BRIEF NOTES:

So here it is. The end of my first story. Thank you all for your support and thanks so much for reading and reviewing my work. I have a couple fo ideas for my next fic, but I'm still sifting through them. An epilogue will follow this chapter.

Again, thanks!

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

The digital clock buzzed with life at exactly 6:30 AM. The sun was barely shining, and yet, the female eyes that opened gleamed with anticipation. Today was special, and it was important to stay on top of everything. Today, the epic love story that all of Tree Hill had been silently watching out for would be reaching the beginning of its happy ending. Today, Lucas Scott and Peyton Sawyer were getting married.

Haley James-Scott rose from her side of the bed with that thought in mind. Her smile was alight with excitement, and her anticipation was difficult to bottle. She turned to her side and proceeded to wake the other occupants of the king-sized bed. The group had decided to divide themselves – boys together and girls together – to celebrate Peyton and Lucas's last hours of singlehood. The women had decided on a sleepover at Peyton's while the men originally planned to visit a pool hall and spend the night at Nathan's. However, the night had humorously turned up with the three men getting out of Peyton's door only to return an hour and a half later, pizza in tow while incessantly teasing the groom-to-be over the fact that he acted like a little lovesick puppy while on their way to the bar and thus had to cave in, turn around, and join the ladies instead. At the end of a night filled with a bit of "I Never" and a lot of laughter and memories, the couples bade each other goodnight with a flood of kisses and a multitude of hesitation.

"Peyton. Brooke. Wake up." Haley softly coerced, gently shaking her bed mates as she did. The response was a mix of muffled groans, though thankfully Brooke had opened her eyes and awoke. She decided to put a little more effort into the task of getting Peyton to wake up.

"Peyton, you're getting married today." Again, another muffled groan. Haley sighed heavily and shrugged her shoulders. A few minutes later, a mischievous smile appeared on Brooke's face as she got out of bed and stood by the door.

"Lucas! What are you doing here?! You're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding!" She yelled. The blond with the 8-almost-9-month-old baby bump shot up quicker than a ricocheting bullet.

"Lucas?" Peyton chirped, truly expecting her love to be standing by the doorway, only to focus her view on his absence. She frowned.

"Brooke!"

Haley laughed and tugged Peyton lightly, making it very clear that she was not allowed to go back to sleep again. "That's what happens when you leave us with no choice. Now get up and take a shower, the day is getting busier as we speak. The hairdresser arrives in 2 hours, the caterers will be setting up soon, the--"

"You do realize that it's..." she paused to look at the digital clock "...only 6:43 in the morning and the rest of the world is sleeping, right?" Peyton mentioned with the slightest bit of sarcasm.

It was Brooke who spoke in the conversation. "Well, P.Sawyer-soon-to-be-Scott, as less of a morning person as you are, today is your big day and you need to be prepped early so you won't have to fuss around much later... therefore lessening the stress risk on you and those two." She stressed her remark by pointing to Peyton's belly.

Twins. She couldn't believe it the first time she heard it and she still found it hard to believe now, she could not believe how blessed she had been to receive such a miracle. She smiled as she recalled that day, the very same day she received the proposal from Lucas.

"...I'd rather be Mrs. Peyton Scott"

He looked up at her with his mouth open, slowly transforming it into the widest smile she had seen on him in years. Peyton knew he had been scared when he told her no, but she figured it was at least owed to her after he got her all worked up the night before. He put the ring on her finger as he rose to her eye level, and then cupped her cheek as they pulled in for a kiss. It was needless to say that their adoring crowd went wild.

"You almost gave me a heart attack there, beautiful." Lucas quipped as they broke from the kiss. She smiled at him and returned the comment. "Well, that's what you get for making me anxious." They laughed and held each other tight.

"I'm still sorry I couldn't be in the doctor's office with you today." He regretfully said. "I know I --" His speech was cut off with a kiss.

"Luc, I understand now." Her eyes were a warm shade of green when she looked at him, making it known to him that she indeed had forgiven him for it. "And, thank you for surprising me. This is by far on top of my best birthday ever list."

He felt sheer ecstasy knowing that he had done her right. Lucas was happy knowing he made her happy,and he silently kept praying he would be able to keep doing so. "I love you so much."

Peyton smiled. "I love you too, Luc."

They shared a brief kiss "...And I love Robby" he said as he glanced at their oldest son, who looked at them all smiles. As Lucas slid his hands down from her shoulders to her belly, caressing the bump that indicated the life growing in there, he kissed her sweetly before saying, "...And I love our little daughter who --"

"Daughters. Or sons."

