PART V

"Can someone turn on the freaking air conditioning?"

Brooke and Peyton shared a pointed look at Haley's shrill tone. She had been like this all morning. Gone was the normally peaceful Haley James, and in her place was Bridezilla.

Peyton smiled soothingly, "Sure Hales. It is getting a little stuffy in here."

Haley nodded distractedly. "Did the florist ever show up? God, you'd think it was the most complicated job on the planet! If you say you're going to have everything ready for a wedding, then you should have everything ready. I don't think that's too much to ask, do you?"

"No. You're right." Brooke agreed quickly.

"I can't believe that woman had the nerve to call me up on the day of my wedding, and try and say I ordered sunflowers. Sunflowers! What am I, getting married at a square dance in Arkansas? Nathan tried to pick sunflowers too. Maybe I should introduce the two of them."

Peyton muffled the laugh that threatened to burst behind her hand. "Oh don't blame Nathan for having poor taste in flowers. He's a guy. If he was the one planning the wedding, it would be all over within 15 minutes and you guys would spend the whole night in your hotel room."

Haley smiled at that. "Well that's true. And I guess it is kind of adorable he thought I'd like sunflowers. He made some cute comment about how he thought I liked them because they seemed so welcoming."

"But not for a wedding." Brooke put in.

"God, no." Haley straightened; her back rigid, her shoulders tense. "But seriously, did the florist show up?"

Before Peyton or Brooke could answer, Lydia swung into the room, dressed elegantly in a cream knee-length dress, her hair pulled back in a sophisticated knot. "Don't worry Bub, I just got through showing her where to set everything up. It looks gorgeous down there."

Haley closed her eyes briefly, expelling a long breath. "Thanks Mom."

Lydia moved to stand in front of her daughter, her fingers reaching out to play with the still loose curls that hug around Haley's face. "Look at my baby girl on her wedding day. How are you feeling?" She studied Haley's face carefully.

Haley shrugged casually, even as her emotions raged. "Well now that I know the florist showed up, I'm a little calmer. Though I'm sure Peyton and Brooke would disagree."

"Considering what day today is Hales, I think you're doing great." Brooke put in helpfully. "I know I'm going to be an absolute nightmare on my wedding day."

"I'm already dreading that day." Peyton laughed, earning her a teasing slap from Brooke.

"There's just so much to worry about. I just want it to go perfectly. I've been dreaming of this day, in detail, since I was little. I don't know what I'd do if it didn't work out. I want this day to be special." Haley's bottom lip quivered slightly as the tears swam in her eyes.

Lydia smiled wistfully. "It will be special Haley. It'll be perfect because it's you and Nathan. Even if the florist hadn't show up, or the cake topples over at the reception, it still will be perfect because it's you and Nathan. Nothing can change that."

Haley nodded, blinking back the tears. "Thanks Mom. I love you."

"I love you too Bub. I can't believe it. I can't believe my baby is getting married today."

"In less than an hour." Haley added.

"I know. You know how happy your father and I are for you, don't you?" Lydia stroked a cool hand along Haley's cheek. "You and Nathan; you're going to be so happy together."

Haley bit her lip. "I know. I can't wait to see him. Have you seen him yet Mom? How does he look? Knowing him, I bet he's completely relaxed."

"Where the hell is my tie?" Nathan shouted out exasperatedly.

Lucas shot his brother a bemused look in the mirror. "I don't think I've ever seen you quite this flustered Little Brother."

Nathan shot Luke a withering glare. "So glad you find my panic attack amusing."

Lucas chuckled. "Relax. Your tie is right there on the chair, with the rest of your tuxedo, as it has been for the last hour. You don't need to keep checking it, it's not going anywhere."

"It doesn't hurt to recheck."

Luke let out another long laugh, moving to stand beside his brother, their reflections side by side in the full length mirror. "That's the understatement of the year, and you are so very clearly Haley James' fiancée. You've checked about 10 times now Nate. Just relax. Everything's going to go smoothly. You're whole tuxedo is here, from your tie to your cuff links."

Nathan sat down wearily in an arm chair, his nerves rattled. "I just can't seem to keep calm. I didn't think I'd be this nervous." He looked up at Lucas seriously. "You don't think she's having second thoughts, do you?"

