"Oh God, there he is again", Brooke groaned as she carefully maneuvered her BMW into the driveway.

"What in the hell is that boy doing?" Gordon asked.

"What he does best…driving me nuts!"

As soon as the car came to a complete stop, Lucas opened the door for Brooke. He was mere inches from her face with his newest obsession in hand…the video camera. He and Brooke had agreed they wanted to make a scrapbook for their daughter and film the birth and other important moments but Lucas had taken it to a whole other level. Everywhere Brooke went, every move she made, there he was documenting it. If it hadn't been so sweet and cute and all for their daughter, she probably would have strangled him after the first day.

"Okay, okay. Brooke…what are you doing now?"

Brooke shot Lucas an exasperated look as she placed her hands on her hips.

"Well Luke as interesting and newsworthy as it is, I am now getting out of the car."

"Great. I've got a good shot of that. Here that, Baby? Mommy is now exiting the vehicle. Okay. Now what are you doing?"

"About to ram that camera down your throat", she laughed as she grabbed a bag from the back seat.

"Okay Baby, Mommy is now in a bad mood and has threatened to kill Daddy. I say we move on to the next subject. Uncle Gordie, say hello."

"Since when do you get to call me Gordie? That nickname is reserved for Diva only, thank you very much, Judas."

"It's Lucas, man and just say hello. Please. It's for Baby Diva, or whatever you call my daughter."

"Alright, in that case", Gordon dramatically huffed before waving and going into a series of flamboyant Vogue like poses. "Hey, Baby Diva!"

"Okay", Lucas sighed with a laugh. "Enough of that. So, how was your day, Brooke?"

"Great", she grinned. "Guess what? Oh you'll never guess so I'll just tell you. Gordon and I left this morning to take a drive and have some brunch. We start talking and end up in New Jersey of all places, can you believe that? We got lost as all hell, thanks to my non navigating best friend here and end up in this God forsaken town that looks like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre place. Anyway, we finally find a Denny's! Oh God, it was so good! I totally stuffed my face and I hadn't eaten at Denny's in forever, like since college. So we eat, chit chat, have a good time, then it's time to head back. So we're trying to find any road that will lead us to 95 North or something familiar and Luke, guess what we see? Guess!"

Lucas couldn't help but smile. It was like "Cheery", the old Brooke was back. She was animated and excited and happy and talking a mile per minute. It made him feel good to see her so enthusiastic.

"I give up", he shrugged. "Tell me, Brooke."

"We see a Wal-Mart! And not just any Wal-Mart but a Super Wal-Mart at that. Oh my God, it was like dying and going to Heaven! I have not been to a Wal-Mart in ages! I forgot that it is only like my favorite store ever! Haley got me hooked on it back in Tree Hill when we were in high school."

"Did you leave anything for the other customers?" Lucas joked as he surveyed the open trunk full of bags.

"I swear we went in to just look around but I couldn't help it. Before I knew it, I had spent a couple hundred bucks. But we had fun and that's the most important thing. You mind helping us with these bags, Luke?"

"Yeah Judas", Gordon added. "Help the sisters out."

"I'll get to them in a minute. Actually, there is something in the house I wanted to show you."

"What?"

"Just go inside. You'll see."

Brooke shrugged, oblivious and walked towards her front door as Lucas and Gordon exchanged knowing glances and followed her.

"Gosh, I have the biggest craving for beef jerky and chocolate milk…", she sighed dreamily as she opened the door and almost 50 people jumped out in front of her.

"Surprise!"

"Aaaaaagggggghhhhh!" Brooke screamed at the top of her lungs.

Before her were friends, family and co workers that included Chantal, Jessica, Peyton, Jake, Jenny, Nathan, Haley, Aidan, Tristan, Karen, Keith, Deb and more surprisingly, Brooke's own mother, Mary.

"Are you okay?" Karen asked, rushing over to Brooke.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that you guys scared the living shit out of me."

"Surprise, Diva", Gordon said cheerfully. "It's your baby shower."

"Baby shower?" Brooke mouthed.

Her eyes searched the lower level of her home and finally took in the massive amounts of balloons and pink streamers that were literally everywhere.

"Oh my God. A baby shower? For me? All you guys came here and put this together?" Brooke asked through tears.

"All for you and the baby", Lucas nodded.

"And you two were in on this?" Brooke asked Lucas and Gordon.

"Of course", Gordon announced proudly. "Couldn't have done it without me and well…I guess old Judas over there helped too. Anyway, it wasn't easy getting you out of the house for so long."

"So the whole day was planned?"

"Right down to Denny's and the Wal-Mart", Gordon grinned, holding onto a set of Map Quest directions.

"This is so touching. It's so beautiful. Oh my God…I don't know what to say", Brooke managed through tears as the guests began to hug her and rub her stomach.

