I'm back.

I apologize for the late update (broken record here, I know); I had planned to get this up on Saturday, but things didn't go as planned (clearly) as I had dozens upon dozens of last minute stuff (family drama) to deal with. But...here's a long chapter for you guys to hopefully make up for the wait. Seriously, this is the longest chapter yet. I am unsure about it to be honest. There are some parts I really enjoy and others not so much which is also why it took me so long to get it out to you. I didn't feel very satisfied with it – still don't but I do feel a little better about it. I don't know...I just experienced a bit of writer's block with how I wanted to actually write it. Anyway, I'm rambling...I hope you all enjoy it. :)

As always, thank you so much for all the story/author alerts I have received and continue to receive for this story. And a big thanks to NsHjs23, xo1998xo, Othfan48, Laura (chapter 50), 2naley, charmedrocks33, CoachMom, ktlynrose, RuthNoemi, NALEYAAF23, SPNALEY, Katie, Madmen16, rocklesson86, GottaluvNaley, GRemy, woz1971, Ariel, leyton4everrr, C, RoseWoodsPrettiestLiar, courtneylovejason, saderia, Shelley123, , 55, and all the guests for your lovely reviews. You guys made me feel so good about the last chapter. I am so happy you all enjoyed it. I cannot say it enough – you guys rock!

Please forgive any spelling/grammar mistakes.

Disclaimer: I own nothing affiliated with One Tree Hill.

Haley sniffled, wiping the back of her hand under her nose as she gathered the moisture that was slowly building there. She then wiped her hand against the cotton of her sweatpants and then jerked slightly in surprise as Nathan brought his hands up to her face. She closed her eyes as he used both his thumbs to gently brush away the wetness from her tears. Haley laughed quietly, shaking her head.

"What's so funny?" Nathan asked, amusement laced in his tone.

"Nothing." Haley dismissed and then looked up at him. "It's just...I'm such a mess."

"Nope." He replied, popping the "p" as he smiled at her. "You look beautiful."

"And you are a charmer, but seriously...I really need a shower."

"Me, too." He agreed and then cocked his eyebrow. "Wanna share one with me?"

"Oh." She said quietly, seductively, climbing into his lap so she was straddling his legs. "I'd like that."

Nathan smirked as she leaned forward and brushed her lips over his lightly. His hands ran along the sides of her thighs to her backside before clasping together and resting against her lower tailbone. His kisses started out light, but he gradually began to add more and more pressure. He alternated between sucking on her bottom lip and her top lip. For a passionate kiss, it was still simple, though. But it had Nathan wanting so much more, and judging by her response, Haley was wanting more also.

"I've missed you so much." Nathan mumbled huskily against his wife's lips.

"I know." Haley replied breathlessly, tightening her arms around his neck. "I've missed you, too."

Their lips crushed together in a demanding kiss which actually caused them both to wince slightly and wonder if they had bruised one another. Still, that didn't deter them from continuing. They both needed this – to feel close to one another and know they were together again, for good. There was nothing that could come between them anymore – neither of them were going to let it. Simultaneously, their mouths opened and their tongues intertwined. It was intense and almost intoxicating. Soft mewling noises and tiny whimpers sounded between their lips. Heavy breaths were taken during those split seconds when they broke apart to switch the angle of their heads or the positioning of their hands. They could both feel how turned on the other was – whether it was his hardening by the second length grinding against her or the wet heat that was radiating from her center. They were so close to tearing their clothes off and getting as physically close to another as they could – both wanted to. The two of them were so lost in each other that they failed to hear the knock that sounded on the door.

The door swung open and Brooke poked her head through the crack, chirping in surprise. "Sorry! I don't mean to interrupt."

Nathan and Haley immediately broke apart, both blushing appropriately.

Brooke pushed the door open wider and bounced into the room, smirking at them. "So...how's the married couple?" She began, placing her hands on her hips as she shifted her eyes between the two who had scurried apart. "Making up for lost time, are we?"

"Brooke." Nathan groaned, rolling his eyes as he stood up and then helped Haley up as well. "Can you just...not?"

"Okay, fine. You're no fun." Brooke pouted and then tossed her brother-in-law a ziplock bag full of ice. "Here. Put the ice on that eye of yours."

"Thanks, Brooke." He replied, wincing momentarily as he placed the cold ice on his slightly blackening eye.

"Please, I didn't bring that for your benefit." The dimpled beauty admitted, shrugging casually as she added, "We can't have you going out on that court looking like...that. It's bad for the family. I'm in the middle of expanding a brilliant company, and I just can't have my brother-in-law making me look bad." She then gestured towards herself. "I've got an image to uphold."

"As usual, it's all about you, Brooke." Nathan teased as his sister-in-law did a little curtsy.

Haley laughed and shook her head. She sure has missed Brooke Davis.

"And now that that's settled, I'm gonna head back downstairs." Brooke said, smiling at them both before heading back towards the door. She paused, though, before fully leaving the room as she turned around to face the young couple once again. "Oh, there is something else."

Nathan and Haley looked at the girl, waiting for her to continue.

"I totally understand that you guys need to...whatever you're doing...but Lucas...he's kind of acting like a huge doucheass." Brooke began as both Nathan and Haley laughed at her choice of words. "As a favor to me...who totally supports the two of you and who feels absolutely zero animosity towards either of you, by the way...if you guys could maybe wrap things up in here before I completely lose it and punch the father of my unborn baby...well, that would be really great. Thanks!"

Nathan and Haley laughed even harder and watched as Brooke then vanished from their sight, closing the door behind her.

"I guess it's time to face the music...again." Haley sighed, turning to face her husband. She sent him a teasing smile. "Can I run away one last time?"

Nathan chuckled, drawing her into him and kissing her on the forehead. "Come on." He said, joining their hands together. "The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can move forward. All of us."

The two of them left the bedroom, hand-in-hand, and walked through the short hallway and descended the stairs slowly. They breathed deeply as the sound of their family's voices grew louder and louder with each step they took. They distinctly heard Lucas's voice as he had no problem voicing his own feelings and forcing everyone else to listen. Occasionally, they tried to intervene and calm the eldest Scott brother down; their efforts were futile, though. Brooke was definitely right and fair to come get them. It was their responsibility to rectify this situation. Their family is a victim of their lies as they were victims of losing their daughter. Those people downstairs, in that living room, deserve the truth – the entire truth.

"Well," Lucas began, his eyes now on them as they came into view, "look who finally decided to join us."

"Luke, stop." Brooke groaned from her place on the couch next to her mother-in-law. Her husband glared at her, but she glared back in response. She wasn't intimidated by him; they both know it is more of the other way around. Smiling sweetly, Brooke suggested, "How about you come sit down, honey?"

"I don't wan..."

"Sit!" She ordered loudly, interrupting Lucas who looked surprised by her miniature outburst. She smirked triumphantly as he huffed and plopped down beside her without another word while avoiding any eye contact with her. She turned her attention on the other young, married couple and smiled boisterously. "Hey!"

"Hey." Both Nathan and Haley greeted as they strolled further into the living room, once again positioning themselves so they were standing and facing the rest of the family.

"Sorry about that." Haley apologized.

Nathan followed with an apology of his own and then added, "We needed to...there were some things we needed to talk about with each other first."

"We understand." Karen said, smiling reassuringly and comfortingly at them both.

"We want to explain everything." Nathan said, squeezing his wife's hand gently before continuing. "Haley and I...we want you guys to know first that we didn't get married just because of the baby. It wasn't like that – not at all. We've actually been together for a while, since our sophomore year at Duke."

"What?" His mom questioned, the surprise evident in her tone. "This whole time? But...I didn't...how did we not know this?"

Karen stared back and forth between her son and the girl who she considered a daughter. She stared at them – stared at their joined hands, stared at the close way their bodies stood next to one another, and stared at the way they were looking at one another at this very moment. There was a look – you know the look. It's the look of love that passes between two people. Karen saw that. A feeling, deep in the pit of her stomach, passed through her. She felt out of the loop and blind-sided. While she blamed Nathan and Haley for that, Karen also blamed herself. She didn't understand why she didn't see this before. Those two have always been close, and they have always shared this playful banter with one another...but she never expected this. How could Karen have missed it – all this time?

