The first week was the hardest. His tour started on the west coast, and with the time change and the crazy hours they were both working, it was tough to catch each other on the phone. But they managed. She'd survived a week without him, and it hadn't been as bad as she'd imagined. She missed him, of course, but she remembered how to be by herself quickly.
He tried to email her every day, and she'd always smile when she saw his name pop up in her inbox, clicking the message open immediately. The fifth day, she could tell he was starting to miss her more and more.
Hey Wife,
Seattle is really rainy. You'd probably like it, though. It kind of feels like you, if that makes sense. People love you here. 'Badass Peyton Sawyer from Ravens', they call you. I kind of love that I get to be reminded of you by total strangers. It makes me feel more connected to you somehow.
I finally got a good night's sleep. Hotel beds are alright, but they're not as much fun without you. (Yes, that's an innuendo. And yes, I realize it's way less sexy when I have to explain that it is one...) So want to know how I got to sleep? I'll tell you. I had to ask for extra pillows and put them on 'your side' of the bed. You're laughing, right? I know. I miss your laugh. I kind of miss everything about you. You know we haven't even been apart for more than 3 nights since before we got engaged?
I'm being summoned to sign more books. I'll call later if I can.
I love you.
-L
She smiled, of course, because she missed him so much that it almost hurt. But she'd always loved his words. Written, spoken, novels, little notes...She clicked 'reply' and wrote a quick email after checking the time, noticing that she wasn't going to be alone in her office much longer.
Hi,
So you send me this sweet email, but you can't even manage to type your whole name at the end? It hurts, baby...it hurts.
As much as I'd love to make fun of you for the pillow thing, I really can't. I've been doing the same thing. Laughing? You probably are. (Or maybe you're just smirking in that way you know I love...) I actually thought of calling Nathan over to cuddle with me until I fell asleep, but I think this town has had enough scandal caused by the Scotts. I love that I can make Scott jokes now! You know, since I am one.
Mia and Haley are coming in today, so I'm sure hilarity will ensue. Mia's been less than inspired, and Haley has been trying to get her to 'live a little'...I'm a bit scared about what that'll entail. I'll tell you all about it later...
Love you,
Peyton Elizabeth Scott
PS: See? Typed my whole name for you. Maybe I love you more than you love me...?
Just as Mia and Haley stepped into her office, she received another email from him. Wondering what he'd forgotten to say, or what he had to say in reply to hers, she clicked it open hastily.
Not possible.
-Lucas E. Scott
----
Skills was sitting in the empty gym at the high school, elbows resting on his knees as he replayed his practice in his head from earlier that day. He was really starting to get worried again, as he always did when Lucas was away, that he'd take some wrong turns and the team would be in shambles when their real head coach returned. He was following their practice regime to a 'T', but he was still nervous.
He was so lost in thought, that he wouldn't have noticed Brooke enter the gym if she hadn't been wearing heels. And he'd always loved a woman in heels.
"Hey," she said with a smile, taking a seat next to him. "I saw your car."
"Yeah. Just thinking. Other than the River Court, this is the best place to clear my head," he explained. She could sense there was something more going on than he was saying.
"What's wrong?" she asked, slipping her arm through his, and making him smile just a little bit.
"I'm just worried about Luke being away," he admitted. Something about her put him at ease and he didn't feel out of place telling her his concerns. He just felt like she'd understand. "You know, that I'll mess things up."
"That's crazy!" she insisted.
"Last time he went on a book tour, we lost three games in a row," he pointed out, turning to look at her.
"But didn't you lose three straight games after that, too?" she asked. Normally, he would have looked at her in shock, but there was something really sexy about her remembering that detail.
"But that was all on Luke, not all on me," he said with a grin.
"Well, I thought this was a team game, Coach Taylor," she teased, bumping his shoulder with hers, and making him laugh.
"Maybe you're right," he conceded.
"Antwon, it's not like they're going to forget how to play the game just because Lucas is away. All you can do is run the plays and tell them that you expect the best, just like he would," she said reassuringly, intertwining her fingers with his.
"When did you learn so much about basketball, baby?" he asked with a laugh.
"I was a cheerleader for four years of Ravens basketball. Game day study hall with Whitey wasn't lost on me," she said proudly. "I could probably coach this team."
"Oh really," he said, standing and grabbing the ball that had been sitting between his feet. "Let's see what you got, then, B. Davis."
She stood and snatched the ball from him, kicked off her heels, and sprinted towards the net, cheering for herself when she made an easy lay up.
And he would have laughed at her if he hadn't found her so damn sexy as she tried to block his jump shots or dribble around him. He was starting to wonder how in the hell he ended up with the hottest girl in town.
