"When two people are meant for each other, no time is too long, no distance is too far, and nobody can keep them apart."
Looking down at his phone, his eyebrow furrowed as he didn't recognize the number. "Hello?" He answered cautiously.
"Nathan?"
"Speaking."
"Hey! It's Haley! I wanted to call to check in on you and to meet up with you. Cooper wants to propose like in two days so I need as much help as I can get."
Chuckling, "Sure, When'd you want to meet up?" Knowing it was easy to sound cool over the phone, all the while his heart was racing.
"I'm free all day. Wanna meet up in about an hour?"
"Sounds great." Haley replied happily. "I'll meet you at your mom's cafe." She determined before ending the phone call.
An hour later, Nathan let out a shaky breath walking into his mom's cafe. Spotting Haley, he greeted her with a smile.
"You're here! Okay, we have to leave." Grabbing his hand, "Okay we have to go and set up. Then I want your feed back on my arrangement of the song." She began babbling.
Chuckling as he followed her out of the cafe, faltering slightly as he saw a familiar scrawny brunette and a smaller figure next to him. "Nathan?" He heard, pulling him out of his stare and thoughts.
"Yeah, I'm here. Let's go." He told her.
"So how did Cooper and Rachel meet?"
"High school. They met and became friends pretty quickly. Except they were so scared the other one didn't feel the same way. Scared that if they put themselves out there, they'd get turned down." He started telling her their story. "She was actually rambling on and on in the hallway...then he decided to kiss her. Partially to get her to shut up, but mostly because he had wanted to do since day one. After that it they were inseparable. They weren't perfect, no couple is, they had their faults and their fights but they got through it."
"Sounds like love at first sight." Haley remarked.
"You have no idea."
"And now they're getting married." Haley sighed happily, not knowing that Nathan had been describing their relationship.
"Yeah, they are." He agreed as they continued walking the sidewalk of Hope St. A small smile on his lips, realizing that maybe it would've been them if things had happened differently.
Fixing her hair, she felt a smile creep on her lips as she heard a knock on the door. "You're finally here." Opening the door, only for her smile to drop as she saw the red head standing in front of her.
"Expecting someone else?" Rachel made her way inside the house.
"What are you doing here?" Peyton asked, gripping the door handle.
Glancing around Cooper's parents house, she couldn't believe that her boyfriend was letting them stay here. He was always the nicest between the two of them. "Visiting Brooke and Haley. Isn't that what everyone's doing here?" She asked. "Except you, because every time you went to L.A. you saw them. Right?"
"Rachel-"
"Save it." Cutting off the blonde, "I haven't told Nathan yet because he's already going through so much, but I hope to god when he figures it out that he drops you on your ass."
"I can explain."
Scoffing, "Too late for that and honestly I'm trying to figure out your last lies. I don't think I can handle anymore." Rubbing her forehead, she already had a headache and she knew stress wasn't good for the baby. "Cooper, Karen, Keith, Whitey and Camilla know you're lies except the four that need to know. I have a feeling it won't be long until everyone else figures it out."
Heading back towards the front door, seeing Mouth and a young boy walking up the steps. "Looks like I'm in the way of family time." She bit out. "Just stay away from Haley and Brooke." Brushing past Mouth and his son.
"Momma!" Alex exclaimed running into Peyton's arms. Oblivious to the fact of what had happened between the adults. "Who was that lady?" He asked as the blonde picked him up.
"Just someone mommy used to know." Peyton replied,knowing it was the truth. Rachel wasn't considered a friend anymore. "Why don't you go inside? Daddy and I will be there in a second."
"Where's Nathan?"
Closing the door behind him, "With Haley."
Chuckling, "How does that feel?"
Shrugging, "He's coming home to me." Running her fingers through her hair, making sure to show off her ring. "Not really worried about it."
Rolling his eyes, "Right. Let's hope he doesn't come home early. I can only imagine what lie you'll come up with to cover this up." He said, heading into the living room where his son was playing. "So I can come back in a couple hours to pick Alex up."
