Author's Notes: Thanks for all of the reviews. I really love this chapter, I hope a lot of you do too. I think there is so much depth to this chapter, and I just feel like there's a lot of great stuff. Anyway, enjoy!

What Happens Next

Chapter 12

Lucas woke up the next morning to find Haley in his bedroom, frantically packing one of her suitcases. "Hales?"

Haley jumped and turned to see Lucas sitting up in bed, watching her, "Damn it Lucas! You scared me."

"What's going on Haley?"

"Just go back to sleep. I didn't mean to wake you. Oh, and I can't watch Natalie today, so Deb's going to come pick her up before you leave for school." She went back to throwing things in her suitcase, "Shit. I almost forgot. Can you cover my shift at the café tonight?"

"Haley, you're scaring me. Where are you going?"

"To Charlotte!" she said with excitement, "But my ride's going to leave me if I don't hurry up."

"Who's taking you to Charlotte?" Lucas would feel his hands sweating.

"Nathan's calling in sick today and we're going shopping."

Lucas relaxed, "Then what's with the suitcase?"

"I needed a change of clothes so I can go home and shower. Then I need clothes for dinner at Deb's tonight."

"Did you say 'go home'?"

"Yeah, isn't it great, I'm moving back into the apartment. We'll come get the rest of my stuff tonight after dinner." And with that, Haley ran out the door.

Peyton looked at Lucas as he sat down at their lunch table. "Hey, have you seen Nathan today? I wanted to ask how Haley's feeling."

Lucas rolled his eyes, "She's fine. And I think the only problem last night was that they were both horny and didn't want any distractions." He paused, "Although, she is moving back to the apartment, so it was definitely worth it."

"What!" Brooke and Peyton both screeched.

"Yeah, she woke me up this morning, packing her suitcase in a hurry. She was telling me about going to Charlotte and not wanting to miss her ride, and needing me to cover her shift tonight. I was freaking out. Then she mentioned going home to shower. I finally got out of her that Nathan was playing hokey today, and they were going shopping in Charlotte, that she decided to move in with Nathan, and they were having dinner with Deb tonight."

"And she was happy?" Peyton questioned.

"She was literally bouncing with excitement."

"And you waited until lunch to tell us?" Brooke pouted.

Lucas chuckled, "This is the only time of the day we're all together."

"Lucas Scott!" Brooke scolded, "This is totally worthy of an emergency before school meeting."

"I'll remember that next time," Lucas smirked.

"You'd better."

It was early in the afternoon and Haley laughed as Nathan told her yet another story about the gang. She sat on his lap in the park, her arms wrapped around his neck. "I wish we could be like this forever. It's so peaceful and relaxing."

"Except my legs are falling asleep," Nathan grinned.

"I'm sorry," Haley began to slip off his lap.

Nathan grasped her legs and bottom, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Well you just said…"

"And you actually believed me?" he kissed her quickly.

"Oh, I see how it's going to be," she planted small kisses all over his face, each one 'missing' his mouth. Slowly she trailed the kisses down his neck and focused her attention at the crook of his neck. She couldn't help but smile as he groaned. Feeling devious, Haley wriggled her bottom which he was still holding in place on his lap.

Nathan groaned again, "Damn woman, what are you trying to do to me?"

"I don't know what you mean," Haley smiled innocently at him.

"I think you're trying to kill me slowly."

Haley shrugged, "Nah. I think if I was going to kill you I'd make it quick, like maybe stab you while you sleep." She shrugged again and stood up, taking his hand.

He stood, following her, "Have you thought about this?"

"No, not really," she smirked, "But its fun to see you squirm sometimes." Wrapping her arm around his waist, she rested her head against his chest, "Let's go home."

"Certainly ma'am."

As they drove back to Tree Hill, Nathan kept his arm draped across her shoulders while she sat curled up on the seat, head resting against him. "Do you want a boy or girl this time Haley?"

"Maybe a boy. I thought Natalie was going to be a boy. I planned to name him Nathan."

