Disclaimer: I own nothing

A/N: You guys have been so good to me with your reviews and I really appreciate them! LMAO Alex- why on earth would Brooke be having Luke's baby?!?! I would never do that to leyton. Plus Luke's lyrics aren't up for a reason yet- be patient my friend! I really hope I got this chapter right.

Morning comes in paradise, morning comes in light.

Still I must obey, still I must invite.

If there's anything to say, if there's anything to do.

If there's any other way, I'll do anything for you.

There was a long silence. A sweeping pain froze Peyton for a second and she couldn't move. If she was honest she wasn't sure what her first emotion really was. Happiness for her friend? A pang of longing for her own lost baby? Envy? Joy? Grief. She didn't want to be sad anymore, she had been working so hard... Ah sod it; she was happy for her best friend. She dived forward and wrapped her arms round her friend, "congratulations B Davis," she said softly, "that's wonderful."

Following his wife's graceful lead Lucas came forward and kissed Brooke on the cheek, "it really is Brooke, congratulations."

"Thank you," she murmured raspily. She grasped her friend's arm tightly, "are you sure? Because Peyton if you're not ok then I can stay away-"

"Are you crazy Brooke? Of course it's ok! You're gonna have a baby and that's amazing! You can't hide it," she squeezed her friend's hand to say she understood- and meant what she said, "this is a wonderful thing best friend."

Brooke gazed at her doubtfully for a second and then broke into a relieved smile, "ok- if you're sure. Oh goody now I can be totally excited and completely freaked out, all at the same time!"

Peyton snorted, "yeah that balance will tip a few times a day I swear."

"Oh I know- I'm already on the crazy mood swings."

They collapsed on the sofa, hands entwined and Peyton smiled at her friend, tilting her head to one side. "Wow, Momma Davis. I can't believe it!"

"I know," Brooke's smile widened, "it's bizarre. But you know, it's also really good. I'm really happy P Sawyer."

"That's great sweetie- and what about Owen?"

"Oh you wouldn't believe how great he was about it! He was just really excited, not scared or anything. He was better than me really."

Listening from behind the sofa Lucas closed his eyes remembering his own experience in that ridiculously small and water logged bathroom, Peyton's eyes meeting his with such joy... He turned quickly away, he couldn't listen to this. He walked calmly, so as not to raise any alarms, away from the excited chatter and opened the slide door carefully, before disappearing outside. His wife's carefully toned voice, full of happiness for her friend, covered a great pain that he himself could not. That should be them in there; still excited about their upcoming baby day and passing on advice to the newly pregnant Brooke. They should be old ands about the first few months, not only able to give a two month review. He slammed his hand against the balcony and stared out at the dark sea, it seemed to match his mood.

"Luke?" Peyton's voice made him feel instantly better. She slid her arms around his waist and kissed his back. He ran his fingers along her arms and stroked her hands, entwining their fingers. "You ok?" She asked softly.

"Yeaah, I guess," his own voice was shaky.

"Brooke's in the bathroom," she sighed and rested her face against his bare skin. Her thumping heart relaxed just standing with him. She kissed his shoulder blade and he leant backwards and then twisted to look at her. He cupped her face gently and smiled hesitantly, his eyes searching hers.

"Are you ok Mrs Scott?"

"I- I will be," she sighed and rested her head on his chest for a minute, he kissed her hair. "I'm so happy for her but..." She trailed off and he nodded silently.

"Yeah I know."

"I'm tired Luke."

"I know babe, me too." He sighed and kissed the top of her head again.

"Hey Scotts- I'm off!" They both turned to see Brooke peeping round the door, "Owen will be getting panicky about me not being home yet. He might think you've killed and buried me or something."

"Ha ha," Peyton said sticking her tongue out and throwing an arm around her best friend's shoulders as they moved towards the front door.

"Ohhh although you know it would make him so sexy and worried charging round Tree Hill looking for me, oh maybe in a wife beater and oh! Maybe he could get in a fight with some really hot cop in the rain cos no-one will believe him that I'm missing! And then finally he could come and find me and-"

"Okayy dirty minded lady, you need to go home and sleep. And while you're at it think about how well behaved you're gonna have to be when this little one comes along- no more scenarios of Owen beating policemen in the rain!"

"Oh honey I'll always have those scenarios. And Owen is always so happy to oblige."

"Too much information Davis," Peyton said chuckling and pulling a face.

"But you know I love to share!" Brooke turned around suddenly and fixed her eyes on her friend, "hey Peyton-"

"Yes dirty pregnant momma?"

