AN: After this chapter, it's an epilogue with their future. In this storyline, the content of the one-shot "A perfect fit valentine" follows a few months later. Thank you for your reviews and your support.

As usual, I owe nothing related to OTH, but Pitts is my own.

Chapter 18

I was happy to leave Pitts bedtime to Brooke. They both need their bonding time. Besides, I am actually starving. In the fridge I find eggs, cold cuts and veggies, so I make myself a three-egg omelet. As I sit down to eat, Victoria comes in. She looks tired, and a little weary to find me there.

"Hi mom." She winces. "Hi, Lucas."

"Have you eaten?"

"As a matter of fact, no."

"Do you want a leftovers omelet? I just made myself this one, and I can make another."

She looks at my plate, and, I guess, hunger speaks louder than pride. "Yes, please."

I set a place for her, and pour her a glass of wine, while I go about making another omelet for myself. "Do you want toast with that?"

"No, thanks. It's very good."

"Thank you."

"Where is Brooke?"

"She is tucking Pitts. She should be around shortly."

I pay attention to her, even at the risk of burning my dinner. She is uncomfortable, but we have become friends of sorts over the past few months.

"You must be very mad at me."

I smile. "You are mistaken. Brooke is a little mad at you, sure. I'm not."

"A little mad?"

"Lets say that what you did was not unexpected. We even understand why you did it."

She looks at her plate and shakes her head. "I told her before. You two make a formidable couple."

"Thank you. But we need to know something."

"What?"

"Do you really want to be a part of our family?"

"You don't know?"

"I think I do, but, as far as your daughter is concerned, the walls are higher and thicker. You have to say it."

"Maybe at first it was a game. But now I am serious. It's just that I thought my going against her on the stockholder's meeting closed that door."

"And you still did it. Why?"

"I don't mix business with personal matters. I just thought you two did."

I smile broadly. "Well, we have our own priorities. Family first, and friends second. Business, a long ways behind."

"How can you run a major corporation like this?"

"With your heart, and with your mind. You'll see. But that's why what you did doesn't close doors in our family. Playing games with us, yes. That would close doors. But going against us in a stockholders meeting? Bah! The only problem is your lack of confidence in your daughter's business acumen. You should know better by now."

"She is only nineteen!"

"And you are a bit slow in the uptake." That dig infuriates her.

"Lucas Scott! Of all the rude..."

I interrupt her, raising my voice a bit. "Mom! Don't you learn from your mistakes? Haven't you realized yet that even at nineteen, she is the most focused, hardworking, smartest businesswomen you've ever met?"

She looks in my eyes, and I can see the fury turn into doubt. I let the silence stretch, as the wheels turn inside her head, adding up all she knows about her daughter. She finally laughs a bit. "Damn, I'm a fool."

"Right."

"She is my daughter. That's what makes it so hard to see. I look at her and I see the unruly, wild little girl. I should have supported her. She's going to do a better job than I could."

"That's right. But she can use your experience and knowledge, if you choose to make it available."

She looks at me, her eyes a little moist. She gets up, walks around the counter and walks into a tight hug of her own free will, for the first time. "The smartest thing she ever did was snagging you."

"Hey! Should I be worried?" She has a dreamy smile, probably a gift from our son.

I let go of the hug, keeping an arm around her shoulders. "Mom is not you either, but she's as close as it gets. At least until we make our own little copy of you."

Victoria turns to me. "Can you give us a few minutes?"

"Of course." I give Brooke a quick kiss as I walk out.

Brooke and Victoria's eyes follow Lucas as he walks out.

"He is amazing."

Brooke smile widens. "I know."

"I wish I'd found someone like him when I was younger."

I sigh. "And I nearly lost him. Well, he was great, but not really amazing then. He's improved a lot in the past year and a half. I guess I did too."

"Brooke, I'm very sorry."

"There's no need to apologize, mother. That hug on Lucas was all I needed to see."

