I'm sitting here in what we planned to be our apartment, wearing my tux and scribbling this out on one of your girly notepads because I'm not sure I could get this out if you were standing in front of me. I'd lose my nerve and you'd probably freak out and stop me even if I didn't. You do have a tendency to ramble when you're nervous.

She frowned at the paper. Was he really going to complain about that at a time like this? She continued to the next line.

Stop scowling at me. Didn't anyone ever tell you your face will freeze that way?

She rolled her eyes but smiled a little, not at the joke but at the fact that he knew her that well.

That's so much better. Did you know that your smile is one of the first things I noticed about you? You were obviously embarrassed the first time we met, but you were able to laugh at yourself and that smile caught my attention. It had been a rough few days for me, and it helped me feel like everything was going to be okay, that maybe I could find some pieces of happiness during what was an awkward, embarrassing time for myself. That smile lights up the room and gave me hope , something it has continued to do every time I've seen it since.

You know it's funny the things you don't realize until it might be too late, but I think that I started to fall for you that very first night. Over the next few months, I got to know you and I started to look forward to each encounter as the best part of my day. I was jealous of Lucas, yes I admit it and you can say I told you so. He'd known you longer and you were such a good friend to him, defending him, helping him, being there for him even when he didn't deserve it. I wanted that for myself and yet the more you gave me, the more I craved. That scared me because I was becoming dependent on you and that's something I've never felt comfortable with. The only people I've ever let myself need were James Fields and my mother. I never knew my father, Mr. Fields left us, and my mother is on the verge of doing the same. I don't want to let myself need anyone else, to become vulnerable that way. I've always been self reliant and the fear of opening up made me hide my feelings for you, even from myself for a long time. I told myself I was too young and it couldn't be real. I buried them in hard work, in school, even in worrying about my mom. I forced myself to remember how hard things would be and all the challenges we'd face. I used anything I could think of to stop me from running back to you because it was easier to believe that it would be a mistake, but it's not. I realize that now.

I guess I should've figured all of this out when you were the only person I was willing to consider marrying, or when kissing you seemed like something I never wanted to stop doing, or when I realized that my heart skipped a beat each time you walked into the room, but delusions can be awfully strong and being stubborn worked against me yet again. I continued to wear blinders until last night when I thought I might lose you. I was confused and shaken (I can explain that more later if you want), but as I tried to figure out what had happened, all I could think about was your face as you left and how I never wanted you to feel that way again. I realized that I didn't want to live without you and for the first time admitted that I didn't just want your friendship or your help, I wanted everything with you. Now that I have let myself admit them, it feels like those feelings are taking over every part of me and I feel like I'm going to burst if I don't let them out. It's a strange feeling, as terrifying as it is exhilarating and I'm at a loss for how to handle it. Hopefully you can help with that. :)

It's not about my mom anymore, I've discovered that my family has my back more than I gave them credit for and she's strong and willing to keep fighting. The money would make it a lot easier, but don't let guilt guide you in this. (She's assured me we'll find another way if we don't marry and I believe her.) This is about us. I want to be with you, but I also want you to be happy. If it were totally up to me, that would be as my wife, but if that's not what you want or if you don't feel like you can trust me, I'll accept that and move on. I won't hold it against you and I will always be your friend, someone you can come to if you need me. But, (I'm crossing my fingers here) if you think you can forgive me and are willing to give us a real chance, I'll be ready and waiting to start a life with you. There's nothing I want more. Fair warning though, if you join me, I plan to spend the rest of our lives proving to you that you made the right choice.

Your groom (hopefully),

Nathan

"What's it say?"

She wiped the tears from her eyes on the back of her hand and closed the note before looking up at the other women in the room with her. "He's here."

"So is the wedding on?" Lydia asked as everyone turned to face the bride. "It's your call."

Haley took a deep breath and let it out, "What do you think?"

Her mother took a few steps and reached for her hands. "I think it's your decision and you need to follow your heart. What's it telling you?"

"That I love him," Haley admitted, "but I'm not sure I trust him anymore. Do you think that's wrong? Maybe I'm blowing this whole thing out of proportion..."

"No," Brooke stepped in, "don't doubt yourself. He messed up and I don't know how you think you can consider marrying him."

Haley felt like she was being pulled in different directions. She was still hurt and knew it would take a little time to rebuild the trust between them, especially when she still had a small sliver of doubt that his feelings were as strong as he claimed. He hadn't said he loved her after all, but she wanted to believe him and give them a chance. "He didn't mean to hurt me..."