Lucas's laugh was long and loud. "Are you serious?" One look at Nathan's face told him he was. "Nathan, there is no way on earth Haley has even had one fraction of a second thought. I'd bet my life on it. In fact, she's probably in her room driving Peyton and Brooke nuts with how excited she is to see you."

Nathan smiled, a grin forming across his lips. "You're right. I don't know what I was thinking. I just hope everything goes perfectly for her tonight. She's been working so hard with all the plans, I'd hate for things to not go right."

"Yeah Peyton called me this morning after the florist fiasco. Apparently Haley was beginning to threaten bodily harm if the florist didn't get the correct order here on time. For her sake, I hope she did."

Laughing, Nathan nodded his head. "I know, Haley called me this morning, practically in tears after talking to the florist. But Lydia told me the flowers arrived safe and sound and are already set up."

"Well that's good; one less thing for Haley to worry about."

Nathan stood up, looking out the large window. The hotel gardens stood brightly against the fading twilight. The rich purples and reds of sunset had filtered their way across the sky, only enhancing those same colors mirrored in the flowers below. Looking now, Nathan could see why Haley had insisted on an evening wedding. North Carolina was known for its heat and humidity in the summer, and with a June wedding, afternoons were an unpleasant time. But in that perfect time between day and night, when the last remnants of the sun gave way to the first twinkle of night, it was completely breathtaking, and Haley had wanted that captured for their wedding.

It was only one of many things she was right about.

Now with only a little less than an hour until he saw her, Nathan felt his stomach jump anxiously. He could barely contain the excitement which bubbled beneath the surface, the thought of seeing her, adorned with flowers and lace, her hair a golden mass of curls, a thin veil hiding a loving expression.

He thought now that the tradition of waiting to see the bride until she was walking down the aisle was a perfect one. He knew that first moment, when their eyes locked as she stepped towards him with her father, that moment would be one he would remember always.

"I love her." Nathan spoke softly, lost in thought, and he felt Lucas clap him solidly on the back.

"You're a lucky man, Nate. Take good care of her."

Nathan's eyes were clear, the blue strong as he met his brother's gaze. "There's nothing I want to do more."

"Haley, hold still." Brooke tried again patiently. They had been trying to pin back Haley's hair loosely, allowing the hair to follow her natural wave, but still keeping it romantic and soft. Unfortunately Haley's nerves had made that task somewhat difficult, as she continued to think of things that needed to be checked on. Peyton had been gone nearly twenty minutes since Haley had feared that Nathan had forgotten some part of his tuxedo and Brooke had noticed the way the blonde jumped at the chance for a reprieve.

Haley met Brooke's eyes in the mirror. "I'm sorry Brooke. I know I'm acting crazy. I don't know what's going on with me, but I just can't stay calm."

Brooke's face softened at the nervous way Haley bit at her bottom lip, her teeth tugging at the soft pink flesh. "It's perfectly naturally for you to be excited and nervous. It's your wedding day. You only get one. Or at least in your case, you'll only have one. You want everything to go well. And it will. You just need to have a little more faith." She narrowed her eyes, studying Haley's reflection. "And if something goes wrong, that's what Peyton and I are here for. Let us worry about that stuff, and you just worry about stopping Nathan's heart when he sees you."

Haley beamed at Brooke's words, her forehead clearing. "Thank you. I'm so glad you and Peyton are here with me. I couldn't ask for two better bridesmaids. Speaking of Peyton, shouldn't she be back by now?"

Brooke shrugged, focusing on Haley's hair once more. "You're the one who sent her to basically go see Luke. Who knows if we'll even see her again before the wedding! How much do you want to bet that she comes back with her dress on inside out, or her lipstick smeared?"

Haley's laugh burst out, "Even I'm not crazy enough to take that sucker bet."

The door opened quickly and Peyton walked in, her eyes narrowing at the way the two girls grinned slyly at her. "What?"

Brooke raised a single eyebrow, her eyes skimming Peyton's appearance. "Nothing. What took you so long?"

Peyton sighed, "Nathan was trying to pump me for information about Haley." She met Haley's eyes in the mirror. "Wanted to know how you're doing. Are you nervous? Are you excited? How do you look? I feel bad for Lucas being stuck in a room with him right now."

