Hi everyone I know it's been awhile. Life got a little busy. Here's another entry to my Missed Conversations series.

Okay, so I know at the start of season 8 Haley was writing Lucas and telling him about everything that was going on but I refuse to believe that she didn't call him and Peyton personally to tell them she was pregnant with her second child. Again, not sure where in the timeline between telling Nathan and writing to Lucas, but I'm choosing to set this sometime after telling Nathan and Jamie. I figure Lucas would be told before Brooke and before she decided to start writing him. So here is my take on how that would have been. Hope you enjoy. Don't forget to review and tell me what you think. :)

Title: You're Gonna Be An Uncle... Again

Season: 8

Episode: During Asleep At Heaven's Gate

Summary: Haley calls Lucas to tell him she's pregnant again.

Haley sat down at the table on the pool patio drinking her tea and enjoying the warm morning air. Nathan and Jamie had left 15 minutes earlier for the Rivercourt. She thought back to Jamie's reaction to hearing that he would soon have a brother or sister. She felt relieved that he took the news so well and was even excited about it. Although the way Nathan let the cat out of the bag wasn't exactly how she imagined they would tell him, it could have been worse. After being the only child for so long, Jamie could have easily been resistant to it but she was happy he was open to it. She smiled thinking about what a good big brother Jamie would be. She and Nathan raised an incredible boy and she couldn't be prouder of their son.

As she took another sip of her tea she began a mental list of everyone they would soon be telling. She and Nathan touched upon who they would tell first and how. One of the very first of course had to be Lucas. At first she thought that Nathan would want the two of them to break the news to him but after talking about it Nathan suggested that maybe she would want to do it herself. He figured that best friends always tell each other news first and he didn't want to get in the way of that. When she had protested that he should get to share the news with his brother, he countered that she and Lucas were closer long before he and Lucas did so it was only right. It really amazed her how selfless Nathan had become over the years.

So there she sat staring out into the river ready to inform her best friend that he was going to be an uncle again. She took another sip of her tea before picking up her phone and speed dialing Lucas' number. She listened as the phone rang a few times and worried he might not pick up. Depending on where they were at the moment it wasn't always easy to get a hold of Lucas and Peyton. They were enjoying traveling with Karen and Andy along with Lily and Sawyer. Haley missed them all incredibly and hoped that someday soon they'd be able to see each other. There was another ring before Haley heard the click of someone picking up.

"Hey buddy!" Lucas greeted enthusiastically.

"Hey you! It's so good to hear your voice!" Haley answered back equally enthusiastic to hear her best friend's voice.

"It's good to hear yours too. How are you? How are Nathan and J. Luke?"

"We're all good. Nate and Jamie went down to the Rivercourt to get some pre-training in as Nathan likes to say."

"The Rivercourt. Man, I miss that place. I miss all you guys!"

"No complaining. You and Peyton are the ones who left," Haley jokingly scolded, "But we miss you too. You need to come back and visit it us soon. It's been over a year since we've seen you."

"Yeah, I know. We'll plan it out soon."

"Where are you guys now?"

"We're in Florence. I'll tell you Peyton is in heaven right now. It's amazing here."

"I can imagine. How's Sawyer? I'm sure she's having a good ol' time. I was looking at that picture you sent and I can't believe how big she's gotten."

"Yeah, she's totally her own little person now. I can already tell we're in for some trouble." Lucas chuckled.

"Uh oh, that sounds fun."

"How's everyone else?"

"Well, I don't know if Brooke has called Peyton yet but she and Julian are engaged."

"Are you serious?"

"Yep. He proposed while we were in Utah for his movie premiere."

"We're going to have to call and congratulate her. I'm really happy for them. Brooke deserves to be happy and I honestly believe Julian is the guy to give her that."

"I completely agree. But hey, don't say anything until she tells Peyton herself. I realize now I should have maybe let her break the news to you guys."

"Don't worry about it. I won't say anything until she calls. How's Quinn?"

