***Disclaimer*** for creative purposes only, and I claim no ownership of the fandom, characters and setting. I do own a miniature little blue and purple cap made out of light clay that I made during a craft day with my son because why not, and I did get a kick out of my son making his own copying mine down to the little B and L I put on it. Because any child of mine is going to be a BLer.
Thank you to everyone who read, favourited and followed, and a bigger thanks to the reviewers who got me to update this in my deadline. I had to try extra hard today to make it before midnight of my fortnight deadline, wasn't easy as I've been sick and in pain this week but I am happy to say I managed with thirty minutes to spare. So thank you to the ever loyal Dianehermans, and bjq, and all the guests reviews. I have to hold back from spoiling anything, but yes Peyton really is pregnant this is due to the timing of the fic and I try to keep it as true to the show as I can outside my AU sl's, any differences I try to have reasoning to it. As to those questioning the paternity, I don't think it's too spoilerish to say yes it is also Luke's biological child but don;gt worry I don't ever plan to do any graphic LP sex scenes. I have to do them as a couple… for now mwahahahahahahahamwahahahah!
Chapter Twelve
It was easier than Brooke expected watching Lucas drive away with Noah, with one hand blocking the sun from her eyes Brooke waved goodbye with the other as they drove down the street. The fact Lucas was so nervous made it easier for Brooke to happily let them go hoping that they had a good bonding experience at the park, and before Brooke could change her mind Sam was running down the steps, "ready?" the teen asked.
"Just let me lock up"
Sam grinned, "done and done" she pulled out Brooke's purse and keys from behind her back and quickly went to the car excited to be going to see Jack. A more sombre Brooke followed and unlocked vehicle, opening Sam's door for her before hopping in the other side.
As they drove they danced and sang along to the radio until Brooke turned the volume down, "I would like you home for dinner tonight"
With a groan Sam rolled her head back, "but it's the weekend! I can be home by midnight"
"Fine, home by ten"
"Killjoy. When were you ever home by ten at my age"
Brooke kinked her brow, "make it nine"
With a gasp Sam's lips parted as she stared at Brooke aghast, "you're meant to be the cool mom"
"I am the cool mom"
Sam glared at Brooke, "fine, ten"
"It's a deal if you are home by six every night this school week" and Brooke wanted to cheer at how Sam gave in, turning the volume back up Brooke continued to sing out of tune.
After Brooke dropped Sam off at the diner she headed to her store to focus on work while she had a chance, she had feared it would be hard to fall back into and that her mind would wander to other things however Brooke found it easy to lose herself into her designs.
An two hours flew by and Brooke was shocked to look up and see a subdued Julian walking in, "hi, what are you doing here?" she frowned.
Julian flinched, "our meeting? We confirmed this morning"
Gasping Brooke checked the time, "sorry I didn't realise it was so late already I was expecting some more time" she swung off her chair with a big dimpled smile, "but you are going to love what I have been working on" and she lifted the sketchpad "TADA"
"That's great" Julian lacklustre tone didn't go unnoticed by Brooke. Placing her designs down Brooke leant against her work desk, spreading her arms behind her. The move had Julian try his best not to lower his gaze all too aware of how the position drew attention to her breasts.
Brooke kinked her brow, "what's wrong?"
Lips tight together Julian battled with himself and for a second he went to speak his thoughts but instead shook his head "nothing" and held his lips tight again.
"Julian" frowning now Brooke took the steps to close the distance between them, "what is it?"
He shook his head again, "look, how you decide to live your life is not any of my business" and though his words were meant to show uncaring they came out disapproving especially matched with his stern expression.
Unused to this side of Julian and having no idea what he was on about Brooke sent him a confused look, "what are you talking about"
Something broke and Julian sidestepped Brooke and though she spun around to follow him he spoke with his back to her "Peyton is pregnant and they're engaged", at his words Brooke nodded, Julian turned back to her "I don't agree with what you and Lucas are doing and considering your own history with them I think you're better than being the other woman-"
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU ON ABOUT?" Brooke snapped, "what the hell has given you the impression that anything of that kind is happening between Lucas and I" she poked his chest, offended, "me the other woman?" she scoffed her expression letting him know exacting what she thought about that idea.
