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"I can't believe you actually went skydiving. Does your mom know?" Keith asked Lucas.

"No, and she isn't going to find out if I can help it."

"That's probably for the best."

"So how's business been going?"

"Not bad at all."

"Dad said that it looked like a lot of people had been coming in."

"Yeah." Keith said after a pause.

"What?"

"It's just weird to hear you call him dad."

"Well that's who he is."

"Doesn't make it less weird."

"He's really changed, Keith."

"So you've told me."

"I thought you have had some good talks with him. He said you really helped when he and Deb almost separated."

"It's just something I need to get used to, Luke."

"Okay. I understand."

"So this wedding thing. Is it the whole big deal?"

"I think so. From what I remember from my mom's wedding it sounds like a lot of the same things. Dress, flowers, cake, blah blah blah."

"Wow."

"Deb's really excited."

"Well their first wedding was small. I guess she is happy to get a chance to plan a big event."

"I guess. You know they really want you to come."

"Right."

"Especially my dad."

Keith sighed. Lucas nodded silently and patted his uncle on the shoulder.

"I'll call you later, okay?"

"Sure thing Luke."

A few days later, Nathan finished his run as he approached his house and stopped to catch his breath. He had been up practicing shots and doing training exercises. He thought about his training schedule at Duke and a now-familiar pang of nerves rushed through his body.

"Hi honey, how was your run?" Deb asked.

"It was good. I just need to keep up with it."

"I'm sure you will. Keith should be here any minute." Deb said.

"Do you think he'll actually want to be part of the wedding?" Nathan asked, happy for a distraction.

"I hope so. Your father really wants this to be a turning point for the family."

Dan walked into the room and looked around.

"Where's Lucas? I asked him to get up like an hour ago." Dan asked.

"I'll go check on him." Nathan offered.

Nathan tentatively knocked on Lucas's door.

"Come in." Lucas called out.

"Hey man. Dad said Keith is coming over."

"Oh. I lost track of time." Lucas said, putting his book down.

"Typical." Nathan laughed.

"You're up early."

"I got a workout in early this morning."

"Good for you."

"Yeah. Let's hope it's enough."

"It will be. They won't know what hit them." Lucas smiled.

Nathan smiled back weakly and followed Lucas out of his room.

"Oh, perfect timing." Deb said as they came downstairs.

"Hey Keith." Lucas said, smiling at his uncle.

"Hey nephew."

"Keith, we're so glad you're here. Do you want some coffee?" Deb asked.

"I got you some already Luke." Dan said quietly, handing Lucas a mug.

"Thanks Dad." Lucas smiled.

"No problem junkie." Dan laughed.

"I'm good, but thanks Deb." Keith said to Deb after a moment.

"Come on in and sit down." Dan said.

Nathan sat on one side of the room with Lucas, while Keith sat down across from them. Dan sat down beside Lucas.

"So as you know, Deb and I are doing our vow renewal on the 14th." Dan said.

Keith nodded.

"We didn't have a big wedding originally and we also want to include our family in the ceremony."

Keith once again didn't reply, he just nodded again continued to watch Lucas and Dan.

"We wanted to ask if you would stand up there with us." Deb finished for Dan.

More silence.

"Keith?" Lucas prompted.

"Sorry. Um, sure. I can do that." Keith said finally.

"You okay?" Lucas asked.

"I'm fine. Just have a lot on my mind with work and everything. It sounds great Danny. You'll call me with the details?"

"Of course." Dan smiled.

"Great. Sorry to rush off but I have some work to do at the shop."

"Thanks for coming. I'll walk you out." Dan said.

"Sure thing. I'll talk to you later." Keith said, nodding at the rest of the family before leaving.

"That was quick." Nathan whispered to Lucas.

"He didn't seem that excited, did he?"

"It's not like he and Dad are close. Maybe it's too much to ask."

"I don't know…"

"Listen, I wouldn't worry too much about it. He said he would do it. I'm going over to Haley's to help her pack."