"She's doing well. She and Clay are stronger than ever. I'm glad she's happy. For a while there with her divorce and everything I was worried about her. She just seemed so lost and confused."

"Yeah, sucks about her and David but Clay's a good guy. It could have gone worse."

"Oh you mean like the whole stunt Taylor pulled."

"Yeah, what is wrong with Taylor? I don't get how she thought that would be okay?"

"Come on Luke this is Taylor we're talking about."

"I know, but still even with all the crap Taylor has pulled over the years I never thought she'd reach that level of low. From what I recall the ink was barely dry on the divorce papers when she showed up with him."

"Quinn had just gotten the papers that morning. Taylor was just so frustrating. She couldn't even admit that she was doing something wrong. And Quinn was just cool with it. I mean not cool like she was completely okay but she just accepted it. Unlike her I made sure that Taylor knew I wasn't happy with her."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from you." Lucas chuckled, "You were never one to just sit and take the injustice. You're just so loyal and protective of everyone." He explained mockingly.

"Is that supposed to sound like a flaw?"

"No. If anything it's your greatest strength." Lucas replied seriously. "Can I assume you three patched everything up?"

"Yeah, we did. Losing mom really brought us together again. Taylor was resistant but I think she was just dealing with it in her own way. Which to us appeared selfish but it was her way of protecting herself."

"At least you all got to be together with Lydia in the end, right?"

"Yeah. Jamie made this great slideshow and she just… went. As heartbreaking as it was she went happy and peacefully surrounded by people she loved. I'm at least grateful for that." Haley said choked up and wiped a tear that had fallen from her cheek.

"She's one of those lucky people who got to pass on peacefully. You're mother lived such a great life. Raised some amazing kids and got to enjoy the best life has to offer. Just remember that. Not many people get to have that."

"I know. I guess the selfish part of me just wonders why I had to lose my mom. My dad had already been taken from us. Why take her too? And so soon."

"There's a reason for everything Hales. So how are you really doing? I know the last couple months have been tough for you since Lydia passed away. When Nathan called and told me what's been going on with you I could hardly believe it. I hadn't wanted to mention it the last few times we've talked because you had so much to deal with as far as recovery."

"I'm okay. Honest." Haley assured him, "It's been tough but I'm getting through it. Nathan's been really great. I'm taking care of myself."

"Good. I worry about you buddy." Lucas paused for a moment and sighed, "You know it's weird, when Nathan called me I thought he had to be mistaken because, besides my mom, you have been the strongest person I've known. It sounds terrible I know, but I just couldn't reconcile the Haley Nathan was describing with Haley my best friend."

"I know. Believe me, you weren't the only one. My therapist said we all have our limits and even the strongest people hit that limit at some point. I thought back to when I lost my dad and I remember being so distraught but I think it was easier to deal with because I still had my mom. She was my go-to for everything. Losing her and knowing I can't go to her anymore just pushed me over the edge."

"Well, I'm just happy that you're finally overcoming it and getting better."

"Thanks." Haley smiled and decided it was time to give Lucas the news. "So, besides wanting to talk to you for the simple fact that I miss you, I do have some news for you."

"Really? Spill."

"Okay well you're gonna be an uncle… again." Haley announced.

"What?" Lucas laughed excitedly, "Are you serious?"

"Yep. We're having another baby."

"Wow, that's incredible. I'm so excited for you guys!"

"Thanks, we're pretty excited ourselves."

"Congratulations! I honestly could not be happier for you both."

"Thanks, Luke that really means a lot."

"So was this a surprise like Jamie or was this something you planned?"

"I guess a bit of both. I had taken a test a while back thinking I was but it turned out negative. I didn't mention it to Nathan because we hadn't talked about when we would want to have more kids. I mean, we always knew we wanted more kids but we just never talked about it. The night after Quinn's gallery opening I came home and Nathan told me he thought we should have another baby. I didn't really know how to react at first. I told him about the test and he just said we would try again." Haley took a moment to reflect on that night before going on.