The Ravens went on to win their game that Friday night, with Brooke, sitting between Peyton and Haley, smiling at Skills from the sidelines, and hugging him in congratulations after the win. That would be the night they'd agree to be 'exclusive'.
----
The following week was easier. Peyton had dinner with Haley and Brooke, then Brooke and Skills, then Nathan, Haley and Jamie. She'd barely gotten a moment alone, but it kept her out of the empty house. She met Haley for coffee that Saturday afternoon and the two took a walk along the pier.
"So you've been putting on a brave face," Haley observed.
"You know, it hasn't been as bad as I thought," Peyton said with a smile. She threw her arm around her friend's shoulder. "I have you guys, and work. I've been busy!"
"Good!" Haley said, wrapping her arm around the blonde's waist.
"He says 'hi' by the way. He called this morning from St. Louis."
"Yeah, he emailed me the other day. He said the response has been amazing. I'm so proud of him," Haley admitted smiling.
"I know. He's doing so great. Living his dream." Peyton smiled at the thought. Even though it was hard to be without him, she was still happy he was following his passion and taking this journey. He deserved it.
"Yeah, then when he gets back, it'll be a whole other dream, right?" Haley said. She immediately knew she shouldn't have. She'd done so well not saying anything and all of a sudden she'd blown it.
"What?" Peyton asked with a confused look. She'd stopped walking and now the two women were facing each other.
"I'm so sorry. Nathan told me you and Luke want to have a baby," Haley explained with a barely contained smile.
"How long have you known?" Peyton asked with a slight laugh. She knew Haley was the 'mother' of the group and everybody's confidante. She also knew that Haley loved a secret.
"Pretty much since Nathan's known," Haley said, then she let out a squeal, making them both laugh even harder, before grabbing Peyton into a hug. "This is amazing."
"Thanks, Haley."
"Are you mad? I mean, that Nathan told me?" she asked skeptically.
"No! I'm actually surprised you kept it in for so long!" Peyton exclaimed as they started waking again.
"Can I tell you a secret of my own?" Haley said scrunching her nose to signify that she too had good news.
"Of course you can," Peyton answered.
"Nathan and I are going to start trying for another one, too," Haley said, unable to hide her happiness.
"What?! Haley!" It was Peyton's turn to pull her friend into a tight hug.
They walked the rest of the way in relative silence. Each of them were thinking about the changes that were going to come for both couples, and they both knew that nothing would be the same again. But in a very, very good way.
Lucas' email that day was short, but incredibly sweet, and just the perfect amount of sexy.
Peyt,
I heard a song today in a coffee shop that I know you'd love. The song, not the coffee shop. Well, maybe the coffee shop too. No real point to that, except it made me think of you. Not that I need songs or coffee shops to do that. I'm rambling. I just miss you and love you and I can't wait to come home to you.
I had a dream about you last night. It was...wow. If I tell you about it now, I'll need to take a(nother) cold shower before I go to dinner. Let's just say I have something for us to reenact when I get home...
Love,
Lucas
She sat in the living room with a cup of tea and some quiet music playing, and filled him in on her day.
Luke,
I'm sure I'd love the song and the coffee shop. I can't wait for you to come home either. Don't worry, all my other boyfriends know to get lost before the 13th. Joke! Don't get all broody!
So, I had a talk with Haley today. Turns out Nathan told her about our 'plans'. She squealed like a little girl...It was actually kind of funny. And no, I'm not mad at you or Nathan for telling. It was actually kind of nice to know that someone else knows about it (take that smug look off your face...I know it's there). I'm having Sunday diner at their place tomorrow, but it's not the same without you...How many days left? Too many.
Dreaming about me, huh? You think people will understand if I lock you up in our bedroom for a few days after you get home? Not a joke...Plan accordingly.
Wish you were here.
Love you,
Peyton
----
Week three. Tiring, exhausting, and onerous. She spent most of her time at home, cleaning, cooking, organizing, sleeping, reading. By Friday, she was ready for him to be home. She wanted to rest her head on his shoulder while he idly ran his hand over her hair as they sat on the couch. She missed him, but she knew his trip was half done.
He was in the southwest that week. Texas held a few stops and he'd called home to his wife and his best friend every chance he could. He was waiting for Lindsey to join him for dinner in the hotel bar and he'd just hung up with Peyton.
"Hey, Luke," she greeted him, pulling out the chair across from him. "Sorry I'm late. I was on the phone with New York."
"No problem. I'm just going to eat and head back up to my room anyway," he said politely.