Julian sucked in a breath, he looked to the ground, "perhaps Lucas didn't mention I came by yesterday but I was there, I saw Lucas"
"Okay" she stressed the word out and frowned again in confusion, straightening up Brooke continued "yes Lucas was at my place and he told me he saw you, wasn't happy about it actually, but that is besides the point. We flew in Wednesday and it was late by the time I got home with Sam, Lucas was there watching Noah so he crashed at my place. I have no idea what you thought was happening-" her eyes widened "- but nothing happened."
The scenario stuck in his head Julian sent her a doubtful look, "he was naked coming from your room, I heard you in the shower. Like I said it's not any of my business but you don't have to lie to me"
"Oh my god! Seriously? Firstly, I don't need your opinion, secondly no matter what you think you know you are wrong and an idiot!" her arms flung in the air, "for your information I was not even there when you came by, I am guessing you disturbed Lucas while he was having his shower alone while I took Sam to school. As I said, he stayed the night using my room while I stayed with Sam, god forbid he clean himself"
Julian's jaw dropped, he wanted to facepalm, "Brooke I am so sorry I-"
"Stop!" she raised her hand, "I think this tells me exactly what you think of me" Brooke was angry, her blood boiled, no matter what she felt Brooke would never let herself act in such an abhorrent way.
Feeling like he had put his foot in his mouth Julian quickly tried to make things right, he reached for Brooke but she broke away from him, "don't touch me"
"Brooke, I didn't mean it that way"
It hurt Brooke as well as making her angry, during these difficult months Brooke had felt herself starting to let her walls down with Julian, she trusted him and relied on him despite the short time they had known each other. Arms protectively hugging herself Brooke held the tears in as she walked towards the back room.
"Brooke" Julian followed her, "I am an idiot, I let my jealousy blind me. I was just taken aback when I saw Lucas like that and the way he spoke… I just… it made me crazy to even think it"
Slowly turning back to Julian she silently stood there as he continued.
"I really am sorry. This is not a reflection on you, this is on me. I'm a jealous idiot"
"So, you're jealous?" anger abating she kinked her brow playfully. Julian stepped closer and she made the final step between them, Brooke lifted her chin to look Julian in the eye "some people would say that means you must like me"
The large grin that seemed to weaken most girls split his face, "some people would be correct" his voice lowered.
"You should know I would never let anyone make me the other woman, I'm the main course not the side dish"
"I believe that" his face slowly began to lower.
Brooke felt her eyes closing and then the bell signally someone had walked in stopped Brooke and her attention went to behind Julian.
Everything else was forgotten as Brooke bounced up and down, her eyes lit up as she smiled and ran forward, "Ma!" the name slipped out automatically without Brooke even realising as she rushed to meet Karen and the two women embraced warmly.
Julian awkwardly watched forgotten by Brooke, their greetings were so excitable they barely sounded like real words. Finally, as they calmed Karen cupped Brooke's cheeks gently with her hands, "oh Brooke" she smiled kindly her smile reaching her eyes as they looked at each other.
Something broke inside Brooke and silent tears began to fall from her twinkly eyes, she smiled back at Karen feeling the older woman's love and warmth, "Karen, I am so glad you're here"
"My girl, I always knew you were brave I just never knew quite how much" she kissed Brooke's cheek and they hugged again.
