I really want to get this story done by Christmas so I may update more frequently than usual but I'm not sure I will make it. If I don't, I hope you all have a very happy holiday! Sorry its so short but I wanted to break the wedding/reception up a little. I think the seperate scenes deserve their own chapters.

Chpt. 7: Love Me Do

For Peyton the wedding ceremony passed in a blur but for Luke it was as though every detail was instantly committed to memory. He knew he would remember this day with perfect clarity--a sensation he only seemed to achieve around Peyton--and he was certain he would be compelled to write the details down. Even as Haley walked towards him he could picture himself drafting this scene: 'And suddenly I knew my best friend had always been right. I was finally following my heart and doing so had led us all to this moment; this moment when Haley James Scott walked to her three favorite men with a wide grin and flowers in her hair. Then Haley crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out at us and the moment was lost.'

Looking past Haley even as he laughed, Luke couldn't help but smile as Brooke approached. Before she winked and turned to stand next to Haley Luke took a moment to think that there was no one who wore Brooke Davis quite like Brooke Davis. And that was his last thought before his mind went utterly blank.

Peyton walked slowly up the "aisle" to Lucas. The music changed to Pachabel's Canon in D and the audience rose to its feet but neither Lucas nor Peyton noticed. Their eyes, brighter than ever, stayed locked during her slow approach and when she was still several feet away Lucas, eager, took the last few steps to meet her. Peyton shyly whispered, "Surprise" when Luke grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. But it was Luke who surprised a laugh out of her when he drew her all the way into his arms and crushed his mouth to hers. The minister cleared his throat loudly and Luke finally pulled away, muttering a sheepish "sorry" to the minister and laughing when a smiling Peyton responded, "so worth it."

Luke may remember the entire day with more clarity than Peyton--he didn't have a million details running through his mind, did he?--but there were moments that carved instantly into her heart. When the minister began to recite the vows Peyton couldn't help but feel a little anxious. After all, this was finally their time. Lucas and Peyton, true love always. Always. And it was starting now.

"Do you Peyton Eliza…"

"I do." Everyone laughed as Peyton interrupted the minister.

"She has a problem with answering before she hears the question. Did the same thing to me when I proposed," Luke explained.

"Okk…Well…Hmm. Do you Lucas Eu…"

"I do." Even Peyton laughed when Lucas interrupted the befuddled minister.

"You just didn't want him to say 'Eugene'" Peyton whispered.

"Ok then." The minister finally decided to just go with the couple. "I don't think I'm even needed here. Let's see then. Mr. James Lucas Scott?" Jamie, who up till now had spent the ceremony making faces at Lily, looked up in surprise, a little worried he was going to get in trouble from a minister. "Do you know what comes next young man?'

"Oh! " Jamie nodded vigorously, bouncing on his toes. "You get to kiss her again Uncle Luke!" Amid the laughter and applause from the crowd Luke whispered "Thanks Jimmy Jam" and laid his lips softly on his new bride. And that was the moment Peyton Sawyer would never forget--surrounded by the happy sounds of their friends and family standing in the center of the place where it all started as Luke lifted her off her feet and spun her slowly in the air, unconsciously reenacting her most favorite kiss as the minister replied, "Welcome to the first day of the rest of your lives, Mr. and Mrs. Scott."