Haley sent the older woman a sympathetic glance.

"I'm sorry." Nathan apologized, looking at his mother and feeling such guilt. "We never meant to...we shouldn't have kept our relationship from you, especially the marriage and the baby. That wasn't fair."

"No, it wasn't." Karen didn't hesitate in agreeing.

"We know how surprising all this is, and we are truly sorry that you had to find out this way." Nathan said, not really knowing what else to say. Repeating apologies seemed like his only response, but it was sounding redundant. Not to mention, he didn't really think apologies were enough. It's all Nathan had, though, so he couldn't help but repeat himself again, "I don't...we are really sorry."

Lucas released a low, deep, sarcastic laugh.

"Just say what you want to say, Lucas." Nathan sighed, tired exasperation in his voice as he turned his focus on his older brother.

"You're sorry." Lucas quipped sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "That...that's just great. Do you feel better now? Do your apologizies...are they supposed to make up for everything?" His questions were more rhetorical as he continued, not letting his brother or anyone else for that matter get a word in. "They don't! All this time...sorry isn't enough to fix the mess that you've created!"

"Lucas, stop!" Haley quickly interjected, capturing her best friend's attention. "You have every right to be upset...but I'm the one you should be angry at." She said as she then glanced at the rest of the family so she could speak to them as well. "It was my fault, okay? Nathan wanted to tell you guys about us, and I kept putting it off. And I'm the one who left him – not the other way around. Please don't be mad at him. Honestly, he didn't do anything wrong."

"Yeah, he did!" Lucas countered, heatedly. "And don't worry, Hales, I am plenty pissed off at you!"

"Luke..."

"You are my best friend!" He exclaimed, his voice echoing throughout the apartment which caused everyone to jump slightly. He glared at Haley before shifting his glare on Nathan. "And you...you are my brother!"

"I'm sorry, Luke." Nathan apologized. "I know how weird this is for you. The idea of me and Haley together...it's..."

Lucas shook his head. "You don't...you don't get it." He sighed, his tone quieter than just before. He felt defeated. "You lied to me. You both did – for years. Aside from Brooke, you guys are the only two people who I felt I could tell anything to. And I thought I was that for you as well."

"You are." Haley insisted adamantly.

"Apparently not." He argued. "You're married...that isn't something you guys just...decide to lie about."

Lucas looked at them both one last time before sighing and angrily turning around before stomping up the stairs, disappearing from their sight.

Haley watched as Nathan moved to go after his brother but she grabbed his hand, halting his movements. "Let me go." She pleaded softly and after a hesitant second, he nodded. She thanked him and said, "I'll be back."

Nathan sighed, his eyes locked on his wife as she brushed past him and followed Lucas's footsteps.

Haley strolled up the stairs slowly, hesitantly, taking two steps at a time. Along the way, she inhaled and exhaled several deep breaths, trying to calm the over abundance of nerves that were fluttering around in her stomach. She wasn't looking forward to this, to what was about to come. A part of her wished she would have taken her husband's plan to talk to Lucas first, but Haley knew she should be the one to do it. Her best friend was wound up tightly right now, and while he is angry at her, his anger towards Nathan was ten degrees higher. She arrived on the second floor and walked through the hallway, towards the master bedroom. The door was open, and when Haley peaked her head into the entryway, she saw him sitting on the bed. His focus was on something in his lap. She stepped cautiously into the room and slowly began to inch her way closer to him.

"It was real." Lucas spoke, his eyes never breaking out of his "trance".

She raised her eyebrows in confusion and was about to ask him what he means when she saw what he was so fixated on...the photo album.

"What you and Nathan had...it was real." He elaborated quietly, still staring at the pictures.

"Yes." She confirmed as she sat down next to him on the bed. "What Nathan and I have...it is real, Lucas."

"I can see that." He muttered with a hint of bitterness in his tone.

Haley didn't say anything and simply watched as Lucas continued to gaze through the pictures. She couldn't help but sit with him while looking at the pictures with him. Each picture had her remembering every moment intimately. Tears filled her eyes and a small smile formed from her lips as Haley mentally replayed each picture in her mind.

"It was Nathan."

"What?" She asked, again confused.

"The guy you lost your virginity to." Lucas said, glancing over at his best friend. "It was Nathan, right?"

She smiled softly, hesitantly, at him and then nodded. "Yeah."

"I just..." He began, sighing heavily as he closed the photo album before placing it on the bed, "...I don't understand any of this."

"I know."

"Explain it to me, Hales."

"Luke, I want to and I will...but can you..." Haley stammered, trying to find her words, "can you just...try to remain calm and let me finish?"

Lucas stared at her and after a hesitant minute, he nodded. "I can try."

"Like I told you before, it was during spring break our senior year. We were both stuck in Tree Hill; you were still up at Duke. Your mom convinced us to go out one night, have a little fun and actually enjoy our break. We did...went to Blue Post, drank a little and danced a little, and then we decided to leave. While walking, we saw a tat..."

"Tattoo parlor." Lucas finished for her as she nodded. "The tattoos...Brooke told me what they meant. You basically branded each other, right?" He questioned as she nodded. "And then you guys...?"

Haley nodded, blushing lightly as she glanced away from his prying eyes. "Yeah, we did."

"You were both drunk then?"

"No." She was quick to deny, knowing exactly what he was insinuating. "We sobered up by the time we got back to my house. Nathan didn't take advantage of me, Luke. He would never do something like that. And I wouldn't have given away my virginity if I wasn't ready or if I didn't want to. I was ready, though, Lucas. That night, with Nathan...I wanted to be with him." She said and saw the grimace pass over his features as he pushed himself up from the bed, hurling his body forward a few feet as he began to pace slowly along the carpet. "I'm sorry. I know you probably don't want to hear that, but it's true. I just wanna be honest with you right now."

"About time." He muttered and then continued to prod, wanting to know the whole story. "So what happened after? You guys said you didn't get together again until...what, a year later?"

"Yeah. I mean...since that night, we shared this kind of playful, flirty banter with one another but kept it at just that. There were a few times in between where we hooked up, but..." Haley paused, trying to think of the best way to explain herself, "when we first got together...it wasn't any kind of relationship. We didn't...it wasn't like...we weren't boyfriend or girlfriend at first."

Lucas stopped his pacing and turned to face his best friend, raising his eyebrows in confusion. "Then what..." He cut himself off, what she meant suddenly clicking in. "The two of you were fuck buddies."

Haley winced at that description but nodded.

"I knew it." He huffed out, shaking his head. "I told Brooke that you..."

"That we what?" She challenged, glaring at him. "It wasn't really like that, Lucas."

"You just said it was." He countered. "And it sounds like it."

"Yeah, you're right. In the beginning...it did start out as just sex." Haley agreed with a low sigh. "But Luke, there was so much more between us. Even when it was just sex – there was something more. I know that sounds so contradicting, and I'm not sure I can explain it...but it doesn't make it any less true. Since that night between us...there was something special between me and Nathan. I cared about him in a way that was so much more than friendship."

Lucas stood there silently, listening and watching – listening to the passion in her voice and watching the wistful smile on her face.

"Our relationship developed slowly. I think we both subconsciously wanted to see where our whole...friends with benefits arrangement led us. Honestly, I think we both knew exactly what we were doing – we just didn't admit it to each other or anyone else. There was a moment for me when I allowed myself to feel something more than just a deep friendship for him. We were laying in bed after...well, you know...and I asked him if there was anybody else. I remember being so scared of his answer, because I didn't want there to be anyone else. I didn't want there to be anyone but me. And there wasn't. He told me he hadn't been with anyone else since we started our thing together. I know our feelings had already deepened by that point, but I think that was the moment when we both mentally admitted it to ourselves." Haley paused, smiling brightly up at her best friend. "I love him, Lucas. We love each other, and it's...very, very real."

OTHOTHOTH

Nathan walked into the kitchen and found his mother sitting at the island. She had poured herself a very small glass of red wine. His mom didn't drink...well, she hardly ever drank. He could probably count the number of times he has actually seen her drink on both hands. The last couple of times she had consumed alcohol was at his brother's wedding and when his grandmother had passed away last summer – so basically, on really happy occasions or during really hard times. Nathan wasn't sure which one of those pertained to this very moment.

