Chapter 23: Stay in this moment

Nathan stood there staring back at Haley with a grin on his face trying to think of what to say.

"Do you really mean that? You want to be together? For real?" Nathan asked Haley very happily,

"Yeah, I do. Nathan, ever since I left...all those years ago...I've always had this...like...emptiness in my heart. And over the years I tried to ignore it...and try and make myself think it wasn't because of you. I figured you would've moved on. So, I never dug deep to realize the truth. And I guess I never really let my heart go back there. Till Now. When Nathan started to question me about you...and our life we used to have. I thought back...and knew everything was perfect then. That's the only time in my life I've been happy. With you. I love you, Nate. And I've never stopped. And I don't think I ever will." Haley finished now tears running down her face as she finished.

" Me neither, Hales. Were meant to be together. I never doubted that. I love you, Haley James. And I will forever. Let's be together. I need you in my life. You are my life. I'm incomplete without you. Let's do it." Nathan replied seriously then walked up closer to her and leaned in and kissed her gently.

They both just wanted to stay in that moment. Cause for a moment they were back where they left off sixteen years ago. And at that moment nothing could change that.

"It's 'Scott' by the way."

"What?"

"I'm still Haley Scott. You called me Haley James."

"Oh...I just didn't know if you still..."

"No, I do. Why not?"

"I don't know. I just figured you wouldn't. But I'm glad you do still use it."

"So...where do we go from here?"

"I don't know what do you think?"

"Well..."

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Back at Haley's House

Nathan and Holly were sitting in the living room waiting for their mom to come home, when the door bell rang. Nathan got up and answered it.

" Hey, your mom get back yet?" Brooke asked as she walked through the door. With Lucas next to her.

" No. Not yet. Hey, Uncle Luke."

" Hey,Nate. So...you think it's working out with your mom and dad?"

" I hope so. Hey, Uncle Luke, this is my sister, Holly."

" Nice to meet you Holly. I'm your dad's brother."

"Oh." was all she said.

" And your mom's best friend."

" Wait, your best friend married your brother?"

"Yeah. Kind of strange, right?"

"Yeah."

" It was at first. But I think it was for the best."

" Luke, you just didn't like it cause you hated Nathan. And Haley trusted him." Brooke said to Lucas stating the facts.

"Yeah, so. He was a bad person. You know he used her as a way to get to me."

" No he didn't. He changed."

" He only changed because of her."

" Okay. Maybe so. But that doesn't change the fact that he did. He's a good person now. And he hasn't changed since then."

" Okay. Fine, Brooke. You win. Besides, I like the man he is now. He's a great guy. And a good father. Right Nathan?"

" The best."

" What about you Holly? You like, Nate?"

" Never really talked to him?"

" Why?"

" She's protective of mom. And she doesn't like that he hasn't been a part of our lives for so many years."

" Oh. Holly, you really should get to know him. He's great."

" I'm gonna try. For mom. Right,Nathan?"

" Exactly. But I love hangin with him."

"You should, Nathan. You're like exactly like him. You two look so much alike. It's scary."

" That's what a lot of people keep saying."

" Well, it's the truth."

" Well, Nathan. Holly. I think were gonna take off. I guess we'll have to wait till tomorrow to see how it went. Good night." Brooke chimed in.

" Good night." They all said to each other.

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On the market street docks

Nathan and Haley walked down the beautifully lit docks while holding hands. Together they resulted to be happy. Now. With this whole new life that's started. For both of them.They walked for a while...then Nathan stopped...and looked into Haley's eyes.

"Hales, this whole thing is a bit strange right now. But I love you. And I love your---our kids to death. So, what do say? We make this for real."

" Like what?"

" Like...you wanna move in together?" Nathan asked and waited for Haley to respond, But was scared by a really shocked look that was on her face.