Normally, I'd procrastinate on updating since I've cranked out a lot of chapters lately, but I absolutely love all of my readers and reviewers, so here's another one for you guys! Thank you so much for all of your input, it really means a lot that you guys take the time to write reviews and tell me your thoughts on it!

"Miss Davis!" a voice barked from down the hall later that day. She was putting her books away in her locker, trying to fight off the exhaustion that was threatening to take over.

Whitey was stalking toward her, and Brooke felt dread settle in her stomach. When he reached her and opened his mouth to speak, she cut him off.

"I know you're giving the squad to Theresa. And it's okay, I understand. I haven't been around much and it's-"

"Shut up, Davis," he said, his voice affectionate. "I'm not giving away your squad. I just wanted to tell you that I expect you and your girls to be ready for State."

Brooke's jaw dropped, absolutely stunned. "Absolutely! We'll be ready!"

"Very good."

Brooke called after him as he began to walk off. "Whitey! I'm sorry about Nathan. That was my fault."

Whitey smiled at her. "State's not for five weeks, Davis. Scott's cast will be off by then."

Brooke squealed in happiness, turning back to her locker. Amongst the photos of her and Lucas that he had placed in it, she had added a few more. There were two photos of Nathan and Brooke, one a photostrip from the seventh grade and another from after a basketball game their Junior year. There was one of Brooke with Jake and Jenny. Jenny was laughing, obviously cracking Brooke up. Jake was ruffling Brooke's hair and laughing as well. Then there was one of Brooke and Peyton at the Halloween party at Tric, making funny faces. And last but not least, there was one of Haley and Brooke, back to back, jokingly throwing their arms off to show off their apartment. It had been the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

"What are you so happy about?" Jake asked, leaning against his locker, which was next to hers.

"Oh, all kinds of things," she grinned. "Nathan can play in State and I still have my squad."

Jake pulled her into a one armed hug. "It's good to see you smiling, Brooke. You deserve to."

"Thank you," she chirped. "How are you and the little one?"

"We're great," Jake said. "Jenny's starting to talk more and more."

"I've noticed! She calls me Bookie now," Brooke said with a smile.

Jake laughed. "She's having a really hard time with Lucas and Haley. Those L's seem to be giving her a run for her money."

"Chance wants to have a playdate with her soon, I told her that Peyt and I would take them to the aquarium," Brooke said.

"Jenny would love that, she loves that place."

"Great!"

"I also wanted to ask you something," Jake said nervously.

"I don't know if Peyton and I can handle another love triangle, Jake," Brooke teased. He shoved her lightly.

"I'm thinking of proposing to Peyton," he said seriously.

Brooke's eyes went wide. "What?"

"I know," he winced. "Too soon, right?'

"No!" Brooke gasped, overjoyed. "The girl proposed to you months ago."

"True," he grinned. "I was wondering if you would help me pick out a ring."

"Absolutely!" Brooke squealed. "Oh my God, this is going to be so much fun."

"I knew you were the girl to talk to. I'll call you after school to set up a day," Jake said, giving her another hug before setting off to his class. Brooke couldn't help but smile like a loon for the rest of the day, especially whenever she saw Peyton.

After school, Brooke finally returned to cheer practice. With a glare at Theresa, Brooke set down her boom box.

"All right, girls, State is in five weeks. And unless we want to look like idiots on national television, we've got our work cut out for us."

Theresa glared. "You planning on showing up?"

"I plan on whipping your fat ass into shape," Brooke shot back. "Anyone else have something to say?"

"Just that I'm glad the head bitch in charge is back," Rachel grinned. Brooke grinned back. She and Rachel hadn't had much time together, but their friendship was still there.

"Okay, so I'm thinking we go Old School," Brooke said. She launched into an explanation of her vision for their choreography, having Rachel help demonstrate the moves she couldn't do. Haley pulled Brooke aside.

"Brooke, I don't know if I'll be able to dance at State," Haley said nervously.

"Hales, I don't want you dancing at all!" Brooke exclaimed. "You can stand on the sidelines and cheer with us, but I want both feet firmly on the ground at all times."

Haley grinned. "Thanks for understanding, Brooke."

"My godbaby is not popping out before I'm good and ready for it," the brunette joked.

Lucas couldn't help but watch Brooke worriedly from where he was practicing.

"She's okay, man," Nathan assured from the bench. Lucas nodded.

"Keep an eye out?"

"I've got it," Nathan agreed, watching both Haley and Brooke closely.

When both practices were over, the six friends all headed over to Karen's cafe for an early dinner. Peyton and Jake stopped at his parent's house to grab Jenny, and Brooke swung by Charlotte's to pick up Chance.

"We're the only ones without a little one!" Haley pouted. Nathan pointed at her stomach.

"I beg to differ, Hales."

Everyone laughed, and Karen came to take their order.

"Well hi there," Karen said, kneeling down to Chance's level. "You must be the little girl who stole my son's heart."

"No," Chance said after a moment of thought. "You must be thinking of Brooke. This is Brooke Davis."

