So this is the end and i would just like to thank every single person who read, reviewed and favourited this story! I have appreciated every single one.
I hope you like the ending to the story because it took me a long time to write and i'm still not completely happy with the way it's turned out but still.. thank you to everyone who showed interest in the story because you have kept me writing for all this time and without you i probably given up long ago.
I look forward to writing and posting more stories soon..
Anyways here it is, i hope you like it...
Thank you, once again! (I can't really say it enough!)
CHAPTER 38
Love is not a fairy tale, a life that never knows pain or hardship but it's two souls facing everything that comes their way together and diminishing it with their unconditional love.
They say that your choices between high school and college shape who you are and who you become. That life starts the moment you graduate, the moment when you have a choice about where you want to go and ultimately who you want to be.
Peyton Sawyer knows that when she chose to move to Tree Hill three years ago it was the moment her path in life changed. It was totally instinctive, totally reckless and yet if she could go back and do it all again… she would.
Because in moving she got someone she'd love for years to come. Someone she still very much loved.
Someone who she was marrying in precisely twenty four hours.
She couldn't help but smile at the thought.
She couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed at the thought too.
They were twenty one years old and getting married. They were in their final year of college and…getting married.
Yet, it felt right.
Peyton pulled Lucas' hoodie around her tightly as she walked, reminiscing upon the best years of her life. Barely a year after moving they'd been choosing where they wanted to go with their lives. Lucas wanted to study literature and Peyton art or music at the same college. Nathan was going to Duke and Haley was going with him. Brooke was going to New York for fashion. They had their lives set out and their final day altogether was sorrowful to say the least.
The five were all going their separate ways.
However they promised to keep in touch and see each other in the holidays.
Peyton had been doubtful but then pleasantly surprised when they did actually keep their promises. The five met in Tree Hill each holiday and it sort of became a tradition. Then the second year hit and contact between the five became strained as work load and business increased. Yet they kept emails and phone calls up as frequently as they could and that was what led them all back to Tree Hill for the summer of the end of their second year in college.
She reached the beach and shivered slightly upon seeing the figure sitting there, silhouetted against the moonlight.
She'd know his silhouette anywhere.
He turned upon hearing her and the cliché thought struck Peyton that he never failed to take her breath away, just slightly. He smiled the most adorable smile as his eyes twinkled and he held out his hand silently. Peyton took it and he pulled her gently onto the sand with him putting an arm around her shoulders securely and pressing a kiss to the side of her head.
'How'd you get past the Rottweiler's?'
'I have my ways.' Peyton smirked and he laughed.
'Oh I know.'
She leaned into him and he held her just that little bit tighter.
'What're you thinking about wily?'
'You. Us. Twenty four hours.'
Lucas smiled before asking, 'Not having second thoughts are you?'
Peyton smirked swatting his arm, 'As if. It took you long enough to get down on one knee.'
'Well if someone wasn't so unpredictable then I mightn't have been so scared that you'd reject me.'
'I think I made my feelings on the matter pretty obvious.'
'How?' Lucas asked incredulously.
'Do the words 'non proposal' ring any bells?' Peyton smiled looking up at him as he looked guilty.
'Oh.'
'Uhuh.' Peyton said smugly and reflecting back.
Lucas sat on his bed and looked at the four walls he'd called his bedroom since knowing how to speak. The floor was covered heavily by boxes and even though he'd got all he'd wished for in the past year, he couldn't help but feel slightly sad to be saying goodbye to Tree Hill for three years at least. Of course after college he intended on returning, hopefully with Peyton. Simply because this is where he wanted all the rest of his dreams to come true…marriage and children and memories. He suddenly wondered what on earth was wrong with him, he'd been thinking about such big commitments like this for perhaps a month. He knew they'd be in his future and he could only see one person sharing that with him. He smiled at the picture on his bed side table, a picture of him and Peyton. He hadn't believed that love could be found at such a young age, he'd thought the feelings would develop with maturity. How wrong he was. Love was limitless and hit everyone at some point like a bolt of lightening. He knew that first hand.
The door opened and he looked over to see his mother enter the room. This would be the hardest part of leaving Tree Hill, leaving his one parent alone. Karen joined him on the edge of his bed and looked at the picture that he'd been looking at with an equal smile before turning to him again.
'Are you ready?' She asked and he nodded.
'It feels…surreal.'
'Yes, it does. My boys all grown up.' Karen said and when Lucas looked at her face he saw her eyes had filled with tears. Lucas put his arm around her with a chuckle.
'I'm not that grown up.'
Karen chuckled. 'I'm so proud of you Lucas Eugene.'
Lucas grimaced, 'Oh Eugene. Seriously mom, why?'
'It seemed like a good idea at the time.'
'Not so good nineteen years down the line though.'
Karen nodded with a watery chuckle and then tensed, Lucas shot her a questioning glance but she just shook her head. Silently he got the message that she wanted to do the talking.
'I- your growing up Luke and I- couldn't be more proud of you. What I'm about to say will probably sound crazy but I just- I want to give you this.'
Karen handed him a small box and he opened it apprehensively.
'A-a ring?' He asked in surprise, confusion masking his features.
Karen closed her eyes, 'I just- this was Keith's ring and I really want it to be yours.'
'O-kay.' Lucas said drawing out the syllables slightly.
'I know that what you have with Peyton is-'
'You want me to propose to Peyton?' Lucas said and his voice sounded so even that it made him slightly surprised. Maybe subconsciously he already knew that Peyton Sawyer was the one he wanted to spend his life with. The one he wanted by his side through the good and the bad.
'No!' Karen said quickly. 'God…no. You're both still so young… I just… I know the time will present itself and the way you two are I wouldn't be surprised if it were soon, not that I would recommend it. I just want to say that love doesn't come along often, at least not true love…'
'Mom.' Lucas said seeing his mother's eyes fill with tears. She patted his hand and carried on.
'Promise me you'll hang onto it with all you can, I see what you and Peyton have and what it's taken to be together and I know that what you two have is true. Now you don't need a ring to prove that, I just… want you to have it and-'
Lucas folded his arms around his mother with a smile, stopping her rambling, 'Thank you.' He said sincerely.
'I love you my boy.' She said and there was a knock at the door, Peyton opening his bedroom door without hesitation like thousands of times before.
'Oh I'm sorry.' She said halting straight away and sending an apologetic smile to them both, 'I'll just-' She gestured to leave but Karen stood up,
'No, it's okay. Peyton, stay. I'm due at the café for a few hours.' She smiled at her and then backed out of Lucas' room shutting the door behind her.
Peyton looked at Lucas in worry and he raised his hands up in a confused sort of way, the ring caught the light and Peyton gasped closing her eyes,
'Lucas Scott, please tell me you are not about to propose!'
Lucas realised the ring was still in his hand and closed the lid quickly, placing it in his pocket before crossing the room and placing his hands on her shoulders, she opened one eye cautiously to see him smirking.
'Are you?' She challenged.
'No.' He said and she opened her other eye smacking his shoulder at the same time,
'Jackass, don't scare me like that!'
