Author's note: Well guys, here it is…the last chapter. I just want to thank everyone for all the reviews throughout this story. I love writing it for you guys and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I promise you all another Brucas fic really soon. I already have an idea and I just talk to kaos about it and she loved it so I hope to start working on that soon. I will tell you this much…it's a future fic and its nothing I've seen done before EVER! So here it is…enjoy!

Chapter 18- Pretty Girl

He's beautiful
Lord he's beautiful
He's beautiful

There was a knock at the door that brought Lucas back to the real world. He'd been trying to finish some bookkeeping for hours and was not having any luck. No matter what he did his mind drifted back to Brooke and their fight.

"Yeah." Lucas called towards the door, permitting whoever stood on the other side to enter.

Mouth slowly opened the door and stuck his head in.

"I'm done cleaning up and everyone else has gone home. Is there anything else you need me to do?"

Lucas furrowed his brow, it couldn't possibly be that late could it? Looking over at the clock he was shocked to see it was almost 3 a.m.

"No, thanks, Mouth. I'm all set. You have a good night."

Mouth nodded and went to turn away, but stopped himself.

"This is the fourth night in a row you've worked this late. Is everything ok?"

Lucas thought for a minute. He hadn't really told anyone about the fight. He knew how it made him sound and he didn't want to be told he'd been in the wrong. Lucas was pretty sure Mouth would be understanding, but he just wasn't in the mood.

"Yeah, everything's fine. I've just been bombarded with paperwork these past few days. I'm almost through with it though. Thanks for the concern."

Mouth lingered for another minute, knowing that there was more to the story than Lucas was letting on, but he knew that forcing him to talk would do no good so he pulled the door shut behind him and headed home.

Lucas rubbed his eyes and then looked back down at the papers in front of him, willing his eyes to focus. He had to get this done.

Fifteen minutes later Lucas stood up out of his chair. He was fed up and he knew that until he took care of this thing with Brooke he'd never be able to concentrate on work.

ooooOoooo

Brooke collapsed onto the king size bed in her suite and deeply exhaled. Today had been quite the day. She'd spent all day at her new office and she'd met tons of people that whose names she knew she'd never remember. It was all really intimidating, but exciting nonetheless. Truth be told, she couldn't wait to move out to LA and start her life. If only she didn't have to leave someone so important behind.

Brooke hadn't spoken to Lucas since their awful fight a week ago. She'd picked up the phone to call him tons of times, but every time she'd start dialing and then hang up. After all, he was the one who had been wrong so he should be the one to call. Every time her phone rang Brooke prayed it was him, it never was though. She was just about ready to give up on hoping all together, but her heart just wasn't ready to let go.

In order to try and forget about the fight, and the uncertain state of their relationship, Brooke had put everything she had into this trip to LA. She had been apartment hunting all week. That did nothing but make her think of Lucas though, she'd imagine the two of them in every place she looked at. In her free time she was venturing out to get a taste of the night life, but that too made her think of him. Every club she went to she would try to imagine Lucas running. It killed her that every fantasy she had about LA included him. She just couldn't cut him out of her future, no matter how hard she tried.

Sitting up she tried to bring herself back to reality. She'd spent enough time wallowing over Lucas, she wasn't going to do it anymore. Reaching over to the nightstand she grabbed the room service menu. She looked it over and then put it aside, she'd done enough moping around in this room, she was going to take a nice long bath and then go out and treat herself to a delicious dinner. Smiling she got up off the bed and headed into the bathroom.

As she was toweling herself off after her shower Brooke heard a knock on the door. She assumed it was the maid service bringing her up some more towels like she'd requested. After wrapping her bathrobe around her she headed for the door.

Reaching out, she unlocked the door and then pulled it open. She was stunned at the sight in front of her. She wasn't quite sure how to react, so she just stood there, mouth agape.

"I know Brooke, I'm probably the last person you expected to see, or want to see for that matter. But, I came to apologize. I know, I could have just called, but this time it just didn't seem like enough. I screwed up big time."

