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~~~ "I'm Never Alone, I'm Alone All the Time" ~~~
* Chapter Forty-Eight*
Nathan felt the ring in his pocket as he shifted his weight still seated in the sand. He recalled the second Haley had suggested going to the beach after he got home from practice and he just knew. The moment had come and it felt right. He couldn't wait any longer and wouldn't be able to last until the weekend away he had initially planned for.
"I can't believe the waves some of those surfers are riding today. It looks kinda rough out there." Haley stated as she kept her eyes on the water and the surfers battling the waves.
"Uh huh." Nathan muttered back to her still wrapped up in his own thoughts.
Haley moved her arms from where they'd been resting on her knees and brought them down to the sand. She ran her hands and fingers through the fine sand and welcomed the calm it seemed to bring her. Nathan watched her hands work the sand as he contemplated what he wanted to say next.
"We should do this more…come to the beach I mean. We're so close to the ocean and don't take in all the beauty it has to offer like we should." Haley happily declared out loud.
"Whatever you want to do is fine with me." Nathan answered back now able to find his words again.
"I understand with your schedule, it can be challenging to plan ahead and stuff but we should try." She added.
He cleared his throat and then said, "Hales, we should actually talk about my schedule coming up and some changes to be made." He noticed she immediately turned to face him to give him her full undivided attention.
"What's going on?" She casually asked.
He took a breath and then answered, "I've got a bunch of games on the road coming up at the end of next month you know…."
Haley nodded and quickly interjected, "You know, I was thinking of trying to head out and see some of my friends in Arizona. Maybe we could catch your game against the Suns too if you're able to scrounge up some extra tickets for your girlfriend?" Haley didn't waste a moment and playfully batted her long eye lashes at him.
"I don't know about that…it might be kinda hard for me to do." He joked back matching her playful tone without missing a beat.
Haley's eyes widened in surprise and then she added, "I'm sure you've got some pull with the Clippers after everything you've done this season. I don't need a bunch of tickets…just like three and we don't even have to sit courtside for that matter. It doesn't matter where the seats are either."
He smiled at her offer and was reminded once again how absolutely perfect he found everything about her. He used the moment she looked away from him to watch the surfer ride a massive wave to reach into his pocket.
"Well, I'm thinking I'll be able to get a hold of three tickets near courtside for the game but I don't think I'll be able to just give them to my girlfriend." He started and deliberately paused knowing this would cause her to turn her attention back to him once more.
She raised an eyebrow and smiled as she asked, "Oh really? You have someone better to get tickets for then?"
Nathan nodded and then answered honestly, "Yes, I think I do."
Haley looked at him a bit confused but remained silent as she could tell he was about to speak again to clarify.
"I'm hoping I'd have the honor of giving the tickets to my wife. Marry me Hales." Nathan said and then opened his hand to reveal an engagement ring. Haley's breath was caught for a moment and then she let out a gasp of surprise.
"Oh Nathan!" She managed to say as Nathan took her left hand in his while manipulating the ring to her fingertips. He paused as the opening of the ring touched the end of her ring finger.
"Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed as her eyes moved to the gorgeous ring and then quickly back to Nathan's eyes.
He met her with a warm steady smile and finally spoke again. "Hales, I am so in love with you and know what life is like without you in it. I have realized that it's not enough to just have you in my life. I want more than that.
Haley's eyes filled with tears of joy as she listened to him speak.
Nathan continued and said, "I want you to be my wife and for us to truly start a life together…buy a house together…get a dog together…argue like married couples do over paint colors, which way to put the toilet paper roll on the holder or how cool to keep the thermostat. I want the good, the bad and everything in between with you. I want us to be a family so what do you say Haley James. Make me the happiest man in the world and agree to be my wife."
Nathan let the ring hover still above her finger tips as he waited for her to answer.
"Scott." She said as she let the tears escape down her cheeks.
"What?" He asked back
"That'll be Haley Scott to you sir." She said with a smile. The corners of Nathan's lips turned up even further as he reacted to what she said.
