Chapter 47: Memory Lane
Brooke is sitting on the back deck holding Emma while watching the sun come up. She was thinking about how much Peyton has changed since they were kids. She couldn't believe that at times she had turned into the emo broody one and Peyton was the strong confident one. She knew New York did that to her and LA did that to Peyton. A smiled crossed her face as she thought about their future and the life they would have together. She hoped they'd have more children together and maybe even a dog someday. She loved the idea of waking up next to Peyton ever single morning for the rest of her life. This was a dream come true for her. She couldn't believe that this is the way her life turned out. She couldn't believe that in a few short months she'd be married to Peyton Sawyer and she'd finally be a Sawyer like she always wanted.
The sliding door opens and Brooke is so lost in her thoughts that she doesn't hear it.
"Hey Brooke" Sam says for the open door way.
Brooke isn't paying attention and doesn't answer Sam. Sam walks out.
"Earth to Brooke!" She says waving her hands in front of Brooke's face
Brooke jumps "Sorry kiddo. What's up?"
"It's Saturday and I have to get down to the rec center to do my community service with today's misguided youth"
Brooke starts laughing "I thought the judge said you guys were today's misguided youth?"
"He did but I guess these kids are worse!" Sam says smiling "I was wondering if you could give me a ride down there?"
"Sure. I'll just go and see if Peyton wants to go too so we can do some things in town"
Sam frowned "Peyton's not here…" She says "She left while I was getting dressed"
Brooke looked confused "She didn't say anything to me" she confessed
"Me either" I just saw her out my window
"Did she leave in the car?"
"Yeah and she picked some flowers from the front yard on her way out"
Brooke sighed and then she stopped to think about what today was. She then knew it was the anniversary of her mother's death.
"Ok, I'll take you to town. When do you need to be picked up?"
"Tonight. I'm going to spend all day there. I want to get this done as fast as I can"
"Sounds like a good plan. Do you have any homework?"
"A little not too much though" Sam says sighing "Um… is everything ok with Peyton?"
Brooke smiles "Yeah, today's the anniversary of her mom's death."
"Oh" Sam says as a sad look crosses her face "Maybe I'll just do my three hours today and then come home"
Brooke smiles "How about a compromise… I'll pick up back up at noon. That way you get 5 and half hours in and not much is going to happen here anyway"
Sam smiles "Sounds good. Then maybe we could all go and do something fun together."
"That sounds like a great idea. Let's get going."
The little family leaves and heads for town. Brooke drops Sam off at the rec center and then continues out of town. She drives to the place she knows she'll find Peyton. She stops her car behind an old familiar one and spots a head full of curly blonde hair sitting still in front of a headstone she knows all too well. Brooke stops just a little behind Peyton to listen to what she's saying to her mother. She knows she shouldn't eavesdrop but she can't help herself.
"Momma, life is so wonderful. Emma is getting so big. Sam's been in a little trouble but we're dealing with it. Brooke and I are getting married in just a few months and daddy's happy… really happy mom. I miss you… I wish you were here, momma. I have so much happiness in my world. I haven't been this happy since I was a little girl and you were here. I wish you were her to help Brooke and I with our wedding. I miss you so much… But I'm surprised how the everyday hustle and bustle of life can make the hurt subside. I never thought I would be the girl with the white picket fence and the family and joy and happiness in my heart momma. Brooke and the girls make life livable and happy. We have our moments but I can't imagine being any happier than I am right now… I love my life and I just wanted you to see how happy I am…"
Brooke smiles because she is one of the people who has helped bring Peyton all this happiness and it makes her happy to know she makes Peyton so happy. Brooke slowly approaches Peyton and sits down next to her handing her Emma.
"We were worried about you…" Brooke says smiling at Peyton
"I'm sorry I took off without telling you… Today's"
Brooke cuts her off "I know what today is sweetie… I was there when it happened"
"I just wanted to see her"
"I don't blame you. I want to visit with her too. You could have told me though… I would have come with you."
"You're here now" Peyton says smiling at Brooke
"Are you ok?"
"Surprisingly yes" Peyton answers looking down at Emma "Baby girl this is your Grandma Anna"
Emma just looks at Peyton and gives her a little gurgle.
"Do you want to stay a little longer?" Brooke asks
Peyton looks at her mom's headstone "No, I just wanted to come and see her today. I'm ready to go home now. How about you take Emma and I'll be right behind you?"