He laughed pressing her into him and nuzzling into her neck effectively cutting off her words as her eyes fluttered shut and her arms crept up to their usual spot around his neck.
'I missed you today.' He whispered and his voice, just like always, sent chills down her spine. Despite that she couldn't help but laugh hollowly,
'We've been apart for a few hours.'
'Six to be exact.' Lucas murmured and the fact that he'd been counting made her smile.
'Packing is kind of necessary.'
'Hmm. You're done now though right?' Lucas asked pressing a kiss to a random spot on her neck.
'Uhuh.' She said finding it increasingly difficult to actually form a coherent thought.
'Good.' He lifted his head and she let out a small moan of protest which was very short lived as his mouth found hers.
No matter what Peyton said she'd missed Lucas too. With plans for graduation and packing for college and general things like that they'd barely seen each other in days. It shone through here at Lucas' haste when he had her shirt and his shirt off in precisely ten seconds. She raised her eyebrow at him but he shrugged and pulled her towards him again melding their lips together. Peyton couldn't deny that she didn't miss this either. There's a certain stigma that with long term relationships sex gets predictable, unexcitable and even boring, she whole heartedly disagreed with that fact. Everything about their relationship had grown and got better, they knew things about the other that guaranteed things would never get boring and they were more than okay with that.
When she pushed Lucas onto the bed and he clung onto her so she fell with him Peyton faintly wondered if she had actually heard Karen say she would be at the café for a few hours. Either way her will power was in tatters when it came down to Lucas Scott, anyone else and she could control herself. Him however, she lost all rational thought around him and she knew that it had gotten them both into awkward situations in the past.
It was worth it though, at least they thought so.
As they regained their breathing Lucas couldn't help but chuckle before pulling Peyton into his side and placing a kiss to the top of her head,
'What's so funny?' Peyton asked with a grin and a random kiss to his bare shoulder.
'How is it that it feels amazing every single time we do this?'
'Mhmm I'm just that good.'
'I'm pretty sure it was you making all the noise.' Lucas smirked earning a mouth open glare from Peyton.
'Well I didn't hear you complaining.'
'I can't really contradict that.' Lucas said fairly making Peyton smile apparently pleased with herself. 'We're pretty damn good together aren't we?'
'Definitely.' Peyton said kissing Lucas' nose. 'You've gotten so much better.'
Lucas shook his head with a smirk and looked down at his girlfriend about to disagree with this statement. However the sight took his breath away, the sheet had fallen off her shoulders and her face was simply glowing, her blonde hair messy but oddly perfect. Instead of actually giving an answer he pulled her chin up gently to join their lips, taking his time to explore her mouth before breaking away.
'What was that for?' Peyton asked and he noted that her face was quite flushed, he grinned at that fact.
He shrugged, 'Just 'cause I love you.'
Peyton closed her eyes letting out a little happy sigh and resting her head into his shoulder laying her arm across his stomach. Lucas only too happily pulled her closer resting his cheek against her hair. They stayed like that for a minute until the ring box caught Lucas' eye,
'So hypothetically what would you have said if I had been proposing?'
'I would have said you were crazy, I mean not everyone is Nathan and Haley, but hypothetically I'd have been more than happy to spend my life with you.' Peyton said after a moment.
'Is that a yes Miss Sawyer?' Lucas chuckled and Peyton lifted her head,
'You said it was hypothetical!'
Lucas just smiled with a nod and pressed his lips to hers again before going back to their earlier position. However as he replayed the conversation in his head his heart rate seemed to double at the line she'd used,
'Do you really want to spend your life with me?' He asked seriously moments later.
Peyton considered the best way to put all of her thoughts into one sentence for a while before deciding that one line said everything she wanted it to but withheld some too,
'I want everything with you.'
It was whispered and Lucas had to strain to hear it but when he did he grinned stupidly pressing a kiss to her head while she idly swung one of her legs over his.
'Good because I want you. For as long as you'll have me.'
His mouth was pressed against her ear when he said it and added with the low and husky quality of his voice it made Peyton shiver in his arms, something which he prided himself on. All of a sudden she'd turned in his arms and kissed him and he was just as powerless to her as she was to him.
'Yeah, everyone kind of knew it was going to happen sooner or later.' Lucas smiled.
'I know. As soon as we let it slip about the 'non' proposal Nathan, Haley and Brooke were bamboozling us for information…'
'Bamboozling?' Lucas chuckled.
'What? It's a word!'
Lucas laughed himself into silence pressing a kiss to Peyton's cheek as she leant against him.
'They've always been our little cheerleading squad haven't they?' Peyton asked with a small smile.
'Weird way to put it- plus the mental picture of Nathan in a skirt is…disgusting- but yes. They have.'
'Brooke and Haley made me realise that I did actually want you to propose you know…' Peyton said thinking back to when she'd accidentally let it slip.
'So was this proposal real?!' Brooke asked as Haley looked on interestedly.
'No.' Peyton sighed. 'No!' She added at their sceptical faces.
'But you wanted it to be.'
'Don't be ridiculous.' Peyton said shrugging that comment off quickly.
'What I think is that you're scared because you've suddenly realised that you're going to love Lucas forever. Yet you feel naïve because you think that wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone at this age is ridiculous and so- Nathan and Haley.'
'Hey!' Haley cut in but Brooke waved it off,
'Plus half of you wanted the non proposal to actually be a proposal and even though it freaked you out at the time you were slightly disappointed that it wasn't. Which makes this whole situation even more confusing to you.'
Peyton gaped at her and then recomposed herself quickly, 'Well I think that you, Brooke Davis, are completely and utterly wrong.'
'Is she?' Haley asked.
'Oh not you too!'
'Why can't you admit it?' Brooke asked loudly.
'I can't admit it because I'm scared.'
Brooke and Haley looked slightly surprised at Peyton's sudden honesty.
'Why?' Haley said putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
'Because I have a future with Lucas that I see so…clearly and it scares me because anything could come along and tear it down.'
'Oh honey.' Brooke breathed. 'Stop with the negative thinking. You and Lucas have been through too much for anything… stupid to come along and tear you down. You're stronger than that…'
'…much stronger than either of you give yourselves credit for.' Haley added and Brooke nodded.
'I just…really love him.' Peyton said sadly looking out and watching her boyfriend and his brother talk.
'And usually that's a good thing.' Brooke grinned, trying to lighten the mood.
'I know and I'm not insecure about it or anything it's just that… what I feel is way more intense than anything I've ever felt before.'
'Again…a good thing.'
'I'm not even making sense.' Peyton groaned. 'I'm just going to shut up right about now.'
All three turned once more to the party and were silent for a while until Brooke felt like she was about to burst.
'So would you have said yes?'
Peyton sighed and Haley shot her a look but Brooke shrugged,
'What? I meant hypothetically.'
Despite herself Peyton couldn't help but laugh and Brooke and Haley joined in.
'Yeah Nathan kind of made me realise I wanted to propose too…' Lucas said contemplatively.
A year into college and they were all back for the summer in Tree Hill, like they'd promised. The girls had gone shopping and Lucas and Nathan were idly playing basketball on the river court.
'So bro… when are you going to propose?'
