Author's Note – Hey there guys so here it is, the last chapter. I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has followed and supported me with my first venture into the world of fan fiction. It's been great, and all your interest and enthusiasm has made the blood, sweat and tears all the more worthwhile. Ha! This chapter has been in my head since the beginning in its exact format and to be writing it now is thrilling. I hope you like it. And stay tuned at the end as I have a sneak preview of what comes next. Enjoy!

Nobody's Fault But Mine

Chapter 24 – Building a Mystery

Two and a half years later.....

Lucas Scott stood on the stone steps outside the church in his hometown of Tree Hill. He smiled as the guests arrived and they glanced at him warmly. Today was the day he was to pledge his heart and forever to the girl who had laid her claim to both from the moment he had literally collided with her back in New York City.

The quaint little town bloomed with its flowers and the late spring day was perfect with its vivid blue skies. It was his wife to be who had chosen Tree Hill as the location of their wedding. She had fallen for the town's charm almost as much as she had fallen in love with his family.

After Antonio Garcia had been taken into custody by the FBI, a disillusioned Lucas had taken a sabbatical and brought Peyton home to meet his family. They had welcomed her into the fold with open arms. His mother adored her, though there was never any question in his mind that the two wouldn't get along, and she treated Peyton like a daughter. The two of them healed together in the quiet solitude of the quintessential seaside town. Peyton had spent that Christmas surrounded by love, laughter and acceptance for the first time in years.

Once they had returned to New York Peyton had enrolled to NYU to study Art History and Lucas had gone back to work determined to find a balance between work and life. A year later whilst they returned to celebrate a second family Christmas Lucas proposed to her and she had uttered a tearful "yes" without a moment's hesitation.

Now dressed in his tux with his brother and nephew at his side; Lucas found his palms were slightly sweaty and his stomach was in knots because of the knowledge that Peyton Sawyer was the one.

"Nervous?" Nathan asked as he placed a hand on his shoulder. His younger brother and his best man knew really he had no reason to be.

"A little," Lucas replied with a smile. He was nervous because he wanted the perfect day for her. "Thanks Nate, for everything." His brother had always believed in the couple's budding romance and it was therefore a given that he be the best man.

"You're welcome bro."

"You got the rings buddy?" Lucas said to Jamie then as he crouched to the youngster's own height.

"Yeap Uncle Luke," he said brandishing the rings with a proudly broad grin.

-- --

Peyton stared back at the woman reflected in the full length mirror. She smoothed out the long skirts of her dress. With its simply details and jewelled bodice she felt slightly awestruck. The little frightened and orphaned girl was now surrounded by big hearts and unconditional kindness.

"Auntie Peyton," the all too familiar voice squealed for her attention. Peyton turned from the mirror and watched as the little dark haired girl she had loved since she was born ran up to her and threw her arms around her waist.

"Hey beautiful girl," Peyton bent slightly to hug a now eight year old Jenny Jagielski. "I missed you." She beamed as she caught sight of Jenny's father now entering the room. "Look at you. All grown up," she stroked back Jenny's thick brown locks. Dressed in her little white dress with flowers in her hair she melted Peyton's heart. "You make such a cute flower girl." The little girl smiled back happily.

"Hi Jake," she said lightly as she moved to embrace her oldest and best friend. "I'm so glad you came."

"Hi Peyt. We wouldn't have missed it," he squeezed her shoulders. He took in her appearance with a wide grin. "Who would have thought it," Jake drawled. "Scrawny little Peyton Sawyer is now all grown up and looking every bit the fairy tale bride. I still remember when you were a tomboy and you refused to even wear a dress. Now look at you. You're beautiful."

"Thank you," she replied. "Though you had your chance," she joked with the boy who had been her first kiss at aged seven after they had watched some old black and white movie and wanted to see if kissing was all it was cracked up to be.

"Your mom and dad would be so proud of you right now," Jake went on to say. "A student at NYU. They'd be so proud of the woman you've become."

"Don't," she uttered as the statement immediately brought stinging tears to her eyes. "You'll make me cry and I'll ruin my makeup."

Jake took her hand, "they would though. They'd be so happy for you. They'd love that you've found someone who makes you so happy." Truth was Jake couldn't remember seeing her this happy not since she was the idealist little girl who lived next door to him. "You deserve to be happy Peyton."

"Yeah," Peyton had to wipe back the stray tears that fell stubbornly. She knew her mother who have loved Lucas and that her father who have too even though he would have been over protective of his little girl at first. "Thank you for agreeing to give me away," she said then needing to change the subject before she crumbled.

"You're welcome," he grinned at her.

-- --

Lucas stood on the alter as the wedding began. He smiled as he watched as Jenny Jagielski sprinkled the flower petals along the aisle as she approached and the eagerness of his nephew made him feel elated. He took in all the happy guests and Haley, his best friend and her maid of honour, who winked at him before his eyes returned to focus on the other end of the church.

