I'm sooo sorry for the delay. Anyway here is the new chapter. I know it's short, but I'll update more soon.

Please review.

Chapter Nine

23rd October 2006

It was Mary's birthday. She had turned five at 01:40 am. It was her first birthday without her mom.

Peyton had planned a nice dinner for her, with Jake and Jenny. They gave her nice presents and played games. Like a real family. But they weren't one. Besides everything that was happening and Brooke's death prevented them to be totally happy.

This was one birthday that Mary wouldn't remember.

----------------------------------------------

Nathan knew it was his daughter's birthday. But Peyton hadn't let him see her. Anyway why would she want to see him. She didn't know him, whereas Peyton was her aunt, someone she had know her whole life.

Haley was worried for Nathan. And angry. How could Peyton do that? How could she prevent a little girl to meet her father?

12th November 2006

Haley was cooking dinner. She knew Nathan had been in court today.

They had had the tests results a few days earlier. He was Mary's father.

She heard the door open and Nathan called her. "Hales? You're here?"

She went to the living room and he surprised her by taking her by the waist and spinning her around. He then put her back on the floor and kissed her urgently.

"I can see her." he said a gig smile o his face?

"Really?" he nodded.

"That wonderful." Haley exclaimed. "When?"

"Saturday. I'm so glad that I have been allowed to spend some time with her. And you'll meet her."

"Huh..." Haley trailed.

"What? You don't want to meet her?" Nathan worried.

"No, it's not that. But I think you should spend some time alone with her first." she explained.

"Oh, ok"

"Maybe you could take her to see a movie and then you'll bring her back here." Haley suggested.

"Yeah, that seems great. I can't wait to see her and for you to meet her."

Nathan chuckled when Haley pressed a kiss against his cheek. He looked down into her uplifted face and asked, "What was that for?"

"I'm just proud of you and I love you. That's all," Haley shrugged with a grin.

He brushed his lips over hers as a thank you.

"I love you so much," he said huskily. "So much, Haley."

"I love you too." She reached up and pressed her palm to his cheek.

Next chapter: Nathan and Mary together. Haley meets Mary.