Lucas chuckled at Nathan's bluntness. The one thing he could rely on Nathan for was getting to the point.
'I'm not proposing.'
'Okay but you want to right?'
Lucas looked at him, 'Hypothetically yes.'
Nathan snorted, 'Stop with the hypothetical crap.'
'Peyt told you about our hypothetical deal didn't she?'
'Yup.'
'Great. Since when did you two tell each other everything?' Lucas asked squinting slightly.
Nathan shrugged. 'We bond.'
'All right, I get it.' Lucas grimaced.
'Oh chill big brother. It's not like she has a shot anyway, I have a wife and a baby.' Nathan smiled as he thought about his new born son, James Lucas Scott.
'Like she has a shot?' Lucas snorted. 'More like you don't have a shot.'
'Fair point.' Nathan shrugged and Lucas clapped his back with a laugh.
'So back to the marriage thing…'
'Nate we're not all like you, you know. Peyton would be beyond freaked out if I even suggested it in a non hypothetical way.'
'I know you aren't me. But Sawyer is crazy about you, I'm pretty sure you're the one who's scared here Luke.'
'Maybe I am.' He muttered.
'Why?'
'I'm in love with her and… I guess I just don't want anything to mess that up.'
'And marriage is the way to do that right.' Nathan snickered.
'Why try to have a rational talk with someone who is already married and has a child before they are even out of their teenage years.' Lucas said rolling his eyes.
'I am twenty soon. Ok. All right. I get it. I just wanted to say that, I see how much you love her and I see how much she loves you. It wouldn't be the worst thing. What I'm trying to say is that I have your back, whatever the decision.' Nathan smiled patting Lucas' shoulder.
'It's weird how one decision that is completely out of your hands changes your life forever.' Peyton murmured.
'What decision?'
'My dad's choice for me to burden myself on you and Karen for the summer almost four years ago.'
'Yeah.' Lucas smiled. 'I remember the first time I saw you… you were tired from flying, annoyed at being in Tree Hill… the look you gave me the first time you walked through that door scared the crap out of me…'
'Hey.' Peyton laughed elbowing him slightly.
'…you were feisty. That I could tell, but you also looked sad. Sad that your dad was leaving. And you were so…beautiful.'
Peyton turned in his arms cupping his cheek, 'You're sweet.'
'What were your first impressions of me?'
'Erm, I remember thinking that you looked like a jock who I would inevitably end up hating.' Peyton smirked until Lucas' face fell. 'I'm kidding! I actually thought you were broody and mysterious yet…really hot.'
'Hmm really?' Lucas smirked one eyebrow cocked as he leaned in to kiss her. 'You know what; I'm amazed they haven't sent out a search party for us.'
'I know. Brooke and Haley have been watching my every move all week.'
'Nathan and Skills too. It's doing my head in.' Lucas sighed.
'It's for our own good.' Peyton quoted and rolled her eyes, 'I guess they want to make the wedding special.'
'But a week without so much as a phone call? Seriously! Anyway, our wedding is going to be special… it's you and me.' Lucas said softly.
Peyton closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his with a whisper, 'I've missed you.'
Lucas smiled as he pulled her tighter his lips moving quickly with hers before he practically groaned, 'I've missed this.'
Peyton tutted, 'Typical guy response.'
'So you haven't?' Lucas asked pulling away quickly. He wasn't away from her long however as Peyton shuffled closer, closing the gap between them and cupping his cheeks.
'Good point.' She murmured as their lips melded together once more.
They spent an hour on the beach before they decided that it was late and cold. Lucas walked Peyton back to her house their hands intertwined and smiles on their faces. As they reached the driveway Lucas pulled her back to him, his hands falling to her hips as he pulled her closer. They kissed until they were left breathless and Lucas stepped away placing a final kiss to her nose with a twinkle in his eyes. Peyton winked at him before walking up to her door, she stopped and looked back when her hand reached the doorknob. He grinned at her before mouthing, 'I love you.' She grinned back and opened the door. Shutting it behind her she leaned against it with her eyes closed a smile evident on her face.
'Huhmm.'
Peyton whirled around at the sound to see Brooke and Haley sitting at the kitchen table with judgemental looks on their faces.
'Where have you been?' Haley asked.
'For a walk.' Peyton shrugged.
'Why is your hair a mess?' Brooke asked, eyes narrowing.
'I was at the beach. The wind, the salt… Come on Brooke Davis, you know these things.'
'Why were you smiling?'
'Because I'm getting married in practically a day.' Peyton chuckled.
They sat in silence for a while before Brooke said in a triumphant voice, 'Why are your lips all plump and red?'
Peyton's hand rose to her mouth self consciously and Brooke jumped up, 'You were with Lucas!' Haley jumped up too with a gasp.
'So… we're getting married. I think it's okay for us to see each other.'
'Not when you're both on house arrest it isn't!' Brooke hissed.
'We're adults.'
'And acting like love struck teenagers! We asked that you stayed apart for a week which, by the way, is not long and since you are spending forever together soon, you should be thanking us.' Brooke raged.
'Aren't you taking this a little far?' Peyton smirked.
'Did you at least abstain from the other thing we asked you to do?'
'What…sex?' Peyton asked.
'Yes!' Brooke said loudly.
Peyton bit her bottom lip smirking slightly while thinking over her answer. 'Well…'
Technically they had abstained from sex but she was having too much fun watching Brooke turn slowly redder and redder to tell them that.
'Oh my god. You did not!'
'Ok lets just calm down.' Haley said directing a roll of her eyes at Brooke. 'But Peyt, I've got to say that not having sex in the build up to the wedding does actually make it so much better on the night…'
'I know that.' Peyton smiled. 'That's why we didn't. I knew it would make Brooke practically explode.'
'You haven't?' Brooke asked and Peyton shook her head. Brooke blew out a sigh of relief and then hit Peyton's arm. 'Don't do that again!'
'Okay why are you so insistent on this?'
'Because your first night as Mrs Lucas Scott should be amazing and by not having any contact with each other it'll hopefully heighten the experience…'
'You do know we've done it before though, right?' Peyton asked wryly.
'You know what. Do what you want. Go sleep with the guy. Ruin your own wedding night.' Brooke huffed and Peyton raised her eyebrows at Haley who couldn't help but close her eyes and chuckle.
Sometimes Brooke seemed to forget who's wedding it was.
The next day consisted of last minute plans as well as the rehearsal dinner at the end of the day. Really it wasn't so much a rehearsal dinner as an opportunity for everyone to get together. The latter seemed more apparent and yet Lucas and Peyton were still the centre of things.
The table at the restaurant consisted of the closest people to them, Larry, Karen, Deb, Nathan, Haley, Brooke and her long term boyfriend. Rachel had also turned up early for the wedding and Mouth and Skills were due to arrive later on.
As soon as Peyton walked in with the girls Lucas' eyes were upon her. He smiled and took a deep breath. She looked stunning.
Seven days was really too long.
Peyton seemed to know he was staring at her as she met his eyes with a wink. He grinned at her. Peyton couldn't really pay a lot of attention to what Brooke was saying because as she studied Lucas she felt herself getting slightly flustered. He looked really good in a suit.