"Pack? She doesn't leave for another three weeks."

"She has to put stuff in storage. It's not like her whole apartment will fit in the dorm."

"Oh. Right."

"Want to help?"

"Wish I could."

"That's a lie."

"I'm going to look at the course catalog one more time and make sure I'm on the right track."

"Nerd. You and Haley are really too much alike."

"When do you think you'll be back?" Lucas laughed, ignoring Nathan's insult.

"I don't know. I've got more practicing to do afterwards."

"Take it easy, Nate."

"I'm okay. I just want to be prepared."

"You will be."

"I wish you were doing this with me."

"Me too, Nate."

"Damn, where did all of this stuff come from?" Nathan laughed.

"From the tour, mostly."

"What are you going to do with all of this crap?"

"Hey. It's not crap, its clothes! I'm bringing them with me."

"I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but dorm rooms are tiny."

"Very funny. I'll make it work. Not all of us college freshmen get a house." Haley teased.

"Yeah I guess not." Nathan grinned.

"I talked to my roommate earlier. She seems nice."

"I hope so. I hope that there's good people at Stanford."

"Stanford seems so far away now."

"It is all the way across the country."

"I never thought I would be leaving anyone behind. When I was younger I figured I could start over and not worry about missing anyone."

"What about Luke?"

"Well in my plan he was going to move out to California with me so I didn't have to make new friends. Then he had to go and get popular so that went out the window."

"Was he aware of this plan?"

"Of course. Not that he necessarily agreed with it, but still. I was going to bend him to my will eventually."

"Nice. So are you excited for the wedding?"

"I'm very excited. I can tell you are too."

"Keith was over today."

"How is he? I feel like I've barely seen him since he's been back."

"Well he agreed to be in the wedding. I guess that's good."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. He seemed really distracted though."

"He has a lot going on with the shop being open again. His work is his life. At least that's how he used to be."

"That's true. Okay there's two more boxes done." Nathan said, taping up the last box.

Haley looked at the boxes and sighed.

"What's wrong?" Nathan asked.

"I hate that I'm packing up my life."

"It's only for four years. And really, it's only a few months at a time." Nathan said, taking her hands in his.

"That is a very optimistic way of looking at things."

"It's the only comfort I've found so far."

Haley smiled sadly and started pulling more clothes out of her closet.

"Where did you go, inside of an oven?" Lucas asked, eyeing Nathan, who was dripping with sweat.

"Feels like it. I was just getting some more practice in."

"Nice. Did you guys get a lot done?"

"Yeah I helped her pack up. It sucked. It was just a reminder that she's leaving soon."

"I'm not looking forward to that either."

"It's too soon."

Lucas sighed. He didn't know what to say to make Nathan feel better since he was feeling the same way.

Deb came into the living room, breaking the silence. She looked lost in thought.

"Something wrong?" Nathan asked.

"Keith just called. He says he doesn't want to be part of the wedding."

"What do you mean? He doesn't want to stand up there with us?" Lucas asked.

"Not only that, he does not want to come to the wedding at all." Deb sighed.

"Did he say why?"

"No, not really. He was really vague. My guess would be that he still hasn't moved on. It's a shame, I'm not looking forward to telling your dad about this."

Lucas was speechless. He glanced over at Nathan who shrugged.

"Sorry Mom." Nathan said.

Deb smiled weakly and headed upstairs.

"That sucks." Lucas finally said.

"I'm not really that surprised. Maybe you were right."

"I guess I was being naïve to think that we could all start over that easily."

"He'll come around. If Dad can become human again, Keith can put the past behind him."

"I hope you're right."

"I usually am."

"That's a load of crap."

"Well maybe if I keep saying it, it will be true." Nathan grinned.

"Keep thinking that little brother."

"I'm going to go shower."

"Hey Nate?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't work yourself too hard, okay?"

"I'll try. You don't let this get to you."

"I'll try too."