"Stay." Peyton objected. "I wanted us to sit down and have lunch together."
Looking at her curiously, "Okay." Hoping her offer was genuine.
And it was. They were acting just like a family. Laughing at Alex's antics and enjoying one another's company.
"I swear he always sleeps when I'm around." Peyton spoke as they placed their son on the couch. Who had fallen asleep at the table.
Placing his hand on her shoulder, "He's so excited when he finds out he's spending time with you." Mouth shared. "He runs around, trying to bring all the toys to show you. Then he wants to try on all the clothes you haven't seen. All he wants to do is share everything with you Peyton. You should let him."
Leaning into him, "I know." She sighed. "After all of this is over. I promise." Looking up at him, she leaned in even more before pressing her lips against his.
Kissing her back, he laced his fingers through her hair and pulled her closer. Deepening the kiss, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled their bodies closer together.
Breaking away from the kiss as she felt Mouth's lips move down her jawline to her neck. "You're not gonna tell anyone, are you?"
Pulling away from the kiss, "Okay." He replied, breathing heavily but before he could say anything else. Peyton latched her lips onto his and kissed him intensely.
Maybe he would've let it continue, maybe he would've gone to bed with Peyton. If in the back of his mind, he didn't realize that this was exactly like high school. Gently pulling away from her, "I should probably leave before Nathan comes back." He reasoned, seeing her nod his head. "I'll call you later, so you can talk to Alex."
"Okay." She said happily, kissing him again. "I love you." She told him and maybe if she had been paying attention the blonde would've realized that he said 'I know' instead of replying.
"Bye, Peyton." He said, carrying his son and leaving Cooper's house.
Smiling as she closed the door behind them, Peyton had never felt so happy.
"Hello?"
"Rachel? It's Marvin." He spoke.
"What can I do for you?" Wondering how he got her number and what reason he could possibly have for calling her.
Sighing as he looked down at his still sleeping son, "I called Lucas and told him to meet me at the river court because I had something to tell him."
Widening her eyes, "You're telling him?"
"I know y'all want him to figure it out on his own but I need to tell him." Mouth began. "My son is involved and he's been hurt by Peyton before I'm not letting his mom do it again."
Nodding, "Okay." She replied, "I'll be there to help smooth it over."
"I know you're doing it for him but thanks." Mouth spoke. "I'll see you and Lucas tomorrow at one."
"Bye." Ending the phone call, sighing as she realized that the storm she was waiting for was a lot closer than she wanted it to be.
"Hey man." Walking into the room, "Brooke and Haley are in the car. Nathan's about two minutes out. What's going on?"
"Show time." Cooper said, holding up the box.
"You're proposing?" He astonished.
Standing up from the couch, "You sound surprised."
Shaking his head, "Just lost the bet. I was thinking another month at least." He teased, earning a punch in the shoulder from his cousin. "Seriously, that's great. I'm proud of you, Coop."
"You know as my best man you can't be all pitiful, right?"
"I'm your best man? What about Nate?"
"I talked it over with him but ultimately I've decided that you've been there for me a lot these past few years. I owe a lot to you, besides Nate walking down the aisle with Rachel's Maid of Honor would be weird since it's not Haley."
"Yeah, I look better next to Brooke." He joked, pulling his cousin into a hug, "Thanks Coop."
Chuckling as he patted Lucas' back. "Not a problem."
"All of the flowers are placed, we have the piano down there for Haley to sing. Nathan, Lucas and I will be recording from different angles and we're putting a mic on you so we can hear everything."
"Wow." He looked around, amazed at all Brooke had done. It looked like a magical oasis.
"I know it wasn't the beach but it's cliched." Brooke informed him. "Rae deserves one of a kind and I think for her first marriage this will be perfect."
"Thanks- wait first marriage?" He asked.
Giggling, "Just kidding, you're the perfect match for her. Thank you for including us."
"It's the least I could so since you put all of this together." Letting out a shaky breath, "Do you know where Rachel is?"
