The next five months were crazy for Brooke and Nathan. They were finalizing wedding plans, getting another crib and rearranging the babies' room and basketball had started at the beginning of October. Brooke and Haley made it to all the home games and they loved watching Nathan and Jake playing basketball together.
Brooke had decided that she did want Peyton to be a bridesmaid in the wedding. She knew she'd regret it if she had decided against and Peyton of course accepted. Brooke had also asked to have Joaquin as the ring bearer. Jenny and Bella were going to be the flower girls. Haley was going to be Brooke's maid of honor. Peyton, Karen and Bevin would be the bridesmaids. Lucas was gonna be Nathan's best man. Coop, Jake and Skills would be his groomsmen. As it got closer and closer to Christmas, both Brooke and Nathan were getting excited. They were getting married on New Year's Eve on the beach in Tree Hill. They were setting up a tent on the beach for the reception with a dance floor and everything. They couldn't wait to get out there.
Nathan was playing in the game against the Bobcats in Charlotte the day before Christmas Eve then he was off til the middle of January. Neither Brooke or Nathan knew it yet but they were going to be spending 6 days and 5 nights in a resort on Miami Beach, FL. It was Karen's wedding present for them.
"Nathan!" Brooke yelled excitedly.
"What's up baby?" Nathan yelled back.
"Are you sure you can't come to Tree Hill with me today?"
"I wish I could sweetie but there are still two more games to play before we head to Charlotte. I promise to come see you the first chance I get once we're there."
"Okay. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
Nathan leaned down and kissed her sweetly. It was gonna be interesting the next couple days. Haley was flying down to Tree Hill with Brooke and the kids so Jake didn't have to miss anymore games then he had to with being in the wedding and all. The girls were gonna do some bonding with Karen before everyone else arrived and then it would be time to get crazy with Christmas and rehearsals and then the actually ceremony. Brooke had no idea but Peyton and Haley were planning a bachelorette party for her.
"Hey Brooke!" Haley called as she walked into the house. Things had settled down to normal between the two girls and it didn't bother anyone if they walked into each other's houses without knocking.
"Hales! I'm so excited!" Brooke squealed as she wrapped her friend into a hug.
"Ok ladies, if you're ready it's time to head off to the airport," Nathan said with a smile as he watched them.
They nodded enthusiastically as they went out to the car. Nathan carried Brooke's suitcases and loaded them in the trunk. Haley had told Jake to hang out a minute so he could put her stuff in Nathan's trunk before they left. Along with the kids' stuff.
"See you soon sweetheart," Jake said as he kissed her.
"Bye hunny," Haley replied.
"Take care of Nate for me Jake," Brooke said as she hugged her friend.
"Don't you worry about a thing. Nate and I will see you in a few days," Jake told her.
With that the girls got in the car and waited for Nathan to get into the driver side and take them to the airport. The four kids were in the backseats sleeping. Nathan said good-bye to everybody after he took the luggage out of the trunk.
"I love you hunny. I can't wait to see you in a couple days. Our wedding day is going to be the best day of our lives," Nathan said as he wrapped Brooke into a tight embrace.
"I love you too. I can't wait for the wedding. It's the one thing I've dreamt about since I was a little girl. Please be careful. I don't want you to get banged up before the wedding," Brooke replied.
"I'll be careful if you be careful. I don't you or my sons getting hurt."
Brooke blushed as she stood on her toes the best she could to kiss Nathan. He kissed her back and let her go from his embrace. He watched her walk into the airport with Haley and the kids along with their luggage. A few more days and he would be married to the gorgeous brunette.
As they were boarding the plane a half hour later Brooke couldn't help but smile. Yet another chapter was ending her life to make way for the beginning of one more chapter. This chapter would probably be her favorite because it was starting with her wedding. That itself could be a chapter but Brooke saw it was the beginning of a chapter that was married life and children.
December 31st—Wedding Day!
Brooke woke up to someone tapping her shoulder. Grumbling she turned to see who it was. A smile spread across her face when she saw Peyton and Haley standing there. She threw back the covers and jumped out of bed. The three girls had stayed at Peyton's father's house. He had come home for the holidays and was staying for Brooke's wedding.
