PART IV
"This is where Nathan got my engagement ring." Haley spoke as she pulled open the door to the antique store, the bell ringing as it jingled against the metal. Her eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room, the scattering of beautiful antiques that lined the shelves and display cases.
Lydia nodded, smiling to herself. "I knew my future son in law had good taste. How did he find this place?"
Haley shrugged, "He never told me how he found it, but from what Peyton has told me, he dragged them all around North Carolina searching for the perfect ring." She glanced down at her left hand. "And he definitely found the right one."
"That's true, you're ring is gorgeous. And I think it's nice that you guys decided to get your wedding bands here too." Lydia moved to the ring display case, her hands trailing along the glass.
Haley smiled serenely. "Well we couldn't have modern bands; it wouldn't fit with my ring. So Nathan brought me here to look at the selection. He said his eyes immediately found my ring, and he knew we'd have the same luck."
"Nathan! This place is so cute." Haley giggled as they pulled up outside the antique shop.
Smiling, he set the parking brake before turning off the car. "Yeah I thought you'd like it. The minute I saw it, I knew I was going to find your ring here. Come on." He kissed her quickly, before throwing open his door.
Haley smiled, opening her door as Nathan came around to help her out. "Isn't this exciting? We're picking out our wedding bands." She giggled as Nathan's lips caught hers roughly.
"It's very exciting." He kissed her again, quickly, his lips pecking at hers before pulling her to the door, leading her into the store.
"Wow." Haley let out a long breath. "Nathan." Her eyes wandered along the shelves, her fingers pulling at his.
Nathan smiled, the cobalt blue of his eyes twinkling. "Let's see if we can't find the perfect wedding bands. Remember I don't want anything girly." He winked at her before leading her to the display case.
She giggled, "I'll try and remember that." Her eyes settled on the dark crimson velvet that the rings lay on. So many beautiful cuts and settings, and Haley found her eyes wandering back to her own ring, her lips curving in a gentle smile.
"Excuse me?" Nathan sought out the attention of one of the sale clerks behind the counter, eager to take a closer look at the rings.
"Yes sir, is there something in particular you are looking for today?" The woman spoke distinctly, her face warm.
Nathan glanced down again at the display case before he spoke. "Yes, we're looking for wedding bands."
"Certainly and may I say congratulations." The woman smiled briefly before lifting the rings out of the case, laying the variety in front of them.
Haley's eyes glittered at the rings in front of her, the platinum and gold mixing. "They're all so beautiful."
"Yes, we have an excellent collection of wedding bands. Do you mind if I ask what it is you're looking for?"
Haley glanced at Nathan before she gestured to her left hand. "Well my engagement ring is very distinct, so I'd like the wedding band to be complimentary."
"And mine can just be simple platinum. I'd rather we focus on her ring." Nathan smiled down at Haley.
The clerk nodded, her eyes studying Haley's ring. "That's an Edwardian style ring, correct?"
Nathan nodded. "Yeah, that's what the sales clerk said. In fact, I got the ring here, so I figured you'd have the perfect complimentary ring."
"I think we do have some fine rings to choose from." She pulled another case from behind the glass, her fingers moving across the bands. "Why don't you try this one?" She handed Haley a ring, the band's cut mirroring her engagement ring.
Sliding it on her finger to rest beside her engagement ring, Haley felt her eyes begin to tear. All of this was becoming distinctly real, and she couldn't have been more excited about it. She was standing here beside the man she adored and loved more than anyone in the world, and she couldn't imagine a better feeling. She glanced at Nathan, saw his eyes watching her, a soft smile on his lips, and she leaned forward to kiss him softly.
"This is it."
"Are you sure?" The woman asked. "We do have others that you might like to try."
Haley's eyes stayed on Nathan's, her left hand clasped tightly around his, and she spoke clearly, without hesitation. "No. This one's perfect."
Nathan smiled, his eyes leaving hers to smile politely at the clerk. "We'll take it. Now all we have to do is find mine."
In the end it hadn't taken long to find his ring, a simple platinum band was all he wanted or needed, and together the rings fit perfectly, the simplistic efficiency of his complimented the romantic class of hers. The way she and Nathan fit. The symbolism wasn't lost on Haley.
"So you guys decided to get your rings engraved?" Lydia spoke again, breaking Haley from her thoughts.
Haley nodded, moving towards the counter. "Yeah. We had the hardest time figuring out what we wanted to put in there, something that wouldn't be cheesy or stupid when we looked at it down the line. And of course it had to be short enough to fit inside. We talked about just getting the date, or our initials, but that seemed too clichéd. You know?"
"Yeah, so what did you guys finally decide on?"
"I'm just saying that I really think this is a big decision. Whatever we put inside the rings is going to be there forever. We can't just choose anything." Haley spoke decidedly from the kitchen table.
Nathan stood in front of the fridge, his eyes perusing the shelves. "Yeah I know. Hey, do we have any Coke?"
Haley nibbled on the top of her pencil, her eyes focused on the list in front of her. "What? Oh yeah, it should be on the bottom shelf in the back."
Hunching down, Nathan moved several items out of the way before pulling out a can for himself, and one for Haley. Even when she said she didn't want one, she usually ended up drinking half of his. He had gotten in the habit of just getting her one too. "Found them. Thanks."
