PART II
"You excited for the hockey game tonight?" Haley shouted from the closet, as she tugged on a pair of jeans.
"Oh yeah." Nathan rolled his eyes on the bed, his finger flipping through the channels of the TV.
"Nathan!" She poked her head out from behind the closet door. "You could at least pretend. Ryan really wants to take us."
"I know. But Hales, I'm just not a hockey guy. I'm a basketball guy. Hence why I'm in the NBA." He smirked at her.
"Really? You like basketball? I had no idea." Haley smiled sarcastically, moving out of the closet, standing at the foot of the bed. "Seriously, Nate. For me, can you at least pretend like you know something about hockey?'
Nathan looked at her indignantly. "I may not like hockey, but I know things."
"Oh really? Enlighten me then." She cocked an eyebrow at him challengingly.
Leaning forward, he grabbed her hand, pulling her across the bed to sit in his lap. "Let's see, Wayne Gretzky is the Great One, they play on ice and fight a lot."
Haley giggled. "Well that was predictable. Name one other player. One who actually plays now, hot shot."
Nathan furrowed his eyebrows in thought. "Uh, yeah I have no idea."
"Nathan!" She hit his shoulder. "Fine. Do you at least know who we're seeing play tonight?"
"Yes, that I know. The Carolina Hurricanes and the San Jose Sharks. And we're rooting for the Canes."
"Ooh, you're calling them the Canes. Look at you. And yes, Ryan is a die-hard Canes fan, has been since Carolina got the expansion team. From what he told me, we have really good seats, we should get to see a great game."
Nathan smiled, his hands grasping at her hips, settling her across his lap. "So what should we do until then?" He grinned wickedly at her. Moving forward he placed an open mouthed kiss against her collar bone.
"Well we, aren't doing anything, because I'm meeting Brooke and Peyton at the nail salon. I have to get a manicure." She giggled as his lips traveled across her collar, biting at her shoulders.
Nathan grabbed her hand, kissing at her fingers. "Look good to me. Come on."
She let herself get lost in the sensation of his mouth against her skin, her body leaning into his expectantly. His hand moved under her shirt to finger her bra and she pulled back suddenly.
"I'm sorry, but I really have to go. Brooke will kill me if I'm late this time."
He pulled her back, wanting to keep her there. "Who cares? It's just Brooke."
"Nathan!" Haley admonished, pulling herself away from him, moving to stand along the side of the bed.
He jutted out his bottom lip. "Please."
"Not going to work this time mister. I love you, I'll be back later," she leaned down to kiss him quickly, avoiding his roaming hands, "And please be ready to go by the time I get back." She moved towards the door, grabbing her purse on the way out. "Hockey! Get excited!" She sent him one last grin before running down the hall.
"Great."
"You're on time for once! Must mean there is a very disappointed Nathan Scott at home." Brooke smirked as Haley slid into the manicure station next to her.
Haley giggled, "You know him too well."
Brooke shrugged. "Well I know guys." She grinned at Peyton. "Any last minute arrangements you need help with?"
Haley ran through a mental list. "No, I think we're good. I called to reconfirm the flower order this morning, and I left Nathan a note to call the caterer. Which of course means I'll be doing that when I get back."
Peyton laughed. "So true. I leave Lucas notes all the time, asking him to do things while I'm gone, and he always gets lost in a game. It's the Scott curse."
"Oh it's not selective to the Scott gene. Chris does it too." Brooke smiled.
Haley and Peyton grinned. "Chris?"
Brooke straightened, turning to focus on her nails. "Yeah, well you know, we've been dating for awhile, and I occasionally ask him to do me a favor, and he usually forgets."
"Brooke." Haley saw the slight blush flush across her face. "I'm glad to hear it's going well." She nodded at Peyton. "We both are."
"Yeah, well it is. I'm happy. And I haven't been able to say that in awhile. I'm so excited for you guys to meet him." She smiled warmly.
Peyton laughed. "Well knowing how hard you are on your boyfriends, if this guy can make you smile this much, I know he's going to be great."
"Thank guys. That means a lot to me. And you'll get to meet him at the rehearsal dinner. He keeps saying I must think he's hideous since I haven't introduced you all yet." She giggled.
Peyton laughed. "Is he?"
Brooke snorted. "Only if tall, blonde, and a musician is hideous."
"A musician? Look at Brooke, she's a groupie." Peyton teased.
"Oh shut up!"
Nate-
Five Days!
Please call the caterer to confirm our order for the reception. I should be back in a couple of hours.
I love you!
xoxo HJ(soon to be S)
P.S. DON'T FORGET!