"Oh, Nathan!" Haley smiled happily. "He sounds so excited. I can't wait to see him."

"Oh he's definitely excited. I don't think I've ever seen him quite like that. Not even when he was dragging Luke and me around North Carolina looking at rings." Peyton moved to stand beside Brooke, taking her turn to study Haley's hair. "This looks great Brooke! Absolutely stunning. What do you think Hales?"

Haley flicked her eyes to study her hair, the way the golden waves hung loosely at the nape of her neck, pulled back by discreetly hidden pins. It was just as she had imagined it, romantic and wistful, and she knew it would work perfectly with her veil.

"I love it. Thank you, Brooke. It looks perfect."

Brooke smiled warmly. "I'm glad you like it. Now let's get your makeup done so we can get you in that dress. I've been dying to see you all complete!"

"You want a swig?" Tim offered helpfully to Nathan, who continued to pace across the hotel room in his shirt and tie.

Nathan looked at the proffered scotch, shaking his head quickly. "No thanks."

Tim shrugged. "Are you sure? It might help settle those nerves."

Nathan's eyes flicked to the glass, the amber liquid calling to his frazzled nerves. He moved his hand, briefly wanting to feel the warm slide of the liquor down his throat, coating his stomach against the butterflies that fluttered there. Thinking twice, he shook his head again. "No. Thanks though."

"Okay." Tim took another pull, setting the glass down sharply on the desk. "So, how are you feeling man? I don't think I've seen you this pumped since the draft."

Nathan ran a hand across his face. "I don't think I've felt like this ever. It's like I can't sit still. I can't wait to see her. I love her."

Tim smiled. "Well any idiot can see that man. And you two are so happy; it's enough to make a guy sick."

"Thanks man." Nathan shook his head, laughing.

"No problem." Tim swallowed the last of his drink, wincing slightly. "Congratulations Nate. I don't know if I've said that, but really, I'm happy for you."

"Thanks Tim. That means a lot."

Tim nodded again. "Oh, and if something should happen to Lucas…"

"You're still not the best man." Lucas said as he reentered the hotel room.

Nathan laughed as Tim's face soured. "Yeah, I know. You're his brother. Whatever." He gave Luke a quick punch on the arm. "If it wasn't me, I guess I can deal with it being you."

A quick knock sounded against the hotel door, causing all three men to turn. Jimmy stuck his head in, grinning. "How's my soon to be son-in-law doing?" He opened the door, coming into the room fully and giving Nathan a quick hug.

Nathan let out a shaky breath. "I didn't expect to be this nervous."

"I don't think it would be normal if you weren't. No matter how much you love someone, this day is just bound to play on your nerves. The day I married Lydia, I threw up six times. Once right before she walked down the aisle." The boys laughed loudly but Jimmy's spoke up again. "You think I'm joking? I had to have my best man pass me mints throughout the ceremony so I wouldn't repulse Lyd."

"Did she ever find out?" Lucas smiled, clearly knowing the answer to his question.

"Are you kidding me? I'm not suicidal Luke." Jimmy chuckled. "I do love Lydia, but that is one secret I'll take to the grave. And if any of you tell her, it'll be your grave I'm taking it to."

The younger men all laughed, a certain ease falling across the room in Jimmy's presence. "Thanks Jimmy. I needed that." Nathan nodded thoughtfully.

Jimmy shrugged. "I figured you could use a laugh. Today's an important day, and no matter what you may feel, just know she's feeling all the same things. My little girl is crazy about you Nate, don't ever doubt that."

"I won't."

"Now," Jimmy turned to Nathan, "before I leave you all to go see my darling daughter, I want to give this to the groom." Reaching into his pocket, Jimmy pulled out a handkerchief. Pulling back the cloth, an antique pocket watch sat glistening. "This was my father's, Haley's grandpa Tom; he brought it back for my mother from Europe during his time in World War II. My father gave it to me on my 18th birthday. I gave it to Mark during his wedding to Carrie, and I'd like to think it's brought some luck to the family. I'd be honored if you'd keep it in your pocket today."