"He called my attention to a simple fact. That despite your youth and inexperience, you'll probably do a better job with Brooke Davis Holdings than I would. All it took is to look objectively at your past performance, I should have recognized that. That's why I'm sorry."

"So, I've earned your respect."

"Yes."

Brooke gives her a little smile. "That's half the job. All we're left now is you earning my trust."

Victoria gives a thin, sarcastic laugh. "You don't make it easy."

"That's not my job, mother. I'll try to make it possible, by keeping an open mind."

"That's all I can ask."

I woke up alone in our bed, but Brooke's side was still warm. It's been seven months we've been together, and I still can't believe my luck. I go to the bathroom, and there she is, the most beautiful woman in the world, taking a piss. "Good morning, Pretty Girl."

"Hey, mother whisperer. Good morning. Do you know if our boy is awake?"

"Probably. Share a shower?"

"A quick one. We have a full day ahead."

We began with a drive to Secaucus. We've been following Mary's struggle, and the prognosis is not very good. They removed a whole lung, and she's been doing aggressive chemotherapy every ten days. Still her doctor only gives her a small chance of surviving another year. Brooke spoke with Matt yesterday, and he said Mary wanted to see Pitts. She will be doing her reatment tomorrow, so today is actually a good day for a visit.

The small house looks the same as two months ago, but with the roses already gone for the winter. We knock, and a tired looking Matt answers. "Grandad!" Pitts jumps in his arms and gives him a big hug.

"Hi, sweetie. I missed you."

"I missed you too, Grandad. Can I go see Gramma?"

"Sure. She is waiting for you."

Brooke and I both hug Matt.

"Brooke, Lucas, thank you for coming."

We'll be around, Matt. For you guys and for him."

"Come in."

Mary is very frail, but her eyes are bright as she cuddles her grandson. "Brooke, Lucas. Thank you so much for bringing him."

"We are happy to do it."

"What's new, sweetheart?"

"I'm learning to play the piano, Gramma. Aunt Haley is teaching me."

"Haley is my sister-in-law. She says he has a gift for music."

"I'm glad to hear that. Will you play for us, sometime?"

"Of course. You can come visit, and I can play on my piano. Mommy gave me

a very nice one, yesterday."

I pull Matt aside, while Brooke talks to Mary and Pitts. "Any news of Alice?"

I can see the sadness in his eyes. "No. Total silence since she left. I'm afraid she is lying in a ditch somewhere, and we will never know."

"I'm so sorry, Matt."

He waves his head. I can't imagine what it is to live with this. He then looks at Pitts in his wife's lap. "At least she leaves something good behind."

"He's flourishing."

"I knew he would."

A few minutes later, Mary is clearly getting tired. "I think Gramma is getting tired, son. We should say goodbye."

"You're tired, Gramma?"

"Yes I am, sweetie. But it was good to see you."

Back in the car, Pitts is quiet for a long time. "Is she going to die, Daddy?"

"She is very sick, love. But she is trying to get better. All we can do is be there for her, and pray."

I exchange a glance with Brooke. We never talked about religion, but we are both believers. Of course, she reads my mind.

"The Presbyterian church a few blocks from home has services at five."

"Do you want to go to church with us today, sweetheart?"

"Yes, mommy. I'd like that."

We are all pretty quiet, as the limo drops us off at home. I make sandwiches and we walk to the Zoo. Pitts bounces back from his brooding, as he makes faces for the monkeys and we go watch the penguins.

"Daddy, can you tell girl penguins from boy penguins?"

"No. Can you?"

"No. But I bet the penguins can."

We all laugh. "I guess they can."

We go to the petting zoo, where Pitts makes friends with a young goat. He is a little shy around other children his age, but he loves interacting with animals and with babies. We go back home, Brooke and I walking hand in hand, and Pitts running around us. We dress up for church, Pitts and I wearing suits, and Brooke with one of her more sober business outfits. Peyton comes to the living room as we are nearly ready to go.

"Hey guys, where are you going?"