His heart caught in his throat as she began to walk down the aisle with Jake at her side. All eyes centred now onto the young bride as she moved slowly towards him. Her eyes never strayed from the man she was about to promise the rest of her life to. She was a truly a vision as she glowed with pure happiness and adoration. She had never looked so beautiful. She wore her hair in the loose flowing curls that she knew he loved and her wedding dress swayed elegantly with each step. Once she reached him, Lucas took her hands into his own.

The priest began to talk of the undying love and devotion that brought everyone together on that day and then instructed Lucas to state his vows.

"Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer," he smiled as her name rolled effortlessly off his tongue. "I fell in love with you from the moment I saw you. Your beauty, your heart and your courage made me realise what's truly important in this world. You make me happier than I ever thought possible. You're the other half of my soul. I promise I'll always love you and protect you. I want to be everything for you." Lucas slid her wedding band onto her finger and she sniffed back her tears of joy.

"Lucas Scott," her eyes shone with tears and admiration for the man who had made her feel whole again. "When I was lost and scared you found me. You made me believe in love and hope again. You make me feel loved and safe. You make me want to be a better version of myself. When I'm with you I feel like I can do anything. You're my hero Luke and I'll always love you." She slipped the ring onto his finger as she smiled up at him.

The priest announced them as man and wife after they had traded their "I do's" and Lucas brought her in close for the kiss. Applause erupted, "You look like an angel," he whispered in her ear as he held her.

Their wedding reception was held at the local hotel and Lucas soon found himself surrounded by people shaking his hand and telling him congratulations. His own eyes strayed continuously to his new wife as she talked animatedly with her mother in law and Uncle Keith. She beamed at him as she caught his eye.

"Congratulations," Mitch Cassidy husked from behind him causing Lucas to turn towards him. Mitch had taken the day off especially to fly down to see his partner get married.

"Thank you," he shook his hand but Mitch brought him in for a pat on the back. "So," Lucas said then, "word is that you made Captain. Guess I'll have to get used to working with someone different." They'd had their differences over the Garcia case but Lucas would miss working with someone who he trusted. And who always had his back even in the days when Lucas didn't necessary believe it.

"Yes, it's a new job for me and a new rookie cop for you now to take under your wing," he smiled in a father like way. "You're ready Lucas."

"Hey," Peyton said joyously then as she joined them.

"Hi sweetheart," Mitch smiled warmly at her and kissed her cheek.

"Will you do me the honour of the next dance?" she asked Mitch as she held out her hand.

"I'd love to young lady," Mitch followed Peyton to the dance floor.

"Congratulations Lucas," Brooke rasped as she stood next to him. "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you Brooke," he knew it would have taken a lot for her to wish him well. "You did a wonderful job with her dress Brooke," Lucas uttered gratefully. He had had reservations when Haley first suggested that his ex wife design Peyton's dress. Haley had wanted her two friends to come to accept each other and both she and Lucas knew Brooke would always be in their lives being as she was Godmother to Jamie.

Brooke nudged him, "I didn't want to like her Luke. But she makes you happy and maybe that's enough. Anyway I'll see you." With a smile and a clack of her heel she went to dance with Jamie.

After the wedding reception he had driven them along the coastline to an isolated beach front property with its own private beach. For the next week it would just be them, alone in an idyllic setting far away from the rest of the world. She snuggled up in his arms as he navigated the winding coastal roads.

"Well here we are," Lucas announced as he pulled the mustang to a stop. "Just give me a few moments. It's a surprise," he told her as she eyed him curiously. He returned within a couple of minutes and after helping her out of the car he swept her off her feet.

Lucas carried her over the threshold as she giggled. "You are a hopeless romantic Lucas Scott. But I love you anyway," she chided and pressed soft kisses to his throat. He set her down carefully. She gasped taking in the sight around her. He'd decorated the entire house with candles, roses and petals trailing across the wooden floors.

"You did all of this? It's beautiful Luke," she moved back to him lacing her arms around his neck. "I'm a lucky girl." Her eyes held nothing but affection for the man she loved so dearly.

"Yes you are," he kissed her nose playfully.

"So," she said trailing her index finger over his chest. "What are we going to do with ourselves for a whole week if it's just us?"

"Well beautiful girl," he smiled devilishly at her. "I've been aching to touch you all day."

"Really?" she bit her lip, her eyes locking with his as she silently consented to his intentions.

-- --

Peyton had woken early the next morning to the sound of the waves crashing outside. She lay contentedly staring at the rings she now wore on her left hand. She settled her head against the chest of her sleeping husband until her phone startled her out of her blessed reverie. She pulled her satin robe around her body before she crossed to the glass doors and out onto the balcony so she wouldn't wake him.

After she had taken the call her hand trailed down to rest on her stomach as she stared out at the ocean. She held her breath as she tried to process the news.

"Peyt?" he called to her as he pulled back the door. He gazed worriedly at her shell shocked expression. "Honey, what's wrong?"

"I'm pregnant Luke," she turned to face him after she had uttered the statement. "I just found out. I'd been feeling faint at school and I almost collapsed so I went to the doctor and I'm pregnant." Her words came out in a rush. She had thought she'd just overdone it with college and planning for a wedding and the reality dawned on her as she told him the news and watched him take it in. "I know we've talked about this and I know we planned to wait awhile but..."

