Drinking In The Moments Of Life
~And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away… (Kevin Bisch)
Lucas stood in the center of the elevated platform surrounding by mirrors as he took a look at himself from as many angles as he could. He smiled naturally, thinking the Calvin Klein Aston tuxedo fit perfect and that Brooke would be pleased with how everything was coming together. He reached up to adjust the tie before looking at his reflection once again, remembering he hadn't been in a store buying a tux since his high school senior prom.
Lucas watched as Dan handed the salesman his credit card before he walked away. "You're buying me a tuxedo?" He looked at him baffled, unable to remember Dan ever buying him anything without some ulterior motive, like when he'd paid for his medication in return for him living in his house.
Dan nodded, "Every man should own his own tuxedo." He paused briefly, "And every father should know what it feels like to buy one for his son."
He'd found out only days later that his father had killed his uncle, the only real father he'd known growing up. He had burned the tuxedo shortly after once he found it again.
"Looking good big brother," Nathan's voice brought him out of his depressing thoughts. "Hey," the brunette looked at the blonde in concern. "You okay man?"
"Yeah," Lucas shook his head. "I was just thinking about the last time I was getting fitted for a tux and I thought about Dan."
Nathan nodded. "I get it, he still has a way of creeping in sometimes but he shouldn't get to taint this for you; you're marrying a hell of a girl," he hit his arm, shaking his shoulder to try and shake away the bad feelings, "And finally, the right one this time."
"Thanks," Lucas smiled, focusing on the present rather than the past. "I think you're right about finally getting it right though. How I ever got her to take another chance on me…"
"She loves you Luke," Nathan interrupted before his brother could finish. "I think the same thing about Haley all the time."
Lucas laughed "Yeah, so do I."
"And I am looking like a sexy chocolate milk dud," Skills practically slid in front of them, showing off his groomsmen tux. "Deb's going to go wild when she sees me in this."
"Please man," Nathan placed his hands over his ears. "I know you guys are married but she's still my mom dude."
Mouth and Junk both snickered from behind.
"You guys all look great," Lucas smiled. "It looks like our last fitting is a success."
"When we were all dorks hanging on The River Court," Junk started but was cut off by Nathan.
"Hey," he paused briefly. "I was never a dork."
"Fine," Junk said animatedly. "When we were all dorks, except for Nathan, hanging out on The River Court Luke, did you ever in a million years imagine yourself marrying Brooke Davis?"
"Absolutely," Mouth answered with a wide grin before Lucas could even answer, all eyes turning on him. "What?" He shrugged. "You all saw the time capsule."
"Yes we did," Skills raised his eyebrows, nudging Lucas.
"Seriously dude," Nathan shook his head. "Is the thing with my mom not enough, now my soon to be sister in law?"
Skills held up his hands in surrender, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
Lucas laughed with a shake of his head. "You know Junk; I don't think I could have imagined something this perfect. I'm just glad she let a dork like me in."
"Save it for the vows buddy," Nathan chuckled.
"We should probably get out of these anyways before someone wrinkles something," Mouth suggested. "I'd hate to incur the wrath of Brooke Davis."
"You and all of us," Junk said, watching the others nod in agreement.
"We still have some time before we have to be ready for the show at Tric," Skills turned around from the mirror. "We could go back to our River Court roots, that is if superstar New York Knick Nathan Scott can still ball with us common folks."
"You're on," Nathan nodded. "Luke?"
The blonde nodded. "Sounds perfect."
"Mmm… perfect," Brooke licked her lips before taking another bite of cheesecake. "I am so hiring you to make me one of these once a week until Doodlebug and Sweetpea make their debut."
Deb laughed before taking a bite of her own slice. "Maybe we can share one once a week," she paused briefly. "So, how is everything? I know we haven't been able to talk as much and I wanted to make sure you were okay."
"It's okay Deb, I completely understand. I have a meeting after this with David and then getting ready for the show plus everything else." Brooke nodded, "I know how much getting ready for a new baby can take up your time and you and Skills got married not too long ago and then moving and fixing up this house…" she trailed off. "How is that by the way, living in this house again?"
Deb sighed, an ironic smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "You know, it's kind of strange. I've always loved this house, my father bought in for me and Dan when we moved to Tree Hill and I had all these dreams …" she shook her head. "Living with… being married to Dan was like a nightmare but now with Antwon it's so much different. It's like I'm finally living out what I wished for…"
"The perfect house and the perfect man," Brooke filled in for the blonde who had become one of her closest confidants. "I feel the same way, being back in my childhood home. I had so many bad memories of my family there but I always loved the house too you know and now being there with Luke, planning our family…" she sighed happily. "It's amazing." She paused briefly. "I owe you for that too."