He and Lindsey had gotten closer, but as with most relationships, if you spend all day every day with the same person you start to learn where to steal your time alone. He'd learned that if he had dinner with her, he could retreat to his room immediately afterward and put the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door for the evening. And if they had lunch together, he could go to dinner on his own and spend the evening exploring whatever city they were in.
She was a nice enough girl, but there was an air of desperation about her that he didn't understand. She was trying so hard - too hard - at everything. He understood that she just wanted the tour to be a success, but her organizational habits were becoming obsessive. She'd also shared a lot of details about her life that he probably did not need to hear. Yes, the nature of this trip had pushed them closer together than their previous relationship had been, but he still felt like he could have done without hearing her entire romantic history, in detail, over the past couple weeks.
They talked over dinner about the day's signing: the turnout, the crowd, the strange comments, the passages people had quoted. They paid the bill and headed back upstairs to their rooms. Always the gentleman, Lucas dropped Lindsey off at her door.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow morning," he said nonchalantly as she fumbled for her key.
She turned to him and smiled and before he could reciprocate, her lips were on his and her hands were on his face. He grabbed her by the arms and pushed her away almost instantly.
"Lindsey!" he said angrily, putting distance between them. "What the hell?"
"Come on, Lucas," she pleaded, unfazed. "You want this, too."
"What? No! I want my wife. Peyton. Who you've read about in my novels, and who I've talked about non stop since we got on the plane to leave Tree Hill! You met her, remember? Gorgeous blonde? Legs for days? Woman I couldn't take my eyes off?"
"I can tell you feel it between us," she said. Her attempt at seducing him had the exact opposite affect. He felt like he was going to be sick.
"There is nothing between us except business, Lindsey," he insisted. "And I don't think that's going to last much longer."
"Luke, I think I love you. And I think you love me too," she said with a grin.
"No, I don't. I really don't. I don't think I even like you. See this?" he asked, holding up his left hand. "This is a wedding band. I am committed to my wife and you are delusional if you think that'll ever change."
He walked away and reached for his phone in his pocket. There was no chance in hell that he was going to spend any more time with this woman. He called the publishing company's president at home and told him that he couldn't work with Lindsey any more, and what had happened.
The next morning, there was a new rep from the company and Lindsey was nowhere to be found, but Lucas still felt guilty, even though he had no control over what had happened. He knew he had to tell Peyton, but wouldn't do it over the phone. Her email that day also told him that she couldn't handle the news at that moment.
Luke,
Rough day. Everything went wrong that could go wrong. I hate that you're away. There. I said it. I know you already knew that, but I never actually said it. Only one more week, right?
xxoo,
Peyton
He took a deep breath, hating that he wasn't there to hold her or rub her shoulders when she was so stressed, and keyed in a reply from his iPhone as he made his way to the signing table. He knew she'd know he was busy, as she'd made him leave a copy of his itinerary on the refrigerator door.
P,
I love you. Everything will work out. One more week and you're all mine...
-L
One more week.
----
There were only two days before Lucas got back, and Peyton was faced with something she really didn't want to have to do on her own.
She missed him more than she thought she would. Just when she had gotten used to him being away, that all flew out the window. She realized that she didn't want to be used to him being away. She'd spent the entire evening prior crying alone in their bed, and cursing herself for that. She didn't tell him, though. She didn't want him to feel guilty about doing what he had to do. She still, however, felt that two days were far too many days to be without him now.
"Haley," Peyton said hurriedly into the phone. "Can you come over?"
"Umm...Yeah. What's wrong? You sound...weird."
"I uh...I'll tell you when you get here," Peyton said, calming slightly with the knowledge that her friend would be there soon.
"OK. I'll just tell Nathan and I'll be over in a bit," Haley said, before hanging up the phone. She shook her head for a moment, as if trying to get rid of the sense of worry that she so intensely felt.
"Nathan," she called, walking into the living room to find him colouring with Jamie. She smirked for a moment at the sight of a grown man reaching for the blue crayon he needed to complete his drawing. "I've got to run out and see Peyton."
"Everything alright?" he asked, shifting his attention to her.
"I'm not really sure. But I'll see you tonight, OK, Van Goh?" she laughed. He rolled his eyes at her and she shook her head on the way out the door.
The entire drive to Peyton and Lucas' house, Haley tried to pinpoint what would make her friend sound the way she'd sounded on the phone. She'd never heard that tone before from Peyton, and it was unsettling to say the least. Lucas was returning home soon, and so she wondered what was so urgent that Peyton couldn't wait for him. She was terrified as she walked into the house and found her friend sitting on the couch with only music keeping her company.
