Chapter Forty Seven
Nathan led the way in the room with his brother and uncle right behind him. He couldn't stop smiling. He shook hands with Jake, thanking him for stepping in as a replacement for the pastor. Jake just nodded and returned the smile. Nathan took his position next to him as his mother came over to him. They embraced in a tight hug. "I love you," she whispered. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks," Nathan replied, trying not to show his nervousness. It seemed like everything had gone wrong before the wedding with the missing ring and rumors of the missing bride. Nathan couldn't blame Haley for being nervous. Even though this was his second wedding, he was still nervous. There was no doubt in his mind that he loved Haley. And she loved him and adored his kids.
He couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. Everything was going too smoothly. Perhaps someone was going to interrupt the wedding like his grandpa Royal. Nathan glanced around the room for a few seconds and Royal was still absent. He was disappointed his grandmother couldn't talk him into attending the wedding, but it was his choice. Nathan was glad his dad was attempting to make up for his mistakes and try to treat Lucas and Brooke with respect since they had his grandchildren too.
The music started playing and Mia began singing. Quinn got into position to take pictures of the wedding party coming down the aisle. Nathan turned his attention to the back of the church where the double doors were opening. Cassie and Penny walked out first. He smiled as they slowly made their way up the aisle, making sure they stopped and threw rose petals from their baskets at the same time. Nathan couldn't believe how beautiful his daughter looked. Nathan wasn't so sure about his daughter wearing make-up, but Rachel promised she wouldn't let her nieces look like clowns.
Their brothers were right behind them, Tristan proudly carrying the ring and Zach carrying Cinnamon. Tristan and Cassie gave their father wide smiles as the girls went to stand on the bride's side and Tristan and Zach stood by Lucas.
Peyton and Brooke were right behind the children. Nathan didn't want to admit it, but they looked beautiful. Yet, he was waiting for his bride. He hoped she still wanted to get married. He would be devastated if she ended up being a runaway bride. He pushed that thought out of his head as the guests stood up and the double doors opened once again.
All of Nathan's doubts disappeared as he saw his beautiful bride. They smiled at each other as she walked up the aisle. One arm was full of a beautiful bouquet of flowers while the other arm was linked with her father's arm. Their eyes locked onto each other the whole time. When she arrived at the end of the aisle, Jake spoke. "Who gives this woman to this man?"
Keith smiled. "Her mother and I do." He released his daughter and he joined his wife. Nathan took Haley's hand and they walked up closer to Jake. Haley handed her bouquet to Brooke.
Everyone sat down as Jake spoke again. "We are gathered here today to celebrate two families joining together. I've known Haley since we were in high school. I've seen her go through so many challenges and heartache that I'm honored to be here today to help her get her fairytale ending." He and Haley exchanged smiles. "Haley and Nathan have chosen their own vows. Haley, you go first."
Haley took a deep breath as they faced each other. "Nathan, there are certainly no words to describe the love and joy I've felt for you, Tristan and Cassie. You've made me part of your family the moment I walked into your lives. Something I never thought I would have. There may have been pain and sadness, but there was also smiles and laughter. And I loved every minute of it. And I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings us. I will love you, always and forever." She shot a quick glance at Tristan and Cassie. "You and Tristan and Cassie."
Jake gestured to Nathan. "Haley, I never thought I would be a single dad. I never thought I would get married again. From the moment my kids and I met you, I knew there was something special about you. You were more than just a helping hand. You taught me how to become a better father to my kids. You gave my kids love and attention. You protected them when it mattered the most. As each day passed, my love for you only grew until I couldn't deny it any longer. I love you Haley James. And I will love you, always and forever."
Haley turned to Brooke who gave her Nathan's ring. "Haley, do you promise to uphold these vows?" Jake asked once she had turned her attention back to Nathan.
Haley nodded as she slipped the ring over Nathan's finger. "Yes," she replied.
Tristan held out Haley's ring to his father. Nathan took the ring and slipped it over on Haley's finger as Jake repeated his words. Nathan nodded. "I do." He waited anxiously until Jake gave him permission to kiss his bride. They moved in close for a passionate kiss, not even noticing the cheers and applause around them. They pulled away for a moment to hug the kids and their parents before walking down the aisle.
As Lucas and Brooke made their way down the aisle after the newlyweds and the children, Lucas couldn't help but frown at his wife. "Can you please explain to me why you didn't tell me you were pregnant again?" he hissed. Brooke looked at him with a confused expression on her face. "I heard you throwing up in the bathroom earlier."
Brooke just grinned. "Wrong Scott, Broody," she whispered, giving him a wink.