"Mom." He greeted, cautiously.

"Hey, sweetie." Karen greeted, smiling as she took a sip of the wine.

"Are you okay?" He asked, gesturing to the glass in front of her.

Karen chuckled softly. "I'm fine, Nathan. I'm not drinking because..." She paused, sending him a pointed smile, "I just felt like a sip of something. It's been quite an eventful day so far with a lot of information, surprising information, thrown at me."

Nathan simply nodded, accepting her answer.

"Care to join me?" She invited, a playful grin forming from her lips.

"Maybe." He replied. "I think I may need something stronger, though."

They both laughed.

"What about you? Are you okay?" She questioned, turning the focus on him and watched as he simply shrugged. Sighing, she quickly stood and wrapped her arms around her son's shoulders, hugging him tightly. "It's okay, honey."

Nathan smiled as he embraced his mother's hug immediately. He needed her right now. It's kind of sounds like such a childish notion – needing your mother, but it is true for him. He needed that warm, motherly comfort that only she could provide him with at the moment. It was more than a physical need, though. Nathan needed his mom's acceptance and understanding. His mom had every right to be furious with him right now – she missed planning a wedding and seeing her son get married, and she missed knowing that she had and lost a granddaughter. But instead of being furious, his mom was giving him that acceptance and that understanding.

"So..." Karen began, stretching the word out. Kissing her son on the top of his head, she then backed out of their embrace. "...is there anything else I need to know, though? Anything you and that wife of yours may have left out that I'll have to find out years later?"

Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. "No. You now know everything."

"Good." She replied, plopping back down in her seat. "That's really good, because I'm not sure I can handle one more piece of shocking info."

Continuing to laugh, he also sat down in the stool next to his mom.

"Tell me more." Karen prodded.

"About what?" Nathan asked, not quite sure what she wanted.

"Whatever you want to tell me." She replied, letting out a small laugh. "This is all still so...finding out that my son and the girl who has always been like a daughter to me are married...well, it took me by surprise. I just wanna know about it...so tell me whatever you want to tell me."

Not even realizing it, he smiled widely as his eyes gleamed. "I love her, Mom."

Karen couldn't help but smile also as she watched and listened to her son. The only time she has ever seen him this happy was when he was playing basketball. She had to admit to herself that she never thought she'd see Nathan get this happy because of a girl; her youngest son wasn't exactly a "one woman" kind of man. Karen thought back to the past five years, trying to remember a time where she could have seen a sign or something. She couldn't think of any specific moment, even when they shared his bed in his bedroom during the times when both Nathan and Haley were home. Karen held back the laugh she wanted to expel as she realized she unknowingly enabled them.

"Just so you know, this is all your fault." He accused as if he read her mind.

"Oh?" She questioned, amused. "And how exactly is it my fault?"

"There wasn't anything between me and Haley until that night during our spring break senior year. You were the one who insisted that we go out and have some fun. So that's exactly what we did. We were just following your orders."

"Yeah...I don't remember telling you guys to get tattoos and have sex as part of that fun." She countered teasingly, watching the blush invading her son's cheeks. Laughing, she patted his cheek. "You know what, though...I gladly accept fault for this one."

Nathan looked at his mother, smiling softly.

"I can't think of anyone else I would rather have my son fall in love with." Karen admitted. "I love Haley, Nathan. She is already a part of our family, and I am so thrilled to have that be really true now. If you guys are happy...that's all I could ever want for the both of you."

The two embraced in a warm hug once again.

"Karen...?"

Both Nathan and Karen turned, slightly startled by the soft, almost whispered voice, and found Haley standing in the entryway of the kitchen. They almost laughed at the timid, scared even, way the petite brunette looked at this very moment. It reminded them both of that shy, eight-year-old Haley James they first met.

"Don't you mean...mom?" Karen corrected with a raised eyebrow.

Haley stood still, staring at the older woman. She couldn't tell how Karen's reaction was; the woman's tone was neutral and very hard to read as were her facial expressions. The thought of this woman who has been such a huge part of her life being angry with her and turning her away now, in a moment when she may need her the most, had Haley terrified. She wanted to run away, too afraid to feel that kind of rejection right now. But then, Karen smiled at her.

"Well, come over here." Karen demanded with a wave of her hand. "I want to give my daughter-in-law a hug."

Haley smiled as her feet moved, of their own accord, swiftly across the marble floor. She threw her arms around Karen's shoulders and embraced her mother-in-law in a tight but warm hug. She closed her eyes, squeezing out a couple of tears.

Nathan smiled as he watched his mother and his wife embrace. Deciding to give them some much needed privacy, he quietly shuffled out of the kitchen. He knew Haley needed to talk to someone else about everything she was feeling – she needed to talk to his mom. Karen may be the only one, aside from him, who could help Haley sort through losing Emma and help her try to move forward. Walking into the living room, Nathan noticed that only Dan, Keith, Deb, and Lily were in the room. Brooke had most likely went upstairs to deal with Lucas. Duke had come waddling up to him, and he couldn't help but give his beloved dog some much wanted attention as he pet Duke's head and scratched behind his ears.

"I guess congratulations is in order." A voice sounded next to him.

Already knowing who it was, Nathan looked up and only confirmed that the voice belonged to his father. "Thanks." He replied cautiously, waiting for Dan to say something further but he didn't. Now, he was just confused. First, it was his dad's initial reaction and now this. He turned to Dan. "Why aren't you...I don't know...pissed and giving me a lecture right now?"

Dan chuckled lowly and shook his head. "Nathan, I've known about you and Haley for a while now. Not the part about the marriage or the baby, but I've known there's been something between you guys." He explained before looking at his son and questioned, amusement laced in his tone, "Do you want a lecture from me?"

"No." Nathan replied, rolling his eyes. "I just don't get why it's so different this time around."

"It's different because it's Haley." Dan replied and then sighed as he continued. "Look, Nathan...I know who Haley is. She isn't like those other girls I used to lecture you about; she would never go after you for your money or try to trap you in any way. She is smart and driven and kind-hearted. Haley is...well, she's like a daughter to me. You're my son, Nathan. I know I give you a hard time – that's just who I am, but I really do want what's best for you. Both of you. I've seen how you two are with one another, and I can see the love that's there. Besides, I could do a lot worse for a daughter-in-law so you won't get any lectures from me...unless you want one, of course."

Nathan glanced at his dad and laughed as Dan raised his glass filled with scotch, saluting him before sucking the liquid down in one gulp.

"Speaking of," Dan began again, surveying the room, "where is that wife of yours?"

"She's in the kitchen with mom." Nathan answered. "I think they both really need some time with one another."

While filling a couple of mugs up with some herbal tea, Karen glanced up and watched her daughter-in-law. Haley was currently occupying the seat her son was just previously sitting in, staring down at her fingers as they fidgeted with one another; there were tears glistening in her eyes. Karen smiled sadly at the girl, her heart breaking at seeing Haley in such pain. After the mugs were filled, she picked them up and carefully carried them over to the island, setting one down in front of the distraught girl before plopping down in the other stool. It was quiet between the two women. Taking a sip of the hot beverage, Karen continued to watch Haley who was staring and picking at the handle of the glass mug.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Karen asked after a few more seconds of silence.

"Talk about what?" Haley replied, finally looking up at her mother-in-law.

Karen sent her a soft, pointed look.

Haley laughed lowly. Of course Karen knew what was on her mind; she was always intuitive like that. Haley guessed it was that whole "mother's intuition" thing. Ever since Haley was a little girl, Karen could sense when something was bothering her. Maybe that is subconsciously another reason why Haley cut all forms of contact off with Karen in the past two years; she wasn't ready to talk about things, and Karen would have prodded. But now, sitting with the woman who Haley loved and admired and looked up to in so many ways, it was too hard to hold everything in. Suddenly, those unshed tears of hers came pouring out.

"Oh, sweetie." Karen said softly as she jumped up from the stool and wrapped her arms around Haley; she felt her own tears stinging her eyes but held them in with great effort. "I'm so sorry."