"Ok" Brooke says as she takes Emma and heading back to her car
"Momma, I'm going to go spend the day with my girls… I miss you so much and I love you." Peyton says as she gets up kissing her fingers and presses it to her mother's headstone "I'll come back and visit soon, momma" she adds as she walks towards her car where Brooke is leaning against it.
"You ok baby?" Brooke asks smiling at Peyton
"Yeah, I am. I miss her so much and I wish she was here to see us. I mean we've been friends forever and I have a feeling momma would have seen this coming. She always told me that you were the type of friend I'd never want to lose."
Brooke smiles "Your mom was the best, Peyt. She always had cookies for us after school and took us to the park. I remember her letting me come home with you almost every day when my mom called and told me to walk home because she was too busy to come and get me"
"I wish I could see her with the girls"
"Me too. Are you sure you're ready to go home?" Brooke asks
"Yeah" Peyton says smiling "How about we make some cookies today?"
Brooke smiles at her "Ok, baby. You know what else your mom always made that I loved?"
"What?" Peyton asks smiling at Brooke
"Pot Roast" Brooke answers smiling "I remember that she'd make that once a week and she'd make homemade rolls and mash our carrots and put butter on top of them. Oh, it was so good!"
Peyton grins "I think I know how to make that" she says "We'll just have to stop at the store on the way home."
"That would be great" Brooke says "Let's get going"
The girls get into their cars and head towards the store together. They get stuff to make cookies and pot roast and head home. They get home and take all of the groceries into the house to start on their day of cooking. Brooke looks at Peyton and smiles.
"You know, Peyt, you look like Anna."
"That's impossible! She's wasn't really my mother" Peyton says grinning
"I know that but she had that soft curly that always hung around her face and she'd always pin it up the minute she'd walk into the kitchen. There are other things you do that remind me of her as well"
This statement makes Peyton smile "Like what?"
"The way you fold the towels and then way you vacuum the living room all in the same direction and the way you sing to Emma. When we were little and it would rain and we'd run into your mom and dad's room your mom would take us back to your room and lay between us with one arm around each of us. Then she'd sing to us until we'd fall asleep"
Peyton smiled "She'd read me a book and then send me to sleep every night. That's why I do it with Emma"
"You're a great mother, Peyt"
"So are you"
"Thanks" Brooke offers
"Now this roast isn't going to season and cook itself so we better get started"
Brooke smiles "Yes ma'am!" She looks at the food on the counter "Peyt, this is way too much food for just the three of us how about we invite Naley and Broody and Lindsey over too?"
"Sure" Peyton says with a smile "I even bought the stuff to make my mom's famous pie"
"Peanut Butter Pie!" Brooke screams
Peyton jumps "Yeah, her peanut butter pie. The one with the ice cream"
"Sweet! She used to make that for me on my birthday" Brooke was acting like a little kid and Peyton starts laughing
"It was her best dessert daddy always said so when I was walking down the aisle and saw the pie crust I texted my dad and he text me the recipe."
"Cool!" Brooke shouts again and Emma starts laughing at the excitement "So how can I help?"
"Well…" Peyton says "You can start by peeling the potatoes and then washing them and cutting them in half"
"Sounds great!" Brooke says putting on an apron
Peyton takes the large roast out of it's packaging and rolls it in the flour mixture she was making. Brooke looked confused but happily peeled the potatoes while watching Peyton. Peyton browned the roast and then put it on a plate.
"Baby, are those potatoes done?"
"Yep" Brooke says beaming at her part of helping
"Ok, they go in the bottom of the crock pot" Peyton says chopping up an onion
Brooke puts the potatoes in the crock pot and Peyton puts the roast on top of them. She then adds the carrots and the onion and so other stuff and puts the lid on.
"There" Peyton says washing her hands "Dinner's cooking. A couple of hours before our guest arrive we'll make the pie. Now we should make cookies"
Brooke looks at her watch "It's nine thirty and I'm kind of hungry" she says softly
"Then maybe we should go and get some breakfast"
"Sounds like a great idea" Brooke says smiling
"Then let's go"
Peyton picked up Emma and she and Brooke walk out of the house. They get into their car and head to town to get some breakfast. When they arrive at the diner they see Nathan and Jamie sitting at a table.
"Aunt Brooke, Aunt Peyton!" Jamie yells across the diner
"Hey buddy" Brooke says when then reached their table
"Hey you two" Nathan says "What are you up to?" He adds as he takes Emma from Peyton "Hi baby girl" he says to her
"We came for some breakfast" Peyton says smiling "And since we ran into you we can invite you to dinner tonight. I made my mom's famous pot roast"
"We'd love to come over for dinner" Nathan says
Brooke frowns "Where's Hales?"