Seven days was way too long.
The meal went without a hitch really. Although Lucas and Peyton were seated at opposite sides of the table. Apparently they weren't allowed to speak either before their wedding day. They spent a great deal of the night looking at each other though. Furtive glances across the table, secret smiles that were directed to each other when people decided to talk to them about flower arrangements or vows or rings…
Lucas found himself sitting in silence as people around him conversed. Instead he just watched Peyton at the end of the table laugh at something Brooke said. Brooke turned to Haley to repeat it and Peyton's eyes met his. He inclined his head with a smirk and she gave him a nod. Lucas got up and walked over to the bar, Peyton excused herself moments later following Lucas' footsteps.
She pressed a chaste kiss to Lucas' cheek as she sidled up next to him. He turned his head to her and she saw that his expression looked pretty intense.
'You look-' Words seemed to fail him.
'You too.' Peyton affirmed giving him another wink.
'You have no idea how badly I want to-'
'Me too.' Peyton breathed. 'One more day though right?'
Lucas groaned and closed his eyes moving a little closer and placing a hand to the small of her back. He leaned in a little closer,
'You looking forward to becoming Mrs Scott?'
Peyton closed her eyes for a few moments before opening them again, 'You have no idea.' She stated.
'Peyton's been a long time.' Brooke noted to the people surrounding her, she took a glance to the end of the table and hissed, 'Nathan!'
'What?' He called.
'Where's Lucas?' She hissed.
'Right here-' Nathan said turning to Lucas' seat, only to find that it was empty, 'Oh.'
Brooke scanned the room and caught the two blondes at the bar standing suspiciously close together. 'Sneaky little- didn't we tell her last night that having minimal contact with her soon to be husband would be beneficial in the end?' Brooke stated to Haley and Karen chuckled while Larry looked bemused. Rachel just rolled her eyes.
'Oh please they're only talking!' Haley stated but even as she said it Lucas placed a hand on the small of Peyton's back and leaned in even closer.
Rachel coughed with a laugh, 'It's never just talking with them two. Peyton's got her 'do me' face on and I can practically feel Lucas' pain from here.'
Larry choked on his drink and Karen patted him on the back uncomfortably.
'How do you know that's her 'do me' face?' Brooke asked suspiciously.
'Oh come on.' Rachel replied rolling her eyes, 'It's the only face she has. When it comes to Lucas anyway.'
Larry cleared his throat uncomfortably and Rachel looked over at him, 'Oops, sorry Mr Sawyer.'
'You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now.' Lucas murmured and Peyton took in a shuddering breath.
'Rules.' She shrugged.
'Yeah, why are we actually obeying these rules?'
'I have absolutely no idea.' Peyton said and chuckled.
'Screw it.' Lucas muttered and without a seconds hesitation he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. She smiled and pressed the palm of her hand to his cheek.
The table continued with their conversation but Brooke found herself looking to the bar more frequently.
'What is Lucas doing?'
Karen stopped talking as they all looked to the bar, Haley with a roll of her eyes.
'It's just a simple kiss Brooke, they are getting married.' Haley defended but like last time as soon as she'd said the words the 'simple kiss' had become not so simple as they saw Peyton place a hand on Lucas' cheek.
'Oh come on, that is a full on… Lucas and Peyton kiss.'
'There's such a thing as a 'Lucas and Peyton' kiss?' Nathan asked stupidly.
'You know, all intense…and…well, you know.'
Lucas and Peyton seemed to realise that they were being watched as they pulled away from each other. It hadn't been a full on kiss at the least, they'd kept no tongues seeing as they were surrounded by people. Peyton picked up her champagne and turned towards the table, she smiled and raised her glass to them all as they watched then drank it all down in one go.
Nathan chuckled, 'I really don't think they care anymore Brooke.'
'But they were so close!' Brooke moaned.
'If they want to do it then let them.' Nathan said. 'They haven't so much as spoken in a week.'
'Yes they have! They snuck out together last night!'
'Lucas didn't.. oh oops.' Nathan smirked bashfully.
'Yeah. Good going there Nate.' Brooke said sarcastically. 'Seriously, how hard was it to keep him in the house?'
'I thought he was there...he's sneaky. Which is so not my fault. How did Peyton get away then with you around all the time?'
'Good question. I guess they're both sneaky.' Brooke said darkly.
'Exactly.'
Peyton was woken up the morning after by Brooke and Haley who unceremoniously jumped on her bed and pushed a glass of champagne in her face. She laughed groggily at them and they just shrugged stating that it was never too early to start celebrating.
'You know, we'll soon be related.' Haley smiled as Peyton sat up properly and took the champagne off Brooke.
'Sister-in-laws.' Peyton grinned and clunked her glass against Haley's.
'Now I feel left out.' Brooke pouted. 'If only there was another Scott brother.'
'Hey, you never know.' Peyton smirked and Haley nodded wryly,
'It is Dan Scott after all.'
'So are you getting cold feet at all?'
'Nope.' Peyton said with a smile.
'Really?' Brooke asked sceptically.
'Well, there's only so much time you can spend fighting fate.' Peyton shrugged. 'I'm ready.'
'Where did the commitment phobic Peyton go?'
'Ah the workings of Lucas Scott.' Peyton said knowingly and thinking of her soon to be husband she adopted a far away look.
'The mister and misses are going to be unbearable today; I might need a sick bucket.' Brooke smirked taking a gulp of champagne.
'I… I'm just really happy.' Peyton admitted. 'And for once…I'm not scared to admit it.'
'Good… Mrs Scott, the second.' Haley winked and all three giggled clinking their glasses together and downing them in one.
What a way to start the biggest day of her life.
Lucas woke up with a smile on his face and he couldn't see it leaving anytime soon. The day had arrived, Peyton Sawyer will become Peyton Scott. His musings were cut short as Nathan barged into his bedroom.
'Cold feet at all?' Was the first thing he said as he came in.
'No.' Lucas grinned.
'Good. Else I'm afraid I'd have to kick your ass.' Nathan smirked. 'I made a deal with Larry.'
'Hilarious.' Lucas said wryly. 'Truthfully, I couldn't be any happier.'
'Ugh.' Nathan said with a slight grimace. 'Save the cheesiness for the altar. Oh by the way there are some people who want to see you.'
Seconds later Skills, Mouth, Junk, Fergie and two of his college friends called Tom and Mike spilled into the room each bearing a water pistol and within a second they were spraying him and Nathan had jumped off his bed pulling a water pistol out from behind his back and getting him square in the face.
What a way to start the biggest day of his life.
It was mayhem.
They'd decided on the beach for a setting for sentimental reasons and so the beach house was labelled the 'staging area' except really it was the place where the girls were getting ready. Getting ready was really the wrong phrase. They were raising bedlam.
Peyton, Brooke and Haley had been joined by Rachel, Bevin and two friends of Peyton's called Mia and Sophie who she'd got close to over the two years of college. But with their combined enthusiasm it could have been a hundred girls and it wouldn't have made any difference. The few rooms that they were occupying were a complete mess and they'd each had more champagne than they should have, to the point where Peyton was banning anymore until the reception claiming that she actually wanted to remember her wedding.
