A/N: As promised, the next chapter. Thank you guys so much for reading & reviewing. Next chapter, which will be up sometime this weekend, I'll do individual review responses. Anyways, enjoy. :)

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Believing That The Gift Of Life Makes It All Okay

~"Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life." (Walt Anderson)

Lucas sat in silence listening to the high pitched tinging sound of the monitors, waiting patiently for his daughter to be placed in his arms. He was sitting in a rocking chair, shirtless, as he watched the nurse pull down the plastic door on Kayla's housing before removing the plastic cover over the baby's head; Lucas mused it almost looked like a fishbowl. The nurse removed the baby slowly, careful of the wires attached to her as well as the cloth covered paddle attached to her hand before walking over and gently placing the tiny infant in her father's arms.

He cradled her in his arms first, finding himself fighting back tears just gazing at her. All he could think was she was so beautiful and he felt an overwhelming protectiveness surge within him; knowing he'd do everything humanly possible to protect her from any and everything that even remotely threatened her happiness or well being. Her eyes stared up at him knowingly, the blue orbs already looking so much like his own.

"Hey there Kayla," he said softly; unable to stop the huge smile on his face that seemed to develop of it's own accord. "It's Daddy… do you remember my voice Sweet-Pea?" He watched her squirm, feeling like she was answering him. "Of course you do Beautiful Girl; I love you so much." His eyes watered in amazement, taking in every tiny movement she made. "I love you," he whispered as he placed her against his chest the way the nurse instructed as she placed a thin folded blanket over the child.

Lucas felt Kayla cuddle against him closely, marveling in the feel of her breathing against him. Even though he'd confidently told Brooke that their daughter was fine, it was the first time he felt assured of it; holding her in his arms and feeling the steady rise and fall of her chest against his finally allowed the tension he'd been feeling to roll of him in waves. He could tell she felt it too, her body relaxing even more against him. "My daughter," he murmured softly in wonderment.

He rocked her gently, feeling her breathing slow, knowing she was falling asleep. He had loved his baby from the moment Brooke told him the implantation worked and he'd doubly loved Doodlebug and Sweet-Pea from the moment he'd found out there were having twins. But what he felt now, after holding Keith in his arms and then holding Kayla now was nothing in comparison; the love he felt now was indescribable; overwhelming and all encompassing and Lucas found himself making a silent promise to be their rock, to be the kind of father Dan never could be; to be the man Keith Sr. was to him.

Lucas smiled as he felt her paddle covered hand move across his chest, gazing down as her lips puckered momentarily as he realized he was holding the most precious gift of all in his arms; the gift of life. He closed his eyes as he leaned back into the chair, knowing for the first time since he and Brooke twirled around the dance floor at their reception that everything was going to be alright.

Deb walked downstairs, finding her husband in the kitchen washing the dishes. She smiled to herself as her hand cradled her pregnant stomach, wondering what she'd done to get this lucky. What had started off as some internet flirting and a cougar/cub fling had developed into more than she could have imagined. For the first time in her life, since she'd been a freshman in college, she was happy.

"Hey," Skills smiled as he felt his wife's arms wrap around him from behind. "Good morning."

"Good morning," she whispered against his neck before kissing him softy there. "Where's Jamie?"

"Haley picked him up about a half an hour ago," he turned around to face her, his hands resting gently against her hips. "Jamie wants to see for himself that Brooke is going to be alright."

She nodded. "And Richard, did he leave already too?"

"Yeah," he replied. "He wanted me to thank you for letting him stay last night since it was pretty late but I think he's going to get a hotel if he stays any longer."

"That would probably be a good idea," she smiled. "I mean, it had to feel pretty awkward. It was over a long time ago but it was still pretty weird having him in our home. I hope I didn't make you too uncomfortable."

"I'm not going to lie and say that having some guy from my wife's past in our house wasn't weird but I knew what him staying here was all about," he answered. "I know he was here as Brooke's father." He shrugged. "Besides, you had to deal with my parents inviting Cass to stay at my house."

