I wasn't ready for it to be over...

It was a lazy Saturday afternoon. Brooke was in their room taking a nap. Nathan decided to head out back and play some ball. It was the first time he had even held a basketball since Molly Erin died. After making his third free throw in a row, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw his dad, Lucas, and Tim walking outside.

"What is this? Is that my son holding a ball?" Dan asked with a smile.

"Very funny Dad! I just thought I'd see how bad I suck!" Nathan attempted to joke.

"Well let's find out little brother!" Lucas said, stealing the ball from him, "You and Dan, me and Tim, game to eleven!"

Nathan smiled, taking his hoodie off and laying it on a chair, careful to keep the item in the pocket hidden.

"You're on!" he said, getting ready to block Luke.

"Looks like you and your old man still got it!" Dan cheered as they won 11-10 at the last second. The boys all sat on the driveway, sweating from the game. After a few minutes, Tim broke the silence.

"So how's B doing Nate?"

"She's okay. Getting stronger everyday. And worrying about college. She hasn't said anything but I can tell she is," he replied.

"Have you decided if you're gonna take Duke's offer?" Dan asked him. Nathan sat still for a moment, contemplating how to answer.

"Brooke and I need to do some talking before I can answer that," Nathan said quietly.

"Talk about what? It's Duke! It's your dream school offering you a full ride basketball scholarship!" Tim exclaimed.

"Actually, it's not about Duke. Brooke's already told me once if I wanted to take it, she would go with me," Nathan told them.

"Then what's there to talk about?" Lucas asked.

"I'll show you," Nathan grinned, jogging over to his hoodie and taking out the small velvet black box from the front pocket.

"Holy shit!" Tim gasped when he saw it.

"I'm gonna ask her," Nathan said smiling, opening the box to show them the ring. Lucas, Tim, and Dan all stood to look at it.

"That's awesome Nate!" Lucas cheered, slapping his back.

"Nathan, are you sure son?" Dan asked as Nathan closed the box.

"Why wouldn't I be? It's Brooke!"

"Yeah but son, you just finishd high school. You're getting over the loss of Molly still. You don't wanna wait a few more years?"

"Dad, for once, this isn't about Molly. Yes, we lost her. Yes, it still hurts. And yes, I still miss her, I always will. But this is about me and Brooke. My entire life, whether I realized it or not, has always been centered around her. I don't care if we're still young. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. So, yes Dad, I'm sure. And you of all people should know that!" Nathan explained, becoming passionate over his feelings for Brooke. Dan and Nathan stared at each other for a minute or two before Dan smiled at his son.

"You're right Nate. I'm so proud of you son," Dan said, hugging Nathan.

"Dad, stop," Nathan complained, pushing his father away.

"No, I'm serious Nathan," Dan replied, "When you and Brooke lost Molly, I wasn't sure what would happen to the two of you. But I am so proud of the way you have worked to help Brooke through it all. And how strong you've become. Nothing would make me happier than for Brooke to officially become a Scott!"

"Thank you Dad," Nathan smiled, "Thanks!"

Father and son embraced one more time, whispering a quick 'Love you,' to each other for the first time in a long time.

A/N: Hey guys! Hope you like this one! There is one more I'm about to post. Then I'm gonna go back to work on All Bets Are Off and Sick Sad Little World. Oh and I wanted to point out something funny for anyone that's interested. If you go back and read the first chapter of this story, it says that Brooke is the mother of Nathan's two kids! Obviously I wrote that before I had the idea of them having six kids! lol...I thought it was funny!