The Mourning After
Part II Chapter XX: Epilogue
Here it is the very very final chapter. I really enjoyed writing this story and I can't believe it took over two years to finish. Once again thank you all for the love and support you guys gave in this story and giving me the words of encouragement I needed to finish. This story was filled with so much drama and angst that I loved writing the happier moments in these past few chapters. I've been tying back the end of the story with the beginning. Remember that this whole story started out in the school shooting with Jimmy Edwards and Part I of this story was set mostly in season 3 and 4. Now this was the ending we were supposed to get in Part I but I decided to continue the story. For those who followed my stories, you'll notice a scene from the show which I also used in the ending to one of my other stories. I just wanted to say that it wasn't for a lack of creativity but that I just really liked that scene and it fits with this story so I'm using it lol. Also, I find it funny how some of season 7 worked nicely in this story, in particular Clay's background story and look, I had Rachel and Dan working together in this story and that idea was conceived way before season 7.
As you can see, I've tried to wrap things up nicely in these past few chapters so I don't plan on doing a sequel (I think I put Naley plus family through enough) but I won't close the door on maybe a one shot or something. But essentially this is the end and I wasn't planning on making a Part III. I know many were hoping or expecting a girl and I was initially going to go that route but I thought I'd change it up a bit, plus I think it'd be nice to bring in Jimmy Edwards back in the story. But I left a little something at the end of this story regarding that.
On a side note, thank you to everyone who read my one shot, With Arms Outstretched, I really enjoyed writing it and playing off the powerful emotions we got in the last episode. So please check that story out.
I just got all four of my wisdom teeth taken out and my cheeks are swollen, in pain, etc. Luckily I wrote the majority of this chapter before my surgery so I apologize for any mistakes in the chapter. I wanted to upload it today as a Valentine's Day gift to you all.
So again, please review and thanks for reading and leave a message to make me feel better!
"Sit still.. you want to be the second best looking guy in this church, don't cha?" Lucas asked as he continued to adjust his young nephew's bow tie.
"Second best?" Nathan scoffed as he entered the room.
"Daddy!!" Young James Lucas Scott shouted eagerly and practically bolted from his chair to run into the awaiting arms of his father.
"Hey!" Nathan smiled widely as he eagerly scooped up his young son from the ground and easily carried him with one arm.
"Jamie's gonna be the man.. I'm going to be the second best.."
"Don't forget about Edward and Grandpa Dan!" Jamie exclaimed.
Nathan chuckled. "Yeah, Luke you'll be lucky to make the top ten." Nathan teased.
"Thanks.." Lucas rolled his eyes. Lucas was used to the ribbing Nathan always gave him, a trait he seemed to have past on to his son.
Nathan turned his attention back to his young son. "Come here." Nathan hugged his son. "I love you boy .. how much you grown this past week? A foot?" He felt like he'd been gone for days without his family, in between all the wedding planning, bachelor parties, etc.
Jamie just shrugged. "I don't know .. Aunt Karen didn't even know me". Nathan inwardly laughed, seeing as though Karen was only gone for two weeks on a vacation to Italy.
"Oh and daddy .. did you see mama.. she looked pretty?"
Nathan smiled even wider. "I'll bet, but you know the rules, I can't see mommy."
"Why not?" Jamie asked.
"Because it's tradition. I won't see your mom until the wedding starts."
"But you and mommy are already married?" Jamie was confused.
"Yes you knucklehead." Nathan chuckled. "But we're getting married again."
"Oh." Jamie shrugged. He was still confused. "Why?"
"Because your parents are silly like that." Lucas teased. "So Jamie, you know the drill right.. you're going to walk down the isle and when you get to me, you're going to give me these two rings." Lucas kneeled next to Jamie and pulled out a small velvet box and showed two wedding bands.
"Whoaa.. treasure!!" Jamie's eyes went wide.
"Nice huh and worth all the money in the world, so when I give it to you, don't lose 'em .. cuz your Daddy hasn't signed his basketball contract yet and he's poor."
"I'm sorry your poor Daddy." Jamie said apologetically.
Nathan tried to keep his smile. "Don't worry kiddo, your mom's loaded." He joked.
He couldn't believe how much time had passed. Thanks to Clayton's help, Nathan was able to fulfill his dream and played for the Blue Devils for two seasons. Most of Nathan's credits from NYU transferred over to Duke and he and Haley both attended there. Nathan just graduated but Haley still had another year left to go. Haley's AP credits from high school and coupled with a few summer classes meant that Haley wasn't that far behind from Nathan.