Deb looked at the younger brunette puzzled. "I don't understand what you mean."
"What you did for me after my attack Deb," Brooke looked her in the eye. "You were there when I thought I couldn't turn to anyone else but Rach. I'll never forget that."
Deb reached over and took the younger woman's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I will always be here for you." She paused briefly. "You know I remember all those country club affairs and parties where you and Nathan ran around getting into trouble."
"And look at us now?" she laughed.
"I am very proud of you both," Deb nodded. "My son just made it to the NBA and you're getting ready to launch your new line tonight."
"Yeah," Brooke smiled happily. Life is really good right now for all of us."
Deb nodded in agreement. "It certainly is."
Peyton stood at a distance, watching the two little girls and their daddies running around with their kites. It was amazing to watch how carefree they all looked, especially Jake with everything he was facing. She knew his dad's last chemo session was the end of this week and then the surgery would be scheduled with a risk to Jake's life. With something hanging over your head like that, Peyton found it hard to remain carefree and marveled at Jake's ability to.
"Hey," Rachel came up behind her. "Look at how happy they are with their girls."
"Yeah," the blonde nodded somewhat absentmindedly.
"You okay?" the red head peered at her.
"Yeah-yeah," she turned towards the woman beside her and forced a smile. "I'm good."
Rachel rolled her eyes. "Now I know we're not the closest friends Peyton but you and Jake and Jenny, you've really accept Ori and I appreciate that so I hope you know if you need anything, to talk, I'm here and I have your back."
"Thank you," she smiled genuinely. "I just have a lot on my mind now, with Jake and…" Peyton trailed off. "I can't believe I'm about to tell you this, I haven't even told Brooke yet because I didn't want to ruin this time for her but Jake's going to be a bone marrow donor…"
She held up her hand. "You don't have to explain the rest, Owen told me." Rachel paused briefly. "He and Jake have become really close and…"
"I know," Peyton interrupted. "Jake told me he confided in Owen, I just didn't know he'd told you."
"He wasn't trying to break his confidence," she replied. "And I haven't said anything to anybody, it's just Jake had basically become Owen's best friend and he's scared for him too. I think he just needed someone to talk to."
Peyton nodded. "I get it," she breathed out deeply, "believe me I get it. I'm trying to stay positive but I just found him again Rachel, I can't lose him."
"That's not going to happen," Rachel shook her head.
"You don't know that," Peyton countered as her eyes watered up, her green orbs staring off into the distance and the two fathers and their daughters as they played unaware of the heavy conversation taking place several feet away from them. "And what about Jenny, she's already lost a mother. She can't lose a father too. I've been there, that was my childhood: one dead parent and an absentee alive one."
"Hey look at me," Rachel grabbed the blonde by her shoulders, turning the woman towards her. "Jake is going to be fine. No," she held her hand up when she could see the blonde about to speak. "He is going to be fine. You guys didn't waste all those years to finally find your way back together to lose each other now so what your skinny little ass is going to do now is be strong and positive because he needs you to get through this and if you need to fall apart then you come to me or Naley or Brooke after her wedding but you stay strong for him. You let him lean on you and you lean on us," she bent down so their eyes were level. "Okay?"
Peyton sniffed back her sobs, wiping quickly at her eyes. "Okay," she nodded, looking at the woman in front of her with new eyes. "Thank you."
Rachel returned the nod. "You're welcome," she said softly before they fell into a comfortable silence, both turning back to look at the perfect moment in front of them.
An array of different color strobe lights danced outside the club in circular patters as the crowd gathered outside, watching from behind the barriers at the celebrities and men and women of the fashion world. It was the biggest event to hit Tree Hill, North Carolina since anyone could remember, including the opening of their very own Clothes Ova Bro's store.
Haley squeezed her husband's hand as they made their way down the red carpet. "This is crazy," she whispered.
"Just wait till we have to go some where in New York," he bent down to say to her in the same hushed tone as the crowd cheered for both of them.
"Nathan and Haley Scott," one of the interviews called out to them. "Can you spare a few minutes for the viewer's at home?"
"Sure," Nathan nodded as they made their way toward her.
"How does it feel to be drafted by The Knicks?" the blonde woman asked before holding her microphone towards him.
"Incredible," he grinned widely. "It's a dream come true."