Her dad showed up an hour before the start to say that everything was looking beautiful outside and that she shouldn't worry about a thing. She thanked him and was about to elaborate until furious giggling ensued from the remaining six girls causing Larry to leave feeling slightly scared.
Half an hour later her dress was on and the bridesmaids around her were all teary eyed in their deep and tasteful red coloured dresses courtesy of Brooke. Pictures galore were taken by the hired photographer and then Brooke announced that they all had to take their positions. Rachel, Bevin, Mia and Sophie were sitting in the seats on the second row and Brooke and Haley were Peyton's maids of honour and therefore were going to stand at the front.
'You look amazing.' Haley whispered a tear pooling in her eye as she surveyed Peyton. She smiled at her and pulled her into a hug before walking out of the house to take her place on the beach.
Brooke then pulled her into a tight hug whispering as she did so, 'Lucas is going to blow a fuse.'
Peyton let out a watery laugh, 'Not surprising really with all your rules.'
'Don't downplay the powers of the dress.' Brooke admonished before hugging her once more with tears in her eyes. 'Rock it .' Then with a wink she joined Haley, and Peyton turned to the suddenly empty house with a deep breath.
'You look beautiful Peyton.'
She turned to see Karen standing by the door having just walked in. She gave her a smile shaking her head and then walked to her pulling her into a hug.
'Thank you.' Peyton whispered.
'For what honey?' Karen asked with a smile.
'For taking me in that summer four years ago.' Peyton smiled tearily and Karen laughed.
'Best decision I ever made.' She winked. 'I did give Lucas that ring for a reason.'
Peyton blushed. 'Just… thank you.'
'Thank you.' Karen said sincerely and her words were loaded with meaning, so much so that Peyton's eyes welled up again and Karen wrapped her arms around the younger girl before her.
'Am I interrupting?'
Peyton and Karen broke apart and Peyton saw her father sporting a grin, he looked at her and his grin turned a little more sombre.
'You look…so beautiful Peyt.' He said and his voice seemed slightly choked.
'I'll be in the front row.' Karen said giving Peyton's hand a squeeze and walking out of the house leaving the father and daughter alone.
'Your mom…would have been proud.' Larry went on and Peyton's eyes suddenly flooded with tears. She closed the space and wrapped her arms tightly around her father.
She broke away a few minutes later with a chuckle, 'Argh you're ruining my make up. Brooke's going to kill me.'
Larry laughed as she wiped beneath her eyes, 'I love you honey.'
'I love you too Dad.' Peyton whispered before Larry pulled her into another hug, fiercer than the last.
Lucas took one last look in the mirror and straightened his tie. It was a deep but beautiful red and the colour made him smile. It was so Peyton and that's why they'd agreed on a red theme. At first Brooke protested the idea of the bridesmaids dresses being red, that's what happens when one of your best friends decides they want to make your dress, and yet then she'd found the perfect fabric and suddenly it was the best idea in the world. Peyton's dress was white but around the middle was a thin layer of the same red fabric and Lucas' tie was the same, a scrap of the fabric peeking out of the top pocket of his black suit jacket.
The one thing that hadn't changed was the smile that lit up Lucas' face as Nathan once again entered the room.
'Luke, we better be going.' He smiled as he straightened his tie too.
Lucas nodded and followed Nathan out of his house. The other guys had gone earlier and taken one car. Lucas and Nathan were to take the other one. Nathan clapped his brother on the back before they both got into the car.
The smile that Lucas had been wearing all morning was wiped quickly off his face as Nathan turned the keys in the ignition. It spluttered to life before promptly fading away. Nathan tried again but this time the car didn't even start.
'Oh god. Oh no. Why today.' Lucas said in sheer panic.
'It's okay.' Nathan said out of habit more than anything.
'How is this okay?' Lucas shouted. 'The car won't freaking start!'
'Yeah…good point.' Nathan said and slammed his hands into the steering wheel. 'Shit.'
'How long do we have?' Lucas asked hurriedly.
'Ten minutes.'
Lucas closed his eyes with a groan. 'I'm going to be late to my own wedding!'
'Are you ready to get married Peyt?' Larry asked taking her arm in his and stepping out of the beach house.
'Definitely.' She smiled and they were just about to take a step in the right direction when they were nearly bowled over by Haley.
'Could you just wait here for a couple more minutes.'
'Is there a problem?' Larry asked with a frown.
'No, no! No problem.' Haley assured with the fakest laugh Peyton had ever heard.
'Hales…' Peyton said but Haley gave her the most reassuring smile she could muster and walked away as quickly as she could.
'Scott hasn't wimped out has he, because if he has…' Larry growled.
Peyton gulped but tried to sound reassuring, 'No. Lucas wouldn't do that. I know he wouldn't.'
Larry grumbled something and then stood fidgeting slightly as Peyton waited for the go ahead. Something which made her more nervous every second she stood there, waiting for her own wedding to start… She was vividly brought back to when she last felt this nervous, the day Lucas proposed.
Peyton sat on the couch in her old house. The house that her dad had brought three and a half years ago. Looking around truthfully and this was the one and only place she'd seriously considered home. Her mind swept to Lucas and her smile slid slightly. They'd come back to Tree Hill for Christmas break in their second year of college and yet ever since they'd got back Lucas hadn't been himself. He'd been distant like his mind was distracted and they hadn't truly spoken in days.
Peyton had to admit she was terrified by what this meant.
They'd been fighting quite a lot lately, the toll and stress of their work load in college and buying a small flat together by campus and living together. They spent their first year in the accommodation that was presented to them by the college, therefore they lived apart and yet close. Peyton lived with two girls called Mia and Sophie and Lucas lived with Tom and Mike. However they chose to buy a flat close to campus in the September of their second year, they'd both saved up as much as they could over the year and they couldn't wait to live with each other.
However the first few months of living together found them fighting more than usual. Assignments were getting harder and longer for both of them and so they found that they couldn't really spend that much time together. The strain of spending time apart only added to the stress of the workload making them bicker a lot more and they'd had a lot more fights than normal. The smallness of the apartment didn't help and consequently many of the arguments ended with one of the pair storming out and going to cool off for an hour or two.
A couple of months ago a fight had started out as nothing and yet had become one of the biggest ones they'd had. Each had been so mad with the other that Peyton had gone to bed and slammed their bedroom door indicating that they would not be sleeping in the same bed. Lucas had taken the tiny room that indicated as a guest room with the smallest bed he'd ever seen.
He spent the first few hours tossing and turning, not actually sleeping and when he looked at his watch and saw it was 2.00 am he had had enough. He padded down the hallway to their bedroom and opened the door quietly closed it behind him and crawled into bed next to his girlfriend, sliding his arms around her waist and absently kissing her shoulder.
'I'm sorry.' He said knowing she was awake.
'Me too.' Peyton whispered turning around in his arms and nestling into his arms. He smiled and kissed the top of her head.
Minutes later and Peyton had raised her head to capture his lips. Making up was the best part of fighting.