Nathan laughed, setting the note back down on the kitchen counter to grab a drink. She was so cute. He reached for the phone, wanting to get the job over with while he was thinking about it, because she knew him too well, and he would forget. He dialed the number quickly, his fingers cruising over the buttons. The phone rang, over and over, before a voice came over the line. "Thank you for calling Heights Catering. We are currently on the line with another customer. Please stay on the line, and we'll be with you shortly." Classical music came on the line and Nathan sighed heavily.
Flopping down on the couch, he rested the phone on his shoulder, turning on the television. Channel after channel, he flipped, the annoying classical music in his ear. He couldn't wait for the planning of the wedding to be over. To say it had been painful, would be putting it mildly.
From the moment they had become engaged, Haley had been enraptured with planning the perfect wedding. Brooke and Peyton were practically fixtures in their apartment in Philadelphia, phone calls late at night with last minute ideas, constant wedding magazines littering the floor.
But despite all the hassle, the happiness it brought to Haley was indisputable. She was glowing, on constant high beam, and it felt unbelievable to know that the prospect and idea of marrying him put her that way.
So, if he had to live through five more days of planning, five more days of lists and reminders, five more days of annoying caterers and florists, he would do it all, and with a smile of his face.
For her.
He settled the TV on a golf game, guaranteeing himself a nice nap, as the phone line snapped, the classical music cut short, and a prim voice coming over the line.
Fifteen minutes later and he was done. He only hoped he had guaranteed the right order.
Stretching his legs out in front of him, he stared at the TV screen, the pictures flashing before his eyes even as his mind raced.
Five days.
A year of planning, another five before that of dating, and his wedding was right around the corner.
His wedding to Haley.
His fiancée, his future wife.
His wife.
He wasn't feeling nervous in the slightest. No, what he felt was an eerie calm, the kind of feeling that came from knowing you were making the absolutely right decision. She was it for him. She had been since they were sixteen, and not once had he doubted what they had found.
He may have doubted why she was with him, why she was settling, but never had he doubted them together. He knew what they had was eternal; it was everything people hoped for. And he wasn't letting go for anything.
His eyes drooped, his body slumping against the plush cushions of the couch, and with one last thought of her, he drifted.
"Honey, I'm home!" She giggled, the very phrase causing a rupture of laughs. Walking slowly into the living room, she smiled, seeing Nathan stretched out along the length of the couch, his chest rising and falling softly in sleep.
Tiptoeing silently to the side of the couch, Haley lowered herself to her knees, her hands skimming along his chest. Nathan stirred slightly, his head rotating on the pillow, his hand moving to scratch at his stomach.
She stifled a giggle, her hands moving to scratch lightly at the skin above the waist of his jeans, his groan breaking through the silence. His body moved again, awakening from the sleep, and he blinked his eyes sleepily.
"Hey." His voice was rough with sleep.
Haley smiled, her face mere inches from his, before she leaned to kiss him softly. "Hey. You have a nice nap?"
Nathan stretched, his arms clasping over his head. "Yeah, I did." He moved his arms around her, pulled her to lie across the length of him. "But I have to say, I like the way I woke up, even more."
He stretched forward, pressing his lips to hers again, his hands running up and down her back playfully.
"What time is it?" He strained his neck around her to glance at the clock.
Haley giggled, "It's almost four. We need to get ready. I told Ryan we'd meet him at the arena at 6."
Nathan groaned, "Why are we getting there so early? The game's not till 7:30."
Haley kissed him again, lapping softly at his lips, before she sat up, her legs straddling his hips. "Ryan likes to get the full affect of the game. See them warm up; eat bad food, the whole works. And we're going. So get up, mister." She stood up quickly, pulling him up along side her.
"Ryan! These seats are amazing!" Haley exclaimed from between Nathan and Ryan, her eyes watching the two teams circle the ice.
Ryan James laughed; his brown eyes a mirror to Haley's. Of all the James' Ryan and Haley were the most alike physically, both with the same brown eyes, same wide smile, same keen sense of humor. It was easy to like Ryan, and Nathan had found over the years, that he and Ryan shared a great deal in common; despite the difference in sports.
"What do you think Nate?" Ryan smiled at Nathan. "I know you're not a big hockey guy, but I was hoping to change that after you see a game live, from these seats. Center ice. It's the only way to go."
"Well I can't deny the seats are fantastic. I think we'll have to be on alert so we don't get a puck in the face." Nathan turned his eyes to the ice, watched the teams skate; watched the pucks slam against the boards as they warmed up.
