A/N: I know, I know, I pretty much suck and I probably don't have any readers left. Sorry for long absence, been busy with school. Here's another update, I think you all will like this one. Remember, only TWO chapters left in this story!
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, just the storyline.
"People who are meant to be together always find a way to each other. When life gets hard, when things change, true love remains the same."
Chapter 38
Previously on TLRTS…
"Are you happy Brooke?"
She picked her head up and looked down into Nathan's eyes. She leaned in and gave him a passionate kiss.
"I take that as a yes?"
She nodded her head as she smiled and leaned in for more. She sighed as she laid her head back on his chest and fell asleep. He smiled as he ran a gentle hand through her hair as he looked over at his bag with the little black box in it, waiting for the right moment.
~BNBNBNBNBN~
"Brooke, babe, can you come here for a second?"
Nathan rubbed his shaky hands on his knees, trying to shrug off his nervousness.
"Nate, I'm busy getting ready."
He shook his head as he pulled on his jacket, palming the small black box in his pocket.
Brooke came back out in a form fitting black dress. Nathan smiled as she put in her last earring.
"What is it that's so important to interrupt me getting pretty?"
It's gotta be this one,
You don't have to fake it
He smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Brooke, you don't need to get pretty, you're already beautiful."
She smirked as he kissed her.
"Let me get my shoes."
He nodded as he checked on the kids. They were both on the couch with Sam wedged between them.
"Alright guys, be extra good for Sam tonight, okay?"
They both nodded their heads.
"Thanks again Sam."
"No problem, I love these squirts."
Jake stared indignantly up at Sam.
"I am not a squirt."
She ruffled his hair, which started a full out tickle war. Nathan laughed as he watched Sawyer and Jake gang up on Sam.
"Alright, give your uncle a hug."
They both jumped off the couch and into Nathan's waiting arms.
"Bye Uncle Nate."
They each gave him a kiss on the cheek, which he returned.
"Okay, you guys have fun and Sam? Make sure they aren't up all night."
Sam nodded as Nathan let go of Sawyer and Jake. He walked back out to the foyer where Brooke exited her bedroom. She smiled as he held out his hand.
"I'll have the filet mignon. Well done please."
The waiter nodded as he took Brooke's order.
"I'll have the same."
The waiter gave him a knowing look and Nathan gave the look right back.
"Excuse me; I have to use the bathroom."
"Okay."
Nathan uneasily got up and when to the host.
"Are you ready?"
"No not yet, we just placed our order."
"Do you have the ring?"
Nathan nodded and took the ring out of its box.
"Take good care of it. It's a family heirloom."
The host nodded.
"And I'll give the signal for the violins."
"As you wish, sir."
Nathan nodded and walked back to his table.
"So, how has your day been?"
"The usual. You watching me like a hawk so I don't overwork myself and me being bored out of my mind not being able to do anything."
You know I can take it
What if I told you your tears haven't been ignored
And everything that was taken can be restored
Brooke gave Nathan a look and he just shrugged his shoulders.
"Nate, I'm ready to go back to work."
"Okay, well, school hasn't started yet."
"I know, but I want to get out and do something."
"Brooke, I just don't want you to hurt yourself. I need you to live a long life."
Nathan was about to say something else, but their dinner had arrived. The waiter pulled the covers off the platters.
"This looks great, thanks!"
"Ma'am, would you care for a breadstick."
This is it.
"No, I'm fine, thank you."
The waiter looked at Nathan and his eyebrows shot up.
"Brooke, you sure you don't want a breadstick?"
"No, I'm sure."
Brooke gave Nathan a weird look.
"Alright, well, I'll take one."
The waiter gave the breadstick with the ring on it to Nathan. He carefully concealed it on his plate. They ate their dinner in silence. He was trying to figure out how to start his proposal.
Feel this
Can you feel this
"I love you."
Brooke smiled mid bite and swallowed.
"I love you too, Nate."
"Sorry, that wasn't supposed to sound like that. It's just I'm really nervous and I don't know how to do this."
My heart beating out of my chest
Feel this
"How to do what Nathan?"
He now had her full attention.