Things at Duke were busy but great, Nathan and Haley lived on campus and had left the kids with daycare while they attended classes. Lucas was also not too far away at UNC to help out as well. Plus both sets of grandparents were always eager to offer a helping hand, especially during away games or exams. But with Haley having one more year of classes, Nathan wasn't signing any contracts yet. The Sonics offered him a deal but he was secretly holding out for Charlotte so he could be close to Haley and family. He hoped Clay could give him good news.
"Someone felt left out." Dan came walking in, holding young Edward Scott in his hands.
"My jersey!!" Jamie gasped and Edward just laughed.
On Jamie's fourth birthday, Nathan gave Jamie the very first Jersey he ever owned, a gift from his own dad that he wanted to pass down to his son. Jamie wore it constantly and Edward, looking up to his big brother, also wanted to wear it as well.
Nathan took his other son from his dad and put him on the ground. Edward was definitely entering the terrible two's. "Edward, you know not to take your brother's stuff and besides this orange jersey doesn't match your tux." Nathan joked as he took the jersey off his pouting son.
"Now James." Nathan stated Jamie's real name to let him know he was serious. "You make sure that when you walk down the isle, you keep Edward here with you, okay?"
"Got it dad!" Jamie exclaimed as he grabbed his jersey back. The elder Scott men watched amused as the Edward started chasing Jamie around the room to grab the jersey back.
Nathan glanced over to Lucas and the two shared a small smile. They wondered if they grew up together if they would've acted like those two. Dan saw the look shared between both of his sons and his grandsons and a feeling of regret swept through him. Dan knew what his sons were thinking and he could only imagine what it would've been like to have a little Nathan Scott and Lucas Scott running around chasing each other. Still, he put on a smile and pushed those thoughts out. He wasn't a perfect by any means but he'd work hard to be the husband his wife can rely on and the father and grandfather that his sons and grandsons deserved.
"Haley are you okay? You're not going to cry again right cuz I'm about to do your eye make up." Brooke stated.
"Well not anymore." Haley turned back to her friend.
"Brooke, relax, it's Haley's big day. She can cry if she wants to." Peyton spoke up.
"Yeah, I remember your wedding." Brooke mumbled. "You cried a river, but luckily this time I using water proof mascara."
"Good call." Peyton replied.
"I just can't believe this day is finally here." Haley stated.
"I know, it's been almost 5 years in the making." Peyton replied.
"Between school and Jamie and Edward, we just kept pushing the date back and back, and then it was always such a pain to find a time where my whole family could come." Shortly after Edward was born, the young family were thrown into college life, they'd talked about fulfilling that second wedding they never had back in high school. Since then, they must've set four dates before finally settling on this one. Aside from the scheduling problems, Haley was also worried. She remembered that her and Nathan's dream wedding a few years ago turned out to be Nathan's so called funeral.
While Bear was in jail, she was still worried. She could never forget what happened a year ago when Dan and Rachel informed them that Bear was killed in prison. It seemed that he screwed with a lot of people and he finally got his. Haley was relieved and even though it was wrong to think that way, she was happy he was gone and out of their lives forever.
There was a knock on the door and Haley whipped her head to find her beaming parents there.
"You ready to go Hun?" Jimmy James asked his youngest daughter.
Haley got up and hugged her mom and then looped her arms with her father. "I've been ready for nearly 5 years now."
"K that's our cue guys." Dan clapped his hands and motioned his grandsons out the door. Dan led the two youngest Scott's out and to their spots. Lucas padded Nathan on the back and two made their way to their spot.
Nathan stood up and looked over the crowd made up of their friends and family gathered at the church's outdoor garden. It was where Haley's parents had gotten married and she couldn't imagine any other place to have their wedding. Nathan couldn't believe how long it took for them to get here but that didn't matter now. All the pain and heart ache they've gone through had only made him and Haley that much stronger. He didn't know why he felt a little nervous. It wasn't like Haley was going to change her mind. They were already married with two small children.