Ryan laughed, "Yeah we should get a good game. The Canes are having a bit of a rough start this year, and the Sharks, well they are definitely making their mark in the West. Both teams are known for their hitting, so I'm sure we'll see a hell of a game."
Haley giggled. "I hope there's a fight!"
"Look at my girl!" Nathan laughed, slinging an arm around Haley's shoulders, "I can't believe you are looking forward to two guys fighting. You hate when I watch boxing."
Haley shrugged, "With boxing, that's the whole point, to fight. I don't like it. But with hockey," she looked out over the ice, "with hockey the fighting is just one part of a very interesting game; the finesse, the precision, the speed. And occasionally they feel like hitting each other."
"That's my sis!" Ryan laughed, grabbing for his beer. "I knew I raised you right. Dad would be proud."
"Thanks Ryan." Haley giggled at Nathan's pout. "Oh you know I love watching basketball too, but only when you're playing, or if you're there watching with me." She leaned over to kiss him playfully on his pouty bottom lip.
"Don't worry Scott, we'll make you a hockey fan before the night is through." Ryan raised his beer to Nathan, a wide smile on his face, and Nathan grabbed his own, reciprocating the motion.
Half way through the third period and it definitely had been an entertaining game. Nathan was overwhelmed with how different the game felt live than when you happened to catch it on the television. The crowd erupted in cheers and screams at the slightest of plays, and he found himself cheering along. Despite the fact that the Hurricanes were down by three goals, it was safe to say that Nathan was having a great time.
"So, when are Mom and Dad getting into town?" Ryan settled back in his seat, his foot propped up on the now vacant seat in front of him.
"Mom called me this morning, and they expect to roll into town tomorrow morning. I'm sure they're planning a sneak attack."
"Knowing them, I'd be sure of it." Nathan laughed.
Ryan joined in, "Oh you know Lydia and Jimmy too well, Nate."
"I should hope so, by now." Nathan's arm moved to sling around Haley's shoulder, her fingers moving to lace with his.
Ryan smiled, "Oh you do. Trust me, if I have to hear one more time about how much my parents love you, and are so glad you're joining the family, I think I might barf. But they're right, we are lucky to have you in the James clan. You're either crazy, stupid, or in love. I'd bet on all three."
"Thanks a lot Ry!" Haley elbowed him hard.
Ryan raised his arms in mock defense. "Well, you have to be, to join a family that includes Taylor, right? As much as I love our dear sister, she's a pain in the ass when she wants to be, which is most of the time."
Nathan laughed, sipping from his beer. "Well I'll give you that. Your sister is trouble. But the way I figure it, is I get Haley, forever. I can take anything that comes along with it. Besides, poor Hales has to have Dan as a father in law. I think that trumps Taylor any day."
"Uh, yeah it does." Haley grinned at him.
"Well I know I can't wait to meet the infamous Dan Scott. If he's anything like the stories, than I know this is bound to be an interesting week. Oh, hey, only a minute left to go."
Their eyes turned to the ice, watched as their Hurricanes lost to the Sharks, and the arena slowly began to empty.
"Thanks for inviting us Ryan. I know I wasn't all that excited about it, but I have to say, I think you just converted me." Nathan clapped Ryan on the back.
"Good, I'm glad. That was my hope. So Haley, I'll see you at the rehearsal dinner, and Nathan, I'll see you tomorrow night."
Haley looked confused. "Tomorrow night?"
Ryan grinned wickedly, "Bachelor party. You know I wouldn't pass that up Hales."
Haley glared at her older brother, punching him in the arm before giving him a hug. "How could I have ever thought otherwise? Don't have too much fun tomorrow, and make sure he doesn't either."
"Yes ma'am." Ryan hugged her again, before hugging Nathan. "See you guys later. Enjoy these last few days before the mayhem begins."
"Thanks Ryan. Bye." They chorused; their arms around each other.
Haley turned in Nathan's arms, her body pressed tight against his. "Thank you for coming. I know it meant a lot to Ryan to take us."
"I'm glad I came, I had fun." Nathan's arms moved up and down Haley's back in wide circles. "I love you."
Haley's eyes glistened up at his, her mouth open in a wide smile, "I love you too." Her hands moved under his jacket to feel at his back. "You know, we have a big house all to ourselves, until tomorrow morning. I think we should find a good way to use it." She winked at him.
"Oh really?" Nathan's mouth descended, kissed her in long, sweeping strokes.
"Mm hmm." Haley giggled as Nathan pulled her hurriedly to the car, all but shoving her in.
"What time is it?" Haley asked, her head buried in her pillow.
