Chapter 27 - Epilogue
She strips down to her underwear. The blue pants and shirt stink of chemicals, fatigue and bodily fluids after a sixteen hour shift. She puts on her street clothes. A comfy, knee-length black skirt and a plain, light blue thin-strap top, leaving a half-inch of bare midriff. A tall red-haired colleague, just arriving for his shift, struggles not to ogle her, and, despite her weariness, a faint smile dances on her lips. Thirty-one, wife and mother, but she's still got it.
Interns are low on the totem pole. Even in a nice, well-kept facility like the Carolinas Med Center, all they rate is a clunky locker in a grungy changing room, shared with seven others. So nice to be appreciated. Brooke just finished a sixteen-hour shift as the crowning end of a hundred-and-change hour week. It's mostly grunt work, suitable for the new interns. Stuff like updating charts, checking stats and answering anxious questions. Lots of talk from attendings and senior residents. Her head feels like it's full of cotton. First week on the job, a lifetime to go. At least she's now on a thirty-six hour break, and headed home. She gives a friendly wave at the redhead as she leaves.
A week without Lucas, and she can't even find the energy to feel horny. Hope he forgives her.
The drive from the hospital to the beach house takes a long eighty-four minutes. Brooke decides that Lucas is picking her up next time. She parks at the curb, as Lucas' car and Taylor's truck are on the driveway. She walks in, dropping her bag, and can't help it but smile with the extreme weather present. Hurricane Taylor nursing Tropical Storm Parker in her living room sofa. "Hey, Girlfriend!"
Taylor lifts her eyes and smiles back at Brooke. "Hey, Princess. How was it?"
Brooke followed Taylor's pregnancy closely. At thirty-two weeks, Taylor's blood pressure was a little high, so... rest. Brooke just took over. Brought her home, pampered the woman and delivered Parker herself when the time came. They've become close, and Brooke quietly hopes that Taylor will never leave.
"Boring and tiring." Brooke sits next to Taylor. Brooke looks at Parker, noticing the nice pink coloring and the vigorous sucking with approval. She briefly caresses the baby's dark curls. "You?"
Taylor sighs. "Fine, I guess. Your husband is a fucking angel."
Brooke giggles, recalling Lucas' baby whisperer ways. "Quite!" Brooke looks around. "Where are they?"
"Lucas is upstairs, either working or jacking off. Mini-Brooke is spending the night at Nora's with Mini-Peyton and Mini-Haleybob."
"Hm."
"He said you'd be too tired to deal with Miss Weepy & Clingy tonight."
Brooke is ashamed, but she almost laughs. Still, she is thankful for her husband's forethought. "Right." Brooke gets up slowly and grimaces. Her feet hurt. "To bed."
"Want me to go tuck you in?"
"Hmm... tempting." She kisses both Taylor and Parker on the forehead. "Looks like you have your hands full, though."
"Next time, then."
"It's a date, gorgeous."
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
Lucas and Taylor meet at the top of the stairs. Taylor is barefoot, wearing a large white t-shirt, panties and is holding the remote nanny. Lucas is wearing loose gray sweatpants and nothing else. They are both a little worn out, but not enough to erase the mutual attraction. "Hey," Lucas greets her with a whisper, standing too close.
"He's finally alseep," Taylor sighs, Lucas smiles and nods. "Brooke?"
"She fell asleep in the middle of a foot rub."
They go down the stairs together heading to the kitchen. Their routine has the two of them sharing a late dinner after the children are tucked in. Silently, Lucas warms up stew and crusty homemade bread, while Taylor makes herself a calcium-rich nursing smoothie to go with her food. They sit down at the kitchen counter. They eat, and Taylor plays a little footsie with Lucas leg.
Then the foot gets to his half-erection, "Taylor..."
She gives him a hungry look. "It's been two months, Squirt. A little action, please." Brooke made a point of informing both of them of a six week ban on intercourse after birth. Lucas looks into her eyes, unwilling to reject her, but also unsure about how to proceed. They haven't been together since the one time last year, but Lucas knew this was coming. "It's just sex," she adds.
"No it isn't." Lucas gets next to her and caresses her face with one hand. "You know that."
She sighs, pressing her face against his hand. "You want to talk first."
Lucas smiles and approaches her lips slowly. "Maybe talk later."
Lucas misgivings last about fifteen seconds into the kiss. She breaks the kiss and saunters back to the living room, pulling him after her by the hand. He sits on one of the couches, and she lowers his pants. He is hard. She straddles him, rubbing his erection against her soaked core, moaning. He grabs her hips, trying to slow her down a bit. She looks into his eyes, amused. "Skip the foreplay, squirt. Baby can wake up any second."