"I'm glad it wasn't a boy. I like Natalie much better."

"You don't like your name?"

"No, I like my name just fine. I just never imagined naming my son Nathan Jr."

"You've thought about that? I thought only girls did that."

"It's not like I thought about it growing up or anything, but yeah, after I realized I loved you."

"Even before we were married?"

"Yeah. That's one of the many reasons I asked you to marry me. I couldn't stop picturing having kids with you Hales."

"Really?" she looked at him with a smile.

"Yeah. I imagined all girls, looking just like their mother."

"How many?"

"Sometimes three, but mostly four or five."

"Four or five? You're pretty ambitious Mr. Scott."

"Yeah, but we were older. I hadn't planned on starting quite this early. Maybe after college, or at least a year or two into it."

"Yeah, well, the best laid plans…"

"Trust me, I know. So, what about it Hales, boy or girl?"

"Growing up, I always imagined a small family. First a boy, then a girl, that way she'd have a big brother to keep her safe."

"I like that picture too, but we got our girl first. Do you really want a small family?"

"Not as much. Around the same time I got the tattoo my vision changed. I kept seeing mini yous running around, dribbling basketballs. Well, all but one, who'd be pulling on the pigtails of his little sister, who looked a lot like Natalie, and who always went crying to her daddy."

"Did I spoil her?"

"Oh yeah."

"Did I pressure the boys about basketball?"

"No, you supported them, but that was it."

"What about names?"

"Nathan, I'm not due for another 8 ½ months. Don't you think it's a little early?"

"Humor me."

"I don't know. The names I envisioned giving my children has changed numerous times with my age and personality."

"What about something starting with and H? Since Natalie was named after me."

"That's not necessary Nathan. What about having all N names? Some families do that kind of thing."

Nathan scrunched up his face, "And have our kids end up with nerdy, old people names like Nigel, or Nancy or Newton? No way."

"I'm sure we'd find better names than those."

"No, we're NOT doing the N thing."

"Okay, no more N's. But we don't have to settle on anything right now."

"Are you going to want to find out if it's a boy or a girl?"

"No. It doesn't matter to me. I didn't find out with Natalie."

"How was your pregnancy?"

"It was hard going through it alone."

"I'm sorry about that Hales."

"It's okay Nathan, ancient history."

"Were you sick a lot?"

"Some in the beginning, but not too bad."

"Were you in labor for a long time?"

"20 excruciating hours. Your daughter is definitely NOT punctual."

"So she entered into this world in true womanly form – fashionably late."

Haley elbowed him, "That's not a very nice thing to say."

"Even if it's true?"

"Especially since it's true."

Nathan paused his game of NBA Live and wandered into the bathroom where the shower was running, "Come on Hales," he whined, "you are still the slowest shower taker I know."

"Calm down. I'm almost done."

"We're going to be late to dinner."

"That wouldn't be a problem had you listened to my suggestion of showering together."

Nathan could hear the pretend pout in her voice, "We wouldn't make dinner at all if we did that."

"Fine. Give me another 15 minutes and I'll be ready."

Nathan turned to leave.

"Oh, and Nathan?"

"Yeah?"

"If you think I'm horny now, wait until around the fourth month."

Nathan's eyes got wide as he walked out of the bathroom.

Deb opened her front door to find Nathan and Haley standing on the stoop kissing, "To be in love again."

Nathan and Haley stopped, arms still wrapped around each other.

"Mom."

"Mrs. Scott."

"Don't be embarrassed kids. Come on, let's get inside. And please, it's Deb."

Nathan held Haley's hand as they followed Deb into the dining room, "Thank for asking us over mom."

"It's the least I could do. Dinner's almost ready. I'd forgotten how much longer it takes to do things when you're taking care of a baby."

"How was Natalie today?"

"She was great. She's asleep now." Deb looked at Haley, "You've done a wonderful job with her so far Haley. Natalie is a wonderful baby."

"Thanks Deb."