"Yes! Nathan, I would love to be your wife." She added and then moved her hand so he'd take the hint and slide the ring on. Slowly, the ring settled in place on her hand like it'd always been there. She brought her hands to each side of his face and pulled him in for a kiss to seal the deal. He felt the lingering tears on her cheeks meet his as they shared a passionate kiss with one another. When Nathan finally pulled away from her, he rested his head against her forehead tenderly.
"Is this real?" He whispered softly.
Haley giggled and snuck a glance at the stunning diamond set in a silver band on her finger.
"I sure hope so. Nathan this ring is absolutely perfect and exactly what I would have picked out if I had a million rings to choose from. How did you know?" She asked.
Haley hung on every word he said as he recalled the events of shopping for her ring and how he'd hid it at home until now. Her heart felt full and downright giddy as she took in all the information.
"I can't believe you did all of that and I had no idea anything was happening. I feel so stupid." She confessed after he spoke about how he'd spent so much time obsessing with her finger and staring at it all the time.
"To be honest, I was sure I'd given myself away so many times." He said and couldn't help but glace around them once more. They'd been able to find a quiet place on the beach to have their lunch and he was pleased it had remained that way still.
Haley moved towards him and was now happily seated in front of him. She welcomed his arms around her body while she rested her back against his chest. She moved the ring about on her finger and found herself gazing at it. Nathan tightened his arms around his fiancée's body and kissed her cheek.
"Well Hales, what kind of wedding do you want? Spring or summer? Big or small?" He asked.
She thought for a moment and then answered, "I hadn't really thought about it before but I think small for starters."
"Small is good. When should we get married then? I know some bride's want certain colors or season for their pictures so whatever it is. We will make it work." Nathan said.
"What about tomorrow?" She offered out of nowhere.
"Tomorrow?" He questioned back taken completely off guard.
Haley turned slightly in his grasp and then said, "Yes, tomorrow. I honestly don't care about a big wedding or having the right colors or pictures….I really just want to be your wife. We've wasted so much time not being together…that I just…."
He smiled as she spoke and then interrupted her and said, "Why can't our future start tomorrow? Let's get married tomorrow!"
"You sure?"
"Absolutely 100%. Let's get married!"
Nathan called his management team that afternoon who got the ball rolling for them to obtain a marriage license secretly. They wanted all measures taken to ensure complete privacy of their actions. They found out a member of the management team was certified and able to officiate weddings and had agreed to perform their wedding. Nathan and Haley ran a few more errands they needed to complete before they headed home for the night.
The next day the doorbell rang and Haley moved quickly from the kitchen to answer it.
"So this is the place huh? Guess the NBA does pay well."
Haley smiled and replied. "Glad you too found it ok. Chris you're such a smartass."
Chris smiled and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and Walker followed suit as well before they headed in the house. Once inside, Haley placed the bottle of wine Walker offered before she showed them out to the backyard. Haley's eyes met Nathan's as he saw her with their last guests. Chris and Walker quickly joined Quinn, Clay and Logan who'd arrive only five minutes earlier. Lucas and Brooke had been the first that morning to Nathan's house. This was the first chance all their close friends and family had a chance to meet and mingle. Nathan smiled back at Haley instantly. He couldn't help himself as she looked breathtakingly beautiful. She wore a white sundress and left her hair down in soft relaxed waves. Nathan had selected khaki colored linen pants and a royal blue button down short sleeved dress shirt. He left a few buttons at the top undone as he still wanted to be casual and comfortable.
Haley walked up to Nathan and he immediately put his arm around her and placed a kiss on top of her head.
"Are you ready?" He asked her quietly and smiled once she nodded in reply to his question. He leaned down and quickly pecked her lips before his eyes searched the patio once more.
As if on cue, the member of Nathan's management team came out the patio door. Jerry had arrived before the rest of the guests and had been waiting discretely until everyone had arrived according to the plan Nathan had shared the day before.
"Hey guys, Hales and I wanted to thank you all for coming over for a little BBQ on such short notice. I know you all have busy schedules and lives but we just want to thank you all again for your support. You've really been there through everything for us." Nathan said and then turned to look at Haley.