"I miss her, Karen." Haley sobbed into her mother-in-law's shoulder, wetting the top Karen was wearing.

"I know, honey."

"I think about her all the time."

As Haley's sobs began to slow, Karen kissed the girl on the top of her head before pulling out of their embrace. She dragged her stool closer to Haley and then sat back down before joining their hands, setting them in her lap to keep the two of them physically connected. Karen wanted Haley to know she was right there and wasn't going to go anywhere.

"Haley, you're going to be okay. You're going to get through this." She reassured.

"I'm trying." Haley said, looking up at the older woman. "I want to move forward so much, but it's hard. I don't know how to."

"I know it is." Karen replied, squeezing her daughter-in-law's hands gently. "Sweetie, I can't sit here and tell you that I know what you're going through, because I don't. I can only imagine...it breaks my heart knowing that you and my son have been going through something so...devastating and painful. I wish I had known so I could have been there for you both, in any way that I could have been." She said, her voice choking slightly. "But I'm here now. Sweetie, you have so many people here for you. We all love you so much. And most importantly, you have Nathan."

Haley sniffled, nodding softly. "Yeah."

"That son of mine...gosh, he loves you, Haley."

"I know." Haley replied, smiling wistfully. "Nathan is...he's so amazing."

Karen couldn't help but smile herself.

"Gosh, Karen, you should have seen him with the pregnancy and with Emma. Nathan was so excited about having a baby – more than I even was, especially in the beginning."

"Really?" Karen questioned, surprised by that.

"Yeah. He was so good to me while I was pregnant – very attentive and protective and nurturing. He played the doting husband so well, and he would have played the doting dad so well. He did play it so well." Haley stated, sighing sadly as tears blurred her vision once more. "I think that's what made everything so much harder. Nathan...he really wanted that baby, Karen. And I feel..."

"Guilty?" The older woman finished for her daughter-in-law knowingly.

Haley glanced up at her mother-in-law, forgetting momentarily just how well Karen knew her, and confirmed, "Yeah, I feel guilty. I don't want to, and I honestly know that it wasn't my fault. I just..."

"You can't help the way you feel, Haley." Karen reassured. "It's perfectly normal to feel the way you're feeling right now."

The younger woman nodded. "I know."

"You don't think my son...blames you, do you?"

"No, absolutely not." Haley was quick to deny, shaking her head. "I mean...I guess, there was a really small part of me that did, but that had more to do with me and my guilt and my insecurities. But no...I know Nathan doesn't blame me. We talked about it upstairs and...he told me that nothing that happened was my fault, and he was being honest and completely sincere."

"He's right, you know." Karen insisted. "What happened with the baby...it was not your fault, Haley. I know it may take some time to fully believe that, but it's true. If you listen to anything I have to say to you right now...you listen to that."

Haley smiled softly at her mother-in-law's firm but gentle tone of voice and nodded.

"Good." Karen said, squeezing her daughter-in-law's hands.

"Would you like to see her...Emma, I mean?" Haley asked softly. "We have pictures from after she was born."

Karen smiled widely, tears forming in her eyes as she nodded. "Yes. I would really love that."

The two women hugged one another one more time before Haley led Karen out of the kitchen.

OTHOTHOTH

Haley sat on the bed, watching Nathan as he fastened and zipped up his black trouser pants. He then tucked his light blue, dress shirt into the waistband of those pants. Gosh, her husband looked so insanely sexy. While he looks good in any and everything, her favorite color on him had to be blue which is why she personally picked out his clothes for the night. He didn't seem to mind or even question her actions when he stepped out of the bathroom; he simply began dressing. He moved to stand in front of his dresser, glancing at his reflexion in the mirror as he styled his hair. Nathan was quiet, content, as he got ready. Haley wondered if he was like this before every game of his, specifically the really big ones. He was always so calm and collected back at Duke; she didn't understand how he was considering she was always a nervous wreck. Haley couldn't help but smile softly as she continued to watch him.

Nathan caught her eyes in the mirror and smirked. "What are you looking at?"

"You." Haley answered, unabashedly.

"I look hot, don't I?" He said, teasingly yet honestly.

She nodded, smirking herself. "Absolutely."

Nathan turned around and strutted over to his bed, his eyes raking appreciatively over his wife's form. She definitely didn't look so bad herself as she lay there, dressed in a pair of jeans and a plain white, ribbed tank top. Her hair was down, framing her face beautifully. He smiled and placed his hands flat on the mattress as he leaned forward to brush his lips over hers. Her quiet humming vibrated against his lips which sent tremors down his spine. Nathan couldn't deny how arousing that felt.

"You look hot, too." He complimented.

Haley expelled a heavy breath as his fingers landed on her hips, disappearing underneath her top and digging into her skin. "Don't start something you don't have time to finish." She warned when he began to plant light kisses along her collarbone.

Nathan chuckled, leaning back as he sent her a pointed look. "You're the one who refused to share a shower with me after we both agreed we wanted to earlier. We had plenty of time then."

"Not with your family in the house." She argued. "I don't want to do that with them here."

"We've done it before." He reminded her, raising an eyebrow. "How many times did we have sex in my mother's house with her there?"

"You have a point, but it feels different. We were sneaking around then. They know now. We get in that shower together, and they know exactly what we're going to be doing."

"I'm fairly certain they already know, Hales."

Haley rolled her eyes. "Of course I know that, but still...Nathan, they just found out about us. They're still adjusting, even if they've accepted it." She explained herself further. "We don't need to make any of them feel even more uncomfortable."

Nathan sighed, kissing her chastely once more. "Fine, you're right." He agreed. "But tonight...we have a lot of making up to do. And they won't be here later; they'll be at a hotel."

"Lucas and Brooke won't. They'll be here, in the next bedroom." She replied.

"If they hear us, they'll live." He said, laughing at the bemused look on her face. "And what about them? I don't know about you, but I've walked in on and heard them having sex many times over the years. I'm sure you have, too. And I know Brooke has talked to you about their sex life. It's time for a little payback, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I'm sure Lucas will really want to see or hear his little brother making his best friend scream his name."

"I don't care about that. I just want to be with you."

Haley smiled softly at him. "Me, too." She said, kissing him and then mumbled against his lips. "Fine. We'll just have to try really hard to be quiet as we can then."

After a small, somewhat chaste make out session, the two broke apart as they realized they didn't have time for anything else.

Nathan watched as Haley shifted her body up and swung herself around so her feet were dangling off the side of the bed. She was glancing down at herself, and he listened as she sighed quietly. Something was clearly on her mind so he asked her, "What's going on in that pretty head of yours?"

"I don't have anything to wear." She answered, looking at him.

He raised an eyebrow in confusion. "You are wearing something."

Haley shook her head. "No, I mean..." She paused, shrugging slightly, "I don't have anything to wear for the game. You know, dressing up for all your games is one of my favorite things to do. I wanna support you, especially tonight. I know the press is going to be there, and...I just want everyone to know that I'm here for you. That I'm your wife."

"They will know." He said, stepping in between her legs and cradling her face in his hands. "Haley, I can't wait to show you off tonight and every night after."

"I've been gone for two years, Nathan. I have missed so many of your games, so many events. I missed a lot and...I just want to be there for you tonight. More than simply just being there. Maybe it sounds stupid – it does when I say it out loud, but I wish I had something to wear. Something to support the sexiest guy out on that court. Something to support my husband."

"That definitely doesn't sound stupid. I mean, who wouldn't want to show me off?"

Haley rolled her eyes, laughing at his smug smirking. She watched as he grabbed his cell phone off the nightstand, informing her he was going to text Clay and make sure they had everything ready for tonight. She nodded indifferently, still watching him. He sent the message quickly and after a couple more rounds of back and forth texts, he was placing the phone in the right, front pocket of his pants. When he leaned forward, Haley met him for another quick kiss.

"Wait right here." Nathan instructed before strolling away and disappearing into his closet, coming back seconds later with a Knicks jersey. "Here. It has my name and my number on it."

Haley grinned brightly as she jumped off of the bed and rushed over to him, snatching the garment from his hands as she examined it.

"It will probably be a little big but..."

"That's fine." She interrupted, still beaming. "I can just tie it."