Haley's eyes narrowed at the list, her mouth running over the words they had come up with. "Why do all of these seem horrible?"
Laughing, Nathan sat next to her, putting her glass in front of her. "They're not horrible, they're just not right." Grabbing the list and pencil from her hand he quickly crossed out a few of their ideas.
"What are you
doing?" Haley shrieked.
Nathan glanced at her questioningly. "What? You said they were horrible."
"Well yeah, but you were supposed to say that they weren't horrible, that we're just being too picky." She stared at him as if that was the most obvious statement.
Shaking his head, he let out a brief laugh. "But they are horrible Hales. We can come up with something better than 'I love you.'"
Haley giggled reluctantly, "I know. You're right. But what should we say? It can't be very long, it has to fit inside the ring."
Nathan tapped the pencil against the pad of paper. "How about, 'don't say I never gave you anything?'" He laughed loudly as she elbowed him.
"Nathan! I'm serious." She laughed despite herself. "What about 'always and forever?'"
He said the words after her, letting the flow of them roll over him. "I don't know. Doesn't that seem like we're testing fate a little bit? I want something that represents us, that shows what we feel. What do we have on the list again?"
Pulling the list back again, Haley began to read. "Haley and Nathan. NS +HJ. June 12, 2010. I love you. Love springs eternal hope. Always and forever. And don't say I never gave you anything." She glared at him again as he laughed.
"You're right, they are horrible. Haven't we ever said anything romantic that we could put in there?" His eyes focused on the kitchen wall, trying to recollect the perfect words.
Haley giggled, "Apparently not. When's the last time you recited poetry for me?" She giggled louder as he glared at her.
"You want poetry?" He cleared his throat. "There once was a girl from Nantucket…" He laughed as Haley clamped her hand over his mouth.
"Don't even finish that." She eyed him carefully as he smiled wide behind her hand. She pulled away her hand slowly, watching the mischief that sparkled in his eyes.
"Okay, okay." He raised his hands in surrender. "But you're right, none of those work."
Haley sat thinking, her mind traveling to their early days together, the beginning of them falling in love. Her mind flashed to a time when they had been uncertain, when the outside pressures had found its way into their relationship, had put a strain on what they were building. A memory of them in her bedroom, a time when he had needed her the most, when he had been at his weakest, and she found the words he had spoke blaring in her head.
"Nothing else matters."
He blinked at her. "What?"
She smiled at him, her eyes bright. "Nothing else matters. That's it."
Nathan's brow furrowed in confusion and Haley found herself smiling at his perplexity.
"You don't remember when you said that to me?" She chided him playfully.
She saw him think, clearly trying to rack his brain for the moment he had said that, before he remembered the time from high school when his life had felt like it was spinning out of control, and she was the one constant he could hold on to. His smile widened as recognition settled.
"Nothing else matters." He kissed her hungrily, his lips pulling at hers, his tongue pushing between the soft folds of her lips. "I'm a genius aren't I?"
Haley smiled, "You definitely have your moments."
"Moments?" Nathan feigned outrage. "I'm the one who said it."
"I'll give you that. But isn't it perfect?" She smiled again at him, her lips pressing softly against his this time.
He smiled, his hands running along her shoulders, feeling the silkiness of her skin beneath her t-shirt. "It's perfect. Nothing else matters."
She smiled against his lips, "Nothing else matters."
"He said it to me when we had first started dating. It was the night he had collapsed at the basketball game and I was so worried about him. He had been acting strange all day, but he played it off, just said he always got hyped up before a game. But I knew something was wrong, I just didn't know what." Haley's eyes clouded at the memory. "I'll never forget the way I felt when I saw him collapse, when I saw him lying there. It was like I couldn't breathe. I remember Keith was sitting next to me, and he kept talking, but I couldn't hear anything. I couldn't focus on anything but him. All I wanted to do was run out there and tell him it was going to be okay. Even if I wasn't sure it was."
Lydia smiled briefly, looping her arm around Haley's shoulders. "I remember how you sounded when you called. It was like a piece of you was broken. I knew he meant a lot to you when you called us at Quinn's."
Haley nodded, "Yeah he did. He always has. I just didn't know how much until that moment. And then he came over, he looked tired and weak, and he showed up at my door, clearly still struggling with what he felt. I've never seen him as broken as he was then, and then he said the most wonderful things to me." She smiled at the memory of Nathan sitting beside her, his voice rough and pained. "He told me that when he fell on the floor, all he saw was me, and he knew if he could get up and walk over and talk to me, and hold me, then nothing else matters. And it hasn't. Nothing else has mattered since that moment. From then on, it's been Nathan and me. And I can't imagine it any other way."
"Where's the future Mrs.?" Lucas quipped from the couch.
Moving into the living room, Nathan shrugged, "Running some last minute errands with Lydia. I think she said she was getting our rings."
Lucas laughed, "Nice of you to pay attention."
Smiling, Nathan sat down heavily on the other end of the couch. "What can I say? I'm just counting the hours till the wedding is over and we can start our life together. Or more importantly, the honeymoon." He wiggled his eyebrows.
"There's the brother I know and love."
"I love Haley, I do, but sometimes all this stuff just gets to be too much. There's so much planning, and I want it to go perfectly for her. But I can't say I won't be glad when it's all over."
"Yeah I bet. It's not even Peyton's wedding, but she's stressing out about flowers and cakes. I'll be glad when it's over too."
