Hey everyone. I've finally gotten the chance to update. I've been working on final papers and presentations for school. But I've also been writing some really important chapters for this story. I actually just finished the one where Haley leaves, and I couldn't do anything else until it was completely done. But I don't want you guys worrying about that now. There are actually going to be a lot of happy and great Naley moments before we get to the intense drama. And with that in mind, onto Chapter 36. Thank you very much for your reviews, and please continue to write them! They make me happy during such stressful times!

Chapter 36

"…and that over there is the library. That's where most of my tutoring sessions would be. And sometimes, if I finished early, I'd come over here to the park to just walk around or lay in the grass and look up at the sky for a while," Haley explained. Nathan listened intently as she gave him a tour of the town. Haley was right when she said it was slightly duller than Tree Hill. They barely had a decent size mall in Honey Grove. There were all vintage clothing shops and small home goods stores. Even the high school seemed to be about half the size of Tree Hill High. But that wasn't the worst part. Much to Nathan's horror, there appeared to be no basketball court around anywhere.

"…and that's basically it," Haley finished as they continued walking along the sidewalk hand in hand. "So what do you think?"

"I think I don't how you survived in a town like this," Nathan answered. "I mean, it's nice and it seems really safe but what did you do for entertainment?"

"We left," Haley laughed. "We'd usually go to Sacramento. There are lots of things to do there."

"Well, that's something."

"But there is one place that I haven't showed you yet. It's where my friends and I would always hang out. Come on," Haley said as she led them down a few more blocks. They didn't even need to borrow her parents' car. Most of the places were no more than ten to fifteen minutes away.

"Here we are," Haley announced as they stopped in front of a small restaurant.

"Patty's Pancake House?" Nathan questioned laughing. That's catchy, he thought.

"Yes," Haley said indignantly. "Patty was actually my mom's best friend growing up. They've known each other since elementary school. We're pretty close, too. When I entered high school, she was the first one to hire me. I've been working here every summer since. You should try her food. It's excellent."

"So we're going to eat pancakes at three o'clock in the afternoon?" Nathan asked amused.

"That's not all they serve but it is their specialty," Haley informed him with a roll of her eyes.

"Well, then let's check it out," he declared. He then opened the door and ushered Haley to go in first.

"Ooh, such a gentleman," Haley teased.

"Only for you," he replied as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. The inside was very quaint. It looked kind of country to Nathan. There was a big, colorful quilt hanging up on the light brown wall to the right. On the left were a few paintings of barn animals and scenes with kids playing. Oh yeah, this is definitely country. Even the wooden tables and chairs seemed rustic. He was kind of surprised since this was California they were in.

"So, what do you think?" Haley asked with a knowing smile. She had noticed the semi-shocked look and frown on his face. She wasn't surprised. This was definitely not Nathan Scott's type of scene.

"I guess it's great if you like this type of theme," he answered politely. He didn't want to insult Haley. This was where she worked. But he couldn't help but think that Karen's Café beat this place hands down.

"It's ok, Nathan, if you're not into it. But you have to at least try the food. That you won't be disappointed with," Haley said as she led them over to the counter. "I promise."

"We'll see," he replied while following her.

"So where can a girl get a decent cup of coffee around here?" Haley asked the short, slightly tubby redhead behind the counter. The woman turned around with a wide grin on her face.

"Haley!" Patty exclaimed happily. "How are you doing, kiddo? I didn't know that you were back in town yet."

"Yeah, we just got in yesterday," Haley said.

"By 'we' I'm assuming you mean Nathan," she stated.

"Um, yeah," Haley replied as she and Nathan shared slightly confused looks.

"You know, I almost had a heart attack when your mother told me you were bringing your husband with you. And then I almost dropped dead when I found out that you've been married since last May," Patty explained. "You, Haley Anne James, didn't say one thing the whole entire summer."

"I know. I'm sorry. It was all so sudden and we wanted time to adjust," Haley informed her.

"Well, I don't know whether to congratulate you or smack you with my frying pan for keeping it a secret for so long," Patty responded shaking her head. She sounded cross but Haley knew better. That was just the way Patty kidded around.