"Yeah, I text her earlier and told her you kissed me then told me we should run away together. She should probably be here soon to hurt you."
"Brooke!"
Giggling again, "Relax, Haley went to pick her up for some 'girl time'. She should be here soon." Just as her phone let out a ding. "Make the five minutes. Okay everyone!" She hollered. "The bride to be is five minutes away! So hide!" Turning back to Cooper. "Good luck!"
Five minutes later...
"Where are we?" He could hear Rachel ask. "I thought we were going somewhere to eat."
"I have to get something real quick." Haley replied, "Why don't you go wait over there with him?"
"With who?" Rachel asked, turning her head as she turned and saw Cooper standing with his hands behind his back. "What are you doing here?" Moving towards him.
"Waiting." He replied, just as the sounds of the piano flowed towards them. "I've been waiting for three years now, but I'd wait a lifetime for you." Cupping her chin gently.
"Cooper..." She awed at his words.
"What would I do without your smart mouth, drawing me in and kicking me out..." Haley began singing softly. "Got my head spinning, no kidding I can't pin you down"
Kneeling down in front of her, "I remember the first time I saw you. There was a meeting in the gym on the first day of our junior year." Watching her eyes light up in recognition. "I was going to practice before school started but then this spitfire walked into the gym and I was hooked."
What's going on in the beautiful mind, I'm on your magic mystical ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me but I'll be alright
"I never told you that because I know you love telling the story of how we met. I just want you to know that I have loved you from the first word you spoke to me. Fell in love with the first kiss...and the first time you told me that you loved me... well you've had my heart since then."
My heads under water but I'm breathing fine, You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
Cause all of me, loves all of you. Loves your curves and all your edges
"We probably fight more than your average couple because you're hard headed and I refuse to back down. I also think that's what makes us work. We give as much as we take, sometimes we give more." Cooper continued as he gently grabbed her hand and held it.
All your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you
You're my end and beginning, Even when I lose I'm winning
I give you all of me and you give me all of you
"I almost lost you right before our senior year and I didn't think you'd come back to me... but you did and I am forever grateful for that. I don't want to live without you- I don't ever want to live without you."
How many times do I have to tell you, even you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood
Letting go of her hand, he opened the box that held a green tsavorite diamond surrounded with white diamonds in eighteen karat two tone gold. "Green has always been our color-in more ways then one." Causing Rachel to tilt her head and give him that look that said it all.
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you
"With this ring, I'm asking you Rachel Virginia Gatina to become Rachel Virginia Lee. To make me the happiest man on Earth and let me spend the rest of my life loving you. Falling more in love with you and making you the happiest woman. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
My head's under water,But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
"Yes! Yes! I want to so much!" She exclaimed as Cooper quickly slipped the ring on her finger before standing up with a smile and kissing the red head deeply. "I love you so much." Muttering against his lips.
"Just as much as I love you, Rae."
'Cause all of me loves all of you, Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections, Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you
"We're getting married." She giggled as he scooped her up into his arms and twirled her around.
Smirking that smirk that made the red head glad he was holding her up, "You're damn right we are."
"It's about time, Mr. Lee."
"You have no idea, almost Mrs. Lee, no idea how long I've wanted to do this." Leaning up, he kissed her cheek before just holding her in his arms.
You're my end and my beginning, Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me, And you give me all of you,
"I'm going to make you so happy, you know that Cooper Lee?"
"You already do, Rach, you already do." Gently placing her down on the ground. "I love you."
"As I love you." Kissing her fiancee' softly.
I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
"This is amazing! How'd you pull all of this off?" Looking around at the beautiful display.
"I had some help." He confessed, as if she didn't already know. "Haley- obviously. Then Nate, Luke and Brooke."
"Can we come join now?" Nathan, surprising everyone, exclaimed.
Laughing, "Bring it in." Cooper hollered, causing the Scott brothers and the Davis twins to come in for a group hug.