"Don't make excuses for him," Brooke shook her head. "Don't let him put you in that position."

"I'm not making excuses for him, he shouldn't have been with her, but it was a mistake," Haley turned to the door as Lucas walked in, "What do you think? Am I making a mistake?"

Her friend stuck his hands in his pockets, "I can't make that choice for you Hales. You know we don't really get along that well."

"I'm not asking you to, but you've been my best friend for a long time and I want to know what you think," she wasn't sure why, but she needed to hear his opinion. "Can I trust him?"

"I think that he made a mistake, but he was wronged as much last night as you were," Lucas pointed out, "maybe even more."

"What happened? Is he okay?" Haley frowned, "he didn't say anything..."

"I think he was more worried about you, but that woman messed him up. Anything more than that, you'll have to get from him." The women looked slightly abashed at his statement, "He genuinely seems to care about you. It took a lot for him to call me last night, especially in the state he was in, but he did it because he wanted to make sure I was there for you."

Quinn stepped forward, "You need to just set aside everything that's happened and think about the future. Picture what you want your life to be like someday. Do you see him standing next to you?"

Haley nodded and her sister continued, "Do you think you'll regret it if you let him go?"

Haley nodded, "I know I would, but this is marriage... I need to see him."

Nathan paced nervously back and forth in the room where the other men got ready, "What if she doesn't come?" he asked his mom, turning again to see if anyone was headed their way. "Maybe she doesn't feel the same way or maybe she thinks I'm crazy to do this before we even date..."

"Stop it honey," Deb tried to calm his nerves. "I'm sure she feels the same, I could see it the first time I met her, but if you don't take a break you're going to collapse."

He stopped and dropped down into a chair, leaning his head back and closing his eyes for a moment, "I just wish Lucas would come back already with news."

"That seems to be a new development," his mother prodded, causing him to open his eyes, "last time we talked, you were still pretty upset with him."

"He cares about Haley," Nathan shrugged. "I can at least trust that and right now, it's what's most important."

"I'm really proud of you Nathan," she reached out to touch his face, "you've been mature way beyond your years, but I want you to be one hundred percent sure this is what you want before you do it. This is a really big deal."

"I'm sure. I can't explain how I know it's right," his forehead furrowed, "or why it took so long to get it right, but I do. "

Deb smiled and stepped back, "good, she's here."

He turned and his eyes widened as she saw his bride, her dress held up above the ground as she made her way into the room

"Haley," he jumped to his feet and his voice cracked slightly at how amazing she looked. He was so glad she was there, but her expression gave him pause.

He saw his mother slip out of the room and started to speak, but she put her finger up against his lips, "I'm not ready to forgive you or really for any of this," she gestured all around her.

"I'm so sorry Hales, I swear I never..."

"I know," she cut him off, "it's not just you I'm having trouble trusting. I don't trust myself and my judgment right now and I have to admit, it's hard to believe your feelings changed so quickly."

"They didn't," he argued, "I swear. You can ask Q, I've had feelings for a long time, I just didn't want to admit it."

"Because I'm not your type?"

"I don't have a type Hales, and if I did it would be you," he took her hands in his, "I didn't want to have feelings for you because I'm scared. We're so young and we already have dreams and plans that could pull us apart. I don't want either one of us to get hurt..."

"and now you don't care?" she tried to pull away, but he held fast.

"No, now I realize that it's too late for that. Going forward together is the only way we can come out of this whole," he urged her to understand. "I think we can get past this and be really wonderful together."

"I want that too," she smiled. She felt a weight lifted she didn't even realize was there, "but I need to say some things," she fiddled with her hands, "I'm scared too. Scared of being hurt, of how you make me feel. I know you have a past and I'm not like her, or anyone else you've been with..."

"Thank God," Nathan answered

"I'm hurt and jealous and confused," she admitted, " I thought I was handling it pretty well until it came and smacked me in the face, but I want to get past it for real."

"We will," he reassured her, "Look at me," he drew her face up to look at his, "The past doesn't matter. What matters is that we're okay...right? That we're going to be together."

"We're going to take it slow?"

"We're going to take as much time as you want, you're in control," he promised, kissing her forehead. He reached for her hand and rubbed his thumb against her ring, "We can crawl if you need to. I want this to work Hales, whatever it takes."

She took a deep breath and then took a step back, "Then I think it's time we start."