It was Karen who remembered they were not alone, noticing Julian she stepped out of the hug but kept her arm around Brooke as she led her closer to Julian, "who is this young man"
Brooke laughed and wiped away her tears, "this is Julian Baker, he is producing Luke's movie, we were just going over the costume designs"
A knowing look appeared in Karen's eyes as she looked between the two and she gave a polite smile, "I see. It's nice to meet you Julian, I have heard many things about you"
Julian took the hand Karen held out and sending Brooke a sideways smile replied, "all good things I hope"
Without replying Karen simply gave a small smile and Brooke rested her head briefly on Karen's shoulder before introducing her, "Julian, this is one of the most amazing women in the world, Karen Roe, she is Luke's mom"
Julian had been confused by the warm welcome but had assumed this was Brooke's own mother despite the stories he had heard, he hid his shock quickly and turned on the charm, "for a second I thought such a beautiful woman must surely be Brooke's own mother, Lucas must sadly get his looks from his father" he made the last line sound joking.
Karen was not unaware of the rivalry between Julian and her own son, with a protective hand on Brooke's shoulder Karen was equally sweet and cutting, "I love Brooke as surely as I would if she was my own flesh and blood" and facing the younger woman again Karen added, "and it is a joy to know you really are family now, I can't wait to meet my beautiful grandbaby and I hope you don't mind if I invite myself tomorrow"
"Of course!"
"And I was hoping to steal you away for a late lunch if you haven't already eaten?"
Not knowing how to answer Brooke sent Julian a questioning look, he checked his watch "we're nearly done here, twenty minutes maybe"
"I could meet you somewhere in twenty?" Brooke then asked Karen.
With a nod Karen gave Brooke another hug, "I will get a table and message you where I am, see you soon Brooke" Karen let go and sent Julian a small wave, "nice to meet you, Julian"
"Likewise," Julian turned away to give them privacy as Brooke walked Karen out and soon Brooke had returned acting like they were never interrupted and as if the conversation they had earlier never happened, getting straight into work Brooke showed design after design, "I will make cheap prototypes and wait until the sizes needed are known before going any further"
"This all looks great"
"It helps I am pretty familiar with the inspiration" Brooke folded up the Ravens jersey she had already made, a far away smile on her face, then she gave a blink and handed Julian the garment, "this is for you"
"I'm an honorary Raven now?" he slipped it on.
Brooke smoothed the material over his chest, "I have a thing for good looking guys in uniform"
"Brooke" he stopped for her to meet his eyes, "maybe I could take you for lunch next week?"
A memory came back to Brooke, she put on a flirty smirk "will there be wine involved?"
"That can be arranged" he grinned, "just to clarify, I don't plan to talk about work. I know you have a lot going on right now and the last thing I want to do is complicate your life further but every time I see you all I want to do is kiss you"
Silent Brooke continued to stare up at him, Julian stepped closer and slowly giving her warning closed the gap between them and did the very thing he always wanted to do. He kissed her.
-x-
Walking side by side Lucas looked down to the top of Noah's head, being truly alone and out with Noah for the first time had Lucas originally nervous though Lucas was surprised how easy it he was communicating with Noah.
His expectations lowered Lucas had relaxed, his experience with Noah with might still be considered brief had given Lucas an understanding that made it easier to deal with Noah's sometimes aloof manner. It had been hard at first for Lucas to think of Noah differently than the other children he knew, Noah was not playful in the way the other kids were and it helped Lucas remembering that. Despite the difference Lucas had still decided to bring Noah to the Rivercourt, not for a game of basketball but because it was a place with such significance to Lucas he wanted Noah to be a part of that.
Together they walked along the banks of the river, ignoring how overdressed Noah was, shoes already wet and dirty Noah kept his attention on their surroundings, his shoulders hunched as he searched.
Suddenly a burst of energy had Noah's body go on full alert, his stiff body moved fast as he pointed and said in a loud whisper, "there!"
"What is it?" Lucas asked.
"Hmmm… maybe a River Cooter or a Yellow Bellyslider" Noah's lips pursed in concentration as he watched the turtle.
Lucas quickly handed his camera over and Noah snapped a few more pictures, "we could look it up on my phone?"
Noah handed the camera back as the turtle swam out of sight and the boy continued his search, he shook his head as he kept walking, "I will research tonight".
