Brooke Davis was now Lucas Scott's wife officially, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't how she had envisioned her wedding day. The chapel in Vegas was a whirlwind, a stark contrast to the elaborate event that Karen had been planning for months. But as she looked into Lucas's eyes, filled with love and hope, she knew that this was the right decision.
They returned to the jet, now Mr. and Mrs. Scott, the gravity of their situation settling in. Brooke had become a part of not only Lucas's life but the lives of Jamie and Logan as well. The twins had no idea what was happening, and she wasn't quite sure how to tell them that their mother was back in the picture. But she knew she had to be there for them, to help them navigate the choppy waters of their new reality.
The flight back to Paris was quiet, both of them lost in thought. The impromptu wedding had been a whirlwind, but it was the conversation with Lauren that weighed heavily on Brooke's mind. Maybe she shouldn't have agreed to the visit, but she knew how important it was for Lucas to do the right thing. And if it meant giving the twins a chance to know their mother, she would support him, no matter the cost.
When they arrived at the mansion, the paparazzi had already caught wind of their secret Vegas nuptials. The flashing lights and screaming headlines were a stark contrast to the quiet solemnity of the private jet. Karen was waiting for them, her expression a thunderstorm of emotions. Her eyes flicked over Brooke's simple white dress, the stark evidence of their hasty union, and she couldn't help but feel a stab of disappointment.
"How could you, Lucas?" she spat out as soon as they were in the foyer. "This is not how we do things in this family!"
Brooke felt a wave of dread wash over her as she met Karen's furious gaze. "I know it's not the wedding you envisioned," she began, "but we felt-"
"This is not about the wedding," Karen snapped, cutting her off. "This is about the fact that you've gone behind my back and married my son without even considering the consequences!"
Brooke took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation she had been dreading. "We know this isn't ideal-"
"I am talking!" Karen snapped, her voice echoing through the grand foyer. "You had no right to do this without my consent, without giving me a chance to plan the wedding of the season!"
Lucas stepped forward, his voice firm and unyielding. "This isn't about the wedding, Mother. It's about Brooke and me, our life together, and the family we're building." He took Brooke's hand, pulling her close. "We're married now, and she is your daughter-in-law. It's time to accept it."
Karen's eyes narrowed, her fury not diminished. "You think this...this chef can handle the pressure of being part of the Scott family?" she sneered.
Lucas's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. "Brooke is not just a chef," he said, his voice cold. "She's a successful businesswoman, a loving partner, and the mother Jamie and Logan need. And she's more than capable of handling the pressures of this family, especially when she has the support of her husband."
Brooke felt a surge of warmth at Lucas's defense. She watched him proudly stand up to his mother, knowing that this was not an easy feat. Despite his family's wealth and status, Lucas had never been one to bow down to their demands, especially when it came to his happiness.
"Mother, I know you mean well, but this is my decision," Lucas said firmly. "I love Brooke, and she loves me. And she's going to be a part of this family whether you like it or not. And also, we need all advantages over Lauren and this marriage gives us legal ground to keep the twins safe from her manipulations."
"But Lucas, think of the scandal!" Karen's voice was high-pitched, a clear sign of her distress. "The press will have a field day with this!"
Lucas's gaze didn't waver from hers. "I don't care about the scandal," he said evenly. "What I care about is that I've found someone who truly makes me happy. Someone who loves me for who I am, not for what I have."
Karen's expression softened a fraction. "I just want what's best for you, Lucas," she said, her voice quieter now.
Brooke stepped forward, her own anger simmering down. "And what's best for Lucas is also best for Jamie and Logan," she said, her voice firm. "We're a family now, and we'll face whatever comes our way together as a united front."
Karen's eyes flicked to Brooke, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something that looked suspiciously like admiration. "Very well," she said with a sigh. "But you must understand that the world we live in is not so easily swayed by love alone. There will be backlash for this hasty union."
"We're ready for it," Lucas said, his grip on Brooke's hand tightening. "Together, we can handle whatever comes our way."
