Chapter Thirty Nine

"Out of the way. Coming through," Lydia called as she pushed her way through the crowd of students. Like the students, Nathan and Jake were curious to see the end result, but they stayed out of her way. They could hear her ordering students to go back to the gym, but they were curious to see how it would all turn out. So was Nathan. He hoped the delivery would go alright with Brooke having to do it in the girls' bathroom at school than an actual hospital.

Luckily, the paramedics were there. After the calls were made to Lydia and Deb, the paramedics were also called. If something went wrong, Haley wanted the medical experts to be in there. Besides, they would have to been called anyway to get the new mother and baby to the hospital. They had arrived shortly after the call and they had also tried to encourage the students to go back to the prom. However, nobody was going anywhere until they heard about Brooke and the baby.

"Doesn't this bring back memories for when Peyton almost had Ryan here?" Nathan asked Jake, remembering how crazy it was when Peyton had gone into labor. He nodded. Memories began to flow back for him too. "All because she didn't want to go on maternity leave. Speaking of Peyton, I did the math and it was the night of Ryan's birthday when you decided to "celebrate", wasn't it?" Jake didn't respond, but he didn't have to. The answer was written all over his face. "I really thought you guys were going to wait until after the terrible twos to expand your family."

"Yeah, so did I," Jake admitted as they noticed Deb had arrived. Peyton explained the situation before Deb hurried into the bathroom to check on Brooke. To Nathan, it was getting a little too crowded in there and it wasn't surprising when Deb came back out soon after she had walked in. She and Nathan acknowledged each other by waving to each other. However, Deb didn't interrupt the conversation and began talking to Peyton and a concerned Millie. "I didn't want to get Peyton pregnant so soon after we had Ryan, but it might work out for the best. This way, we have the kids close in age and we don't have to worry about having another kid for a while. Ryan and our unborn child will have each other for company. Now enough about me, what is this I hear about you proposing to Haley?"

"I'm not sure if it will happen tonight," Nathan said, who was getting tired of people asking him about the proposal. If any more people asked, there would be no problem with the secret getting out to Haley. He didn't want that to happen before he popped the question. "It's a pretty special night already with Kendall's birth. I don't want to take tonight away from Lucas and Brooke."

Jake gave him a look. "I don't think Lucas and Brooke would mind sharing this special night with you and Haley. In fact, I think they would love it. Besides, your niece might think it's romantic that her birthday was on the night her favorite uncle proposed to her Aunt Haley."

Nathan thought for a moment and he had to admit it sounded nice. Especially the favorite uncle part. In fact, he was going to be her only uncle since Brooke was an only child. However, he still had a fear and expressed his concern. "I'm still worried Haley won't accept my marriage proposal. We only have been officially dating for a few months. What if she doesn't believe we should take that next step?" he asked. It would be humiliating if she turned down his proposal.

Jake had no trouble with correcting him. "No, you have been dating for months. You just decided to go public with your relationship. There's a difference. I don't think her parents would have given their blessings if they didn't think you two loved each other. Or if you were right for their daughter."

Nathan knew he had a point. Jimmy and Lydia must trust him with their daughter or they wouldn't have given him their permission to marry him. Jake made a suggestion. "Maybe you should do it in private like your friend Clay did with Haley's sister. That way, it's less embarrassing if she does turn you down and asks you to wait when she thinks she's ready. I don't think she will though. You two have gone on the fast track since you two met. I really doubt you're going to stop now."

The conversation was interrupted by loud groaning and they could only guess what was going on in that bathroom. Nathan wished he could comfort Brooke, but that was what Lucas was there for. He was glad his brother was in there to help his wife. Nathan knew he was going to be a great father. If only his daughter would come out to greet the world.

The minutes ticked by slowly. All the teachers and students could hear was the sound of Brooke groaning and yelling at Lucas telling him they weren't going to have any more kids after this one. Nathan just smiled in amusement, knowing Brooke didn't mean it. He couldn't imagine Lucas and Brooke not having a big family.

As they waited to hear about the baby, Nathan began to realize his niece was being born. He was going to be an uncle in a matter of moments. He wasn't sure if he was ready. Of course, he hadn't been prepared when his parents announced they were going to get divorced. Or when he found out he was going to be a big brother. Or when his mom and Keith died and left Lucas to his care. Or when he found out Rachel had cheated on him and the baby wasn't his. Yeah, those moments were unexpected and his life changed forever.

Yet, it all worked out for the best. It took the two brothers awhile, but they finally started to act like they were friends. And Nathan realized Rachel wasn't the right woman for him. Now he was in love with Haley and he knew she was his true love. He just hoped she knew they were meant for each other.

Nathan snapped out of his reverie when he heard a loud cry: his niece was finally here. He exchanged smiles and hugs with Jake as everyone clapped and cheered. A few minutes later, the students were instructed to make another path. The paramedics were getting ready to bring mother and daughter out to the ambulance so they could take them to the hospital.

Nathan made his way towards the front of the crowd so he could get a glimpse of his niece. Lydia and Haley were already emerging from the bathroom and they were encouraging the students to back up. He managed to make it just as Brooke and the baby made their appearance. Lucas was standing right beside his wife. Both new parents were smiling proudly at the crowd.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet our daughter Kendall Marie Scott," Lucas announced. Their friends and classmates gushed as they looked over at the sleeping baby. Even Lindsay was trying to get a glimpse of the newborn. Like everyone else, she expressed happiness for the new parents. Lucas and Brooke were surprised, but pleased there was no hard feelings for either Lucas or Brooke anymore.

Nathan gave his brother a wide smile as he looked the precious baby. "Congratulations. She's beautiful," he complimented. "Mom and Keith would have been proud of you."

Brooke gave him a look. "Him? I was the one who did all of the work." Nathan gave her a kiss on the cheek and she gave him a smile. She gave her friends an apologetic look. "I'm sorry I ruined prom, but it looked like the baby wanted to join the party."

"You didn't ruin prom," Mouth assured her. "We wanted it to be memorable and it looks like we got our wish. Congratulations Brooke. Millie and I are really happy for you and Lucas."

"Well, the night's not over yet. It could get even more memorable," Lucas said as he winked at Nathan. His brother gave him a look. He really didn't want to draw attention to himself. However Lucas gave him an encouraging look. "You might as well do it now while Brooke and I are still here."

Haley had no idea what he was talking about. She soon found out as Nathan took her hand in his and pulled her to the stage. It was the perfect backdrop setting and he wanted the moment to be perfect. "What are you doing?" she asked, getting a little nervous. Once he bent down one knee, she began to realize what he had planned.

Nathan had practiced this speech over and over in his head for the past several weeks, but he still wasn't sure about proposing. Yet, he felt it was the right time. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Haley, over the past year and a half, I've learned so much. About life and love. And even if I could, I wouldn't take back all the bad stuff that happened between us. Because it has brought us here. This moment. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." There was a short pause as he pulled out the ring. He slipped it on her finger as he asked the question everyone had been waiting for. "Haley James, will you marry me?"

Haley couldn't believe it. It was the moment she was waiting for. Wishing for. It was so unexpected that she didn't know what to say at first. As the shock began to wear off, she realized Nathan was still waiting for an answer. "Yes, Nathan Scott, I will marry you." There were more applause as Nathan jumped up and gave his fiancée a passionate kiss. It was certainly a night to remember.