"I bet," she turned towards Haley. "And I hear your album has reached number five on The Billboard charts, quite a success."
"Thank you," she smiled happily. "I'm just grateful to the fans for relating to my music."
"Well you both look wonderful tonight," she paused briefly. "I don't suppose I have to ask who you're wearing."
"It's from Clothes Ova Bro's of course," Haley nodded. "And my husband is wearing a one of a kind BDM from Brooke Davis as well."
"We're just here to offer support," Nathan jumped in. "We're very proud of our friend."
"Whom we better check in with inside," she added.
"Certainly," the interviewer nodded.
Nathan and Haley continued down the path where they were stopped by several more members of the press before they finally made it inside and backstage.
"Hey you guys," Brooke moved towards them quickly for the size of the baby bump she was carrying, giving them each a hug.
"It's a madhouse out there Davis," Nathan replied. "People kept stopping me to take my picture and ask us stuff."
"Oh you loved it," Haley smacked his arm. "I was the one who was nervous."
Brooke pursed her lips in disbelief. "You are the girl who went on tour back in high school right?" She rolled her eyes playfully. "I think you both love it."
"Hi Haley; hi Nathan," Millicent walked up towards them.
"Are we all set?" the brunette turned to her long time assistant and friend.
"Yup," Millicent answered. "The models and our singer are all ready to go as soon as you announce them."
"Okay," Brooke nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright Naley, you're in the front to the right. Peyton, Jake, Rachel, and Owen are already up there and Luke is making sure the lighting guy has his instructions." She shook her fist in a burst of energy. "I'm so nervous."
"You're going to do great," Haley gave her another hug. "We're going to head out so we can cheer you on."
"Thanks guys," Brooke smiled as they left before turning to the younger brunette. "Why am I so nervous?"
"Because it's the debut of your first ever men's line but the clothes are great and the show is going to be fantastic," she held her friend by the arms.
"You're Brooke Davis," a familiar male voice came from behind her. "You've got this."
"Luke," she turned with a smile before kissing him on the cheek. "You should get to your seat."
"I'd rather watch from here with you," he stroked her cheek softly. "Go change the fashion world Pretty Girl."
Brooke nodded before giving a cursory look at her models to make sure they were ready before heading out front and down the runway where the stage jutted off on either side, the room quieting as the spotlight shone on her. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen," she offered the crowd her famous dimpled smile. "I'm Brooke Davis and welcome to Tree Hill's first runway show. I want to thank all of you who traveled all this way to my tiny hometown. This line was inspired by this town: simple, elegant, but dramatic. I hope you enjoy seeing it as much as I love designing it. Here to help us start off the night is one of my favorite artists, singing sensation Mika!" She walked over to where the new spotlight was shinning revealing the singer as they gave each other kisses on the cheek. "Without further adieu, I give you BDM." She walked off the stage as Mika began singing his new song, 'Blame It On The Girls'.
"He's got looks that books take pages to tell
He's got a face to make you fall on your knees
He's got money in the bank to thank and I guess
you could think he's livin' at ease…
Brooke watched from backstage as her first male model made it to the end of the runway, watching as the second started. From what she could see of the audience, they looked pleased.
"Like lovers on the open shore - What's the matter?
When you're sitting there with so much more -What's the matter?
While you're wondering what the hell to be
are you wishing you were ugly like me?
Brooke checked out the next outfit of the next model, pulling and making sure the asymmetrical neckline was being shown properly before he made his way on the runway. By the time he was at the end of the runway, her next model was out, passing each other as the got to the middle. One after one they made their way up and down the runway, showing off her creations and Broke couldn't be happier with the warm reception the audience continually gave.
"Blame it on the girls who know what to do.
Blame it on the boys who keep hitting on you.
Blame it on your mother for the things she said.
Blame it on your father but you know he's dead.
"Okay, okay, okay..." Brooke gathered all her models as the last one was heading backstage. "This is the final walk through, high energy people!" She felt Lucas' arms snake behind her and she leaned back into him as her models did their final walk-through and the confetti cannons went off.
Blame it on the girls.
Blame it on the boys.
Blame it on the girls.
Blame it on the boys…"
"Alright guys," Rachel said to their group after everyone else had gone except for the crew breaking down the set and cleaning up. "I think a toast is in order." She turned towards the man beside her. "Owen…"
He made his way around the bar and pulled out two chilled bottles, one being champagne and the other sparkling cider. "You wanna do the honors Mr. NBA?"
"Watch your eyes," Mouth joked from the sidelines.