Jamie rolls his eyes "She's moody and having morning sickness! We decided to let her rest and go out for breakfast"
Nathan quickly texts Haley to tell her about their dinner plans and then moves over so Peyton can sit down. Jamie does the same for Brooke.
"We just got here so we haven't ordered yet" Jamie says
Nathan's phone beeps and he reads it. "Haley's in for dinner"
"Great" Peyton says "We just need to call and invite Lucas and Lindsay"
"Wow, going all out" Nathan says smiling
"Yeah"
Brooke gives Nathan an eye and he looks a confused
"What" Nathan says
Peyton sighs "Brooke wants you to know that today is the anniversary of my mom's death and so that's why I'm making this dinner and she wants you to lay off me because she's afraid I might fall apart"
"Oh, I'm sorry" Nathan says "I didn't mean to upset you"
"I'm fine!" Peyton says "Really! Now let's eat!"
Peyton looks at her menu and Nathan looks at Brooke.
He mouths "Is she ok?'
Brooke just shrugs her shoulders and Nathan nods.
"Hey Peyt Jamie and I are trying to escape Haley today and after breakfast we're going to a movie would you like to join us?"
Peyton huffs "No, actually, I thought I'd go over and do some paperwork while Brooke goes to her shop and does something and then we're going to pick Sam up at noon, go home and make cookies and a pie and then all of you are coming over
"Ok, then" Nathan says looking at his menu.
Jamie looks at Brooke and he raises his eyes giving her a funny look.
The gang orders and eats making small talk and then they go their separate ways. Peyton walks over to TRIC to go to her office and runs into Lucas who's doing inventory.
"Hey stranger" Lucas says as Peyton takes a seat at the bar
"Hey… can I have a gin and tonic?" She says and Lucas looks at her funny
"Everything ok?" He asks "It's not even noon yet"
Peyton looks at her watch "I know… Never mind" she sighs
"You know Peyt you can talk to me about anything"
"I know. I'm fine" Peyton says smiling at him "Hey what are you and Lindsay doing tonight?"
"Lindsay's in New York. She left this morning and I'm doing nothing… why?"
"Well now you're doing something you're coming over to our house for dinner"
"I'd love too. Can I bring anything?"
"Nope just you" Peyton says smiling
Lucas can see sadness in her eyes "Peyton, what's going on?"
"Nothing, Luke, really. See you tonight for dinner" Peyton says as she gets up and heads towards the door
Peyton walks to Clothes Over Bros and walks in to see Brooke sitting on the floor playing with Emma.
"Hey!" Brooke says smiling "I thought you were going to do some work?"
"I was but I couldn't concentrate. Lindsay's in New York but Lucas is going to come to dinner"
"Great!"
"Hey I need to run across town to take care of something" Peyton says matter of fact
"Oh, ok." Brooke says with confusion "Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, that's ok. Do you mind if I take the car?"
"No, just remember we have to pick Sam up at noon"
Peyton looks at her watch "I'll be back by then"
"Ok" Brooke says smiling at her
Peyton walks over and bends down to kiss Brooke on the lips and Emma on the forehead.
"I'll be back shortly"
Brooke just gives Peyton a smile as she walks out door. Peyton drives off in the car and Brooke worries about her but knows everything will be ok. Brook continues to play with Emma. She doesn't realize how long it's been but she hears the door open and looks up. She's surprised to see Peyton walking in.
"Back already?" she asks in surprise
"Yep" Peyton says sitting down on the floor next to Emma "I told you I wouldn't be long"
"Where'd you go?" Brooke says trying to be flip about it but wanting to know
"I went to the storage unit where my dad put all my stuff. I wanted to get some boxes. Do you realize that a lot of my records were still in there?"
"I thought you got all of them out and put them in the studio?"
"No, I only put what I had in LA in there"
"Well we'll have to find you a place for them at the house"
Peyton looks at her watch "We better pack up and go pick up Sam"
"Ok" Brooke says
Peyton starts to pick up Emma's toys and puts them in her bag. Brooke helps and within a matter of minutes they are out the door and in the car on their way to get Sam. They quickly pick up Sam and a pizza and head home.