Karen laughed, amused. "I know Brooke, sweetie. I'm Lucas's mom, Karen. What's your name?"

"I'm Chance Heatherly!" she said proudly. "Your son is a very nice boy. He buys me ice cream and helps me reach stuff that I'm too little for."

"Well, I'm very glad," Karen said, looking at her son with pride. "What can I get you, sweetie?"

"So," Peyton said after they had all ordered, "nice stunt during third, B. Davis."

Brooke giggled. "Sorry for the lack of warning. I wanted it to be a surprise."

"I think you shocked the whole school," Lucas said. "Skills seemed a little mad that no one told him."

Brooke bit her lip in concern. "Oh God. I should really talk to him and Bev."

"At least Mouth was in on it," Haley supplied supportively. Brooke nodded.

"I was wondering if you wanted me to draw a poster for Take a Chance," Peyton offered. "I have a few really cool ideas."

"That would be amazing!" Brooke gushed gratefully. "Thank you so much, Peyton."

"Of course," Peyton replied. "Although I doubt it'll be as popular as your naked pics-"

"Sh!" Brooke said, nodded at Chance. Peyton laughed aplogetically.

"Naked pics?"

"It's a long story, baby girl," Lucas said, drawing her attention back to their game of tic tac toe. "Your turn."

It was hours before Brooke and Lucas returned to his house. Before they got there, he suddenly turned down Brooke's street.

"Broody-"

"Just hold on," Lucas said. "Trust me."

He lead her up the walkway, producing a new key which he showed her grandly. He put it in the lock, entering the house. He turned and immediately punched a code into a security system that hadn't been there before.

"Luke-"

He turned the lights on, and Brooke was stunned for what felt like the hundredth time that day. "Oh my God."

The house looked brand new. It had been completely cleaned, and the furniture had even been subtly rearranged.

"I wanted you to feel safe when you're ready to come back," Lucas said, pulling her to him in a hug. She tightened her arms around him, snuggling into his shoulder.

"Thank you so much, Boyfriend. This means so much to me."

"I wanted to make sure that you always have your own home," Lucas smiled, kissing her softly. "I know that it means a lot to you. And my house will always be yours too, but I know how you like to have your own space."

Brooke felt her heart swell. Just months ago, she had felt like Lucas didn't really know her, that he didn't really understand who she was past the flirtation and the games. He continued to surprise her with his consistent insight.

"Jake is going to propose to Peyton," Brooke said suddenly. Lucas didn't look surprised.

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah," Brooke said. "It's sort of funny, how all of us are so...serious, you know? Everyone else is debating whether or not to break up before college, and we're all settling down."

"I guess we're just old souls," Lucas shrugged with a smile.

"Or we're just lucky," Brooke replied. "And we met the people we're meant to be with earlier than most others."

"That too," Lucas said, putting his arms around her waist. He rubbed his nose against hers. "A very wise girl once told me that people that are meant to be together always find their way in the end."

"She sounds like a genius."

"Very pretty, too."

"Oh really?"

"Oh yeah."

He leaned his head down to capture her lips in a kiss. Before they knew it, they were absolutely wrapped up in each other, the kiss escalating rapidly. Without even realizing it, they began to unconsciously make their way toward the stairs, Brooke's shirt tossed carelessly on the ground. She tugged at the hem of his shirt as she walked backward up the stairs, her lips not leaving his. He broke away long enough to remove his shirt before putting his hands on the back of her thighs, lifting her up. She secured her legs around him, letting him carry her into her room, placing her gently on the bed.

"Brooke, are you sure you're up for-"

"Shut up and kiss me," she breathed, pulling him back down.

After nearly an hour of enjoying quite a bit more than each other's company, they lay together, exhausted.

"Would it be okay if I sleep here tonight?" Brooke said suddenly, breaking the peaceful silence.

"Of course," Lucas said, his voice a little surprised. "It just seems a little soon."

"If I don't start getting used to being by myself, I never will," Brooke said. "I'll call you if I get scared."

"Okay," he said, kissing her shoulder. "I should probably get going, my mom's probably getting worried."

She rolled over, kissing him fully. "Would you mind staying while I take a quick shower? The bathroom is still a little scary."

"No problem, pretty girl," he smiled, kissing her again and watching her get up. "You're so gorgeous, Brooke."

"Oh hush," she giggled, but she was blushing.

By the time she got out, he was dressed, lounging on her bed. He stayed while she got dressed, tucking her into bed and kissing her on the forehead.

"Get some rest, pretty girl. You had quite a day."

She smiled and snuggled into her pillows, puckering her lips for a kiss. He laughed, kissing her several times.

"I love you, Lucas Scott."

"I love you too, Brooke Davis," he smiled. He went to leave, turning around at the door. "Soon to be Scott."

She gave him a look. "You're still on that?"

"You bet I am," he grinned cheekily. "You're going to marry me, Brooke. You'll see."

He turned off the light, leaving Brooke laying in bed with a cheek splitting smile.