Karen's gaze shifted from Lucas to Brooke and back again, the realization of their unshakeable bond setting in. With a nod, she conceded, "Fine. But you must promise me one thing."
"What's that?" Lucas asked, his voice still firm but with a hint of curiosity.
"You must promise me that you will always put the twins first," Karen said, her eyes boring into Brooke's. "That you will do everything in your power to protect them and raise them to be the gentlemen they are destined to be."
Brooke felt the weight of Karen's words, but she met her gaze without flinching. "I promise," she said with sincerity. "They're my priority now too. I love them like they're my own, and I'll never do anything to harm them."
Karen studied her for a moment, and then she nodded. "Good," she said simply. "Now, let's prepare for the official announcement. We'll deal with Lauren later."
The days that followed were a flurry of activity as the Scott family prepared to announce Lucas and Brooke's marriage to the world. Karen, despite her initial reservations, threw herself into the planning with gusto, ensuring that every detail was perfect. She knew that the success of the announcement was crucial in setting the tone for how society would accept Brooke.
Lucas and Brooke, still on cloud nine from their impromptu wedding, were swept along by the whirlwind of preparations. They held hands tightly as they faced photographers and interviewers, their love shining through every forced smile and calculated response. The twins, too young to fully understand the gravity of the situation, basked in the excitement, thrilled by the sudden influx of attention and the promise of a new stepmother who smelled of sweet vanilla and always had time for bedtime stories.
On the day of the announcement, the grand ballroom of the Luxuriont Hotel was transformed into a vision of elegance. The walls were adorned with ivory drapes and bouquets of white roses, and the scent of lilies filled the air. The guest list was a veritable who's who of Parisian society, and the tension was palpable as whispers of the impending revelation circulated.
Brooke, dressed in a stunning gold gown that hugged her figure in all the right places, took a deep breath as she waited in the wings. Lucas, in a sharp tuxedo, whispered sweet nothings into her ear, trying to calm her nerves. She took his hand, feeling the strength of his love, and together they stepped into the spotlight.
The room fell silent as the announcement was made, and the couple walked hand in hand to the podium. The flash of cameras was blinding, but Brooke focused on Lucas's calming presence beside her. They faced the sea of expectant faces, and she felt her heart hammer in her chest.
"Thank you all for being here tonight," Lucas began, his voice strong and steady. "I am thrilled to introduce to you all my beautiful wife, Brooke." The crowd erupted in applause, and Brooke couldn't help but smile, feeling a wave of gratitude for the acceptance.
As the applause died down, she took a moment to look over the crowd. The who's who of Parisian society were all present, their expressions a mix of shock, curiosity, and admiration. She spotted her own mother, tears of joy streaming down her face, and her heart swelled with love and pride.
"You brought my parents here?" she asked Lucas in a hushed tone, her eyes glistening.
He nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "I thought it was important for everyone to see that we're united. That you're not just my fiancée, but my wife."
Brooke took the microphone, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands. "Thank you all for your kindness," she began, her gaze sweeping over the room. "I know that this union may come as a surprise to some of you, but Lucas and I are so happy to be married. We are ready to face the future together, as partners in love and in business."
The crowd offered a polite applause, the air thick with curiosity and unspoken questions. But the love in Lucas's eyes as he watched her was all the reassurance Brooke needed. She knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle.
The grand ballroom of the Luxuriont Hotel was a sea of flashing cameras and eager faces, as the paparazzi descended upon them like vultures. "How does it feel to marry into the Scott family?" one journalist called out.
Brooke took a deep breath, her hand tightening around the microphone. "Marrying Lucas is the best thing that's ever happened to me," she said, her voice carrying the conviction of a woman in love. "I'm looking forward to joining this amazing family and contributing to their legacy."
Another journalist shouted, "What about your past, Brooke? Does it worry you that you might not fit in with the Scotts?"
Brooke's smile never wavered as she replied, "My past has made me who I am today. I've learned from my mistakes, and I'm grateful for the lessons it's taught me. I'm not here to fit in; I'm here to make a difference."