At the thought of Noah giving himself homework Lucas gave a chuckle and decided that a trip to the zoo would be a future outing with Noah.
They walked for another half hour before Lucas got Noah back in his truck and went to a quiet mall outside of town, he chose it so Noah wouldn't feel ambushed by running into anyone Lucas or Brooke knew but secretly couldn't wait to proudly go around with his son.
Lucas got Noah to take his shoes off and they walked inside with the boy's feet bare, inside he went straight to the shoe store and told Noah to pick a new pair, Noah was on the taller side for his age and his feet were long and skinny, eventually with Lucas' help they settled on a pair of orange converse shoes and Lucas grabbed a pair of socks for him and flip flops.
At the next store Lucas took Noah to the swimming pool section, "let's get some things for tomorrow" they both grabbed a couple pool toys each and then Lucas eyed the water pistols, his brow lifted in thought, "you ever used one of these?" he was still looking at the water pistols as he asked Noah.
"No"
"We are getting some of these" he grabbed two packs of two and added them to the trolley, Lucas had a childish glee in his eyes as Noah looked up at his father strangely.
Lucas wondered how Brooke would feel about him taking Noah shopping, a pastime he had no doubt Brooke would love to do with their son, and as he thought about Brooke his mind started imagining that she was there with them. The vision of Brooke walking by his side, dark eyes twinkling with secrets and open joy, was so real that Lucas could almost feel her, her lips were moving though there was no sound yet Lucas some how knew her words were playful.
The daydream didn't last and she faded as they continued to walk, as the vision of Brooke vanished Lucas realised that the Brooke he had seen was the teenage Brooke, long dark hair, a younger fuller face, a bounce in her step that didn't seem to come so easily anymore. He ached for that Brooke, for the Brooke he had failed and hurt, for the girl who would never walk by his side again with such effortless, infectious cheer.
-x-
Brooked entered the diner a little shaky and flushed, she spotted Karen and quickly joined the older woman, they hugged again before sitting across from each other.
"How are you? How is Lily- is Lilypad here?"
"Andy and Lily will be joining me here next week and we are all doing well, we are settling down in New Zealand now that Lily will be going to school there"
"That is so exciting though I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say you are missed here" a tinge of sadness crossed Brooke's face and she covered Karen's hand.
For a second Karen looked down and then her eyes went to the window before she smiled sadly at Brooke, "there are so many memories here, most of them are good but even they remind me of what I lost. There came I time when I had to look away from what could have been, I miss you all too but I am happy, happier than I thought I could be after…" the words got stuck in Karen's throat however Brooke knew what she was saying. They both were thinking of the same man in those silent moments, Karen blinked and returned to the present, "anyway, let's talk about you. How are you really?"
"I feel whole for the first time in six years" Brooke confessed, "I never dreamt that I would be able to be Noah's real Mom, I am just happy to be a part of his life and I have Sam too. I am home, I have my family, my friends and my work… what more could I ask for" she was being honest, Brooke felt like her life was going in all the right directions.
"Love?" Karen asked.
With a smile Brooke answered, "I am surrounded by love. I was scared with the truth coming out that I would lose the people I care the most about but here I am… more loved than ever" and when Karen gave Brooke a searching love Brooke shrugged her shoulders, "I know that's not what you meant but I don't need to be in love to be happy and I am happy"
"Then I am happy for you" without skipping a beat Karen added "and Julian seems nice"
Laughing Brooke shook her head, "not you too. Julian had been a great friend" and even as she said it Brooke blushed remembering what exactly she had been doing with Julian before meeting with Karen, "Julian is a great guy but I am not ready to fall in love" and a part of Brooke recognised how easily Julian could be to fall in love with.
Karen sent Brooke a warm look but there was something else there, something dark and knowing, and this time Karen covered Brooke's hand giving her a little squeeze that said more than any words could between the two of them. Things better left unspoken for now.