Nathan laughed, "I hear you. Tomorrow. Man, I can't believe the wedding's tomorrow."
"I know; it's been a long time coming. I bet Haley's excited."
Nathan smiled, remembering the way Haley had jumped on his this morning, her lips and tongue pulling him from sleep, waking his body in more ways than one. "Yeah, you could say that." He grinned again, his eyes wide.
"Okay, spare me the details, really. So, rehearsal this afternoon, and then the rehearsal dinner? We're eating at Plateau?"
"Yeah, it's the restaurant Lydia and Jimmy took me to on our first dinner. Haley and I thought it was fitting to have the rehearsal dinner there."
Lucas laughed, "Well I have to say I was pretty surprised to hear you had picked a karaoke restaurant. I mean, I know Haley can sing, but the Scott family was not blessed with any musical ability."
Nathan cringed. "Oh trust me, I know that. But I figure, get enough liquor in you, and you'll be up there belting out some corny ass love song to Peyton. For that alone, I'd pay anything."
"Shut up. If anyone's going to be serenading their girl; it's going to be you."
Nathan smiled mischievously, "Who says I won't be?"
"You? Singing? Come on Nate." Lucas scoffed.
"What? I already have a routine all planned, as well as a sparkly vest that Lydia made for me. It's going to be a big production, I hope you don't have to follow me."
Lucas laughed loudly, and Nathan couldn't keep his face straight any longer. "I would die if that happened. That would be too perfect. Remind me to bring the video camera."
Shaking his head, Nathan laughed. "Haley already thought of that. She wants to remember everyone's performances, so she's having her brother Ryan film for us. Should provide some good laughs."
"God help us all."
"You do know how excited your dad is about tonight, right?" Lydia laughed from the passenger seat of Haley's car.
Haley giggled, "Yeah I figured Dad would appreciate it more than anyone."
"He's been practicing for weeks. Says he has the perfect song to dedicate to the two of you. He won't even tell me what it is, so be afraid."
"Oh God. Maybe this was a bad idea." Haley laughed loudly.
Lydia smiled, turning down the radio. "Well it means a lot to us that you guys chose Plateau for the dinner."
"It was Nathan's idea." Haley smiled.
"He's a good man, Haley. You're lucky."
Haley smiled serenely, "I know Mom. Trust me, I know. And he never lets me forget it."
"Which suit do I have to wear?" Nathan called from the closet.
Haley sighed from the bathroom, her hair piled on top of her head. "Wear whichever one you want. You know how great you look in the black one."
Nathan merely grunted in response and Haley focused again on her hair, pulling a section down to wrap around the curling iron. Her eyes flicked to the dress that hung behind her from the back of the bathroom door. She had bought it specifically for the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner during a shopping trip with Peyton. Normally Brooke would have insisted on coming with them, but she had been away for the weekend with Chris, and both Haley and Peyton knew that meant a lot to Brooke.
They had walked for blocks along Charlotte, searching the sprinkling of boutiques that lined the drive, and it was in the last shop, in the back of the store, that she had found what she was looking for. It was a black halter dress, the bodice tight under her breasts, a satin ribbing fitting perfectly under her bust line. The bodice itself was littered with a dusting of sparkles before it fanned out at her hips, falling lightly against her thighs. The back was open, something she knew Nathan was going to love, and when she had put it on, she had known it was perfect. It was classy and romantic, yet sexy and beautiful. It had taken her only minutes to choose it.
She grabbed another section of hair, pulling it through the curling iron, watching it carefully in the mirror when Nathan appeared in the doorway dressed simply in his black pants and a dark blue dress shirt. The blue of the shirt highlighted the richness of his eyes, and she smiled happily at him.
"You look good." She met his eyes before turning back to the mirror.
He moved behind her, his hands running along her hips. "I'd say the same about you, but I'm going to wait for the finished product." His lips skimmed along her neck before he reached over to open the medicine cabinet, his hands locating his cologne. "How much longer till you're ready?"
Haley glanced at the clock on the towel cabinet. "Another ten minutes or so. I just have to finish my hair and get dressed. Are you ready?"
Glancing down, he nodded. "Yeah, besides shoes and my jacket and tie. You know I need help with my tie."
Smiling, Haley laughed. "Yeah I know. Just give me a few minutes and I'll be out."
"Okay." He moved towards her, his lips leaving a loud raspberry against her neck before he swatted her butt and was out the door.
"Honey, you look sensational. Have I told you that?" Nathan reached around her shoulders to play with her hair.
Haley blushed happily, "Once or twice."
"Smart man." Peyton said, moving to stand in front of them. "The minister says we're ready to get started. So I need to take Haley." She reached down, pulling Haley up beside her before Nathan could protest.
"Peyton!" Nathan yelled as the two girls scurried away to move to the back of the church. Glaring, he turned to look at where the minister was waiting at the front of the aisle, Lucas and Tim standing on the steps.
Nathan strode up the aisle, smiling briefly to Haley's family in the front row before he nodded at his mom and dad. Moving to stand beside Lucas, he turned; ready to watch Haley walk down the aisle, even if it was only a preview.
The minister nodded to the wedding planner, and the organ music began to play the wedding song. For now, it would do, even if tomorrow Haley would walk down the aisle to a string quartet.
