Chapter 4

Dan Scott pulled up to the Rivercourt and parked is black Mercedes Benz. He smiled at the sight of the decorated Rivercourt. It was Aiden's second birthday and his proud parents were throwing him a birthday party. The picnic tables were decorated with balloons and streamers. Nearby, two portable BBQs were being fired up by Jake and Nathan. Their wives sat on the bench talking and watching their children who ran wild around the park. Lucas stood in the middle of the court running around with his son. Peyton stood on the side, laughing, with a video camera, filming her two boys.

Just as Dan turned his engine off, his cell phone rang.

"Dan Scott," he answered.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Scott,"

Dan smiled as he hoped to hear some good news. He kept his eyes on Lucas and his family. "Ah, yes. Dr. McMurray. I suspect that you have the test results back,"

Seven months ago, Dr. McMurray took on Peyton's case and had been on it ever since, "I just went over them," the doctor paused, "I'm afraid I have some bad news. Peyton doesn't seem to be responding to the treatment as well as we hoped,"

Dan's stomach turned as he looked away from his son's family, "Wha…what do you mean?"

"The cancer seems to be more aggressive than first suspected…"

"Then try something else," Dan said rather harshly.

"Mr. Scott…"

"Look, I don't care what you have to do to make her better. Just do it. I'm not paying you all this money just so my son can watch his wife…" Dan held back, "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to…"

"It's ok, Mr. Scott. I understand how difficult this is for you and your family. I assure you that we will do everything we can to help Peyton,"

"Thank you," Dan hung up his phone and let out a deep breath. He looked back up to see everyone with smiling faces. After a few moments he wiped his eyes and composed himself. He picked up the blue gift back that sat on the passenger seat and got out of the car.

"You know," Peyton said as she climbed into bed beside her husband, "I used to be a big believer in fate,"

Lucas put down his book and removed his glasses as he looked curiously at his wife, "What do you mean?"

"I used to believe that things happen for a reason," Peyton shrugged. "But I'm not so sure anymore…"

"I'm still not following,"

"Seven months ago, Dr. McMurray, a world-renowned cancer specialist, shows up in small town Tree Hill and just happens to come across my file," Peyton let out a grin.

Lucas's eyes widened. He placed a kiss on his wife's forehead, "It's fate, trust me," he quickly said as he rolled over and turned off his reading light, leaving them in complete darkness, "Good night,"

He laid back down and pulled the comforter over his shoulders, hoping his wife would follow suit. Instead he heard her chuckle as she turned her night light on, "And then," she continued, "he tells us he'll do it pro bono," she looked over at her quiet husband. "But if that's not strange enough…you suddenly start being civil to Dan…then you invite him to our son's party,"

"Nah, it's just fate," Lucas smirked, "Good night," he rolled over to his side, facing away from her.

"Lucas…" Peyton said in a stern tone, "is there something you want to tell me?"

"Mmm…not really,"

Peyton playfully smacked her husband on his shoulder.

Lucas gave up and rolled over again, revealing a rather large smile, "It took you seven months to figure it all out? You're losing your touch, Peyt,"

Peyton's mouth fell open at her husband's joking reply. She pursed her lips together and started to pinch his arms.

"Ow. Ow. Ow," Lucas laughed, "Alright…I'll tell you,"

When their laughter finally subsided, Lucas looked at his wife with a loving look. He traced her jaw line lightly with his finger tip. "I love you so much,"

"I know," she whispered, "But you could have told me,"

"I'm sorry…I don't know. I just feel…I feel like I should be the one who should be taking care of my family,"

"You have been, Luke. You take care of Aiden when I can't, you work, you cook, clean the house…and at the same time, you still find time to take care of me,"

"But it's not enough…" Deep down he still felt like he failed her; he couldn't protect his wife from the disease that was taking over her body.

"Luke, it is…you've been doing more than I could ever ask of you. Maybe I don't tell you enough…but you're an amazing father and husband. I'm so thankful that I have you in my life…And so what if we need help. I'll always love you. And maybe even more so knowing that you put your feelings aside with Dan for me. And who knows, maybe it's fate getting you and Dan to finally get along,"

Peyton gently leaned in and kissed her husband. When they pulled apart she smiled at his grinning face.

"So you're not mad that I sold our son to Dan?"

"That is so not funny, Lucas Eugene," she hit his shoulder.

Lucas laughed as he pulled his wife on top of him. Slowly and gently, he made love to his wife that night. Together they savored each moment and each second they had with each other.