It was close enough to the surface that as Karen slipped her hand away she asked quietly "how are you coping with Lucas?"
"Better than I thought. We are doing the best we can"
"Like all good parents" Karen commended, "I don't blame you for the decisions you made back then. I know better than most what you were going through"
"How did you do it, all those years?" and they both knew what Brooke was really asking as they skated closely to what they were both not saying,
With another sad smile Karen answered, "I had Keith and Dan didn't really matter, I wish I had realised it sooner"
"I wish…" Brooke looked away and shook her head, "never mind. Perhaps it was always meant to be this way, Noah coming into our lives now instead of in high school. Things are going to work out, I feel it"
"I think you're right" and once again Karen was amazed at the woman Brooke had become, how warm and kind a girl could be coming from the lonely and cold childhood Brooke had raised herself in.
-x-
The next day Brooke was humming as she cleaned up the house, Sam was busy making more mess at the dining table though Brooke didn't mind because it was a school project and Noah sat next to his foster sister and was in his element working with her.
"This little brother thing is really growing on me" Sam was smug as Noah corrected her work.
Brooke pointed a finger at the teenager, "he is not doing your homework for you"
"Of course, not" Sam scoffed, "he can be my little study buddy though, right kid?"
"Sure" Noah nodded, "you could use the help" and the side of his mouth twitched.
Shocked Sam's mouth dropped open, "was that a joke?"
Brooke wanted to laugh but she tried to look serious, "do not turn him into a mini Sam!"
Flicking her long dark hair behind her Sam smiled, "you would be so lucky".
Turning away from them Brooke finished wiping the kitchen counter down and then went to pack her own bag already having made sure Sam and Noah had theirs ready. Brooke was pleasantly surprised when she came back out to find the dining table cleared and both the kids standing near the door ready to go.
Brooke mouthed thank you to Sam and together they all left.
When they arrived at Nathan and Haley's house it was Nathan who opened the door, he had already met Noah and ushered the group in. Lucas entered the entry way with Karen not far behind him, "hi, you're here!" he went to kiss Brooke's cheek but she quickly moved aside, it ended in a brief but awkward hug, Lucas quickly moved to say hi to Sam as Brooke went to greet Karen.
Lastly Lucas bent down to say hi to Noah, with a smile Lucas held out his hand and Noah took it, two pups of a handshake and the two of the slapped the backs of their hands together before a quick fist bump. They had created their easy personalised handshake the day before and it was a way for Lucas to have that contact he craved with Noah without pushing the boy too far.
"Morning, Noah. I'm so happy you get to meet my family today, you've already met my little brother Nathan but there's someone else special I would like you to meet. This is my Mom" Lucas stood and reached for his mother who happily crouched down to smile at Noah.
"Hello, you must be Noah. I have been hearing so much about you. I'm Karen, Luke's Mom" she was already holding out her hand and Noah reached for it, the boy was starting to get use to all the touching and was grateful to watch everyone hug each other without being part of that so he was thankful to shake Karen's hand.
"You live in New Zealand"
"Yes, I do, but I think I will be visiting Tree Hill a lot more now"
"Have you seen a volcano?"
Karen nodded, "I have even climbed one" and smiled as she saw how the boys eyes lit up even if the rest of his face remained still, it brought back so many memories because Karen could see so much of Lucas in his son but looking at his eyes Karen saw Brooke, despite the lighter colour Noah had Brooke's eyes. Stopping herself from holding his face Karen stood up though she kept her attention on Noah, "I suppose I must share you with everyone else now"
The group went outside where Haley met Noah where her skill as a teacher showed in the easy rapport she made with Noah and they quickly started talking about music causing Nathan, Lucas and Brooke to all roll their eyes. Lucas was wearing his board shorts and singlet, already barefoot he looked ready to jump in the pool but instead went upstairs to fetch Jamie.
Lucas came back with his nephew hanging over his back, the two of them laughing, Jamie begged to be put down and instantly ran to Sam and Brooke who stood nearby.