Nathan took the gold pocket watch into his hand, carefully turning it over in his palm. The gold had begun to fade, the scratches of time apparent against the veneer, but Nathan could still make out the inscription on the back. "May 16, 1945." He looked at Jimmy questioningly.

"That's the day my dad's company came back from the war. My father had it inscribed on the watch because he told my mom that was when time started again for them."

Nathan smiled, truly touched by Jimmy's offer, and he enclosed his hand around the watch, keeping it tight. "Thank you, Jimmy. This means a lot to me. I'd be happy to hold on to it."

Jimmy pulled Nathan into a tight hug, his hand clapping on Nathan's strong back. "You take care of my little girl, Nate. Love her like she deserves."

"I will. You can count on that." Nathan smiled. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a small drawstring bag. "Will you give this to Haley when you see her?"

"Of course." Clearing his throat, Jimmy pulled at his tie. "Alright, I better head over to the bridal suite. I'll see you boys in a little bit."

"Bye Jimmy." The boys chorused; the mood in the room complacent. Lucas looked down at the clock, his eyes clearing.

"I think it's about time we headed downstairs. You ready Nate?"

Nathan took one last look around the room. His mind rolled through the list of things he needed to remember, checking off each one. His hand patted at the pocket where the watch lay, and he smiled, "More than ever."

Lucas nodded, pulling his brother into a long hug before pushing open the door. "Let's go get you hitched."

Nathan smiled, already halfway out the door when one single thought entered his mind, and he felt the blood drain from his face, "The rings!"

"Do you have everything you need? Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?" Brooke questioned as they helped Haley into her gown. The silky dress slid easily up her body, the long sweeps of satin tying across her shoulders and falling down the back of the dress in an elegant sweep of material.

Haley fingered her earrings. "Well you gave me the something borrowed. Thanks again, these dew drop diamond earrings are fantastic."

Brooke smiled, "Thank my mom. She may not have much else, but she does have excellent taste in jewelry."

Peyton laughed, "That's true. Trying on your mom's jewelry was our favorite thing to do at your house. Remember that time she caught us in her closet, trying on all her designer dresses. She almost screamed when she saw the peanut butter smeared on her vintage Chanel."

"Oh my god!" Brooke broke out in loud laughter. "I had completely forgotten about that. That was hilarious!"

"You two had to have been trouble growing up." Haley shook her head, laughing.

Peyton raised an eyebrow. "You know it. But from the stories Luke has told me, the two of you might have given us a run for our money."

Haley smiled secretively, "Maybe."

"Okay so you have your something borrowed. What about the rest?" Brooke spoke up again.

"I think this covers the something blue." Peyton held up the garter, twirling it on her finger. "Just enough blue to count, I'd say."

Haley laughed, moving to pull the garter up her leg, careful to keep the dress from wrinkling. "Just the right amount."

"Well that's two. What about something old?" Brooke looked around.

"I've got that, girls." Lydia spoke up as she swung back into the room. She held out a red velvet box. "I wore this bracelet when I married your father Haley." She opened the case, the delicate silver glinting against the velvet. "It was his wedding present to me, and I thought you might like to wear it today."

Haley reached out a hand to trace over the thin bracelet, the interlocking hearts woven throughout the chain. "It's beautiful Mom."

Lydia smiled, swatting back tears. "I always loved this bracelet. I hope it brings you some of the luck your father and I have had over the years." Taking the bracelet out, she clasped it around Haley's wrist, her hands grabbing Haley's tightly. "I love you honey."

Haley grinned, her eyes flooding with tears. "I love you too, Mom." She hugged her mom tightly, paying no mind to her dress.

"That bracelet is absolutely perfect. So now, all we need is something new." Brooke smiled.

"I think I may have something to fix that." Jimmy popped his head in. "Is it alright for the father of the bride to come in now?"

"Daddy! Of course. Come in." Haley smiled radiantly at her father, her whole face glowing.

Jimmy strode over, taking Haley into his arms. "You look gorgeous Haley. Truly stunning. Nathan won't know what hit him."

"Thank you. I'm so excited to see him. How's he doing?"

"Nathan? He's great. Nervous, but excited. I think they were heading down there when I left."

"You said you had something new for her Jim." Lydia reminded her husband.