"Um, do you want a breadstick?"
"Why do you keep asking me that?"
Oh, god, she's going to figure it out.
"Nothing, it's just that I thought you liked breadsticks."
"What's going on?"
"Alright, it's been a rough year for you and me, and I know I've made a lot of mistakes. I don't deserve your love or your happiness or your kindness or your graciousness, but you give them all to me unconditionally."
Can you feel this
Salvation, under my breath
Brooke gave him a puzzled look.
"Okay, um, you forgave me for my mistakes because you love me, every part of me, even my flaws. That's what love is, looking past the flaws because they're the one. You're the one Brooke and-"
It's gotta be just right
Soul and spirit
"Brooke!"
Damn fate.
Brooke was speechless for a moment. She knew what was coming. She looked up at the person saying her name, mouth dropped.
"Haley, what are you doing here?"
Brooke shook her head free and stood up to hug Haley. She looked down at Nathan to see him momentarily crushed.
"I know the chef here and figured I'd stop by. What are you doing here?"
Nathan stood up to greet Haley, trying to compose himself at her horrendous timing.
"Just enjoying a night out free of kids."
"Well, since you're here, I wanted to tell you that I'm moving back to Tree Hill."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I decided to take a break from music and I've really missed home. I love New York, but it's not Tree Hill."
Brooke nodded, she understood Haley completely.
"When are you leaving?"
"By the end of the week. I'm moving in with my parents until my house is renovated."
"Call me before you leave so I can help you pack."
"Brooke, you don't have to do that."
"No, I want to. Well, actually Nathan hasn't let me out since, well, you know, and I've been stir crazy."
Nathan smiled at Brooke as she rolled her eyes.
"Okay, I don't want to keep you from your dinner. It was great seeing you Brooke. You too, Nathan."
Nathan waved to Haley as she walked away. He watched Brooke as she sat back down with a weird look on her face.
"I can't believe she's going back."
"Yeah, uh, me neither."
"I miss it."
'Miss what?"
"Tree Hill. Home. I miss it all."
Nathan nodded as he picked at his steak. He suddenly wasn't hungry anymore as he had lost the moment. He looked up as men with violins were walking up behind Brooke. He quickly shook his head at them and they gave him a confused look. He mouthed no and they nodded sullenly.
"So, what were you saying before?"
Nathan looked up at Brooke, her attention back on him.
"Oh, I was just trying to say I love you."
Brooke smiled and took his hand in hers.
"I love you too Natey."
He half-heartedly smiled back.
A week passed since the 'almost' proposal. Brooke had just gotten back from helping Haley pack up her stuff. She plopped down on the couch next to Nathan, who was watching Sportscenter as Sawyer and Jake played on the floor below them.
"I wanna go back."
Nathan looked down at Brooke.
"I wanna go back to Tree Hill."
Nathan was surprised. He hadn't been expecting this.
"You want to go back?"
"Yeah, I was helping Haley pack up her stuff and I was thinking; Sawyer and Jake can't grow up in the city. It's not the right place to raise a child. And I miss Tree Hill, its home."
Chord and lyrics
What if I told you that innocence is yours
And the beauty you have now is brighter than before
Brooke placed a hand on Nathan's cheek so he was forced to look at her.
"Nate?"
"If it's what you want Brooke; then I agree with you. The city isn't the best place to raise two children."
Brooke squealed as she gave Nathan a kiss and jumped up from the couch. She ran to the kitchen to call Haley. Sawyer and Jake looked up at Nathan.
"Nafan?"
"Your momma's weird."
Sawyer and Jake laughed.
"I heard that Nathan Scott!"
He laughed along with Sawyer and Jake.
"Hey babe, have you seen my blue Versace dress?
Nathan turned around from his box to see Brooke at the entrance of her closet.
"Seriously?"
"Yes, I'm serious!"
"You think I know the difference between Versace and Coco Chanel?"
Brooke gave him the look.
"It's on the right side of your closet."
Brooke gave him a dimpled smile while he just shook his head. He applied the duct tape over his box and placed it out in the hall. He checked in on Sawyer.
"How's it going in here princess?"
