Love Will Prevail
Chapter 3
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these OTH characters, even though I'd like to.
Back in Tree Hill…
4:30
Peyton and Jake had just left to go see Jenny, and Lucas stood on the porch with his brother and sister-in-law. "This place is absolutely beautiful you two."
"Thanks Lucas," Haley hugged her friend.
"So, see you at Tric tonight?" Lucas questioned.
Nathan looked at Haley who shrugged and nodded, "Sure."
"Show starts at 7:00."
"Sounds good." The couple stood and watched Lucas pull out of the driveway. Nathan leaned in for a kiss, "Welcome home Mrs. Scott."
Haley grabbed his hand, "Are you ready to make some memories Mr. Scott?" She giggled and lead him to the bedroom.
6:30
Haley moaned in ecstasy, "Nathan lets finish this in the shower," she tried to convince him they were going to be late.
"They'll understand Hales."
"Yeah."
7:30
Peyton and Karen glared at Lucas, "You told them seven, right?"
"Yes mom. And they said they'd be here."
Just then Jake popped his head in the door, "They're pulling into the parking lot."
Haley looked at her husband, "Sounds like the band has started."
"Yeah," Nathan kissed her, "but it was well worth missing part of it."
"That is was," she agreed. She froze when they walked in and people started cheering. Noticing a huge painting of their small family over the stage, she whispered to him, "Maybe we shouldn't have been late."
He laughed as they continued into the room. "We'd better find the culprits." As they found their friends, he pulled Lucas aside, "You could've told us. We would've made sure to be on time."
Lucas shook his head, "What, and be killed for ruining the surprise? NO way. Besides, who'd a figured you'd be too busy getting' busy to arrive on time. This'll be a classic story for your kids someday." Lucas caught his brother's glare and laughed, "Oh yeah, EVERYONE'S going to know."
"Thanks bro."
"Before you thank me too much, there are a few people who'd like to see you," Lucas pointed to a small table at the edge of the room.
Nathan nodded his head, and started walking towards the older couple. They'd aged so much in the four years since he'd seen them last. He stood in front of their table, "Mom. Dad. I'm surprised to see you here."
"We've made a lot of mistakes Nathan."
"Yeah, you have. But do you recognize the right ones?"
"Our biggest mistake was not accepting your marriage to Haley. You have such a beautiful family," deb pointed towards Peyton's painting.
"We don't know our grandchildren," Dan said, "I made that mistake with Lucas, and it's taken four years for me to realize I need to put my pettiness aside and hope to prevent that from happening with Harrison."
"Well, lucky for him, he has a dad. And his dad doesn't keep him around just for basketball."
"Nathan…" Deb started.
"What."
"We'd like to be part of your life. We want to get to know Haley. And we want to spoil our grandkids. But we know we need your permission. That's why we're going to give you an open invitation for dinner at the house."
"Thanks mom. I'll have to talk to Haley," Nathan walked away and heard Dan mutter, "We love you son." He didn't know what to think. Part of him wanted to believe they'd changed and that he should give them a chance. But another part of him knew he should let them rot in hell before giving in.
Nathan was with Haley when he heard Lucas and looked towards the stage.
"It was 5 years ago that I stood in this same spot and toasted what many viewed as a doomed marriage," he watched as Nathan kissed Haley. "I believed that if my best friend and best enemy could fall in love, it'd better work. Because I didn't want to go back to hating my brother," he smiled as the crowd laughed. "Today I stand here to toast that same wonderful couple who has proved to me that nothing is impossible. In five short years, they've graduated high school, became parents to two wonderful children, bought their first home, and earned college diplomas. I'd like to congratulate them, welcome them home to Tree Hill, and wish them happiness for all the years to come."