Chapter 13

Things were finally at ease for Nathan and Brooke. Now that they've gotten Patrick's approval, Nathan was spending more and more time at Brooke's and he loved getting involved in Patrick's life.

He played ball with him and took him to baseball games, soccer games and everything he could think of. They even tried archery once, but Brooke forbade them to go back there until Patrick was older. They also had family picnics along with Jake, Peyton and Jenny.

The rest of the team couldn't believe that this was the same man from 4 months before. Before Brooke arrived, Nathan was this sad loner that stumbled through life without even noticing anything. Now he was talking all the time about Patrick, proud of him as he was his son. And Brooke, his eyes lightened up every time he mentioned her.

Peyton noticed how Brooke was settled and happy. She had a career, but she was also a caring mother and every time the name of Nathan was brought up in conversation, she smiled like a high school girl.

It was the team's official presentation that night. Brooke had been running like crazy all week putting together what was going to be the most amazing party the Spurs ever had. Besides, Nathan was given this special award from the community for all the charity work he (and Brooke) had been doing.

As they all arrived to the party, Nathan noticed Brooke talking to some reporters and sponsors. He just stood still contemplating her… she was in a simple dark red dress, with her hair tied in a bow. She turned around and smiled at the sponsors and Nathan's heart jumped with joy. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. As he turned around, he noticed the blonde woman at his side.

"Hello, stud" said she with a flirty voice

"Hi, Ashley" said Nathan shortly. This reporter was always flirting with him and Nathan was getting tired of refusing her nicely. She didn't seem to take a hint.

"So…" she continued "I was thinking maybe you and I can get some alone time later"

"I'm not in the mood, Ashley" replied Nathan

"Come on, Nathan, I know you're a player deep down inside of you… Just let it out" she said

Brooke contemplated the scene from far. That slut was hitting on Nathan. Peyton approached her

"Want me to kick her a$s?" she asked sweetly

"No" said Brooke "I'll do it myself" she replied "God, we were like that?" she asked

"No, we were classy sluts" replied Peyton and they both laughed

Nathan heard Brooke's laugh and he looked at her smiling. Her laugh always lightened the place he was in.

As the president of the club presented all the players, Manu was standing next to Nathan

"Well, Nathan, this year had seemed to really pick up for you" he said

"It has" replied Nathan smiling

"I'm happy for you, amigo" said Manu "you deserve it…"

Manu went up to the stage while Nathan stood there waiting for his turn.

When his name was pronounced, the people in the room went crazy. Nathan was one of San Antonio's most beloved citizens… not only because of his game, but his charity work that had brought a lot of help in the city.

As the mayor gave him a special award, Nathan faced the cameras smiling and then headed for the mic.

"Ladies and gentleman…" he said "I'm really thankful that you have welcomed me in your community. This place is my home and I'm proud of the people that live in here" he smiled tenderly "the Spurs is a great team, because it has the biggest heart I've ever seen. I'm not the only one to thank for the improvements we have made in our community this year, but all of them, who have worked and put their effort from the shadows… Thanks to you all"

Ashley stood there smiling "so, Nathan…" she smirked "what about your status? You know you're San Antonio's most wanted bachelor"

Brooke felt like hitting Ashley, but she just kept it together. This was Nathan's big moment and she wasn't gonna ruin it

"I'm afraid you're wrong" stated Nathan and everyone looked at him in awe "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Ashley, but I'm very much in love with my girlfriend. She's the most amazing thing that could ever happen to me this year. In one line, I'm taken" he looked at Brooke and smile "I love you" he said and everyone turned around to see Brooke, who stood there, all blushed but smiling broadly.

Manu, Jake and the rest of the team exchanged glances and nodded. Manu went to the mic "Ladies and gentleman, please welcome and cheer our beloved PR girl, Brooke Davis. Without her, the Spurs would be lost…" he motioned Brooke to join them, but she shook her head refusing. The president of the club also was motioning but Brooke was frozen in her place. She couldn't believe what was happening. She was so happy and yet so scared.

Nathan got out of the stage and went to her smiling

"Come on, baby, join us" he said

"I can't…" replied she "this is your night"

"It's yours too… I don't exist without you" he said softly and he kissed her forehead "Let's go, Brooke"

He got her arm and led her to the stage. As she stood there next to him, she watched the people clapping and cheering… she turned to face Nathan.

"I love you" she said smiling

"I love you too" he replied.