"Haley, I want to tell you how excited I am that you've returned to Tree Hill, and moved back in with Nathan." Deb smiled at the happy couple, "You transformed my son into a kind, loving, wonderful person. And I've never seen him happier than when he is with you."

Haley blushed, but Nathan kissed her cheek lightly, "She's right you know."

"When I first found out about Natalie, I was scared for both of you. I remember what it was like, being a parent at such a young age. But the relationship you two have is so different from what Dan and I had. Our marriage was once of necessity, I guess you could say. But the two of you have so much love, and a beautiful daughter created from that love." Deb paused, "When Nathan called last night and told me the news, the only feeling I had was that of excitement. Then I became a tad bit concerned. Do you plan on staying in your apartment?"

Nathan looked at Haley and they shrugged their shoulders. Nathan spoke, "We hadn't really talked about it. I don't know why not. At least for a while."

"It's just that I'm guessing it's a little crowded now that you have all of that baby furniture in there."

"Maybe a little," Nathan stated, "But its home."

"Are you going to be able to fit a second of almost everything in there when it comes time?"

"Well, Keith's going to give me a raise and more hours. So if we save, maybe we'll be able to afford a two bedroom before the baby is born."

"Have you thought about a house?"

"We can't afford a house mom, even with both of us working."

"What about a place on the beach?"

"Mrs. Scott, that would be wonderful, but like Nathan said, we can't afford a house, not with two babies to support."

"I would like to give the two of you the beach house."

"Mrs. Scott!"

"Mom, we can't."

"You can, and you will. It's just been sitting empty since Dan died. I'd actually been thinking about selling it. And I never gave you a proper wedding gift, and I would like to do this for you."

"What will the rent be?"

"No rent. You'll just pay the utilities. I'll even cover the maintenance, just like a landlord would."

"Are you serious?" Haley couldn't believe it.

"I am completely serious. The house has been paid off for years, and I don't need the money. You'll have plenty of room to raise your family."

"We really appreciate this mom. But what about my lease on the apartment? Utilities are going to be higher at the beach house, and we can't afford both."

"Well, you can transfer utilities, so you'll only be paying for one set. And I can help you with the rest."

"Mom, you're doing way too much."

"Actually, I don't think I've done enough Nathan. You're still in high school Nathan. You're not supposed to be worrying about rent and utilities. I'm at least partially responsible for you deciding to become emancipated. You're my son Nathan, I should still be supporting you."

"Maybe so. But all of that became null and void when I decided to get married."

Deb looked at Haley, "Is he always this stubborn?"

Haley grinned, "Not always. But lately, yeah."

Nathan wrinkled his nose at Haley, who leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek, "Don't worry, I still love you."

He raised his eyebrows, "Thanks," and smiled.

Deb sighed, "Okay, so you have your pride, and you make a good argument. So let me ask you this. How many months do you have left on your lease?"

"Did, last month already paid, so five I guess."

"How many months was it before you got married?"

"Not long. Two I think."

"How many between Haley leaving and yesterday?" She looked at Haley, "Sorry."

"It's okay."

"13 months."

"You lived by yourself for 15 months. By my calculations, after paying your last five months, I still owe you ten."

"We can't let you do that Deb," Haley stated, "You're already doing too much by giving us the house."

"Please. At least let me pay the remaining months of your lease."

"Fine, but nothing more," Nathan squeezed Haley's hand.

Haley smiled as her stomach grumbled, "Can we eat now?"

Deb glanced from husband to wife and laughed, "Keep your cabinets well stocked Nathan, and NEVER deny your wife any food she asks you to give her in the next nine months."

Nathan grimaced, "I'm going to be making 2 am runs for bizarre things like pickles and anchovies, huh?"

Haley nodded her head, "It'll be nice not having to go myself."

After dinner and making plans to transfer the deeds of the house, Nathan and Haley bid Deb goodnight.

Sitting in the car, Natalie secure in the back seat, Haley looked at Nathan, "I should let Lucas know we're on our way over."

