"Hi, Jamie!" I greeted sceptically when our son finally walked into the hall. It was finally family day and we had all gone down to rehab to see him. I literally mean everybody. Besides Lucas, Sophia and I… Peyton, Jake, Anna and Julian showed up and so did my parents.

"Wow! This is quite an army here," Jamie answered with a smile. A smile! He smiled! I missed that smile so damn much!

"How are you doing, honey? Is it okay if I hug you, please?" I requested. I was getting so teary-eyed seeing him. I just wanted to hug him and hold him and never let him go.

"Umm, first tell me how are you and Dad doing? And I want it straight. Sophia?" he asked.

My heart broke a little, but I knew where he was coming from. Sophia was on her own little trip. She jumped out of her chair and hopped onto his lap to give him a bone-crushing hug. Jamie smiled but wrapped his arms around his twin sister. I had to admit, I was mildly jealous that she got to embrace him. Sophia began to cry in his arms, "It's so good to see you! How are you doing? Please for the love of God tell me that you're doing better!"

"Yeah, I am," he replied and kissed her head. "But I need you to give me the hard truth first. I only trust you." The two seemed to have made a bubble around themselves and were lost in their world, ignoring the rest of us as they spoke about us in front of us unabashedly.

"They're actually good. Together. Mom is happy and not going senile to off herself. Dad hasn't mentioned the baby killer's name even once. They were fully focused on me since being back and both were acting normally around Anna too," she whispered but I managed to catch her words. My eyebrow instantly kinked up in amusement.

"And the wedding?" Jamie whispered back.

"Still on, but barely any prep. If we want to see this through, we are going to have to up our game and pull a miracle," Sophia replied.

"They're totally trying to parent-trap us, aren't they?" Lucas leaned towards me and asked.

"Totally," I replied.

"Okay! Now that you've got the report from your sister, can your dad and I squeeze the life out of you because we love you and missed you but we're still so freaking mad at your actions?" I asked and without waiting for a reply, pushed Sophia away and pulled my baby boy up and into my arms.

"I love you so very much, Jimmy Jam!" I whispered as I smelt him. He smelt the same, like my Jamie.

"Okay, Mom," Jamie chuckled at my actions but he didn't let go of me either.

Lucas had his arms around Sophia as he patiently waited for our moment to end. Once, I let him go, he gave Lucas a quick man hug and looked around.

"Uhh, I am sorry, but who are you?" Jamie asked looking at my dad.

"Jamie, that is your grandfather, Ted," Victoria introduced with a smile.

"Ohh!" he said, his eyes widening. "When did this - uhh - what is he doing here? Have we even met before?"

"No, he never cared before. This would be the first time," I answered with a fake smile.

Sophia rolled her eyes and looked at Jamie. "Grandma Victoria met him in LA. They have this weird thing going on between them, most definitely hooking up, although old people hooking up just sounds gross. Mom doesn't know what to make of his presence and Aunt Peyton is strongly advocating against it. Dad and Uncle Jake are being Switzerland."

"Did you know that you are given a brain so that you can filter the things you think? You really don't have to say them exactly as you think them," I chastised my daughter.

"No, don't listen to her. Say it as you did because it is the truth!" Peyton encouraged.

"Gotto love Aunt Peyton!" Jamie announced. "He not worth it?"

"Ask him my name and how I know Brooke, you'll have your answer," Peyton replied, really meaning her words. "And remember that I've known Brooke since we were pre-schoolers."

"Hi! Uhh, Grandpa? Do you know who this is?" Jamie asked him.

"Yes, of course. She is your sister's nanny! We had dinner at her place once," he answered.

Sophia slapped her head in frustration while Jamie sighed.

"Have you checked the gardens in front of the facility? They are immaculate and you must see the topiary in the back. Why don't you check the place out?" Jamie suggested and gently pushed my dad towards the doors. Victoria went with him to keep him company.

"What was that about?" Jamie asked.

"Honestly, none of us know," Lucas answered, sighing uncertainly as well. "But, we are here for you. How are you doing, Squirt?"