Nathan stood nervously on the steps of the gazebo as he waited for the music to start and Haley to come into view. Despite her words a little while earlier, there were still a few things to do before the wedding could start, so while they were done, he had felt like he was having a breakdown. "I've never seen you like this man," his best man laughed. "The guys on the team wouldn't believe it, you're always so cool under pressure."

Nathan shook his head as he glared at his best friend, "Pressure to make a shot in a game is entirely different from getting married. What if she changes her mind? What if she decides she's not willing to take the chance I'll screw up again?"

"Calm down," his uncle and second groomsman wrapped his arm around his shoulders, "She said she wanted this too. I'm sure we'll hear the music start in a couple minutes."

Nathan nodded, wiping his sweaty hands on his pants and adjusting his tie for the millionth time. "I know, it's just that now that I know what I want, it's hard being patient waiting for it."

"If what you told me is true, you better get used to it," Quentin pointed out. "You might be taking a lot of cold showers over the next few months."

"At least all the waiting is foreplay," Cooper nudged him in the shoulder.

"Can we not talk about this?" Nathan tugged his tie loose, not caring anymore if it looked perfect. "I'll wait as long as necessary and I'll take a million ice baths if that's what I have to do. I want to do this right. She deserves at least that much."

"So do you," his friend assured him. "You deserve to be happy."

The music Haley had chosen started and the three men took their places, it was show time.

Haley floated down the aisle on her father's arm and Nathan felt like he'd been sucker punched. He'd just seen her a few minutes earlier, but she was smiling broadly this time and her beauty took his breath away. He moved down to the bottom and waited for her father to kiss her cheek and then place her hand in his, helping her up to the platform where she handed off her flowers to Brooke. The minister began, greeting the guests and giving a short sermon on marriage and commitment before they reached the time for their vows.

"I'd like to say my own," Nathan interrupted as he was getting ready to start. They had planned on doing the traditional repetition, but he felt the need to speak. He squeezed her hands in his own and cleared his throat, "When I met you, my world was in disarray and it seemed like nothing would ever be right again, but you shined light into that world with your beauty, your kindness, and your strength. You have changed my life for the better in so many ways and I don't know how I ever thought I could be complete without you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me and I promise to protect you, to support you, and to do everything in my power to be the kind of husband you can be proud to have at your side." He reached back and took the wedding ring from Q and slid it onto her finger. "Always and forever."

Haley wiped away a few tears and took a deep breath, "Nathan, I knew the moment we met that you were someone I could fall for. You're strong and generous, funny and thoughtful...You bring out the best in me. You've shown me what real strength and courage are and helped me to find them in myself. I feel like for the first time in my life, I can truly be the me I was meant to be and it's because of you. I promise to support you, to comfort you, and to be the kind of wife you deserve to have at your side." She slid his ring onto his finger, "Always and forever."

The minister said a few more words and then pronounced them husband and wife. Nathan stepped forward, a question in his eyes asking her if she was ready for this or if he should just keep it short and simple. Her answering nod brought a smile to his face as he reached out and cupped her cheek with his hand, "I've been wanting to do this all day," he whispered just before his lips met hers and everyone around them faded to the background.

"I can't believe you went through with it," Raymond said as he arrived at the end of the reception line. "I've got to give you credit for having balls of steel. I guess that amount of money is a pretty big motivator though, huh little lady?"

Nathan pulled Haley closer to his side, glad he had the legitimate right to do so, "I won't have you speaking that way to my wife."

"Listen you little upstart," he took a step closer to his nephew, "if you think I'm just going to stand by while you take what should be mine, you've got another thing coming to you."

"Did you get him another gift?" his wife came up just then and Nathan was surprised she seemed to not notice the tension. "It was generous of you to pay for the wedding honey. I didn't know you'd done anything else."

"Nothing he didn't already know about dear," the older man turned into the doting husband right before their eyes. "I just wanted to remind him that I'll always be around...if they need us of course."

"Of course," she smiled, "it was a lovely wedding. I'm so happy for the two of you and it was wonderful to see your mother again after all these years. She looks as pretty as ever. Such a shame she never reconciled with her parents. That was the thing they wished for most in their last years..."

"Thanks, I'm sure she would appreciate hearing so," Nathan managed to keep up the pleasantries. "Speaking of her, we need to go talk to her for a moment and then it's time for pictures. If you would excuse us?"