"Very funny," Nathan laughed as he took the champagne bottle being offered to him and popped the cork, managing to do it slowly without the liquid overflowing.
"Way to go Nate not wasting the alcohol," Skills said before looking across the room at Deb who was speaking with Karen and motioning for them to make their way over.
"You're not the only one with skills," Nathan countered as he began filling a few glasses while Owen filled the others with the sparkling cider.
As everyone took their glasses of bubbly liquid, Lucas held up his champagne. "Speaking of having skills, I think our first toast should be to my amazing fiancé for putting on this incredible fashion show and to my little brother for making it to his dream of The NBA."
Haley nodded in agreement. "To our fashionista Brooke and our NBA star Nate."
They all cheered before taking sips of their own drinks, Nathan speaking once they finished. "Thanks guys but this is really Brooke's night."
"It's all of our night," the brunette nodded, wrapping her arm around Peyton. "I just want to thank you all for being here and supporting me through all of this. I wouldn't have made it through the last year without any of you." She paused briefly. "You know Edna Buchanan said 'Friends are the family we choose for ourselves' and I could not have chosen a better group of friends then all of you so thank you, thank you for being my family guys."
"To our family," Rachel spoke up, "as weird and dramatic as it may be."
"To our family," they all said in unison before each taking a drink, most of them finishing it.
"Hey Jeff," Millicent called to their photographer who was just about packed up. "Can we get a picture of us all together?"
"Sure thing," he replied as he walked over.
"Everyone get in," Rachel said as she hopped up on the counter, Owen leaning in from behind the bar. "Jake, Peyton; scoot in but don't block me."
"We wouldn't dream of that," Jake laughed.
"Alright," Jeff said. "On the count of three everyone say…"
"BDM," Brooke called out.
"NBA," Nathan countered.
"Rachel's awesome," the red head suggested.
Peyton shrugged, thinking he might as well jump in too. "Red Bedroom Records?"
"Haley is number five," she jumped in. "I mean, if everyone else is doing it…"
"You've just heard a mouthful," Mouth chimed from his spot.
Skills smiled widely. "How about chocolate milk dud?"
"You kids are impossible," Karen shook her head.
"Hot and over forty," the pregnant blonde suggested. "What, I am."
"Yes you are baby," Skills said as he pulled her closer.
"Oh man," Nathan shook his head. "Here he goes again."
"You better get used to your new step-daddy Nathan," Rachel said which elicited a hearty laugh from Owen.
"Guys," Millicent admonishes.
"How about Tree Hill," Lucas finally said over the sea of voices though it didn't sound much like a question.
"It's perfect," Brooke said before everyone else began to agree. "Alright then, on the count of three. One, two, three…"
"Tree Hill," the all shouted in unison with smiles on their faces as the picture was snapped.
Nathan finished locking up before making his way up the stairs to the bedroom. "Haley?" he called out.
"I'm in here," her voice carried from the bathroom. "I need your help with something."
"In the bathroom," he scrunched his brows together but complied anyways, opening the door to their master bath. "Wow," he gasped as he took in the vision of his wife holding a basketball in a bathtub filled with bubbles and candles surrounding it, two glasses and a bottle of champagne on the floor. "You did all this while I was locking up?"
"Well I've got my own skills," she cocked her head to the side, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I thought we deserved our own celebration." She tossed the ball at him. "Check," she raised her brows flirtatiously.
"My wife is so hot," he breathed out after catching the ball, tossing it into the sink. "You didn't want to use that, did you?" Nathan laughed.
She shook her head. "I just thought it would be good for the picture in your head."
He nodded. "You were right."
Haley shrugged. "I always am," she took the clip out of her hair and shook her head, her hair cascading down to frame her face as the candlelight danced across her tanned skin.
"You are my perfect fantasy," he smiled, his eyes drinking in her form.
"Then why don't you make it come true and hurry up and get in here," she leaned back against the tub, her leg lifting out of the water.
Nathan quickly disrobed before hopping in to the other side, hooking her legs over his to get closer before bringing his hand to cup her face and gliding his lips across hers. "How did I ever get this lucky?"
"Play your cards right and you'll be getting lucky again in a few minutes," she said before her lips sought his again, pulling his lower lip into her mouth and sucking on it. "Gawd my husband is hot."
He laughed before reaching for the bottle of champagne and popping the cork before filling the two glasses, handing his wife one. "Did you steal this from Tric?" When she only replied with a coy smile, he lifted an eyebrow at her. "Look at my wife the rebel."