Lucas fell silent. "What?" He asked, stating the question slowly.

Peyton's smile widened. "Today, at the doctor's, I... When we were doing the ultrasound... you know how before, well... 2 months ago we thought something was wrong because there was like this smaller bump in there? " He nodded in acknowledgement as she continued "Well, since I was only able to come again for an ultrasound appointment today, and well... he showed me and told me it wasn't just a smaller bump after all." She finished hesitantly. To prove her point, she pulled the sonogram photo out of her pocket and showed it to Lucas.

"We have twins." Lucas spoke reverently, the smile that had been on him widening even more as he looked at her. "We're having twins, Peyt."

She was just as happy, if not more. "Looks like it, Daddy."

He scooped her up and twirled her around. When he set her down, he could barely control the joy. He decided to let some of it out.

"WE'RE HAVING TWINS!" He screamed, earning them gasps all around the court followed by excited squeals from the ladies and congratulations from the men.

One and a half month and another appointment later, they had discovered that they would be getting a daughter and a son. Peyton and Lucas could barely believe it when the doctor had told them when they asked for the babies' sex and they could not contain the happiness they felt knowing that this was indeed a special blessing to their family.

Fate was looking in their favor, and though they were both sure there would be tough times ahead, they knew in their hearts that all of this was only the tip of the iceberg.

The best days of their lives were only just beginning.

A familiar ringtone broke the brief moment of silence as Peyton turned her attention to Brooke, who was now in conversation with the early morning caller.

"Yes, D. She's up, we're all up. God, you sound just like Haley. We're just about to head down for breakfast. Yes, yes, I --" Her grumbling was cut short by her giggling. "Good morning to you too, babe. Okay, I'll see you in a few. Tell them we said hi. Later!" Peyton wondered why her brother didn't speak to her. "Well that was short. He didn't even say hello."

"Oh he just called to make sure you were up and running... and put the phone down quickly when Lucas raced to him demanding to talk to you." Brooke answered nonchalantly, ignoring her best friend's agape jaw.

"Brooke!"

"What?! Don't blame me, I'm not the one who put the phone down. But regardless, it's better this way... remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder." She reasoned as she approached the bed. The two brunettes interlaced their arms with each of Peyton's.

"Come on, P.Sawyer" Brooke said "Your date with forever has officially started."

In the seven hours and twenty-three minutes that took everyone to prepare their hair, do their make-up, fix their dresses, and arrange the last-minute things, not once did Peyton feel what she felt now that she was left to idly stare at herself in the mirror. Peyton Sawyer was officially a nervous wreck, 45 minutes before the ceremony was to start.

Her scattered thoughts were interrupted by the man standing in her doorway. "You know, my jeep would make a good getaway vehicle."

She turned to face him, relieved to be taken away from her thoughts. "Wow, who would've thought I'd get to see the day my brother decides to finally let me touch his car?" She joked, but the nervousness still shone in her eyes.

"Second thoughts?" Now, he was genuinely concerned. Knowing Peyton the way he did, second thoughts about marrying Lucas was not an option at all.

She quickly corrected him. "No! Definitely not. It's just--"

"Scary?"

"Yes."

Derek sat across his little sister, looking at her with deep admiration. Over the years, she had always been brave... oftentimes shadowing the overwhelming emotions that enveloped her just so no one would see her pain. But that little gesture – that small admission of fear – that was the most obvious confirmation of his sister's maturity. She had indeed come full circle. "I'm sure it is. There are no guarantees in this, you know that and he does too. But you don't need me to tell you how this is all going to work out because I know that you know that just as well. So this is what I'll tell you – It's your time, Peyton, make the most of it."

She smiled warmly at him, an assurance that his words got through. Her brother looked dashing in the basic black tuxedo that was uniform to the men. Better still, was that her brother was there and she was not alone. "Thank you, Derek... for staying with me."

"I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one here for you. And I'm definitely certain that up there, Ellie, Anna, and Larry are looking down here, prouder than before." He assured as he smiled back. She needed to hear that, and she was grateful that he had thought about it just as she had. There was a certain confidence that she gained knowing that she could make her parents proud. Her smile grew wider. Derek took the opportunity to approach her and hold out his hand. She looked up at him as she reciprocated the gesture.

"Come on, baby sister" he said softly as he led her to the door "let's get you married."