The rest of the afternoon was pretty quiet. Peyton, Sam, and Brooke made cookies and laughed and talked. Peyton made her peanut butter pie and get ready for their dinner party. Brooke just let Peyton be. She knew that this was her first anniversary home and she thought it was affect Peyton harder than normal. She just wanted to be there for her.
Around 6 o'clock the door bell rings and Sam rushes to get it. On the other side of the door stands Nathan, Lucas, Haley and Jamie. All smiling widely.
"Hey guys" Sam says moving so they can come in
"Hi, Sam" Jamie says wrapping he's arms around her legs
Sam picks Jamie up and they walk into the house"
"Where's Brooke and Peyton?" Haley asks looking around the room not seeing them
"Out on the deck" Sam answers "We're going to eat out there since it's such a beautiful night"
"That's a great idea" Lucas says
Brooke and Peyton walk in
"Hey guys" Peyton says with a huge smile on her face "You hungry? We made a ton of food"
"They sure did" Sam says rolling her eyes "We're having roast, potatoes, carrots, salad, rolls, soup, pie… You name it, Peyton made it"
"That sounds great!" Nathan says walking over and hugging Peyton "You ok, Sawyer?"
Peyton wraps her arms around Nathan "I'm fine"
"Who'd like a drink?" Brooke asks bubbly
Everyone said they would so Brooke and Peyton went into the kitchen and got a round of drinks. Everyone sat down and the room was quiet for a minute. Then Haley couldn't take it anymore and started talking.
"So when does your alcohol classes start?"
"Nice" Nathan says sighing
"What?" Haley snaps back "I'm just trying to make conversation"
Peyton sighs and Brooke laughs a little.
"They start Monday" Sam answers "But they're not that long and Brooke and Peyton only have a two hour session. Mine's like 6 or 8 hours."
"That should be fun" Lucas snickers
"Oh, it should be a blast" Peyton says rolling her eyes and taking a sip of wine. "Hey after dinner would you guys mind getting some boxes from the back of the car?" she adds with a smile
"Oh man, Peyt!" Nathan whines "You get us over here by promising up dinner and then put us to work!"
"Yep" Peyton says with a smile
"No problem" Lucas says "We'll get them for you"
The timer dings and Peyton stands up "The rolls are done so just give me 10 minutes and we'll be ready to eat"
"I'll help you" Brooke says standing up
"Great" Peyton says over her shoulder half way in the kitchen already
Peyton and Brooke quickly get dinner on the table and call their friends to join them. Everyone fills their plates and starts eating.
"This is wonderful" Nathan says with a mouthful of roast
"I didn't know you could cook this well" Lucas offers "You never did when we were together"
"Everything's wonderful, Peyton" Haley says smiling
"Thanks" Peyton says with a small smile "All my mom's recipes. I'm glad I did them justice"
"You did" Brooke says with a smile
"Well you helped" Peyton says smiling at Brooke
"Then girls your dinner is amazing" Lucas says smiling
"Can I have more potatoes?" Jamie asks with a huge grin on his face
"Sure buddy" Peyton says scooping out a spoonful of potatoes onto Jamie's plate
"I'll take another plate full of food" Haley says shoving some potatoes in her mouth.
Everyone laughs at her but loads her plate up so she's happy.
"Hey Luke why is Lindsay in New York?" Peyton asks
Lucas shrugs his shoulders "She's working and we're not getting along the greatest right now because I can't write and she's mad because that's the only reason her company allows her to work from her. She's supposed to be inspiring me"
"Well write about our lives again" Brooke says laughing
Peyton gives her a dirty look because she thought she was taking a shot at Lucas while he's down.
"How's the movie going?" Nathan asks
"Ok" Lucas says light heartedly
"You ok, Lucas?" Haley asks
"I'm fine. I'm just glad to be here hanging out with all of you"
"Aunt Peyton, this dinner is soooo good" Jamie says with a mouthful of food
"Hey don't talk with food in your mouth, young man!" Haley shouts
"Sorry" Jamie says softly
"Hey munchkin how about we play some Wii after dinner" Sam says smiling at Jamie
"Sweet!" Jamie yells pushing his plate away "I'm finished now!"
"Me too" Sam says
Both kids get up from the table and walk into the house. All the adult eyes turn to Peyton and she wonders why they are all staring at her.
"What?" She says sharply "Do I have food on my face?"