"Yeah," she huffed in annoyance at the memory. "I handled that really well."

"Baby you handled it great," he reached up to stroke her face, "well except for when you tried to break up with me." He laughed when she hit his arm. "It's just good for us our daughter brought us back together," he placed his hand against her stomach, feeling the life within her nudge him. "Though I think I woulda wore you down eventually."

"You think so," she said haughtily, an assured smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I'm not so sure…mmm," she moaned when he began to trail kisses down her neck.

"Really," he murmured against her neck before finding the spot behind her ear that drove her crazy, smiling as he felt her breath hitch in response. "They don't just call me Skills for nothing."

She laughed loudly before pulling his head to meet her, kissing him deeply before pulling away. "Maybe I should look up all the men I've had dalliances with if this is the response I get."

"I don't think so," he said firmly before he brought his lips to her as he twirled her around, pressing her against the counter.

Peyton sat up slowly in the chair, yawning as she stretched languidly on the small recliner.

"Hey sleepy," Jake turned to look at her from his hospital bed. "How'd you sleep?"

"Good I think," she raised her arms over her head for another stretch before returning them to her sides. "Is it morning already?"

He nodded his head. "I woke up maybe a half an hour before you to the sun shining through the blinds; the nurse came in and closed them."

"I thought I'd nap while you did," the blonde said as she sat upright fully. "I can't believe I ended sleeping all the way through the night. Has anyone come with an update on Brooke yet?"

"Yeah, Haley came by last night," he answered.

"You didn't wake me up?" she questioned. "Is Brooke, is she okay? I shouldn't have gone to sleep," her curls looked unruly as she shook her head.

"Peyton, you are allowed to be tired. I understand that," he replied. "Brooke understands that; and she's okay Peyton."

"She's okay?" she smiled as he nodded.

"She's doing good," he replied. "And you know her, she'd want you to take care of yourself, especially since she's okay."

"It's just I've just let her down so many times in the past," she sighed as she clutched her hands to her chest. "I've let you down before too," her hands slid to her lap as she spoke solemnly. "I just want to be there for you both."

"You are," Jake paused before emphasizing as he reached over to take her hand, "Peyton, you are." He looked into her eyes resolutely.

"Your hand," her green eyes were suddenly wide as she palmed his hand between her own hands. "It feels clammy," she stood up immediately to place a hand to his forehead. "Jake baby, you're burning up."

"It's just a little warm in here," he shrugged it off.

"No it's not," she said as she pushed the call button. "When's the last time they checked your vitals?"

"Peyton, I am fine," he tried to reassure his worried fiancé.

"Hi," a brunette nurse walked in the room. "Can I help you with something?"

"No," Jake shook his head. "My fiancé is just overreacting a little."

"No I'm not," Peyton shot him a look before turning back to the nurse. "Could you check his temperature; he feels really hot to me."

"Sure," the nurse smiled before sliding a plastic cover over the metal instrument and then sticking it in his mouth till the timer went off. "Okay, let's take a look…"

"She's overreacting, isn't she?" Jake asked confidently.

"Actually no she's not," the nurse answered. "You seemed to develop a fever."

Brooke lay in bed with her sketchpad on her lap, pencil in hand as she drew out her latest designs. She'd been bored ever since her visit with her father ended and they'd taken Keith back to the nursery.

"Knock, knock," Haley's melodic voice called out from the doorway. "You up for a couple visitors?"

"Always," the brunette offered her friend her famous dimpled smile. "Get in her Tutor Mom."

"I'm brought someone with me," she smiled as she stepped inside and held the door open for her son.

"Aunt Brooke," the young blonde rushed inside sporting a huge grin. "You're okay!"

"Hey Little Man," she sat up in bed as he moved towards her, climbing on the bed to join her. "How's my favorite nephew?"

"I'm your only nephew," he threw his arms around her tightly. "I missed you."

"Careful Jamie," Haley warned.

