"I have a question for Head Coach, Lawrence Frank, what are your anticipations as well as expectations for this season, considering the professional and personal controversies of Nathan Scott."

Coach Frank looked over at Nathan as the still cameras clicked and flashed.

"We as a team and a franchise and a family are excited. Nathan Scott is a phenomenal player. I am looking forward to coaching him. I expect the same thing from him that I do of all my players…dedication, teamwork, respect for others and self and lots of hard work. I have no doubt that we are going to enjoy a productive and successful season."

Another reporter stood.

"Mr. Scott, your on and off court problems were widely speculated on last year. Do you have anything to add about that and would you like to comment on future endeavors."

Nathan cleared his throat. He was nervous but Lucas and Brooke were smiling from the small press conference audience. And most importantly, Haley was there.

"Um, I've made a lot of mistakes. I guess we all do. I can't apologize enough but I've tried my best to make something good out of the wreckage. There's not really more that I care to comment on. That's why I went on record with Esquire magazine. I said all I needed to say then. As far as the future, I see nothing but good things ahead. I thank Coach and the owner and my new teammates for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to a winning season."

"Anything else you'd like to add, Nathan?"

He thought for a moment and smiled.

"I just want everyone to know that I'm ready…and I don't plan on letting you down this time."

"This concludes our press conference", the commissioner spoke.

It ended with flowing champagne and the Jersey ball cap being placed on Nathan's head. He smiled as Lucas and Brooke joined him, posing for photos as he sipped on bottled water.

"Hey, Nathan, we noticed that Haley is here. Any new updates you want to share?"

"No personal questions", the coach quickly intervened.

Months before that would have been the exact type of thing to set Nathan off. But things had changed. He had changed.

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words, right?" he asked. "Well, here's one for the masses."

With that, he pulled Haley close for their first public kiss. She reciprocated but blushed and giggled, quickly turning away.

"Nathan, we can't do this here", she whispered.

"Fine", he grinned. "I'll kiss you later."

They finished finally and let the media clear out until it was only the four of them left amongst the confetti, fallen streamers and balloons.

"How do you feel, bro?" Lucas asked.

"Like a million bucks", Nathan sighed.

"Try 30", Brooke winked. "But uh…who's counting, right, Superstar?"

"Apparently you."

Brooke laughed and put up a mock microphone to his lips.

"Nathan Scott, you just signed a lucrative deal with the New Jersey Nets. Congratulations and please tell us, what are your plans now?" she asked in her best commentator voice. "Going to Disney World?"

"Maybe later", he shrugged. "For now I guess I'm going out to dinner with you losers."

"Actually, you're not", Lucas said.

"We're not?" Haley frowned.

"Oh no. Courtesy of Broody's help combined with my sheer genius, a limousine is waiting to whisk you two away to the penthouse suite of the St. Regis hotel…here is your key…where room service will be there to cater to your every need, not that food will be on your mind."

"What about Lillian?" Haley folded her arms.

"Leave Jamarah to Broody and me…after all, we need the practice."

Nathan and Haley's eyes widened.

"You…oh God…you two, you're having a baby?"

Brooke squealed.

"Even better. We're getting a dog! A little Maltese. You should see her! She is so cute and I am going to dress her up and out bows in her hair and put her in my Louis Vuitton purse and…"

"Easy, Brooke", Nathan laughed.

"What?" Luke shrugged. "We have to start somewhere. Baby steps, brother. Now you two get on out of here and try to enjoy your evening."

Nathan and Haley looked at each other and shrugged. He extended his hand and she took it as he led them to the car. They climbed inside but neither spoke a word the entire drive. The mood was overall light but there was still some nervous tension, especially when their hands brushed together. Finally the car pulled up to the address and a personal attendant greeted them and showed them to their room on the top floor. They smiled as they stood outside of it.

"I feel like I should be carrying you over the threshold or something", he joked.

"It's not our wedding but…I'll let you give me a piggy back ride, you know, for old time's sake."

"Fair enough", he laughed as she jumped on his back.

Nathan opened the door and both stopped as they saw the flower petals on the floor and the place had a romantic, soft glow thanks to all the burning scented candles.

"Oh my God", Haley put her hand over her heart.

"Looks like Luke and Brooke went all out", Nathan observed.

"This is so perfect", she whispered as she grabbed his hand.

At the same time their eyes gravitated towards the bed. Nathan's heart began to pound.

"Listen, we don't have to do anything, alright? That's not why I'm here. Hales, we have plenty of time for all that physical stuff later…"

Haley laughed out loud.

"Are you freaking kidding me?"

She pushed him against the wall and began slowly undressing him. As each article of clothing was removed, her lips would place a kiss where it once was. He shuddered with every touch. Finally he was naked. Naked and speechless. She smiled at him again.

"Hales…"

"Are you just gonna stand there or are you going to help me out if this dress?" she purred.

He returned her grin.

"What have I gotten myself into?" he laughed.

Swooping her up in his strong arms, he carried her to bed. He placed her down carefully and began gently kissing and caressing her. The pace was slow and sweet but her clothes were completely off in no time.

"Well, well, well", she sighed. "Now that you have me alone and naked in your bed, Mr. Scott, whatever are you going to do with me?"

He tucked her hair behind her ear.

"What I've been wanting to do for eight years", he said huskily.

He slid down her body, his mouth nipping at tender exposed flesh. Haley threw her head back but jumped when he made his way to her belly button.

"Nate, that tickles!" she squealed.

But he went further south and soon she wasn't giggling anymore. Laughter turned into cries of pure pleasure as he worked miracles with his tongue. When she was weak from passion and multiple orgasms, lying breathless in his arms, he stroked her face.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

"You are so beautiful", he whispered in awe.

"So are you", she smiled.

"I want to make love to you."

She kissed his lips again.

"What's stopping you?"

Nothing. In seconds his hardness was plunged slow and deep inside her warm, wetness. Once again they fit together like perfect pieces of a puzzle. It wasn't like the Dominican…it was just as passionate but there was no anger or fear or sense of rush. Just pure love.

"You okay?" he kissed her, studying her face as he slid in and out of her.

"As long as you're here."

He moaned. God, she felt good, he thought as he let his tongue sliver over any part of her exposed flesh. Her legs wrapped tightly around him and her nails dug into his back. She was reaching her boiling point, she could feel a thousand tiny sparks building inside her all ready to explode at any given moment.

"Don't hold back", he encouraged her.

"Nathan!" she grabbed a fistful of the sheet as her body trembled uncontrollably with delight.

He released, remaining inside of her until they could both find the strength to move.

"That…that was good", he panted.

"Perfect", she added.

"We always did have the best make up sex."

"This isn't make up sex, Nathan."

"Yes it is."

"No, it's not. Babe, what are we fighting about?"

He turned over and looked deep in her eyes as he held her hand.

"It's our apology to each other for what happened eight years ago."

It gave her a chill as she felt like she might cry. He was right.

"Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"All the time", he smiled. "Still it's never enough."

"I do. I do love you. Now come here", she giggled, pulling him on top of her.

"Hey. What are you doing? I'm starving. I was gonna order room service."

"Room service will have to wait."

"Aren't you hungry?"

"Yeah", she stared at him. "Hungry for you. Now come on. Eight years worth of fighting is a long time. I'd say we have a whole lot of making up to do."

"I'd say you're right", he rolled back on top of her.

And all was right with the world. The soul mates had found their way back to one another. Their time had come again and this time it was for real.