A/N: Thank you all for the reviews over the last two years. And thanks to my beta: Leeese. This is the final chapter. Hope you all enjoy it.
Chapter Thirty Six
By the end of the day, James Lucas Scott was born. Everyone was relieved to hear that he was healthy. However, Lucas didn't feel like celebrating until his wife woke up. He stayed by her side all night long, praying that she would wake up soon. He didn't know how he could cope if he ended up as a single parent.
"Is there any change?" a familiar voice asked. Lucas turned to see Keith and sadly shook his head. Keith tried to cheer him up. "Don't worry. I know my daughter. She and my grandson are both fighters. They will pull through this. Then you and Brooke will be able to raise Jayden together."
Lucas was surprised at his positive attitude. "I thought you hated me. And you would kill me if anything happened to Brooke or Jayden."
"Yes, but you also said that you loved my daughter. And you wouldn't leave her to be a single mother," Keith reminded him. "So you're ok in my book. In fact, I think I'll like having a son-in-law around since I only had a daughter."
Lucas managed to give him a small smile. They then heard footsteps and he looked up to see Nathan. "We were wondering if you would like to see your nephew," he told him. Lucas didn't want to leave Brooke, but Keith assured him that he would watch over her and notify him if anything changed.
Lucas followed Nathan to Haley's room. He and Haley exchanged greetings as he looked down at the little baby in front of him. Haley didn't even ask about Brooke. She could tell by the look on Lucas's face that there was no change. So she decided to cheer him up and knew the perfect way to do it. "Do you want to hold him?" Haley asked him. Lucas didn't even hesitate before he nodded his head. She then gently handed him Jamie.
Holding Jamie made Lucas wish that he could hold his own son, but Dr. Copeland wanted to wait until Jayden was stronger. He gently rocked Jamie in his arms as he heard a click. He turned to see Quinn, holding a camera in her hand. "So is that my handsome nephew?" she asked. Lucas nodded as she took her turn in holding the baby.
Lucas knew that he should visit his son in the NICU, but he didn't want to do it without Brooke. Yet, he wanted his son to know that someone was there to support him. He quietly slipped out of Haley's room and headed to the nursery.
Lucas took a deep breath before he walked into the room. He went over to his son's incubator and looked down at him. "Did you mean what you said?" Lucas asked Dr. Copeland as he walked over to him. "Is he alright?"
Dr. Copeland nodded. "Well, he has a few problems like jaundice and being anemic. And he has a little trouble breathing on his own, but he is hanging in there. We're doing everything we can to make sure that he gets healthy and strong so he can go home. But there is only so much we can do. The rest is up to him."
Lucas nodded understandingly as he grabbed a chair and sat next to his son. Dr. Copeland left him alone as he quietly started talking to Jayden. He also encouraged him to get stronger so he could go home with him.
After a couple of hours, he went back to visit Brooke again. He was relieved when he saw that Keith had left. He wanted to talk to her alone. He sat back down in his chair before he grabbed her hand and started to speak. "You know, I'm a little in over my head here. I know you wanted to have the baby chosen over you, but I meant what I said. I can't do this with you. And I'm afraid of losing you again and it will be just the two of us," he told her as tears started to run down his face. "So you need to wake up so we can raise our son together, just like we planned."
"Is Jayden ok?" Brooke whispered as she fluttered her eyes open.
Lucas gave her a wide smile as he realized that she was finally awake. "God, you scared me," he said as he gave her a kiss. Brooke was about to speak, but he didn't let her. "Don't speak. You need your rest. Everything is fine. It turns out that you had preeclampsia. So Dr. Copeland had to do a C-section on you, but Jayden was delivered safely. Your son and nephew are both doing well." Brooke gave him a confused look. "Yeah, Haley had our nephew while you were asleep. Apparently, stress with worrying about you caused her to go into labor."
"Is Jayden really ok?" Brooke asked him anxiously. Lucas nodded. She let out a huge sigh of relief. "Thank God." However, she knew that she wouldn't be convinced until she saw him in person. "When can I see him?"
"I'll get Dr. Copeland and we'll ask him," Lucas replied. He gave her another kiss before he left the room.
A short time later, Brooke was being wheeled into the NICU. Dr. Copeland had explained to her the struggles that Jayden was having, but he also assured her that he was taking the antibiotics well. She did her best to hold her tears in as she saw Jayden in his incubator. She couldn't believe that was her son in there, fighting for his life. She wanted to hold him so much, but she had to deal with talking to him for now. Lucas squeezed her hand as she spoke. "It's alright, baby. Mommy and Daddy are here. Just hang in there, okay?"