"He's okay," Brooke smiled as she stroked his hair. "I missed you too."

"You're really okay?" he pulled back to look at her, his eyes uncertain.

"I'm fine now," she replied. "And I'm glad that you're both here, I was going out of my mind with boredom but I did come up with some new sketches." She smiled as Jamie adjusted himself to lie down next to her.

"Only you would work from a hospital bed," Haley shook her head as she pulled one of the vacant chairs closer to her friend's bed before sitting down. "How are Keith and Kayla?"

"Good," Brooke smiled happily at the thought of her children. "They just took Keith back a little while ago and Luke is with Kayla now; they're doing some kangaroo care thing." She pursed her lips. "I'm actually kind of jealous; I wish I could be with her too."

"You will soon," Haley nodded, "as soon as you're strong enough Lucas will take you and if he doesn't, I will."

"I will too," Jamie piped up.

"I know you will sweetheart," Brooke leaned down and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "So, what's new with you guys?"

"Momma and me are gonna go on tour," Jamie said excitedly.

"Really?" the brunette looked across at her friend. "That's amazing Hales; when do you leave?"

"I'm not sure," she shook her head. "We were going to go right after this semester ended but now I feel like I should hang out here longer; be with family."

"I'm okay Hales and the twins will be here when you guys get back," she replied. "I told Nathan yesterday when he came by to visit that he should be getting back to training too; I don't want you guys to put your lives on hold for me."

"Hey, we're family," she reached over to hold her friend's hand. "That's what family does; we are here whenever you need us."

"Yeah Aunt Brooke," Jamie agreed with a smile. "That's what family does."

"Yeah well family also wants family to achieve their dreams," Brooke replied. "I love you for wanting to stay but I really think the worst is over. You deserve to go on tour Haley; you've worked so hard and you help everyone. I think it's time you did something for you."

"She's right Momma," Jamie nodded again, agreeing with his aunt this time. "And Chris said we're going to have so much fun and that we just had to go. He said we could play Candy Land on the tour bus."

"Did he?" she raised an eyebrow with a smile. "Well with a ringing endorsement like that, how can I say no?" She laughed.

"Yeah The Keller is a great endorsement," Brooke laughed as well. "Even so, for once I agree with him."

She nodded as she squeezed Brooke's hand in gratitude. "I'm so glad you're okay Tigger."

"Looks like you're stuck with me for life Haley James Scott," she replied, her dimples in effect once again.

Haley returned the smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way Brooke Davis Scott."

"Hey guys I …whoa!" Nathan turned away from the pair sprawled against the counter. "Seriously," he said covering his eyes, "In the kitchen?"

"Nathan, honey," Deb's face was flushed as she fixed her shirt. "We… um, we didn't expect you?"

"Obviously," he replied, his hand still over his eyes.

"We're fine now Nate," Skills said, waiting for his friend to look up at them. "What's up?"

"Jamie said he left his jersey here and you know how he is with that," he answered, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"It's probably in his room," Skills answered. Seeing the curious look on Nathan's face he continued. "When we did the renovations I thought Jamie could have a room of his own here when he came to visit. He even helped us decorate it, basketball stuff mostly."

"He said he had a room here but I thought he meant the guest room," Nathan smiled. "That was really nice of you to do; I bet he loves it." Nathan laughed, "You're a good grandpa."

Skills shook his head with another laugh. "Thanks man but I think I'll stick with Uncle Skills; be right back."

Deb smiled as he left the room.

"You're really happy, huh?" her son asked.

"Yeah," she nodded. "I am."

"I'm glad," he replied. "You know Jamie said something else though when he came home," he studied her for a moment. "He said your boyfriend spent the night too."

She cringed. "How does… That kid is too perceptive for his own good." Deb shook her head.

"Mom," Nathan drew out her name the way he did Jamie's when he was in trouble. "You didn't… I mean, you aren't cheating on Skills are you? I mean, you're pregnant."

"Of course I'm not cheating on Antwon Nathan," she retorted, unable to stop the hurt look that flashed in her eyes. "I would never cheat on my husband."