"Good, Uncle Nate. I'm almost finished. I just have to pack up my pictures."
Sawyer sat down on her bed with a picture in her hands. It was a picture of Lucas and Peyton from their senior year. Nathan sat down next to her and motioned for her to give it to him.
"I remember this day. We had a big food fight in your dad's kitchen and then your Nanny Karen came in. She was furious at first, but then my Uncle Keith came up from behind her and dumped flour all over her. We couldn't stop laughing."
"What happened to your Uncle Keith?"
Nathan caught his breath when Sawyer looked up at him with her wide innocent blue eyes.
"Well, do you remember Grandpa Dan?"
Sawyer nodded her head. She remembered Brooke explaining what happened to her only grandfather.
"This is hard to explain because you're so little."
"But, Uncle Nate, I'm six now. I'm a big girl."
Nathan smiled as he wrapped an arm around the little girl's shoulders.
"I know you are, it's just that this is complicated to explain to any person."
Nathan gathered a breath while he searched for the right words.
"So Uncle Keith and Grandpa Dan were brothers-"
"Just like you and Daddy."
"You're right, just like me and Daddy. Unfortunately, Grandpa Dan and Uncle Keith didn't get along as well as your Daddy and I did. They were very competitive with one another. They were so competitive that finally one of them snapped."
"Which one Uncle Nate?"
"Your grandfather did."
"Your Daddy?"
Nathan sighed as she said this. He felt so ashamed explaining to Sawyer that his father murdered her Uncle.
"Yeah, my Daddy."
Sawyer fell silent as she took in what happened.
"So, Uncle Keith is up in heaven."
"Yup, with your Mommy and Daddy."
"Good, so he can watch over them and have more food fights."
Nathan smiled as he gave Sawyer a squeeze.
"You're so smart, how old are you again?"
Sawyer smiled as she held up her two hands, counting off six on her fingers.
"I'm glad that you're back, Uncle Nate. Now you can watch over me like Uncle Keith watched over Daddy."
Nathan nodded and pulled Sawyer into his lap. This girl was so strong, smart and innocent for her age; he hoped it would carry her through life and that she would never give up hope.
"Alright, how about we pack up the rest of your stuff and go help Jake?"
Sawyer nodded her head as she kissed Lucas and Peyton's picture. Nathan watched as the girl wiped away a stray tear and placed the picture in the box. He gave her a smile, which she returned. She grabbed his hand as he led her out of her room, turning off the light.
After dinner they played a game of Go Fish, soon afterwards Jake fell asleep and Nathan put him to bed. Sawyer soon followed. Nathan was packing up the last boxes when he felt Brooke's arms creep around his waist.
Feel this
Can you feel this
"Let's go to bed."
"Alright, I'm almost done."
"What about your hotel room?"
"It's all here."
Nathan turned around to hold Brooke in his arms.
"Do you think we're making a mistake?"
"About going back?"
"Yeah. We haven't been there since, well, Lucas and Peyton's accident. I'm just afraid of feeling that pain again."
Nathan lifted Brooke's chin up so she was looking up into his eyes.
"I think the pain's always going to be there, but with time hopefully it won't hurt as much. We all have to face our fears at some point, but I'll be there for you, along with Sawyer and Jake, your son."
My heart beating out of my chest
Feel this
"Our son."
Nathan smiled as Brooke said our son.
"Why do you get some sleep and I'll finish these boxes?"
Brooke nodded and gave him a kiss.
Nathan sighed as he picked up the binder clip of paper.
Two Brothers.
He sat it on the table and taped up the last box. He picked up Lucas' unfinished story and walked into the bedroom. Brooke was already in bed and he undressed and climbed in next to her.
He kissed her forehead, which she smiled with her eyes still closed. He opened his arm as she nuzzled into him.
Can you feel this
Salvation, under my breath
"Goodnight Brooke."
"Night, Natey."
Welcome to Tree Hill, North Carolina
Nathan smiled down at Brooke as he held Jake in his free arm. Brooke looked down at Sawyer who was anxiously holding her favorite stuffed animal, a purple monkey.
"It's good to be home."