"Well it's about that sweetie- are you sure you're ok?"

"You are such a dream friend darlin'," Peyton squeezed her friend's arm, "hell you're the one who's pregnant and you're asking me if I'm ok with it?! This is about you Brooke Davis, and I swear, it's all ok."

Brooke looked at her dubiously, "Peyton-"

"I mean it Davis! Go be happy and glowing and eat as many fairy cakes as you like!"

"Ok P Sawyer, but just say if it gets too much right?"

"I swear I will, but I love you- you're my best friend and you know I'm gonna be godmother so I kinda gotta be ok with the kid."

"Actually I was thinking of asking Junk," Brooke said teasingly.

"Oh I think he'd make a great godfather- if you can ignore him doing the impression every single time you call him that."

Brooke pulled a face, "you're right, you're a much better candidate."

"My point exactly my friend."

"Ok, well I love you too- I'll call you tomorrow!" She headed towards the gates and Peyton shouted after her.

"Yeah do that- I'm hanging with Jamie while Nate meets with that scout guy-"

"Oh fun! I'll drop by studio then maybe?"

"Great, see you then...."

Slowly Peyton closed the door and tipped her head against it. Lucas appeared from the bedroom, now wearing a hoodie and leant against the door frame. His blue eyes were dark and full of sadness as they met her own. Silently he moved across the room to her and stood in front of her, she remained stock still. He made to touch her and she visibly flinched.

"Peyt-"

"Don't- I can't-" she shook her head and looked at the floor. Her golden hair fell forward and her face disappeared into her hands. He stepped forward and gently moved her hands away. Tears were falling down her cheeks and she looked at him helplessly.

"Oh god Luke," she whispered, "how do we do this?" He felt thankful that she said 'we'; that she wasn't going to push him away again. He lived in fear of her shutting him out like before. She leant against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

"It's ok babe, it's ok."

"I'm happy for her Luke, I really am, but-"

"I know Peyton, I know. It's ok, you can do this. We can do this. It's gonna happen for us one day. This is just, not our time."

She sniffed, "I know, I know, and hey- I get really good practice at being an Aunt right?"

He smiled at her softly, "yeah that's right." He stroked her hair, "think about how happy Brooke is and how good you're gonna be at the fairy godmother role."

"Yeah, and you've already perfected the uncle role with Jamie."

"See- these are all good things," he said kissing her forehead. There was a silence as she ran her hands up his back, he pulled away for a second; "You buying any of this?"

She sniggered, "not really, but I think we get credit for trying."

"Totally." He swung his arms around her, swaying her to and fro, "you know what I think we need?"

"Ummm a lot of Jack Daniels?"

"No boozy! You, me, Maggie and plenty of really good DVDs and vegging out in bed for a long long time."

"Hmmm," she smiled up at him for a second, "you know what? I think that might help- especially if you have Sleeping Beauty!"

"Oh no babe not again!"

"I love it so much, come ooon Luke! I promise after that we can watch whatever forties throwback you want."

"Fine," he pouted briefly and smiled, "I should really learn how to say no to you."

She grinned up at him, giving him her most attractive eyes; "oh but where would the fun in that be?!"

He chuckled, "alright then, come on Mrs Scott, let's veg."

"Yay!" She jumped on Luke's back and wrapped her arms round his neck, "forward boy! Maleficent, are you coming?" Her dog's ears pricked up at the calling of her name and she chased after Luke's legs excitedly.


"Haley?" Peyton moved into the Naley residence and looked around. "Hales?"

"Yeah I'm up here! Sorry," Haley came down the stairs with a massive box of books, "I know I'm running late sorry!"

Peyton dived forward to help her, "honey why didn't you get Nathan to do this?"

"Oh because he decided to leave before I even had a chance to ask," Haley said crossly, slamming the box to the floor, "Jamie!"

Haley's face was red and she seemed agitated, Peyton stepped forward and touched her friend's arm, "Hales?"

Haley pulled a face, "oh don't. I'm a mean wife today, I don't deserve niceness. JAMIE!"

"What's going on?"

"Ohh, I'm just not being the perfect supportive wife I should be I guess." Haley shrugged angrily, "I mean it's not like anything bad happened the last time Nathan got involved in professional basketball so why should I worry this time?"

"I thought you were ok with Nate playing again Hales."

"Well I was- but that was while it was on the river court or in our backyard. Now he's gonna be playing with other people and-" her eyes met Peyton's desperately, "I need him to be ok this time Peyton."

"Hey Haley- he's gonna be." Peyton moved across to her and clutched her friend's shoulders briefly, "he knows what he could lose this time."