Nathan laughed at the goofy smile on her face and the intense way she was looking at the top – she was practically studying the thing. Then, Nathan watched as she brought the top up to her nose and inhaled a whiff before closing her eyes, stating after that it smells like him.

"This is perfect." Haley declared, finally tearing her eyes away from the jersey so she could stare up at her husband. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He replied, leaning down and kissing her softly. "Hales, I understand what you mean but just so you know..." He paused while lifting up her left hand and running his thumb along the diamond band on her ring finger, "this ring tells the world that you're mine."

She stood still as he walked over to his nightstand and opened the top drawer, pulling out a chain. She smiled, tears filling her eyes when she noticed the gold band hanging from it.

"And this one..." He continued, sliding the band onto his left ring finger, "...this one tells the world that I'm yours."

Before Nathan could say or do anything more, Haley was rushing over to him and throwing her arms around his neck. He didn't hesitate in wrapping his own arms around her waist and holding her body close to his. He lifted her from the carpet and her legs circled tightly around his hips. Nathan easily supported her as the two kissed. It wasn't a simple chaste kiss either; this kiss was electrifying, full of so much passion that they nearly said "to hell with it" and fell to the bed to give into what they both wanted and craved. Nathan settled for gently pushing them towards the wall and pinning Haley's back against it.

"I know another way to show the world you're mine." Haley mumbled between kisses.

Nathan smirked against her lips. "What's that?"

"Marking you..." Her lips dragged down to his neck where she softly began nipping at his skin, "...right here."

"Why, Haley James, are you thinking of engaging in the old high school cliché of giving me a hickey?"

"Would you mind?"

"Not at all." He replied, kissing her between each word.

"Scott." She whispered.

He pulled back and looked at her confused. "What?"

"You said James." Haley began to clarify. "It's Scott. Haley James Scott."

Nathan smiled, staring deeply into those big, beautiful, brown eyes of his wife's and nodded. "Haley James Scott." He repeated, kissing her again.

The kiss they shared this time was more sensual – still equally passionate but more sensual. They carried on for a few more minutes before a knock sounded at the door, forcing them apart. After their breathing calmed down and returned to a more regular rhythm, they reluctantly detached their bodies from one another.

"Let's go! Break it up, you two!" They heard Brooke chirp from out in the hallway, followed by a series of pounding knocks against the door.

Ten minutes later, after finishing getting dressed and making sure they were both presentable, the newly reconciled, married couple descended the stairs. The whole family was already in the living room, also dressed and ready to go. Everyone was there, including Clay who had arrived at the apartment five minutes prior.

"Hey, Clay." Nathan greeted, sharing a quick "man hug" with the guy.

"Nate." Clay replied as he stepped back. "Everything good here?"

Nathan chuckled at the look on his friend's face and the low tone he used when asking him that. "Everything is fine, Clay." He reassured.

Clay nodded, expelling a loud sigh of relief and then looked past his client. "You must be Haley." He acknowledged, side-stepping Nathan as he approached the brunette he had briefly met a few nights ago; he extended his arm out towards her. "We weren't properly introduced before. I'm Clay."

Haley nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear timidly as she shook his hand.

"I've heard a lot about you lately." He smirked.

Clay then took the opportunity to get a good look at Haley as she stood before him in a Knicks jersey that was tied together behind her back, revealing a white top underneath, and a pair of jeans. Her long, wavy, brown hair was down, framing her face perfectly, and she wore very little makeup. She had a very simple look about her – natural and very girl-next-doorish. Haley was beautiful, though – breathtakingly beautiful even. She wasn't like all the other women who were constantly throwing themselves at his client...and himself, of course. While those girls, who are more his type, were insanely beautiful – sexy, really...Haley seemed to possess that classy sexy which is so rare these days. He could see what attracted Nathan to Haley. Clay also noted how different she looked tonight from their first night they came face-to-face. She didn't look so disheveled but more put together – happy. Glancing over at his friend, Clay saw that same happiness radiating from Nathan. That was definitely something positive, and it was all Clay needed to accept and approve of Haley James Scott.

"Well, it's very nice to meet you." He said sincerely with a bright, comforting smile.

Haley returned the sentiment and couldn't help but smile as well. The guy had an infectious smile – that boyish grin that is just so adorable. Clay reminded her of Nathan – obviously not appearance wise but personality wise...it was very similar. He seemed charming and charismatic, probably a little full of himself which isn't always a negative thing, and maybe a bit of a smooth-talking player. Nathan was like that – still is in a way, minus the player part. And of course, both guys were incredibly good-looking.

"So..." Clay began, addressing both her and Nathan, "...there is some press outside. Not too bad, though."

Nerves hit Haley suddenly, swarming around in her stomach and almost had her fighting the urge to throw up. Haley instantly felt a little more at ease, though, when her husband seemed to catch onto her nerves and interlaced his right hand with her left one, sending her a gentle squeeze.

"There are two cars out there for all of us – one is right in front of the doors, as close as I could have the driver get. Pay no mind to any of those people outside – we're just gonna go straight into the car, okay?" Clay instructed as Nathan nodded and then asked about making an official statement of some kind. Clay nodded as well, understanding that was something his client wanted to do. "You will – at the stadium. I already set something up before the game. The press knows and will be waiting."

"Okay." Nathan replied, sending his agent a smile of appreciation.

"Everybody ready?" Clay asked.

A series of yes'ssounded throughout the room.

"All right. Nathan, Haley, Lucas, Brooke...you're in the first car with me." He instructed as the four others nodded. "The older ones..."

"Watch it, Clay." Karen warned, teasingly.

Clay held up his hands in mock defense while laughing and then proceeded to tell the rest of the family they will be riding in the second car.

With everyone knowing the "game plan", they said their goodbyes to Duke before grabbing their wanted belongings and exiting the apartment. Afer waiting about three minutes for an elevator, they all squished into one and rode down until the doors opened up to the main entrance. The lobby wasn't crowded at all – just Emily, the front desk receptionist, George, the concierge, and a couple other tenants who were just now entering the building. Emily sent the group a smile and a small wave from afar before focusing back on the computer screen in front of her.

"Good evening, Mr. Scott." The concierge then greeted, tipping his hat.

"Don't you ever go home, George?" Nathan asked, grinning broadly.

"What, and miss this?" George replied, gesturing to the flashing cameras outside. "And after this morning's show...well, I figured I'd stick around to see how it ends."

"This morning?" Lucas inquired, glancing between the two guys.

Both Nathan and George, along with Haley, shared a look with one another. George just laughed as Nathan and Haley blushed slightly as a quick flashback of him picking her up and carrying her back up to his apartment played out in their minds. Neither one of their finest moments, but it does make for an entertaining story to tell in the future.

"Don't worry about it." Nathan dismissed. "We'll fill you in later."

Lucas accepted his brother's response with a simple nod.

"Have a good game, Nathan." George said.

Nathan nodded his thanks at the man and then clasped his hand together with Haley's as he let Clay lead them outside. There were only five reporters waiting outside so as his agent had said, it wasn't a lot. He knew it was still overwhelming for his wife, though, so he tucked her into his side in an effort to protect and comfort her. Cameras flashed and questions were hollered, but he ignore all of it as he and Haley climbed into the car after Clay with his brother and sister-in-law following closely behind. Once everyone was safely buckled inside both cars, the drivers carefully pulled away from the sidewalk. Still holding Haley closely against him, Nathan watched the passing scenery. The streets were jammed packed which wasn't so surprising considering it was a Friday evening. Luckily, though, the drive didn't take too long due to the close proximity between the apartment complex and Madison Square Garden – one of the many reasons why he chose that particular apartment. More reporters were outside the stadium as well – a few more than at the apartment but still manageable. He exited the car and once again kept Haley nestled against him as they rushed into the building.

The group walked through the back of the stadium, towards the locker room.

Nathan stopped and drew his wife into his arms while ignoring any people with flashing cameras as he pressed a lingering kiss against her forehead, smiling as Haley hummed quietly and closed her eyes in response. "Well, this is where we part ways." He said, knowing they were going to see one another in just minutes but still...it was torture. Having just got her back, Nathan was quite ready to be away from her again.