This time, Lucas was confused. There was no time for questions. It was time for more pictures for the bride, groom and their families. Everyone else headed to the club for cocktail hour. After pictures were finally done, it was time for the wedding reception. There was applause and cheers as Nathan and Haley entered the room. They greeted their guests as they made their way to the dance floor for their first dance. "More Than Anyone" by Gavin Degraw began to play. Nathan held his wife close to him as they slow danced to the music.
Once they all sat down for dinner, it was time for the speeches. To Nathan's and Haley's surprise, Tristan had a speech prepared and he wanted to go first. He took a deep breath before he spoke. "When my dad became a single parent, he had no idea what he was doing." There were some chuckles and laughter. "Luckily, Haley came to the rescue. She helped us with our homework. She played games with us. She brought happiness into our family when we needed it the most. And I'm proud to call her my mom."
"Me too," Cassie piped up. She wanted to make sure she wasn't forgotten.
Tristan just smiled. He didn't mind the interruption. "I think what we're trying to say is welcome to the family. We love you, Mom'."
Haley had tears in her eyes as Tristan and Cassie came over to her and embraced her in tight hugs. She couldn't stop smiling as she looked at her two children. "That was beautiful. I loved it. And I love you two," she replied, not even caring that the applause was louder than her voice. Her children could hear her and that was all that mattered.
The speeches continued. All of them were sweet and sentimental. Haley kept trying not to cry several times. Nathan just squeezed her hand and exchanged wide smiles with her during the speeches. He even had to admit the speeches were heartwarming and emotional. He loved Tristan's speech. Of course, he had helped him with the speech.
Once the speeches were done, it was time for more dancing. First, Nathan and Haley wanted to make sure Tristan and Cassie had the first dance. Haley complimented Tristan on his speech. He turned red. "I'm not good with words as you are."
"Give yourself some credit. You did great," Haley assured him.
Once the first dance was done, Keith and Deb switched with Tristan and Cassie. Then Dan and Karen took their turns. Nathan was a little nervous for Haley since he knew his dad could be unpredictable. However, his mother assured him that his father was happy for him. And he was willing to give Haley a chance. For Nathan's and his grandchildren's sakes.
Everyone was enjoying themselves when the grandchildren squealed in delight as they called out for their great-grandpa. Nathan and Haley stopped what they were doing and turned to the wedding crasher. Royal was standing with a wedding gift in his hands. He greeted his family before he turned his attention to Nathan and Haley.
Royal spoke before anyone else could. "Before you say anything, I want to apologize for my rude behavior. I think I was still angry that my grandson was giving up his dream of playing basketball. I was in denial that it wasn't your dream anymore. I didn't want to believe it. And I want to apologize for not supporting it. Or your wish to date Haley. I wasn't looking at her as your girlfriend. I was looking at her as the nanny. I didn't think business and personal should mix." He turned to Haley. "I do apologize for not seeing you as an equal. I should have treated you better. But your grandpa set me straight."
Both Haley and Nathan were confused as Haley turned to Whitey, who was trying not to smile. She didn't even know what question to ask. Royal gave the explanation. "Do you remember when I told you that you looked familiar and I couldn't place you?" he asked. She nodded her head. "That's because I've seen your picture all over Whitey's office."
"You two know each other?" Haley asked surprised.
"Yes, Mae and I have been donating to that homeless shelter of your grandpa's for years," Royal replied. "Anyway, that's not the point. I just hope you forgive an old man for being stubborn and allow me to join in the celebration of my grandson and his wife."
Haley gave him a wide smile. Nathan had a smile just as big. It was Haley who spoke. "Of course you're welcomed to join us." She embraced the old man in a tight hug. "Thank you for coming." Nathan nodded in agreement before he embraced him in a hug as well. Mae came through the crowd and she gave her husband a kiss.
"I would love it if you would be my partner for the next dance," Royal told Haley. She nodded and he handed the gift over to Karen. The two walked back on the dance floor. Nathan took his grandmother's hand and they were right behind them.
While everyone else was dancing, Lucas wanted an explanation from his wife. He made sure the children were occupied before he pulled Brooke into a private room. "Okay, would you please explain what is going on? You know how I hate you keeping secrets from me."
"I told you. I'm not the one who is pregnant," Brooke said, who was still trying not to smile.
Lucas crossed his arms. "Who else would it be? My parents may be back together, but I know they aren't having any more children. The only other person is the bride and we both know that it's not going to happen. So tell me the truth. Are you pregnant?"
To protect Haley's privacy, Brooke felt she had no choice but to lie. "Ok, I admit it. I'm pregnant. I didn't want to say anything because I wanted Nathan and Haley to have this day. They deserve this day. So I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone yet. Not even Nathan. We'll talk about this later." She didn't let her husband respond as she disappeared out of the room. Brooke went to attend to the food as a few people gave her questioning looks including Haley. She just shrugged it off, not wanting Haley to worry about it. Not today.