"Aunt Brooke!" he crashed into her legs and Brooke instinctively lifted her nephew up and rested him on her hip, from his perch Jamie high fived Sam, "what's up?" he tried to act cool but his cheeks flushed rose as Sam smiled back at him. Lucas joined them and Jamie climbed down from Brooke, lifting Lucas' arm up he sounded impatient "hey, where's my cousin?" he placed a finger on his chin in thought and looked up at his Aunt and Uncle, "I'm starting to think he isn't real" his voice was cheeky.
Confused Brooke looked around, she began to frown "where is…?" however she noticed Haley was nowhere insight either, "looks like Haley stole our son" Brooke finished, she turned her face towards Lucas but her eyes were looking towards the house.
Lucas smiled at the easy way Brooke said those words and how natural it already felt to hear them, "lets go steal him back" and with Jamie handing of his arm the three of them headed inside, Nathan and Karen followed.
They found Haley singing at the piano as Noah played and though the adults all stopped to listen Jamie rushed forward without qualms, his loud voice interrupting his mother and newly found cousin, "HI!" his grin was huge as he stopped right next to Noah and rested his arm over the piano in front of his cousin, "I'm James Lucas Scott" the confident and rambunctious Jamie had the watching adults chuckling.
Politely resting his hands on his knees, a much more subdued Noah answered with a nod, not blinking he introduced himself in kind "hello, I am Noah August Davis" and he held out his hands.
Jamie grabbed Noah's hand and pulled him off the bench, "come on, I'll show you my room" and he ran off pulling Noah along behind him.
Seeing the startled look in Noah's eyes Brooke quickly went back outside and asked Sam to go play with the boys upstairs.
-x-
Karen and Haley were floating on their inflatables seats in the pool a drink in their hand as they caught up, Sam and Jamie were chasing each other with water pistols, Brooke sat with Noah slathering sunscreen on the boy, while Nathan and Lucas stood with a beer each.
Blindly nodding Lucas was suddenly slapped on the back of his head, Nathan sent his brother an angry look, "Luke, what the hell are you doing!"
"What?" Lucas was confused, his eyes strayed from Nathan back to the scene behind his brother, and Nathan smack Lucas again.
Stepping to the side to block Lucas' view Nathan gave Lucas a pointed look, "that!" he lowered his voice, "I'm not blind and if you're not careful I won't be the only one to notice you ogling Brooke"
Lucas laughed, "I am not og-"
"Cut the crap with me, you haven't been listening to a word I have been saying and your eyes have been following Brooke – or should I say her bikini – and every move she makes" Nathan forced Lucas to walk away with him, taking his brother to the gazebo Nathan made sure they were out of sight and hearing, "you made your choice Luke, do I need to remind you of Peyton, your pregnant fiancée waiting at home for you"
"Of course not" his tone adamant.
Nathan practically spat at Lucas, "then get your head in the game. I get it, you and Brooke, you've never been good at the just friend's thing which would be fine if the Noah situation hadn't forced you two to be together more than you're comfortable with but you have to get used to it and learn to control the eyesex"
He raised his brow, "eyesex?"
"Yeah, eyesex, it's what Haley and I call the look you and Brooke share"
"You named it?" Lucas almost choked and Nathan shrugged.
"Yeah" he shook his head, "but that's not the point. You're getting married and there is a lot of people who could get hurt here, we aren't in high school anymore"
Getting defensive Lucas straightened up, "I don't know what you think is going on-"
"Lindsey was too busy looking in Peyton's direction to even notice it but Peyton isn't Lindsey and if you two are going to be around each other more instead of less you have to rein it in"
With a sigh Lucas let his shoulders drop, "I'm trying"
"I know you are, I know. When you and Peyton got engaged I saw how you and Brooke cut it back again and then Noah entered the picture and you were thrown back together. I get it, there's history, that-" Nathan seemed uncomfortable even saying it "-sexual chemistry or whatever, but you have got to try harder or I'm not going to be the only one saying something"
"Message received" Lucas walked off and when he returned to the poolside Sam and Brooke were in the middle of a loud discussion, conscious of what Nathan had just said Lucas walked by them and went straight into the pool to join the others.