"We really love all of you and you're not just our friends…you all are our family." Haley added with a warm grin.
Lucas stood next to Brooke who was cradling Everly in her arms. His hand found the small of her back as he listened closely to Nathan speak. He couldn't help but notice just how happy and peaceful looked at that very moment.
"Anything for some free food and booze isn't that right Hales?" Chris joked and then shot Haley a wink.
The group erupted in joined laughter as everyone felt light and happy.
"You've always been a free loader Keller." Haley joked back which caused the laughter to get louder.
Nathan spoke again once things quieted down again, "Hales and I want you guys to do one more thing for us and then I promise we'll have lunch."
All of the sudden Brooke said, "You aren't putting us to work are you Nathan? I'm not up for working in this dress! Quinn and I just had babies for goodness sakes. And I have not forgotten about the last pair of heels I wore here which were ruined by the tar on your driveway."
"I said I would buy you a new pair but you said not to. Come on now." He said back with a smile which only matched his dimpled friend's grin.
Brooked laughed out loud as she shift the baby in her arms as well as her feet.
"There will be no manual labor guys I promise." Nathan said and then looked over to Jerry who'd been standing quietly. Jerry immediately pulled a folded piece of paper from his inside sports coat pocket and waited once more.
"If you all would just sit down and relax for starts until we start to grill that would be great." Haley suggested casually and was pleased when everyone moved quickly. They all sat down in the chairs Haley had arranged just that morning on purpose.
"So the last thing we would like you all to do is attend our wedding!" Nathan said with a proud smile.
"Surprise!" Haley added.
Brooke's squeal unleashed at a high pitched decibel that was clearly heard above everyone else's cheers of excitement.
"Oh my God Hales!" Quinn exclaimed.
"Way to go!" Walker added.
"Congratulations guys! When you guys thinking of getting married?" Lucas questioned.
"Next spring?" Brooke offered.
Nathan smiled at Haley and then answered for both of them, "Today actually. Jerry we're ready."
Surprised eyes were clearly visible on all the BBQ guests' face who at first looked at one another and then back at the happy couple to try and understand what was happening.
"Nathan and I invited you all here yes for a BBQ but we also wanted to share this moment with you too." Haley explained.
"We decided that we didn't want to wait to get married and today seemed perfect." Nathan added.
A confused Lucas asked, "Wait what?"
The group remained silent as they watched Jerry move closer ultimately stopped in front of Nathan and Haley. They had turned to face one another and hand their hands joined together. They grinned at one another and then over at their friends and family who were continuing to process what was about to happen. Quinn immediately wiped the tear that had escaped her eye and watched proudly. She had only wanted her sister to be happy and honestly couldn't recall the last time she'd ever seen Haley so happy.
Jerry cleared his throat and then looked up at Nathan and Haley and then to the guests.
"Nathan and Haley have asked us all here today as they decide to join their lives in holy matrimony. They have agreed to be partners in love and life. They share a love and devotion that is like none other. Their love is pure, genuine and inspiring. They have chosen to write their own vows today." Jerry stated and then looked to Haley.
Haley took a deep breath and then gazed into Nathan's eyes and then spoke, "Nathan, from the very first moment our paths crossed it was as if I finally felt alive. The missing piece to make me whole had been found and put into place. The woman I have become is because of your love. The strength and security that love has given me is indescribable. I vow to love and honor you as your wife and partner in life. I promise to be there to smile and to laugh with you through all the good times and to share your tears in the hard times. I promise to be your strength and support if you should ever falter. I promise to love you with everything I have for as long as I am breathing and then some. This I vow to you today. Always and forever."
She felt her eyes had filled with tears that matched Nathan's perfectly.
"And now Nathan if you please." Jerry said.
Nathan cleared his throat and then said, "Haley, the second you came into my life everything changed for me. My world became more than just about me and my wants or desires. I found myself thinking of you constantly. The second I would wake, your face would come into my mind and it would stay there until my eyes closed at the end of the day before sleep overcame me. Your beauty and grace literally takes my breath away. I can't believe I am lucky enough to not only love you but receive your love in return. I want to face all this world has to offer with you by my side because I know with you I can face anything. I promise to love and adore you with every fiber of my being. I promise to show you my love each and every day. I promise to accept all of you and challenge you to push yourself in everything you do in life. I vow to love you as your husband always and forever."