The back doors opened grandly and Brooke stepped out, her hands clutched around an imaginary bouquet. She smiled grandly as she paced down the aisle, her own dress swinging wistfully. She grinned happily at a blonde man in the fifth row, and Nathan thought briefly that he must be the mystery boyfriend.
Peyton followed behind Brooke, her smile mysterious and allusive, must like Peyton herself, and Nathan could see the grin that spread across Lucas's face from the corner of his eye. Man, his brother had it bad.
Next down the aisle was Lizzie, Haley's young niece, dressed adorably in the role of flower girl. She held a basket, her hands moving to drop the imaginary flower petals that she would disperse only tomorrow. When Lizzie reached the top of the aisle, and moved to sit next to her mother, Haley emerged from the back of the church, her arm tucked snugly around Jimmy's. Nathan lost all thought in that moment, instead only being able to concentrate on how she looked, the way the light radiated from her, and he found himself grinning at her.
She caught his grin, her eyes welling with tears even as her smile shone bright and Nathan had never thought her more beautiful. It was as if she walked in slow motion, the way her hips swayed beneath the tight black dress, her hair a radiant light across her shoulders and back, and he felt the heat in her stare, felt the love they shared straining between them. She mouthed to him, her lips moving carefully around the words and he found himself mouthing back to her.
"Nothing else matters."
"I think tomorrow is going to go perfectly." Haley spoke happily beside Nathan, her hand intertwined with his, as it had been since they had arrived at Plateau.
Nathan smiled, kissing her temple softly. "Well it should, considering all the planning you did. If I saw one more list, I thought I was going to scream."
"Hey! You can never be too prepared." She laughed as his fingers poked against her side.
"That's definitely you're motto." Nathan laughed, catching her glare. "And I love you for it." He kissed her playfully, loving the way her frown disappeared almost instantly at the feel of his lips on hers.
"So how much longer until the singing starts? I need to know how much time I have to get Lucas drunk so he'll sing." Nathan laughed.
"Oh god, that could be painful for us all." Jimmy spoke up from across the table, his arm along the back of Lydia's chair.
"Hey!" Lucas shouted from farther down the table, his eyes squinted in a frown. Peyton patted him softly on his shoulder, whispering something in his ear that had him grinning and he kissed her quickly.
"What about you Jimmy? What are you singing?" Lucas spoke up again.
Lydia groaned even as Jimmy boasted. "Oh I can't let that secret out just yet. All in due time Luke."
"Why am I very afraid?" Haley joked as her dad glared at her.
"I think you should be." Lydia quipped as Jimmy elbowed her playfully.
Haley leaned over to whisper to Peyton, "Have you seen Brooke?"
Peyton shook her head quickly, her blonde curls bouncing. "No, but she told me she and Chris had to make a quick stop before they could make it over. I think she's avoiding us meeting him. Did you see the way she dodged introducing us during the rehearsal?"
Haley giggled, "Yeah I know. I've never seen Brooke so flustered. He must be quite a guy."
Peyton merely shrugged as Deb and Dan moved to the stage, the microphone standing between them. "Oh good lord, are they doing a duet?"
Haley broke out in loud laughter as Peyton joined in, the two girls causing quite a scene. Nathan and Lucas looked on quizzically as the girls continued to laugh.
Deb tapped the microphone, gaining everyone's attention. Nathan's eyes narrowed to Haley again, realizing what had probably been so funny, before he settled his attention back on his parents.
"Welcome everyone to Nathan and Haley's rehearsal dinner. Dan and I just wanted to thank everyone for being able to come and help Nathan and Haley celebrate tomorrow's wedding. We have to admit," Deb smiled at Nathan, "when they told us they wanted their dinner at a karaoke bar, we wondered what had happened to our son." There was a smattering of laughs. "But then they explained that this was the first place Jimmy and Lydia took them out to dinner, and how much it meant to them. We're very happy to be hosting tonight's dinner, so please, eat, drink and sing. But be warned, you are being video taped." Deb waved at Ryan James, who stood setting up his tripod.
Dan smiled, clearing his throat. "So please, raise a glass, and join us in a toast to the future Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Scott. May the years be kind to you." He nodded to Nathan, who nodded back, his glass of champagne raised in salute.
"Okay, who's first up?" Jimmy shouted around the restaurant. "Who's going to be brave enough to start us up?" He looked around the table, everyone avoiding his eyes. "No one? Fine! I guess that leaves it up to me to get this party started."
He strode to the stage, whispering to the technician which song he wanted, before he tapped the microphone proudly. "Okay everyone! Prepare to be entertained, I'm going to be a hard act to follow."
Nathan laughed, knowing the statement was pretty much true. Jimmy James was quite the karaoke buff and he no doubt had something planned. Glancing over to where his mom sat with Keith and Karen, he smiled at her warmly, before looking for Dan. He found his father slouched against the bar, his back to the rest of the party. He glanced at Haley, her eyes knowing and moved towards his father, even as Jimmy began to sing the opening lyrics to "The Power of Love."
"Hey Dad." He came to stand beside Dan, his posture mirroring that of his father.
Dan swirled the ice in his drink, smiling briefly, "Hey Nate."
Nathan nodded, trying to find the words to start a conversation, before his father beat him to it.