"Think he's alone?"

Haley looked at Nathan with a face that said, 'Are you kidding me?' Chuckling she said, "I'm guessing he couldn't keep his mouth shut, and they're practically foaming at the mouth, ready to pounce."

Nathan knew she was right. "So what do we tell them first? That we're moving to the beach house, or that we're going to have another baby?"

"Since they're expecting to hear about my move, we'll start with the beach house. Then when they ask why, we'll tell them Deb thought our growing family needed a bigger place to live."

Nathan gave her a quick kiss, "See, that right there is why it should be you, and not me going to college."

"We'll talk about that later," she whispered as they pulled up outside of Lucas'.

Missing the fluttering of the drapes, Haley and Nathan were surprised when the door flew open. "We were beginning to think you were blowing us off."

Haley smiled, "Nice to see you too. But I don't remember having plans with anyone but Lucas and Nathan."

Brooke put her hands on her hips, "So what, you just weren't going to tell us? We've been waiting for this day for like, ever."

"I don't know what you're talking about Brooke," she could see their friends sitting behind Brooke, trying not to laugh.

Nathan elbowed her gently, "Just tell her Hales."

"You're no fun," she pouted. "I'm finally giving Lucas his bedroom back."

"We know," Brooke squealed, hugging Haley. "Lucas told us. So Peyton and I packed all of your stuff for you. Do you want help taking it to the apartment?"

"Thanks," Haley smiled at Peyton, "but I'm not mobbing into the apartment," God how she loved playing with her friends.

"Can we at least help put it in the car?" Brooke asked. "Wait," she stopped and looked from Lucas to Haley and Nathan, "But Lucas said."

"I know what Lucas said, but our plans changed. We're actually going to move into the beach house, all three of us."

"The beach house?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah," Nathan smiled, "Mom's giving it to us. Guess she's been thinking about selling it."

"What made her decide to do that?" Peyton asked.

"A little bit of guilt. But she said our growing family needs more space."

"I guess the apartment is a little crowded…"

"And we couldn't argue when she said we'd be cramped for space once we get a second crib and high chair," Haley wrapped her arms around Nathan's waist.

"That makes sense," Brooke shrugged sitting next to Mouth.

Haley looked at Nathan, wondering who long it would take for the words to sink in.

It was Jake whose eyes lit up first, "Did you say a second crib and high chair? Are you pregnant again?"

Haley and Nathan both nodded as he leaned in for a kiss.

Jake laughed as he stood to congratulate the couple, "You do know what causes that, right?"

"Yes," Nathan smiled, "Thank you though Mr. Jagelski."

Lucas looked at them in surprise, "You're pregnant?"

"Yes. We just found out yesterday." Haley chuckled and looked at Jake, "I was actually at the doctor to go back on the patch, so this wouldn't happen."

Everyone laughed, and Peyton grinned, "I guess we know what Nathan did to convince her to come home – he reminded her what she was missing at home." She wriggled her eyebrows at Nathan and then Haley.

Haley grinned wickedly, "Oh, it was good," she looked up at Nathan, "and I'd forgotten just how much I had truly missed that part of our relationship, but it wasn't what brought me home." She kissed Nathan quickly, "Sorry babe." Looking back at her friends she continued, "While I was spaced out, trying to decide what it all meant, Nathan packed up all of my stuff. I thought I'd been robbed, and when I couldn't find Nathan, I was afraid they had hurt him and that I'd lost him forever. It was then that I knew, if God just let me see him again, I'd never let him go. And I promise I won't."

Lucas hugged Haley, "Congratulations you tow. I'm happy for you. But Haley," Lucas put her at arms length, "please never again make mention of how good my brother is in bed. It just freaks me out."

The room laughed again, and mouth spoke, "I hope this is the last time we have to move you two. I think you've used a lifetimes worth of moving passes in the last month."

"This will be it Mouth. We plan on staying at the beach house for a long, long time.