The music started and he watched as Peyton walk down the isle. He smiled as she gave a quick wave to Jake, Jenny and their baby boy named Julian. Julian was a couple of months younger than Edward and he often played with Jamie and Edward when he was in town. Next, Brooke walked down and Nathan couldn't help but notice the wink Brooke gave to Lucas. He turned to his brother with a curious look, wondering when it would be his turn to walk the isle. He often joked to Lucas that it wasn't already his second time.
Haley's nieces came walking down next throwing soft flower petals on the ground and then followed by his two boys. He smiled as Edward carried the small velvet pillow while Jamie took his little brother's hand and guided them down the isle. He was thrilled to see that they were behaved enough to make it down the whole isle before settling in between both their grandmothers.
The music cued up once again and everyone stood up as Haley appeared like an angel. Everything after that was in slow motion as he watched Haley escorted by her father walk down the isle. He and Jimmy James shared a typical man hug before reaching taking Haley's hand in his.
The priest started speaking but all Nathan could do was focus on his wife.
"Friends and loved ones, we are gathered here today to witness the renewal of a commitment." The priest spoke up and Nathan squeezed Haley's hand tighter.
"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?"
Haley took a deep breath, not wanting to let the flood gates out now.
"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."
Everyone's eyes started to tear as all eyes were on Nathan now.
"Nathan," The priest turned to him.
Nathan opened his mouth to speak but stopped and pulled his hand away from Haley's. Haley was confused and was about to protest.
"Wait, I can't do this alone." Nathan smiled as he walked down the steps and grabbed his sons. He lifted both boys up easily and marched back up to the alter. Edward automatically scrambled out of his dad's arms and into his mom's. Haley turned to Brooke to hand Brooke her bouquet, she couldn't believe what Nathan was doing.
"I remember a couple of 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 and our sons." Nathan's eyes shifted from Haley's and onto their sons before looking back to Haley, who's eyes were filled with tears. "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."
And in true Scott form, Nathan never ceased to amaze on the court and off, as there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Haley held onto Edward's hand tightly as she anxiously awaited the return of her husband.
"Daddy! Daddy!" Edward exclaimed as he pointed to his approaching father.
The ATV came to a stop in front of Haley and Edward. Nathan took off his helmet and helped Jamie down.
"Mommy, mommy! We scared the cows!" Jamie exclaimed excitedly and Nathan just laughed.
Edward wiggled out of his mom's grasp and came running to Nathan. "I want cows!" He ran into his father's arms.
"Okay, buddy, you're next." Nathan smiled.
"Oh Nathan, be careful." Haley warned. "And don't go too fast!"
"Hales, he'll be fine." Nathan replied to his over worried wife. "Why don't you grab the other ATV?"
"I'm not getting back on that!" Haley shook her head. She tried to ride it earlier but she found it noisy and frightening. She felt like she could break her neck on that thing and even though Haley knew that Nathan wouldn't ever put their boys in danger, she was still scared for them.
Nathan chuckled and gave his wife a quick peck on the lips before loading Edward on the ATV. The wedding was over a week ago and it turned out even better than they could've imagined. It was nice to see all of their family and friends together. They left the kids with Nathan's parents and Haley's parents also stayed behind in Tree Hill to help watch their grandchildren.
Nathan and Haley spent a week in London, a place Haley always dreamed of going. They both had a blast touring the city and seeing all the sights and sounds. They often went to bed early, making love until the early hours of the morning. With little kids running around, their moments of intimacy was often fleeting back home. This time, it was nice for them to just be together and not worry about interruptions. On the flips side, they both missed their boys terribly and knew that they couldn't spend their whole time away without bringing the boys along with them.
So as soon as they made it back to Tree Hill, they packed the boys up and headed for the woods. The cabin they were staying at held very dear memories for both Nathan and Haley. This was the place where he and Haley finally reconnected after the whole school shooting involving Jimmy Edwards. Nathan and Haley's marriage finally reached a breaking point but in this cabin, away from the world, they were able to reconnect and rediscover their love. This was the perfect place for them to spend the second half of their honeymoon and somewhere they wanted to bring the kids.
Nathan came back a short time later and all Jamie and Edward wanted to do was ride the ATV but Nathan gave into Haley's wishes and they opted for something else. They got on one of the fishing boats and went fishing. The serene waters were a nice change from the noisy and bumpy ATV's. The boys already with fishing with their dad, grandpa Dan and Lucas not too long ago, so Nathan knew they would enjoy being out on the water.