The crowd murmured, their curiosity piqued by her candid response. The paparazzi hurled more questions their way, eager for juicy details to fuel the tabloids. "What's the plan for the twins now that you're their stepmother?" "Will you be opening more restaurants in the Scott hotel chain?" "How do you feel about Lauren's potential involvement in their lives?"
Brooke took each question in stride, her voice calm and poised. "The twins are the most important people in our lives," she said, her eyes never leaving Lucas's. "Our main focus is to give them the love and stability they deserve. As for future business ventures, we're always looking for ways to grow, but our priority is our family."
The paparazzi's questions grew more personal, trying to provoke a reaction. "How do you feel about Lauren potentially reentering the twins' lives?" one journalist called out.
"Who told you that?" Lucas asked, his voice dangerously low. "It's none of your business," he added, his jaw clenched tightly.
Brooke's heart raced as she watched the exchange, the reporters' questions only growing more intrusive. "Lucas, let's not-" she began, but he was already striding towards the journalist, his hand firmly on her lower back, guiding her through the throng.
"Back off," he snapped, his eyes narrowed. "Our family is not a spectacle for your amusement."
The journalist took a step back, clearly intimidated by Lucas's towering presence. The crowd's whispers grew louder, but Brooke remained composed, her hand reaching for Lucas's arm. "It's okay," she murmured, her voice a soothing balm to his fury. "Let's just go."
They managed to navigate the sea of reporters and make their way to a quieter corner of the ballroom. Brooke's parents, Victoria and Ted, were waiting for them, their expressions a mix of pride and concern. They had flown in from the states, looking every bit the picture of a loving, supportive family.
"Mom, Dad," Brooke said, her voice wavering slightly. "I'm sorry about not telling you about the engagement and the wedding sooner, but we had our reasons."
Her mother, Victoria, took her in her arms, holding her tight. "We know, sweetheart," she murmured. "We're just happy for you. And look at you, all dressed up and glowing."
Ted, her father, gave Lucas a firm handshake. "Thank you for looking after our girls," he said gruffly.
"Does Sam know you're here?" Brooke asked, wondering if her sister knew that they were here.
"Not yet," Victoria replied with a smile. "We want to surprise her."
Lucas's gaze softened as he watched the reunion. Despite the turmoil of the day, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth seeing Brooke with her parents. He knew they had been the pillars of support she had lacked in her life, and their presence was a clear indication of how much they believed in her.
"She lives here with us as my twins nanny." Lucas explained to them, his voice calm yet firm. "And she's become so much more than that. Sam has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to my family."
Brooke felt a warmth spread through her at Lucas's words about her little sister, and she knew that he had made the right call in inviting her parents. Their support was invaluable, especially considering the turmoil that had been their lives since Lauren's reappearance.
They all went back to Il De France mansion, and Brooke's parents were given a grand tour of the estate. Victoria was in awe of the opulence, her eyes widening as they moved from room to room. "Brooke, dear," she whispered to her daughter, "I can't believe you live in such a palace!"
Ted, on the other hand, was more reserved in his expressions, taking everything in with a quiet nod. He knew that this kind of wealth was not what defined his daughters, and he was more concerned with the happiness of his children than the grandeur of their surroundings.
After the tour, the four of them sat down in the dining room for dinner, which Brooke had insisted on preparing herself. She had chosen a simple, comforting menu that she hoped would ease the tension in the air. The twins, Jamie and Logan, were on their best behavior, dressed in cute matching outfits and eagerly listening to Brooke's father talk about his job as a hospital tech.
"Your food is as amazing as ever," Victoria said, savoring a bite of the rosemary chicken Brooke had made.
"Thank you, mom." Brooke replied, her cheeks flushing with pride.
Karen entered the room, her expression unreadable as she took in the scene before her. Brooke tensed, expecting a lecture or a snide remark, but to her surprise, her mother-in-law offered a tight smile. "Who are these people?"