Haley jutted out her bottom lip in a small, mock pout and sighed. "Fine. I'll see you out there. I'll be the one cheering loudly for the sexiest guy out there."

"I love you." He declared, brushing his lips over hers.

"I love you, too." She mumbled against his lips.

"Don't worry." He told her and then leaned back slightly so he could look at her. "Clay is gonna take you to your seat and keep the press away from you."

"Okay." She replied, nodding. "And you don't worry either, because my man is gonna play amazing tonight."

Nathan smirked, kissed her quickly one more time before warning his agent to protect his wife, and then disappeared into the locker room.

Minutes later, Haley walked side-by-side with Brooke along the wooden floor. The girls were lagging closely behind Clay and Lucas who were ushering them safely to their seats, protecting them from all the people. Reporters stood off to the side, snapping pictures left and right; they called Haley's name, hoping to get a few comments from her. Under both Clay and Nathan's orders, she ignored them. Honestly, though, she didn't need either of them to tell her to ignore the press; she could do that all on her own. Along with the reporters came everyone else as well who were staring and pointing at her, whispering among one another. Haley tried desperately to ignore the outside world. She was here to support her husband. Nothing and nobody else mattered anymore. Haley wasn't going to let all of this get to her.

As they arrived at their seats, Haley situated herself between Brooke and Lily as the rest of the Scott clan, and Clay, found their own spots on both sides of her. She glanced around and the first thing that caught her attention was the woman sitting just a couple of rows in front of her, openly staring...well, glaring at her. Haley knew her; that girl is hard to forget.

"Whatcha lookin' at?" Brooke asked, following her friend's line of sight and scoffed when she saw who they were looking at. "Carrie."

Haley turned towards her friend with raised eyebrows. "Carrie?"

"Carrie Travers. Nathan's date from hell." Brooke replied, nonchalantly. Her eyes then widened as she realized what she had just actually revealed and then her eyes shot to her friend with a look of complete regret. "Haley, I am...so sorry. I didn't..."

Ignoring the painful stab to her heart, Haley patted the dimpled brunette's thigh lightly, wanting to reassure her it was okay. "I already know, Brooke. Nathan told me."

"He did?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, thank God!" Brooke exclaimed dramatically, placing her hand over her rapidly beating heart.

Haley smiled softly, glad that her friend didn't have to feel anymore guilt. She knew it was innocent; it was simply one of those "slip of the tongue" things. Brooke shouldn't have to feel bad over that so Haley decided to omit some of the truth. Of course, she knew all about that date of her husband's – she just didn't know it was with that girl. Stealing another glance at Carrie, who was still glaring menacingly at her, Haley couldn't help but feel a wave of insecurity pass through her. A ridiculous, childish part of her wished she would have given her husband that hickey; at least then maybe that girl could have seen it and know she doesn't have a shot with him. Was it petty of Haley – perhaps but who the hell cares. She was lost in her thoughts when Brooke spoke again, capturing her attention.

"Why would you wear that to a basketball game?" Brooke asked, disgust dripping from her tone.

Haley ran her eyes over the girl again who was wearing a red, halter-style dress which was way shorter than it needed to be and showed an uncomfortable amount of cleavage. Here comes more that annoying insecurity again as Haley glanced down at herself.

"Not that I'm surprised, though." Brooke continued. "I swear...models think they're so...God's gift to the world."

"Model?" Haley questioned quietly.

Brooke nodded and said, "Yeah. I deal with models on practically a daily basis in my line of work. Most of the ones I've crossed paths with are awful. Carrie certainly fits in with that particular group."

Haley laughed sardonically. Of course, the girl just had to be a model. She really wasn't surprised, though; Carrie had the supermodel looks and the supermodel body. The world probably wouldn't think twice about Nathan and Carrie being together. The sexy NBA superstar plus the sexy supermodel equals the perfect freaking match. Haley wanted to throw up – maybe if she aimed right, she could hit Carrie.

"The girl is pathetic and desperate; she's like Rachel 2.0." Brooke stated, not understanding that her friend did not want to talk about the woman her husband went on a date with. "She basically stalked Nathan; he almost changed his number and even thought about moving because of her creepy, stalker ass."

Haley bit back the smile threatening to form; that made her feel a little better.

Clay stood from his seat and turned to look at the girls and Lucas. "Well, I've gotta go meet Nathan real quick. He's making a statement to the press in a few minutes." He said, clapping his hands together.

"Do I, umm...need to go with you?" Haley asked, timidly tucking some hair behind her ear.

"Nope." He answered, popping the "p" as he sent her a knowing smirk. "We've got it covered."

She simply nodded in response, grateful that she didn't have to get directly in front of the cameras. It was one thing to have pictures snapped and questions called out from a distance and a whole other thing to be right there in the middle of the spotlight. She wasn't quite ready for that. Clay sent her one more smile before rushing away from them and disappearing into the madness surrounding them.

"Ooh." Brooke squeaked quietly.

Haley looked at her friend suddenly and asked, "You okay?"

"Oh, yeah." Brooke waved off. "The baby's just kicking...hard."

Haley's eyes drifted down to the girl's swollen stomach. "Can I...can I feel it?" She asked, her voice low and shaky.

Brooke smiled softly and nodded. "Of course." She answered and watched as Haley reached over and placed her left hand over her stomach, applying a little pressure.

Tears filled Haley's eyes. "That is...that's such an amazing feeling." She gushed passionately and then looked back up at her friend. "I haven't congratulated you yet. Congratulations."

"Thank you." Brooke whispered, tears glistening in her own eyes as she thought about what her brother-in-law and sister-in-law had to go through. She placed her right hand over Haley's left one which was still resting on her stomach. "I'm so sorry, Haley."

Haley sniffled and shook her head. "It's okay." She reassured quietly and smiled softly. "And I am so happy for you guys. I can't wait to have another niece or nephew. Do you know what you're having?"

"It's a boy."

"Uh oh...a little Lucas in on the way."

"Did someone say my name?" Lucas jumped in, glancing between his wife and his best friend who shared a look with one another as they burst out laughing. His forehead wrinkled and his eyebrows raised as Lucas stared between them. "Did I miss something?"

Brooke patted her husband on his cheek. "Oh, Broody. You are so cute when you're clueless."

Lucas simply shrugged indifferently before looking away, tuning them out once again.

"So..." Brooke began, deciding to change the subject as she glanced at her friend, "...things okay between you and Nathan? If what I walked in on earlier is any indication...well, I think things seem to be going very well."

Haley blushed furiously and answered, "You could say that."

"So what you mean is...Lucas and I should turn on the music tonight." Brooke stated, sending her friend a devious glance.

"Maybe." Haley said coyly, shrugging innocently.

The two girls smirked at one another and then laughed.

Clay returned with snacks and drinks for everyone and distributed the items among the Scott clan before returning to his seat next to Lucas.

Loud cheering from the audience had Haley shifting her attention towards where the Knicks team was now running onto the court. Haley immediately spotted Nathan. That husband of hers looked damn good in that uniform of his. There was something so arousing about seeing him out there. Images of a sweaty Nathan played out in her mind; she actually had to cross her left leg over her right one and squeeze her thighs together to alleviate how uncomfortable she felt at the moment. Was it wrong or inappropriate that Haley was insanely and ridiculously turned on right now? She continued to watch as Nathan then ran past her. He had scanned the crowd for a couple of seconds before his eyes landed right on her. Haley winked at him when their eyes met, and they both smiled boisterously at one another.

OTHOTHOTH

Haley winced slightly as her back collided roughly with the wall behind her. She knew there may be a few light bruises along her back come morning, but at this particular moment, she didn't give a damn. At least the act of obtaining those bruises will have been fun. Her arms tightened around his neck as did her legs around his hips. Bending her arms, Haley raked her fingers through her husband's hair, tugging on the thick strands firmly yet gently.

This was the perfect way to end the night, especially after the emotional rollercoaster Nathan and Haley had both been on since the early morning hours of the day. After the Knicks had won their first playoff game, with Nathan leading the team, the whole Scott clan stopped by a nearby pizzeria for a quick bit to eat to celebrate before parting ways for the night with the plan of getting together later the next day. Returning to the apartment, Lucas and Brooke immediately headed towards the guest bedroom, both exhausted from the events of the day. Nathan took Duke for a quick walk around the block as Haley decided to take a long, hot, rejuvenating shower. As soon as she had opened that bathroom door, her husband had practically jumped her.