In reminiscing Peyton hadn't realised that a few tears had leaked out of her eyes, what if their relationship had come to the end…? She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realise Lucas had entered the house until he was kneeling in front of her wiping the tear away, concern on his features.
'Peyt, what's wrong?'
'Is…' Peyton took a deep breath, she just had to know. Quick and painless. 'Are we…okay?'
'Oh babe…' Lucas chuckled with instant relief. 'Come with me.' He winked then took her hand pulling her to her feet and out of the house just as fast.
'Where are we going?'
'Trust me.' Lucas said pulling on Peyton's hand just a little harder. They reached the beach and Lucas stopped, 'Wait here. For two minutes.' Peyton went to protest but Lucas grinned at her with a wink and she felt powerless.
Minutes later and he was back, pulling her hand once more. She followed without hesitance and then stopped dead the moment she saw what they were heading for. A blanket was laid on the sand. Lucas had dug a small trench all around it and put candles there, the sole purpose of the trench being to protect the flames from the slight breeze. The effect was beautiful and Peyton's eyes watered again as Lucas led her through a path of candles to the blanket.
He stood in front of her for a minute and Peyton swore she felt more for the person in front of her in that moment than she ever had. It was startling, just like the look in his eyes as he took her hand in his and slowly knelt down. At first Peyton thought he was sitting down until he looked back up at her and she realised he was on one knee. Her throat constricted and he smiled,
'Peyt, I love you and I know we're young but…' Lucas sighed and it sounded like he was nervous, really nervous. 'The other day when we had another stupid fight about something or nothing I realised that you are the only one I want to fight with, you are the only one I want to make up with, you're the only one I want…for the rest of my life. As long as we're together we can work out every little thing and really, nothing else matters.' He stopped for a second to reach inside his jacket; he pulled out a small box and opened it. 'Peyton Sawyer, will you marry me?' Peyton's eyes sparkled with tears and she said,
'You sure know how to surprise a girl.' She chuckled and he grinned before she nodded.
'Is that a yes?' Lucas asked his smiled widening.
'Yes.'
'Yes?' He asked again with an even bigger grin.
'Yes!'
Lucas stood up and Peyton held out her left hand as he slipped the ring onto it. Then he was pulling her into the most passionate kiss she'd ever had.
'We are more than okay.' Lucas whispered to her and she laughed breathlessly before hastily pulling his lips to hers once more.
Peyton regarded that as the best moment of her life so far yet this day was going to top it. Looking back she knew that Lucas wouldn't have stood her up, there was obviously some other small problem. The thought made her smile and that smile only widened when Haley reappeared looking relieved to tell them that everyone was ready.
Peyton and Larry followed Haley to the makeshift altar and Peyton took in a surprised breath. A little aisle had been constructed and chairs were places either side for the guests to sit. Her eyes travelled to the end to see a couple of people with violins and then the altar which was beautifully decorated with white flowers ornately placed around an arch where the priest stood with Nathan and Lucas. Her eyes sought out her fiancé and she took in a quick breath.
He looked really, really great in a suit.
She was just out of sight of him and she saw that he looked peaceful and yet nervous, his brow glistened slightly and he seemed to be breathing heavily. Her eyes focused on Haley walking up the aisle as soft music caught her attention, Brooke followed her seconds later and then the melody changed and everyone looked around expectantly. She took a deep breath and her father squeezed the hand that looped through his arm before they started their walk down the suddenly daunting aisle.
However Peyton kept her eyes focused on Lucas and his smile as he saw her quite dazzled her. She smiled back and their gaze never left each other until she had finished her walk. Her father let go of her arm and kissed her cheek, squeezing her shoulders with a smile and a watery wink before turning to his seat on the front row next to Karen. Lucas stepped forward and took Peyton's hand, he kissed it as they took their places opposite each other and she chuckled at him.
'What was the hold-up?' She whispered.
'Our mode of transport wasn't working very well…. We had to run.' Lucas murmured and Peyton couldn't help but let out a small laugh, which was why Lucas looked out of breath.
'It's not a sign right?' She asked.
'Definitely not.' He smirked
The two were only vaguely aware that the priest had started talking as they let themselves get lost in the others eyes. Lucas gave her a cheeky smile and she returned it with a sassy wink of her own earning a little cough from behind her. Something which she knew was from Brooke, it made her chuckle slightly and Lucas couldn't help but join in. Nathan shoved him gently and Lucas realised that they hadn't actually been listening to a word that was being said. He smoothed out his expression and gave Peyton a small wink with a hint of a grin before squeezing her hand.
Peyton was first to give her vows and she was nervous, not only was Lucas better with words but she'd always had trouble with public declarations.
'Lucas Scott.' She started and her voice held a slight tremor, Lucas squeezed her hand again in reassurance. His smile alone made her feel a little calmer. 'When I met you four years ago I had no idea that I was going to spend the summer with my future. The person I'd begin to love unconditionally and want to spend the rest of my life with. Truth be told I'd convinced myself that I was going to hate you.' A chuckle ran through the crowd and Lucas laughed again. 'I was really very wrong. I believe that life is a constant withering of possibilities. Some are let go, with regret and reluctance and deep sorrow. Others are lost through circumstance. But there is compensation for lives unlived in the joy of knowing that the life you have- right here, right now- is the one you have chosen. I have chosen to live my life with you and I promise today to love you forever Lucas.'
Lucas smiled as Peyton slid his ring onto the right finger on his left hand. Then he took a deep breath, it was his turn and he couldn't really understand how to put into words every emotion he was feeling and had been feeling ever since Peyton had agreed to marry him. Emotions that were put into overload when she walked gracefully up the aisle in the most perfect dress. It was literally made for her.
'Four years ago and almost to the day was the first time I saw you. I admit now that I didn't believe love at first sight existed…until then. Since then I've only grown to love you more and more. We've been through our fair share of problems and ups and downs but never have I wanted to share life's struggles with anyone but you. That is what love is. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails because when perfection comes the imperfect disappears. I believe that happiness is determined by faith, hope and unconditional love. It's not a life that has never known pain or fear but it's carrying on despite of that and diminishing the bad with the good. I know I'm going to love you for the rest of my life Peyton Sawyer and I can't wait for our life together to begin.'
Peyton's eyes were already brimmed with tears at his speech but as he slipped the ring onto her finger they overflowed silently. He cupped her face and wiped them away with his thumb as she gave him a dazzling smile.
The words that came next were the one's they'd been waiting for all day,
'I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride.'
Before the priest had actually finished talking Lucas had dipped his head to capture his wife's lips and Peyton had leaned up to meet him, wrapping her arms around his neck hearing his small groan as their lips met for the first time as husband and wife.
Swaying in Lucas' arms for their first dance as Mr and Mrs Scott made Peyton's heart swell. He smiled as he pulled on her hand and they made their way onto the designated 'dance floor' in TRIC. Her hand rest on his shoulder and his lazily fell from her arm to her waist, their other hands intertwining. As the cheers subsided however they seemed to morph into a different position, Peyton's arms wrapped around his neck, her hands finding the back of it and both of Lucas' hands found her hips pulling her closer to him so that their foreheads rested together.