"I'm getting married today," she squealed. It was only 6:40 in the morning and there already tears in her eyes. Everything had truly come together for her and she was excited to have her best friends share the happiness with her.
"B, I'm so happy for you," Peyton gushed as she threw her arms around her best friend.
"Thanks best friend. I love you."
"I love you too."
Haley looked at the floor for a minute.
"Hales get over here! I love you too," Brooke said when she saw Haley staring at the floor. Grinning, Haley walked over and joined in the hug.
"This is gonna be a great day for you Tigger," Haley smiled.
"I'm just glad you're here."
"Of course I'd be here!"
The girls decided they should get showered and have some breakfast before heading to Karen's to get ready for the ceremony. The girls were all getting ready at Karen's and the guys were getting ready at Lucas' place. He decided not to sell it for now so he could come home during the off season and other times. His decision made Karen and Jason both happy.
Two hours later, the girls were showered and fed and out the door. Bevin was meeting them there and Jake was dropping Bella and Jenny off around 10:30. Brooke didn't think it would be fair to wake them up to go to Karen's with them the whole time.
"There's the beautiful bride to be," Karen said happily as she opened the door to find Brooke, Haley, Peyton and Bevin all waiting to come in.
"Hey Karen," Brooke replied as she smiled widely.
The girls filed into the house and suddenly, the usually quiet house had turned into a madhouse with clothes and accessories and food wrappers strewn all over mixed with Jason's toys.
Brooke had just finished helping Bevin get her dress zipped up when the door bell rang.
"I'll get it!" Brooke yelled but Haley beat her to it.
"Mommy!" Bella and Jenny squealed when she opened the door.
"Hey girls," Haley said as she let them. Jake kissed her quickly and left. He had to go back to Luke's to get ready for the ceremony himself.
"Here are your dresses girls," Brooke said as she handed each girl a hanger that was holding their dresses. Bella's dress was silver and Jenny's was baby blue. Of course Brooke designed them herself. Haley ushered the girls toward an empty bedroom to help them get changed into their dresses. Brooke was the only one who wasn't dressed yet which didn't go unnoticed by Peyton.
"Hey, B, how come you're not dressed yet?" she asked.
Brooke turned around to face Peyton and her eyes lit up when she saw the bridesmaid dress on her best friend. It looked gorgeous.
"Oh gosh, Peyt. You look gorgeous," she gushed, completely ignoring the question.
"Thanks but I asked you a question."
"Oh right, I'm going to change right now, I was waiting for Bella and Jenny to get here first."
"Ok."
Brooke turned and went into Karen's room where she was getting changed. Her dress was hanging on the back of Karen's door. As she reached to take it down, she noticed a piece of paper attached to the hanger that hadn't been there before. Curiously she took it off the hanger and sat on the bed to read it.
"Brooke,
Congratulations on finding the right guy for you. Today is going to be a special day. I'm just sorry your mom isn't here to share this with you. There's a necklace on my dresser that your father sent me. He said it was your mother's and that he hopes you'll wear it today. I love you sweetheart.
Love,
Karen"
Brooke felt tears welling up in her eyes as she walked over to the dresser. She looked down and spotted the necklace immediately. Karen was right, it was her mother's. Brooke lifted it gingerly and held it in her hands. Of course she was going to wear the necklace. She'd do anything to feel like her mom was there. As soon as she fastened the clasp, Brooke turned her attention back to the dress. She took it off the hanger and slipped into it. Before she left the room, Brooke wanted to check her reflection in the full length mirror. She had tears in her eyes again as she saw herself in the dress. It was perfect. Everything about the day had been perfect up to that moment. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Brooke opened Karen's bedroom door and heard gasps immediately. Looking up she saw Karen, Haley, Peyton and Bevin looking at her smiling.
"Brooke your dress is gorgeous," Karen said as she wrapped the girl into a hug, "I see you found the necklace."
"Yes, thank you Karen," Brooke replied.
"Don't thank me. Thank your dad later."
"Brooke you look amazing!" Peyton squealed as she too hugged the bride.