"I'm sorry Mom it's just…" he shook his head, not wanting to finish the sentence.

"That I did it before when Dan and I were married," Deb said what her son was unwilling to, "but Nathan that was very different." She exhaled deeply. "Yes it was still wrong but the way Dan treated me..." she shook her head sadly. "We weren't happy and we both made mistakes but I wouldn't do that again, especially not to Antwon."

"I'm glad mom," he replied. "I just want you to be happy and I want my friend to be happy, and my little sister. When Jamie came home and said…"

"It's okay," she interrupted. "Did he really leave his jersey over here or was that just your way of getting Antwon out of the room?"

"It was true but I figure it would work as a good excuse," Nathan nodded. "So what was Jamie talking about then?"

Deb let out a deep breath. "Jamie was talking about Brooke's dad."

He furrowed his brows. "Why would Jamie think Mr. Davis was your boyfriend?"

"He must've heard me and Antwon talking last night," she answered. "Richard and I…"

"You have a past with Brooke's dad?" he looked at his mother quizzically. "When, before you and dad…" he saw the look on his mother's face. "During dad?"

"It was when I left," she felt the tears began to form in her eyes.

"When you left us… me?" Nathan shook his head in disbelief. "Brooke's dad was who you left us for?"

"Nathan," she reached out to grab his hand. "I'm sorry."

"Hey Nate, I found Jamie's jersey," Skills came bounding in the room and handed it to his friend before he looked at their faces. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, fine," Nathan said a bit curtly. "I'll see you guys later."

"Nathan," Deb's voice was pleading.

"It's fine Mom, I just need some time to process it," he replied. "I'll see you later man." He dapped Skills' hand before leaving.

"What happened?" the sienna man turned to his wife.

"Nathan finally found out the man I left with all those years ago was Richard," her olive green orbs looked up into his rich chocolate ones. "Nathan and I have worked so hard to get passed everything," a stray tear rolled down her cheek. "I just hope this doesn't cause permanent damage to our relationship."

"You heard what he said," Skills replied, stroking her hair gently. "He just needs time to process it; it's going to be okay baby." He pulled her into his comforting arms. "I promise."

Peyton sat outside of her fiancé's room, waiting for any news. After the nurse confirmed he had a fever a doctor was called in and she was told to wait outside. She couldn't help but go to the worse case scenario. After all, her whole life had been a series of tragedies; an adoptive mom dying when she was nine, an absentee father, her birth mom dying of cancer after they'd become close, being shot, her birth father retuning only to die in a tornado when they started to et close. She felt like the ultimate Lifetime movie, tragic but only with no happy ending. Sure she had survived the psycho stalker but now the man she loved was in the hospital and she was afraid her next tragedy was beginning.

"Miss Sawyer," the gray-haired doctor called out to her as he approached. "You will be able to go in soon."

"Is he, is he okay?" her green eyes stared up at him in worry.

"So far, so good," Dr. Bazil replied. "Right now it's just a mild fever so there's no reason for concern."

"But you were in there a pretty long time," she countered.

"Yes," he nodded. "Because of Jake's history we have to be extremely watchful of any changes in his condition. For now it's just a low grade fever but we are monitoring him very closely and are going to be overly cautious to prevent infection." He went on to explain. "His environment is going to be kept even more sterile at this point; anyone visiting will be required to wear a gown, gloves, and face mask."

"Is that what that cart is that the nurse just pulled up outside the door?" she motioned towards it.

"Yes," Dr. Bazil nodded once again. "It is very important we limit his contact to the outside as well but he was quite insistent that you be let in." He offered the young woman in front of him a kind smile. "I truly believe these are just extra precautions and that Jake will be just fine but I'd rather be overly cautious than not cautious enough."

Peyton nodded. "Thank you."

He turned around to see the nurse nod before walking down the hall. "You can go in now," he said once he'd turned back to the blonde. "Just make sure to place the gown, gloves, and mask on. I'll be back to check on him in a little while."