"Don't cry", Peyton laughed. "We wanted to surprise you, not give you a stroke."

"You guys really got me", Brooke smiled as she took a seat. "I had no idea but this is great. Everyone is here and the little decorations are so cute. I am so touched right now. You guys really didn't have to go through all this trouble for me."

"It was no trouble at all", Deb smiled. "We wanted to, honey. Now it's such a lovely day, I say we move this shindig onto the deck. There is plenty of food."

Brooke shook her head in awe at what her loved ones had done in her honor. There were more decorations on the deck complete with finger sandwiches, crackers, cookies, cake and lemonade.

"Brooke have a seat and relax", Karen instructed. "And no I didn't forget your favorite."

Brooke's eyes lit up and her mouth watered at the very notion. With a smile and a motherly kiss to her forehead, she presented her a platter of pigs in the blanket.

"Oh I am in Pregnant Woman Heaven!" Brooke squealed as she began to devour the wieners Karen had cooked into homemade bread.

"So", Peyton said as she took a seat beside her friend. "Are you having a good time or what?"

"Pey, I am having a fabulous time! You have no idea. I mean, this is so cool. How in the world did you guys pull this off?"

"Trust me, it was not easy coordinating a time when everybody's schedules matched. But it was worth it. We wanted to do something nice for you and for the baby. You really deserve it, kiddo."

"Well thank you, all of you."

"You are so welcome", Peyton hugged her. "Now how are you?"

"Fine. Work is great. The baby is doing fine and other than being tired and eating everything in sight…"

"I mean, you Brooke. How are you?"

Brooke smiled as she looked around and saw Luke mingling away, trusted video recorder in hand.

"I'm fine, Pey", she smiled taking her friend's hand. "And I mean that. Everything is going to be just fine."

Peyton squeezed her hand and winked, then Haley announced it was time to play the traditional Baby Shower games. It was fun and even the men in attendance reluctantly joined in on the fun. The entire time, the huge dimpled grin never left Brooke's face. She couldn't remember a time she had felt so happy.

"I'll get it", Nathan volunteered as the doorbell rang.

The guests continued to laugh and talk but there was a simultaneous hushed silence as the commanding presence made itself known at the entrance way.

"Mr. Colwell, so nice of you to join us", Jessica began immediately diving into full kiss up mode as she lightly pecked both his cheeks.

"Well thank you for inviting me. Brooke, you're looking as lovely as ever. You have a very beautiful home."

"Thank you and thank you for coming", she said cordially as they exchanged friendly cheek kisses as well.

"Come on in, Felix", Gordon rolled his eyes. "There's plenty of food on the deck but don't eat up all the pigs in the blanket. That would make for a very unhappy Diva."

"Who is that young man?" Deb whispered to Brooke.

"Felix Colwell. The God of the fashion world, or so they say. Anyway, he's helping out management temporarily with an important new campaign."

The party continued as everyone talked and had a good time, pausing only briefly enough to enjoy the plentiful munchies provided. Felix worked the room like a pro, turning on that internal light bulb filled with charm and pizzazz as the guests flocked to him like a moth to a flame.

"Okay, everybody", Haley squealed with delight. "What time is it?"

Everyone giggled knowingly as she gently nudged her older son, Aidan, who had obviously forgotten his cue.

"Aidan, sweetie…"

"Mommy, I have to go potty."

Everyone erupted with laughter, even Haley behind flushed cheeks.

"Aidan, what time is it?"

Nathan handed his son a brightly wrapped gift that seemed to jog the little boy's memory. He walked over to his aunt, Brooke.

"It's pwesent time", he said sweetly as she took it and gave him a huge hug and kiss.

"Thank you very much, Aidan. Is this from you, sweetheart?"

"Yeah", the little boy nodded. "Me and Twistan."

"Well thank you. You want to sit down with me while I open it?"

"No. I wanna go potty."

Everyone laughed again as Nathan guided his child to the nearest bathroom. Brooke opened the present to a beautiful ivory and lace Christening gown. That was the tip of the ice burg as she received clothes, toys, a music box, designer baby bath products and a beautiful little pink receiving blanket. Brooke was overwhelmed.

"Guys, this is great. Wow. I can't thank you enough…"

"Wait", Felix interjected. "The best has been saved for last."

He opened the door and signaled to his limo driver. A few minutes later before them was a large wrapped present that stood almost four feet tall.

"Felix. What is this?"

"You'll just have to open it and see", he grinned.

She did and along with everyone else gasped at the gorgeous, custom made, top of the line, porcelain, "one man" carousel. Brooke could hardly believe her eyes. There were ooh's , aah's and murmurs throughout the room.

"It…"

"Do you like it?"

"I…I love it. Felix, wow. I am absolutely speechless. Thank you. This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

"I'm glad", he said, giving her a more lingering kiss on the forehead.