"Better. Therapy is intense but it's been helpful. I know what I did was wrong. You always warned me about alcohol and everything, especially given the genetics that I share with Dan. I know that Dad never touches hard liquor. I'm sorry," he replied.

"We're sorry too. We were horrible selfish parents. Honestly, we weren't acting as parents at all. We messed up badly. We're so sorry that our actions led to this," I said and looked towards Lucas who nodded his head.

"You lost a baby and in the most terrible manner. I should have been there for both of you like Sophia was," Jamie said guiltily.

"No! Sophia shouldn't have gone through that either. You two are the kids. You deserved to be kids and we should have made room to account for your feelings too. Ya'll lost a sibling that day too," Lucas said.

Sophia began snivelling at that. Suddenly my phone began to vibrate. "Oh! Time for the sad talk to end, at least until we have that family therapy session. We have a surprise for you. Soph, could you go and get the package here?"

"Oh! Yes, okay!" Sophia replied and bolted outside.

"What? What did you get?" Jamie asked.

"Just a little something from Tree Hill that I know you miss," I answered coyly.

Minutes later, Sophia re-entered the room with another girl by her side.

"Hi Jamie," Madison greeted shyly.

Jamie was dumbfounded. He couldn't believe his eyes.

"Maddie!? Is that you? Is that really you!?" he asked, unbelievingly. "Somebody pinch me hard!"

"Yeah, it's me," she replied, tucking some loose blonde strands behind her ear.

"Wh-What are you doing here? Not that I don't like that you're here. I thought that after everything I said to you, you would never want to see my face ever again," he voiced his thoughts.

"Yeah, I didn't but I also couldn't. When you said all those awful things and broke up with me, it was the most horrible and painful moment of my life. I cried for weeks. Yet, I couldn't stop thinking about you and I hated that a part of me was constantly worried about you because I knew that that wasn't James behaviour. The Jamie I knew and loved would never behave that way. A few days after you had already left for LA, Sophia called me and told me the truth about everything. I couldn't breathe when she told me that she had found you overdosed in the park, barely breathing. I still can't!" she cried and flung herself into his arms. Jamie held her tight and both of them cried. A few moments later, Maddie wiped her face to rid it of tear stains.

"I am so sorry. I love you so much! There hasn't been a minute since I got here that I haven't missed you and repented the way that I treated you. I was an idiot and I did the most stupid thing I could ever do. I took you and your love for granted and I found unhealthy outlets that made me just scream fuck it! I was so very wrong! I am so sorry, please forgive me!" Jamie apologised.

Maddie's tears got heavier and harder with each word but she flung her arms around Jamie again and cried. They would be alright. They would figure it out and find a way to be together. If they continued loving each other, they would figure out the other stuff.

"I am so thankful that you're here," Jamie said, kissing her cheek.

"You should actually thank your mom for that. It was her idea. She called me up a few days ago and asked if I wanted to see you and she would respect my choices if I didn't because I was angry or not ready. Then she blamed herself for everything and requested that I don't break it off with you for good because she made a mistake which led you to deal in unconventional ways. When I agreed, she spoke to my parents and booked me a flight and car to the facility," Madison let him know.

"Thanks, mom. God, I'm so grateful!" he said and didn't even wait to kiss Madison on the lips.

"I'm really truly sorry to have put you through what I did. Both of you," I apologised, feeling tears bubble in my eyes.

"Okay, why don't you kids spend some time together? We'll go find your grandparents and hang out with you later," Peyton said. "It's so great to see you, kid, looking healthy and better!"

"Aunt P, you're the best!" Jamie replied and hugged her. "And Julian, you saved my life. No amount of gratitude I express will ever be enough. Thanks for being there for me, at the hospital, getting me in here… everything."

"Don't worry. We all love you and care about you," he answered with a smile.

"Next time Brooke messes up, just do what she used to do as a child. Run away and come to our house!" Jake advised.

"What?" Jamie and Sophia asked simultaneously.

