Don't Rock the Boat

I'm so happy that this story is being received so well. The reviews all make me smile! I've posted a new story called "Your Granddaughter" and if you haven't already, you should check it out!

A/N: I don't know if I ever gave the doctor a name, but I'm giving her (him? I don't even know if I gave the doctor a gender) a name now, so if it's different than one from an earlier chapter, oh well!

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The next morning, as Lucas and Brooke are preparing to leave the hospital, Brooke begins to panic.

"Lucas", Brooke turns around to face the blond boy who is sorting through the flowers and stuffed animals.

"Yeah?"

"I don't know how to be a mother."

"Nobody knows how to be a mother. You just are one."

"No, no, no. I don't know anything about babies. What if I break her?" Brooke asks, completely serious. However, Lucas begins to chuckle and Brooke puts her hands on her hips, "Lucas, this is not funny."

"You won't break her, Brooke. You'll be a wonderful mother."

"Everyone keeps saying that! What's going to make a wonderful mother, huh? I'm a bitch, I only care about myself, I'm conceited…"

"That is not true. You are none of those things. You care deeply about your friends. You love me. You gave me a second chance", Brooke scoffs at that last part, "But really, Brooke. You can do this."

"I still don't believe you", Brooke retorts as she walks to the bassinet where Juliette lay sleeping, "But I am going to try. I'm going to give it my all."

"Of course you will. You'll be super mom."

"Sure. And then Juliette will hate me."

"And that's how we know we've succeeded as parents."

"Exactly", Brooke begins stroking her baby's stomach, "Can we go home now?"

Lucas walks to the bassinet to be closer to Brooke, "As soon as the doctor comes in and gives us the okay."

"Can you believe that we're parents now? I mean, Juliette is our daughter. Forever."

"It's incredible. Thank you, Brooke."

Brooke turns around to face Lucas, "For what?!"

"For letting me be in our daughter's life. For letting me be in your life."

Brooke smiles and gives Lucas a quick peck on the lips.

A beat or two later, the doctor walks in with a wheelchair which shocks Brooke, "Do I have to leave in a wheelchair?!"

"Yes", the doctor nods.

"But I can walk! I'm not a cripple", Brooke protests.

"Hospital policy, Brooke. Deal with it", the doctor smiles.

Lucas gently picks up Juliette as Brooke grabs her bags, full of flowers and presents, and sits in the wheelchair.

The doctor wheels Brooke out of the hospital with Lucas and Juliette close behind. Once they reach the exit, they're met with Nathan and Haley and a car with a car seat already placed in the backseat.

"Alright, I'm ready to go home!" Brooke announces joyfully as she jumps out of the wheelchair, "Thank you so much, Doctor Olsen."

"You're very welcome. I'll be seeing you in a few weeks", the doctor smiles and then heads back into the hospital.

Nathan walks towards Lucas, arms outstretched, "Hand over my niece!"

Lucas gently puts Juliette into Nathan's waiting arms.

"How was your first night as parents?" Haley asks.

"Peachy. I didn't sleep a wink", Brooke whines.

"Get used to it", Haley laughs.

"Hey!" Brooke laughs back.

"I'm totally willing to help you guys out", Haley offers, "I have a few nieces and nephews, so I have some experience with babies."

"At least one of us does. I don't know a baby from my left foot", Brooke laments.

"Oh, Brooke, you'll be fine", Nathan says as he hands Brooke her daughter, "Now, let's get this new family home."

"Hey man, thanks for picking us up", Lucas says as he hugs his brother.

"We're happy to do it, bro."

It's quiet for a few beats while everyone tries to get Juliette into her car seat. And then Brooke breaks the silence. "Oh man! You guys! I can finally have a cocktail!" The foursome all laugh, and Juliette lets out a small smile, "you think that's funny, baby? Did Mama make you laugh?" Brooke tickles her daughter and then looks up to find Lucas, Haley, and Nathan all smiling at her, proudly. She smiles shyly back.

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I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I wrote it quickly tonight. I'm a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding this weekend, so don't expect an update for a week or so!

Review and let me know how you liked this chapter!