"I was still struggling with my mom's death but I stayed quiet and just went with it. I didn't want to upset him so I guess I just went along with it with the mindset of whatever happens, happens. Then my depression got worse and we focused on dealing with that. After we got back from Utah I took another test and it turned out positive. I really believe it was some sort of sign, Luke. Like my mom, in some cosmic way, sent me this gift. Is that weird? I bet it sounds weird and creepy."

"No, not weird at all. I believe the same thing. Maybe it was her way of saying to you that you have so much to live for and be happy about."

Haley smiled at the thought. "Yeah, I think that too. I really wish she was here to experience this with me. You how many calls I had made to her when I was pregnant with Jamie? "

"I know. But hey she will always be with you. You know that."

"I know."

"How did Jamie take the news?" Lucas asked as he thought of his nephew and his possible reactions.

"He was surprisingly excited. He's hoping for a little brother. He actually said he would get one just like Uncle Lucas."

"Well the kid does idolize me. I'm not surprised."

Haley scoffed, "Yeah okay." Lucas laughed at Haley's response. "I was worried at first. You know because he's been the only child and has been pretty spoiled, but thankfully he was happy about it."

"He's a great kid. Jamie's going to be a great big brother." Lucas said fondly of his nephew. "Mom and Peyton are going to be so excited."

"Are they around?"

"No, they went to do some shopping."

"Bummer. I'll call them later then and tell them the news. So, until then you better keep your mouth shut."

"My lips are sealed."

"I really want to see you guys. And I expect a visit out of you guys when the baby is born."

"Oh don't worry we'll work it out. No doubt mom and Peyton will have tons of gifts to bring."

"I'm sure they'll just be adding to the pile from Brooke and Deb. It's a good thing we've got a big enough house. Gonna have to get started on the nursery."

"Still got Jamie's old stuff?"

"Some, but I have a feeling we're having a girl. So that will require lots of new things."

"Really? Isn't it a bit early?"

"It's just a feeling I have. We'll see. I can still plan the nursery out without actually buying things."

Haley suddenly hears Lucas let out laughter. "What's so funny?"

"I'm just thinking about how grown up we are now with our own families."

"Umm, if you haven't noticed Lucas we have been for a while."

"Yeah, you especially." Lucas chuckled, "You and Nate just had to jump start on the whole adult thing in high school."

"Hey! No fair! You know when it's right, it's right." Haley responded defensively.

"Is that what you're gonna tell Jamie when he comes home with a girl at sixteen and tells you they want to get married?" Lucas teased.

"Nathan and I have experience on our side and we will calmly explain how hard it is. And anyway, we raised a smart kid. It won't happen. Why are you making me think about that?"

"Just for the hell of it."

"You suck." Haley pouted.

"I miss this. Our back-and-forth banters were always the best. I really miss you buddy."

"I really miss you too. We all do."

"I know. Tell Nate I'll give him a call soon. Saw his Rainstorm body spray commercial the other day. It's my brotherly duty to give him hell."

"Don't you dare!" Haley warned teasingly. "He's embarrassed enough about it as it is."

"Yeah, yeah. He can deal. Like he wouldn't be ragging on me if I was in that position."

"Oh, I'm sure he would." Haley laughed thinking about how both brothers enjoyed teasing each other good naturedly. It was a far cry from their early years where one of them probably would have responded with a punch to the face.

"Hate to do this Hales, but I have to get going. I promised Andy I'd help him out with something and he's yelling for me."

"Oh, no problem. Tell everyone I said hi and that I miss them. Tell Peyton and Karen I'll be calling soon."

"I will. Tell everyone over there the same from me. Maybe we can Skype later tonight?"

"I would love that."

"Okay, well I love you buddy and I'll talk to you soon."

"Love you to BIL." Haley said, "Talk to you later."

Haley sighed as she hung up the phone. She really missed having Lucas around and of course Peyton Sawyer, Karen, and Lily. With them not around she felt like a little piece of their family and normal existence was missing. She smiled though knowing that even though they were physically there, they were never really too far away. She cherished every moment she talked to Lucas and the others. She hoped that they would get to see each other soon.