"Yeah, since Brooke lived alone with nannies, she had a bit of an attitude and ego where she had to get everything her way and at her time. Now six-year-old Brooke wanted to have Ferrero Rochers at ten in the night and her nanny said that she would get her a box in the morning since the stores were closed. She wasn't having it. She ran away to Peyton's house," Jake narrated.

"Hey! That is so hypocritical. When I ran away and came to New York, you came at me with pitchforks and tiki torches! You made me intern for your assistants and I was grounded forever," Sophia said with a hint of anger and amusement.

I wanted to laugh and cry simultaneously. I was so red with embarrassment but also wanted to laugh so hard at my six-year-old self. "You do what Jake just told you and I'll send you to my London boarding school!" I threatened my daughter, making everybody laugh.

We parted ways, allowing Jamie to hang out with Madison and Sophia. It felt so good to see him. I couldn't wait to take him back home with me but I was scared of him relapsing. I had done research and it had only depressed me to no end.

"What are you thinking about, B?" Peyton asked as she pushed Anna's stroller out of the door that I was holding for her.

"I'm fretting what if he relapses. What if he goes back to it and we don't realise? What if there's no Julian the next time and we aren't that lucky? What if the abuse causes permanent impairments or neurological damages? I am to blame for everything," I said.

"Brooke, he did get sad over the situation that went down between you and Lucas but you did not put the drugs in his hand," Peyton said to appease my conscience.

"But what if I don't realise he is struggling again? Abusers look just like regular people!" I cried.

"What if he never touches a pill again? He will go to NA meetings. We will ensure that he does. We will screen him for drugs weekly at home. We'll get him a sponsor. Any medicines he takes from now on will be administered by you only. We'll do everything we can for him," she replied.

"Thanks, P! I wish you lived in Tree Hill. You used to say that People Always Leave. Who knew that you were talking about your scrawny ass?" I whined.

"I'm there all the time. I will be flying in for some work at Red Bedroom out there soon enough," she replied. "And aren't there some pretty important nuptials that I'm going to be the bridesmaid at?"

"That's happening in New York," I rolled my eyes and whined.

"But the bachelorette will be in Tree Hill, right?" she asked, making me smile so wide.

"Anna will have the most kickass flower girl outfit," I continued to say in a whiny tone.

"Of course. Her Aunt Brooke only gives her the best!" Peyton said and cooed at her beautiful perfect daughter.

"Are you nervous about your family therapy session with Jamie this afternoon?" she asked.

"Yeah, if I say something wrong, I'm afraid that it could land my son back at zero and all the progress he has made could be lost," I replied.

"Tell you what, you tell him exactly that and everything will be alright. Don't play him, don't pretend that you have your act completely together. You and Lucas have got most of it pat but obviously, there are instances when you feel lost again and there are moments where he wants to resume his manhunt for that psycho. Both your feelings are justified too. You two have done the major work to come out of the depression and it's okay to lean into the sadness. It's still a long way to go to perky. Just be honest about where you are in your journey and that you're trying to be better every day. I see it too. Those dates you've been scheduling and the breakfasts in bed for Lucas. You take Sophia wherever she wants to go and spend time with her, making her your primary focus and subject and I know that you will do the same with Jamie too."

I smiled at her kind words. "You're truly my best friend ever! I love you!" I said and squeezed her tiny frame. "Sophia wants to go to my ranch here in California for a few days once Jamie is done here. It goes without saying that you're coming too. I'll ask Nathan and Haley if they want to come down for the end of vacation with their kids too. Will Jenny be coming down at the end of the break? How long is her internship?"

"Yes, she will be coming for the last few weeks and she does love that ranch," Peyton replied. "Look, it's clueless parents 1 and 2."

My mom and dad were walking towards us. "Hey, girls. It's so good to see that Jamie is doing better. I can never forget what I saw at the hospital," my mother said to me.

"Yeah, neither can I," I replied.

"Peyton, I am sorry that I called you Brooke's daughter's nanny. Vicky filled me in about how you were Brooke's friend," my dad said apologetically.