"Maybe," Haley said darkly, "I just don't know why he couldn't just find a safer dream- like, like singing!"

Peyton snorted, "I'm not sure that would work out too well sweetie, he's basically tone deaf. I mean have you heard his version of The Scientist?"

Haley half smiled and then stepped across the hall and shouted up the stairs again, "James Lucas Scott!"

Jamie shouted back, "I can't find my other shoe Momma!"

Haley rolled her eyes and the fixed them on Peyton. There was something up with her friend, she was standing a little awkwardly and she looked upset under the frontier of happy Peyton.

"What's goin' on girly?"

"Absolutely nothing my friend," she said quickly, tossing her hair to look carefree.

Haley raised an eyebrow, "okay, you wanna coffee before you go to the studio?"

"Urgh no thanks, I've totally gone off that stuff. You got any tea?"

"Umm... no," she felt puzzled, "none of us drink tea, besides you've never liked it... Peyton-"

"Jamie!"

"Hi Aunty Peyton!" Jamie ran down the stairs in his new found shoes and dived into his aunt's arms.

"You ready to go dude?"

"Yeah! Did Momma tell you we're gonna get a dog?" Peyton's surprised eyes met Haley's.

"No way!? She hadn't mentioned it. And how is Momma feeling about this?"

"Aha, Momma has yet to be convinced that Jamie is totally able to look after a dog and go to school every day; she suspects it might become more her dog," Haley rolled her eyes and ruffled her son's hair, "but we'll soon find out."

"It's not gonna be your dog silly, I'm gonna look after it every day!"

"Hmm well if you say so. So my darling son, I am off to school and you are a very lucky boy for having a whole day off!" Haley reached up to kiss her son; who was still in Peyton's arms, "mwah, I love you."

"I love you too Momma."

"Peyton you're a doll for doing this- I owe you!"

"No it's no trouble, I missed my J man. We haven't hung out for ages have we dude?"

"No!"

"Where are the twins anyway?"

"Karen came to pick them up hours ago- I kinda thought babies... Brooke..." Her friend's dark eyes met Peyton's with concern and Peyton nodded in understanding.

"Thanks hon, I would have been fine but I'm not sure they would have enjoyed studio anyway."

"How're you doin' with it all by the way?" Haley followed them out of the house, locking the door behind them.

"Genuinely, I am really happy for Brooke and Owen," she said firmly. Jamie clambered into the passenger side of Peyton's car and reached for his seatbelt.

"You know Peyton, Brooke dropped by last night before coming over to yours and I was so excited for her, but I get it, you know, if you need time."

"I have had time Hales, and I'm fine! Really fine."

"Well, isn't that a little arrogant?!"

"Aha and you're funny, really funny."

"Yeah I know- look," Haley touched her friend's arm gently, "just let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you Mrs Scott."

"You're welcome Mrs Scott!" They both giggled and then Peyton caught her friend's hand briefly.

"Hey Haley?"

"Yeah?"

"You know if you ever need anything too-"

"You'll know about it I promise."

"Good, cos you know- we're kinda related now."

"Oh no! Don't tell people that! Then they'll ask why you're so thin and these days I am so not."

"You are not fat Haley! Besides these days I'm not thin either." Haley stole a sideways glance at Peyton as she moved round the car and rolled her eyes.

"I couldn't tell either way in that insanely massive shirt dress you're wearing, since when have they been cool?"

"Umm, since I wore one! Don't you have school?" Haley stuck her tongue out in response and Jamie gasped.

"That's rude Momma!"

"Yeah I know baby- don't ever do it!"


They pulled into studio ten minutes later and Jamie raced round excitedly. "Hi guys," Peyton beamed at Jake and the band and Jake stood-

"Hey we bought cappuccinos."

"Ugh coffee? No thank you, does anyone have some water? I am waaay too hot."

"Well-" Jake began but Peyton raised a warning finger.

"If you even say anything about this dress I will hurt you!"

"I wasn't," he said holding up his hands, "I swear... Although-"

"Stop it!"

"Ok fine. So now that you're here..."

"Hey I was like three minutes late!"

"Well, we've been here since nine."

"Then you guys need lives!" She retorted with fake crossness. Jake chuckled.

"Fair point, anyway we've got a new song ready. Can we lay it out?"

"Sure sure," she headed through to the listening booth and reached for Jamie who was attempting to rearrange her Foo Fighters albums into which cover he liked best from most to least.

"Hey little man you know those aren't supposed to be touched!"

"You said that I could but no-one else could."

"That's true, how do you remember things like that?!"

