Connection

Chapter 40

You get another hand soon after you fold

And when your plans unravel in the sand

What would you wish for, if you had one chance?

The expression on Haley's face softened. "Peyton you could of come to me alot sooner. We have plenty of space. Nathan is at an away game. The kids are with Deb so it would be just us for awhile."

"How long do you need to stay?" Haley asked.

"As long as you'll have me. I'm having trouble booking talent for my Red Bedroom. Mia's moved on. Performers and bands aren't reaching out like i thought and expected."

"I couldn't afford to stay where i was anymore and had been living in and out of hotels but that builds in costs after some time."

"I know you're closesness with Brooke and Lucas."

"He's Nathan's brother. Family." "You have a stable loving supportive life going on. I'm not here to mess that up." Peyton explained.

"I'm here for you. No questions asked." Haley replied.

...

Brooke pulled into the carpool lane of the preschool. Watching from the driver's seat as kids appeared and got into the awaiting vehicles.

She smiled at the sight of Serenity rushing towards the minian.

With the addition of twins impending. Brooke knew she had to get a bigger car. A dark purple.

"Momma how much longer until i meet my brothers?" Serenity asked.

"Not for months honey. They need time to grow healthy and strong. They are going to cause my body and mood to change. Its very normal." Brooke explained.

...

"Did you know about Peyton?" Nathan questioned.

Lucas closed his office door. "I thought Peyton left town?" He asked.

"She did. She came back and Haley basically invited her to stay at our no close end date."

"Haley just called and told me." Nathan explained.

"You could of said no." Lucas replied.

"I could of and had Haley mad at me for weeks. I would rather not." Nathan proclaimed.

"Why are you calling me about her?"

"I haven't seen or spoken to her in a long time now." Lucas stated matter of fact.

"I'm sure she came back because she needs a place to be but also she came back for you."

"Everyone in town knows about the history and what went on."

"I just want to make sure you're over her." Nathan admitted.

"I'm engaged to Brooke. We have a growing family."

"Yes i'm long over Peyton." Lucas replied.

...

Peyton thanked Haley more times then she could keep track of. She got her fresh clothes. Food. And helped her unpack in the guest room.

Peyton clutched the Ipod tightly. Lucas mailing it back to her.

Had hurt. Along with everything else he was doing to prove he had her go.

...

Brooke hung up the wedding dress. Keeping it away from preying eyes. This was all really happening. At moments she found herself unable to fully believe or accept it.

It had been such a journey to get here and she was ready to start the next chapter. As husband and wife.

...

It was late when he quietly left the home. She was there waiting for him at their spot.

As if she knew he would show up.

Her eyes locked on him.

"What do you want? Coming back here. Living with at Nathan and Haley's house."

"I'm basically married." Lucas proclaimed.

"You're engaged. I didn't reach out to you."

"We lost each other for awhile. But that's over now." Peyton said.

"Its too late. Years late. I made my choice Peyton." Lucas proclaimed.

"Just like when you were engaged to Lindsey. You couldn't cut me out then. What is the difference now?" Peyton asked.

"Brooke." Lucas said. Turning away from her.

...