I loved writing this story and I had a lot of fun too, but unfortunately, this is it. I know I could have gone on a chapter or two, but in following the timeline to the story, it was time to bring Peyton back to the present.

Recap: Just a refresher for those who haven't read the first few chapters recently and may have forgotten – Peyton flew into Tree Hill with just the kids and Peyton is supposed to meet Haley later on that day. With some free time, Peyton reminisces about her and Lucas's past as she reads through Lucas's journal.

Disclaimer: I don't own OTH or any of the characters.
Title and lyrics used in this chapter is a song by Rob Thomas


Epilogue: Ever The Same

Their past was what made them - it had gotten them to where they were now. Through it all, they had been strong when one of them faltered and now, together, they were stronger than ever. Nothing would be forgotten or ignored as they shaped them into the people they were now.


We were drawn from the weeds. We were brave like soldiers

She smiled happily as she closed the brown leather book. It had been a long day of remembering and reflecting for Peyton as she read Lucas's journal. She glanced at her watch and saw that she was going to be late with her meeting with Haley. Haley was going to be one the featured artists in Peyton's now successful magazine.

It had been months since Lucas was released from the hospital. During that time, Peyton, with the support of Lucas, started her magazine career and it was an immediate hit. Both Peyton and Lucas also decided that it would be best to move back to Tree Hill to be closer to family and friends. Going back to Tree Hill also meant free babysitters whenever Peyton had to work in New York and whenever Lucas went with her.

Peyton quickly packed up her belongings that was scattered around her in the middle of the Tree Hill Bridge. Once she was set, Peyton got to her feet and turned into the direction of Haley's house when she finally saw him. There, standing at the foot of the bridge, with a mischievous grin, was Lucas. Her face lit up with surprise and froze her in place.

She watched him slowly make his way to the middle of the bridge, where she stood. Her heart fluttered and her stomach flipped in ways only Lucas could do.

He kept his eyes on her as he approached. He watched the cool breeze play with her blonde curls. His palms began to sweat like they always did whenever she was near.

"Hey," his voice sounding like a teenage boy who was talking to the girl of his dreams for the first time, "I've been thinking about you,"

"Try a cold shower," Peyton grinned and sarcastically shook her head, "You still haven't learned, have you?"

"Oh, I learned…I learned that cold showers don't work any more," he winked at her.

"Lucas!" she blushed and laughed. Her hand tucked a stray curl behind her ear, before throwing her arms around him, "I thought you said you were going to finish packing up the house,"

Since Peyton had to interview Haley for the magazine, Lucas thought it would be best if Peyton settled the kids into their hometown, while he packed up the rest of the Scott's belongings. He would then meet up with his family later that week.

"I was…but I then I started missing you and the kids…"

"We've only been apart for a few hours, Lucas,"

"I know and it was a second too long,"


Falling down under the pale moonlight. You were holding to me. Like a someone broken

As the sun continued to set, Lucas stood behind his wife with his arms wrapped around her torso and holding her close. Together they watch the sun descend over the small town. She looked up at him over her shoulder and kissed him. Her body leaned back into him as she looked back at the setting sun. His arms wrapped around her, holding her tight.


And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now

"This is where it all began, you know?"

Lucas's brows furrowed as he thought, "Where what began?"

"Us…well at least for me it did," she knew he didn't quite understand, "Remember when you found me out here…on the anniversary of my mother's death?"

"Yeah,"

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart. Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

"I was a real bitch to you…not just on that day either…but you were the only one who saw through it and you were always there still trying to cheer me up…and you did," she paused, replaying the scene in her head, "You said…"

"I would gladly erase my dad if it would bring back your mom. I wish I could change it for you," Lucas finished. His arms held her tighter and he placed a kiss on the top of her head.


Fall on me. Tell me everything you want me to be. Forever with you forever in me. Ever the same

"When you said that, I knew that your little crush on me wasn't just a crush…that you were for real. And that's when I started to let myself fall in love with you," Peyton turned around to face him. She snaked her arms around his neck, "We've been through so much ever since we met…so much drama and so many changes,"

You may need me there. To carry all your weight. But you're no burden I assure.

"Yeah, but there is one thing that was always the same – our love. It's always been there, holding us up when we needed something to lean on and keeping us together when we were apart. I can promise you, it's the one thing that will remain the same,"

You tide me over. With a warmth I'll not forget. But I can only give you love.

Their lips drew closer like two magnets. She barely felt his soft lips on hers when a loud honking interrupted. They looked into the direction of irritating honking just in time to see two kids climbing out of the car. It was their two children, Roewan and Sawyer – with a smiling Brooke waving and honking in the driver seat. After returning from an outing to the zoo, Brooke was driving the Scott kids to Karen's house when she spotted her two friends on the bridge.

Call on me. I'll be there for you. And you'll be there for me.

Lucas and Peyton laughed and waved back at their friend. As the kids scampered down the bridge towards their parents, Brooke turned the car around and drove off. With one quick swoop, Lucas picked Roewan up into his arms and Peyton took Sawyer into hers.

"Dad, I thought you were coming next week with all our stuff," Roewan asked.

"I was…but then I thought it would be better if I came home earlier,"

"Good, I missed you,"

"Me too," piped in Sawyer.

"Me three," Peyton added with a kiss to Sawyer's cheek and then to Roewan's.

Lucas felt left out, "Don't I get a kiss?"

"Come here you big baby," Peyton leaned in and kissed her husband on the lips.

"Eww…" Roewan said in disgust. Sawyer playfully covered her eyes and giggled.

Lucas and Peyton laughed as they pulled apart their lips. He wrapped his arm around his wife with his free arm and pulled her in close. Her head gently nestled onto his shoulder as a gentle kiss was placed on her head. Together, as a happy family, they then watched the setting sun turn the azure sky into a rainbow of reds. It was another day gone and the last day they would ever spend apart.

Forever it's you. Forever in me. Ever the same

THE END

A/N: Although it didn't turn out the way I imagined, I was pleased with this ending. Please let me know what you thought about this ending and the entire story.

I'd also like thank everyone who read and especially to those who reviewed

luvtheOC09 – Thanks for all of your encouraging words. They always kept me going with this story.

Song for No One – I agree, LP is amazing…I hope things will work out for them this season! I also have to say, although I don't have much time to read other fics on here, I started reading The Hardest Part…great story. I'll be reviewing when I get caught up!

jhhhhjfjk89 – Thanks for asking for updates after each chapter. It really did motivate me to write more.

uscrocks – I'm glad I was able to surprise a few times and I'm happy to see that you like reading it more than once – one of the best compliments I've gotten.

Leytonunit – Thanks for reading and I'm glad you liked the story. I have started another Leyton fic, it's called A Summer To Remember and I have another story that's up (not sure if you've read it) that one is a called Waiting for That Second Chance.I hope you check them out.

Lauren – I know you've been reading since the beginning and a huge thanks for letting me know. It was great to know that you kept on reading and it really did make me keep writing.

P.Sawyer – Thanks for reading. I really need to catch up with your stories too. I know I started reading one. I hope you updated cause it'll be the first one I read tomorrow!

OnTheOutsideLookingIn -I know you were reading in the beginning and I hope that you are still reading. I'd really like to hear what you thought.

qtea-angel, emma, Me, ellie, luckypnai28, lukeNpeyt, Kierens, MandyLee, jeytonlover, ltlsky489, Little miss know it all, Katie, darcy101, Angelic Prefect, indieemo-gurl21. – I appreciated all of the comments you left. Each one was read and was very encouraging. Thank you!