"Ok, the kids are gone you can stop with the brave act" Nathan says reaching over and grabbing onto Peyton's hand "We know that this day is terribly hard on you and you usually lock yourself away from all of us so we're wondering what's going on…"
"You guys don't need to worry… really I'm ok. For the first time since my mom died I am truly and completely happy. I wish she was here to see the life I have and my children at the same time I'm at peace with my life so the pain isn't as bad as it used to be" Peyton says smiling at Brooke
"Really?" Nathan asks
"Really, Nathan" Peyton answers "I love that you guys are worried about me but I went and visited my mom and I made some of her specialties and I'm surrounded by the ones I love. I couldn't ask for more. Really I'm ok!"
Brooke smiles at her "Great! I'm so glad because I wouldn't want to find you in your room listening to that sad music drawing your dark sad pictures again"
"Dang, Brooke! That's a little cold" Lucas says "You know that drawing is Peyton's outlet on life"
Brooke's face drops "I didn't mean anything by it!" She says looking at Peyton "It's just hard to get her out of her funks"
Peyton smiles "For crying out loud! Enough you guys!" She says with a smile "I don't know what it is about this year but I'm really ok."
Everyone smiles at her and they finish eating. The girls do the dishes and then join the guys back on the deck outside.
"Ok, bums!" Peyton says "Those boxes aren't going to carry themselves into the house" She says smiling at them
"Ug!" Lucas groans
"Come on we just ate" Nathan whines
"Go!" Peyton says smiling
The guys laugh, get up, and head down the stairs to the car. They return both carrying a few boxes.
"What the hell's in these boxes, Sawyer?" Nathan says
"My life!" Peyton says
"Oo… anything good?" Haley asks
"I don't know. Probably. Wanna go through them?"
"I do!" Brooke says smiling
"I went to get my records and found the other boxes too. I thought I'd bring them home and go through them. My dad just packed everything up and put it in storage. I thought it was time to go through them and get rid of the things I don't need anymore"
"Well we'll help ya!" Brooke says smiling at her
"Cool. There's some wine inside we might as well dig in"
Everyone stands up and heads into the house. The kids are in the game room playing the Wii and Emma's asleep so Peyton opens one of the boxes that says "Peyton's records" and put one of her old records on. Everyone groans but she just smiles.
"Ok" Peyton says pointing to a few of her boxes "I know these are my records and I'm going to store them in the game room so if you'll carry them in there boys that would be great"
The guys carried the boxes away and Brooke looked at the three boxes sitting on the floor.
"So what's in those boxes?"
"I don't know. Probably drawings and shit"
"Ok" Haley says "How about we dig in"
"I'm game" Peyton says
Brooke pours Peyton and herself a glass of wine and gives Haley a club soda. The three women sit on the floor each beside a box. They all take a lid off their box and look inside.
"Mine has old photos in it" Haley says smiling
"There's a mix match of stuff in this box" Brooke says
Peyton sighs "Here are all my old drawings" she says smiling
They spread the content of their boxes all over the floor before the guys return. The guys look around.
"Oh God memory lane!" Nathan says
Brooke laughs "I'd say" holding up and picture of Peyton and Nathan before a dance. They were standing in the Scott house. Nathan had a funny grin on his face and Peyton had her normal emo pose going for her.
Peyton looks at the pictures and starts laughing "Do you remember that night, Nathan?"
Nathan looks at what Peyton was wearing and what he was wearing and starts laughing "Oh yeah. Dan and Deb just walked in on us and then made us get that picture taken"
"They were so pissed!" Peyton says laughing
Brooke and Haley both look a little uncomfortable and Peyton notices.
"Ok, moving on" She says
Lucas picks up the drawing of Brooke, Lucas and Peyton all shooting at the heart with the 3 in it. "Talk about the drama in our lives?" He said holding up the drawing "I'm starting to think that you guys weren't jealous of me or fighting over me but were really just mad at each other because you wanted to be together and just couldn't admit it"
Brooke and Peyton both smiles at each other and Lucas notices and laughs.
"Thanks a lot girls!" He says smiling at them
The gang continues to rummage through Peyton's stuff sharing memories and laughing as they did it. There were pictures of Brooke and Lucas, Lucas and Peyton, Peyton and Nathan, Nathan and Haley and all of them together. There were also pictures of Mouth, Fergie, Junk, Skillz, Rachel, and Bevin. They had so much fun going down memory lane.
"We really did have a lot of fun together didn't we?" Brooke says smiling
"Yes, we did" Nathan says
"I'm glad we're back together" Haley offers
"Our children are going to get the chance to grow up in the place we love and do it with the people we love" Peyton says looking at a picture of all of them the night before they all went their separate ways
Lucas picks up his wine glass "A toast! To old friends and new memories"
Everyone raised their glasses and click them together toasting each other.