"I like the first option better," Haley told her with a smile. "Anyway, you know now. So, Patty, I'd like you to meet my husband Nathan. Nathan, this is my friend/employer Patty." The two exchanged pleasantries and shook hands. Nathan thought that Patty seemed nice enough. She appeared to be a lot tougher than Haley's mom, though. It was a little diffcult to picture the two of them being best friends.

"Now, do you have a ring or is that in hiding, as well?" she asked. Haley held up her left hand. "Sweet lord, look at the size of that thing! It must've cost a pretty penny."

"Yeah, it did," Nathan confirmed.

"Do you like it?" Haley asked.

"Yes and no. Yes, because it's so beautiful. No, because it makes the ring my husband Bob gave me look like it came out of a Cracker Jack box," she joked causing Nathan and Haley to laugh.

"Thanks," Haley responded.

"You're welcome. Now did you really want that cup of coffee or did you just stop in to say 'hello'?"

"Actually, coffee and a menu for Nathan would be good," Haley said. "I told him that he just has to try your cooking."

"Excellent. I'll be right back," Patty stated before heading into the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later with two filled coffee cups and some creamers and sugars on a tray. After she set everything down in front of them, she squatted behind the counter to get a menu.

"What about you?" Nathan asked Haley as he scanned the menu that Patty had just handed him. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"Yeah, I am. But I already know what I want. I work here so I know everything they serve by heart," she answered. Nathan nodded as he continued to scan the menu.

"Are you ready to order or do you need another minute?" Patty asked when she came back from tending to another customer.

"I'll have the usual," Haley stated.

"And for you, Nathan?" Patty questioned.

"I'll have the Cheeseburger Deluxe," he answered.

"Ok. It'll be out shortly," Patty informed them before returning to the kitchen. As they waited, Nathan took Haley's left hand in his.

"I told you everyone was going to be envious of your ring," he smirked.

"Someone seems awfully smug," Haley laughed. Nathan shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

"I only want you to have the best," he replied as he drew invisible circles with his finger on her palm.

"I do," she commented with a smile. She then leaned in and gave him a soft kiss.

"Sometimes I wonder," Nathan muttered. His eyes were still focused on the motion of his finger.

"What?" Haley asked surprised.

"It's nothing," Nathan dismissed quickly. Haley then pulled her hand away from Nathan's and brought his face up to look at her.

"Talk to me," she instructed softly.

"You're going to think it's stupid."

"Try me."

"I just…I just still can't believe that I didn't even think about saying Grace before dinner," he said. Nathan felt really silly for even bringing it up. But it had been irking him ever since last night. I should've known better.

"Nathan, I told you not to worry about it," Haley replied. "It's not that big a deal. I noticed that your family never did it either. It's not your fault. You just didn't know any better."

"Well, I still feel like a jerk," he declared.

"You're not," she assured him with a kiss. "And when we have dinner with my parents tonight again you'll be ready. Ok?" Nathan nodded.

"God, I feel like such a girl right now," he said while shaking his head. Haley laughed.

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, you certainly don't look like one," she teased causing him to smile.

"I should hope not," he replied with a laugh. He then brought his hand up to caress her cheek. He loved how Haley was able to completely diffuse a situation and put his mind at ease. Nathan could feel his heart beat faster as he stared into her caring, chocolate brown eyes. He then leaned in to give her a tender kiss. Haley immediately responded as she moved her body closer to him on the stool and slid her hands up to his broad shoulders.

"You know, if you keep this up, we both might be out of a job," Patty interrupted teasingly as she put their meals down in front of them. "These people didn't sign up for dinner and a show." The two quickly pulled apart.

"Oh, sorry," Haley apologized sheepishly. Nathan saw the blush forming on her face and smirked. She is too adorable when she's embarrassed. There were a few people looking at them with either pleasant smiles or scowls but Nathan didn't care. He would never be ashamed of being caught with Haley.

"Ah, young love," Patty laughed before heading off to take care of a few more customers. It was then that Nathan felt Haley tense up next to him. Her eyes were downcast as she seemed to bore a hole into her bowl of mac and cheese with her gaze.

"Hales, are you ok?" Nathan questioned. She nodded while still not looking at him. "You're sure?"