"Mom, this is Victoria and Ted," Lucas said, standing to introduce them. "They're Brooke and Sam's parents."
Victoria stood up, extending her hand with a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Scott," she said.
Karen took her hand, her grip firm. "Call me Karen," she said, her eyes flickering over the two new faces.
"And this is my father, Ted," Brooke added, her voice steady.
Ted nodded in greeting, his eyes assessing Karen. "Pleasure to meet you, Karen," he said, his voice carrying the same strength and resolve that Brooke had come to admire in him.
The evening continued with polite small talk, the tension between Karen and Brooke's parents a palpable undercurrent. The twins, oblivious to the adults' conversations, chattered away about their day and their excitement for the upcoming holiday season. Sam had been happy and surprised to see her parents, her eyes shining with joy as they sat across from her.
"So, Victoria and Ted," Karen began, her tone measured. "Tell me more about yourselves. What do you do?"
"I'm a nursing home dietitian," Victoria said with a smile, her eyes never leaving Karen's. "It's a fulfilling career, helping the elderly maintain their health and quality of life."
"It's because of her I fell in love with food." Brooke spoke up, her eyes glistening with admiration. "My mom taught me to cook when I was just a girl."
Ted nodded, a proud smile on his face. "We've always been a foodie family. Brooke took it to a whole new level though, didn't she?"
The conversation flowed easily as the evening progressed, with Karen gradually thawing towards Brooke's parents. Despite the stark differences in their backgrounds, they found common ground in their shared love for the twins and the desire to provide them with the best possible life.
As dessert was served, a towering chocolate cake that resembled the one that Brooke had made when she first arrived that impressed the twins, who cheered and called her a superhero again to Victoria, Ted and Karen's chagrin, not knowing the history of that cake. Karen, unable to resist, took a bite, and the rich, velvety chocolate melted on her tongue, bringing back bittersweet memories of her own mother's cooking. For a moment, she was lost in thought, until she caught the warm, knowing look that Victoria gave her. The woman had noticed the change in her son since Brooke had come into their lives, and she could see the happiness her son had found. It was a stark contrast to the cold, calculated persona he had often worn around the house.
"You know, Karen," Victoria began, her voice gentle yet firm. "Brooke might not have been born into money, but she's got something much more valuable. Heart and soul. And she's got the strength to stand by her family no matter what."
Karen's gaze flicked to Brooke, who was busy cutting the cake for the twins. The young chef's dedication to her new family was clear, and it was hard not to be moved by the sight of her with Jamie and Logan. "I see that," she said begrudgingly. "And I'm sure she'll make Lucas very happy."
"That's all that matters, isn't it?" Brooke's father, Ted, chimed in, a warm smile on his face.
"Well, yes, but..." Karen trailed off, her voice filled with doubt.
Brooke looked up from the twins, her heart racing. She knew that look on Karen's face all too well. The woman was about to lay down the law, and she braced herself for what was to come.
"But what, Mother?" Lucas prompted, his tone cool but not unkind.
Karen took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Well, it's just that..." She paused, her eyes drifting to the twins who were now eagerly eyeing the desserts. "I want what's best for you, Lucas. And for Jamie and Logan."
Lucas nodded. "I know you do, Mom. And so do I. That's why Brooke is here. She's not just good for me; she's good for all of us."
Karen studied her son's face, searching for any signs of doubt or uncertainty, but found none. The bond between Lucas and Brooke was clear, and she knew that she couldn't stand in the way of their happiness. With a sigh, she relented. "I suppose you're right. It's just... she's not what I imagined for you."
"Mrs. Scott," Brooke said softly, setting down the cake knife. "I know I'm not the type of woman you envisioned for Lucas, but I promise to do everything in my power to make him happy and to be the best stepmother I can be to Jamie and Logan."
Karen looked at Brooke, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You already are," she admitted, her voice cracking slightly. "It's just... I'm afraid of what people will say, what they'll think of our family."
"Excuse my french but screw them," Brooke said firmly, a hint of fire in her eyes. "What matters is what we think of each other, what we feel, and how we treat Jamie and Logan."