"I want to thank you for including me in all of this. It means a lot to me, and I know I don't deserve because of past behavior, but I really do appreciate it. You're my son, and even though I know I can be overbearing and well, a jackass, it means a lot that you and Haley let me come."
"It's no big deal Dad." Nathan tried to shrug it off.
"That's where you're wrong Nathan, it is a big deal. I don't deserve a lot of what the two of you have given me, and I know I can't make up everything that's happened, but I'm thankful that you're giving me the chance."
Nathan smiled, turning towards the restaurant, watching the way everyone clapped and sang along with Jimmy as he danced across the stage, clearly enjoying the limelight.
"He's quite the character, isn't he?" Dan said, and for once his voice was clear of the usual sarcasm.
"Yeah he's great." Nathan caught Haley's eye as she shook her head happily at her father's antics. He winked at her, sending her a grin, which she returned quickly with a small wave. Dan smiled, clapping Nathan on the back.
"Go join your girl. Looks like she could use the company."
Nathan looked at his father, and for once, didn't feel the dread that clouded whenever he spoke to him. "Thanks Dad. I'll see you around." He began to walk away before he stopped, turning to give Dan a mischievous smirk. "You going to sing?"
Dan just laughed, shaking his head as he turned back towards to the bar, and Nathan walked back to his seat beside Haley.
"Please tell me you're listening to this!" Haley laughed as her father took a quick spin, throwing the mike up into the air.
Nathan laughed at Jimmy's antics as the song came to a close. "You're dad definitely is one of a kind." He threw his arm around her shoulders, bringing her ear close to his mouth. "When are you going up there?"
Haley giggled, "Later. Much later. Once everyone has had more to drink."
"Oh come on, you know you're great." He kissed her quickly on the cheek.
"Nathan." She blushed hotly.
"You are honey, and you know it. And pretty soon everyone's going to know it too."
"Thank you." She turned her head to kiss him fully on the mouth, their tongues meeting deliciously as he heard in the distance a new person moving to sing up on stage. Her tongue rubbed against the inside of his mouth and he could no longer focus on anything but the feeling of her, her mouth hot against his, her skin silky beneath his hands.
"Hey you two! Break it up." Brooke's voice broke them apart harshly and Nathan barely stifled a groan.
"You always did have impeccable timing Brooke." Haley quipped, her eyes moving to give Brooke a glare.
The brunette shrugged, "Yeah I know."
"I don't think she meant it as a compliment." The blond man beside her said with a smile, his arm slung around Brooke's shoulders. He turned his attention to Nathan and Haley. "I tried to convince her to wait, but you know Brooke." He shrugged. "I'm Chris Keller, by the way. Thanks for inviting me." He extended his hand and Nathan took it solidly.
"Nathan Scott. This is Haley James. And it's no problem man, we're glad you could come. I thought Haley and Peyton were going to burst if they didn't get to meet you tonight."
Haley elbowed him in the ribs. "It's nice to meet you Chris. I'm glad to put a face to the name. Brooke talks about you all the time." She said cheekily, earning her a glare from Brooke.
Chris smiled down at Brooke before turning his attention back to Nathan and Haley. "Well I hope its all good things."
Haley smiled, "Oh definitely. Brooke tells me you're a musician."
Chris nodded, "Yeah I'm trying that is. When I'm not playing I manage a record store. But I've got some local shows lined up, so you guys will have to come to a show."
"Yeah you guys really should come with me next time. He's got some great songs." Brooke smiled, her arm curling around Chris's waist.
"We'd love to see you play, right Hales?" Nathan pulled Haley into his side, smiling down at her. "So we know you can sing your own songs, but how are you with karaoke?"
Chris laughed loudly, "Oh man, I'm the best. Watch out, I'm about to show you guys how karaoke is done." He smiled at all of them, giving Brooke a quick kiss before he made his way to the vacant stage.
Brooke smiled after him before turning to Nathan and Haley. She spoke low, her voice nervous. "So what do you guys think?"
Haley smiled reassuringly, "He seems great Brooke. I don't know why you were so worried about it. Has he met Peyton yet?"
"No, he hasn't. But she'll like him, don't you think?"
"Brooke! Of course she will."
Nathan laughed beside the girls, turning his eyes to the stage as Chris stood patiently, the opening riff of Elvis Costello's "Allison" blaring through the speakers.
Brooke squealed happily. "He knows how much I love this song!"
Haley raised her eyebrow, "Brooke Davis likes an Elvis Costello song?"
"Hey! I am more than just pop music, I'll have you know." Brooke smirked. "Besides, I've been best friends with Peyton for years, I know Elvis Costello when I hear him. And this is a great song."
Chris sang in front of them, his voice bringing a new edge to Elvis's classic song, and Nathan found himself impressed. The rest of the party seemed to agree as they clapped along with the lyrics.
Brooke smiled, her eyes never leaving Chris's form, and Haley caught the look that passed between them. It was clear they were in love, whether they knew it or not. Haley nudged Nathan as she felt him tapping his foot to Chris's voice. He smiled down at her, his arm tight around her shoulders and she leaned into him grateful to have him there beside her.
"Isn't he great?" Brooke said aloud, more to herself than to them.
"He is Brooke. He really is." Haley smiled happily at her friend, glad to see that spark in her eyes.
Chris finished the song and Brooke ran over happily, hugging him tightly as he came off the stage. Chris smiled back, just as wide, and Haley found herself grinning at Nathan. "Never thought I'd see that day."
