Chapter 23-The First Cut Is The Deepest
A/N:Hi everyone, thanks for your patience with this chapter. I have had the hardest time coming up with an ending that I hope gives the characters and my story justice. I want to thank everyone who has read my story, and who stuck with it through the long hiatus' that occurred since I started writing it. A very big THANK YOU to all that reviewed this story, you have no idea how much each review means to me. Without any of the reviews I have received, I wouldn't have the motivation to continue the story, so thank you. So without further or do, the last chapter of The First Cut Is The Deepest. (And pretty please review, this is the last time I will ask!!!-Lydia)
True love is not measured in hugs and kisses, but in struggles and fears, and those who can work though those...they possess true love"-Adam Murphy
It was like it was yesterday. Six friends embarked on the adventure that none had predicted. Now years later, lives had changed, people had found love, fallen out of love and everything in between. Some had left their hometown, others had decided to stay. Now,these same friends had gathered to celebrate the love of one couple. Some would say they had gone through hell and back to get here, others would say it was necessary to realise they were meant for one another.
"Can you believe we are finally here?" Haley asked as they walked into Tric, looking around at the space that would hold the reception dinner.
"I know, it has been forever since we have been back here" he said, as they walked towards their friends.
They decided to marry in the garden of the church where Haley's parents got married. The outdoor setting was decorated with purple trappings over the white chairs, and the petals of their flower was drizzled down the walkway of the isle. Brooke and Peyton were standing on one side, wearing purple dresses to match the decor of the wedding.
Haley had asked Brooke to make her dress, as well as the bridesmaid dresses, and Brooke couldn't have been happier to do it. As a result,Peyton wore a knee length halter dress, and Brooke complimented her in a floor length v neck dress. On Nathan's side of the podium stood Cooper, who was standing stoically as Nathan paced nervously.
Everyone stood to face the aisle as Haley and Lucas walk down it wore another Brooke Davis creation: astrapless wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline, princess silhouette, and a cathedral train. It was created from satin and lace, with beading and lace embellishments. Although she had a perfectly good dress already, Nathan has insisted on Haley having another dress, for the new stage of their lives. Lucas hugged Haley and then took his spot as best man. Nathan grasped Haley's hand and they walked up the few steps to the minister. Haley handed her flowers to Brooke and everyone sat back down.
The mister started to speak
"Friends and loved ones, we are gathered here today to witness the renewal of a commitment. A commitment between Nathan and Haley, to love one another unconditionally and endlessly. Nathan and Haley, there are many things I could say to the two of you today, but instead I choose to listen to the words you have for each other. Haley?" the minister concluded, smiling at Haley encouragingly.
Haley looked at Nathan, both her hands clasped with his, as she started to voice the vows that she had a spent days trying to perfect.
"Nathan, it's been said that there is one word to free us from the weight and pain of life, and that word is love. And I believe that. It doesn't mean that it hasn't been hard, or that it won't be. It just means that I found a stillness and a bravery in myself with you. You make me brave and I will love you until the end of time. This I vow today." Haley recited, a single tear slipping down her cheek. As she stood across from the man she loved, Haley could only think of one thing, that she had said many years before: Haley couldn't really help it if she found the guy she wanted to be with her first time out.
"Nathan?"
Nathan looked directly into Haley's eyes, and instantly the nerves he felt suddenly disappeared. He knew this was for keeps, and that excited him more than anything. He was finally going to spend the rest of his life with the woman he loved. And the child she was carrying.
"Almost 12 years ago, we stood on a beach and I told you how much I loved you and how I would always, always protect you. And that day, nobody believed that this would work. But I don't think anybody understood the love that I had for you, because if they did, they wouldn't have ever doubted us. So I wanted to marry you all over again, in front of most of our world; because today, when I look into your eyes, my love for you only grows. It's even stronger now and our love will never waver, and this I vow to you today and always and forever."
"Forever" Haley repeated
"Haley, on this day, do you reconfirm and rededicate yourself to the vows you promised to uphold?" the minister asked
Haley turned and took the ring from Brooke, sliding it onto Nathan's finger. He grinned as he saw Haley was wearing the crackerjack bracelet.
"I do."
"Nathan, on this day, do you rededicate and reconfirm your commitment to the vows you promised to uphold?" The minister asked
" I do. And uh, actually," He looked over at Lucas, who was holding up the ring in the air, confused as Nathan pulls out a box from his pocket "I have a new ring."