"I think you've corrupted me," she giggled, her laughter filling the room and warming his heart.
His blue orbs started into her chestnut ones, his face suddenly looking serious. "You are my everything."
"And you are mine," she said in an equally serious fashion before lifting her glass. "To my NBA superstar husband, the love of my life…"
"And to my beautifully talented rock star wife," Nathan added. "The love of my life," he said before they each lifted their glasses and drank some of the bubbly liquid.
Haley sat her glass to the side before bringing her lips to his. "Always…"
"And forever," he murmured against her lips before deepening the kiss.
Brooke lay back in bed, taking a moment to relax after her crazy week. Truthfully she was glad the men's launch was over and all the wedding planning was basically completed; all she and Lucas had to do at this point was show up. She had to admit David was a godsend.
"Hey Pretty Girl," Lucas stepped out of the bathroom in nothing but his plaid pajama bottoms, smiling at her wearing the top. "Tired?" he asked as he climbed on the bed.
"Yeah, a little," she smiled before opening her lids to look at him. "I'm not used to being on my feet so much with Sweetpea and Doodlebug on board."
"You did great though," he said as he picked her legs up and sat Indian style, placing her feet on his lap before he starting rubbing her right foot.
"Umm," she sighed as she sank further against the pillows propped against the headboard. "That feels so good Luke."
"I'm glad," he said before moving to her other foot.
"Wow," she said before letting out a moan. "This must be some kind of pregnant woman aphrodisiac."
He said nothing, only smiled as he continued his ministrations and slowly began to glide his hands up her ankles, releasing the tension there.
Brooke sighed deeply as he stayed there for a few minutes before his hands slid to her calves, massaging the tight muscles beneath her skin. "Mmm," her head lolled to the side. "You know, I have another place I'm feeling pretty tense." She opened her eyes just in time to see his face redden slightly.
"Are you talking dirty to me Brooke Davis?" he rose his brows at her.
She pouted. "I meant my lips dirty boy," she laughed when he feigned disappointment. "Come here Brody."
Lucas complied, his hands gliding all the way up to her thighs as he brought his lips to hers and kissed her deeply. "Better?" he murmured against her lips.
"It's getting there," she said before kissing him again, his lips traveling to the spot on her neck that drove her crazy. "Luke?"
His ocean colored orbs looked up into her hazy hazel. "Hmm," he said before moving to kiss the other side of her neck as his hands rose higher.
"Mmm," she smiled, looking like the cat that swallowed the canary. "I don't think I'm tired anymore."
Lucas chuckled against her neck before bringing his lips to meet hers in a fiery kiss.
Peyton lay with her head against Jake's chest, feeling his fingers stroking her blonde tresses as she drew aimless patterns across his skin with her index finger. "Jake?" she called out to him softly in the darkness, her voice sounding a bit raspy.
"Yeah Peyt," his hand stilled for a moment at the sound of her voice before resuming its path.
"You know how much I love you, don't you?" she asked.
"Of course," his brows furrowed. "But you're scared." It wasn't a question but he heard her voice answer anyways.
"Yes," she nodded against him.
"You don't think you can do this anymore?" there was a wavering in his voice though he tried to sound like the thought didn't kill him inside.
"What?" her head shot up before her body turned around to meet him. "You think I want out? Jake," she shook her head furiously. "No, never..."
He could see the water building up in her eyes glistening in the moonlight. "I would understand if you couldn't…"
"Shh," she placed her index finger over his lips, stopping their movement. "I love you and I'm scared of losing you to this, yes, but we just got each other back and I refuse to let you go again. I want to be with you forever, and whether that's a couple days or months or decades…"she breathed in deeply. "Baby I told you this before when I came to Savannah, that every song ends but that wasn't a reason not to enjoy the music. Jake, I love you."
"I love you too Peyton," he replied as his eyes stared deeply into hers. "I love you so much."
"Good," she nodded, exhaling deeply. "And I want that picture of us, that sketch I made… it's what I want for our future: you, me, and Jenny."
"I want that too sweetheart," Jake said softly. "You know I do and I am going to fight like hell to come back to my girls."
"I want to marry you and I want to adopt Jenny," the words rushed out of her mouth and she could tell she took him by surprise. "Brooke was right tonight, we can choose our family and I choose you and Jenny."
"Peyton," he let out a deep breath. "This is a huge commitment and you should think about this. What if something happens and I don't make it?"
"I won't accept that," she shook her head. "We'll be alright, as long as we're together; the three of us. And if something, if the worst happens then we'll take those days and live a lifetime for each one we get. I love you, I love Jenny."