Jimmy smiled, "Right, right. Sorry." He pulled the drawstring pouch out of his pocket, simply handing it to Haley without a further word.

Pulling open the bag, Haley's hands fidgeted with the strings, her eyes searching. Dipping two fingers in, she pulled out a simple silver necklace, a heart locket nestled beautifully. Her eyes grew teary when she saw the N and H inscribed on either side of the locket.

"Nathan." She spoke softly, knowing exactly who the gift was from.

Peyton smiled, "Did he put a picture inside?"

Haley's hands trembled at the clasp, taking more than one attempt to open it. When she did, she let out a soft little cry, her hand flying to cover her mouth as her lips trembled.

On one side of the locket Nathan had put a picture of them from that first summer in Myrtle Beach. It had been after a nice dinner out with her family, and they had all decided to watch the sunset from the pier. Nathan's arms were wrapped tightly around her shoulders as he stood behind her; his head nestled into the crook of her neck, their eyes staring off at the sunset. Lydia had surprised them, taking the picture without them even noticing; only to give it to Haley framed for Christmas. The same picture sat on the mantle of their apartment in Philadelphia.

She was amazed at how young they looked in that picture, her hair darker and shorter, his slightly longer, and yet there was that obvious look of happiness and love. She often paused to look at the photo when they were at home, her hand reaching out to run along the edge of the frame.

The other side of the locket held a much newer picture, one taken only yesterday. It was from their rehearsal dinner at Plateau, their arms wrapped around each other's waists, their eyes only for each other. Haley felt the smile shoot across her face as she lifted her eyes to her parents and friends.

"It's perfect."

"How could I forget the rings?" Nathan shouted as he frantically searched his luggage for any trace of their wedding rings.

"Nathan." Lucas tried to break in again, only to be ignored as Nathan continued to scour his luggage.

"Haley is going to kill me. I had one job. To make sure the rings got here, and I couldn't even do that. She'll never want to marry someone who can't even think to remember the freaking wedding rings!" Nathan pulled all his clothes out, searching the lining of the luggage.

"Nathan!" Lucas shouted, finally garnering his brother's attention. In his hand he held the familiar velvet box.

Nathan reached out to snatch the box, letting out a shaky breath as the two rings winked at him from beneath the folds. Snapping the lid shut, his eyes turned on his brother. "Why didn't you say you had them all along?" He reached out to smack him hard in the arm.

Lucas rubbed at his arm, scowling. "I tried. You were ignoring me. You gave me the rings last week. Right after Haley gave them to you, and I believe it was for this exact reason. Geez."

Nathan frowned, his eyebrows wrinkled. "Don't ever do that to me again. I almost had a heart attack."

"Some best man." Tim quipped, earning him a glare from both Scott brothers.

"Tim." Lucas groaned.

Tim smiled, "I know, I know. I'm not the best man. I'm just saying. If I had been the best man, I never would have done that to you Nate."

"No because in your case, the rings really would have been forgotten." Lucas shot back.

Nathan ignored them both, striding over to open the hotel room door. He didn't even wait for them, instead moving down the hall to press the elevator button.

"Sorry Nate." Lucas appeared beside him, chagrin.

Tim, too, looked apologetic. "It's your wedding day. I don't want to ruin that."

Nathan smiled, "Don't worry. Nothing you two do could possibly ruin it. I'm just ready to see her."

"I know you're excited to see Nathan honey, but I just wanted one last moment with my little girl before we head downstairs." Jimmy smiled at his daughter, his mind flashing to how she looked when she was younger, her hair pulled into pigtails, her overalls stained with grass.

Haley smiled beautifully, her lips curling up. "I can't believe I'm getting married. I've been planning this for so long; I just can't believe it's actually here."

"Well from what I've seen downstairs, it was well worth the wait." Jimmy coughed, his throat clearing. "You're my baby girl Hales. As much as I love your brothers and sisters, you've always been my little girl. I still remember the first time I held you. You didn't make one peep, just kept on sleeping, ignoring the noise of your brothers and sisters yelling around you. You've always been like that Haley; you've always been able to drown out the noise to focus on what's important. I don't know if you realize how truly special that is."

"Dad." Haley spoke up, her eyes misting again.

