"So Nate's coming over to kill me?"
"No, he's coming over to talk to me."
"Well he's probably the most understanding of them."
"Yeah. So mom is gone for the weekend packing the rest of her stuff, so its just you me and Jace"
"What time will Nate be here?"
"Soon probably, i'm going to go call him and make a salad, put the steaks on pretty pleace."
"You think feeding him will make everything better?"
"Hey I dated him so it should if he's anything like he was back then."
"Alright, im going, im going, anything to make you happy."
Chris walked down the stairs chuckling to himself..
"Damn Chris Keller is whipped."
-------
Peyton called up Nathan telling him she was cooking him dinner and to be there soon, that the door was unlocked and to come on in. She was in the kitchen with Jace dancing around to "Punk Rock Princess" when Chris came in and turned the radio off. He picked up Jacen in his arms and wrapped one arm around Peyton and she put one of her arms around his neck, the other around his waist. They started dancing to Chris singing;
"Everyone tell me that they understand
Everyone says that it s true
They say my woman s the best thing I got
So I m being faithful to you
They say my woman s the best thing I got
So Im being faithful to you, love
Im being faithful to you."
They didn't hear the door open or Nate walk in. He just stood there watching the scene thinking how much happier she looks than she did when she left. Even though he was not a fan of Chris anyone who made her this happy probably isnt all that bad.
He cleared his throat and entered the room.
"Hey Nate, you remember Chris right?"
"Yeah, of course. How could I forget."
"Hey babe, i'm going to go change Jace while you finish the salad."
"Ok"
She leaned over and kissed his cheek and the babies forehead. Then they walked out of the room.
"Hey Nate, Chris and I made steak, salad, and potatoes. Hope thats ok."
"Thats fine, but um, what's he doing here?"
"We've been dating for a year. That baby he was holding is ours. Jacen Lyric Keller."
"Is he the reason you left?"
"No. I left for personal reasons. I'll tell you everything after dinner, just please try to be nice to him."
After eating dinner, Chris excused himself to give Jacen a bath so that Peyton and Nathan could talk.
"Peyt are you happy?"
"Yeah Nate, I really am."
"Can you tell me what happened?"
"Alot of things were going crappy. And I didn't want to burden you guys. I started doing coke and I was disappointed in myself. When Chris left a few months before I did he gave me his number and told me to call for anything, and I did the same. It was like a silent agreement. One night I almost did another line a coke, but when I reached into my purse I grabbed his number. I ended up calling him, 3 hours later he was here and we left that night. He got me into a 6 week rehab program. And therapy. I met my birthmom, I fell in love with Chris, and a month ago I had Jacen. We were going to come back awhile ago but when I got pregnant, then put on bedrest it took a little while longer. My mom is coming to live in Tree Hill with us because she has cancer and wants to spend time with us before she passes. But ya, Chris and I are here for good. Except for when he goes on tour."
"Wow Peyt, I didn't know things were so bad you had to turn to drugs."
"Well now you know the whole story. How's everyone in Tree Hill?"
"Haley and I are doing good. Brooke and Lucas aren't dating anymore. He dumped her to be with you and then you disappeared. So they both took it hard, so did Haley because you were her first real friend besides Lucas."
"I'm sorry Nate."
"Dont be. I understand where you are coming from, i'm glad you got help, and i'm glad you're happy, even if it's with Chris."
"Does everyone know i'm back yet?"
"No. But tomorrow they will, you up for it?"
"Yeah."
"Well I better get going, i'll see you tomorrow. By the way Peyt, you did good with Jace."
"Thanks Nate..Hey when Jace was born Chris and me made you his godfather and Brooke his godmother."
"I guess i'll just have to keep putting up with you then so I can see the little man."
"I missed ya Nate."
"I missed ya too, bye Peyt."
After giving Nate a hug Peyton made her way upstairs, stopping first at the nursery to give Jacen a good night kiss, then into her and Chris' bedroom. Stopping at the doorway watching him sleep he looked like an angel, too bad he's not like that awake. Getting into more comfortable clothes she got into bed and felt an arm wrap around her.
"I always know when you're near" Chris whispered to her. "I love you."
"I love you too Chris."
They fell asleep both content with smiles on their face.