Peyton adjusted the padded bra underneath her sexy, black, strapless dress. She felt ridiculous all done up, hair and make up to perfection and wearing heels of all things. But that's what fancy invitation had said. It was a computer printed letter from Jake requesting that she meet him at said location wearing the designated outfit. It didn't make a lot of sense and she was skeptical at best but her curiosity had gotten the best of her. She deserved a night out with a candle lit dinner alone with her husband but it wasn't a very convenient time. They had the two girls at home and both were busy with work and such…

Jake loosened the tie around his neck. He couldn't remember the last time he had worn a tie that silky or that fancy. But it was a special occasion, or at least it was supposed to be according to the message on the card he had received from Peyton. Apparently his wife wanted him dressed to impress for a romantic, private meeting at the Ritz Carlton. Things had been rocky lately and with everything going on, maybe some much needed alone time was just what the doctor ordered. He just hoped he could concentrate on his wife and not worry too much about Jenny and the fact that another teenager was still living with them…

"Jake", she said.

"Pey."

They met in front of the door, both carefully eyeing one another.

"You look great."

He swallowed hard.

"And you look amazing."

She blushed, secretly glad she had taken those extra minutes to get even more dolled up.

"So, um, I guess we're ready for dinner?"

"I guess", he smiled, taking her hand in his hand. "You know, this was a really good idea. I have a good feeling about tonight. I just wish I had thought of it first."

Peyton frowned.

"Jake, what are you talking about?"

"This. Tonight. It's special and God knows we need it. I just feel like an ass for not thinking of it first."

"Wait…you invited me."

His eyes narrowed.

"No, I didn't. Babe, you invited me."

"Jake…"

"Peyton, I got your card at work."

She thought for a minute before shaking her head.

"Let me guess…some fancy card with an encrypted message saying I wanted you to meet me here tonight at a certain time wearing a certain suit?"

"Well…yeah."

She laughed.

"I got the same card, only mine said it was from you."

"Okay", he breathed. "This is…weird."

"Oh yeah. We, Mr. Jagielski, have been set up."

"Why?"

"Who knows?" she shrugged.

"Brooke?" he asked.

Peyton smiled.

"Although I am very sure she had something to do with it, we can't give her all the credit or the blame…depending on how we choose to look at the situation. I smell a conspiracy here."

Jake grinned.

"Want to make the best out of it and see what's behind the big door?"

She rubbed his palm with her fingers.

"Why not? Besides, it's free food, right?"

They kissed briefly on the lips, then took deep breaths trying to prepare for what was on the other side if the door. The couple opened it slowly.

"Surprise!"

Peyton screamed, jumping back into Jake's arms. Hand over her heart, she looked into a dimly lit but gorgeously decorated hall that included neighbors, members of the Miami franchise and friends, some she hadn't seen in years. They thought they had left Tree Hill behind but in front of them just a few feet away were the happy smiling faces of Tim, Teresa, Bevin, Mouth, Skills, Fergie and Erica.

"Surprise, Jagielskis!" Brooke squealed, running up to them looking like a million bucks in a fancy, dark green, off the shoulder Versace number that showed a lot of cleavage and a lot of leg. "Are you surprised? I know you are!"

"Brooke, what is all this?" Jake asked. "It's not anyone's birthday or our anniversary. What's the occasion and why is everyone here?"

Amanda stepped up, wearing a sleek, form fitted black gown that clung to every adolescent curve. Her blonde hair had been parted in the middle and fell down her shoulders, back and arms like freshly spun gold.

"The occasion is…well, it's just because. I wanted to do something nice for you. We all did. Look, I know things have been kind of tense in the house lately. I can't help but feel responsible for that. I know you say it isn't my fault but in the back of my mind I keep thinking it might be better if I was gone. But you guys have been so patient and so great and so welcoming. I really appreciate everything you've done for me and I wanted to let you know."

Jake smiled.

"Man. I…I don't know what to say. I'm stunned. This, this is great."

Tears filled Peyton's eyes.

"You did this…for us?"

"Yeah. You deserve it. Tonight is all about the two of you. I just want you to relax and have fun and just enjoy each other."

"Amanda…"

"I hope you aren't mad."

Peyton pulled her close and held her tight.

"Mad? Of course we're not mad. This is really sweet. It was a thoughtful thing to do. Thank you, Amanda."

Amanda smiled and grabbed the reluctant hand of Jenny, who felt slightly awkward with her hair all done up in curls and wearing a short sleeved black dress more appropriate for someone her age.

"It wasn't all me, guys", she smiled. "Thank Jenny, too. She helped. We did this together."

"Together?" Peyton mouthed surprised. "Well, thanks, Jenny. This is very nice."

Jenny didn't say anything as Peyton pulled her into a big hug as well. And she was equally silent when she saw her father staring at her through tear filled eyes.

"What?" she finally, said, hands on tiny hips.

It took Jake a minute to collect his voice and thoughts.

"You look so beautiful…and so grown up."

"Whatever."

"I mean it, Jen. You look like a princess."

Nobody had ever said that line to her before. She blushed and bit her lip to keep from smiling.

"It's stupid. Haley insisted on curling my hair like this. I hate it."

"I think it looks beautiful", Peyton smiled, touching the soft, golden spirals.

Jake grinned proudly.

"Me too. And nothing would make me prouder than sharing my first dance with one of the prettiest girls here. So what do you say, Jen? Want to give it a go with the Old Man?"

"Whatever."

She didn't protest and in Jenny language, which he had learned to decipher the hard way, that pretty much meant he was in.

"I'll take that as a yes", he smiled, taking his daughter's hand and guiding her to the floor where others had already gathered to dance to the music.

"I can't believe this", Peyton shook her head. "You guys really got one over on me. I had no idea."

Haley hugged her.

"Hence the whole idea of a surprise. Now, like Amanda said, you enjoy your night. This is for you and Jake. We've got plenty of delicious food and the champagne is flowing freely and it's a lot of people here you haven't see in a while. So just enjoy the night for what it is."

Peyton nodded, dabbing at her eyes that were still leaking tears of joy. The others began to disperse as well, mingling with the crowd, eating dinner, enjoying drinks or dancing. Amanda stood by the punch bowl and just surveyed the scene with a huge smile on her face. It was beautiful…magical, just like she had planned it.

"Nice party."

She didn't have to turn around to see it was Lucas standing next to her.

"Glad you approve", she mumbled sarcastically.

"This is a nice thing you did for Peyton and Jake."

"I guess I'm not the Devil after all."

Lucas laughed.

"Let's not get crazy. You are the Devil. It's only a matter of time before whatever plan you have goes down."

"Please. Dude, you're sp dramatic."

"I think that's more your forte."

"Really?" Amanda stared icily at him. "Well, if I'm so horrible and you're so convinced that I am going to ruin the evening for Jake and Peyton and everyone, then why don't you do something about it? You heard me, St. Lucas. Swoop in and save the day."

Lucas nodded before grabbing a cocktail.

"I'm playing your game, Amanda. Just like you, I am biding my time."

She made a face and he gave her a smirk before walking away. His heart and head secretly pounded. Obviously he wasn't playing with an amateur…Amanda was a damn near professional. And that meant he had to play his cards right.

Lucas took a sip of the drink before downing the whole thing and grabbing another from one of the many servers walking around. He hoped the old saying was true, that if you gave someone enough rope, that they would hang themselves. And that's exactly what he was doing. Maybe Amanda was right. Maybe her spell was too big and bright for the others to see past. Maybe Lucas couldn't beat her. All he could do was stand back and hopefully watch her defeat herself.