Haley quickly blinked which caused the tears she'd been holding in to escape down her cheeks. She snuck a glance at their friends and couldn't help but notice several teary eyes looking back at her as well. She saw Jerry reach into his coat pocket and produce three bands in his hand.
"And now for the rings, Haley if you will." Jerry said as he held his hand open for her to take Nathan's wedding band they'd just bought the night before from him. She gracefully took the band in her fingers and then moved to Nathan's hand.
"Nathan, I give you my life. With all that I am and all that I have let this ring be a symbol of my love and commitment to you. It is never ending and full. I pledge my love to you. With this ring I thee wed." She said as she slid the finger on Nathan's finger. A tear escaped Nathan's eye as he felt the ring encompass his ring finger.
Brooke leaned her head on Lucas' shoulder as she tried to calm herself and the rush of emotions that she was feeling. Lucas placed his hand on her knee knowing exactly what his wife was feeling in that moment as he was too.
Jerry stuck his hand out once more and then said, "And Nathan.."
Nathan took the two rings and positioned the wedding band to slide onto her finger first before he said, "Haley, I offer you this ring to wear as a sign to the world that you are my wife. When I see this ring I will think of this moment and the promises we've made. Today I marry my love and my best friend. I pledge my love and faithfulness today tomorrow and always. With this ring I thee wed."
Nathan eased the band and diamond ring on her finger and then gazed into her eyes lovingly.
"It is my pleasure to officiate this union and to pronounce for the first time ever, Nathan and Haley Scott. Nathan, you may now kiss your bride." Jerry said with a grin.
Cheers and hands clapping were the background noises that seemed to fade away the moment their lips touched. Time stood still and they savored the exchange of love with one another. It wasn't until they pulled away did they fully register the excitement around them. The happy couple turned to their friends who had begun to stand up and come to greet them. Celebratory hugs were shared all around and within 10 minutes, Nathan had walked Jerry out. Jerry had insisted on not staying for the BBQ and wished the couple well.
Haley moved a few chairs further under the umbrella and motioned for Quinn and Brooke to sit there out of the sun to protect their new babies' skin.
"Do you both need anything? Can I take a baby to give you a break?" Haley offered effortlessly.
Quinn and Brooke both shook their heads and exchanged looks between one another.
"Nonsense Hales. You just got married! We should be in the kitchen while you enjoy your party." Quinn said.
Haley tenderly stroked Logan's hair and shook her head, "Don't even think about it. This is exactly how we wanted today to be."
Haley snuck a few pats in on Everly's back before she finished setting this in place outside and then moved inside the house. It took a moment for her to notice it was just her and Nathan in the kitchen.
"Well, hello there Mrs. Scott." Nathan said as he walked over to his wife and then pulled her in for another kiss which she happily returned.
"Mmmm did that all happen? Are we really married?" She asked with a giddy voice.
He smiled brightly at her and then said, "We are really married Mrs. Scott."
"I love the sound of that!" She added quickly before she kissed him once more.
The BBQ kicked off effortlessly and everything just clicked. Conversation and laughter between everyone had flowed well and everyone had a great time. It was truly a perfect way to end the day's events. Quinn and Haley had managed to have a few quiet moments to share as just sisters. Tears of joy were shed by both as they reflected on just how much both their lives had really changed in the last year. Shortly after Quinn decided they needed to head out to get Logan down for a much needed afternoon nap.
Chris and Walker didn't end up too far behind as well. Walker busied himself with helping Nathan pick up a few dishes on the table outside while Chris pulled Haley aside to talk.
"Well well Hales…look at you going off and getting hitched!" Chris teased as Haley gestured for them to sit down on the sofa. He followed her actions and waited for her to speak.
She smiled and then said, "Yup, I decided to take your advice you know oh wise one. I just let go, trusted and went all in."
