Chapter 18

Brooke smiled to herself, life was excellent and who knew it would be thanks to a sham wedding. Since the wedding things in the Scott household had been better than ever. Nothing much really changed except that Brooke had moved into Lucas' bedroom and now spent all her nights there.

Currently she was packing bags for a trip away. It was Lucas' birthday this Wednesday and he was away on a road trip. Brooke knew he wanted them to fly out to celebrate his birthday but knew that Tyler was in school and shouldn't be taken out. Brooke thought the idea of spending a birthday alone sucked and took things into her own hands. She found out where Lucas was staying and booked plane tickets to go visit. When Lucas came back to the hotel after the game he would find Brooke and the kids hanging out in his room.

Brooke shut zipped up her bag and placed it next to the ones she had packed for Tyler and Francis. If they were going to make the flight they would have to leave soon. The game was in Phoenix so the flight wasn't that long, but Brooke was still wary about traveling with two kids. Brooke picked up all the bags she could carry and headed downstairs.

"You guys ready?" She asked the pair as they sat in the kitchen having a snack and watching cartoons.

"Yes." Tyler replied barely looking up from the television. Brooke sighed and went and put the bags in the car. Once the car was loaded up they all climbed in. Francis was whining about missing Max, but Brooke assured her he was going to have fun at Nancy's house.

On the drive to the airport Brooke thought about Lucas. Since the wedding night the two had been having sex on a regular basis and neither could be happier. It was the type of sex Brooke liked most, casual with no strings attached. Both parties knew that they were just having fun. More than that though was that Brooke and Lucas were best friends. They told each other everything. More than anything Brooke was looking forward to be in his company again.

Lucas checked his cell phone one more time. It was his birthday and Brooke and the kids hadn't called. For Christmas Lucas had bought Brooke a new cell phone with video capabilities. Since then she and the kids had recorded a message for him and sent it whenever he was on the road. They had never forgotten until his birthday.

To top things off the hotel had told him that the pipes had burst in the room above his and leaked down into his room. They had moved him to another room, but Lucas was still pissed. If any of his stuff had been ruined he would never let the hotel hear the end of it.

Lucas got to his door and entered. He was tired and all he wanted to do was go to sleep. When he tried to turn on the lights nothing happened. "Great, just great." He muttered. He shut the door and started to stumble towards a lamp when the lights turned on.

"SURPRISE!" Standing in the middle of the room were Brooke, Tyler and Francis. They had decorated the room with streamers and balloons. On one table sat a stack of presents and a cake. Luke was shocked.

"Happy birthday daddy!" Francis yelled as she came up and flung herself at his legs. Lucas picked her up and squeezed her. He had never been happier to see them before. Tyler rushed over and hugged his legs. Brooke hung back watching the family be reunited.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"Brooke said no one should be alone on their birthday." Tyler answered. He grabbed Lucas' hand and dragged him over to the table. "Look we have cake and presents for you." Lucas sat down at the table and Francis and Tyler began handing him presents.

"Wow, socks. Thanks Francis." Lucas said bewildered as he opened his last present.

"They have doggies on them." She smiled back proudly. As Lucas sorted through the pile of presents he could tell which ones Brooke picked out and the one's Tyler and Francis picked out. It was amazing to him that in such a short time she could know him so well. Lucas looked at his watch and noticed the time for the first time.

"Well baby girl it is way past your bedtime." Lucas said picking her up. "And you two buddy. Let's get you in your pajamas and then go to bed."

"Daddy no. I wanna watch a movie with you." Tyler's eyes brightened up at the suggestion.

"Can we dad? Brooke bought us these movies called the Ducks or something."

"The Mighty Ducks," Brooke interjected.

"Yeah, they're really funny." Lucas thought about it for a split second. He had been on the road a good week already and as much as he would love to have a roll around in the sack with Brooke had to choose his kids over sex.

"Ok, go get in your pajamas and get into the bed. I'll meet you there." As the two ran off to get changed Lucas looked at Brooke. "Thanks." Brooked just shrugged her shoulders.

"It was no problem. And before you ask," Brooke picked up a backpack off the floor, "Here is Tyler's schoolwork he'll be missing. His teacher understood." Lucas came over and wrapped her in his arms.

"It was without a doubt the best birthday ever." With that he planted a kiss on the top of her head.

"Why thank you dad." Lucas playfully punched her in the arm.

"Whatever. Get on your pajamas and come watch the Mighty Ducks with us." Brooke nodded her head and watched Lucas interact with the kids in the bedroom. He picked up Tyler and body slammed him onto the bed. Next he started tickling Francis and she began giggling uncontrollably. Even in the bathroom Brooke could hear the small family.

As Brooke came out of the bedroom she announced it was bedtime and for everyone to lie down. They all complied instantly. Brooke put the movie on and came and got into the bed. Next to her was Tyler and next to him was Francis who was next to Lucas.

About thirty minutes into the movie everyone was asleep but Lucas. He surveyed the scene around him and could not believe how lucky he was. Ever since Brooke had come into their lives things had been better. The kids had been happier and he had been happier. Things just ran smoother. Not since Peyton could he remember every feeling so at peace and contented. Sometimes he felt that Peyton was responsible for bringing her into their lives. Checking over his family one more time to make sure it was all real, Lucas finally closed his eyes and was able to get some sleep.