It wasn't everyday that the Sawyer residence's backyard transformed into a miniature garden chapel... a beautiful, beyond words, garden chapel as Karen Roe described it. This afternoon, as she conscientiously eyed the three active toddlers running about and the 4-month-old infant blissfully napping in her cradle, she thought of the many trials and tribulations all of them had undergone. They had been through rough times and great times, and today would be the culmination of their past and the beginning of their bright futures.

Today, as she looked at her son, who was in deep conversation with the brother he once detested but now so dearly loved, she realized... All of them had been saved by love, just as Lucas had redeemed himself through it.

"Sawyer's due in 3 weeks. Excited much?" He opted to divert his older brother's attention, hoping to ease the tension that was so clear in his face

He cracked a smile and beamed. It had worked. "More than you know." It was true; Lucas could barely contain his emotions, especially where his children were concerned. He and Robby had watched over Peyton like a hawk, sometimes to the point of slightly upsetting her, but they couldn't help themselves. With every kick, every craving, and every development, the father and son were enthralled. And Lucas knew that with the days to come, as this wedding turns into a lifelong marriage for him and the love of his life, he would only become more enthralled.

"I see the cravings didn't even turn you off." Nathan joked.

"Oh, they do" Lucas answered, scrunching his nose up as he recalled Peyton's recent favorite – Fried ripe mangoes dipped in ketchup and ranch dressing. "But I'll live."

The brothers exchanged a laugh. Just then, the wedding planner tapped Lucas on the shoulder and spoke to the two men softly, "We're ready to start if you are." Lucas let out a deep breath and smiled. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Nathan smiled at his older brother, prouder of him than he ever was before. They had all watched him come full circle from a lost boy into a loving man. "I'm proud of you, Luc." He complimented. Nathan received a reply in the form of a nod. They assumed their positions at the altar as the march began. Lucas Scott smiled to himself.

He was exactly where he wanted to be.

The melodic instrumental of "The Bridal March" played harmoniously as their entourage dramatically made way towards the front. It was a humble ceremony, but the fact that their whole family, immediate and extended, played key parts made the wedding even more special.

Robert Lucas Scott beamed proudly as he marched his way down the isle, looking like the exact miniature of his father. He carried his parents' rings with great care, hoping silently that days of practicing his left-together-right-together pace would not fail him. Today was too special for tripping over his own feet. Today, he was finally going to have the completeness of a family he had prayed for ever since he could remember. Today was their day.

Behind him, Ryan Keith Scott also presented the spitting image of his father. He stood beside Kaitlyn, who made a stunningly beautiful flower girl. Karen followed, gently pushing little Natalie's stroller down the isle. She had never been happier for all of them in her life.

Haley James-Scott smiled demurely as he kept her eyes forward, locked with her husband's own, both recalling the day she marched down the isle... though today, she was marching for her best friend – the woman she was matron of honor to.

Brooke Davis strutted down the isle, glamorous and fashionable in the gown she had specifically designed for this occasion. If someone had asked her five years ago if she saw herself being Peyton's maid of honor, she would have probably laughed herself silly with a slight touch of bitterness. But now, here she was, looking back on the recent years that had passed between her and Peyton and how she is now more thankful than ever for being her best friend's maid of honor. They had lost out on each other for a while, but were now closer than they ever were before. As she reached her place in front, Brooke hoped that she too would one day find what Lucas and Peyton found... and that they would forever remain special parts of each other's lives.

Time seemed to have suddenly stood still for Lucas Scott. Sure, seeing his family march down the isle was dramatically tugging at his heart, but now... everything went in slow motion. The musical strings faded, and his eyes were transfixed at the beauty before him, the beauty who was approaching him.

It really was true, what devoted married men said about their pregnant wives, he thought. As time progressed, she had complained about gaining weight and looking like a beached whale that just had 7 sea lions for lunch as she had so bluntly described herself. But Lucas saw none of it – instead, he saw her glow with radiance... he saw a happiness that had never been there before, not even when they were together back in high school. And now, as he saw her walk down that isle – looking so genuinely beautiful in the halter-neck fit flared flow wedding gown that Brooke so meticulously designed for her – he could not think of nothing else but her beauty, inside and out. His precious Peyton... his most beautiful muse in the very essence of the word.

And now she stood in front of him.

He reached his hand out, barely keeping his eyes off of Peyton as she did the same, a demure grin forming on her lips as she did so. Their moment was briefly broken as Derek reached his hand out to him, as tradition dictates when giving the bride away. Lucas expressed his gratitude by reaching his own hand to shake the other man's; it felt fulfilling to know that Derek fully trusted him now. "Thank you, Derek."