"Yes," Haley stated after a minute or so. Her usual smile was back on her face and she seemed to be more relaxed. Nathan, regardless, continued to stare at her with a concerned look.

"I'm fine," she said before leaning in to give him a reassuring kiss. "Now eat before your food gets cold." Nathan dropped the subject as he began to take a bite out of his hamburger. He was still a little worried about her change in mood before but he didn't push it further. As they ate, they settled into light conversation. Every now and then, Patty would stop and chat with them in between serving customers. It was another hour before they had finished eating and said goodbye to Patty before leaving.

"Did you like the food?" Haley asked as they walked on the sidewalk heading back toward her house.

"It was pretty good. But I still like your cooking better," he stated. Haley smiled up at him as she looped her arm through his.

"Good answer," she joked before giving him a quick peck on the cheek. They walked in a comfortable silence for the next fifteen minutes.

"So, when am I meeting your friends?" Nathan asked. He'd seen all of Honey Grove and met with her parents and sister. The rest of Haley's siblings would be arriving on Sunday. The only people left for him to meet were her old friends from high school.

"Probably not until my birthday next week," Haley answered. "Greg is in San Francisco with relatives until the day after Christmas. Megan and Anna usually stay around here but they work retail so they tend to get extra shifts before the holidays. But I called Anna to let her know that I was back so she might stop by tomorrow or something."

"Are you nervous about seeing them?"

"No. Why?" Haley asked confused.

"Well, they don't exactly know that we're seeing each other. You don't think that they'll be mad that you kept that from them?"

"A little," she replied truthfully. "They might be shocked at first but when they see that I'm happy they'll get over it." Nathan smiled at that. He couldn't suppress the sense of pride he felt in that moment. That the reason Haley was smiling and so carefree all of the time was because of him.

"I'm happy, too," he told her after a minute or so. Haley's smile grew wider as she leaned up on her toes to kiss him. Nathan immediately wrapped his arm around her waist to bring her closer. His other hand slid up to become tangled in her wavy, honey locks. The kiss was still gentle but Nathan could feel the raw passion behind it. He didn't know how he could have resisted Haley for the two years they'd known each other. Behind all the tension and fights, that explosive chemistry between them had always been there. He'd known it but never wanted to acknowledge it. The harsher the fight between them the more he had felt his feelings for her percolating just below the surface. It was a battle that Nathan was now glad that he had lost.

"We have to go," Haley said slightly breathless when they finally broke apart. "I'm supposed to help my parents with the Christmas tree and decorations."

"Actually, I was going to ask you about that," Nathan said. "Why did they wait so long to get one?"

Haley laughed softly to herself before answering, "My dad's totally anal about finding the 'perfect' tree. He refuses to buy anything that doesn't meet his high standards."

"Oh," Nathan chuckled.

"Yeah, he said he was going to pick it up earlier today."

"Well, I can't wait to see this 'perfect' tree of his," Nathan declared.

"Did you want to help us with it?" Haley asked as she looped her arm through his, once again. "We always set it up and put the decorations on together."

"Yeah, I'll help," Nathan answered. "That last time I decorated a real Christmas tree I was ten. After that, my parents bought a fake one and left the ornaments on it when they stored it in the basement. My dad thought it was quicker to do it like that. He didn't like to waste his time on 'trivial' things."

"Oh my God, that's horrible," Haley commented. One of her favorite parts of Christmas was decorating the tree and the rest of the house. It was a tradition in her family to do it all together. Now that all of her siblings were already out of the house and living in other cities, it was just Haley, Vivian, and her parents who continued it.

"No, that's Dan," Nathan corrected. That is completely unacceptable, she thought.

"Now I'm really glad that I brought you with me. You, Nathan Scott, are going to get your childhood Christmas back," she announced resolutely. Haley then quickened her pace and began to drag Nathan along.

"Hales," he laughed but she just shushed him and proceeded to walk faster. They were only a block away from her house now. "You know, you're kind of sexy when you're like this." Haley's face flushed but she wouldn't dare look at him right now. Nathan deserved a fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. And by God, she was going to give it to him.

"…so I wrestled the bitch to the ground, grabbed the sweater, threw money at the sales girl and ran," Brooke explained. Haley laughed as Brooke finished telling her story about some last minute Christmas shopping she did.