Nathan merely nodded.
"So that's the infamous Chris Keller?" Peyton came up beside them, Lucas trailing right behind her.
Haley grinned at her blonde friend. "Yeah, she just introduced us to him. He seems like a good guy, don't you think so Nate?"
"Yeah he seemed nice. And Brooke's clearly crazy about him."
Peyton looked over to where Brooke was kissing Chris, a huge grin on her face. "Well he has good taste in music, I'll give him that. But I think it's about time I met him." She gave Lucas a grin. "You coming?"
Lucas smiled back, "Wouldn't miss it for the world." He tugged her hand, pulling her behind him as they made their way over to the new couple.
Nathan chuckled, "Poor guy, doesn't know what's about to hit him." He turned, smiling at Haley as his arms banded around her waist. "I love you honey."
Haley smiled up at him, her eyes wide and happy, "I love you too." She leaned up to kiss him solidly. "Any chance I can get you up there?" She gestured to the stage.
"About as much chance as getting me to wear a dress." Nathan smiled as Haley giggled into his chest.
"I think you'd look quite fetching in a dress, maybe a royal blue." She teased, running her hands up his chest.
"Funny."
"I thought so." She kissed his neck briefly.
"What are you going to sing?" His hands crept along the open back of her dress, his fingers rubbing soft circles along her skin.
"It's a surprise." She shivered as his hand crept lower, grazing across her lower back.
Nathan's mouth moved to pull at her ear, "Are you sure you don't want to tell me?"
She shivered again, her body jolting against his, and she moved closer instinctually. "I'm sure."
He moved his mouth against hers, his lips mere moments from claiming hers, and his words were soft against her mouth. "100 sure?"
Haley leaned forward, pushing their lips together, all thought gone as to what she would sing as her mouth moved across his, her tongue lapping seductively at his. Nathan's hands fisted at her hips, pulling her tightly against him, ignoring the fact they were surrounded by family and friends.
Haley broke away first, her breathing labored as her mind registered just where they were. She leaned her head against his chest, feeling his arms wrap around her, pulling her into a fierce hug. She murmured against his chest, "I love you."
Nathan leaned down, pressing his lips into the hollow of her neck, "I love you too."
"I've been feeding Luke drinks all night and he still won't sing. What's wrong with that guy?" Nathan sulked next to Tim at the bar.
"Well I never thought I'd hear Peyton get up and sing, but she actually rocked that song. Whatever it was." Tim shrugged.
"Alone."
"What?" Tim looked at Nathan confused.
"The song. She sang "Alone" by the group Heart. Or at least that's what Haley told me." Nathan shrugged, taking another sip of his beer.
"Well whatever it was, it certainly got Luke's attention. His lips have been attached to hers since then." Tim gestured to said couple, who were sitting tightly in a booth, their lips pressed tightly together.
"Thanks for the image." Nathan shook his head. "You going to sing man?"
"Are you kidding me?" Tim laughed. "You do not want me to sing!"
Nathan laughed along with him, shaking his head. "Yeah I figured as much. But, I'm thinking I might actually sing. You think Haley would like it?"
Tim grinned, "Man she'd love it. I don't think I've ever heard you sing."
"There's a reason for that." Nathan downed the rest of his beer, moving to stand straight, his eyes seeking at Haley as she stood talking with Karen and Deb. "I think I'm going to do it."
Tim clapped him on the back, "Well good luck with that. What are you going to sing?"
Nathan's eyes widened, "I have no idea. Something easy, something that doesn't take a lot to sing. I don't want to completely suck."
"Well you always have basketball." Tim laughed as Nathan glared sharply.
"Thanks for the support Tim."
Tim grinned,"That's what best friends are for. Now, let's see if we can get Luke a little more drunk so he'll join you."
"Now that's a plan." Nathan ordered another shot, moving to break up the happy couple.
"I can't believe I let you talk me into this." Luke glared at Nathan from where he stood beside him, the microphone stand between them.
Nathan smirked, "You know you wanted to. Besides, this will give Peyton another reason to suck your face off."
"Are you trying to tell me the reason you're up here has nothing to do with Haley?" Luke spoke as the opening chords of the song began and Nathan sent him a look that clearly told him the reason he was up there.
"Go Nathan! Go Luke!" Haley shouted from below the stage, Peyton right beside her wearing a wide smirk.
"It's now or never." Nathan nodded to his brother, his mouth opening to sing the first line.
"…Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band…"
"Is it wrong that I find this completely hot right now?" Haley murmured to Peyton as Nathan and Lucas continued to sing.
Peyton barely took her eyes of Lucas before responding, "I hope not, because what I'm thinking right now is definitely not PG." She smirked and Haley giggled.
Nathan grinned at her, clearly reading her thoughts as he and Lucas continued to sing, "But oh how it feels so real, lying here with no one near, only you and you and you can't hear me…"
"Lucas keeps giving me that look." Peyton smirked at him. "I'm having a hard time not rushing the stage."
Haley nodded, "I know what you mean. It doesn't even matter how they sound, I just can't get enough of this right now."
"Yep." Peyton nodded, "And they know it too."
The Scott brothers continued to smirk as they sang, and as the chorus came up, the entire room broke out in song.
"Hold me closer tiny dancer.
