Peyton yawned as she stretched. The uncomfortable crook lodged in the side of her neck was a painful and instant reminder that her couch could be quite uncomfortable despite what it looked like. She groaned out loud. Sleeping on the couch, what the hell was she thinking? She wasn't thinking. She was just angry. She had lost her temper and reacted, both she and Jake saying some pretty harsh things, things they would come to regret. Never go to bed mad. That had been their one rule. In one night with one argument blown out of proportion, they had gone to bed angry and apart.

Peyton sighed as she climbed off the sofa. It was time to get a move on. Checking her watch, she bounded upstairs and knocked on Jenny's door.

"You up?" she asked.

"Yeah", came the muffled voice.

"Do you mind if I come in?"

"Yeah but like that ever stops you."

Peyton rolled her eyes as she entered.

"What do you want for breakfast?"

"Pop Tarts, duh."

"Breakfast of champions, huh?"

"Whatever."

"Maybe you should try Wheaties. It might make you tougher on the field."

Jenny gave Peyton a snotty look.

"I'm already tough on the field…not that you would know."

Peyton bit her lip.

"About that…"

"Whatever."

"No. I'm really sorry."

"Jake make you apologize?"

"No. I'm apologizing on my own. I feel bad. I really wanted to be there and I planned it but I got my days mixed up. I'm sorry, Jenny."

"I don't care", Jenny shrugged.

"Well, I do", Peyton said softly.

"Fine. You said you're sorry. Go tell Jake and who knows, he might let you back in the bedroom tonight."

Peyton's eyes widened.

"That was my choice to sleep on the couch, Jenny. A damned stupid one, but nevertheless my choice."

Jenny nodded as she stuffed items in her backpack.

"If that's your story. No need to explain to me about your fights. Unlike some people around here, I mind my own business."

"I'm sorry you had to hear all that. It was stupid…"

Jenny's eyes narrowed.

"Were you guys fighting about me?" she asked in a small voice.

Peyton instantly softened.

"No. We…your dad and I were just being dumb. It's fine now. I promise."

Jenny slung her bag over her shoulder.

"Tell it to Dr. Phil. I'm off to school."

Peyton smirked.

"You have practice today?"

"Yep."

"I'll come pick you up."

"No thanks. I'll walk or Amy's mother will drop me off."

"But I want to. I could watch you guys practice."

"I'd rather you didn't but it's a free country, right?"

Peyton tugged at her lip.

"I guess it is", she sighed. "Hey. No Pop Tart to go this morning. Come down for a real, sit down, hot breakfast."

"Am I being punished?"

Peyton smiled.

"No, it's called family time."

"Great", Jenny mumbled sarcastically as she followed her stepmother downstairs. "So I am being punished."

The two headed to the kitchen where Jenny sat at the table and began eating a nectarine while Peyton hovered over the oven. A few minutes later, Jake came down.

"Good morning", he said, sheepishly, avoiding his wife's gaze.

"About time", Jenny huffed. "You're here…is family time over now?"

"Sit", Peyton commanded. "Eat some oatmeal."

"I already told you. I don't like oatmeal."

"Because you've never tried my oatmeal. Trust me. It's legendary in Tree Hill."

Jenny rolled her eyes as she picked at it.

"It is pretty good", Jake sighed as he made himself a bowl. "After all, it won me over."

He managed a small smile and looked right in Peyton's eyes. Instantly she melted and they embraced.

"Oh, baby, I'm sorry about last night", she said as she rushed into his open, waiting arms.

"I'm sorry, too", he said, kissing her forehead.

"Barf, barf", Jenny made gagging noises. "Hel-lo! Kid still in the room."

Jake and Peyton smiled.

"I love you", he whispered.

"Love you, too."

"Can I please be excused before I'm forced to commit suicide by either slitting my wrists or worse, eating this slop you call oatmeal?"

"You begging to go to school?" Peyton teased. "That's a first. By all means, go. Don't let us stop you."

"Thank God", the girl muttered.

"Have a good day and I'll see you at practice", Peyton called out after her.

"Whatever."

Jenny was already gone, her hand in the air making a gesture they really couldn't make out.

"Is she giving me the finger?" Peyton asked out loud.

"She's probably counting", Jake observed.

They looked at each other and both burst out laughing.

"I can't believe I'm married to such an optimist."

Jake shrugged with a grin.

"You lucked out. Now what's all this about practice?"

"I'm gonna watch her team practice tonight and then I'll give her a ride home."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Jake, yesterday was a mistake. I promise you. I feel bad and I am interested in her life and her hobbies. Maybe it'll be good for us."

"I hope so", he nodded. "Look, about last night…"

"It got out of hand. Listen, maybe you're right. I don't mean to neglect your or Jenny. But the kids at school need me too…"

"It's okay. I was wrong to come at you like that. I should have been a little calmer. I was just upset about missing the game myself and then the fact that she had no one there to watch her really bugged me. But I know you didn't miss it on purpose, Pey. And about your students, well, I understand where you're coming from and I agree. The kids are great and they do need you as much as you need them. I guess I was just irritable from my trip and I was probably a little jealous that I wasn't getting your full attention. I am very sorry and I want you to know I'm proud of you, Peyton. I mean it. You're wonderful with those kids and they are very lucky to have you in their lives...Jen and I are very lucky to have you in our lives."

Peyton smiled and kissed his lips.

"Thanks for being so understanding. I promise from now on to be more organized so we won't have any more mix ups like that one. I'll get the season's schedule from Jenny's coach and post it right here on the fridge. I swear I'll never miss another game."

"Sounds good."

"And I promise to make more time, for you and me as a couple and for the three of us as a family, even if we have to drag Jenny along kicking and screaming", she joked.

"Pey, she doesn't hate you, babe."

"Jake…"

"She just doesn't know you. It'll take time but she's already warming up. And once she gets to know you, I know everything is going to be great. We'll have our family back. We'll be together again, Peyton."

She nodded as he hugged her, burying her face in his shoulder.

"I have to go get ready for school."

"Okay", he kissed her again.

"I have an idea. Why don't you meet me at Jenny's school today? We could watch together."

"I'd like that."

"Thanks", she kissed him.

"What for?"

"For being you and for loving me…and for putting up with me in spite of myself."

Jake held up the fourth finger of his left hand and intertwined it with his wife's.

"For better or worse, till death do us part", he said.

"You bet your ass", she winked before walking upstairs. "I love you, Jake Jagielski and you're never getting rid of me."