He sighs. "All right." He pushes her panties aside, and she lines herself up and hesitantly lowers herself on him. All the way in. It's a tighter than expected, and just a little painful. They stay there, just feeling it. Lucas grabs her head and pulls her in for a slow kiss full of all the sticky little feelings that she both craves and hates.
Seizing the initiative, she breaks the kiss and moves her hips in a quick grind, pushing her core muscles and calling in her stripper training. She squeezes him, hard earned muscle control a little rusty but not lost. He gasps, lost in the sensation, and she lets herself go, basking on the pleasure. It doesn't take long. They know each others little pleasure buttons, they are both short-triggered and the electronic nanny stays blessedly silent.
They enjoy the afterglow for a couple of minutes, his softening member still inside her, Taylor is a limp rag on top of him, resting her head on his shoulder, his arms around her in a loose embrace. A thankful peck turns into another of his soulful romantic kisses. She is too mellow and satisfied to resist, and lets herself enjoy it, pretending for a moment that he belongs to her. A bit later, he hardens again and they share a slow, loving, rather unforgettable fuck and fall asleep.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
Brooke wakes up with her heart pounding. Not a patient crashing... just a three-year-old is jumping on the bed, screaming at the top of her little lungs. "Mommy, mommy! Wake up!"
Brooke sits up and squints at her daughter. Aches, everywhere. Her body feels like it's been used as a dummy for kickboxing practice. "Damn," she mumbles and passes her fingers through her hair, and stretches, resisting the impulse to strangle an adorable little critter. Bedside clock says it's half past nine. Close to eleven hours of sleep. Enough, perhaps. She mumbles. "G'd mrnng."
Loud, piercing reply. "Good morning, mommy. I missed you..." Emily tries to jump on her mother's lap, but Brooke's glare stops her on her tracks. Little girl's pout. "Mommy?"
Brooke bids Emily to wait, with one raised finger. She gets up and walks around the bed, headed for the bathroom. Huge honey eyes follow her, pout deepening. "Just a moment, honey."
Brooke pees, brushes her hair and teeth, and manages to awake and collect herself. Distressed jeans shorts, an extra large hospital promo tee and flip-flops, everything over a pink bikini and she is ready to move. Emily had been sitting on the bed, cautiously watching her mother move and singing softly to herself. "You're very pretty, mommy," she comments, after Brooke is done.
"Well, thank you, honey. So are you." Brooke extends her hand and the little girl jumps from the bed to grab it. "Let's go to the beach?"
"Yeah!"
Brooke comes down the stairs with a big beach bag in one shoulder and Emily in her arms, chatting happily. She finds Taylor sitting on the floor, playing with Parker, while Lucas is just sitting at the kitchen counter, peeling carrots and watching the mother-and-son pair with a silly smile. Lucas sees her coming and his smile broadens. "Hey!"
"Hey, Broody." Brooke looks briefly at Taylor, noticing her stiffening a bit. Still, the easy posture, the hair... Brooke can suss a well-fucked woman from a mile away. "Fun last night?"
Taylor smiles and answers deadpan. "Eff yourself, Doc."
Brooke grins back. "Any volunteers?"
"I'm sure something can be arranged, Princess."
Unsure about where the banter is headed, Lucas tries to change subjects. "How was work?"
Brooke shrugs. "Long and boring. Didn't kill anyone, which is always something..."
Lucas squints at her, a little annoyed. "Seriously?"
Brooke sets Emily down with a sloppy kiss on the cheek, The little girl wipes her face with her forearm. "Eww, Mom!"
Brooke giggles. "Sorry, bunny." Emily toddles to Taylor and sits on her lap.
"It's disgusting." She mumbles, as Taylor grins and gives her a sloppy kiss too, earning a dirty glare for her trouble.
Brooke, still giggling, turns back to Lucas. "Boring talk later, boy toy. Right now, it's sunny, and this overworked medical intern is going to veg outside."
Taylor gives Lucas a begging stare. "Go. I've got him." Parker is too young for the beach.
Taylor gets up and stretches. "Thank you, Squirt."
"We'll do the old sunscreen thing." They grab Emily by the hand and walk away. "You can stay and daydream about it, Broody."
Lucas laughs, ogling both of them as they leave.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
Brooke comes down the stairs, after tucking Emily for the night and checking on Parker. Taylor is in the living room, milking herself, and Lucas is nowhere obvious. "Hey."
"Oh, hey! There's some leftover thay noodles and a fresh salad."
"Hm, thanks. Not hungry yet."
"No problem." Taylor looks down at her engorged boobs. "I've already eaten. I'm constantly ravenous, though."