Karen's expression softened slightly. "You know what it's like to be talked about, don't you?"
Brooke nodded. "I do," she said. "But I've learned that you can't control what others say or think. All you can control is how you live your life, and I intend to live it with love and integrity."
Victoria placed a comforting hand on Karen's shoulder. "Give her a chance," she said gently. "You'll see that Brooke is more than just a chef. She's a loving, caring woman who will do anything for her family."
Ted nodded in agreement. "You're not just getting a talented chef, you're getting a daughter who knows the value of hard work and loyalty," he said with a proud smile. "And she's already proven she can handle whatever life throws at her."
The conversation continued into the night, the air in the mansion slowly filling with a sense of camaraderie that had been absent since the news of the engagement. Karen, though still skeptical, couldn't deny the genuine warmth and affection that Brooke's parents brought with them. They had a way of making even the most opulent surroundings feel like a home.
x=
Nathan Scott walked into Il De France mansion with a broad smile, his arms open wide as he approached his older brother, Lucas. The two men embraced in a heartfelt hug, their laughter echoing through the grand hallways. It had been too long since they'd seen each other, and the joy of their reunion was palpable.
"Lucas, it's good to see you," Nathan said, clapping him on the back. "You're looking... well, married," he teased, eyeing Lucas's well-tailored suit and the way he held Brooke's hand protectively.
Lucas rolled his eyes, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, Nate," he said. "It's been quite the whirlwind."
"As COO I'm up to date on everything," Nathan said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But tell me, how's married life treating you?"
Lucas's gaze flickered to Brooke, who was chatting with his mother in the adjacent room, her laughter tinkling like a bell. "It's been...eventful," he admitted. "But I wouldn't change a thing."
"I heard Lauren made an appearance again," Nate said, his smile fading into concern. "How are the twins holding up?"
"They don't know yet," Lucas replied, his jaw clenching at the mention of his ex. "We're trying to keep it from them until we know for sure she's clean and stable."
Nate nodded gravely. "Understood. But Lucas, if she's back, it's only a matter of time before they find out."
"I know," Lucas said, his expression tight. "We're working on a plan. Supervised visits, therapy for everyone involved. We're taking it one step at a time."
Nate clapped a hand on Lucas's shoulder. "You're doing the right thing, man. Putting the kids first."
"Thanks, Nate," Lucas said, his eyes still on Brooke. "Couldn't have done it without her."
Nate followed his gaze and smiled warmly. "It's clear she's good for you. And from what I've seen, she's already got the twins wrapped around her little finger and vice versa. I never thought I'd see the day when you'd have to fight for love, Lucas, but it suits you."
Lucas's eyes crinkled at the corners as he watched Brooke. "It does," he agreed. "And she's worth every battle."
The following weeks passed in a blur of Christmas preparations. The Luxuriont Hotel was decked out in an explosion of red, silver, and white, the colors reflecting the festive spirit that had taken over the city of love. Despite the chaos of integrating their lives and navigating the tumultuous waters of their newfound family dynamics, Brooke had insisted on a Christmas wedding, a symbol of their union and the love that had brought them together.
Lucas watched as Brooke flitted around the grand ballroom, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she pointed out the details of their wedding setup to the event planners. Her red dress was a stark contrast to the snow-white gowns of her bridesmaids, a color chosen to represent not only her fiery spirit but also the love that had been rekindled in Lucas's heart. The silver accents of the decor glinted under the warm glow of the chandeliers, casting a magical aura over the space.
The red and silver theme extended beyond the decor, with the twins dressed in matching tuxedos that mirrored Lucas's, their little faces beaming with excitement. They had become accustomed to Brooke's presence in their lives, and the idea of her being their new mommy was met with joy and anticipation.