Haley and Brooke looked at each other with identical looks on their faces, looks that nearly made Nathan gag.
'They look so happy.' Haley whispered reaching for Nathan's hand and squeezing it.
'Yeah they do.' He agreed with a smile.
A voice beside them made all three jump slightly, 'Actually I think they look like they wish it was just the two of them.'
Rachel smirked at the couple and raised her glass to them. Brooke shook her head with a laugh, 'I was a little harsh with the rules wasn't I?'
'A little?' Nathan asked incredulously. 'You didn't let them talk- let alone see each other for a little over a week!'
'Yeah well it's paying off now isn't it?' Brooke said defensively.
'They do seem really happy.' Nathan reiterated.
Lucas pressed his lips to Peyton's as they swayed on the spot. He let out a groan again and Peyton couldn't help but laugh.
'I really wish we could leave now.' His eyes were closed and his breathing shallow.
'Me too, really.' Peyton whispered into his ear.
'You have no idea how beautiful you look. That dress is amazing.'
Peyton shrugged nonchalantly, 'It looks better off.'
Lucas groaned once more and his eyes flew open, Peyton noticed they were a few shades darker and her heart rate sped up. She thought of just ditching out on their wedding reception and spending the night with Lucas for the first time in over a week but the fact that everyone had turned out for them made her think that they couldn't just abandon their own party. The music stopped and Peyton stepped away from him before changing her mind and leaning in close whispering as she did so,
'Later, I promise.'
Two hours later and Lucas was standing with a drink watching his new wife dance with her girl friends. He was feeling decidedly merry; of course being married to the love of your life did that to you. But also he'd been supplied with alcohol all night from various different people, all intent on buying him a drink. He raised his glass and took a sip smiling as Peyton laughed.
'Whipped.'
He turned to see Nathan at his side, 'I'm allowed to be, I'm married.' He replied smugly.
'Good answer.' Nathan smirked. 'I'm happy for you man, remember that conversation we had two years ago about proposing?'
'Yep.' Lucas smiled, 'And here we are.'
'Yeah, a year and a half later you finally had the balls to do it then another half a year later here we are.' Nathan muttered just loud enough for him to hear.
'I was waiting for the right time. Plus if I'd proposed when we'd graduated from Tree Hill High she may have ran a mile. Not everyone is you, you know.'
'I'm joking with you man. Remember I told you, if it's meant to be then you and Peyton would be together?'
'Yeah. On the river court, when Peyton left after the summer for LA.'
'Right. Well I guess it's meant to be then.' He grinned, patted his brother on the back and walked away.
Lucas wasn't left alone for long as Karen rest a hand against his shoulder with a heart warming smile. Lucas smiled back before pulling his mother into a hug.
'Thank you ma.'
'You've done well my boy.'
'Not without your help. Thank you for giving me the ring in the first place.'
'I knew it was bound to happen and honestly I'm glad. Who would have thought the girl staying with us for three months would be your future wife?' Karen smiled again and before Lucas could answer a voice behind them said,
'Definitely not me.'
Karen laughed as Peyton stood beside them, holding onto Lucas for support as she said a little breathlessly, 'I had to get off that dance floor my feet are killing me!'
'You never were good at dancing in heels.' Larry said suddenly joining their conversation as Peyton gave him a playful glare. 'I remember when she was younger she used to dress in her mother's dresses and high heels blasting out music…'
Peyton groaned and Lucas' mouth opened in shock, 'Peyton Sawyer, you did not!'
'Thanks Dad.' Peyton said sarcastically.
'She wasn't always so tortured you know…' Larry carried on. 'She didn't always listen to stuff that blows your ear drums and look all…broody.'
'Hey!' Peyton glared.
'Lucas is a tad broody.' Karen chipped in and this time it was Lucas' turn to glare. 'He's always been quite serious, always with his nose in a book…'
'Okay and I did not come off as a nerd at all then…' Lucas said equally sarcastic.
'Don't worry baby, I always knew you were a nerd.' Peyton said with a reassuring pout and a cup of his cheek.
'Thanks.' He said sarcasm in his tone again but a smile on his face.
'You know what; I didn't know Lucas and Peyton had sarcasm in common.' Larry smirked. 'Peyt used to be such a sweet girl… she'd bake cakes and cookies and…'
Lucas, who'd just taken a sip of his drink, choked, 'Peyton baked?' He asked incredulously.
'Yeah, not very well I might add…'
'Ahh that sounds like the Peyton I know and love.' Lucas smiled.
'I think I need a drink…' Peyton said and Lucas followed her to the bar slipping an arm around her waist.
'I can't believe you dressed up in dresses and heels…' Lucas laughed but chuckled feebly at the look on Peyton's face.
'Do you want to have sex tonight?' Peyton asked but she couldn't resist the look on Lucas' face as he kissed her nose before pressing his lips to hers tenderly. 'By the way, you called me Sawyer…'
'I didn't?' Lucas asked, shocked.
'You did.' Peyton nodded.
'Well Mrs Scott, I'm so very sorry.' He grinned and Peyton giggled before finding his lips with hers again.
'They did well, finding each other and keeping their relationship together throughout the bad and the good.' Larry said with a smile as they watched their children at the bar.
'Yeah they did. I like to think we had a helping hand in that.' Karen smiled and Larry raised his glass for her to clink hers against,
'Oh we did.'
Another two hours later and Lucas was getting tetchy, he really wanted to leave now with his new wife. They were leaving for the a week to stay in Paris tomorrow, somewhere they both agreed they'd wanted to visit, plus it was considered the most romantic place. Neither of them had been to Europe either so they decided that it would be a great experience.
Lucas wanted to leave because they were leaving early in the morning and he really wanted time with his wife before they boarded a stuffy plane. He noticed Peyton walking towards the bathroom and he bounded after her, he caught up just as she was pushing the door open. He followed her and just inside he caught her arm,
'Lucas Scott, you scared me!'
'Peyton Scott, I think we should leave now.'
Peyton closed her eyes and pulled him closer, 'Oh I love how that sounds.' She breathed.
'Mrs…Scott.' He said drawing the syllables out slightly.
Before he knew what was happening her lips were on his feverishly and he grasped the opportunity by sliding his tongue through her parted lips. She moaned at the contact and he pressed himself into her as she angled her hips into his. It was then his time to groan, he pressed a hand against the wall beside Peyton's head to keep him steady as his other hand cupped her cheek and he deepened their kiss.
The sound of the door opening brought them out of a lust induced haze and their eyes met the person who'd interrupted…
'Oh don't mind me. You get right back on it.' Rachel smirked before turning around and heading right back out.
Lucas looked at Peyton and they couldn't help but giggle against each other before Peyton said something that made his night,
'Yeah, let's go home.'
'It's getting late, I think we're gonna go. We have to relieve the sitter of Jamie.' Haley said giving Brooke a hug. 'We've been trying to find Lucas and Peyton for ages.' She added as Nathan hugged Brooke too.
'Good point. Where are the newlyweds?' Brooke asked with a frown.
'Having sex in the hallway of the bathroom.'