Peyton continues to look through the stuff and then finds what she was really looking for…
"Here it is" She says smiling
Brooke looks at the picture. It was one of Peyton and her mom. Brooke takes it out of her hands "Let's put it on the mantle" she says standing up and putting it there.
Peyton smiles and Brooke could tell she was now at ease again.
"Ok" Peyton says "Everyone start picking this stuff up and then boys can you take them boxes and put them in the attic?"
The gang quickly picks the stuff up and the guys put them in the attic. They then return and sit in the living room. Everyone's quiet for a moment and then Peyton clears her throat.
"Ok you guys. We have something to ask you guys and sense you're all here I think we should do it tonight" she says smiling at Brooke
"Great idea, honey!"
"What is it?" Nathan asks
"Well you all know we're getting married" Peyton says smiling
"You are" Nathan says in a smart ass voice
"If you don't be nice I'm not going to ask you what I wanted to ask you" Peyton says smiling at him
"Oh sorry!" Nathan says
"Ok, well first of all. We need someone to officiate our wedding…" Brooke says both her and Peyton looking at Lucas
"And the person who knows us both best is you Luke" Peyton says smiling "We were hoping that you'd officiate our wedding for us…"
Lucas looks a little surprised and Peyton and Brooke's faces both drop. "If it's too weird for you then we'll understand" Brooke says
Lucas smiles "No, not at all. I'd be honored to perform your ceremony. I'm just surprised that you asked me"
Peyton smiles "You know us best…" she says "Thanks Luke" she says getting up and hugging Lucas.
"thanks so much Lucas" Brooke says hugging him as well
Peyton turns to look at Nathan "You're my best friend, Nathan"
"I know" Nathan says smiling
"That's why I want you to be my best man…" She says smiling
"I'd love to!" Nathan says smiling "I thought you'd never ask!" he said getting up and hugging Peyton "Does that mean I have to throw you a party?"
"Yep!" Peyton says
"And Hales" Brooke says "I'm hoping you'll do me the honor of being my maid of honor…"
Haley's face lights up and tears start streaming down her face. "Oh, I'd be honored to be your maid of honor. Thanks for asking me!"
Jamie and Sam come walking into the living room. Jamie is barely hanging on.
"Momma, I'm tired" he says as he crashes on Haley's lap.
Lucas looks at his watch "Wow, I didn't know it was so late. We should probably get going"
"Wait!" Peyton shouts "We didn't eat my mom's pie"
No one wanted to tell Peyton no so she and Brooke quickly served up pie and everyone ate their piece. Then they said their good byes and the Scotts left for the night. Brooke crashes down on the couch next to Sam while Peyton walks into the kitchen.
Brooke sighs "What are you doing in there?"
"The pie dishes" Peyton says
"I'll do them" Sam yells as she gets up and heads into the kitchen.
Peyton walks out of the kitchen and sits down next to Brooke.
"I'm exhausted"
"Me too" Brooke replies leaning her head on Peyton's shoulder "As soon as Sam's done with the dishes I say we go to bed"
"Me too" Peyton agrees then she looks down at Brooke "Thanks for today"
"What did I do?"
"Just kept track of me and made sure I was ok. Thanks!"
"I love you and I want you to be ok"
"I am ok, Brooke, because of you and the girls. I'm great in fact. I haven't been better in my life. Yeah, I was sad when I woke up and then I went to visit my mom but then you and Emma came and my heart filled with joy. Thank you. I love you, Brooke Davis. You make my heart complete"
Brooke has tears in her eyes "I love you so much, Peyt!"
They were about to kiss when Sam cleared her throat from the doorway. "Um, I just wanted to let you guys know the dishes are done and I'm going to bed. I'm tired"
"Ok, good night kiddo. Love you" Peyton says smiling
"Love you too. Night Brooke"
"Night sweetie I love you too"
"Love you" Sam says as she walks up the stairs.
Brooke stands up and holds out her hand to Peyton and Peyton takes it.
"Maybe we could do something else before we go to sleep" Peyton says smiling
"Maybe" Brooke says
They walk into their bedroom and close the door. Peyton made it through the anniversary of the death of her mom without falling apart and she owed it all to Brooke. She was finally content and didn't need to dwell on the past because the present and future looks so good for once in her life.