Brooke crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for him to continue.

"I'm so sorry Brooke, I was such a hypocrite…"

"And?" Brooke interjected.

"A jerk."

"And?" She prodded again.

"And?" He was unsure what she wanted him to say.

"And an ass. You were an ass Lucas."

He nodded in concession.

"Yeah, I was an ass. And I'm so sorry. You have to know that."

Brooke uncrossed her arms, but didn't allow her expression to soften. Turning, she headed over towards the couch, allowing the door to swing open a little behind her, letting him know to follow her.

He took the cue and entered her suite, pushing the door shut behind him.

"Wow, they didn't spare any expense." Lucas exclaimed as he looked around the suite.

Brooke said nothing, hoping he'd realize she wanted to get back to the apology. As soon as he looked at her, he realized.

He took a seat on the loveseat across from the couch and took a deep breath. He knew he had to apologize like he'd never apologized before.

"I'm sorry that I did everything I've asked you not to do. Instead of talking to you I just shut you out. I tried to play it off as though I was mad, when that was the last thing I felt. I'm scared Brooke. Plain and simple. I'm absolutely terrified. You've come back into my life so quickly and this just all seems so fast. Despite all that though, I know that without you in my life nothing will ever feel right. I already know that from losing you once and I won't lose you again, I just won't."

Lucas paused and tried to assess Brooke's face in order to figure out what she was thinking. He was relieved to see that her expression had softened a little bit, but it was clear he had a lot of work to do.

"Brooke, I need you to hear this. I was mad at you for leaving me all those years ago, for pushing me away. The anger still lurks in the back of my mind. I guess I feel like if I can cling to that anger I won't get hurt again. I know that's wrong though. I need to let it go. I do need to stop punishing you. It's just that I'm so scared Brooke. And picking up and moving across the country, it's a big deal."

Lucas paused, hoping she'd interject. Finally, she drew in a breath and then began to speak.

"I know it's a big deal. And I'm scared too. I'm scared of moving far away from everything and everyone I know. I'm scared of starting this big job. I'm scared of leaving the apartment that I've lived in the past few years. But more than any of that Lucas, I'm scared that I can't do any of it without you by my side. You're my strength, you've always been. Even when you weren't there, you were always deep inside my heart, urging me on. That isn't good enough though. Not anymore. I need you here, with me, not just inside me."

Lucas nodded. He knew that this was it. This was the moment he had to let go of all of his anger and really open up his heart to her. He knew that if he didn't do it, right now, he'd lose her forever.

"I know. And I want to be here. But before I can commit to that, before I can say that I'll move here, I need you to answer one question for me."

"Anything."

Lucas took a deep breath and reached into his coat. As he got down on one knee before her he started to open up the black velvet box.

"Brooke Davis, will you marry me?"

As he said it he looked into her eyes, and just as he could from the first time their eyes met, he could see right down into her soul.

She began to nod as her eyes clouded with tears.

"Of course."

It was all she could choke out.

He leapt up off the floor and pulled her into his arms.

"I promise Brooke, no more running. It's you and me from now on."

They stood there holding one another until finally Brooke's tears subsided. She pulled away slowly.

"Lucas?" She looked down at the ring box in his hand and bit her lip.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to give you the ring."

He slowly pulled the ring out from its velvet bed and reached for her left hand. He slowly slid the ring down her ring finger and then looked up at her, there were tears running down her face one again but he knew that they were tears of happiness.

She held her hand out in front of her and admired her engagement ring. He'd done well, white gold, round diamond, simple yet elegant. It was perfect. It was the ring she'd always imagined herself wearing.

Wrapping her arms up around his neck she pulled him into her. She looked into those blue eyes and just smiled.

"I love you Lucas Roe."

"And I love you Pretty Girl."

ooooOoooo

His breathe caught in his throat as she started down the aisle on her father's arm. Tears welled up in his eyes. He'd never seen anyone look as beautiful as she did at that moment.