"He just doesn't quit, does he?" Haley was stunned as they walked away. She couldn't believe that a family member would be so openly vindictive. "I can't believe someone would want money so badly they would act that way."

Nathan wasn't surprised at all, he'd seen people do a lot worse for a lot less. "Can we not talk about him?" he squeezed her hand. "I want today to just be about us."

She nodded and felt her resolve crumble a little. He looked so handsome and he was acting the way she'd always wanted him to, but the tiny voice in her head kept reminding her that he needed her and that it could all be for appearances. She was going to have to shore up her defenses before things went any further, but she was going to do her best to just be in the moment and enjoy the day. "I think that sounds wonderful."

Nathan leaned down and whispered in her ear as they took their places for yet another picture, "Are we going to be done anytime soon?"

"Having trouble standing still?" she teased him, turning slightly to fix the tie he'd just loosened for the tenth time. "You're like a little kid."

"Maybe, but if I have to say cheese one more time and don't actually get any, my stomach is going to rebel," he responded, forcing a light giggle out of her when his stomach growled in agreement.

"That's it right there, that's perfect," Quinn stopped what she was doing and then yelled out, "That secret smile."

Nathan rolled his eyes and the smile broke free again, sending Quinn into a flurry of activity as she recorded every second, "That's enough," Haley finally said, "we need sustenance."

"About time," Nathan murmured, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the tent where the reception was being held.

"Wait," she tried to keep up with him in her heels, "We have to wait for everyone..."

They rounded the corner and he cut her off with a kiss, "I've been waiting to do that again for the last hour."

"Mmm hmm," she slowly opened her eyes, "why didn't you just do it out there? We're married and most of them wouldn't have thought twice."

"Because it isn't about putting on a show. This just for us," he quickly kissed her again just as some of the others caught up to them. "Ready to go in Mrs. Scott?"

"It's Mrs. James-Scott," she reminded him, "and most definitely."

They were sitting at the head table and Nathan was turned talking to Quentin, but every minute or two he would glance over at her and smile and each time, her heart picked up the pace. He'd grin or wink and she'd be thrown back into remembering the many kisses they'd had throughout the day, each one different and yet all of them amazing.

It came as a surprise to her that they were as good as they were. They'd kissed a few times during their engagement and she'd been floored by each one, but she'd been unaware of how he was holding back, how he was hesitating. Now, though he was still restraining himself, that hesitation was gone and in its place was a passion and tenderness that she hadn't even known was possible. It was a feeling that she wished she could bottle up to remember forever, one that people worldwide would pay thousands of dollars for just a moment of its glory. He turned again as though he felt her eyes on him and reached out for her hand, squeezing it briefly before finishing his answer to his friend. What was she getting herself into? She wasn't ready for the pace she felt like the relationship was headed for and yet she wasn't sure she was strong enough to slow it down, not when the feelings coursing through her were screaming to go full speed ahead.

"I saw that frown," Taylor said, having moved into Brooke's chair as her friend danced with her boyfriend. "What are you worrying about now?"

"it feels like everything is going too fast," Haley shook her head, "and I'm enjoying it, I am, but I'm not ready."

"So tell him that," her sister didn't see the problem, "I thought he said you'd go slow?"

"I know, but he keeps kissing me and I like it, but..."

"There's nothing wrong with that," Taylor laughed, "believe me, that's the least of what he wants to do to you..."

"But you...I..." Haley was overwhelmed, "I' not sure I can do this."

"He's not expecting more Haley," her sister reassured her. "He knows you aren't ready, he's just enjoying himself and celebrating, you should too. There'll be plenty of time for worrying later."

Nathan walked over and retrieved his mother from where she'd been in a conversation with Haley's mother and Karen. Taking her onto the dance floor, he felt pangs of guilt that he'd been so caught up in his problems that he'd completely forgotten what it must be like to be around his father and the woman he'd abandoned her for.

"I'm sorry," he told her as the song began, "I intended to run interference and I got caught up in everything..."

Deb shook her head and stopped his apology, "you seem to forget who the adult is here," she teased. "I'm a big girl and it has been fine. Karen seems very nice and I got to meet your uncle as well. They've all made us feel welcome and Coop is talking to Keith right now," she gestured across the room, "Haley's parents are wonderful as well. I understand why you like them so much."

Nathan nodded, "They're great. How are things with you? Patrick isn't here..."