"We are going to services at the Presbyterian church on Park and sixty-two."

"Really?" Like us, Peyton is a believer, but not a churchgoer. "Don't forget dinner."

"Can we meet a quarter past six downstairs?"

"Sure. I'll call a limo."

It was the first time our little family attended a church service. Pitts was clearly moved by the singing, but much ot the scripture and the sermon went right over his head. Still, in that little composed style of his, he sat quietly and listened carefully.

"Mommy, Daddy."

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"We came here to pray."

"Yes. This is a house of God. Praying is talking to God."

"Can I ask God to help Gramma get better?"

"Yes. Do you want to do it together?"

"Yes."

We join our hands and I speak. "Dear God. Please, please help all those who are sick to get better, specially Mary Brody. Please look after Brooke and our little boy Peter."

Then Brooke speaks. "Dear God, please give us strength to love and to help those that need us. Protect Lucas and Peter, my friends and my family."

Finally Pitts prays. "Dear God. Please help Gramma and Granda and mommy Alice. Also, thank you for my forever Mommy Brooke and Daddy."

After we tuck him in, we end up talking in our bed.

"This was really hard on him, fiancee."

"I know. It's a difficult choice. But somehow, keeping him away from his grandparents sounds worse."

"Oh, I agree. Did the church help?"

"You know it did. I think we are going to become churchgoers for the time being."

"I guess. Somehow I never saw the two of us as regulars on Sunday service."

I laugh a bit. "In Tree Hill, we would have gone talk to Keith. It's not really different."

"You want to know something a little spooky?"

"What?"

"We've been engaged now longer than we dated in high school."

"That's right."

"In all this time, we haven't really disagreed about anything. Do you remember how stormy we were?"

"You're right. This is a little spooky."

"Maybe when we finally move in together..."

"I doubt it. I know. I'm going to get pregnant, and then crazy hormonal. Then you get overprotective. We'll have some epic fights."

"As long as I can get wild make up sex, I'll fight you any day."

"Let's skip the fight and go straight to the wild sex?"

"Yeah, let's."

"My name is Samantha O'Donnell. I'm head of admissions for Holy Cross."

"We are Lucas Scott and Brooke Davis, foster parents of Peter Alexander Brody, age five."

"You are much younger than our typical parents. What made you choose Holy Cross?"

"We haven't chosen Holy Cross, Ms. O'Donnell. We are looking for alternatives. It's just that Holy Cross is just five blocks from our current residence."

"Still, our school has a rigorous selection process for new students. We want both the students and their families to be a good fit with the Holy Cross community."

"Very well, how can we help?"

"We are testing Peter to make sure he can accompany the demands that our curriculum places on the students. Usually, students must come from a strong preschool to fit our academic criteria."

Brooke shrugs. "Well, Peter just started attending preschool, but he appears to do well there." She looks at me.

"That's right. His teacher had only good things to say about him. From what I know of him, he can handle any reasonable challenge thrown at him.""

"Very well, what about you two? I have your finantial statements, and it appears you will have no difficulty in that regard. However, we require personal involvement of the parents with the school. Are you planning to move to New York, Mr. Scott?"

"Yes. I'll be living in New York, working and studying at NYU by the middle of next year. We will also be married."

"Peter is your foster child. It is very unusual that custody of a child would be granted to a young, unmarried couple such as yourselves, despite your financial resources. Can you explain?"

"It was an exceptional set of circumstances, Ms. O'Donnell. Peter bonded with us in a moment of crisis. His family is facing a serious health challenge and has became unable to care for him. They asked us to take up raising him on the basis of the previously established bond, and we accepted. A family court judge agreed that the arrangement was in Peter's best interest. Fostering is a temporary solution, with the understanding that we will seek Peter's adoption after further evaluation."

"Very well. Do you have any questions at this time?"

"Do you know when we'll hear whether you have a place for Peter?"

"To be honest, you got this interview somewhat under the wire. We are already in the process of making admission decisions for next year, so we'll probably get back to you this afternoon."