Things between the young, married couple quickly escalated as soon as their lips first touched.

A shocked cry of pleasure escaped Haley's lips when Nathan forcefully shoved his tongue in her mouth. She felt his hardness as he ground his pelvis into hers. Wet heat poured out of her core; her nipples hardened against the rough fabric of her towel. Goosebumps shot down her arms; butterflies fluttered around in her stomach. A fine sheen of sweat began building along her spine but her towel did an efficient job of absorbing the wetness. Haley's entire body felt like it was on fire.

He continued to kiss her long and hard. His tongue continued to thrust frantically against her.

Haley felt the ends of her towel come undone and the fabric lowered, bunching together at her hips which left the top half of her body completely exposed. She moaned deeply as his hands snaked underneath the towel and cupped her backside, firmly holding her up and against him. Suddenly, her body was ripped away from the door as he whipped around. The towel dropped somewhere to the floor as he carried her hastily across the floor of his bedroom towards the bed and then lowered her down. Her body lay back on the mattress; her feet were planted flat against the mattress. Haley smiled, watching with rapt interest as he stood at the foot of the bed. Instead of wasting any time unbuttoning his shirt, he simply pulled the garment up and over his head before tossing it onto the carpet. Then, he undid the button and unzipped the zipper of his black trousers. Once the pants were in a pile at his feet, he joined her on the bed. Tremors shot through her as he inched his way up her body, planting kisses along her legs and on her stomach and across the tops of her breasts. Breathy whimpers fell from Haley's lips.

Their lips and tongues then connected once more.

She pushed on her husband's chest, forcing him to roll over so he was on his back. She swung her legs over his and propped herself into an upright position.

Nathan raised his body as he wrapped his arms completely around her waist. He kissed a wet trail along her jaw line and down her throat and then further down along her chest. A soft moan escaped her lips when he lightly nipped at her breasts. His eyes glanced up and met hers as his lips latched onto her nipple, sucking and biting the hardened peak gently. Her eyes widened; her mouth opened. He listened to the sharp intake of her breaths. Nathan held her gaze as his lips traveled across the valley between her breasts so he could lavish her other nipple that was also peaked and clearly starving for the same attention.

"Nathan." She moaned breathlessly.

Haley closed her eyes and thrusted her head back in ecstasy as she held his head against her. Her body was so incredibly hot, and she couldn't wait any longer. Bracing her hands on his shoulders, she pushed Nathan away from her and onto his back so he was laying flat against the mattress. His head fell to the pillow as she stared down at him. The sliver of light from the mood cast through the window, illuminating her. She smirked as his eyes darkened while running over her naked form. Even in the darkness, his striking, blue eyes stood out like a sore thumb. Shifting her body down his legs slightly and placing her hands at his sides, Haley leaned forward and pressed her lips lightly against his chest. She immediately felt his hands in her hair, gently pulling it out of the way of her path. She flicked her tongue over his nipple, causing him to groan loudly. Haley smirked against his skin as she then began to kiss her way back up his chest, the lower half of her body slowly grinding over his.

"God, Hales." Nathan breathed huskily.

Haley smiled, loving that she was doing this to him.

Nathan opened his eyes and stared at his wife. He still couldn't believe this was happening; not the sex per say but that Haley was here. Three days ago, he was pretty much just going through the motions with his life. He played his part as well as he could – the successful NBA superstar who was loving the spotlight and living the high life. He made millions, simply by playing the game he loved and was born to play. To everyone else, Nathan had an amazing life, and he did. But it would have never been enough – not without Haley. Now, his wife was here...for good.

"What?" Haley asked softly when she saw the intense way her husband was gazing up at her. "Is something wrong?"

"No." Nathan answered, smiling. "Everything is perfect."

Haley grinned widely. "It will be anyway." She proclaimed seductively.

He closed his eyes again, exhaling a breath as she raked her fingernails lightly down his stomach. She felt so good; her touch was warm and soft but effective. He could feel himself getting lost in her. He wanted to, too. He wanted to shut out the rest of the world and escape into oblivion with his wife. She shifted on him again, and he groaned loudly when she took him in her hand and began to stroke him; her ministrations were gentle. Then she lined him up at her entrance and sunk slowly down onto him. His hands immediately sought out her hips, needing something to hold onto as his fingers gripped her skin.

She moaned loudly as the palms of her hands fell onto his chest. It felt so intoxicating to have him inside her again; she could never get tired of this feeling. After taking a moment to revel in that first moment of them connecting together, she worked to find a comfortable rhythm. It didn't take long before she found it and began to roll her hips. Her breathing increased as he raised his hips, meeting her thrusts. She had to fight the urge of snapping her eyes shut, because she wanted to watch him. She wanted to watch the way his eyes closed and the way his tongue occasionally slipped out to lick his lips. She became more and more aroused as she watched the look of pure pleasure dancing across his face.

Their time together a couple of nights ago was vastly different in comparison to what was occurring in this very moment. That night was more slow, more defined, and more romantic. They had made love that night. Of course, they both considered every time they're together making love but it was still different. Tonight was fast and rough – the "I need you right now" kind of love-making.

It definitely didn't take long for either of them to find their releases as they both moaned loudly and all but screamed each other's names in pleasure, seemingly forgetting about the other two people who were sleeping in the other bedroom just down the hall. Neither of them moved as they waited for their bodies and their breathing to calm down.

Haley squealed in surprise as her body was suddenly flung forward, coming flush up against his own. She laughed then as he rolled them over so she was the one laying flat on her back against the mattress. He hovered over her, his knee nudging its way between her legs; she hooked her right leg over his left one, running her foot along the back of his calf. Haley closed her eyes, relishing in the way his weight felt on her.

"We're going to be doing that every night for the rest of our lives." Nathan declared as he kissed her chest, his tongue darting out to lick the salty sweat from her body. Her fingers began to rake slowly through his hair, massaging his scalp, which felt so amazing. "Gosh, Hales...I can't wait until you move into here permanently. We should fly to Arizona this weekend and pack up the rest of your stuff."

"I can't." She replied, humming softly. Her eyes flew open in confusion as he suddenly pulled away from her. He was staring at her, and she could see the panic mirroring his features. "It's not like that." She was quick to reassure him and smiled as his body instantly relaxed. "I have a lease on my house; there are still four months left."

He let out a loud, quick chuckle. "I'll buy out your damn lease, Haley."

"No, I can't let you do that." She declined, shaking her head adamantly. "It's not your problem; it's mine. It's my house and..."

"And you're my wife." Nathan interrupted. "Hales, we've been apart for too long. Now that I've got you back, I have no intention of letting you out of my sight."

Haley smiled up at him and said, "Okay. This weekend. I have to go back and talk to my boss anyway, hand in my resignation."

They smiled at one another, shared a sensual kiss, and then moved closer into one another. They lay there, enjoying the simplicity of just being together after being apart for so long.

"Hey, Nathan?" Haley called out softly after a few minutes as she drew light patterns along his bare chest.

"Hmm?" Nathan questioned, his eyes closed as his exhaustion began to settle in.

"We, umm...we weren't protected the other night. Or tonight."

He opened his eyes as he looked at his wife and asked, "What?"

She bit down on her bottom lip, nerves heightened as she glanced up at him and continued. "When we've been together...we didn't use any protection."

"You're not...you aren't on birth control?" He questioned, surprised by her admission.

"No. I haven't exactly needed it." She answered, shaking her head and then grew confused as Nathan smiled. That wasn't exactly the reaction she was expecting. It wasn't like she purposely refrained from telling him – she simply forgot. When you haven't had sex in two years, specifically with your husband, and you're in the moment...sometimes things tend to slip your mind until after. "Wha...what's that smile for?"

"Nothing." Nathan dismissed before a full-out grin broke out on his face. "It's just...not that I think you were, but it's really nice to hear that out loud." He watched the slight curve of her lips. "For the record, I didn't think to use a condom. I don't even have any around – never had any use for them until now either."