"Her Best Friend, Mr. Davis and I still am," Peyton said with her claws threatening to come out. She was not ready to forgive them. "Actually, why are you even here, Mr. Davis? Really? The last time Brooke saw you was when you wanted to make money at her expense. What do you want this time?"

"Peyton!" I yelled, angry that she would just assume that my father had an ulterior motive to be there.

"Come on Brooke! You know that they never show up unless it profits them!" she called them out on their behaviour.

"Stop it!" I yelled again, but it was more because I didn't want to believe that my dad wanted to profit out of me again.

"Why are you here, Mr. Davis? Why did you show up suddenly to meet Vicwhoria?" she continued to interrogate him.

"Peyton!" I cried again.

"No, Peyton is actually making sense for once. I thought it was a coincidence that your father came to LA at the same time that I did and I figured he was looking for a little fun while he was here but the fact that he is here right now is in fact, fishy," my mother agreed with my best friend.

"What? Not you too! You changed! You were here for me after I nearly drowned after my fashion show… you stepped up! You were there for me in New York with the Xavier Daniels bullshit, you got the Board to approve me shifting work to Tree Hill, you supported my wedding to Lucas, and you even showed up to support me and my family after I lost the baby! You became my mom!" I cried.

"What are all these incidents that you're mentioning?" my father asked with confusion.

Victoria and Peyton both glanced at each other with exasperation. They came and stood in front of me as if they were my personal security. With arms folded, they asked him once again what his angle was.

"Fine. I'm in trouble. I slept with my boss' wife and he hired a PI to follow her and take pictures. He is quite certain it is me but I have been telling him that the man only looks like me and isn't me. I told him that I am a family man and what better way to show that you're a family man than go be with your family. Lucky for me, Vicky moved to California! So I went to meet her and well, the fun was just fun! It can't get better than what's going on now. I took an off from work today to say that I was going to meet my grandson in rehab with my wife, daughter and her family. His doubts are quickly dissipating," he replied with no remorse.

"Get out," I seethed. "Get out!"

"You scum! You're trying to profit out of my son's tragedy! You did that to me my whole life but I'll be damned if I let you do that to my son! My child is not your safety net. Leave and never come back. Here, I was, thinking about asking you if you would want to come to the ranch with us once Jamie got out and if you would be there to walk me down the aisle at my wedding in a few months!"

"Wait, aren't you married already?" he asked, making my red eyes even wider.

"No, and that news is very easily available, Dad. Just google Brooke Davis and one of the top articles will be about my divorce. You didn't know I had twins, you didn't know their ages but I decided to negate all of it and give you the benefit of the doubt. You thought my best friend, the only one who was there for me growing up was a nanny for a sixteen-year-old! I was even willing to forget that! But I will not forget that you used my son's pain for your profit. That is unacceptable. You can continue screwing Mom if that's what she wants but stay away from me and my children and if you use our name again to get you out of the graves you dig, I will love to pen an op-ed for the New York Times about my truth growing up. Hell, I might get Lucas to write a whole dang book about it! I'll even send an advanced copy to your boss and everyone you have ever worked for."

"Brooke, come on! I didn't say a thing to you about you taking us to court for your grandfather's inheritance. We let you have it although you weren't eighteen," he reminded me.

"Are you senile? Grandpa left me everything in his will. I took what was rightfully mine. I took it before I turned eighteen because I was emancipated and the reason I had to emancipate myself was because you left me high and dry in London with no way back home, on the streets, pregnant and penniless after dragging me there to get a promotion in the first place. Why do I keep expecting you to get better? Did you even check on me once whether I was okay or alive? Where I was? How I was doing? I live in the public eye and yet you know nothing about me and my kids!" I screamed.

"Ted, I think it will be best that you leave and don't bother trying to see me again either. Good luck trying to appease your boss once he learns that your wife and daughter want nothing to do with you!" she said, albeit very very calmly, like she expected it.

"I'm sorry honey," my mom said to me once she watched my dad walk away and get his phone out to make a call.