Nathan watched as his mother walked down the aisle towards him, his dad, and Lucas. As unusual as it was for someone to see their parent's wedding, he was glad for the opportunity.

Lucas smiled at his mom and Andy out in the crowd and let his gaze linger on Brooke for a moment. He couldn't wait until it was the two of them getting married.

"Pay attention." Nathan whispered jokingly.

"I wouldn't miss it." Lucas whispered back as Deb and Dan got ready to share their vows.

"Deb, I told you this once before, but I have never meant it more than I do today—I will love you forever. I remember the way you looked at me back then and now I want to show you that I am that man you thought I was back then. I want to thank you for the gift of a second chance. For being a mother to Nathan when I failed as a father. And for showing me how to be a parent to my other boy, Lucas. I don't know that I could have even begun to make up for lost time without your guidance." Dan said, looking at his family as he spoke.

Deb smiled through her tears.

"This is for all three of you. For us as a family." Dan said in conclusion.

"Dan, I am overwhelmed by all of this. In the best way possible. I hope that I can live up to these promises too. For you and me, and for our family as a whole. I wish I could express that as eloquently as you just did, but I hope that my actions will do the talking for me."

The guests started clapping.

"Well it sounds like this is a good time to pronounce you husband and wife…again." The officiant smiled.

Deb and Dan kissed as the guests cheered.

"That was perfect." Lucas said, still in awe.

"You know, this would have been great for me just to have my parents want to be in love and be a family again, but it means so much more that you're here. It wouldn't be the same without you." Nathan said quietly.

"Thanks Nate. I wouldn't trade this for anything."

"We wouldn't either." Dan interrupted, pulling his sons into a hug.

Lucas smiled as he glanced around the crowd once more, hoping to see his uncle's face.

Nathan followed his brother's gaze. Lucas caught his eye and shook his head.

"Don't let it get you down." Nathan said, clapping his brother on the shoulder.

"You're right. I won't." Lucas said firmly.

"They look so happy." Brooke said excitedly, watching Deb and Dan dance at the reception.

"They really are."

"Everything turned out so beautifully."

"That's going to be us someday."

"Oh really?" Brooke cocked an eyebrow.

"Of course, unless you don't want to plan a big wedding. "

"Are you crazy?"

"I'm kidding. I know you want a big beautiful wedding. I hope I fit into those plans."

"Well I've always dreamed of having an extremely handsome groom, so you'll do just fine."

"Good. That's what I was hoping to hear."

"Wait a second. Do you have some plans of your own Lucas Scott?"

"I'm not sure I would call them plans as of yet...but I have an idea of what I would like to happen. Hopefully sometime in the near future."

"Lucas Scott you are messing with me."

"You know I love you and I want to be with you forever."

"Uh huh." Brooke laughed.

"I love you pretty girl."

"I love you too boyfriend." Brooke said, leaning into Lucas's embrace.

Haley glanced over at Lucas and Brooke as they were dancing across the room. Brooke was resting her head against Lucas's chest, Lucas with his eyes closed and a blissful smile on his face.

"I'm so jealous of them."

"Oh. Awkward. Did you mean to date him instead? It's too late for that, Brooke will claw your eyes out for sure." Nathan teased.

"Oops, missed my chance. Well I guess I'll stick with you then."

"Lucky me."

"You bet your ass."

"Wait, so why are you jealous?"

"They're don't have to say goodbye."

"Haley…"

"I know, I know. It's only a few months at a time."

"Those months are gonna suck though."

"Yeah."

"Haley, as hard as it was to be without you this year, I think I came out of that whole experience a better person. In the back of my mind I always wondered if I actually deserved you. I'm still not sure that I do, but I feel like I have a better chance now."

"I have always loved you for who you are, who you could be. Even when you couldn't see who that was."

"I think I have a better idea of who that guy is these days."

"Good, because he's amazing."

"You're amazing." Nathan said as he pulled her close.