Nathan glanced at the alarm clock, his eyes focusing on the sharp green numbers. "A little before 3." His hand moved up and down her naked back, his head moving to kiss at her shoulder blades.
Haley giggled, her head lifting off the pillow. "You know my parents will most likely be here bright and early."
Nathan continued to kiss her back, his fingers inching down the sheet to reveal more of her skin. "That's hours from now." His tongue traced in lazy circles, his fingers dipping beneath the sheet to caress warm skin.
Haley giggled again as Nathan's hands pinched at her sides. "But we'll need to sleep. You know how energetic my parents are."
He raised his head, looking her deep in the eye. "I'm willing to take that chance." His mouth lowered, captured hers, and she moaned, her body rotating beneath him. He pressed himself into her side, could feel the heated skin of her stomach, the rosy complexion of her chest and neck, her hair fanned across the deep blue of the pillow.
His hands skimmed her sides, felt the muscles tremble beneath the delicate skin, and he lost himself in the feel of her. The scent of her hair; a heady mixture of roses and vanilla all but tormented him, and he could see nothing but her.
Her hands moved to pull him across her, to feel him nestled against her. Her eyes were wide, watching him, watching his hands roam her body, watching his mouth move across her heated skin.
Her eyes slanted to the window, saw the way the moonlight drenched their bedroom in shades of lavender and blue, the curtain fluttering softly as the summer breeze whistled through the slit.
"I love you so much, Nathan." Her voice was like silk, her words a caress.
Nathan rose on his elbows, his fingers working through her hair, as his mouth lowered to taste her. His body covered hers, heat on heat, and he smiled; a long, slow smile.
"I love you too. More than you could ever know."
But she did.
"I thought you told them we were coming this morning."
Haley could hear the voices, could hear the murmurs coming from downstairs, and she moved her hand across the bed, felt Nathan beside her.
"I did. I told Haley yesterday. But it's the week of their wedding, they deserve to sleep in."
Haley bolted then, recognizing the voices. Her eyes flew to the clock beside Nathan's side of the bed, saw it was after nine, and she darted out of bed, ignoring her naked state.
"Nathan!" She hissed through her teeth as she pulled on one of his shirts.
"Hmm. Five more minutes, Hales." Nathan snuggled further under the blankets, his head ensconced in pillows.
"Nathan Scott!" Haley spoke clearer this time.
"What?" He grumbled; clearly more awake now.
"My parents are downstairs." Haley hustled to the bathroom, pulling a brush through her hair.
"What?" He sat up then, his eyes heavy and unfocused.
"I said; my parents are downstairs." She pulled on a pair of shorts.
"I heard you. What are they doing here so early?" He rubbed a hand over his face.
Haley grumbled, throwing him a shirt and some shorts. "It's not early, it's nine. And who knows how long they've been here. Put those on, and meet me downstairs." Haley rushed passed him, making her way out the door.
Nathan swung his legs over the side of the bed, moving to pull on the shorts, before she darted back in the room, kissing him soundly. "Good morning." She smiled briefly before running back out the door.
His eyes lingered on the open doorway. "Good morning."
"I'm sorry we woke you, but your father doesn't seem to know the concept of a whisper." Lydia smiled at Haley and Nathan across the kitchen table.
"Hey!" Jimmy spoke around a mouthful of toast.
"Well, I'm sorry honey, but it's true. We're a loud family, but in many ways, you are the loudest." Lydia patted his hand affectionately.
Haley and Nathan laughed, already glad to have the James' back together. Nathan never realized how much he would have missed them.
"I'm so glad you guys are here." Haley smiled at her parents, felt Nathan's hand slide across her thigh, under the table.
"Nothing on Earth could have stopped us from being here. We're so excited for you two."
"Thanks Lydia."
Jimmy cleared his throat. "I, for one, am excited for this bachelor party tonight." He laughed as Haley and Lydia groaned.
Nathan laughed loudly, joining in with Jimmy. "Yeah, it should be interesting. And don't let these girls tell you otherwise, but they're in for some night too. If Brooke and Peyton are planning it, it'll be quite the evening."
Haley giggled. "Well I guess you have a point."
"Do you need help with anything Bub? I wish I could have been around to help more than I was." Lydia smiled.
"You helped a lot Mom, and I do have a few errands to run today. You're more than welcome to come with if you want. I know Nathan would love any excuse not to have to go."
Nathan nodded emphatically.
"I'd love to. We'll leave these two to their own devices. I'm sure two grown men can entertain themselves until tonight."
Jimmy glanced at Nathan, a grin on his face. "Oh I think we can, don't you think so Nathan?"
Nathan glanced around the table, a smirk on his face. "Oh, definitely."