"I really wanted him to walk me down the aisle!" I cried.

"Hey, I will walk you down, okay? We will do it together. We don't need him," she said strongly and convincingly.

"Really?" I asked, suddenly feeling hopeful. I couldn't believe what my mom had just said to me. She would never have said such a thing earlier. She had changed so much. I could only hope that this would act as a wake-up call for my dad. Until then, he was not allowed anywhere near my children. "How do I tell Jamie and Sophia that their grandfather is not going to be around again?"

"By telling them the truth that he was a selfish prick trying to use them!" Peyton said venomously. She was ready to bite his head off. I loved her and her protectiveness so much.

"I shouldn't teach them to hate people!" I replied with a hint of laughter. It was true. I didn't want them to feel bitter. I didn't want them to feel used. I wanted them to have a real grandfather since Dan was out of the running. They had Keith, thank God. Keith loved my babies. They even called him Grandpa. He was great.

"Just tell them that Ted had some work and he apologises that he had to leave. They've seen him so little, they won't even remember him next week," Victoria suggested and I nodded my head in agreement.


"Welcome to Family Therapy!" the therapist, Dr. Lea White said to us once we were in her office. We had all eaten lunch together with Jamie and then everyone had left except Lucas, Sophia, Madison and I. "We all want Jamie to improve, right? So today we are going to delve into his support system - you guys right here and learn tools on how we can improve so that we can support Jamie in the best manner possible." I was amazed! I wanted to take notes.

"Jamie has told me his version of the story about what went down that led him to abuse prescription drugs. However, as we have discussed, each person has a point of view and a different narrative of the same incident. So we want to hear from each one of you," she continued.

Lucas spoke first and Sophia went next. I asked Madison to say her story and the therapist wrote down notes but kept quiet.

"Does this story need to be told again? It's exactly what you heard. Lucas' ex came to my office and attacked me. She was pregnant so I didn't lay a finger on her. I did not know that I was pregnant too. She kicked me down a flight of stairs, and I hit my stomach and killed the baby. I went into depression and it was bad. I tried to kill myself because I did not know how to live with the guilt and shame of it all and it resulted in Sophia having to be behind me unless I went away to work. Jamie was neglected and they were deeply impacted by our divorce. So, to see us together again and to break up again, they were so afraid of history repeating itself and things being worse the second time around," I narrated.

Dr. Lea went on to break down the incident into different parts. There was the miscarriage, there was the attempted suicide, there was the crazy manhunt, there was the fact that he had access to prescription drugs from being shot, there was the need and desire to protect his sister and girlfriend and there was the scared little nine-year-old hiding inside the sixteen-year-old who just wanted his parents to get along and be a family again.

We went through the scenarios and put them into categories - what we couldn't change and what we wouldn't do differently and where we could have improved and reacted in a better manner. She made Jamie do it too as it was as much his responsibility to abstain as it was ours to be better parents - her words, not mine.

"You guys are doing very well. Everyone is set towards improvement. Nobody wants to stay stuck in their ways or in the past. James is dead set on beating his addiction as well," she smiled at us. "I know it is hard to go back and visit those painful memories and realise that there was nothing that you could do to help that baby. You would never have known, but it helps deal with all your losses."

When therapy ended, we all felt so tired but also good and empowered, like we were on a boat that had just caught a strong current and was finally sailing back towards shore instead of being stuck at sea.

"Jamie, we all really miss you at home," I said to him once we were outside.

"I miss all of you too, especially you," he said looking at Madison and making her blush.

"Good, because I am going to be here when you get out. I'm spending time with Sophia at your Aunt's place until you get done and then we are going to your family's ranch here in California?" she asked because she wasn't completely sure.

"Oooh! We're going to the ranch? Sweet! You will love it there!" he said with a glimmer in his eyes as he had something to look forward to after getting out of the facility.

"Why is everyone so excited about a barnyard? I am not cleaning after animals!" she said with disgust.