Deb and Dan got into their car to head home with one last smile to their guests. Lucas and Nathan stood at the front to see them off.

"We won't be leaving until tomorrow, but try not to need us until we get back." Dan smiled.

"Gross." Nathan groaned.

"Oh Nate. I'm just saying, stay out of trouble." Dan rolled his eyes.

"We'll do our best." Lucas promised.

"I love you both. Take care while we're gone."

Dan gave each boy one last hug, then got into the car and he and Deb drove away.

"Should we help clean up?" Haley asked.

"Let's go, Tutor Girl. The sooner we finish the sooner the after party can begin." Brooke said, grabbing Haley by the hand.

"Looks like all that planning paid off." Lucas said to Nathan.

"Maybe we can go a few months without discussing tulle and roses."

"What, those aren't your favorite things?"

"You're a dumbass. Are you coming to help?"

"I'll be right in. I keep getting text messages and voicemails, I want to see who they're from."

"Okay."

Lucas pulled out his phone. Keith's name appeared multiple times on the screen. He frowned as he started scrolling through the messages.

"Well it's about time you noticed." A voice jolted Lucas out of his thoughts.

"Keith. What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for the party." Keith said, tossing a can aside and cracking open another beer.

"You're a little late. And a little drunk."

"I skipped to the best part."

"Keith, what the hell is your problem?"

"How can you be a part of this lie?"

"It's not a lie."

"This is bullshit Lucas. That man abandoned you, made your life hell, and now you're going to let him parade you around like he's father of the year? All of that crap about being a family now. It's disgusting, really."

"It's not that simple. You know that. I thought you two were making amends. You helped him with Deb, he told me you both promised to try and move on."

"Maybe I don't quite believe that he has changed." Keith replied, downing the rest of his beer.

"He has, Keith. I'm telling you that he has."

"I'm the one who has always been there for you."

"I'll never forget that. But why can't I want my father in my life?"

"Because he's a heartless bastard, that's why!" Keith yelled, throwing the can against the window.

"Keith, stop. Please. Don't ruin this."

"What? They're gone. Who cares?"

"This day is important to me too. You don't mean what you're saying. Look, I'll take you home. Nobody needs to know about this."

"This is so pathetic, Luke. I'm actually disappointed in your right now."

"What the hell? Why?"

"You're playing into his act. He is going to screw you over. He doesn't care about you. He's just using you to get close to people again. He's going to give up on you just like he gave up on getting custody when you were a baby. This is all a means to an end and all of you are falling for it. Even your mom."

"Stop. Just stop!" Lucas yelled.

"What's going on?" Nathan called out as he ran up behind Lucas.

"Nothing. Keith was just leaving." Lucas said angrily.

"No I wasn't. I was invited, remember? I was supposed to be in this stupid wedding."

"Then you decided not to be a part of any of it." Lucas said angrily.

Nathan glanced at his brother. He had a feeling things were about to go south.

"Listen Keith, you chose not to be here at all. Maybe we should keep it that way." Nathan said, putting his hands on Lucas's shoulders, trying to lead him away.

"Whatever. Go pout to your daddy." Keith slurred.

Lucas started to move towards Keith but he felt Nathan's grip on him tighten and pull him back.

"Luke. Be cool." Nathan hissed.

"What, were you going to hit me? I took care of you when your dad didn't want you. Do you remember that?"

"How many times are you going to remind me?" Lucas shouted.

"Keith, maybe you should just leave." Nathan said firmly.

"In a minute. I just want Lucas here to understand what a farce this all is."

"This was a really good day until you ruined it. At least you bothered to show your face at this wedding, unlike my mom's."

"You ungrateful little bastard!" Keith yelled, taking a swing at Lucas.

Nathan shoved Lucas out of the way and ended up taking the brunt of the punch.

Lucas barely registered the shock of the fall and his scraped up palms before he heard his brother hit the wall with a sickening thud.

Oh snap.

I've had that scene floating around for awhile.

Hope you enjoyed it!