"You're welcome." The marine firmly said. Before proceeding to his seat, he addressed Lucas one last time. "I still stand by what I told you the first time. Hurt her and I will have your head."

For a moment, Lucas was shocked to hear Derek's comment. But, when he saw the snicker that graced the older man's face, he knew it was said all in good fun. Their moment had returned.

"Hey Blondie." He whispered before they faced the altar where the reverend was waiting. Peyton smiled and mouthed a "Hi." They faced the reverend together. He returned their excited smiles.

As with any ceremony, the reverend had begun with the traditional "Dearly beloved." All eyes were on the couple standing in front of him, everyone silently cheering them on, all of their smiles increasingly widening as he first asked Lucas the day's most awaited question.

"Do you, Lucas, take Peyton to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold, to love and to cherish for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Lucas Scott beamed proudly, never taking his loving eyes off of his woman. "I do."

Anticipation rose to a higher level as the reverend turned the question towards Peyton, asking in the same manner he asked Lucas. She smiled up at him, then at Lucas.

"I do."

A mixture of sighs and "aww's" filled the quiet crowd. As Robby came forward to deliver the rings to his parents, excitement increased as they all eagerly awaited the exchange that was about to take place. The reverend spoke again.

"Now, you may exchange rings as you recite your personal vows." He paused to look at Lucas, urging him to speak first. Lucas nodded slightly and turned his attention to Peyton, lifting her hand and placing the white gold band at the tip of her finger.

"Seven years ago, I almost got run over by a black convertible. Technically, I was supposed to get angry and kick that car's fender til it fell off... But I didn't, I couldn't. See, the driver took my breath away even before she was about to run me over... because ever since I could remember, I was already in love with her. I was already in love with you.

It hadn't been easy for the both of us. I know just as much as everyone does that I hurt you so much all because I had lost myself. But you never failed... you never stopped believing in me, that I would come back and become the man I was supposed to be – for you and for us.

You keep saying that I'm always saving you. But the truth is, Peyt, you saved me. You saved me because you never lost faith in me... even when everyone else had begun to lose theirs. You kept on loving me, and because of that, you brought me back.

Today, as with all of the days before us... I commit myself to you – to be that man for you, the man that you and our children deserve. And from this day forward, the love I have in my heart for you and our family will never waver. I will be here and I am yours forever, Peyton."

As Lucas finished his vow, the ring was firmly placed in Peyton's finger. Her tears were flowing, but Lucas knew they were tears of joy... the very same tears he was struggling to hold back at the moment. The very same tears that were going to burst the moment Peyton finishes her vow.

"Luc, we've come a long way. From where I'm standing now, it's difficult to believe that you and I were skirting around each other so much before that we almost lost out on each other. But I'm sincerely glad that fate had other plans.

We've gone through so much it feels like we've been to hell and back. Along the way we both managed to hurt each other in ways we never imagined ourselves doing, and at some point you and I nearly didn't make it. But you know, I wouldn't take back or erase those times... because without the hardships we went through, I might not be standing here in front of you.

Out of all the people I've known, you were the only who broke my walls and opened me up. You gave me the courage to step up and be the person I can be, and you made me believe in myself even when I thought I didn't matter at all. You are the constant person in my life, the one I shared my joys with and the one I suffered the sadness with. I always used to say that people always leave, but above and beyond that, you showed me that with a little love and a lot of faith, they really do come back to me.

I love you so much. And I will love you forever and a day because that's what you deserve from me. Let the tough times come, because with each difficulty I know you and I are only going to grow stronger. The storm can come, but it will never wash me away from you.

Because I'm gonna love you forever, Lucas Scott."

A teary-eyed reverend smiled at the couple, as did all the invited guests. Their respective vows brought happy tears to everyone's eyes, knowing fully well that those two indeed were meant to be. The reverend spoke again, "In God's eyes and before everyone gathered, I know pronounce you, Lucas Eugene Scott and Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer, man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

An eruption of cheers followed the official declaration of the couple's marriage. And, as Lucas touched Peyton's cheek, smiling like a joyful fool while whispering "Finally" and ever so slowly leaning forward, he thanked God for giving him such a rare blessing. The brief moment that followed, Peyton and Lucas sealed their union with a sweet kiss – the kiss that spoke of an eternity in love.

The kiss that brought all of them home.

So there it is, the much awaited marriage. I hope it was up to par. Stay tuned for the epilogue. Thanks.