"Oh love, the ranch has horses and we have staff for their upkeep since we barely go there. Other than that it's a massive property with trails to walk and horse ride. There's a hot tub where I plan on spending a lot of time with you. It's like a glorified cabin basically and you know my mom, Brooke Davis would never clean after animals either," Jamie explained.

"One, you two are going to behave inside and outside the hot tub! Seriously, what is with the mouths of these kids? It's like they forget that we are their parents! Two, Brooke Davis loves animals! Hence, we are vegetarians and I've never hurt a furry woodland creature to create clothing. I don't even do wool and silk!" I cried.

"Yes yes, Mother Teresa of Fashion. We've read the articles. Stop tooting your own horn," Jamie rolled his eyes and Madison and Sophia laughed.

"Lucas, say something nice and appreciative to me since these morons only know how to mock me," I asked cutely.

"I love your big, amazing, animal-loving heart, Brooke Davis and I love you so much," he said and kissed my lips. I felt the kiss all the way to the tips of my toes. I cuddled into him and let him hold me.

Lucas chuckled and rocked me gently in his arms. "I'll never understand your mind though," he laughed.

"Good, what fun will the relationship be if the mystery is dead?" I winked, making Lucas chuckle again.

"Jamie, do you need anything? We can bring anything you need for you. We don't want to go. God, I can't wait to have you back," I said and instant tears leaked from my eyes.

"Mom! Come on, you saw me every other week for years," Jamie said as he hugged me.

"Who said I wasn't a wreck then too? I have cried every time I have had to say goodbye to you two. You can ask Millicent and Sanjay," I said, shaking my head at those god-awful painful memories of having my kids away from me.

"You're nuts, woman! But, you're our nut," Sophia chimed in. "I want to get in the hug too!" Saying that she shimmied into the gap between Jamie and my arms. Madison laughed and Jamie stretched his arms wide, inviting her in. On the other side, Sophia beckoned Lucas and we group hugged like we were in a 90s sitcom.

"Also, I was supposed to say this sooner. It's a part of the twelve steps. I am so sorry for all the hurt and pain that my actions and behaviour caused. I hope that you will allow me to make amends and learn to see past my moments of weakness. I hope you guys will support me in my journey of getting clean and not judge me for my mistakes," he said.

"Of course, son. We are there for you and with you through everything. You're our kid!" Lucas said on behalf of all of us.

We gave Jamie some final moments with Madison and walked to the car holding Sophia's hands between ours.

"So what does our Royal Highness want to do tomorrow now that Madison is here too?" Lucas asked.

"Hollywood with Mom and Julian! And whoever else wants to come, of course. I want some selfies with celebrities!" she cheered.

"Are you doing this for your Instagram feed or because you want to see them?" I asked her, knowing her answer already.

"Not a morality lecture. You said you would take me to meet some of them!" Sophia argued.

"You do know that they're people, just like you and me, right?" I asked.

"Dad!" Sophia said immediately, playing her wild card.

"We promised to take her. She's a teen, let's take her just this once," he pleaded.

"Fine! Hollywood it is! But if you disturb them while they're busy or disrupt filming, I will drag you out of the soundstages!" I warned her.

"I like this, both of you holding my hands although I should be embarrassed being sixteen and not six, but I didn't get this as a kid. I wished that I had this because I'd see other kids at the park and at school being swung around, you know, be lifted by their arms for a second before skipping along again," she admitted. I looked at Lucas and he smiled at me. Obviously, her arms were too long for us to lift her like that, but Lucas grabbed her waist and I held her back and before she knew what was happening, she was being jostled in the air.

"What are you guys doing?" she asked while screaming laughing and sobbing hysterically, all at the same time.

"Anything for our Princess," Lucas said when we finally put her down.

Sophia lunged herself at us and grabbed us close to her by our necks. "I am so happy to have you two this way. You have been unimaginably awesome since ya'll came back from therapy and although everyone my age wants to run away from their parents and go on trips with their friends, this is the best Summer ever because for the first time Jamie and I don't have to endure those separate vacations, one with mom and one with dad. Don't get me wrong, we loved travelling to Europe and Australia and everywhere, but I'll take California at Aunt Peyton's house like this with you two any day over the fanciest five-star hotel vacation."