"Did you hurt her?"

"Who cares? The skank took it out from under my hand just as I was going to grab it," Brooke defended. "She had it coming."

"Oh, Tigger. You are too funny," Haley sighed as she continued cleaning her room. The rest of the family was arriving tomorrow and Lydia wanted everything to be in order—even though she knew the house would most likely be in shambles after they all left. There were definitely going to be a lot of children running around.

"I try," she replied. "So how are things going over there with you and Boy Toy? Did you guys rip each other's clothes off yet or what?"

"Brooke!" Haley scolded. "Don't be so crude."

"What? It's bound to happen eventually. And you guys are married," she pointed out.

"That may be true but nothing is going to happen—at least not yet."

"But you've thought about it, right?" Of course I've thought about it! Nathan is sweet, caring, hott, and I'm totally head over heels in love with him! She had watched him with her family yesterday and her heart had melted. Nathan and her father had talked and joked around the whole time they decorated the tree. She then noticed him and her mom laughing as he helped her put the ornaments on the higher branches that she couldn't reach. Later on, Vivian came over with Bill and he and Nathan had started talking about basketball and other things they both liked. He was a perfect fit in her family.

"Occasionally," she answered offhandedly.

"Liar," Brooke accused with a laugh.

"Look, I'm not saying it won't ever happen. I'm not that naïve. It's just that I want us both to be in love when it does. And I want us to stay together," she explained. Haley wanted to give that part of herself to her husband. To the man she loved and wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Nathan was that man. She may have wanted an annulment in the beginning—before she truly knew him—but now it made her sick to her stomach at the thought of being without him. He had become such an important part of her life. Haley honestly didn't know if she could handle letting him go again. But Nathan's feelings had to be in it, too.

"Oh my God, Tutor Girl, I'm so thrilled that I could cry," Brooke proclaimed. "It's about time you guys realized there was something more there."

"I know I have, Brooke, but I don't know about Nathan. He could really like me but it doesn't mean that he's in love and will want to stay married."

"Tutor Girl, as your best friend, I mean this in the nicest and most helpful way possible," Brooke began. "You're an idiot."

"What?!" Haley exclaimed.

"Haley, anyone can see that Nathan is hopelessly in love with you. I knew there was something there the first time I saw the two of you arguing. And the fact that you guys got married—even if you were drunk at the time—means something. Alcohol always makes the truth come out. Now you're finally together and you're both so happy. It's just so obvious that you're meant to be together. Hell, even Lucas and Jake can see it and you know how clueless they can be about things like that."

"But, Brooke…" Haley began to protest.

"No. Look at everything Nathan has done for you. He beat up Shane, took care of you when you were as sick as a dog, defended you when Dan and Deb bad mouthed you, and has been nothing but a complete sweetheart whenever you're around. If that isn't true love, then I don't know what is."

"He was just being a good friend before," Haley argued.

"No, he was being a good husband," Brooke countered. Haley let out a frustrated sigh. She was so confused right now. Her friend's words and the doubts in her mind were fighting for control.

"Regardless, I don't know what to do, Brooke."

"You have to talk to him. It's the only way, Haley."

"I can't," Haley objected. "I can't even say it out loud myself." Ugh, I'm such a big baby! Why can't I just get it out?!

"Then maybe it's just not the right time yet. But when you're ready, I promise the words will come and everything will fall into place."

"I hope you're right," Haley muttered.

"Tutor Girl, it's me. I'm always right," Brooke teased causing Haley to laugh. "Now that's more like it."

"Thanks, Tigger," Haley replied. "I needed that."

"Any time." There was then a knock on Haley's bedroom door before it opened.

"Hales, your mom needs your help with something downstairs," Nathan informed her.

"Ok," she responded before talking back into the phone. "Tigger, I'm sorry. I have to go."

"No problem. I have to finish wrapping a few gifts, anyway. I'll call you again soon," Brooke promised.

"Alright, bye. And thanks again."

"No problem. Tell Boy Toy I said 'hi.' Later, Tutor Girl." Haley then hung up the phone before turning to Nathan.