On the day of the wedding, the grand ballroom of the Luxuriont Hotel had been transformed into a winter wonderland. The floor gleamed with a fresh coat of wax, reflecting the twinkling lights of the giant Christmas tree in the corner. The tree itself was a majestic sight, adorned with silver and gold ornaments, with red ribbons that cascaded down its sides like a waterfall of holiday cheer. The aroma of pine mingled with the scent of freshly baked cookies and the warmth of the fireplace, creating an atmosphere of coziness that belied the grandeur of the space.
Brooke looked stunning in her red wedding dress, the fabric clinging to her curves in a way that made Lucas's heart skip a beat every time he saw her. Her hair was swept back in an elegant updo, with loose curls framing her face. She had chosen not to wear a veil, instead opting for a crown of winter roses that matched the bouquet she held in her hands. The dress was a declaration of her love and her strength, a symbol of the passion she brought into their lives.
The twins, dressed in matching red and white tuxedos, could barely contain their excitement as they watched Brooke walk down the aisle. Their eyes shone with joy as she approached Lucas, who was waiting for her with a proud smile on his face. As she reached him, he took her hand and whispered, "You look absolutely breathtaking."
The ceremony was a beautiful blend of traditional and modern elements. They exchanged vows that they had written themselves, promising to support each other's dreams and to always put the twins first. The room was filled with the soft sound of sniffs and quiet tears as friends and family watched the couple pledge their love and commitment to one another.
As they exchanged rings, the significance of the moment was not lost on anyone. The rings were simple, yet elegant, with a single diamond that sparkled under the soft glow of the chandeliers. The twins looked on, their wide eyes filled with wonder and hope, as Brooke slipped the ring onto Lucas's finger. It was a silent promise to be there for them, to be the mother figure they deserved.
The reception was a swirl of laughter and warm embraces. The grand ballroom had been transformed into a magical wonderland, with tall Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments, and garlands of holly and ivy winding their way along the walls. Guests danced to the sound of a live orchestra, their movements reflected in the gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the snow-covered city below.
Brooke and Lucas were in the midst of their first dance when the doors to the ballroom flew open, letting in a blast of cold air. All eyes turned to the entrance, where Lauren, the twins' biological mother, stood in stark contrast to the festive scene. Her eyes searched the room until they found the couple, her expression a mix of anger and desperation.
The music faltered, the dancers freezing in place as the tension grew palpable. Brooke's heart sank, knowing that this moment of joy was about to be tainted by Lauren's presence. She tightened her grip on Lucas's hand, her knuckles turning white.
"What the hell is she doing here?" Lucas hissed under his breath, his jaw tight.
"How on earth did she get in?!" Brooke hissed in shock as Lauren's staggered steps brought her closer to the dance floor. The music had come to an abrupt halt, and all conversation had ceased.
"I don't know, but we have to deal with this," Lucas said, his voice low and tight with anger.
The words echoed through the silent ballroom as Lauren stumbled closer, her eyes wild and her makeup smeared. "How could you marry her?" she shrieked, pointing a shaky finger at Brooke. "You once promised to marry me! I'm the one who carried your babies!"
The twins, who had been watching the dance with wide eyes, looked confused and scared as Lauren's erratic behavior disrupted the wedding reception. Brooke's heart broke for them as she saw the fear in their faces, and she knew they had to act fast to protect them from this scene.
"Sam take the boys to the suite," Lucas ordered firmly, his eyes never leaving Lauren's as Sam quickly ushered the twins away from the chaos.
The reception hall grew eerily quiet as the music came to an abrupt stop. Brooke felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched the woman she had only met once stumble towards them. Despite her anger and confusion, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for Lauren's desperation.
"What are you doing here?" Lucas's voice was cold, his posture rigid.
"I'm their mother!" Lauren slurred, her eyes glossed over with a mix of anger and despair. "You can't just erase me!"
"You erased yourself," Lucas said, his voice low and steady. "When you signed those papers. And now, after this stunt you'll never be a part of their lives again."
Lauren's face crumpled as she took in his words, the harshness of reality setting in. "I just wanted to see them," she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
"The terms were clear, Lauren, and you failed those terms," Lucas said, his voice hardening. "You need help. The twins need stability and you obviously can't provide it."
