Hey everyone! So sorry I waited so long to post this. Things picked up a little. But I figured it's New Years and you guys definitely deserve the last chapter. Sorry I don't have time to do personal thank yous at the moment, but I wanted to get this done while I have a second before I get completely wasted. Haha. Just kidding. Well, sort of. :)

Just know that I love you all and I really really love you for leaving such great feedback. And to those of you who have stuck with me through everything, I'll never forget you!

P.S. Everyone, if you're interested, keep a lookout for my ficlet It Didn't Mean Anything which I should start posting in the next week or two. :)

Epilogue:

Eight months later

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Nathan took Haley in his arms and kissed her. He kissed her long and hard, as though he would never stop. Finally, Lucas coughed, tapping him on the shoulder. "Save it for tonight, little brother."

But Nathan hardly heard him. He stared into Haley's eyes and smiled. "We did it."

She smiled back. "Does it feel good?"

He smirked playfully. "Not as good as tonight will."

She laughed. "Well, that's the best part, right?"

He nodded and took her hand, leading her down the aisle, toward the car outside that would take them to the reception. They walked out and Haley gasped at the sight in front of her. It was a horse drawn carriage. She looked at him, tears shining in her eyes. "How did you...?"

He gave her a quick kiss. "You always said you wanted to try it."

She pulled him in for a longer, deeper kiss. "Thank you," she whispered.

He caught the tear as it rolled down her cheek and grinned. "Does this mean I'm getting lucky?"

She smirked. "It'll be one hell of a honeymoon."

He grunted, hoisting her up and tossing her gently into the carriage, taking a seat next to her. "Then what are we waiting for?"

She laughed as they drove off.

There were hundreds of people at the reception. So many people had flown in from around the world to come to the wedding. The cake had been cut, the guests greeted and thanked, and the dancing was beginning. Nathan stood on the sidelines and watched as Haley danced with her father. Both had been surprised when her parents showed up. Neither had expected it. Things were a little tense, but they were making the best of it. Looking out at her now, Nathan knew it meant a lot to her that they had come. Though she resented them, they were still her parents. And she wanted them there on her wedding day.

Lucas approached and stood next to him, following his gaze out to Haley. "Feeling good?"

Nathan grinned at him. "Feeling great."

Lucas nodded. "Figured as much. Now, listen, you're my little brother and one of my best friends, but Haley's like a sister to me. Don't break her heart. She's happy with you and, far as I can tell, you're happy with her. Just don't ruin it... and don't let her either."

Nathan agreed. He knew what Luke meant.

Jake and Tim walked up. Tim clapped Nathan on the shoulder. "Congratulations, man."

Nathan smiled. "Thanks."

Jake shook his head. "Never thought I'd see the day... Nathan Scott actually settling down. It's a miracle if I ever saw one."

Tim grinned. "Yeah, what happened to the player we all used to love?"

Nathan looked at them all and broke out in a smile. "He found something better."

Tim nodded, accepting his answer. They all watched as the song ended and Brooke, Peyton, and Michelle all rushed out to join Haley on the dance floor. Rebecca and Andrea quickly followed.

Lucas looked around at all his buddies' faces. "Should we go get our women?"

They all moved out to the dance floor and paired up with their other halves.

Haley smiled and melted into Nathan's arms. She couldn't ever remember being so happy.

She looked around at all the smiling faces. She never thought she'd get to this point. To the point where everything was so close to perfect, nothing was bothering her. She didn't have a care in the world. And it was all thanks to the man standing in front of her.

She was Haley James. And for the first time since the disaster that was the Skulls, she believed it. She felt like herself and no one would ever change that again.

Throughout the entire celebration, people came up to congratulate the two newlyweds. Haley pulled away from her hug with Karen to find Whitey talking to Nathan next to her. She smiled and hugged the old man. "Thanks for coming. Wouldn't have been the same without you."

Whitey let out a chuckle. "Not too sure about that."

Nathan clapped him on the back. "Come on, you know you're a part of the family, Coach."

Whitey smiled a genuine smile. "Thanks, Nathan. It really means a lot." He glanced at Haley, then back at Nathan. "You take care of her, son."

"Oh, I will, coach."

Whitey turned to Haley. "And you be good to him."

Haley grinned. "Count on it."

Brooke came bounding up. "I have to give you another hug, Tutorgirl."

Haley rolled her eyes. "Still holding on to that nickname, Tigger?"

Brooke grinned. "You'll always be tutorgirl."

Haley hugged her. They pulled apart and Brooke smiled, backing off. "I think the camera guy's ready to take pictures."

Haley spotted him weaving through the crowd. Brooke was right. Camera guy walked up to Haley and Nathan. "I'd like to go ahead and take the shots now, if you guys don't mind."

Haley smiled warmly at him. "No, not at all."

He began setting up and she and Nathan stood ready, arms around each other. But just before he took the picture, Haley held up a finger. "One second. Do you mind if we take one with family first?"

The guy smiled. "Go ahead."

Haley quickly pulled the people closest to her out of the crowd. Deb, Dan, Karen, Keith, Whitey, her parents, Brooke, Peyton, Lucas, Jake, Tim, Michelle, Andrea, Rebecca, Sam, Steve, and Alex all crowded around her and Nathan.

The camera guy looked skeptical. "Family only, miss."

"They are my family." When he still looked unconvinced, she added, "All of them."

Reluctantly, he took the picture.

Haley watched as they all faded back into the crowd, but she wasn't scared to let them go. She knew she wasn't really letting them go, she would hold on to them forever.

Perhaps that's the beauty of it all. We choose to hold on to certain events, people, and things in our lives for certain amounts of time. There is neither rhyme nor reason to it, but when we let go makes all the difference. Learning to let go of what's wrong and learning to hold on to the people who matter, is what brings us to the point where we can proudly say happily ever after.

Or maybe it's not really about getting to that point. Maybe it's not really about happily ever afters. It's more about being able to say 'This is my life and I did what I could with it.' And in the end, that's what counts.

As Haley looked up at Nathan, he smiled down at her. They posed for their wedding picture and Haley knew she'd gotten her life back. And for better or worse, she'd do what she could with it.

These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
And these are the moments I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more

Love you all and I hope you've enjoyed this series as much as I've enjoyed writing it for you. We did it! It's done.

Everyone have a Happy New Year!

Get crazy and do whatever you want because, let's face it, no one will remember it tomorrow. lol.

I hope you're all extremely blessed in 2006 and, if we don't keep in touch, have an awesome life. You all deserve it.

If anyone ever wants to talk to me, feel free to email me at othroxnhs3sc. (I know it's confusing; my little sister made it up haha).

Love y'all,

Ashley