Peyton nodded with a small smile before making her way to the cart and putting on the items quickly so she could enter as soon as possible. "Hey," she forced a lightness to her voice as she stepped inside, hovering just in front of the closed door.

"Hey," his warm brown eyes looked up at her, noticing the distress she was trying to hide. "Peyton, it's just a precaution. I'm okay."

She nodded; forcing a smile even though he couldn't see it passed the white mask covering her face. "I know, it's just…"

"Come here," he interrupted, holding his arms out for her.

She moved closer, getting ready to take the seat next to his bed.

"No," he said firmly. "Come here," his eyes stared deeply into hers. "Let me hold you."

She reluctantly fell into his embrace, surprised by his strength when he pulled her up to lie next to him in his hospital bed. "I'm okay Peyton; everything's going to be okay. I know you're scared but I promise you we're going to be okay; we're going to get married and live a long, full life together. You believe me?"

She nodded against his chest, feeling some reassurance by the feel of his arms encompassing her. "I believe you," she said softly as she closed her eyes, hoping that believing hard enough would make it a reality.

Lucas sat in the chair next to his wife's bed, watching her sleep. The last few days had been a whirlwind for them and he was glad it was starting to calm down; at least as calm as it got in their lives. After he'd returned from spending time with Kayla, Keith was brought down for a visit and once he had to return to the nursery, Brooke promptly kicked him out to go home and get some rest. He'd lasted all of an hour alone in that big house before returning to the hospital.

"What are you doing here?" her raspy voice pulled him out of his musings.

"Watching you sleep," he answered with a smile. "The whole ring thing means you can't get rid of me."

She let out a small laugh. "I'm actually glad you're here; I hate to be alone."

"I know," he said before he leaned over to kiss her forehead.

She scooted over. "Get in."

"What if Nurse Ratchet comes?" he queried, even though he was already climbing in next to her.

"She'll just have to deal," she sat up so he could wrap his arm around her before snuggling next to him. "I can't wait to get out of here; I want to be able to go to my kids."

"You will soon," Lucas said as he rubbed her arm up and down comfortingly. "And then I'll take my brand new wife and our brand new babies home."

"It seems like the wedding was so long ago with everything that's happened," Brooke looked up at him. "It's hard to believe we're still newlyweds."

"Are you already feeling like we're an old married couple?" he rose a brow at her. "I guess that's another thing I'm going to have to work on when we get home."

"Oh Mr. Scott," she whispered coquettishly, "are you planning on taking advantage of me?"

He warmed at the look in her eyes. "I'm definitely going to do my best."

"Your best huh?" she bit her lip. "Well your best is just the best there is." She tilted upwards to kiss his lips softly. "Care to give me a preview?"

"Brooke," he groaned when she kissed his neck. "You are no where near ready…"

"I am for this; live a little," she murmured against his neck. "Besides, we never got to celebrate our wedding or the fact that everything that was going wrong is now okay; we're good and our babies are good."

"Well who am I to argue with that logic," he let out a laugh before bringing his lips to hers in a sweet but sensual kiss.

Nathan tossed the ball into the small basketball hoop in his backyard. He knew logically he shouldn't be upset about something that happened so long ago in the past. He'd been pissed at his mom when she finally confessed the secret Dan kept alluding too when they were fighting over him but eventually he'd gotten passed it. He'd always wondered who the man was that could make his mother walk away from him; he understood walking away from his father but he was a different case. Now that he knew, it didn't make him feel any better about the situation; in fact it made him feel worse and brought up emotions he thought he'd long ago laid to rest.

"There's my husband," Haley said as she walked towards him. "Practicing before you leave tomorrow?"

He set the ball on the ground before turning to face her. "Actually, I just needed to let off some steam."

"This is not about the other Family Scott is it because Brooke and Luke and the babies are all good," she offered him a soft smile as she looked up into the tumultuous ocean of his eyes. "What happened honey?"