Haley smiles and gasped when he opened the box, showing it to her. He slide it onto her finger and smiled.
"Thank you." she sniffled, as the diamonds shone against the midday sun.
" And now, before the eyes of god, I once again pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." The minister said proudly.
"I love you Haley." Nathan exclaimed
"I love you too." Haley said, smiling widely.
Nathan and Haley kissed and everyone stood and began to applaud, and they made their way down the aisle. Brooke followed next with Lucas and then Peyton and Cooper.
"I know, strange isn't it?" Nathan asked, as they held hands,as they weave their way through the tables to the front of the club. Haley's pace quickened as she saw her friends and family.
"What, that Peyton and Jake would get married here?" Haley said
"No, not really, after all, there is only church in Tree Hill."
"What then?"
"It seems everything has come full circle don't you think?"
Haley thought for a moment, looking to the eyes of her husband, and over to their children. Jamie was chasing Lilly around the podium, while 3 year old Ava was playing on the floor with Casey and Isabella. In Jenny's arms was Mouth and Shelley's newborn Connor. Brooke and Lucas waved at the couple as they approached. Sitting on Brooke's hip was their youngest, 9 month old Noah and their 3 year old, Joshua was bouncing a basketball to Justin and Riley.
Haley pulled Brooke into a hug, while Nathan shook Lucas' hand.
"So have the happy couple arrived yet?" Haley asked
"No, not yet"
"Thanks for looking after the kids last night, Brooke"
"It was no problem, we love looking after the Naley children" Brooke said
"Well we will return the favour anytime"
"We might have to take you up on that" Brooke said, winking at her friend."You and Nate look happy" Brooke concluded.
"We are."
"Who knew all those years ago when Nathan challenged Lucas to that basketball match that we would end up here?"Brooke mused, blowing a kiss to her husband.
"I had no idea"
Twenty four hours later, Nathan and Haley once again walked into Tric, hand in hand. Peyton's club had been transformed into a beautiful reception hall, circular tables draped with midnight blue and silver fabric with candles flickering on each table. It was a perfect setting for the Jagielski wedding reception, the theme was very much Jake and Peyton. Nathan and Haley made their way to the wedding party's table at the front of the club and sat down to wait for the newly married couple. Their hands still adjoined, Nathan softly kissed Haley's hand, and gave her an Eskimo kiss.
"It is my pleasure to announce for the first time, Mr and Mrs Jake Jagielski" Mouth said through the PA.
Peyton and Jake were sharing their first dance, their arms wrapped around each other as they slowly danced to the song he had sung to her many years ago "Someday". It had taken the couple longer then Nathan and Haley to find each other again. They had began to date while Nathan was on tour with Haley. However, it took nearly 4 years of dating for Jake to propose. As a divorce lawyer, he had seen too many couples fall apart over the little things. It had taken a long time for him to trust that Peyton was going to stay. Now had seemed the right time, with 18 year old Jenny attending Duke in the fall, Jake and Peyton were about to start their new lives together. Haley watched on as the couple danced across the floor, their eyes only for each other.
Mouth was of course acting as DJ, and once the song had concluded he asked all couples to join the newly wed couple on the dance floor. Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls started to play. Nathan walked over and wrapped his arms around Haley's waist.
"Care for this dance, Mrs James-Scott?" he muttered into her ear.
"That I would, Mr Scott" turning around in his arms and softly kissed him on the lips. Haley closed her eyes as they swayed to the music, her head resting against his chest. Suddenly, Haley moved so she could directly into Nathan's cobalt eyes.
"I love you, Nathan Scott"
"I love you too, Haley James Scott"
Haley had just finished talking to Bevan and felt someone tap her on the shoulder.
"Peyton, hey. Congrats" Haley said hugging the bride.
"Thanks, Haley. Can we chat?"
"Of course, is everything okay?"
Peyton smiled widely as they sat down at the bridal party's table.
"Everything is great, I just got married of goodness sake" she said giddily, looking over as her husband as he chatted to his parents.
"So what's up?What did you want to talk about?" Haley enquired
"I just wanted to thank you" Peyton replied.
"Thank me? For what?"Haley asked
"I guess in a strange way, if you didn't leave for tour all those years ago, I wouldn't have married Nathan and subsequently got divorced, and found Jake again. I just wanted to thank you for that."Peyton said earnestly.
"That's really not necessary, Peyton" Haley said, shaking her head.