"He's got a good brain, unlike some people." Peyton lifted her head from crouching with Jamie and glared up at her best friend.

"Ha ha. Don't you have clothes to be sewing or you know, babies to be growing."

"Yeah but Owen's kinda checking on me every other hour so I'm getting no work done. So I thought I'd come say hi to my favourite man in the whole world!" She bent down and kissed Jamie, "hey buddy." She straightened up and clutched her back, "ohhh so not comfortable bending down." She moved to the studio, "I'm gonna go say hi to Jakey- you know, now that his presence is acceptable in Tree Hill!"

Peyton snorted and watched her go with amusement. Jamie tugged on her dress hem, "what's up dude?"

"Are you sad that Brooke will have a baby before you?" She stared at him for a second, expecting the pain to build inside and then she realised that truly, she wasn't in pain. She was sad that she didn't have a baby coming but she was so happy for her friend, she knew Brooke would need her now more than ever. And truthfully the idea of being pregnant again terrified her. She totally got Owens paranoia and the way he was checking up on his girlfriend every other hour- she felt like doing the same thing. She couldn't ever imagine going through the same thing again and she wouldn't wish it anyone, let alone her best friend. In a way it was a relief... Before she could answer there was another knock on the door and Owen peeked round the frame.

"Hey- did I hear my ladies voice from all the way back here?"

Peyton sniggered, "yeah you did- hey congratulations by the way," she went up on tiptoes to hug him fondly, "you're a lucky man."

"Don't I know it and hey you're-"

"A hundred per cent," she said, cutting him off with a wave of her hand and smiling at him warmly.

"Yo Jamie," Owen bent down to Jamie's height, "what you up to down here?"

"I'm sorting!"

"Cool dude."

"Are you gonna ask Brooke to marry you now?" Owen stared at the little guy incredulously and then looked back up at Peyton, she shrugged.

"I know- he gets you every time with the big questions right?!"

Owen straightened up, "no you know, he's right."

Peyton's eyes widened, "wow really!?" She almost jumped him in excitement.

"Hey handsome," Brooke's voice broke their conversation as she waved through the glass. Owen leaned forward to press speaker and then sat on Peyton's swivel chair facing the recording booth.

"Hey babe, how you doin'?"

"Ah you know, my feet already hurt, my back hurts, people keep telling me I'm glowing- the usual. So basically I'm in heaven" she said twinkling at him, Peyton thought she couldn't have looked prettier, or more perfect for this moment- "how was your morning?"

"Pretty darn good thanks gorgeous," she smiled at the compliment and moved to sit on the piano stool next to Jake, pressing odd keys, "hey Brooke?" Owen scratched the back of his neck casually.

"Yeah sweetie?" She was absentmindedly playing the Titanic theme tune, the only thing she knew.

"What do you think about getting married?" The studio fell silent as all but Brooke turned to stare at the guy who'd just proposed to the chick sitting next to Jake- none of the band were good with names.

"That sounds great babe- whatever you think." She pressed a few more notes and the suddenly stiffened and twisted round to face the glass again, her eyes wide, "wait what?!"

Owen grinned and then glanced at Peyton, "yeah I'm doing this all wrong aren't I?"

"You bet your ass you are- get in there and do it right bar kid."

Peyton turned to pick Jamie up so that he could see and with joyful tears filling her eyes watched as her best friend stood up in confusion and Owen knelt down in front of her.

"Owen-"

"Brooke," he said warningly, "you're gonna have to let me do this properly or you'll rib me about it for the rest of time."

She smiled reluctantly and then nodded, "ok."

"Brooke Davis," he said softly, "I've never met anybody like you. You've changed my world, brightened it in every way and made me a better person just for knowing you. You're everything I've ever wanted and I would fight for you- in the rain-" he added smirking for a second, she smirked right back, "or just be happy spending the rest of my days sitting on a bench watching the sunset with you. I love you. I've never loved anyone the same way and I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you and with our baby- and someday whole brood more. Will you marry me Brooke Penelope Davis?"

"Yes," she said in a fluttery voice, "yes I'll marry you." He straightened up and smiling, bent to sweep her up in a passionate kiss as the rest of the room burst into what was very enthusiastic applause for three guys who normally snorted at the very idea of commitment or anything particularly emotional and mushy. Peyton and Jamie clapped through the glass.

"Funny," said Jake appearing at Peyton's side, "the girl that predicted she'd marry a senator is marrying a bar guy."

"She's not marrying any old bar guy," she said wiping her eyes, "she's marrying the perfect match for Brooke Davis."