every sense of the word. Their love would be remembered and shown through generations to come because they had already created two miracles with their son and daughter.

Love can always be enough, as long as your love is true, and she and Nathan would be living proof of that for all time.


Cath