Brooke points the full milk flask at the coffee table. "Par the course, gorgeous. And a good sign too."
Taylor nods and notices Brooke vaguely looking for something."He walked out about fifteen minutes ago."
"Ah, thanks!"
"No problem."
Brooke finds Lucas at their spot, a short walk from the house. He is sitting on the sea side of a grassy dune, staring at the sea. She sits next to him, arm across his back. He pulls her closer, arm across her shoulders, and she rests her head against his chest. They stay still, watching the waves break and enjoying the cuddle. Brooke is the one that breaks the silence. "This is nice."
"Yes."
Brooke lets the silence stretch for a bit, and tries again. "What's on your mind?"
He sighs. "Taylor."
"What about her?"
"Why are you pushing us together?"
"I like her, I trust her and..."
He cuts her off. "Are you planning on leaving?" A touch of fear in his voice.
Brooke hadn't realized how her actions might look from Lucas' point-of-view. She pulls back from him, and answers in a slightly panicked tone. "Hell, no!" Calming down, she adds in a soft tone. "Never, ever."
He is reassured by her near instinctive reaction and relaxes a bit. "Then what are you doing?"
"I want them. I know you do too."
"I'm happy with you."
"I'm happy with you too, Broody. So?"
"So? Why risk it?"
"I'm happier with them around."
"Point. What about Taylor?"
"What about her?"
"It's not really fair with her." Lucas grabs Brooke's hand and intertwines their fingers. "We did split up for a reason, you know?"
"And what reason was that?"
"It's complicated."
"Simplify it. What was the reason?"
Well, hmm..." Brooke raises a single eyebrow. "Mostly, you."
Brooke smiles. "So, you weren't all the way in."
"She wasn't either, She's afraid of being tied down."
"Parker." It can't be helped.
"Right."
"Can you be all in?"
"Can anyone be all in with two women?"
"Not two women, Broody. A family."
Lucas thinks for a bit, and replies cautiously. "It's all too easy. I really, really like her."
"You love her."
"I thought this word was banished. But yes. Both of them."
Brooke nods and smiles. "The word was a little overused. But it will do, sometimes."
"I wouldn't mind hearing it."
"I'm batshit crazy in love with you, Boy Toy." She gives him a soft kiss on the lips. "Happy?"
"Thanks. Same from me to you."
"Please, get her to stay."
"Fine. We'll see."
They go back to the house, and Taylor is not around anymore. They sit down to eat. After a few more minutes, Lucas frowns at his noodles and says, without lifting his eyes. "You have the hots for her."
Brooke slowly swallows her food and replies. "I was never into women. But..."
Lucas snickers. "I see."
"Well..."
"She's into you, Pretty Girl." Just thinking about it makes Lucas hard.
When he gets up to take care of the dishes, Brooke notes the bulge. "Is that for me?"
"Partially." Lucas replies truthfully.
"We can ask her to join us."
Lucas thinks for a bit and shakes his head. "Nah. She's too sleep deprived." A previous conversation is needed as well.
"Next time."
"Next time."
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
Taylor is lying on her side. Lucas is snuggled against her back, arm serving as a pillow. She is enjoying the slow post-sex caress, letting herself settle for a nap. Lucas whispers in her ear, his breath tickling her. "I have a question for you."
"Hmm..." she is not exactly into talking.
"Taylor?" His tone alarms her a bit.
She lies on her back and looks at him. "What question?"
"Do you want to make this permanent?"
She frowns, missing his meaning. "What?"
"This. You and Parker, living here."
She sits up and looks sharply at his face. He looks earnest, and her heart skips a beat or two. "Are you serious?"
"Of course I am."
Her mind goes on a thousand tangents, fear and hope mixing with other emotions. She tries to gain a little time. "Where is this coming from?"
"Well... Brooke."
She gets a little annoyed. "What? The princess wants to start a harem?"
Lucas is taken by surprise and laughs. "I hope not!"
"You hope?"
"I do not claim to understand what she is thinking. I'm just a writer. She's the genius." Taylor snorts in disbelief. "In these things, Brooke leads and I try to follow. It's for the best, usually."
"That's a lot of trust."
"I trust her completely." Taylor looks doubtful. "I trust you in the same measure."
That gives Taylor pause. "And she thinks this... what? 'Arrangement' is a good idea."
"Yup."
"And what do you think, Squirt?"
"I'm afraid, but..."
"But what, dork?" She pushes him with her shoulder.
"I'd absolutely hate to see you and Parker go." Taylor smiles and seems to relax a bit. "So?"
"Let me think."
"Take your time."
"All right."
"What?"
"I thought. Yes. We'll try, at least."
"That was fast."
