The drinks were flowing well at TRIC and the atmosphere amongst the group of friends was great. It hadn't been like this in years, Brooke and Peyton had been in LA. Even when they returned things had been strained because of the Lucas and Lindsay situation. It was a great relief to all around them that Peyton and Lucas were now happily together again.

While Lindsay had been a nice enough person she had never really meshed well with the group. Haley had eventually become a friend to her but Nathan had found it difficult to hide his loyalty to Peyton. A couple of times, when Lindsay had made comments about Peyton at dinner, he had left the room to avoid saying something which might damage his relationship with his brother. Skills avoided her for his own reasons, she wasn't P Sawyer. She just didn't get him or his sense of humour. She would stare blankly at him when he tried to make a joke. Brooke had been firmly on Team Peyton and had made it clear. Owen, as an extension of Brooke, didn't take any time to get to know her. Personally, he thought all these people were a little crazy - but in a nice way.

Now, sitting with his arm around Peyton and laughing harder than he had in so long, it was easy to see how much happier Lucas was now. Nathan couldn't help but think the old saying was true, you don't know what you've got til it's gone. In Luke's case, you don't realise how miserable you are until you are truly happy again.

The girls got up to dance while the guys played some pool and had a few more drinks. Lucas kept a close eye on Peyton, she was easily the hottest girl in TRIC, at least in his opinion. He had no doubt she could handle herself but he still felt that streak of macho pride. It seemed to him that Owen was doing the same thing with Brooke. He had been wary of Owen at first, he had seemed a little rough, but he had gotten to know him over the last couple of weeks and it was easy to see how good he was for Brooke.

He was about to take his shot when he felt his cell phone vibrate against his hip. He straightened up and pulled the phone out checking the caller ID.

Peyton, Brooke and Haley were on their way back from the dance floor and he signalled to Peyton that he was going to take a call outside. She gave him a small smile and grabbed the cue he had abandoned.

"Alright, who am I playing?"

"That would be me Sawyer, prepare for an ass whooping!" smirked Nate.

"Don't be so sure Scott, I picked up a few things in LA."

"Ew, I hope you've seen a doctor since you got back!"

"Don't be vile, you know what I meant," Peyton laughed.

"So what are the stakes Sawyer? Money, drinks?"

"No stakes. How about we play crazy pool instead?"

"What the hell is crazy pool?" Nathan asked with a confused look.

"Like crazy golf. It's pool with a twist. You have to make whatever shot I tell you to and you do it from whatever position I tell you to. You can do it with your hands behind your back, cue over your shoulder, sitting on the table etc. Whoever makes the most crazy shots wins."

"Oh god, this is a chicks game." Nathan complained.

"It's harder than regular pool, you scared I'm going to win?"

By now everyone in the vicinity had heard the challenge and were watching avidly. Nathan knew he would be called chicken if he didn't accept.

"Alright, limber up Sawyer, I won't make this easy," he smirked.

"Ah, a nice flashback to our sex life!" she exclaimed before worriedly shooting an apologetic look at Haley. She needn't have worried, Haley was practically convulsing with laughter.

Ten minutes later Nathan had made only one of his four attempted shots, though he was loving the game. Peyton was definitely a pro at this, she had made all her shots, including the one-handed backward shot standing three feet from the table.

Practically the whole club was watching as Peyton and Nathan battled it out. Peyton looked up from gloating to see a grinning Lucas heading towards her.

"Hey, you've been gone a while, good news? Is it about the book?" she asked as he got closer. "Nope," he said, coming to a stop in front of her. "That was my Mom, she and Andy got engaged tonight."

"Oh Luke, that's amazing!" she exclaimed pulling him into a hug. "Your Mom must be so happy."

"She is, they both are," he laughed. "I couldn't get them off the phone, she's already making plans. Anyway, they're throwing an impromptu party tonight and we're all invited. We've to just grab what food and alcohol we can on the way to the house."

A half hour later the cabs pulled up in front of Karen's house and the already slightly buzzed group got out. There were already a few people there and the music was flowing. lilly had been allowed to stay up late for once she was twirling around the living room with Deb in time with the music.

Peyton and Lucas found Karen in the kitchen and Lucas engulfed her in his arms straight away. She had been crying and the happiness was radiating off her in waves. When Lucas pulled away Karen immediately embraced Peyton. They all admired the ring for a while as Karen started talking about the wedding. It would be in Paris as soon as possible. There was a church there they had fallen in love with when they visited a few months back. Andy would fly the small number of friends and family out and they would be able to spend a week there before heading home. Peyton helped out with the food and drinks while Lucas headed off to find Andy, his soon to be step dad.

As the party went on and more people arrived, it ended up with most of the women in the kitchen talking wedding plans and the guys in the back yard, drinking!

Peyton started to get a little misty eyed for Karen and the romance of the night was taking it's toll. She went off in search of Lucas so they could have a few private moments. She found him standing with Andy and another man at the bottom of the garden. Lucas and Andy were facing her as she approached and both smiled. As the other man turned around Peyton felt the air leave her lungs. She quickly wiped the surprise off her face, as did he.

"Peyton," Andy started, "I'd like you to meet my Nephew, and best man, Michael. Michael, this is Peyton, Lucas's girlfriend."

Time seemed to stand still as she weighed up her options. She knew she should be honest with Lucas but she didn't want to do it in front of Andy. And it wasn't like they wouldn't see Michael again, he was going to be best man. It would be so awkward for all concerned. Or she could pretend to not know him for now and just explain it to Lucas later. The decision was made for her as Michael held out his hand, a look of understanding passing between them.

"It's nice to meet you, Peyton."

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