"We love you so much, Soph! You're brilliant and brave and beautiful and bold and bright!" I cooed my youngling.

"And I thought Dad was the writer of the family," she smiled and leaned to put her head on my shoulder.

"What can I say? You bring out the poetess in me."

"It's gonna suck that Jamie gets Maddie at the ranch and I don't get Zack. I mean I'm happy that he is having the best time in Florida, visiting all his old friends, but everyone will get all couply at the ranch except me!" Sophia whined.

"I'm sure that if you tell Madison this, she will spend an equal amount of time with you and besides, everyone is coming. Jenny is going to be there and so are Jude and Lydia. Ooh, let's also call Mouth and Millie. Millie can help with the wedding planning that we need to work on so hard. We're losing all the best stuff because of the time crunch," I said.

"Soph, you can have your mom all to yourself. All I want to do at the ranch is drive some ATVs, horse ride at the crack of dawn and fire up the PlayStation with the boys," Lucas replied lazily.

I smacked his back, making Sophia giggle. "You dug your own grave right there, Dad. But sure, I'd love to help you guys with the planning, maybe with the bridesmaid dresses?"

"I have them designed already and I'm going to sew those personally once we return to Tree Hill. I have the colours picked and the flowers picked. I'm designing bespoke jewellery to go with it right now," I confessed.

"Show me right now!" Sophia asked excitedly.

"Nope! I want to see you try it on. It was as exciting as making my own dress," I replied.

"You're going to look gorgeous. Both of you," Lucas replied.

"Hey, Scotts! Sorry to keep you waiting," Madison said as she reached us.

"No worries. We had fun catching up with our Princess. Now, girls, we know that both of you are going to go straight into Slumber Party mode but keep it low because Peyton does have an infant in the house and she is still generously hosting us and don't turn Jenny's room upside down, okay?" Lucas cautioned.

"Dad, Aunt P plans on joining our party! She has the two of you and Uncle Jake to dote on Anna!" Sophia joked.

"We should've named her Sophia Bob!" Lucas said to me with the straightest face, making me snort with laughter.

"But your dad is right, cut my girl some slack!" I said without meaning a word of it.

"You and Aunt P are planning a slumber party of your own, aren't you?" my daughter asked me with a straight face.

"Yes! We are having a horror movie night tonight! Jake is going to take on baby duties and he promised to convince Lucas to join," I said trying to hide my joy.

"We are joining them, Soph! Please! Your mom and Aunt are Tree Hill High School legends. Their rule is compared to the likes of Elle Woods and Blair Waldorf!" Madison said excitedly.

"You've known them since we were in pre-school. Aunt Peyton dropped us plenty," Sophia said, not getting Maddie's sudden excitement.

"Yes, I know that they both started their business while in school. Mrs. Jagielski produced two albums, one to benefit cancer research, so got so many artists to collaborate and your mom with her clothing line which is the dream of every celebrity to borrow for events because even they can't afford the couture. That's all the Hall of Fame at School tells us along with your Dad's books and your Uncle's NBA career. But, I'm sure that you had killer parties and numerous boyfriends and did some wild and fun things, right? Aren't Slumber Parties for spilling secrets?" she asked, more to me. "You did stupid things in High School and still made it in the world, right?"

"Yes, we did act like a bunch of ding dongs in High School. Of course! I'm sure Peyton will be bubbling to tell you about some of the shit we did which I would have buried into the deepest embarrassing crevices of my mind. But, it's entirely on you girls whether you want to join us or not. We're going to watch horror movies and chat and stuff our faces in Popcorn, Candy and Wine," I answered.

"Please, Sophia!" Madison pleaded.

"I better get some juicy stories! And can I get some of that wine too?" she asked.

"No."

"Fine," she acquiesced. "But I'll convince Aunt Peyton for a juicy story about you."