"Remember when I told you about my mom taking off with some guy when she was just supposed to be gone for work?" he asked.

"Yeah, I think so," she furrowed her brows as she tried to remember. "It was a little while before you got emancipated, right?"

"Yeah," he nodded.

"God, that feels like forever ago." She paused briefly, "What made you think about that today?"

"I just found out who it was," he replied with a shake of his head. "You remember Jamie saying something about Nanny Deb's boyfriend sleeping over too." He watched her nod. "I guess he overheard my mom and Skills talking about letting her ex-boyfriend sleep there because it was too late for him to find a hotel last night."

"I thought Brooke's dad stayed there last night," she said with a shrug. "Wait," her chestnut eyes went wide. "Are you telling me, your mom's fling was Brooke's dad?" She let out a short laugh. "Nate, I'm sorry it's just…"

"If it wasn't my mom I'd probably think it was funny too," Nathan ran a hand through his hair. "I guess it shouldn't bother me anymore but…"

"Hey," she reached up to touch his face. "It makes sense this has sort of shaken you. It's weird but in a way it makes perfect sense."

"How exactly?" he scrunched his brows together in confusion.

"I mean this is Tree Hill," Haley replied as if that in and of itself was the whole explanation. She sighed when he still looked at her uncertainly. "Just think about our little group. I don't really like thinking about it but you've been with both Peyton and Brooke, who were both with Lucas and he was with Lindsay who by any indication of her date at the wedding is now with Julian who was with Peyton. Then there's the fact that Brooke also used to date Owen who is Rachel's baby-daddy."

Nathan let out a loud laugh. "Did you just say baby-daddy?"

"Yes and there's still Peyton and Jake, who's baby-momma is that crazy chick Nikki who Lucas slept with," she added.

"And now you've used baby-momma," he continued to laugh. "I guess Dan, Karen, my mom, and Mr. Davis have nothing on all of us." He squirmed a little at the thought before he looked down into her warm eyes. "Thank you," he smiled at her, "you always give me perspective."

"Your welcome," she smiled before leaning up on her tip toes to kiss him. "I had someone else give me some perspective too so it's only fair I share."

"Oh yeah," he stroked her hair. "Who?"

"Brooke," she answered with a smile. "She wants me to go on tour and after thinking about everything you set up and getting a major push from our son, I called to let them know I was in. I even left a message for Quinn to see if she could come with me to help out with Jamie." She was beaming. "I'm so excited."

"This is going to be good Hales," he leaned down to kiss her just as they heard the phone ringing form inside. "Go ahead; it could be about the tour." He watched her nod, swatting her butt as she went inside to answer the phone.

"Hello," a familiar female voice said as soon as Haley answered.

"Hey Quinn," Haley smiled into the phone. "I'm so glad you called back; it's like we've been playing phone tag all day."

"I know Haley Bob," her voice rang through the receiver. "I'm sorry; things have just been crazy on my latest shoot in the down under but I got your message and I'd love to go."

"Really," she replied as the background noise increased. "Wow, it sounds crazy there. Are you sure this is okay? You sound really busy Quinn."

"Its fine Haley, I actually can't wait." There was an excitement in her voice. "I'll be done with all this in a few weeks and back in the states in plenty of time." She sighed into the phone. "I do have to go now though but I promise I'll be there, okay? I'm not Taylor."

"Thank god," Haley laughed. "Thanks so much Quinn. Call me as soon as you get back so we can go over the dates."

"I will peanut, promise," Quinn paused. "I love you Haley; kiss my nephew for me and give Nate a bear hug. I got to go."

"Okay, I love you too Quinny; bye." She heard her sister say goodbye before the phone went dead. "It's a go," she said as she turned to find her husband standing in the doorway. "Quinn's on board."

"Aw Haley, that's so great!" Nathan picked her up and spun her around. "This is your moment Haley."

"It's our moment," she smiled before wrapping her legs around him and crashing her lips against his.

Walt Anderson wrote, "Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have- life itself."