Nathan smiled as he wrapped an arm around Brooke's shoulder and walked them out to their waiting car.
"So where to?"
"I was thinking we'd stay with my Mom since we don't really have a permanent living situation. Plus, she has plenty of room and she loves Sawyer and Jake."
"I think that's a good idea."
"Nathan!"
Nathan smiled as he hugged his surprised mother.
"Hey Mom."
"What are you doing here?"
Nathan stepped back so she could see Brooke, Sawyer and Jake standing behind him. Brooke stepped up to give Deb a hug.
"We wanted to visit. Is that okay?"
"Of course, I love having you kids over. Come in."
Deb hugged both Sawyer and Jake and led them inside, Brooke and Nathan following.
Deb set Sawyer and Jake up in the family room while Brooke and Nathan settled at the island in the middle of the kitchen.
"So, what brought you back home?"
Brooke smiled at Nathan.
"Well, Haley said she was moving back and it kinda hit me. I miss Tree Hill and its home. I love New York and all, but it's not the ideal place to raise kids."
"I'm glad you're back."
"Yeah, me too."
"Where are you guys going to stay?"
Nathan sat his bottle of water down. Brooke's attention turned to Sawyer and Jake in the family room.
"We thought we'd stay with you for a few days until we figured something more permanent out."
"You guys are welcome to stay as long as you like. I missed my grandkids."
"They missed you plenty Mom, don't worry. It's all they talked about on the plane ride."
"I bet. Well, let me go set up your rooms."
"No, its okay Deb, we can do it. Why don't you hang out with Sawyer and Jake?"
Deb smiled at Brooke's suggestion.
"You don't have to tell me twice."
Nathan carried their suitcases upstairs and led Brooke into his old bedroom. She smiled as she closed the door behind her.
"Nate, you still have all your old posters and pictures still up?"
"Yeah, I guess my mom never got around to taking them down."
"Is it still the same bed?"
"I don't know, why don't we try it out?"
Brooke smiled as she helped Nathan undress.
"What are we having for dinner, Nanny Deb?"
"I was thinking hot dogs and hamburgers. How does that sound?"
"That sounds awesome!"
Deb smiled as Sawyer hopped up on a bar stool. Jake had trouble, so Deb sat him in Nathan's old highchair.
"Can we have ice cream too?"
"Of course you can."
Both children smiled as they watched Deb move around the kitchen.
"Where are your uncle and aunt?"
Both kids shrugged their shoulders and Deb quietly chuckled to herself. She knew exactly what they were doing.
After having a small barbeque, Skills, Bevin and Mouth joined them, Brooke and Nathan retired to their bed.
"Can you feel this?"
Feel this
Can you feel this
Nathan looked over at Brooke in puzzlement.
"What?"
She took his hand and placed it on her chest, right over her heart.
"Well Brooke, that's your heart and it beats to keep you alive-"
"Shut up! I'm trying to have a moment with you right now."
"Oh, okay, I'll be quiet."
He smirked as he watched Brooke's face.
"God, Nate, my heart is beating so fast."
My heart beating out of my chest
Feel this
"I can feel it."
Brooke looked over at Nathan, who was trying so desperately not to laugh at her. She rolled her eyes at him.
"I'm glad we're home."
"Yeah? Me too."
Brooke rolled over to her side, head leaning against Nathan's shoulder.
"So, when I get a permanent living situation, would you like to move in with us?"
Nathan looked down at Brooke with a smile and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"You didn't really have to ask, my answer's pretty much a given."
Brooke looked up at him expectedly.
"Yes Brooke, I would love to move in with you, Sawyer and Jake."
"I thought you would say that."
"Can I ever say no to you?"
Brooke smiled mischievously as she rolled over to straddle him.
"For your sake, I hope not."
Can you feel this
Salvation, under my breath
A/N: Sorry for taking over a month to update. School's been busy and softball is about to start, so it's going to get even crazier. Lyrics to the song in this chapter was 'Feel This' by Bethany Joy Galeotti. Please review and let me know what you think! The more reviews, the faster I update1 Anyways, two chapters left to this story and until next time!