Brooke waved her hands at Sam, "what do you call that?"
"A swim suit" Sam dropped her towel down and smiled.
"If that's what you call two scraps of material" Brooke frowned, "put your singlet back on"
"Ah no"
"Um yes, you're fifteen"
"And you're like fifty but I don't tell you what to wear"
"Excuse me, I am twenty-four and what I am wearing is fine"
Jamie was leaning against the edge of the pool watching Sam and Brooke argue, he had a silly look on his face as his eyes went between them, in the break between their argument Jamie spoke up "I think you both look very pretty just the way you are"
At the same time Brooke and Sam turned to look at Jamie, they both crossed their arms, finally Brooke gave in "fine!" and as Sam laughed Brooke went and slipped her singlet back on and then threw Sam hers, Brooke muttering under her breath about Scott boys being perves.
-x-
As the afternoon came to an end and the breeze came in they all moved inside, Brooke helped Haley clean up outside after the others left. From the corner of her eye Haley watched Brooke, "what's new Tigger?"
"You mean other than the secret son?" Brooke joked.
Haley laughed, "yes but you seem skittish today, more so than usual lately, did something happen?"
"A lot is happening lately"
"Nathan told me about running into you and Lucas the other day…"
Brooke sighed, "not everything is about Luke" she looked around before facing Haley, "If you must know, Julian asked me out"
"Brooke" Haley squealed, "when?"
"Yesterday" and she added in a hiss, "and he kissed me"
"This is great" Haley was relieved but Brooke looked unsure and nervous.
They carried the rubbish to the bin, "do you really think so?"
"Don't you?"
"Well it's not a good time to start something new" Brooke was hesitant, the two women stopped before going inside to join everyone else, "with everything that is happening"
"This might be just what is needed, you deserve to have someone special in your life Brooke" even as she said it Haley couldn't help but think Brooke being in a relationship was just what was needed to help defuse the current situation.
Brooke smiled, "I really like him, Hales, he is one of the good guys"
"Then there's nothing stopping you, let yourself be happy and give Julian a chance" and they shared a sisterly hug before joining everyone inside.
Soon Brooke sat at the piano with Noah by her side, Haley and Nathan resting against each other while Lucas and Karen sat on the couch. Sam watched Jamie run out of the room while everyone else's attention was on Brooke and Noah playing the piano.
Following the younger boy Sam found Jamie sitting on his bed kicking the floor, his face in his hands, "what's wrong J-Man?" Sam plopped down next to Jamie, "you're looking kind of glum there"
Jamie sighed, "it feels funny. I was always her favourite boy"
Sam nudged Jamie's shoulder with her own, "I guess we both have to learn to share her, huh"
With a sigh Jamie fell back, "I guess, I mean Aunt Brooke is his Mom" he paused, narrowing his eyes he let out a long breath "man, I gotta pay more attention to my Mom during piano lessons"
"Getting jealous?" Sam laughed, "you will always be your Mom's favourite" and she hugged Jamie, after Jamie thanked her Sam started to tickle the boy and added on "until she has another baby"
Laughing as Sam tickled him Jamie couldn't keep the frown on his face, "Saaaaam" he complained and once free he ran back down stairs and jumped onto his own mother's lap, Haley smoothed Jamie's hair and gave him a kiss on the top of his head, smelling his scent as she rested her cheek against his soft dark blonde hair.
-x-
Sigh, it's done, had to rein it in a bit and lol I didn't beta around the bush with Nathan this chapter but I am happy it sort of turned out the way I planned. Now I a going to go take some pain killers to knock me out so I can hopefully have a decent sleep before tomorrow. Night guys, or I guess good day to those where the sun is still shining.
-mickei