"They're finally asleep." Haley remarked as she stood by the vanity applying some night cream. Nathan just stepped out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist. He smelled like worms and dirt and couldn't wait for a shower. He only wished that his wife was there with him.
"As soon as their heads hit the pillows, they knocked out." Haley mused.
"They had fun today." Nathan commented as he stepped up behind her and wrapped her arms around her. He made a mental note to check up on them later. Haley nodded in agreement, taking a look at their reflection in the mirror. It still amazed her how far along they come.
"Oh, look, I know that we're supposed to be on vacation but I got a message from Clay while you were in the shower." Haley turned around to face him.
"What happened?"
"He's meeting some reps from the Bobcats tomorrow, their going to iron out the details of your contract." Haley could barely keep her excitement.
Nathan's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"
Haley nodded. His face lit up and he hugged his wife and spun her around.
"This calls for a celebration." Nathan smirked.
Haley ran her hands on Nathan's waist, then finally ripping the towel off of him.
"Oh yeah." Haley said breathlessly as her lips crashed onto his.
Haley stirred in her sleep and reached for Nathan but found nothing but cold empty space. She immediately shot up and noticed that she was alone in the room. Growing suspicious, she put a robe on and went to the boys' room and found that they too were missing. She knew she had nothing to be worried about, they were probably with Nathan. When she reached the living room, she found them curled up on the sofa watching one of Jamie's and Edward's favorite cartoon movies.
She took a moment to enjoy the site before making her appearance known. Nathan was such a great father, she never doubted he would be anything less but seeing him interact with their sons made her fall in love with him all over again. Her boys love him and they loved him back.
She put her hands on her hips and eyed her husband curiously. Edward was sitting on Nathan's lap while Jamie was curled up next to Nathan. They all looked at her, their jaw slightly opened, busted.
She eyed her husband curiously, she could expect as much from her boys but Nathan was supposed to be the adult. Sometimes, she felt like she was watching three kids. All three of them gave them that puppy eye look, knowing she couldn't resist all three of them. She chuckled to herself as three sets of blue eyes were on hers. Jamie's hair though was a shady blond, Edward was a dark brown while Nathan was raven black but she could see the similarities between all three of them, the boys had the same shade of blue eyes as their father.
Not wanting to be the party pooper, Haley grabbed Jamie and settled on the couch, cozying up next to Nathan while Jamie sat on her lap.
"Nathan, it's 3 am."
"The boys woke me up." Nathan whispered over to her while the boys were currently engrossed with the film.
"Right." Haley playfully rolled her eyes. Nathan just laughed and put his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.
The movie was about to end but that didn't matter as everyone except Nathan fell asleep. Edward was curled up against Nathan's left arm, Nathan's other arm was around Haley, her head resting on his shoulder and then there was Jamie who was sprawled out on his and Haley's lap.
Nathan smiled at the sight of his sleeping family. He knew should wake Haley up and put the boys back to their beds but Nathan decided to wait a bit. They were few times when it was the four of them and it would be quiet and peaceful like this. Sure Nathan's past with Bear and Daunte was behind them but there was still the unknown of the future. As much as Nathan wanted to play for the Bobcats, he knew that would mean away games and less time at home. There was still so much for him and Haley to decide, especially since Haley was still in school for another year.
"You're thinking too loud." Haley muttered as her eyes fluttered open. She looked down and smiled as she saw the sight of her two boys sleeping.
"What's on your mind?" Haley asked softly. Nathan turned to face her.
"Just thinking how lucky I am to have you and the boys and.. and what's going to happen if I do play for the Bobcats, the practices.. the away games."
"I know, but we'll get through it like we always have.. we've been through worst." Haley pointed out.
Nathan chuckled, she was certainly right about that.
"Let's put these guys back to bed."
"Not, yet." Nathan replied. "I love this.. just you, me and the boys, although I promised your mom a granddaughter."
Haley laughed and kissed Nathan on the cheeks. "She'll hold you to that." Haley laughed.
Nathan could never get tired of that laugh. Nathan pressed his lips against her forehead and held her and his sons closer. The future was still unknown but Haley was right. After everything they've been through, Nathan knew it would all work out okay. But right now, he didn't have to worry about that. Nathan Scott can enjoy this peaceful moment with his wife and his sons. For Nathan and Haley, there was no where else they'd rather be than with their family, at the end of the day, that's all that mattered. For them, this was heaven.
The End.