"Nathan's a good man Haley. A better man than I could have ever hoped for you to find, and he loves you completely. Be good to him. Be good to each other. Life will get hard, and it will test you, but the only way to survive it is to know you have each other to count on. Never forget how important it is to be together."

"Thank you Daddy. That means a lot to me." Haley kissed her father tenderly on the cheek. "I don't think I've ever told you how proud I've been of this family. Nathan never had the kind of family we have, but you welcomed him with open arms. That means more to me then I can ever say."

Jimmy smiled, "He's a part of our family Hales. He has been since that first summer; since that first dinner. I'm glad you found him."

"So am I. God, so am I." Haley wrapped her arms tightly around her father's shoulders, pulling him into a long hug.

"I love you Haley. And I'm so proud of you." Jimmy squeezed her again, before drawing back to look in her eyes. "Be happy Haley. Make everyone else jealous of just how happy you are."

Haley grinned, her mind flashing to Nathan. "Already done."

"You look good Nate."

Nathan fixed a long look on his father, his eyes kind. "Thanks Dad. I feel good too."

Dan nodded, his eyes moving to stare off to the side, "I just wanted to say how happy I am for you. I'm glad you're happy Nathan. You deserve it. You and Haley both. That's a great girl you have Nathan, don't ever let her forget that." His eyes moved subconsciously to where Deb sat in the first row, her dress a stunning crimson.

Nathan followed his father's sight line, smiling at his mother. "I won't Dad. She means the world to me."

Dan's eyes flew back to Nathan's, a kind smile on his lips. "I can't believe my son's getting married today. I don't feel old enough for this."

Nathan laughed, "You're not old. Well not yet at least."

"Thanks son." Dan reached out to pat Nathan's shoulder. "Remember this moment Nathan. It only comes once." And with that, he turned, taking the seat beside Deb, his hand reaching out to grasp hers lightly.

Nathan shook his head at his parents, unsure of what it all meant, before he turned to stand beside Lucas and Tim.

Lucas spoke softly, his eyes concerned. "Everything okay?"

Looking at Dan again, seeing the genuine smile there, Nathan found his own lips curving. "Everything's great."

Their guests quieted as the minister moved to stand beside Nathan, his hand rising to cue the musicians. The violins started, the song soft and melodic as the doors opened wide to reveal Brooke, standing still in her calf length black silk dress. She smiled brilliantly, her hands clasped tight around the blood red roses of her bouquet. She moved effortlessly down the aisle, her eyes kind as she gave Nathan and Lucas a quick wink.

Peyton came next, her dress and bouquet a mirror of Brooke's, her hair loose in wave of curls that hung around her jaw. She grinned at Lucas as she passed, her lips moving to mouth an 'I love you' as she moved to stand beside Brooke.

The flower girl, Lizzie, moved quickly down the aisle, her hand spreading a trail of those deep red rose petals along the white train. She all but ran to her mother, forgetting to take her time, earning quite a few chuckles from the guests.

The doors closed loudly, and Nathan blew out a long breath. The quartet began to play the wedding march, and he felt his heart begin to race. The guests stood, turning to face the back, as the doors opened grandly one last time, and Haley stood there, a vision.

He could see the soft smile that played across her lips, even from that great a distance, and he vowed himself to take it all in, to concentrate on every single moment of this, the very cadence of her step, the way her hand clutched onto Jimmy's arm, the way her veil created a thin sheen.

They moved slowly up the aisle, Jimmy's smile broad as he watched the way Nathan watched his daughter. The air sizzled between them with love and adoration, and Jimmy saw his daughter's eyes, never wavering from Nathan's face.

Haley could not seem to focus on anything other than how handsome Nathan looked standing there, his eyes trained on her intently, the right side of his mouth curled up as he stood there, drinking her in. He winked at her, causing her to blush, and she felt her lips spread into a wide smile, reserved only for him.

At last they reached the front, Haley's eyes still locked with Nathan's, as the minister's words ran throughout the room.

"Who gives this woman away?"

Jimmy smiled, "Her mother and I do." He pulled Haley's hand from around his arm, lifting her veil to give her cheek a kiss, before replacing the veil, and turning to Nathan to give his hand a firm shake.