"I think it is. Plus, I have never seen Nathan this happy"
The women looked over at Nathan while he was talking animately with Lucas and Jake.
Haley smiled, looking as Nathan picked up Ava.
"I don't think I have seen you this happy, either." Peyton observed
Haley smiled broadly in response, as she fiddled with her wedding ring.
One of the many waiters walked past and offered the ladies glasses of champagne.
"Here" Peyton offered Haley
"Oh no, I'm fine"
"Okay.." Peyton said, placing the glass on the table. "Wait a minute are you...??"
"Is Haley what?" Brooke said, walking up to the two women.
"Pregnant?" Peyton finished
"Well?" Brooke asked, looking at her friend up and down. Brooke thought the minute Haley and Nathan walked in, she had a glow, however, Brooke thought it was because they had a quickie on the way to the reception. Could it be another Naley baby? Brooke thought.
"I'm 12 weeks" Haley said, blushing.
Brooke screamed and hugged Haley, and Peyton joined in on the group hug.
"What is that about?" Lucas asked, as he heard is wife scream across the room and hug Haley.
Nathan smiled knowingly, and shrugged.
"Come on, bro. You know something don't you?" Lucas asked, staring his brother down.
"Haley is pregnant again" Nathan said smiling widely
"Damn, you knocked up Haley again?" Skillz said
"Eh, it's not my fault she is so damn irresistible"
"Okay that's my best friend you are talking about" Lucas said.
Nathan walked into the studio, while Jamie followed him. Nathan carried a sleeping Ava in his arms, and placed her in the cot that was placed in the corner of the room.
"Hey Peyt" he said, walking up and waved to Haley through the see through booth. "How's my girl going?"
"Good, we should have the album completed within the next month or so"
"Is she about ready to go?" Nathan asked, as he watched Haley prepare to record another song.
"Almost, she is just recording the bonus track for the album"
"What is it?"
"Just a cover of an old Sheryl Crow song" Peyton said, looking sideways at Nathan before turning her attention back to Haley, as she started to sing to the backing track.
I would have given you all of my heart
But there's someone who's torn it apart
And he's taken just all that I have
But if you want I'll try to love again
Baby, I'll try to love again, but I know...
Nathan watched as Haley sang the song, he could see how much the words effected her. Tears were slowly creeping down her cheeks and she attempted to control her breathing.
"Is she always like this when she records songs?" he asked as Peyton watched her. Peyton's gave flicked over to Nathan and back to Haley once again.
"Sometimes. Some songs more than others."
The first cut is the deepest
Baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
But when it comes to bein' lucky, he's cursed
When it comes to lovin' me, he's worst...
"Oh" Nathan said, looking downcast as the words effecting him also. Peyton smiled slightly
"In my experience, Nate, it is those songs that are more successful, you know the songs that have the most meaning"
Nathan scratched his head nervously as he watched Haley record. He turned his attention to their children. He, the often stoic Scott brother, felt so proud of his wife. The way she constantly wore her heart on her sleeve and put herself in such a vulnerable position time and time again.
I still want you by my side
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried
And I'm sure gonna give you a try
If you want I'll try to love again,
Baby, I'll try to love again, but I know...
"You know, I'm grateful that Haley decided to record her album with me" Peyton said
"Why is that?" Nathan said as he picked Ava up and placed her on his lap.
"Well for one, having an artist on your label that already a multi platinum hit doesn't hurt" Peyton said, smirking. "But mostly, I am glad because Haley and I haven't had the easiest of friendships since you know,after everything happened." Nathan knew what exactly she meant. How could you sum up one drunken night, a failed marriage, a miscarriage, and two remarriages later?
The first cut is the deepest
Baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
When it comes to bein' lucky, he's cursed
When it comes to lovin' me, he's worst
"Haley thought it would be a good idea if we started to mend fences so to speak"
"But it has been 5 years, Peyt. I thought you and Hales buried the hatchet a long time ago" Nathan said, confused.
"In some respects, I suppose. But we didn't really talk about what happened, and even so, we weren't as close as we were during high school"
"So?"
"Haley wanted to get back into music because Ava was older, and she thought my record company would be the place to do it.I couldn't disagree. It's been really nice to get to know her again"
"I'm sure she appreciates it too, Peyt."
The first cut is the deepest
Baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
Try to love again...
Haley finished the song, and Peyton pressed the button so Haley could hear her.