Lucas caught her up in his arms without a moment's hesitation. It might not have been the way they had planned it but somehow the news just felt right. He kissed her delicately wanting her to know that he was more than ok with the pregnancy. He was ecstatic. "Oh sweetheart. I love you so much," he trailed his thumb over her cheek. "How far along are you?"

"Six weeks." Her face broke into a smile as he beamed at her infectiously. "We're having a baby Lucas."

"I love you Mrs Scott." He kissed her passionately. He knew their baby would be beautiful and he could barely contain his happiness.

That precious week together, they found that they fell easily into a routine. They'd sleep until mid morning, having spent the night talking and making love. They would have breakfast on the porch each morning. They would take it in turns to make breakfast, he would cook and on her days Peyton would drive to the nearest town and return armed with cream doughnuts and fresh pastries. She justified she was pregnant and could now have all the treats she craved.

They'd swim in their exclusive strip of ocean. They'd wade through the clear deep blue waters holding hands as they played and kissed.

On their final night together before they were due to fly back to New York they sat on the moonlit sands and feasted on the dinner they had prepared together. As they stared up at the stars it seemed crazy to think that tomorrow they'd be lying in a very different environment.

"Boy or girl?" she asked turning her head to face him.

"I want a little girl. Just like her mother," he proclaimed. "Though if it is a girl I won't let any boy close enough to get her pregnant." He was only half joking. He knew how protective he already felt towards their unborn child.

Peyton propped herself up on her elbows. "You are going to be one of those over bearing father types aren't you?" She leant in to kiss him knowing he would make the best father.

"What about you Peyt?" he ventured.

"I don't really mind," she confessed. As long as her child was happy and healthy she'd be content. "I just want our child to grow up surrounded by the stability that we didn't have. I want him or her to have the best life possible."

"Did I ever tell you how much I loved Peyton Sawyer Scott?"

She smiled at the name she loved. "Yeah, but I still love hearing it. I love you too Lucas Scott, with all my heart."

With the night being warm and breezy they lay on the woollen blanket and just held each other until the morning came. They slept under the twinkling stars and listened to the steady thrum created by the never ending ocean. Everything seemed to have been gently touched with the brush strokes of eternity on that wondrous night.

-Fin

And now a sneaky peak at what comes next....

The Day that Never Comes

Antonio Garcia kicked off at the side and swam the length of his crystal blue pool. His early morning ritual never failed to get his day off to a great start.

"Thomas!" his wife called from the porch for his attention. "Breakfast is ready."

He stopped mid stroke and motioned that he had heard her. He pulled himself up from the watery depths and wrapped the white fluffy towel around his waist. He stood for a moment to survey the beautiful day.

For the past two and a half years he had been Thomas Freeman. He and his wife Jennifer had been taken into the Witness Protection Program after his criminal activity back in New York had been uncovered. Antonio had cut a deal with Special Agent Jessop and he had been taken to this secure location in Dallas, Texas.

With the hot Texan sun beating down on him and a grumble in his stomach he pranced inside.

"Ingrid" as she was know now set a plate of Eggs Benedict in front of him. "I'm going back to bed," she announced.

Antonio picked up his fork and waved her off with an answer of "whatever." He knew she would now spend the day drinking before she passed out.

They both stopped their respective actions as they heard the click of a car door being opened and then the footsteps that followed up the driveway.

"Who's that?" Antonio asked setting down the cutlery. Food was no longer of any interest to him.

"Probably Jessop," she answered with a shrug of her shoulders and went towards the door.

Antonio rose up from his seat as he aired on the side of caution. Jessop would always call ahead before a visit. "Jennifer stay back," he warned then.

The front door's window exploded with gunfire and its glass shattered across the hallway.

"STAY DOWN! STAY DOWN JEN," he shouted over the blasts.

There was an ear shattering barrage that followed. More glass shattered and splintered everywhere and bullets shrieked past them only to bounce off the walls.

"JESUS ANTONIO," Jennifer Garcia shouted above the racket. "WHAT'S GOING ON?"

They've found us, he thought.

Antonio moved towards her and grabbed her hand trying to get them to safety. The noise was deafening, so much so that he had no real idea where the bullets were coming from anymore. Shots hit the walls, cabinets and pictures. The house alarm was now blaring.

They were done for surely. He needed to get upstairs. He motioned for her to follow. She stumbled up the staircase and they crawled along the landing floor.

As suddenly as it had started it was all over. And then there was silence. He lay pressed to the carpet as he listened, not daring to move. He heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps and then the starting of the car engine. He waited until the vehicle had driven off.

Antonio pulled himself up to his feet and stood amongst the wreckage. He stood alone, Jennifer lay wide eyed and bleeding from the chest.

Slowly and still cautious he moved to his den. He hit in the combination to his safe and took out the glock that the FBI had never recovered from him.

He was now the hunted.

To be continued.......

A/N Once again thanks guy for tagging along on this ride.