After Brooke visited Jayden, the nurse wanted to send her back to her room. However, Brooke insisted on seeing Haley first. Haley was thrilled to see that Brooke was awake. They embraced each other in a gentle hug before they started updating each other on their current conditions.
Everyone was thrilled when they found out that Brooke was awake. Jake and Peyton postponed their wedding until the rest of their wedding party was well enough to attend. That also included the babies since they had both now arrived.
The next day, Haley and Jamie were allowed to go home. Brooke stayed at the hospital for a few more days before she was discharged. Jayden stayed behind. However, he was getting stronger every day. His jaundice soon cleared up and he was able to breathe on his own. Dr. Copeland believed that he would be able to go home before his scheduled due date.
Brooke and Lucas were ecstatic at the news. While they waited for Jayden to come home, they started planning their second wedding. After a lot of discussion, they decided to get married on New Year's Eve, the anniversary of when they had first met each other.
They also talked about where they should go on their honeymoon. Even though they didn't want to leave Jayden, they knew that they need this vacation. They had gone through so much that they deserved a break. They decided to take their honeymoon in Salt Lake City, Utah. They knew that it was a perfect place to take their winter honeymoon. Jayden would stay behind with his grandparents.
They also had prepared themselves to take care of their son by practicing with their nephew. At first, it was hard for them to handle the sleepless nights and changing stinky diapers. However, they worked together to take care of him.
Jayden became strong enough to go home right before Thanksgiving. By then, Lucas and Brooke were ready for him. Even with practice, the two new parents still had a little trouble with their newborn son. He was so different from his cousin. However, they loved every minute of it. At last, they had their family together.
Keith and Karen visited their house often to see their grandson. However, they kept their promise and let Brooke and Lucas do the parenting. They just spoiled Jayden to death with love, attention and presents. Sometimes, Lucas thought the presents were too extravagant. However, his mother did the same thing for both Jayden and Jamie. So he decided not to fight with the grandparents.
Thanksgiving was a family affair. Haley's parents invited everyone over including Jake and Peyton. However, Jake and Peyton declined their offer since they were planning to have Thanksgiving with their parents. They promised that they would get together with the gang soon before their wedding, which was now going to be in early January.
Christmas was a little quieter. Lucas and Brooke only had Naley, baby Jamie and the grandparents over. By now, the new parents could see that Jamie and Jayden were definitely going to be best friends. On Christmas Day, they spent the day together as a family of three. They opened presents before they cuddled up on the couch together, watching Christmas movies.
Their wedding day soon arrived. Brooke had butterflies all morning. Her friends did her best to calm her nerves. Haley had been chosen to be her matron of honor again while Peyton and Millie were her bridesmaids. Karen and Deb were also in the room to help her out. However, they left her alone so she could get into her wedding dress. Haley and Millie then returned to check up on her.
After a few moments, there was another knock on the door. Keith poked his head into the room. "You girls should get in line. They're about ready to start," he told Haley and Millie. They quickly said good-bye to Brooke before Haley handed her her wedding bouquet. They then left the room. There was silence between father and daughter as Keith looked at Brooke in amazement. "Wow, you look so beautiful. I can't believe that you're getting married again."
Brooke gave him a wide smile. "Thanks Daddy," she replied as she embraced him in a tight hug. "You know, I'll always be your little girl."
Keith smiled in return as they heard the music starting to play. "That's our cue," he said. Brooke gently picked up Jayden from his carrier and handed him over to his grandfather. Keith slipped his free arm into his daughter's and then led Brooke to the parsonage. She took a deep breath as the ushers opened up the double doors. As they walked down the aisle, she couldn't stop looking at Lucas's smiling face. He made her smile back.
Once they reached the front of the church, Keith proudly told everyone that he was giving Brooke to Lucas. He then sat down with Jayden as Lucas led Brooke over to the reverend. He squeezed her hand as the reverend began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony for a second time. If there is anyone who has any just cause why they may not be lawfully be joined together, speak now or forever hold your peace."
The church remained quiet so the reverend knew that it was safe to continue. "Brooke and Lucas have chosen to say their own vows. Brooke, you may go first."
Brooke took another deep breath before she spoke. She gave him a wide smile as she did. "Where my life was dark, you give me light. You give me so much strength to get through the tough times that were thrown our way." Brooke couldn't hold her tears in any longer. She started to cry as she continued her vows. "We've been through so much together. And despite how confused I've been or lost I might have gotten, there was always you finding me and saving me. You deserved to be adored. And that's what me and our son are going to do. We are going to adore you for years to come. I'm so in love with you. And I always will be."
Lucas returned the smile. "Brooke, we've only known each other for one year. In that year, we've had our ups and downs. Despite all of the drama and heartache, we were able to make it through and survive. That is what we do. That is what we will do for the rest of our lives. We will get through the good and bad times because we're together. Brooke Penelope Davis, I love you. I always have. I always will."