In the background as the guests made over the exquisite gift and the charming man who had bought it, Nathan couldn't help but notice the look on his older brother's face. It was something about the way Felix looked at her and the way she looked back at him. It made Lucas absolutely nauseous.

"Okay, okay", Haley smiled. "Speech time from the new parents. Brooke?"

Brooke smiled as she stood and addressed the people she loved.

"I feel kind of bad that the only word I can articulate right now, is wow! But you guys have totally blown me away today. I don't know what to say except thanks for planning this and for coming to be with me. It…you guys all mean so much to me. I am lucky to have you in my lives and so will my daughter. I am thrilled beyond belief right now so thank you, thank you, thank you again a million times and I love you all."

Everyone clapped.

"Lucas?" Haley nodded.

Shifting uncomfortably, he took center stage.

"Um, thanks everybody for showing up today. Uh…today was a great day. I'm happy and I know Brooke is happy and I guess that's what really matters. The presents and all were wonderful but more than that, it was pretty cool having all the people who matter most to be here and share this day with Brooke…us. Um, again, I can't thank everyone enough. This was great. I…we love you. Thanks."

More applause but Brooke suddenly felt sick. She quickly excused herself onto the deck for fresh air and to be alone.

"Everything okay?"

"Felix…um, hi. Just…thanks again for the carousel. That was amazing."

"Not as amazing as you. Besides that smile on your face when you opened it was more than enough thanks. Now is everything okay? How are you feeling?"

"Fine. Just needed a minute."

"Okay", he nodded. "You know the Italy trip is in less than two weeks. I do hope that you're able to attend."

Brooke had been pondering the decision for days. Her initial response had been to decline but what would a week in Milan partying at high profile fashion shows, rubbing elbows with the elite and sightseeing hurt?

"Uh, yeah. Um, I will be there."

"Great", Felix smiled. "Now if you'll forgive me, I'm afraid I have to leave now."

"No, no. It's okay. I…I'm glad you came and I hope you had a good time. Thanks again for the present…and for everything."

He nodded and they shared a hug. Afterwards, Brooke continued to sit outside alone, nursing a glass of iced water.

"So, I hear you're going to Italy?"

Brooke looked up as she was joined by her mother, Mary.

"Then you hear right, Mother. I guess eavesdropping becomes you."

"Brooke, please. I thought we working past all that."

"Sorry", she mumbled.

"It's okay. I just worry about you, dear. Both you and my little granddaughter. Are you sure you should make this trip?"

"It's fine. The doctor says I can if I promise not to overwork myself. It won't be so bad. Gordie will be there and it'll be fun."

"I'm not talking about that, Brooke. I'm talking about Italy…and your boss."

"Jessica?"

"No. Felix."

"What's that supposed to mean? We work together and we're friends."

"Very well. Actually, you looked quite friendly all day today."

"Mother, stop it. You're imagining things."

"Am I? Then your husband must have been imagining them too. You should have seen the look on poor Luke's face."

"I am not getting into this with you right now. I am going abroad for work and that's the end of it."

"Just be careful. I hear rumors about this Colwell fellow. I hear he's quite the scoundrel."

"He's a nice man who has been very kind to me."

"Maybe so but you might want to reconsider all these plans before they ruin your marriage."

"Marriage! What marriage? Mother, are you drunk? In case you didn't notice, I no longer have a marriage or a husband. No, I have a cordial roommate that I have to be civil to and it just so happens that once upon a time when we were happy and perfect, he knocked me up."

"Brooke…"

"No. Do you know why I'm out here? Do you know why I needed air and to be alone? Not because of being sick or the baby but it hit me as Lucas and I were thanking everyone because the last time we made speeches like that was our anniversary party. Gee, what a difference nine months makes. Standing in the same spots except then we were happy and in love. Of course by then he had cheated on me and was still able to look in my eyes and everyone else's face and lie about it but hey, that's just a technicality, right?"

"Oh Brooke, don't be so dramatic. Lucas made a mistake that he has paid dearly for. Hasn't that poor man suffered enough? You even said yourself that you two have been getting along very well lately. And he took such good care of you when you nearly lost the baby. And I know you still love him. You told me that."

"Yes Mother, I know what I told you. But I also know what I feel."

"Brooke, sometimes it's just best to put the bad things behind us."

"Just like you did with Daddy?" Brooke hissed.

"That's not fair. Don't attack me. We've been through all this before. I am just trying to help."

"Well, I don't want or need your help", Brooke stood to leave.

"Brooke…"

"Mother, just save it because I am going to Italy and that's final."

As Brooke turned to go, she almost knocked Lucas over who had come to check on her. And now husband and wife were face to face.

"Brooke, what's going on? What's all this Italy business?"