"That's great, Haley. You want to take a break?"
"Thanks, Peyton"
Haley walked out of the sound booth and walked directly over to Nathan.
"Hey baby" she greeted him, kissing him briefly on the lips.
"Hey, you sounded great in there"
Haley blushed bright red. There was still a part of her that was nervous when she sang, and even when she was complimented about her voice.
"Hey Peyt, do you mind looking after the kids for a bit?" Nathan asked.
"No worries, take your time"
They walked out of the studio and down the street to the docks. It was always a special place for them, a place where all their beginnings were held.
They sat across from each other, holding hands across the table.
"I love this place, you know." Haley said, as her other hand moved over her rounded stomach.
"Hmm, me too." Nathan muttered
"What's on your mind?" Haley asked
"How do you know that?" Nathan looked up
"Cause I what's on your mind?"
"I'm just thinking about us. What we have been through"
"What bought this on?"
"I guess sometimes I feel guilty" Nathan looked into Haley's questioning eyes. "Guilty that I let my stupid pride get in the way of us being happy all those years ago. Guilty that Peyton and Jake were hurt because of my stupid actions. "
"But Nathan-"
"Hear me out. But I wouldn't take back all the bad stuff that's happened between it brought us here. This moment. This place."
"I love you, you know that right?" Haley said, looking directing into his eyes. He nodded emphatically in response. "Good, because Nathan Royal Scott,did you ever think that even if you did stop me all those years ago we wouldn't have Jamie or Ava? If we didn't follow our dreams back then Nathan, we would probably just grow resentful of each other. And who knows what else would have happened. We might have ended up just like your parents, bitter and alone."
"I never really thought of it that way" Nathan said sullenly. He really hadn't.
Sometimes a part of him wondered what could have been, if they had stayed together when they were 16, would they be happy now?He never thought they wouldn't be happy.Haley is right he thought. It's time to stop living in the took a deep breath. Expressing himself never really came easy to him. He wished at times he was more like Lucas in that respect. Growing up with an emotional cripple like Dan didn't really help.
"Sometimes, when I see you like I did today, I wonder if I am holding you back" he admitted quietly. Haley walked over and sat next to her husband.
"Nathan, there is many things I want in this world. A successful career. I want for our kids to grow up happy and healthy. But, all I need is you"
"I need you too, Haley James Scott. Don't you forget that"
Haley was a big believer of fate. She had read most of the classics, and this taught her that if you are fated to someone, that is it. So Haley believed that it was fate when Lucas joined the varsity basketball team in junior year, and it was fate that Nathan turned out to be the love of her life. And sitting on the porch watching her children play, she believed that it was fate that got them to where they were today.
Haley smiled as she bought the cup of tea to her mouth. If there was one sound that she loved most in the world, it was hearing her children laugh.
Jamie was playing a game of horse with Lily, on the makeshift basketball court that had been constructed soon after they had moved in. Meanwhile, Ava was playing contently in the sandbox. Haley fingers gently grazed over her protruding stomach. She loved being pregnant, now that she was past the morning sickness. Haley thought her life had turned out almost exactly as she had imagined.
The door opened, and her husband walked through the door.
"Hello, wife-of-mine" Nathan greeted her, bending down to kiss Haley on the lips
"Well, if it isn't Charlotte Bobcats star small forward" Haley said, "How was practice?"
"Long and have the kids been?"
Nathan sat next to her on the porch swing, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
"Full of energy, as per usual" Haley grinned widely
"Are you okay?Maybe we should call my mom, she can babysit. You need to look after yourself more"
"Nathan, I'm pregnant, not an invalid"
"But-"
"But nothing. Quit your worrying" Haley said, slapping him playfully on the shoulder.
"Never" Nathan said determinedly, kissing Haley on the top of her sat in silence contently as they watched their children play, as dusk fell over the sky. Nathan's gaze moved to his wife. Even with her hair was tied up, and sitting in sweats, Nathan thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
Haley looked up at him, as he watched her.
"What?" she said self consciously
"Nothing"
"What?"
"I love you, you know that?"
"Always?" Haley asked, as small smile on her lips.
"And forever" Nathan replied, meaning every word.
A/N: If anyone is interested, the dresses that Haley, Brooke and Peyton wore in my version of Haley and Nathan's wedding can be found on my review the very last chapter of the First Cut Is the Deepest. Thanks for reading!-Lydia