Nathan choked as Rachel sidled up to them and even Brooke looked surprised,
'I know.' Rachel nodded, 'Didn't know they had it in them. I'm impressed.'
'You're actually serious?' Haley asked in even more surprise.
'Course I am. Look.' Rachel smirked pointing to the bathroom door. Nathan, Haley and Brooke looked just in time to see Lucas and Peyton stumble out of it looking decidedly ruffled. They spotted the group watching them and Lucas took Peyton's hand before they walked towards them.
'Hey.' Lucas said with a smile. Nathan smirked at him but he looked back innocently.
'Did you just have sex in the bathroom?' Brooke asked incredulously.
'No!' Peyton said quickly. They all turned to Rachel who shrugged.
'I wasn't going to stand there watching! I just got the hell out of there! So you weren't having sex?'
'No.' Lucas said and Rachel shrugged again as they looked at each other.
They all burst out laughing at the same time and for a long time none of them could stop.
After a beautiful wedding and long ceremony Lucas finally opened the door to his childhood house and before Peyton had a chance to say or do anything he'd swept her off her feet and into his arms, bridal style with a wink. She screamed slightly as he did so and he laughed.
They walked through the house which was decorated beautifully, with lights and lilies.
'Luke, it's beautiful.' Peyton whispered.
'Only the best for Mrs Scott.' Lucas winked as he carried her to the bedroom which was lit by candlelight alone, the bed littered with petals too. Lucas carefully rested Peyton on it and tucked a curl behind her ear.
'You really do look beautiful.' He breathed.
'I love you.' Peyton said and Lucas leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. She deepened it almost immediately and pulled him down onto her,
'You berated me for saying I'd missed this during the week.' Lucas murmured, 'And yet it seems like you have too.'
'It was eight days Lucas, eight.' Peyton said and Lucas silenced her with a kiss.
'Trust me, I know.' He chuckled as Peyton deftly removed his jacket before their lips met again.
He practically knew by the hour how long it was.
When Peyton woke up the next day she didn't immediately register what had happened the day before. As it all came back to her she let out a happy smile before opening her eyes and looking at her left hand. Her wedding ring sat there and it looked like it had belonged there all along. She turned her head to see Lucas still fast asleep, his left hand resting on his chest, his ring glinting in the sun light that made its way through the blinds.
He looked so peaceful that Peyton couldn't wake him. Instead she pushed the covers off herself, stood and stretched her tired and achy muscles. The reason for the achy muscles… well they hadn't actually gone to sleep until a couple of hours previously.
Apparently seven days really was too long.
Looking at the clock she realised that they had an hour before they had to be at the airport leaving for their honeymoon, something which she was really looking forward to. Deciding that she'd leave Lucas for a while she walked to the bathroom, turned on the shower and shut the door. She'd just stepped in and was adjusting the temperature when she heard the bathroom door open and arms wrapped around her waist, a mouth pressing a kiss to her shoulder and nuzzling against her.
'Lucas!' She said her heart rate just about going back to normal.
'Hi wifey.' He smirked against her skin and at that term of endearment Peyton turned around in his arms and found his lips with hers as the water cascaded down onto both of them.
After their shower rendezvous they somehow made it back into their bed but after a while Peyton chanced a glance at the clock and realised that they had to leave right now if they weren't going to be late. She abruptly pushed Lucas off her, much to his disdain.
'Luke, we have to leave now…as in right now!' She said and her voice was bordering on hysterics.
'That could be a problem.' Lucas said thoughtfully as he looked down at the towel that hung around his hips and the other towel that was around Peyton.
'Get your ass up, come on!'
Peyton slapped his knee and he smirked, 'Is this how it's going to be now that we're married, you bossing me around?'
Peyton scowled at him but shrugged, 'Yeah, pretty much.'
Lucas shrugged, 'Fair enough-' He was cut off when some jeans and a shirt were thrown in his face. 'Right. Got it. Leave now.'
They made it out the house twenty minutes later and this time Lucas was the one panicking.
'You look great; now get the hell in the car!' He said as Peyton fluffed her hair.
'Well if someone hadn't interrupted my shower we might have been ready faster…' She muttered as she walked past him out of the house.
'Oh I'm pretty sure you enjoyed it.' Lucas called after her and she turned around cocking her eyebrow as she did so,
'Pretty sure?' She asked smirking.
'100% sure.' Lucas answered closing the door and locking it before they clambered into the taxi and it sped off.
'Yeah I can't really argue with that.' Peyton clarified and Lucas laughed taking her hand in his and squeezing it.
As soon as the taxi stopped outside the airport Lucas and Peyton paid the man, grabbed their suitcases and practically ran in stopping only when they heard a shout.
They turned in surprise to see Nathan, Haley, Brooke, Larry and Karen.
'What are all of you doing here?' Peyton asked surprised and breathless.
'We've come to see you off.' Karen smiled.
Lucas grinned at them all, 'Thanks guys-'
'You do know you have to check in, right now if you're going to make this flight?' Nathan asked and Lucas and Peyton nodded.
'Why are you so late?' Haley asked.
Lucas and Peyton sent each other a sheepish look and Lucas cleared his throat uncomfortably before Peyton answered,
'We… overslept.'
'Yeah…overslept.' Lucas reiterated.
'Yeah, right. And pigs can fly.' Brooke cut in rolling her eyes and taking in their tired faces despite the happiness they so easily exuded.
Twenty minutes later and they had to say their goodbyes as they made their way to the departure lounge.
Peyton hugged Karen and then Larry, 'Look after yourself honey. See you soon.'
Then she moved to Nathan who lifted her up and said, 'Do find time to actually leave the hotel room won't you? Paris is a nice city.' Peyton smacked his shoulder but his face was boyish and she couldn't help giving him a kiss on the cheek instead and a wink as she moved to Haley and Brooke who bombarded her straight away.
'We want details as soon as you come back and don't give us the 'we overslept' crap again…' Brooke said hurriedly.
Haley nodded, 'Have a great time and call us when you get there, you got that Lucas?' She added loudly so that he'd hear too.
'Loud and clear Hales.' He smiled pulling her into a hug.
Lucas grabbed Peyton's hand and they walked away from their family and friends before Brooke's shout made them turn around,
'Be safe!' She practically shouted with a suggestive wink. The double meaning in her words made Lucas and Peyton shake their heads at the exact same time making them both laugh as well.
They walked to the departure lounge door and turned back at the last moment to see them all still watching, at the same time they raised their hands and gave a final wave before Lucas put his arm around Peyton's shoulder and she slung hers around his waist.
'I love you Mrs Scott.' Lucas murmured as they walked on and she smiled at him reaching up and pressing a kiss to his cheek. He stopped and turned holding her left hand up and tracing the ring with his finger a smile lighting up his features. She chuckled in wonderment, how did she get so lucky?
Funnily enough, ever since they'd met on that very same beach four years ago to the day, he had been thinking the exact same thing.
Love is not love which alters when alteration finds, it's not having everything go right and it's not being without fear but it's facing whatever goes wrong and having the determination to go on in spite of it.
Because when life gets hard and things change true love always remains the same.
-The End-