"Was that Brooke?" he asked.

"Yeah. She says 'hi'." Nathan nodded in understanding and then gave Haley a curious look.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

"Um, yeah," she quickly answered. "Why would you ask that?"

"I don't know. You've just seemed a little preoccupied these past couple days—almost jumpy at times. Like right now, for example."

"I'm fine. I just get a little stressed during the holidays," she said. "My family is really big and it takes a lot out of me—especially with my sister Taylor coming. We don't get along and she can be a handful." Even though what Haley had said was true, she still felt guilty. That wasn't the real reason behind her behavior. Having all these feelings and being around Nathan constantly was taking a toll on her. She wasn't ready to talk to him but at the same time she felt like if she held it in any longer she'd burst.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked coming to stand in front of her. He then started to rub his hands soothingly up and down her arms—which immediately made a shiver run up her spine.

"No," she said while shaking her head. Nathan's face moved closer to hers and Haley found herself being unable to look away from his striking blue eyes. It wasn't long before their lips connected. She instantly granted him entrance as his tongue traced her bottom lip. Her arms wound around his neck as he brought her body flush against his.

"Are you sure?" he mumbled against her skin as he moved farther down to her neck.

"Yes," she said rather breathlessly—to the point where she wasn't sure if it was in response to his question or what his mouth was doing. Her heart was beating a mile a minute and she could barely concentrate on anything but him. Nathan then kissed his way to the other side of her neck and moved her hair away so that he could have better access. A few minutes later, his lips finally returned to hers, and Haley kissed him with more passion than she ever thought possible. The intensity behind her feelings was building. And the way he was kissing and holding her only seemed to fuel the desire to tell him the truth even more.

"Hales," he groaned into her mouth as her tongue stroked his.

"Nathan…" she said while still kissing him, "I…I…" Her words disappeared into a moan as he nibbled on her bottom lip.

"You what?" he asked huskily as he continued to ravage her mouth.

"I…" she started again. The words were on the tip of her tongue. "I…"

"Haley Bop!" Lydia's voice shouted—shocking Haley's mind and body back to reality. She quickly broke the kiss and pulled away from him.

"I'm sorry," she apologized in the most normal sounding voice that she could muster. She was completely panicking on the inside. In that moment, Haley had been really close to blurting out the truth. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, she berated herself. Damn his kisses and my lack of willpower!

"Don't worry about it," he replied. "Go help your mom. We can finish this later."

"Ok," Haley said while giving him a timid smile. She then turn around and was ready to bolt out the door when she felt his hand on hers stilling her movement.

"Before you go, what were you trying to say?" Nathan asked.

"Huh?" Haley questioned playing dumb and trying to come up with a logical excuse.

"Just now, you were trying to say something," Nathan clarified. "What was it?"

"Oh, um, nothing. I just was…uh…uh…I was just wondering if you'd called Lucas yet," she made up. "It's been a couple of days. Maybe you should check in and see how he's doing."

"Why?" Nathan asked curiously.

"Well, he's your brother. What other reason is there?" she pointed out.

"So, while we were kissing, you were thinking about me calling Lucas?" He couldn't help but think that Haley was acting a little odd. She seemed very anxious at the moment. Those suspicions that something was going on again with her seemed to resurface.

"Yeah," Haley answered and instantly wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole. How lame is that excuse?! Ugh, I'm an idiot, she thought to herself.

"Hales…" Nathan began to say but she interrupted him.

"Well, not the whole time. It just sort of popped into my head at the end since Brooke had called to find out how things were going. I just thought it would be nice if you touched base with your brother," she explained. Nathan didn't say anything. He simply stood there and watched her. Something was definitely up. Haley was biting her lip and fidgeting with her ring—classic signs that she was hiding something.

"Haley Bop, come down here now please!" Lydia shouted again. Haley was actually grateful for her mother's impatience right now. She could tell that Nathan didn't believe her story for a second. He wasn't stupid.

"I have to go see what she wants. You don't have to call Luke right now if you don't want to. It was just a thought," she rushed out before giving him a quick peck on the lips. "We can finish this later." She was then quickly out the door before Nathan could even formulate a reply. He was now beyond confused.

"Did I miss something?"