"We're taking it slow at the moment," she hesitated as he spun her around, "I hurt him and it's not going to be an immediate fix, but we're working on it. Still, he wanted to come, but one of his cases had an emergency and with the state you were in early this morning, I told him to stay and help. Speaking of that phone call, how are you two?"

"We're working on it," Nathan echoed her statement, "I think we're going to be okay, but it's not going to be easy. On one hand we're trying to take it slow and on the other, we're still playing a bit of a charade as the happy newlyweds when we're in public. It's damn confusing."

"We'll figure it out and so will you, it just takes time," Deb promised. "You're lucky to have met her. I couldn't have chosen someone better for you myself. She's everything I hoped you'd find someday, although I have to point out that I'm way too young to be a grandma anytime soon."

"Don't worry about that," Nathan's eyes opened wide, "we aren't...I mean, we haven't..."

Deb laughed at his discomfort. It was still amusing to her how certain subjects turned her big strong son into a nervous little boy around her, "you're married now and if the way the two of you look at each other is any indication, it won't be long before you are. Just be careful. You two have enough obstacles ahead of you without adding a baby to the mix."

Nathan made his way to where his uncles were getting to know one another, bringing his mother to her brother's side and grabbing a drink. He'd danced enough in the warm fall afternoon to parch his throat.

"I still can't believe my grubby little nephew is married," Cooper laughed, "although I have to say I wasn't that surprised after the way you talked about that pretty gal. She really did a number on you."

"I think the feeling is mutual," Keith chimed in. "She's really come out of her shell and blossomed since this one came here. I think it's great that they found each other. Not everyone is so lucky."

"Is that why you're still single?" Coop asked the older man. "I tried once and failed miserably and now I'm admittedly gun-shy, but I'm sure a good looking guy like you with a good business and family must get lots of attention. I can't believe you've never met anyone you could settle down with."

"I did once, a long time ago, but it didn't work out," Keith shrugged. "I haven't met anyone since that I could see being my forever. Besides, I'm happy with the life I have."

"He's been really helpful at the dealership," Nathan told them, happy to change the subject. "It's been a lot to learn, but he seems to know that place inside and out."

"Well I've spent enough hours there," he laughed before turning to Deb and explaining, "I mainly work with the garage portion, but Dan has been pretty busy so I've been stepping in some and helping Nate out. I've really enjoyed getting to know him."

"He has lots of stories," Nathan told them, "it's really strange thinking of Dan as a kid, or even a teenager. He's so imposing it seems like he must've always been that way, but it's nice to be reminded that he's human and had to grow up like everyone else."

"How's it going with you two?" Cooper asked. The last time they'd gotten to really talk, it had still sounded pretty tense.

"It's getting better," Nathan took a sip of his drink as he decided what to say, "I still can't say I'm exactly comfortable around him, but I'm starting to know and understand him a little better. It's definitely better than it was."

"Hey," Keith raised his glass, "I'm not always comfortable with him either and I've known him since I was 4."

Karen stopped by and said hello, causing Nathan to tense, "I don't know why you dislike her so much honey," Deb said. "You know it's not her fault. If anything, she has a right to be mad at me since she met him first."

"It's not that," Nathan tried to shake it off, "she said some things that really got to me and add in that she's probably the one that stole the letters..."

"You don't know that," Deb argued. "Maybe no one did it...maybe they got lost in the mail or thrown away by accident. We'll never know and I for one am past worrying about it. It was a long time ago. We have to leave it in the past and move on Nate."

"Maybe it's easier for you because it was so long ago, but it's still recent for me," he argued. "I went almost 17 years without a father and it could've been prevented. I can't just forget that."

"We've been through this," Deb sighed, "I could've done more and I didn't. If you want to blame someone, blame me."

Nathan shook his head, "I don't trust her."

Deb reached up and touched his face, "You need to get past it, for all of us. Now go find your wife, it's your wedding day and you shouldn't be spending it over here with us old folk talking about regrets of the past. Go enjoy yourself. If you're lucky, you'll only have this kind of day once and arguments are not what you want to remember about it."

"Hey beautiful," he put his hands on his bride's waist. Leaning down and kissing her temple, he added, "You about ready to get out of here? I think it's time for us to go."

Haley swallowed nervously and nodded, stepping forward to give her mother and sisters hugs, "I'll talk to all of you tomorrow."

The ladies all gave Nathan hugs as well, Quinn and Taylor each taking a moment to threaten him if he hurt their sister, "I won't," he promised.