"May I have the rings, please?" the reverend asked the matron of honor and best man. Nathan handed the ring over to Lucas. Brooke wasn't even paying attention to what the reverend was saying anymore. She just kept her hazel eyes on Lucas and watched as he slipped the ring onto her fourth finger of her left hand. Brooke did the same thing on her soon to be husband. "With the exchange of rings and vows, Brooke and Lucas have declared their love for one another once again. By the power vested in me by the state of North Carolina, I now pronounce you man and wife again. Lucas, you may kiss your bride."
Lucas let out a huge sigh of relief. "Finally," he replied before he lifted up Brooke's veil. They shared a loving kiss as everyone applauded and cheered. The newlyweds then pulled away and quickly embraced their parents in hugs before the music picked up again. Brooke gently took Jayden out of Keith's arms and carried him down the aisle, next to her husband.
After the pictures were taken, everyone piled into their cars and drove to the club, where the reception was going to be at. Once the speeches and toasts were over, they started eating the delicious food. Brooke and Lucas left Jayden in the capable hands of his honorary Aunt Peyton and Uncle Jake. They knew that they trusted them enough to keep an eye on him while they took their first dance as husband and wife.
Lucas and Brooke strolled out onto the dance floor and waited patiently until the song started playing. They came as close together as they could as they slowly swayed to the music and gazed into each other's eyes. Once the song was over, the rest of the wedding party joined them onto the dance floor. Soon, there were many couples on the dance floor. Lucas and Brooke switched partners after a few more dances together. Brooke danced with Nathan, Mouth and even Andy.
Hours later, Lucas and Brooke were ready to leave. However, Brooke wanted to throw her bouquet first. Since Peyton was getting married soon, she didn't think it was necessary for her to gather with the group. So she and Haley just watched as other young hopefuls threw their hands in the air to try and catch the bouquet.
The newlyweds then quickly embraced their friends and parents in tight hugs as they walked down to the limousine. Brooke couldn't stop kissing and hugging Jayden. She really hated to leave him, but Lucas assured her that he was going to be fine.
Brooke gave him a smile as she quickly said her final good-byes to their guests. She then slid into the limo. Lucas was right behind her. They waved good-bye before Lucas gave the limo driver a piece of paper.
"We're not going on our honeymoon right away?" Brooke asked him confused. Lucas shook his head. "So where are you taking us?" she asked her husband curiously.
Lucas just gave her a wide smile. "It's a surprise," he told her. "So just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride."
Brooke smiled in return as she settled back against the seat. It wasn't long before the limo made a complete stop. Lucas got out first and helped Brooke out. She was instantly confused as she looked at the two story house in front of them. "What are we doing here?" she asked him.
"This is our new house," Lucas replied. Brooke was still confused. He took her hand and brought her into the foyer. He knew that he had to give her an explanation. "Living in my old house is fine, but I've realized that it is part of my past. And we are starting our lives anew. So I thought that we deserve a house where we can raise our family and make our own memories. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I wanted it to be a surprise."
"It certainly is," Brooke replied as she looked around the empty rooms. There was a fireplace in one and a chandelier in the dining room. Lucas continued to show her the kitchen with the island, granite countertops and new stove. He then showed her the spacious backyard where Jayden and Jamie would be able to play. Lucas wanted to show her the upstairs, but Brooke didn't think it was necessary. She could already picture herself living there. "I love it," she told him as she embraced him in a tight hug. "Thank you for the best wedding present ever."
"I have a few more surprises waiting for us in our new bedroom," Lucas told her. Brooke then followed him upstairs and onto their new deck. A bottle of wine and dessert were on a table, along with two wine glasses. Lucas did the gentlemanly thing and pulled Brooke's chair out for her. She thanked him before he sat down himself.
They later cuddled up in front of the fireplace. "I still can't believe that it's been a year since we met," Brooke said. "Or that you pulled me under the mistletoe just so I could get a kiss at midnight. That was so sweet of you."
Lucas smiled proudly. "Well, I certainly wasn't going to let you feel left out." There was a short pause. "I know this year wasn't good for either one of us. But that's in the past now. And this year will be better because we're together now. And that's all that matters." Brooke nodded in agreement. "Welcome home, Brooke Davis-Scott. Welcome home."
Brooke smiled in return. "You know, I'm not the only one who is letting the past go," she reminded him. "This is your home too." Lucas knew she was right. They shared a passionate kiss before they pulled away.
Lucas then looked at his watch before turning back to his wife. "Well, it's midnight. Let our new life together officially begin." After a rough year, they were ready to leave the past behind and start over with their new house and new baby. Life was good.