"Hey," Haley said quietly, sitting next to Peyton.
"Hi," Peyton responded with a weak smile.
"OK, what's going on?" Haley was getting impatient with being kept in the dark. She loved to be the one people came to with their problems, but once she knew there was something to be let in on, she liked the news to come fast.
"I have to do something and I needed you here so I can do it," Peyton explained cryptically. When Haley narrowed her eyes and looked at her in confusion, she continued. "There's a pregnancy test in the bathroom and I just...I need you to keep me calm for the three minutes of waiting time."
"Peyton!" Haley shouted. "Why are you so scared? Luke's going to be home in a couple days. Why don't you wait and you can do this together!?"
"Haley, when you thought you were pregnant with James, did you waste any time finding out?" Peyton asked, already knowing the answer.
Haley sighed and nodded. She knew the feeling; the need to know one way or the other. "OK. Let's go pee on a stick!"
All Peyton could do was laugh. Leave it to Haley to make light of the situation and calm her nerves, even if just for a few moments.
Haley waited outside the washroom while Peyton did what she had to do. She slid her back down the wall to sit on the floor, and thought about how this moment felt for her sister-in-law. She remembered the moment she found out, and how terrifying it was. Then she remembered how happy the news made her and how much she loved her son and her husband. She was wiping a tear from her eye when Peyton opened the door and walked out with an egg timer in her hand.
"Haley," Peyton said softly, sitting cross-legged on the floor across from her friend.
"I'm sorry! I'm supposed to be helping you, not the other way around," she said with a chuckle, wiping the last of the salty droplets from her cheeks. "I was just remembering when I went through this."
Peyton just fixed her gaze on the floor and traced a knot in the hardwood in front of her with her index finger.
"Hey," Haley said, grabbing her attention. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking this is the longest three minutes in history," Peyton said with a chuckle. "You know those moments in your life where you know everything is going to change? Like when my mom died."
"When my parents agreed to let Nathan and I get married," Haley added.
"The school shooting."
"Leaving for the tour."
"When Lucas asked me to marry him."
"Finding out I was pregnant," Haley laughed.
"Yeah. This is definitely one of those moments," Peyton said, exhaling loudly.
"Everything's going to be OK," Haley said, reaching for her friend's hand just as the timer went off. "You ready?"
"Yes," Peyton answered with a smile.
The two made their way, hand in hand, into the washroom where Peyton took another deep breath and picked up the test that had been resting on the counter. She felt her eyes tearing, and Haley's hand flew to her mouth as she took in a sharp breath. She looked at Peyton's face in the mirror and saw her close her eyes and smile.
"Peyton," Haley said softly. They turned to face each other and hugged tightly as the tears fell from Peyton's eyes. "Congratulations," the brunette managed to choke out.
They stood like that for a few minutes, just embracing and silently crying before Peyton pulled away and wiped her face.
"Oh God," she said, her face changing to one of worry. "How am I going to tell Luke?"
Peyton strode past Haley and made her way to the living room, where she plunked herself down on the couch and pulled a pillow to cover her midsection. Haley followed and sat next to her friend, smiling the entire time.
"He's going to be so thrilled that it won't matter how you tell him," Haley pointed out calmly.
"How did you tell Nathan?" Peyton asked.
"Oh...well...I kind of just blurted it out. He told me he got into Duke, and I said I was pregnant," Haley said with a laugh.
"Wow. Good timing," Peyton laughed.
"Yeah, maybe not the best way to go."
"Maybe it is, though," Peyton said seriously. "Kind of like ripping off a Band-Aid."
"Well, judging by Nathan's reaction, I don't really think so," Haley chuckled.
"I guess we're going to have to tell Nathan soon, right?" Peyton asked. Haley looked at her quizzically. "I'm sure he knew something was up when I called. I just never thought I'd tell Nathan before Lucas," she laughed.
"I told Lucas before I told Nathan," Haley admitted, shrugging her shoulders.
"Really?" Peyton asked.
"Yeah. I was terrified and Lucas is my best friend."
Peyton sat for a moment. It all seemed surreal. After all her and Lucas had been through, this was what they'd always dreamed about. A family of their own. She knew that no matter how she broke the news, he'd be ecstatic, but she still could barely believe the news herself. She ran her hand over her stomach beneath the pillow.
"Haley," she said, grabbing her friend's attention so their eyes met. "I'm going to have a baby."
Haley smiled widely and nodded and the tears returned to both their eyes as she pulled Peyton into another hug.
This was definitely a life-changing moment.
----
A/N: Don't hate me for the Lindsey stuff! It can't be all happy, all the time...it is Tree Hill after all.