Haley and Bevin echoed the sentiments of both Karen and Peyton. Brooke responded by hugging the three of them together. Today was going to be a fabulous day. Nothing could go wrong if you asked Brooke. She felt like she was floating above everyone else and the only thing that would bring her back down was seeing Nathan waiting for her at the altar.
Just before it was time for the girls to head to the beach the doorbell rang again. This time Karen answered it and she smiled when she saw James Davis standing at her door in a tux.
"Hello James," she said as she ushered him in.
"Hello Karen. Where's my baby?" James said.
"Right here Daddy," Brooke spoke up as she came into view.
"You couldn't possibly be my little girl."
Brooke laughed as James pulled her into a hug.
"You look beautiful sweetheart."
"Thank you Daddy."
As soon as they separated everyone was heading out to the limo. Brooke was getting nervous but not like "am I doing the right thing" nervous or "will he stand me up" nervous. They were just typical wedding day jitters and she didn't bother worrying about it. She knew Nathan would be waiting for her and it was more than the right thing. Once they got to the beach everyone piled out of the limo to find that the guys had already gotten to the beach and the photographer was waiting to do pictures of the bridal party. He took a group shot and then shots of Brooke and James and then Karen. Once the photographer was done they had to wait around a little while because it wasn't time for the ceremony to start.
"How you doing Nate?" Jake asked as he clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"Fantastic. I can't wait to start the ceremony. She's just so perfect. I couldn't imagine life with anyone but her," Nathan replied.
"Wow, Nate. That was deep," Coop said with a grin.
"Oh what do you know about love Coop?" Nathan teased.
"Ouch."
The guys laughed as Nathan and Coop continued to go back and forth. Lucas had taken to watching Joaquin who was a fairly quiet kid. Lucas promised to tell Peyton that she should let Joaquin have some ice cream if he was a good boy and that seemed to do the trick. After another 20 minutes. It was show time.
Nathan and Lucas took their places at the altar with the minister. They watched as Coop and Peyton walked down the aisle followed by Skills and Bevin then Karen and Jake. Nathan held his breath as he knew it was getting closer to Brooke's turn. He smiled as he saw Haley walking toward them smiling at Jake the whole way followed closely by Joaquin and then came Bella and Jenny. Just as they were half way up the make shift aisle the wedding march began and Nathan looked up to see Brooke standing arm in arm with her dad at the end of the aisle heading towards him.
"I love you Daddy," Brooke whispered as they ascending down the aisle toward Nathan.
"I love you too peanut," James said. He could feel the tears prick the back of his eyes. His baby girl was getting married and he couldn't be happier for her.
Brooke had her eyes locked on Nathan the entire way down the aisle. She had tears in her eyes and she could see that there were tears in his eyes too. Finally she reached Nathan. James stopped her and kissed her cheek. Nathan took her hand from James' hand and James stepped back. Brooke grabbed both of Nathan's hands and faced him. They were grinning wildly at each other with tear stained cheeks already. This was it. The moment that they had waited for and fought to get too.
"I love you," Brooke mouthed.
"I love you," Nathan mouthed back.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" the minister asked.
"I do," James said proudly.
He kissed Brooke's cheek one more time before he sat down with his wife and their children. Neither Nathan or Brooke had spoken a word yet and there were tears running down his face. This was going to be tough for him.
"We are gathered here today to join in Holy Matrimony, Nathan Lee and Brooke Penelope," the ministered said, "Marriage is a life long commit to one another to love and to honor from now until death. It is a sacred binding of two lives to form one. These two young people have chosen to express their love for one another before ya'll in their own words. If anyone has any good reason why they should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Nobody objected.
"Brooke go ahead."
"Nathan, you have been my everything for so long. I can't imagine life without you. If not for you and your unconditional love and support I would be nothing. You stood by me when my mom died and again when everything seemed to be going wrong in my life on top of that. You have given me a reason to believe in true love and I couldn't be happier than I am at this moment. I look in your eyes and I know that this, this is right. This is true and this is my fairy tale I've dreamt of since I was a little girl. You are my knight in shining armor. My prince charming. I love you," Brooke said. She got about halfway through before she was crying.