"I'm decisive."
"Impulsive and reckless, you mean."
She shrugs. "That too." She climbs on top of him, her eyes bright. "Lucas?"
"What?"
"Fuck me."
"Yes, dear."
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
Lucas wakes up very pleasantly, already halfway there with an expert's job well under way. He moans, pleasure coursing up his spine, and hears an answering moan next to him. He opens his eyes and turns sideways, coming eye-to-eye with Taylor's caramel orbs.
"Hey."
"Hey." Taylor licks her lips. "V-very nimble fingers..."
He answers with a strangled voice. "Yeah."
"We owe her something truly special."
"Sure..." a few ideas come to mind.
"Mmmph!" Brooke agrees. They are both getting close.
Taylor and Lucas yell in unison. "Brooke!"
Brooke kneels on the bed, a huge smile on her face, white stuff dribbling down her chin. Her lovers smile back at her. She yells. "Jinx!"
They laugh. A pillow is thrown. Great way to start for the day.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
They find the room in the second floor of the County Courthouse. Lucas in a nice gray suit, Taylor looking somewhat uncomfortable in conservative below-the-knee dress in an understated color and Sam in a dark green two-piece suit and pumps. They sit at the large pale wood table. Five minutes later, an two women walk in. The older woman starts the meeting. "I'm Isadora Pearson, Family Court Judge for the Tree Hill County. She points vaguely to the woman next to her. "This is Mary Wilkins, court clerk."
Sam speaks for the group. "I'm Samantha Walker. These are Lucas Scott and Taylor James, your Honor."
The judge looks at Sam over her reading glasses, eyebrows joining in a frown. A petition for adoption doesn't usually require a lawyer. "Are you their attorney?"
"No." Sam explains. "I'm their daughter, and I happen to be an attorney."
The judge's eyebrows rise higher. She doesn't miss the pride in the parents' eyes. "Very well. What do we have here?"
"Mr. Scott is asking to adopt the minor Parker Matthew James, age two, son of Taylor James with an unknown and undeclared father."
The judge consults the form. "Mr Scott and Miss James reside at the same address..."
"Yes, your Honor. Since before Parker was born."
"Mr. Scott is married to one Brooke Penelope, residing at the same address?"
"Yes, Your Honor. An affidavit by Dr. Scott, supporting the petition was included with the application."
"And they have a daughter."
"Two daughters, your Honor. Emily Scott, age five... and myself."
The judge smiles briefly. She addresses Lucas. "You're a member of Tree Hill's School Board."
"I'm in the second year of my first term, your Honor."
"Bad taste in politics, but nobody is perfect..."
Lucas snorts. "You should take that up with the Governor..."
She smiles. "Perhaps."
The judge reads the file for about five minutes and then lifts her head. "The living arrangements you currently enjoy... they are permanent?"
Sam replies. "Yes, your honor. Both Dr. Scott and Miss James have demanding jobs with long hours in Dr. Scott's case and frequent travel in Miss James' case. Mr. Scott is a writer, working mostly at home. He is the main caregiver for both children, and has been since their birth."
"Mixed Martial Arts trainer and referee?"
"I train young women, Your honor. One of my athletes is a current title holder for UFC." Taylor feels the disapproval from the judge and pushes down her anger. "It's a living, your Honor."
Both Sam and Lucas reach out to touch Taylor. The tender gesture is not lost on the judge. "That's fine, Miss James."
The judge breathes in and out slowly. "The law requires a good faith effort to reach out to the biological father and obtain his agreement. Has this been carried out? Do you know who the biological father is?"
Taylor replies. "It was a one-night stand with someone attending a large convention, m'am. He was good-looking, probably smart and spoke little English. And he had a gold ring on his left ring finger."
"Probably smart?"
"It was a physics convention."
The judge snorts, suppressing laughter. "You did this on purpose."
"Yes." Taylor looks down. "I couldn't afford a clinic, m'am." Taylor shrugs. "It seemed like a good idea at the time."
"So, what about the 'good faith effort'?"
Sam replies. "An ad with Taylor's picture was placed in broad circulation trade journals. There was ample response, but nothing relevant."
"I see." Still suppressing laughter. "Despite what appears to be the unconventional living arrangement, there is no lawful grounds for denying this petition." She signs a piece of paper and slides it to Sam. "Mr. Scott, congratulations. You're the father of, what I'm sure, is a good looking, smart little boy."
A celebratory group hug, followed by a few tears by Taylor and Sam. "Thank you, your Honor."
"You're welcome." As they start to leave, the judge asks in an amused tone. "Would you consider a change of party, Mr. Scott?"
"Absolutely not, your Honor."
-The End-