Nathan grinned at Jimmy, enthusiastically shaking his hand, before reaching for Haley, pulling her up even beside him. Haley smiled, mouthing 'I love you' which Nathan returned wholeheartedly.

"We come here today to celebrate the love of Haley and Nathan. An unlikely match some were inclined to say. A girl and a boy who fell in love at a time when most people shrug relationships off as nothing more than high school infatuation. Yet here they stand, six years later, and more in love than ever; surrounded by their family and friends, wanting to declare their love for all to hear.

"But if there is someone here who feels they have some reason as to why this marriage should not be, speak now, and let your reasons be known."

The minister paused briefly, smiling as the guests stayed quiet.

"Nathan and Haley the vows you are about to take are not to be taken without careful thought and consideration. For in them, you are committing yourselves exclusively the one to the other for as long as you both shall live. This love is not to be diminished by difficult circumstances, and it is only to be dissolved by death.

"Haley and Nathan have chosen to write their own vows as a sign of their love and commitment. Nathan, we'll start with you."

Nathan nodded, turning towards Haley, her hands clasped tightly in his. "Haley. For as long as we've been together, I've known I wanted to be with you. You have brought so much light and love into my life, that I can't imagine my world without you there beside me. I promise to love you, comfort and encourage you, be open and honest with you, and stay with you as long as we both shall live. You are my world Haley, and I promise to never give you any reason to doubt that. I love you."

Haley's eyes glistened with fresh tears, and her hands clutched Nathan's desperately, wishing she could kiss him.

"And now, Haley." The minister broke in again.

Haley grinned, her eyes locked on Nathan's. "Nathan, I've loved you since I was sixteen. There hasn't been one moment worth remembering that you weren't beside me for. You have become my friend, my love, and now my husband. I cherish all that the future holds for us and I promise to you my love and faith, my comfort and support, in all that life may bring us. Your needs are my needs. Your home is my home. In your arms, I don't need the sun, or a sky around it, or the stars to wish upon. I need only you. I love you."

They grinned happily at each other, their eyes never leaving each others as the minister spoke again.

"With their vows affirmed, and their love eternal, we seek the rings as an undying symbol of these vows. The rings please."

Lucas moved forward, placing the two platinum rings on the minister's bible.

"Nathan, take Haley's left hand in yours. Nathan, do you take Haley to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her, forsaking all others and holding only onto her?"

Nathan's eyes locked on Haley's as the words flowed effortlessly around them, the ring pressed between his fingers, eager to slide it along her finger. Her eyes sparkled up at his, her mouth smiling beautifully, encouragingly.

"I do."

"Haley, take Nathan's left hand in yours. Haley, do you take Nathan to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish him, forsaking all others and holding only onto him?"

Haley winked at him, as the words slid beautifully from between her lips. "I do."

The minister nodded, "Nathan, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed. All my love, I do thee give."

Nathan's eyes never wavered, his voice never faltering, "With this ring, I thee wed. All my love, I do thee give." He slid the ring along her finger, the elegant antique setting encircling her finger perfectly.

"Haley, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed. All my love, I do thee give."

Haley's eyes glistened as the words took on new meaning, and her voice broke slightly as the tears clouded. "With this ring, I thee wed. All my love, I do thee give." Haley's own hands fumbled nervously as she slid the simple platinum band along the length of Nathan's finger. He gave her fingers a squeeze, smiling gently down at her.

"For as much as Nathan and Haley have consented together in holy wedlock, their love been witnessed before these guests, and have pledged faithfulness by the exchange of rings, by the authority invested in me, by the state of North Carolina, I pronounce them husband and wife. Nathan, you may kiss your bride."

Nathan grinned, taking care to pull Haley's veil back, her face shining brightly as she moved closer to him. His hand ran along her neck, saw the locket lying nestled in the hollow of her collarbone, and smiled, his breath catching in his chest. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to hers tenderly; wanting to taste all of her, drink in this first kiss as husband and wife, remember it always. It was a kiss of love, of hope, of beginning.

When they broke apart, the room erupted in applause, and the minister strained to be heard. "May I pronounce, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Scott."

Their lips met again, as their family and friends continued to clap happily, the air filled with all the promise of love and new beginnings.