"Brooke, you taught me a lot about life and what it means to truly love someone. There hasn't been a single moment that we've been together that I thought I wanted out. I knew I wanted to be with you forever from day one. There was something in your eyes that told me not ever let you go. You light up my world. I don't need money or basketball or anything material if I've got you. Baby, I'm not going anywhere unless you go too. I want you to know, that I am all in. Forever. Nobody can take you away from me. I love you but more importantly, thank you for loving me," Nathan said.
By the time he was done speaking, there wasn't a dry eye on the beach. Haley, Peyton and Karen were biting their lips to keep from sobbing. Brooke herself was sobbing silently. Lucas reached up and wiped the tears from his own eyes. He couldn't have been happier for his brother and best friend. They were two people who he thought deserved all the happiness in the world and he knew that they had found it in each other.
"May I have the rings please?" the minister asked.
Lucas tapped Joaquin on the shoulder and held out his hand. The little boy smiled and gave Lucas the rings who handed them off to the minister. He handed the rings to both Nathan and Brooke.
"Nathan, repeat after me," the minister began, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring, I thee wed," Nathan repeated as he stared deep into Brooke's eyes before looking down for a split second to slide the ring on her finger.
The minister looked at Brooke now who still had tears running down her face.
"Brooke repeat after me," he repeated again, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring, I thee wed," she said as slid the ring onto Nathan's finger.
"Do you, Nathan Lee, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?" the minister asked.
"I do," Nathan answered as he squeezed Brooke's hands.
"And do you, Brooke Penelope, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?" he asked.
"I do," Brooke said softly through her tears.
"By the power vested in my by the state of North Carolina, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Nathan pulled Brooke in for a slow, sweet kiss. When he pulled back he brushed his hand over her cheeks to wipe away the tears. Brooke reached up to do the same for Nathan.
"It is my pleasure to present you, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Scott," the minister said as they turned and walked down the aisle while the guests and wedding party applauded thunderously.
Everyone got up and made their over to the dance floor/eating area. Brooke and Nathan had to do a few more photos before they could join the party along with their families and the wedding party. After they were done they went over to where the reception was in full swing. The deejay caught sight of the newlyweds and cut into the song that he had put on.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up one more time for Nathan and Brooke Scott!" he said into the microphone as they walked onto the dance floor. More thunderous applause greeted them. They smiled as they walked over to their table to join the rest of the wedding party.
As soon as Brooke sat down she could feel someone wrap their arms around her. She turned and smiled when she realized it was Haley.
"Congratulations, Tigger," she whispered.
"Thanks, Hales," Brooke whispered back. They let go and Peyton converged on her friend.
"B.Scott. I love you," Peyton said through tears.
"I love you too," Brooke replied through her own tears which had started again.
"Hurt her and die," Peyton said with a playful glare in Nathan's direction.
"I'm not gonna hurt her. Ever," Nathan said sincerely.
Everybody was eating in a fairly comfortable silence when the deejay announced it was time for the newlyweds to have their first dance as a married couple. They rose to their feet and walked onto the dance floor, holding each other in a sweet embrace. As soon as the opening notes for "You and Me" by Lifehouse began Brooke pulled back a little and held Nathan's gaze for the whole song. When it was done they were both crying and the deejay had announced that they wanted everyone to join them on the dance floor.
Shortly after that, it was time for the bride and her father to have a dance.
"May I have this dance?" James asked.
"Of course Daddy," Brooke replied.
They danced to "My Girl" which again made Brooke cry. After that dance, Nathan walked onto the floor with Karen to have a mother-son dance. They danced to "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago. When they finished dancing, Nathan hugged Karen tightly and whispered "thanks Mom" in her ear. Karen walked away with tears in her eyes. She had never heard Nathan call her "Mom" before and it touched her in ways she couldn't describe.
After all the dancing was done Brooke had danced with Lucas, Jake, Skills, Coop and even her stepbrothers. Which had been awkward at first but she decided they were cool. At least on first impression. Nathan danced with Haley, Peyton, Bevin, and then finally made it back to Brooke in time for "Thank You For Loving Me" which he suspected someone had asked the deejay to play for them because he knew he hadn't done it. He scanned the area and his eyes landed on Lucas who was smiling.