"Thank you."

"You can wait outside. Your son should be joining you shortly."

About half an hour later, a cheerful redhead appears holding Pitts by the hand. "And here are mommy and daddy.". She continues looking at us. "Peter did very well, indeed. He is smart and cooperative. You should be proud of him."

"We are. Thank you."

Pitts is tense and weary. He climbs on Lucas' lap, grabs his shirt and gives a deep sigh, while Luke wraps him in his arms. I can actually see the stress leaving him as he relaxes in Lucas' arms. Pitts and I have this in common. The place in the world where we feel safest is exactly the same. After a few minutes, he lets go and asks. "I'm tired. Can we go home now?"

"Sure. Do you want to tell us how it went?"

"I did my best, mommy. She asked questions, and asked me to do stuff, like connect-the-dots, or paint. Some of it I knew, some I didn't. I'm sorry."

"Oh, sweetheart. There is nothing to be sorry about." I search for Lucas eyes. He holds Pitts by the shoulders and kneels in front of him. "I'm sure you did your best, son. We are very proud of you."

I look at my two broodies and decide it's time for some fun. "Ice cream for lunch and swimming pool?"

"Yeah!" Says Pitts. "Oh, you're on Pretty Girl. Let's go."

Later, when they call us to say they would take Pitts for next year, they use expressions like "exceptional maturity for his age" and "extraordinary focus and language skills". The maturity, I fear, is a smart kid's response to a harsh life. The rest is all him. He couldn't be more Lucas' son if he was born to us. Later that afternoon, we receive a visit from a social assistant from childhood services. She is a tired black woman, clearly a bit intimidated by the address and the posh setup of the penthouse.

"Hi, my name is Melanie Watts, and I'm here to conduct a home study for the foster placement of the minor Peter Alexander Brody. May I come in?"

"Of course. My name is Brooke Davis, and I'm Peter's foster mom. My fiancee and Peter are in his room, playing a video game, if I'm not mistaken. Do you want to begin there?"

"That would be fine. Miss Davis, let me set your mind at ease. Our office is very much aware of the circumstances surrounding Peter's placement with you and Mr. Scott. I'm here just to confirm a well-established impression that Peter is exactly where he belongs, all right?"

I feel my shoulders relax. "Thank you. We have just received very good news. Peter has been accepted as a first-grader at the Holy Cross Academy next fall."

She makes a note of it. "That's very good. So, plans to settle in New York remain the same?"

"Yes, just firmer. Our wedding will take place next summer, and Lucas is moving here in April. He's already accepted an offer for a student/faculty position at NYU next fall. He'll be head coach of their woman's basketball team."

"Between now and April, Peter's primary residence is still with Lucas at North Carolina, is that correct?"

"Yes. He has his own room here and at Lucas' home. He attends a part-time preschool there. I have copies of his enrollment records, and a report from North Carolina's childhood services concerning our living arrangements there."

"That's all helpful. Let me ask you one last question before we go see your boys. Are you happy with your choice of adopting Peter?"

"Yes. Both Lucas and I are tightly wrapped around that boy's little fingers, Ms. Watts. I can't even imagine my life without him in it."

"I'm glad to hear that. Let's go see them now."

We entered Pitts' room and he was doing an uncharacteristic raucous, jumping up and down and laughing. "I got you, I got you, daddy!" They smiled at me, and, when noticing my somewhat serious face and the stranger with me, they both turned serious, and Pitts instinctively drew himself close against Lucas' legs, his hand grabbing for his shirt. Lucas drew him in, also without thinking,

"Your son just whipped me at NBA live."

"Good job, sweetheart. This is Melanie Watts, from Child Services. She is here to conduct a home study. These are Lucas and Peter."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both. Miss Davis, I think I'm actually done here."

I look at her, surprised. "What?"