Count the headlights on the highway.
Lay me down in sheets of linen.
You had a busy day today…"
"Go Nathan!" A piercing whistle sounded, followed by a "Go Lucas!" from Lydia.
Haley groaned as Nathan smiled widely, "As if his ego needs boosting." She smiled good-naturedly.
Peyton nodded, "Yep those Scott brothers. Definitely not lacking in the confidence department."
"When are you going to sing?" Nathan whispered into Haley's ear, dragging her away from her conversation with Brooke, Peyton and Chris.
Haley straightened, sending a smile back at her friends. "A little later. Why are you so anxious about hearing me sing? You hear me all the time."
"I know. I just find it really sexy when I get to hear you sing."
Haley smirked, "Oh really? Then I should be singing all the time."
Nathan returned her smirk, pulling her close, "Then you'd never leave the bedroom."
"Nathan!" Haley blushed furiously.
He shrugged innocently, "It's the truth. I'm going to miss you tonight."
Haley smiled, "I'm going to miss you too. I doubt I'll sleep at all, I'm too excited for tomorrow. Plus, what will I do with all the covers? Usually I'm pulling for a tiny corner."
Nathan laughed happily, "I thought you liked that I hog the covers because then it gives you an excuse to be draped across me."
"True." Haley kissed him quickly. "Okay, I think it's about time I got up there and sang, don't you?"
Nathan nodded happily, his mouth moving to kiss her quickly. "Knock 'em dead baby." He swatted her butt playfully as she moved to take the stage.
"Haley's finally singing?" Lucas came to stand beside Nathan.
Nathan's eyes never left Haley as she stood nervously on stage, her hand twirling around the microphone cord. "Yeah."
Haley's eyes met his as she opened her mouth, her sweet voice filling the air as she sang, and Nathan felt his heart lift with each cadence in her voice.
"I'm gonna do it darlin'.
I could waste time tryin' the figure it out,
but I'm jumpin' in anyhow.
I've never been this far;
didn't know love could run so deep,
didn't know I'd lose this much sleep…"
She smiled brilliantly at him then as she started to move to the music, the words overtaking her as they often did when she was singing along with the radio.
"Holdin' you close, chasin' that moon.
Spinnin' all night,
Lovin' just who you are:
Sparks flyin' in the dark.
Shootin' out lights, huntin' down dreams,
Figurin' out what love really means:
Baby, givin' you my heart,
Is a real fine place to start."
He felt the lyrics wash over him, felt the love pouring out from her voice. She kept her eyes fixed on him, kept her smile wide just for him. Nathan grinned back, loving the way she looked at him, loving the knowledge that she was his. Completely.
"Somethin' is goin' on,
I can't explain but sure can touch:
It's callin' both of us.
Stronger than any fear or doubt,
It's changin' everything I see:
It's changin' you, it's changin' me."
Lucas watched his brother and best friend, watched the way they stared at each other. It was clear how much they loved each, clear how much passion was between them. They had been lucky finding each other so early in their lives, and he doubted that either of them could imagine a life without the other. His own eyes wandered to gold curls of Peyton, his smiling widening at the very sight of her. He found himself lingering over her form, his eyes catching hers and giving her a wide grin.
"Holdin' you close, chasin' that moon.
Spinnin' all night,
Lovin' just who you are:
Sparks flyin' in the dark.
Shootin' down lights, runnin' down dreams,
Figurin' out what love really means:
Baby, givin' you my heart,
Is a real fine place to start."
Peyton's eyes flickered to Luke's, saw her own feelings mirrored in his, and she grinned. For too long she had told herself they would never happen, that it just simply wasn't in the cards for them to be happy together. But they had proved her wrong, and she knew, without a shadow of doubt, that he was what she wanted. Forever.
"Right here, right now's the perfect spot, the perfect time.
The perfect moment when your skin is next to mine."
Brooke grinned at Chris as he watched Haley's performance. He felt her eyes on him and he looked down, swinging his arm across her shoulders, pulling her tighter into his side. She felt good and solid inside, a welcome change from the emptiness that had once taken residence. She and Chris, they were just starting, but it felt like they were building something special.
"Yeah, yeah
Holdin' you close,
Chasin' that moon."
Lydia watched her daughter and future son in law, saw the love that sizzled between them. She had seen it since they were seventeen, and now here, on the eve of their wedding, it was stronger than ever.
"Spinnin' all night,
Lovin' just who you are:
Sparks flyin' in the dark.
Shootin' out lights…"
Dan watched his son watch his fiancée. He had never given him the credit he deserved. He had been too focused on basketball, too driven for Nathan's greatness to realize that Nathan had found something special with Haley, something he hoped Nathan could hold on to.
"Runnin' down dreams,
Figurin' out just what love really means:
Baby, givin' you my heart's a real fine place,
Real fine place to start.
Oh yeah.
Oh, oh, oh."
Haley finished to a smattering of applause, their family and friends whistling and hollering. She hopped off the stage into Nathan's waiting arms, and one collective thought was in the minds of everyone watching. Love.
"You were fantastic baby." Nathan snuggled into her neck, feeling her body pressed tightly against his. "Better than fantastic."
Haley wrapped her body tighter around his and smiled into his neck, "Thank you."
"I'm going to miss you so much tonight, Hales. It won't be the same not having you next to me." He placed her carefully on the ground, his arms still wrapped tight.