"Thank you," he mouthed to his brother.
"You're welcome," Lucas mouthed back as he watched the happy couple dance.
Finally the dance floor cleared for the most part and Haley and Lucas decided it was speech time. Lucas was gonna go first. He tapped his wine glass with his fork to get everyone's attention before he started speaking.
"Nathan and Brooke. I've known you two forever. Nate it clearly goes without saying since you're my little brother. We've gone through some good times and some bad times but through it all I always knew you'd make it to this day. Together. I always saw something that no one else could see. Every time I saw you looking at each other, and just the way that you were always right there to pick each other up. Love is the best feeling ever and I'm happy to see that you two have found it in each other. Don't ever lose that spark. I love you both," Lucas said as he was looking at them.
"Thank you, I love you too," Brooke whispered when he sat back down.
"Thanks bro, I love you too," Nathan said.
They fell silent again as Haley rose to her feet. It was her turn. Brooke had a funny feeling she would be bawling after Haley was done her speech.
"As most of you know, I took off for my music career at a rather tough spot in Brooke's life without giving thought to what Brooke needed. I was all about me and what I wanted. So you can just imagine how shocked I was after the crap I pulled that Brooke still wanted me to be the maid of honor today. I didn't think I deserved it and I'm still not sure I deserve but I couldn't say no. I look at them and I see a lot of what Luke sees but from a different light. If Nathan had been there for Brooke after my disappearing act, I don't know that we would all be here to celebrate this next step in their lives. You guys are amazing and I want nothing but the best and brightest in the future. I love you so much," Haley said.
Brooke was right. Haley wasn't done before she had started bawling. The two girls were watching each other and neither one was surprised to see the other one in tears. Brooke stood up and hugged Haley then stole the microphone.
"Ok, enough of the mush. Let's party!" she yelled.
Everyone laughed and they danced and had a great time. Finally it was time for the bouquet toss and garder "fling" as Nathan referred to it. Bevin caught the bouquet and Lucas caught the garder which caused him to blush. There was something strange about holding a weird looking article of clothing that was up high on his sister-in-law's leg. After that was done, James grabbed the microphone. He had something he wanted to say to Brooke and Nathan as well.
"Today is a father's worst nightmare and dream come true all wrapped in one. And I'm no different. I can't bear to think that my little girl is old enough to be getting married and start a family but at the same time I couldn't be happier about the very same thing. I'm so proud of the woman she's becoming and I know her mother would be proud. Brookie I love you. Nathan you better take care of my little girl and welcome to the family, son," James said.
Brooke ran over to her father the best she could and wrapped her arms around his neck. The tears were falling again but Brooke didn't care. This was definitely the happiest day of her life and it meant everything to her that her father had been able to join here.
"Thank you Daddy," she choked out.
"I love you Princess," James said through his own tears.
"Ok we have two more songs before the bride and groom have to get out of here to start the honeymoon," the deejay announced as he put on "Daddy's Girl".
Naturally, Brooke danced with James. The last song was "A Moment Like This". Nathan and Brooke danced to that one along with everyone else who found someone to dance with. As soon as the song ended, Karen walked over to the couple and handed them an envelope. They gave her a puzzled look and she urged them to open it quickly.
"Oh my gosh, Karen, thank you," Brooke squealed as she hugged Karen.
"You're welcome. Have a good time and be safe," Karen said.
"Thanks Mom," Nathan said for the second time that day.
"You're welcome. Now go on, get out of here."
Brooke and Nathan had decided against the rice and the bubbles and just walked off the beach toward the limo that was waiting to take them to the airport after saying their good-byes. They climbed into the limo and Brooke collapsed against Nathan's chest.
"Today was the best day of my life," she said.
"I agree. I love you, Mrs. Scott," Nathan said.
"I love you too, Mr. Scott."
And that my friends, is the chapter we've all been waiting for. I hope you enjoyed it. It's extra long but I couldn't help it. You know the drill!