Chapter Eighty-Three: The Best Part
Author's note: This song is called "A Winding Road". Thought it was about time I included it to tie the story to the title.
Haley looked up from her vanity and smiled as Nathan walked in. Since their bizarre confrontation two days previously, they'd barely talked. They'd shared a bed as they always had, but had not been intimate in any way. She was begging for anything to break the ice.
"You look good," she said, her eyes traveling down his body, relishing the novelty of not having to hide her desires.
Nathan was wearing a Versace tux and a black silk tie, with Italian leather shoes. Somehow in his dress clothes he managed to look sexy and not stuffy.
Slowly she stood, conscious of her rounded figure.
"You look amazing," he said honestly. Haley was wearing a black silk halter tied evening gown, which showed her excessive cleavage and minimized her round stomach. Her hair was falling down her back, looking shiny and groomed. From her ears hung the diamonds he'd once given her.
"Are Ryan and Jake here for Eve?" she asked worriedly.
"No, Ryan's coming with us. Leigh's going to take care of her," said Nathan, taking Haley's hand and walking downstairs with her. Leigh had arrived home for a long weekend the day before.
"Wow. You two look hot," said Ryan, sounding impressed. Haley and Nathan descended the stairs to find Ryan standing with Jake. Ryan was wearing a formal white gown, and Jake was wearing a tux. Haley raised her eyebrows.
"Guess you found a date," she commented, looking between the two.
"We couldn't have the tabloids speculating," said Jake, smirking. Ever since the news of Nathan's date to the formal had leaked, they had been going wild over the Scotts.
"Never."
The four of them laughed before Haley slipped her arm through Nathan's and led all of them out to the waiting limo.
Outside the building, several photographs of the Scotts were taken by loitering photographers.
Haley smiled as she glanced around the vast room inside. It had been a while since she'd accompanied her husband to such an event, and was surprised at how she'd missed it. She smiled gracefully at the couples they passed as Nathan led her to the head table with Ryan and Jake in their wake.
"I used to always need to drink to get through these things. God knows what I'll do now," said Haley, smiling sarcastically as she spoke.
"I'm sure we'll think of something. How are you feeling?" asked Ryan from across the table.
"Huge. And I've still got another two months," said Haley. Through her complaining words, they saw the truth: being pregnant made her happier than she'd ever been.
"You look great," said Jake. Haley watched Jake and Ryan's hands on the table, loosely linked. They had all the characteristics of a couple, but Jake didn't even seem to notice. She firmly believed that he was the perfect man for her sister, why couldn't he?
"I couldn't agree more," said Nathan.
Haley leaned over and kissed him as his lips turned to hers automatically. Ryan and Jake exchanged glances of surprise-Haley and Nathan went through stages. Apparently, they were back into one of their more tender ones.
"Want to dance?" he asked. She nodded and stood, using the hand he offered her for balance.
There were a few couples already dancing on the polished wooden floor, and more flocked toward it as their boss and his wife entered it.
A new song started as they stepped onto the floor:
The rain keeps on coming down
feels like a flood in my head
And that road keeps on calling me
Screaming to everything lying ahead
Nathan placed a hand on Haley's back, pulling her in to him. Haley smiled and put her own on his shoulder.
And it's a winding road
I've been walking for a long time
I still don't know
Where it goes
And it's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
I still have hope
I'm gonna find my way home
"Seems oddly appropriate," said Nathan, as they linked hands. Haley didn't respond, she merely gazed upwards into his blue eyes in wonder. She loved him. Finally, she was sure. Even before he'd been the father of her beautiful daughter, even as he'd broken her heart, she was fairly certain she'd always loved him.
And I can see a little house
On top of the hill
And I can smell the ocean
The salt in the air
And I can see you
You're standing there
And you're washing your car
And I can see California sun in your hair
Haley curved her head into his neck and he rested his cheek in her hair, as close to her as he could get, wishing they could be closer.
And its a winding road
I've been walking for a long time
Still don't know
Where it goes
And it's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
Still have hope
I'm gonna find my way home
Over Nathan's shoulder, Haley caught sight of Ryan, leading Jake to the dance floor. Her little sister really was beautiful, she realized in surprise. Ryan was breathtaking, and completely different than the girl she'd been. Her white dress accented her golden brown skin, her shining blonde hair fell almost to her waist. She walked with her chin high, confidence surrounding her. Jakemight never realize the Goddess in her.
All these dreams took me so far
And I felt I just couldn't go on
And I want to hang
Out the window of your car
And see just how good this baby can run
"I love you," said Haley impulsively. It was only the second time she'd said it. Silently, Nathan promised to treasure her forever.
'Cause it's a winding road
I've been walking for a long time
And I still don't know
Where it goes
And it's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
Still have hope
We're gonna find our way home
"It's always been you, Hales," he said simply. She sighed in contentment. For two years she had felt trapped. Finally she was free.
"Do you realize how boring my life was before some jerk from the city showed up?" she asked. He subtly inhaled the vanilla scent of her hair.
It's a winding road
Still have hope
One day we'll find our way home
It's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
Still have hope
We're gonna find our way home
"I've been awful. I'm sorry. I lied to you, to hurt you. I never loved Seamus. I never loved Chris. I've always been yours," she said.
"I know. I know what you're thinking every time I look into your eyes. You can't lie to me," he said.
"I'll never again have the need," she promised. Between them, the baby kicked lustily.
Their interlocked hands tightened. Haley watched Jake play with the ends of Ryan's hair with the hand he had placed on her back.
Disregarding everyone around them, everyone in the city who could make rumours spread in instants, Nathan leaned down and kissed her. Kissed her with the loving, tender ease he'd perfected in the many long years of loving her.
It's a long way home.
It's a long way home.