"I know. But just think, in a few hours we're going to be husband and wife. It's been a long time coming, hasn't it?"
Nathan smiled, "Feels like forever."
"Say goodbye to Lover Boy!" Brooke sang happily as they exited Plateau, Brooke and Peyton waiting to wisk Haley away.
"Could you guys give us a minute?" Haley reasoned, wanting a few more minutes with Nathan before they left.
Peyton and Brooke nodded, moving to stand beside Peyton's car, Lucas already in his truck waiting for Nathan.
"I love you." Haley pulled her arms around Nathan's waist.
Nathan pulled her in tight, her body flush against his. "I love you too. I can't wait till you're my wife."
"I can't wait to be your wife." Haley sighed, breathing in deeply. She wanted to remember this always, their last moments before they committed their lives to one another. It was a memory she would recall forever. A memory that she would think of every once in awhile, when they were sitting next to each other on the couch watching TV, or when they were out to dinner at the new restaurant downtown, or when they were walking down the street and just happened to get caught in a downpour. She would forever remember the feel of his body along hers, the smell of his cologne that hung to his collar and her hair, the way his eyes glittered under the starlight. She would remember it all, and she would love.
His mouth descended over hers and all thoughts were lost, only feelings, only sensations were needed as she felt the love and passion he felt for her course through her, bombard her with sensations. She feasted hungrily, wanting to keep the taste of him on her lips as she prepared to spend her last night alone.
"I'll see you tomorrow beautiful." He whispered in her ear, and she felt the warmness spread throughout her.
"I love you handsome." She sparkled, turning quickly as tears came to her eyes, and she was across the parking lot before he could respond, his hand raised in a solitary wave.
"I appreciate you guys staying up with me. I just couldn't sleep. Too much energy." Haley smiled from her place along the foot of the bed, her body spread along the length of the sheets.
"I don't blame you." Brooke smiled, sipping from her water. "You're about to marry the love of your life, who thinks the sun rises and sets with you. That's enough reason to be excited."
Haley nodded. "That's true."
Peyton giggled, "Can you just imagine what Lucas and Nathan are doing right now?"
"They're probably in separate rooms, passed out. Either that or their playing video games." Brooke spoke up.
"You're right. And knowing Lucas, he's passed out. The man falls asleep the minute he hits the pillow." Peyton smirked. "Unless I give him reason not to."
"P. Sawyer. You dirty dog!" Brooke cackled with laughter and Haley found herself struggling not to spit out the water she had just drank.
"What can I say, he's gorgeous." Peyton shrugged, unapologetic.
Brooke laughed, "Well the Scott family is certainly not lacking in that department. You both got some good men. And so did I, if I do say so myself. You guys did like Chris, right?"
"For the billionth time… yes!" Haley shouted, and Peyton laughed loudly.
"I know, I'm sorry. I just like him so much, I don't know what I would have done if you guys hadn't liked him."
Peyton smiled, "Well no need to worry, because we did."
"Thanks."
Haley yawned, even as her mind raced with thoughts of tomorrow. Brooke noticed and nodded to Peyton. "We should all really try to get some sleep. We don't want big dark circles under our eyes for all the pictures."
"You're right." Haley nodded as Peyton and Brooke padded out the door, flipping off the light as they did.
"Well see you in the morning, Mrs. Scott." Peyton smiled, closing the door behind them.
Haley settled into the sheets, feeling the cool cotton around them. She missed their bed, missed the smell of him on their sheets, and she longed to feel his body against hers, feel the heat that radiated off him.
Her cell phone buzzed loudly on the bedside table and she smiled, knowing exactly who it was.
"Hey."
He chuckled in the phone. "Hey. Miss me yet?" His tone was soft.
"You know I do. I wish you were here with me." She smiled softly, enjoying the sound of his voice, soft and quiet as he whispered into her ear.
"Me too babe. I just had to talk to you before I went to bed, and I was hoping you'd still be up. I didn't wake you, did I?"
Haley giggled, "Nope. I was just trying to fall asleep, but this is a much better way to pass the time."
Nathan laughed, his voice rich. "I can't believe our day is finally here Hales. It feels like it's taken forever. But I feel like we've been husband and wife for a long time. You've always been more than just my girlfriend."
Haley sighed happily, "I know, I've felt the same thing. Tomorrow's just a formality. In my heart, you're already my husband."
"Always and forever." She could hear the smile in his voice.
"Nothing else matters." Haley responded quietly. "I love you Nathan."
"I love you too. So much Hales. God, so much." He sighed, his breathing becoming a little more even.
"Will you stay on the phone until I fall asleep? I want to hear your voice." Haley smiled, her hands running along the cotton sheets.
"Anything for you. What do you want to talk about?" He laughed.
"I don't care. Anything. Nothing. Just talk. I love your voice."
"Well in that case, I don't want to disappoint you. How about I tell you how long I've known I wanted to marry you?"
"How long?"
Nathan smiled, loving the silky texture of her voice as sleep began to form. "Since we went to dinner with your parents. I think I've always known. From that first minute at tutoring, a part of me always knew you were it for me. It just took longer for my head to catch up with my heart. You're it for me, Haley James. You're it."
He could hear her even breathing on the other end of the phone, and with the sounds of her beside him, he too drifted, their connection never broken.