The reception hall of the Country Club had never looked lovelier. The decorations were soft and classic, the peach and cream of the colors Nathan and Megan had chosen blended in perfectly with every flower and design.

Peyton smiled with pride as she saw Jenny sitting on her daddy's lap. She sipped a glass of champagne when she noticed Nathan from the corner of her eye. It had been quite a day already and the wedding party had just finished with the receiving line. He had been cordial and polite, even managing to force a sincere smile or two. Underneath the strain he and Meg were still that Ken and Barbie all American couple but when he stole a moment alone, when he was tucked away in a corner when he thought no one was looking, he reached for a flask and poured its contents into his punch.

"A little liquid courage for the groom?" she asked, inching over to him.

He rolled his eyes and took a huge gulp.

"Well, if it isn't Tree Hill's very own voice of reason and my favourite ex girlfriend. Hello, Peyton. Is this the part where you come to save the day and stop me from making a big mistake? Well, you're a little too late…for the second time."

She shook head.

"Congratulations on the nuptials and for getting that moody, broody act down to a science. You have officially defeated your brother."

"Whatever."

"Look, Nate, I'm sorry, okay? I don't want to fight. I just want to say…"

"Oh I get it. This is the part where you come with the inspirational story. You know, where you tell me everything is going to be okay."

"I hope it is. You've been through so much and today…well, you took a big risk. I admire that, Nathan. You've grown a lot and…"

"Peyton…"

She didn't know what else to say so she just threw her arms around him in a huge bear hug. The wedding was over and the reception was almost. They had gorged on delicious food and posed for an endless array of photographs. Nathan was doing all he could to get through it but he just wanted it to be over.

Chicago's "You're The Inspiration" began and that was the cue for Nathan and Deb to dance together as Mark and Megan had already shared their Father/Daughter dance. The reluctant groom met his mother in the middle of the floor.

"Nathan…"

"Look, Mom we have to dance, alright? But I don't see anywhere it says we have to talk."

"I'm not here to give you grief, honey. I just want us to talk. I want to make sure everything is okay…if you're happy. Our last conversation…"

"Mom!"

"Did you go?" she persisted. "To see Haley, I mean?"

"No."

"No? Oh Nathan…"

"I tried, Mom but uh…something came up. I guess congratulations are in order because you're going to be a grandma."

Deb was in utter disbelief.

"You mean…"

"Megan is pregnant. Two months to be exact."

"Oh my God. Oh my God. Nathan. How did that happen?"

"Dad already gave me this talk when I was ten but if you want to go there again…"

"No, no. I know how it happened, I just…oh God. This…this changes everything. How do you feel about this?"

"How do you think I feel?"

"Shocked…scared out your mind, anxious, nervous but at the same time in total awe that you created life."

He flinched.

"Yeah…something like that."

"I know. I've been there, too, sweetie."

"It's cool. It was unexpected but Meg and me will be fine. We're happy. We'll deal with it."

"What about Haley?"

"What about her?"

"Nathan, you…"

"It's done, Mom. Look that ship sailed out of the harbor a long time ago. There's nothing I can do about that now. Megan and I are married and we're going to be parents and that's the end of it."

"But honey…"

"And I really don't want to hear about it anymore. Okay?"

"Okay. That's your right. I'm just concerned. I'm your mother. But whatever happens, I am here for you. I…"

"Whatever", he said, moving away. "Thanks for the dance, Mom."

"But the song isn't over."

"But the dance is", he walked away.

He was in desperate need of some air but no sooner than the music for that song stopped and Brian McKnight's "Back At One" began to play. A few feet away, Meg sat hands nervously on her lap as she watched him. They had barely spoken two words to each other since the vows and he knew that wasn't right. He walked over to his wife.

"May I have this dance?"

She nodded and took his hand, following him to the floor where she let herself melt in his embrace as they slowly swayed to the music.

"You look amazing today. Megan, I know I haven't said it but you really do."

"Thanks", she said softly.

"Look, I'm sorry about everything that has happened, okay? But we're married now and everything is going to be fine. We love each other and we're happy and we're gonna work out all the problems."

"I hope so."

"When you didn't come right out today…well, I didn't know what to think. I thought you left."

"I almost did."

"I guess I couldn't have blamed you. I've been a real dick lately. You could have left and you probably should have…but you didn't. Why?"

"Because I love you", she stated. "And because somehow I think or at least I hope there is a chance for us."

"I do love you, Meg."

"Yeah…"

"No, I mean that. You have to know that."

"I do", she finally said.

"Look", he sighed. "This is almost over here. In a few hours we're on that plane to Europe and we'll talk and figure some stuff out. Okay?"

"Okay", she nodded.

"Okay. And try to have some fun along the way because after all, it is our honeymoon."

He smiled and so did she. There was a long road ahead but by taking the marriage vows, they had agreed to weather the travel. She kissed his lips and he kissed back just as the song ended. They took their seats at the table and Lucas nervously clinked on a glass signaling the traditional toast. He reached for the words he had written but last minute decided to scrap them and just go with what was in his heart.

"As Best Man, it is my duty to stay with tradition and be the first to toast the happy couple but for me today, it has to do with a little more than tradition. I am honored to be here to celebrate the union of my little brother and his gorgeous wife. Our family has seen its fair share of drama and trials but it is celebrations like today that remind us that God has truly smiled down on us. Nathan and didn't grow up together and our relationship began on sort of shaky ground but I'm happy to say that over the years not only have we become brothers but best friends as well. Megan, you are a wonderful girl with the kindest spirit and the most beautiful heart I have ever seen. I thank God for bringing your love and beauty into our lives. I pray that you and Nathan cherish each other and that all your days may be as great as this one. It is a distinct privilege and pleasure to stand here before you all today and honor Nathan and Megan. Nate, she's a great girl and you're a very lucky man…Meg, take care of him. Congratulations guys and I wish you all the luck, love, and happiness in the world."

Everyone smiled, clapped and raised their glasses but Lucas couldn't help but feeling like a hypocrite. It was a time of uncertainty and turmoil and as much as he prayed for things to be okay, there never would be a guarantee. Nathan would always love Haley…that would never stop. And as long as that love was there, a lurking shadow would always be cast over Nathan and Megan's marriage.