Jake sighed. "Peyton," he watched her continue to shake her unruly blonde curls furiously and as the moonlight hit her alabaster skin, he thought he'd never seen her look more beautiful then she did in this moment when she was opening up to him. "We love you too; you're already her mother."
"Then let's do it," her voice sounded sure, the tears rolling down her cheeks. "Let me adopt Jenny." Her green eyes looked up into his imploringly. "Marry me… marry me."
"I want nothing more then for you to be my wife," he said as he kissed her tear stained cheeks in the moonlight before pulling back to look at her. "We're getting married."
"We're getting married!" she screamed before she jumped on him and they fell back into the mattress.
Owen lay back on the wicker chair outside on the deck, looking up at the stars. The last few months had been crazy and with Oriana spending the night out, he felt almost restless. It was ironic how much he bulked at the idea of being a father before his little girl came into his life and now he couldn't imagine not being one.
"Hey there," Rachel said from the doorway, opening the sliding glass door wider. "What are you still doing out here so late?"
He turned back to look at her. "I couldn't sleep; you?"
"Nah," she shook her head. "It's weird with her being gone; I couldn't sleep that night Skills' parents had her either."
"I understand," Owen said with a nod before turning back to look at the stars.
"I guess it's true about inheriting behavioral traits from your parents," she watched him turn back to look at her once again "Ori gets the same look in her eyes when she's looking up at the stars." Rachel smiled softly. "I'll be right back."
Owen gave her a nod as he watched her disappear into the house, emerging less than a minute later carrying a blankets and a pillow. "What's all that?"
"If we're going to sit out here stargazing we might as well do it right," the red head shrugged as she spread one of the blankets down on the deck floor, tossing the pillow at the edge closest to the door. "Lay down."
Owen raised his brows at her for a moment before caving and complying, propping his head on the pillow. "We sharing this?"
"Just the blanket," she replied before laying down perpendicular to him, surprising him as her head rested on his stomach and she dropped the other blanket over her.
After lying there in silence for a few minutes his hand sought her dark auburn locks, his fingers unconsciously running through her hair like they use to.
"That feels nice," Rachel sighed and immediately felt his movements cease. "That was meant to make you continue, not stop."
Owen chuckled lightly before resuming his task. "I didn't realize I was doing it," he paused briefly. "You know, when I was a little kid I used to look up at the stars all the time and think about my dad." He laughed. "I was a big Fivel fan ya' know, underneath the same sky and all that, wondering if he was thinking about me too; if he'd come back."
She took the hand that wasn't playing in her hair and held it in comfort. "I remember you telling me that before."
"We've got a lot of history, don't we?" he mused, unsure if it was to her or to himself.
"Yeah," she exhaled deeply. "We do." Her eyes drifted back to the inky sky above. "This is really nice Morello," Rachel paused briefly before sitting up and turning towards him, "just being here and being… so much has happened and I feel like neither one of us has had time to take a breath after finding each other again."
Owen sat up as well; looking at the way the moonlight illuminated her face and danced across her hair. Before he knew what he was doing, his hand was reaching up to cup her face, her eyes falling closed for a moment the minute his skin touched hers. "We can breathe now."
She leaned into his touch, her lids opening slowly as her chestnut orbs meet his darker chocolate shade. "Owen…" she managed to breathe out as he moved closer to her.
"This is it Rachel," he said softly. "This is our moment to find each other again; to pick up where we left off all those years ago."
She offered him an ironic smile, her eyes rolling. "You mean back where you told me you never wanted to see me again," she said it as a joke but there was still an underline pain in her eyes for the briefest of moments.
"No," Owen shook his head. "You know that's... I mean..." he tried to explain before giving up on words, his lips descending upon hers and gliding over them softly.
"Owen," she murmured against his lips even as she shifted closer. "I'm-what if we..."
He pulled back to look at her as he interrupted, "This will work Gattina." His eyes boar into hers, "None of this is easy for me; to swallow my pride or put myself out there but I'm just going to say it, okay?" He watched the apprehensive look take over her face before she nodded. "Rachel, I love you; I have always loved you."
"Really," her eyes began to water, her answer being seen in his eyes. "That's good since I-I love you too." Rachel smiled.
"Good," he nodded before his lips meet hers again in a kiss that took their breath away and they gave into love underneath the night sky.
Kevin Bisch wrote, "Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away… Life is not the amount of breaths you take; it's the moments that take your breath away."