Luke arrived and gave Haley a hug before nodding at his brother, "take care of her."

"I will," Nathan assured him, gently pulling her to his side, "This isn't a game, I swear. I'm going to do everything I can to make her happy."

"I believe you," Lucas reached out and shook his hand, "Have you said your other goodbyes yet?"

Nathan nodded, "Except for my mom."

Lucas frowned, "She left a while ago. Something about not feeling well and needing to rest. My mom took her back to her hotel."

Nathan's eyes narrowed, he knew she often had spells of weakness, but it still wasn't like her to leave without saying goodbye. He'd have to call and check in on her. "I guess we can go then."

They walked out through a crowd throwing rose petals and into Nathan's mustang, choosing not to go the limo route when they were just going back to their apartment. "Can you give my mom a call?" he asked when they were on the road, "I want to make sure she's okay."

She picked up his cell phone and dialed his first contact, letting the phone ring until the voice mail came on, "This is Haley," she said, worriedly looking over at Nathan, "Please call us when you get this. We want to make sure you're feeling okay."

"It's not like her to miss a call," Nathan tapped his fingers on the wheel in agitation. "She always keeps it right with her."

"Maybe she's sleeping and she turned it off, or maybe she's in the bathroom," Haley reasoned, "it's probably nothing."

Nathan shook his head, "I just can't shake the feeling something's wrong. Can we go over there?"

Haley nodded and he turned the car around in the next parking lot, heading back toward her hotel. "I'll feel a lot better being able to see she's okay," he told her as he got out. "I'll be back in a couple minutes."

He shut the door behind him and entered the building, leaving Haley to wait in the car. She sat there for almost ten minutes before she got impatient and decided to go in, he wasn't the only one worried about the older woman.

Getting out of the car, she was startled when an ambulance came roaring in the lot with its lights flashing, the tell-tale sound chilling her to the bone. A feeling of dread washed over her as she watched them pull out a stretcher and head into the building and she found herself following them to the second floor where she discovered what she'd suspected she would, her husband with his head in his hands as they loaded his mother onto the stretcher.

She rushed into the room and wrapped her arms around his waist, unmindful of the odd looks they were getting in their wedding finery. She felt him shaking and held tightly, as if she could will things to be okay. He held her back, leaning down to bury his head in her shoulder as he fought tears, "she wouldn't wake up. I got here and she was in bed, but pale and sweaty. I tried to wake her up and she wouldn't respond. I didn't know what to do..."

"Shhhh...you did the right thing," Haley told him, rubbing the hair back from his forehead in a soothing motion, "they're going to help her."

"I was so scared," he whispered, his voice rough, "I thought she might be..."

"She's not," Haley stopped him, bringing his eyes back to her face, "Everything will be okay, she's in good hands. Let's follow them to the hospital."

They arrived only moments after she was brought in and sent to the waiting area where they sat on one of the couches, Haley rubbing his back and trying to keep him calm, "I should've kept an eye on her," he fretted, "I knew this would be a lot for her to handle and she's still weak..."

"You couldn't have known she'd get sick," Haley felt helpless as she watched him in pain, "you can't blame yourself."

Nathan heard her, but couldn't shake the feeling that it was his fault. "Not exactly how you thought you'd spend your wedding night, huh?"

She shrugged, "nothing about our marriage has been what I expected. Why should this be any different?"

He gave her a half smile and they sat in quiet for a few minutes before Quentin and Cooper arrived and sat with them. They explained the situation and Nathan started to pace, unable to sit still any longer. "I don't understand she could just leave her there," he shook his head. "If she was that sick, someone should've done something or at least stayed with her. If I hadn't gone to check, she could've died."

"You don't know that," Quentin argued, "maybe she was fine when she dropped her off..."

"And she got that bad in less than an hour?" Nathan turned on him, "I really doubt it. Karen just left her there. I've never trusted her..."

"That's a big accusation," Cooper stood up, "you have no idea what really happened. Your mother isn't above being stubborn you know."

"Well it's not like she hasn't hurt her before," Nathan threw out as Haley tried to step in the middle and calm him down, "I wish she would just admit that she's the one that kept Dan out of my life. Maybe I could forgive her if she just stopped lying."

"Okay, I've had enough of that," a voice from behind them said, "You need to grow up and stop blaming people without any proof."

Nathan turned around and narrowed his eyes, "and who else could it have been, hmm?"

"It was me okay?" the newcomer said, "I did it. I burned the letters."