"Get her out of here!" Karen snapped at the security guards who had rushed in, her eyes blazing with fury. "Before the press have a field day!"
The guards moved in quickly, but Lauren was unsteady on her feet, resisting their grip. "Lucas, please," she sobbed, reaching out to him.
Brooke stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mix of compassion and resolve. "Lauren," she said softly, "you need help."
Lauren's gaze swiveled to Brooke, her expression a tumult of emotions—desperation, anger, and a hint of something else. "You don't understand," she slurred, her voice thick with unshed tears. "They're my boys."
"Yes, and we want what's best for them," Brooke said calmly, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.
Lauren's eyes searched Brooke's, looking for a crack in the armor of her newfound confidence, but found none. "What could you possibly know about what's best for them?" she spat out, her words slurred with a mix of alcohol and despair.
"More than you do right now," Brooke said gently, her heart aching for the woman who had given birth to the boys she had come to love so much as she watched the guards escort Lauren out of the room.
Brooke turned to her husband, who looked as though he had aged a decade in the span of a few moments. She took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "Let's go talk to the twins," she suggested, her voice filled with empathy.
They found Jamie and Logan in the bridal suite, their tiny faces etched with worry and confusion. Sam had managed to keep them calm, but the tension was palpable in the air.
"Brooke," Jamie whispered, his eyes wide as Brooke entered the room.
Brooke rushed to the twins, dropping to her knees to meet them at eye level. "It's okay, guys," she said soothingly, wrapping her arms around them. "It's all just a misunderstanding. Things are going to be fine."
Lucas followed her, his own heart racing as he took in the sight of his children with new wife. He knelt beside her, placing a hand on each of their backs. "You're safe with us," he assured them. "We won't let anything happen to you..."
The twins clung to Brooke, their small bodies trembling slightly. Logan looked up at her, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Why did she do that?"
Brooke took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Sometimes, people do things because they're hurt or confused," she said gently. "But we need to remember that she's still your mother, and she loves you both very much. She just made a mistake."
Jamie pulled away, his expression a mix of anger and sadness. "But she ruined your wedding!" he exclaimed, his voice rising.
Brooke looked at Lucas, who gave her an encouraging nod. "Weddings are just one day," she said, her voice soft. "What's important is the love we share, and that's not going anywhere. Let's not let this spoil the happiness we've found together."
Lucas took over, his voice firm but gentle. "And remember, we're going to protect you both, no matter what."
The twins nodded, their grips on Brooke's dress loosening slightly. They looked up at their father, hope flickering in their eyes. "Promise?" Logan asked, his voice quivering.
"I promise," Lucas said, placing a reassuring hand on each of their heads. "Everything is going to be alright."
The twins looked at Brooke, searching for confirmation. She crouched down to their level and took their hands in hers. "Your father and I are here for you. We love you, and we're going to be a family, no matter what anyone else says or does."
Jamie leaned into her, his eyes brimming with tears. "But what if she takes us away?"
"She won't," Brooke said with a conviction that she hoped would reassure them. "We're going to work together to make sure that doesn't happen. Your dad and I are a team, and we're going to keep fighting for you."
The twins looked at each other, their expressions a mix of fear and hope. Brooke felt a pang of guilt for the turmoil they had been through, but she also felt a fierce determination to be the mother figure they deserved. She pulled them into a hug, whispering, "You're not going anywhere, and we'll always be together."
They stayed in the suite for a while longer, the warmth of their little family bubble providing a much-needed reprieve from the coldness of the hotel lobby. Eventually, the boys' curiosity overcame their nerves, and they begged to go explore the hotel. Brooke and Lucas exchanged a knowing look—it was time to give them some space and let them enjoy the magic of the night.
As they stepped out into the hallway, they were greeted by the sound of music and laughter from the wedding reception. Brooke took a deep breath, bracing herself for the onslaught of questions and judgments that were sure to come. But as they approached the grand ballroom, she felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. This was her family now, and she would not let anyone—not even Lauren—ruin their happiness.