Haley returned from the cafeteria upstairs. The rabid paparazzi seemed to have radar on her or any other family members that exited the premises so leaving for food simply was no longer an option. They'd all practically become immune anyway to the mostly edible cuisine being served. In fact, Haley had even asked the head cook for her Beef Stroganoff recipe.

The elevator doors opened and she saw the crowd of family and close friends gathered. They were on their feet surrounding one of the doctor's who had been taking care of Lillian. Immediately Haley's heart fell in the pit of her stomach. She dropped her water bottle on the floor as she ran over to them.

"What?" she mouthed, chest heaving, eyes already beginning to tear.

The 72 hour waiting period was up. She had hoped for the best and tried to somehow prepare herself for the worst. Now it was the moment of truth.

"She's okay", Deb finally broke down, crying through her smiles. "Lillian is going to be okay. The transplant was a success. Her body accepted Dan's marrow."

Haley felt a tornado of emotion building inside her. Relief, joy, excitement, exhaustion. She began to cry tears of happiness as an equally jubilant Lucas swooped her up in his arms.

"When can I take her home?" Haley asked the doctor.

"We will still need to closely monitor her status but if all continues to go well, in a few days she should be ready to be released."

The small crowd of family and friends clapped and cheered out loud. The worst was finally over.

"Thank God", Karen hugged her. "Now there's only one thing left to do."

"What's that?"

"Set up logistics. I think it's something we all should discuss but ultimately the final decision is up to you, Haley."

"What do you mean?"

"Obviously you're taking Jamarah back to your apartment. It's home and it is close to the hospital and her doctors. We call can't fit in your loft and I'm sure that's the last thing you want anyway, but I think it's important to discuss where we're all going to be after this. We love the baby, honey, and you and I speak for everyone when we say we want to support you."

Haley took a deep breath. She had been so focused on Haley's recovery that she hadn't given much thought to what would happen when it was all over.

"Well, I guess Taylor goes home with Lillian and me. Karen, you've been so good to me and I really appreciate it. I know you have your own life with Andy but if you didn't mind staying on for a few days…"

"No problem, sweetie. Whatever you need."

"Dan has to get back to Tree Hill", Deb announced. "But once he is settled, if it's okay, I'd like to come back up for visits."

"I'd like that, too", Haley said softly.

"And you know I'm just a few blocks away", Chris nodded. "Whatever you need, James."

"I'm gonna stay", Nathan added. "I don't know for how long but I feel like I should be here. I guess I'll find a hotel closer to Haley's place."

"Have you thought about subletting, honey?" Deb asked, wrapping her arms around her son.

"Yeah. I've looked into it. Some things have come up, it just might take a few days before they become available and all…"

"Why don't you come stay with us?" Taylor offered.

Everyone collectively gasped, most of all Haley.

"Taylor…"

"What? The man wants to be close to his daughter and we could use all the help we can get. Besides, it's only for a few days, right? So what do you say, Nate? The sofa in the living room pulls out into a hell of a comfortable bed."

Nathan took a deep breath as all eyes turned to him waiting for his response.

"If Haley's cool with it, then alright."

Haley nodded.

"If it's just for a couple of days…okay."

"Now that that's all settled", Brooke said. "Nathan, does that sublet of yours have two bedrooms?"

"Yeah…why?"

"Good. Because Broody and I will be moving in, too."

"We will?" Lucas questioned.

"You bet we will and don't look at me like that because as nosy as you are, you know if we went back to Philly we'd just be making the trip up here every other day. So we may as well spend the rest of the summer here."

"You don't mind, babe? I mean, I feel bad asking you to do this."

"You're not asking. I'm offering."

Lucas smiled and kissed her.

"You're amazing, you know that?"

"I know. I get it often, too", she grinned.

"I mean it, Brooke. I will make this up to you, I swear."

"Of course you will", she reached in her purse. "And I know just how you're going to do it."

"What the hell are these?"

"Two tickets to the Bahamas. We leave tomorrow morning for six days of much needed relaxation and sex that doesn't involve a two minute quickie in the shower."

"My ears", Karen groaned.

Brooke and Lucas blushed.

"Whoops! Sorry Karen…and Deb. But anyway. You guys get what I mean. After a week away vacationing, we will be refreshed and no doubt ready to return to whatever drama will be waiting for us."

Lucas looked at his brother.

"Sound cool?"

"Sounds like a plan."

"Great", Taylor sighed. "Everybody is settled and happy. Now little Jamma is resting and the doctor says she's going to be okay. Dare I propose we all get out of here and have dinner at a decent restaurant? I'll call security for a car for us and a decoy one for the paparazzi."

"Sounds good", Karen shrugged.

"Excellent! I know a great little place where the lobster is a hundred bucks a pop."

Chris narrowed his eyes.

"You paying, Taylor?"

"I would but seeing how everyone in this room is richer than me…let me think about it. Uh, no."

Everyone laughed as they finally had something to celebrate. A group of people with a reason to smile finally and forget, even if only for a few hours, the pain and sadness.

"Uh, thanks for the invite but I think I'll take a rain check."

"You sure, Chris? It's cool…"

"I know but uh…some other time", he nodded, eyeing Nathan before saying his good byes and leaving.

"You coming, Haley?" Deb asked.

"I don't know. Maybe I should hang around here."

"You can come right back. The baby will be fine. Besides, I think it'll do you some good to get out."

Haley sighed and managed to smile.

"Okay but only for a little while."

The others filed ahead to the waiting car while Nathan purposely lingered behind.

"You okay?" he asked Haley.

"I'm more than okay. I'm thrilled. Lillian is okay. That's all I ever wanted anyway. You have no idea how relieved I am."

Nathan looked at the floor before meeting her eyes.

"Yeah…actually, I do."

She stared at him for a bit.

"Yeah…I guess you do."

"Look, Hales, I know Taylor was just trying to help but if it's not cool about me crashing at your place, I'll find somewhere else."

"No, it's fine. I don't mind. It's just for few days anyway. We're adults. We can get through this."

"I know but with everything that's happened with you and me…"

Haley shook her head.

"This isn't about you and me, Nathan. It's about Lillian. From now on whatever we do, it has to be all about her."

"Yeah…I guess you're right."

Haley nodded.

"I guess we better get going."

"Yeah…um, thanks for doing this. I mean it."

"No need to thank me. I'm doing this for my daughter…our daughter."