"Aww, we're a family." Brooke and Haley spoke in unison, before giggling. Causing everyone to laugh at them softly, realizing in the back of their minds that as much as it was like old times it still wasn't because Haley nor Brooke had any of their memories.
"Yeah, we are." Rachel spoke up with a smile as she looked at all of them.
"I should welcome you to the family." He began. "But you've been a part of the family since day one. Now it'll just be official."
Wrapping her arms around his torso, "Thank you."
Resting his chin on top of her head, "Anything for my best friend."
Breaking away from the hug, "I know I haven't been there like I should have been these past couple months but-"
Cutting her off, "It's in the past, Rae." Squeezing her shoulder, "We've been through too much shit to end our friendship."
"Thanks, Luke. I really mean it." Rachel spoke, "I know you don't want to hear it but I am sorry for being such a horrible best friend. I wanted more or less a quick fix because I had a lot going on. I wanted my best friend to be fixed with a band-aid and that wasn't fair to you."
"Rachel, you have your own life. I can't expect you to drop everything just because I may or may not be brink of losing it. You're my friend, Rae. Not my care taker."
Shaking her head, "But I was Luke." She reminded him softly. "I found you-" She cut herself off as a small sob escaped her lips.
Gathering her in his arms, "I'm so sorry for that. I never meant to put you through that." He murmured. "It wasn't fair for me to put you in a position to keep that secret. I don't want you to ever feel like helping me is going to put you in a position to keep a secret. Okay?"
Nodding her head, "Okay." Looking up at him with glistening eyes, "I'm pregnant." She whispered.
"What?" He astonished. "Seriously?"
"Yeah and I am so scared to tell him." She confessed as she looked over at her fiance that was talking animatedly with his cousin.
"Congratulations. He's going to be happy, he wants everything with you..." Lucas reassured her. "No more secrets."
Looking away from the blonde and over at Cooper who was smiling at her, "No more secrets." She echoed.
"For someone who just got engaged you have the saddest look on your face." Closing the bedroom door behind them, deciding that he wanted to spend some time alone with his bride to be. Bidding their goodbyes to their friends he drove them hope, where the red head couldn't stop looking at her ring and smiling happily at him. It wasn't until they got to the house where her mood changed.
"I have to tell you something?"
Loosening his tie, "Okay." Unbuttoning the top of his shirt.
Chewing on her thumb nail, she put a hand on her stomach. She just had to say the three words, that would ultimately change their lives forever. It's not like they weren't strangers to change. Or surprises. She just needed to open her mouth and tell him. "Rae?" She heard him say, she knew he was trying to get her attention and he had it but she remained mute.
"If you don't start talking, I'm going to think you don't want to marry me." Cooper said, suddenly worried as he shed his jacket and walked towards her.
"I'm pregnant." She blurted out, causing the basketball player to halt in his steps.
Chuckling, "Oh." Letting out a breath of relief.
Looking at him with wide eyes, "That's all you can say? 'Oh'? Didn't this come as a surprise to you?"
"You didn't think I knew?" Staring her down, causing a shiver to go down her back under his intense stare. "Red, I know you. So I definitely know your body." He clarified, cupping her cheek. "I was just giving you time to tell me."
"Is that why you proposed?" She asked, twirling the ring on her finger.
Shaking his head, "I proposed because I wanna spend my whole damn life with you." He clarified. "And since you said yes instead of telling me about the baby, that makes me think that you want to spend your life with me. Am I right?"
"Yes."
"Do you want to see a sonogram?" She offered, seeing him nod his head. Going over to her night stand, she gently pulled out a picture from underneath her book. Placing it over her heart, letting out a breath before handing it to Cooper.
Feeling the tears building up in his eyes, "That's our baby?"
"Yeah." She said, feeling him grab her hand and pull her closer.
Placing a hand on her stomach, "We're having a baby." He whispered, moving closer to her.
Tears glistening, "We're having a baby." Closing her eyes, while Cooper placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
A/N- Review.
A/N- It's nice to know there are still readers out there. Hope you enjoy the update.