Haley glanced away from him, staring up at the white ceiling above them. "You didn't consider buying any for your date?" She quipped quietly and then closed her eyes, mentally chastising herself. "Sorry, that wasn't fair. This is all my fault anyway so I don't have the right to be upset over this."

"Yes, you do." Nathan argued softly. "It wasn't..."

"I left you, Nathan." She cut him off and met his gaze again. "And I didn't just leave you. I shut you out for two years. You had to make all the arrangements for Emma by yourself. I don't," She paused, choking back the sob that was threatening to fall as her eyes filled up with tears, "know how you did that. You went to the funeral alone. You mourned her all alone. And I'm so sorry for all that. I wish I could take it all back, but I can't. I don't know what else to say except that I'm so so sorry."

"We don't...we don't have to talk about this, Haley. Everything is okay between us now." He said, interlacing their hands together. "It's over. Let's move on."

"That's what I'm trying to do, Nathan, and that means talking about this. As much as I want to stay in this happy bubble of ours, we need to talk." She said and listened to the whispered sigh he expelled. "I...we can't just move forward after one day and expect everything that happened to be over and okay again. I don't want there to be any resentment or strewed up anger between us."

"There won't be." He insisted adamantly.

"But there could be." She countered and slowly shook her head. "I can't take that chance, Nathan. Not with you. Not now, after I finally feel like I'm getting my life back. Like I'm getting you and us back."

"Hales..."

"I hurt you, Nathan, and I just...I want to make sure you've really forgiven me, and we're not...ignoring everything."

Nathan smiled softly as he shifted into a sitting position on the bed. He reached down to grab her arms and pulled her up as well, laughing quietly as she immediately climbed into his lap so she was straddling his legs. She dangled her left arm loosely around his shoulder; she was staring at his bare chest as she placed her right hand against it. The fact that they were both still completely naked didn't escape Nathan's attention as his body definitely reacted, but he also knew now was not the right time for that.

"Hales." He said, waiting for her to look at him but her eyes remained glued to his chest. "Look at me, baby."

Sniffling, she lifted her eyes and met her husband's gaze.

"I'm not gonna lie and pretend that you didn't hurt me." He began softly, encircling his arms around her waist and clasping his hands together at the small of her back. "You really hurt me, Haley. I was angry, and I...I wanted to hate you; I did a little, but I always still loved you. That never changed – never will. All I've wanted these past two years has been you, and now that I have you back...Haley, I can't feel anything but relief and happiness. That anger I felt...I promise it's gone. And I swear I don't feel any resentment towards you either. I love you, Hales. So much."

"Really?"

"Yes, I promise." Nathan said.

Haley nodded slightly, smiling as she leaned forward and brushed her lips over his.

"About my date..."

"No, don't." She interrupted, shaking her head as she averted her gaze so she was staring at his chest again. "I shouldn't have brought it up. I was just...nevermind. It doesn't matter."

"It does matter." He argued softly, guilt rushing through him as he cupped her cheeks and forced her to look at him. He saw that her eyes were still glistening with unshed tears. "Hales, I am so sorry. I never...it was so stupid of me to go out with her. I did it to get Clay off my back, but I just...I shouldn't have went. Please believe me when I say that I honestly didn't want to go. And just so you know, I thought about you all night."

"I know." She whispered. "I really do believe you, and I...I guess I'm just..."

"What?" He prodded when she hesitated to say anything further. "Please, Hales...like you said, we should talk about everything."

Haley inhaled a deep breath and then continued, "I can't help but wonder...what if you did have a good time? What if you had liked her? It wouldn't be surprising really considering what she looks like." She said and saw the confusion on his face. "I, umm...I kind of met her that first night I got here."

"What?" Nathan asked, surprised. "Did she follow you up here that night?"

"No." She quickly denied, hearing the rise in his tone. "It was before. I literally ran right into her outside on the sidewalk, and then I saw her at the game tonight. I didn't know she was the girl you went out on a date with until Brooke told me about her." She paused, thinking back to Carrie. "She...she's really pretty. She made me...she makes me feel very insecure." She then admitted quietly, feeling a couple of tears stroll down her face. "I couldn't really blame you for moving on with her, especially after everything I put you through. The thought, though, of you with another woman...it hurts. It does hurt that you went out with someone else, even if you didn't want to. I'm sorry."

He stared at his wife and felt his heart break at her words. His arms tightened around her waist, and he pulled her further into him.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Hales. You have every right to feel that way. I know it hurt you, and I'm so sorry for that. I never want to hurt you; you're the best thing that has ever happened to me." Nathan replied. He placed a lingering kiss over her lips, and then passionately continued, "Haley, you are...God, Hales, you're the most beautiful woman in the world. There is no other woman who is as sexy as you are. You have no reason to feel insecure, because...you are absolutely perfect in my eyes."

"I love you so much, Nathan." Haley declared.

Nathan smiled and kissed her forehead before resting his forehead against hers. "I love you, too."

The two of them kissed each other on the lips and then found themselves getting lost in each other again as their tongues danced slowly and rhythmically with one another. He flung himself back against the mattress, keeping his arms wrapped securely around her waist and bringing her with him. She cupped his cheeks as his hands began to wander all over her body.

Haley reluctantly pulled away and climbed off of her husband, settling herself next to him. "Wait."

"What's wrong?" Nathan asked, turning slightly so he could face her.

"Our conversation earlier...about not being protected."

"Oh...that."

"Yeah." She sighed. "I just...well...what if..."

"What if you get pregnant?" He finished for her and watched as she nodded. "Then, we'll deal with it."

Haley smiled softly at him. "You wouldn't be...mad?"

Nathan's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "Why would I be mad?"

"I don't know...I guess, I just..."

"Hales, I can't wait to have more kids with you." He declared with such passion. "Whether it's now or in five years from now...I can't wait to start our family."

"And what if we can't have a baby? We had problems with the first pregnancy...what's to say we won't have problems again?" She asked. "What if Emma...maybe that was our one chance. What if I can't get pregnant?"

"Hales, you can't think like that." He sighed, pulling her body even closer into his. "Look, we didn't plan on getting pregnant last time. You were on birth control for heaven's sake, and you still got pregnant. We weren't trying then. When we're ready to have another baby, we'll try. I know that wasn't our last chance – I feel it. You're gonna get pregnant again."

"Okay, but what if I lose it again?" Haley asked.

"If we," Nathan corrected, "lose it again then we'll just try again."

"What if..."

"We'll try everything, Hales." He cut her off. "There are a lot of medical advances out there: surrogacy, artificial insemination, in vitro ferti...whatever that thing is. We can try it all, Haley."

"And what if that doesn't work?" Haley couldn't help but ask.

"Then we adopt, you pessimist." Nathan said, laughing as he grabbed her waist and pulled her back into his lap. "We'll adopt as many kids as we want. There are so many ways to have a baby, Hales. And it doesn't matter where it comes from or how it's made because we, you and me...we are already a family."

Haley smiled and nodded slowly. "Yeah, you're right." She said and then sighed. "I'm sorry...sorry I'm such a...mess."

"Yeah, you are a mess." Nathan agreed, smirking up at her. "But you're a hot mess."

Laughing at his cheesy reply, she pushed him down to lay back on the mattress as she followed so their naked chests smashed closely against one another. She then smirked down at him as she asked, "You wanna get lucky with this hot mess."

"Hales, if I ever say no to that then I want you to just put me out of my misery."

There you go. Please let me know what you think.

I was going to add in the part where Nathan addressed the press, but I didn't think it was necessary. Really, it'd basically be just him confirming the relationship/marriage. Sorry if anyone would have wanted to read that; like I said, I just didn't find it necessary.

Only two chapters left...it's so weird. I should have another update for you guys soon. Hopefully, it won't take me as long to update as it did this time around, but I will tell you guys that the next chapter (maybe the last one, too) will be just as lengthy as this one was so it will probably take me a little more time. But I have an idea of how I want the entire timeline of the chapter to go so I'm really hoping it won't take as long as it did with this chapter. Thanks for being so patient and understanding with me – another reason why my readers are so awesome! :)