"I'd definitely say this is all in…..so when's the baby coming?" Chris asked out of nowhere catching her off guard.
"What do mean?" She asked back.
Chris let out a chuckle and then answered, "Well, I had to throw it out there just to see ya know? Shot gun wedding and all."
She simply shook her head and remarked, "Chris, we didn't get married because of a baby. We got married because we wanted to."
He smiled back and put his hand on her shoulder before he spoke again, "I know I'm just giving you shit. But Hales in all seriousness, I am so happy for you and Nate. I only want to best for you and love you."
"Aww Chris. I love you too! Thank you for everything you've done for me. You have always been there for me." She said before she pulled his old friend into a heartfelt hug.
"It's only been a matter of hours Keller. Get your hands off my wife!" Nathan joked as he came into the living room to find the old friends in a friendly embrace. They pulled apart and Haley laughed once she saw the look on Nathan's face. She knew he was teasing all in good fun.
"Now Scott, you need to remember that she was technically mine first so you should really show me some respect here." Chris joked back as he moved to stand from the sofa. Haley followed Chris and settled into Nathan's side naturally. His arm wrapped right around her automatically.
"You may have had her to yourself at first but times have changed. Get your own wife." Nathan teased back and then placed a kiss on his wife's lips.
Walker entered the room just in time to hear Nathan's last remark.
"Like he'd be able to find someone to put up with high maintenance Keller's needs for the rest of her life…be serious now." Walker stated bluntly and then laughed at his own joke.
Chris reached over and lightly punched Walker in the shoulder and then said, "Shut the hell up! I'm not high maintenance!"
"Oh yes you are!"
"No way you're on crack."
The two men exchanged a few bickering slams before they were separated.
"OK seriously, you both are pretty high maintenance for being guys so drop it!" Haley interjected and then pushed Walker out of the living room towards the entry way. They shared a heartfelt hug and said good bye while Chris took a moment to speak to Nathan.
Nathan eyed Chris closely as he waited for him to speak, "Seriously Nate, I'm really happy for you guys and I want you to make sure you take care of her."
"You know I will. Thanks man." Nathan confirmed and then offered his hand to seal the deal with Chris.
Just as Chris and Walker exited out the front door, the Roe family made their way inside form the back patio. Haley walked up Lucas and opened her arms to take Everly.
"Could I get a few more baby snuggles before you guys head out?" She asked with a smile.
Lucas nodded and eased his daughter into Haley's waiting arms. Everly fit snuggly into Haley's embrace as she instantly started to sway back and forth.
"Can I help you guys clean up before we go?" Brooke asked as she looked around the kitchen for ways to help.
Nathan shook his head and answered before Haley was able to, "Not a chance! You will do no such thing but thank you for offering."
"I tell ya I can't make her stop even now." Lucas added.
Brooke looked at her husband and then at the newlyweds.
"You say it like it's a bad thing." Brooke said.
"I just don't want you running yourself ragged babe." Lucas said before he moved to give his wife a hug. She returned his hug and then looked over at Nathan and Haley.
"I can't believe you're really married Nate. Today was amazing! Thank you for allowing us to me a part of it." Brooke said.
Nathan smiled at his oldest friends and replied, "We're just happy it all worked out well."
"Haley, you are perfect for our Natey and we are so happy that he's finally met his match in life. Take good care of him for us." Brooke said affectionately and then moved to hug her too.
"Aww thank you Brooke. You bet I will." Haley said back.
After a few more minutes of goodbyes, they finally waved goodbye to their last party guest for the night. Haley turned and headed up the walkway to the front door.
"Stop right there!" Nathan called out to her causing her to stop dead in her tracks.
She turned around with a puzzled look on her face as he kept walking closer towards her.
"We better do this right Hales." Nathan said with a smirk and then swiftly slipped his arms underneath his wife's legs to lift her up.
She giggled before she kissed his lips as they walked through the front door now as husband and wife. She let her tongue slip into his mouth as their kiss deepened as he hooked the door closed with his foot. Forgotten was the sink full of dishes and food to be put away. The only thing on their minds was consummating their marriage as husband and wife.
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GRemy