From the back of the church she watched her bridesmaids proceed down the aisle. First there was Emma, her roommate, her best friend, her maid of honor. Following Emma was Haley and then Peyton, her oldest and dearest friends. The violet bridesmaids dresses Brooke had chosen looked perfect on each of them.

As she started down the aisle she could feel butterflies in her stomach. She was nervous she'd trip and fall in front of all of these people, all these people who had their eyes glued on her. Then she looked up and their eyes met. All of her nervousness disappeared and she just focused on those blue eyes.

He was so mesmerized by her beauty that Keith had to jolt him to bring him back to reality. He turned, smiling back at Keith, his best man, and the only man he would ever truly think of as his father. Next to him stood Mouth and Skills, two of the best friends he'd ever known.

He stepped down off of the altar and linked arms with her after her father gave her away. The walked back up on to the altar and stood before the priest.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered her today to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

Brooke could barely listen to his words. It was all just so much to take in. She'd dreamt of this day her whole life and here it was, and it was perfect. She'd always wanted the traditional church wedding, and Lucas had been on board for whatever she'd wanted.

Planning the wedding had been hard. They wanted to get married back in Tree Hill, but it was hard planning the wedding from LA. She'd managed to pull it off though. Somehow between working and moving she'd found the time to make her dream wedding happen.

Then of course, there was the dress. She'd designed it herself. Sleeveless, empire waist, pure white satin. It hugged every one of her curves and flowed all the way down to the floor. It was exactly what she'd always wanted.

"Through marriage, Lucas and Brooke make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures. Lucas and Brooke will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other."

He couldn't believe he was here. He could still remember the first day he'd met her. He had known she was going to have an impact on his life, but the gravity of it was surely unimaginable.

They were so different, they came from different worlds. But somehow, when she was in his arms, he could quickly forget that. Thankfully, over time, she learned to as well. They'd had their share of ups and downs, but none of that mattered now.

"Lucas and Brooke have opted to exchange their own vows. Lucas-"

Lucas turned to face Brooke, looked deep into her eyes, and spoke from his soul.

"From the moment I met you I knew that my life would never be the same. I gave you my heart years ago and I'm so thankful that you've given me yours as well. It hasn't always been easy, but it has always been worth it. I promise to always be there for you Brooke. I promise to hold your hand through the good times and the bad. I promise that I will never leave you. It's you and me forever Pretty Girl."

Brooke smiled.

"Brooke, it's now your turn."

"I didn't know love until I met you Lucas. I thought I did, but what I felt for you has proved to me time and time again that I was wrong. I have never met anyone that could make me feel the way you do. I tried to fight it, all those years ago, and the pain that that caused me just reinforced that we are destined to be together. I also promise to be there, no matter what, holding your hand. You and me always."

Brooke smiled again, trying to fight back her tears. She looked deep into his eyes and saw that he too was fighting tears of his own.

"Do you, Lucas Eugene Roe, take Brooke Penelope Davis to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"

"I will." Lucas responded, squeezing her hand.

"And do you, Brooke Penelope Davis, take Lucas Eugene Roe be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"

"I will." Brooke managed to choke out, as she was no longer able to hold back her tears.

The rest of the ceremony was a blur. All Brooke could think about was that she'd finally done it. She'd finally married the boy she'd loved for all these years.

"Lucas, you may kiss the bride."

He stroked her cheek before pulling her into a deep kiss. They'd exchanged many kisses over the years, but their first kiss as man and wife was like no other. It was deep and passionate and filled with love. And, just like their first kiss, it made Brooke's knees go weak.

"I now present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Roe."

The entire church erupted in applause as they newlyweds started down the aisle. They headed out the door of the church and knew they had to turn around to greet all of their guests.

Brooke started back towards the door but Lucas pulled her back.

"Was it everything you've always dreamed of?"

Brooke nodded, "Everything I've always dreamed of and so much more."