It hadn't even been that long since I had seen him, but my stomach was fluttering like it had been ages. As I entered the room Nathan stood up from his chair and walked straight over to me to give me a kiss. I couldn't help but giggle as my sister rolled her eyes.

"Are those my jeans you're wearing?" she squealed as if I was pulling her hair.

"No, they are not. I see why you might be confused since they've been in your closet for almost a year now, but these are definitely my favorite pair of jeans that you 'borrowed' without asking me last year. In case you didn't it out, I'm taking them back now."

"Okay. So are we even now?"

"Even for what?"

"Life… love… sisterhood…"

What a tool, but I love her. "Let me see," I began, not fully wanting to let her off the hook. I put my palms up side by side as if measuring and started teetering the scale, "Eight years of abuse… one night with Nathan…" I squinted my eyes a bit to add more emphasis as Nathan's scale flew off the charts. "You know, I might actually owe you. So if I keep up my end and wash the sheets, I guess we could be even."

Quinn flew out of her seat and into my arms, squeezing me so hard I thought I might burst. Maybe I was being a bit hard on her. She is my sister after all. I was just waiting for her to bring up Taylor. "So, how about you start that laundry now," she grinned when she finally let go of me. I took a deep breath, partly because I was finally able to breathe again, but also because I was glad she wasn't going to pressure me into forgiving Taylor right now. While the marriage might be over, I need to get through the trial before even thinking about her again.

I looked at Nathan and just with the raise of my eyebrows he was off to gather things for me. The perfect gentleman. I was one lucky girl.

"He's pretty amazing, Hales. This whole elaborate night he planned for you… it's beyond words." I loved how Quinn was just as impressed with Nathan as I was. It made it even more real. "You know, all guys should be that romantic," she added excessively loud so that Jake would be sure to hear it upstairs where he had gone with Nathan.

"I think he got the hint," I giggled. She quickly laughed along. Everything seemed comfortable again. "I've missed this," I sighed.

"I've missed you," she said as she tried to hold back tears.

"Do not cry, Quinn James," I threatened her. I could not stand seeing people cry and I knew if she started, I would soon follow. "You know I was totally right." I told her, completely changing the subject hoping to get over all the mushy gushies.

"About what?"

"You and Jake. I so called it twenty years ago. I'm pretty amazing if I do say so myself."

"I second that," Nathan chuckled as he walked back into the room.

Jake was the first to groan, not long followed by Quinn. "So not the visual I need of my two best friends."

"You two need to get your minds out of the gutter. I didn't even mean it that way. Not that she isn't.. because, man…"

"I am so close to kicking your ass, man," Jake threatened.

"Ha! Yeah, I'd like to see you try."

I couldn't help but laugh along. I loved his confidence. It was also what attracted me to Damien. The difference between the two being that Nathan can actually back it up.

"Jake, I hate to bring this to your attention, because I know it broke my heart the first time I accepted it, but our little Haley is no longer a virgin. I'm sorry." Quinn was damn good at keeping a straight face and I just wanted to applaud her. Sarcasm definitely runs in the family.

"Yeah… if you couldn't tell from the way she was walking this morning…" Nathan started.

I pointed my finger at him and he quickly stopped. "Now that's taking it a bit far. We don't need Jake stroking out in front of us." I grabbed Nathan's arm, pulling him in close. "Although I am feeling a little bowlegged this morning," I whispered in his ear. Even though I know they didn't hear me, Nathan's smirk must have given away what I said.

"I hate you both," Jake huffed out before walking out of the room.

"I guess that's out cue to leave," I said as I grabbed Nathan's hand, pulling him along. It was time for us to face the world.

"Love you, Jake," I shouted as we were walking to the door. I hit Nathan in the stomach as we stood at the door. "Say it."

"Are you are serious?"

"Yes, I'm serious."

"Isn't that a bit gay?"

"Really? After the conversation we just scarred him with, I'm pretty sure he knows you're not interested in him that way. Now say it."

"Yeah… Same here, Jake." He looked at me and shrugged. "That's the best I got, babe."

I just rolled my eyes. Really, what else could I do? "You're lucky you're hot."