She walks out of the room, towards the front door. She stops at the door, smiling. "Miss Davis, the main purpose of the home study is to make sure the child is receiving what it needs, both in material and emotional terms. The material aspect was never an issue with you and Lucas, and that little demonstration at Peter's room... are they always like this?"

"It's a joy to see isn't it? I think it's some natural affinity, plus the traumatic circumstances of our first meeting."

"It looked like the bond between a beloved child and a parent. Except that he's only been with your for... six weeks? At any rate, you can expect a very favorable report from our office."

"Thank you, Ms Watts."

"No, Miss Davis. I thank you. There's so much heartbreak in this job. It makes my week to see such a happy ending."

I stand there, looking at the closed door, very curious about what happens inside. Gran walks by and notices me standing there.

"Mommy and daddy are saying goodbye."

She gives me one of her secret smiles. "They need a little time to themselves. Can I get you something?"

She wants to distract me from the faint noises coming from their room. It's ok. "Maybe a glass of milk?" I follow her to the kitchen.

She picks up two glasses and half fills them with milk. She looks at me, and I extend my hands, asking her to lift me up and let me sit at the counter. It's better to talk that way. We both sip our milk.

"Do you want cookies with that?"

"No, thank you."

She smiles again, this time a little less hidden. "I like your manners."

"Gran."

"Yes, Peter?"

"Do you love mommy?"

She makes a serious face. "You're more like your father than you have any right to be."

I smile. I know she likes daddy. I wait for an answer to my question.

She sighs "Yes, I love your mommy."

"You should tell her that."

"It's complicated between me and your mommy. I was not a good mommy to her when she was a little girl."

I look at my feet. "My mommy Alice was not good to me either."

Her eyes become sad. Gran is not one for hugs and kisses, but I wish she would give me a hug. "I know."

"But I like it when she says she loves me. Even if mommy Brooke is a much better mommy."

"You're right. I'll tell your mommy that I love her."

"Good." I look at her sad face. "Gran?"

"Yes?"

"Mommy loves you. And I love you too."

That finally gets me a hug. "And I love you too, my sweet, sweet boy."

We are waiting by baggage claim, when mom arrives, pushing Lily's stroller. She looks tired, as she should be, after flying halfway across the world with a seventeen-month-old toddler. But she can't hide her smile at finally meeting her grandson. We exchange hugs, and I pick up Lily out of the stroller. Brooke and mom watch as I make the introduction.

"Lily, this is your nephew Pitts. Pitts, your aunt Lily."

She smiles at him. "Pitts!"

"Daddy?"

"Son?"

"I should call her Aunt Lily? Or auntie?"

"And why not? She is a much your aunt and Nathan is your uncle. I think when she grows up a little more, she is going to love it if you call her auntie."

He smiles. "All right." He extends a hand and Lily takes it. "Come here, little auntie. I wanna talk to you." She toddles after him and sits with him in a chair near the baggage claim carousel. Brooke uses her phone to take a picture of them.

"He is adorable, Brooke. And there is something..."

"I know, mom. He reminds you of Luke."

"Isn't that a little strange?"

"I've gotten used to it. I call them my broodies now. How are things with Andy?"

"He sends his love. His mother is still at the hospital, but she will be fine. He insisted I couldn't cancel this trip and miss meeting my grandson."

"I'm glad you two came. We will all fit at the penthouse. Nate and Haley arrived yesterday, but Peyton and Julian moved out a couple of weeks ago, so we can actually fit."

"Lucas, that's one of my suitcases. There's another one just like it."

Karen approaches the two children and kneels down in front of them.

"So, what do you think of your aunt Lily?"

"She is very pretty."

"I think she likes you."

"I like her too."

"I'll make you a deal, sweetie. When you and your parents are all living together, she will come and spend a whole month living with you every year. What do you think?"

"I'd like that."

"But you have to promise me you'll take care of her."

"Of course I will. I promise."

"Did you know Lily and Jamie were born the same day?"

He opens his eyes wide. "Really?"

"Really. It was a crazy day in Tree Hill..."