A few days have passed since that unforgettable evening between Brooke and Lucas. Everything seems lighter, brighter, as if a part of Brooke has finally aligned with the universe. This morning, as she absently caresses her belly in the mirror, an idea crosses her mind. Why not reveal the sex of the baby to everyone, here, at the ranch, surrounded by those who matter to her now? It's a family meal today, and Karen has, as always, planned everything carefully. Lucas warned her that this kind of meal is quite a spectacle: lively discussions, laughter and a good home-cooked meal. But this time, Brooke is going to add a special touch. Peyton is the only one who knows. After all, she was with her at the ultrasound.
When Brooke arrives at Karen's, she greets her with a warm smile and her usual hug. Brooke immediately senses that aura of kindness that makes this place start to feel like a real home. Lucas is already there, leaning against a beam on the porch. When he sees her, he winks at her knowingly.
Lucas : You're mysterious, my love, today. What are you up to?
Brooke : Nothing special.
Peyton arrives shortly after, carrying a cake that Karen almost snatches from her hands to set it on the table. They all sit down, and the discussions quickly fly. Jake is not there, held up in New York, but everyone is relaxed. Lucas, sitting across from Brooke, throws her curious glances from time to time. At the end of the meal, as everyone begins to rest after the feast, Brooke gets up. Her heart beats a little faster than usual, but she takes a deep breath.
Brooke : I have something to tell you.
Karen sets her glass down, one eyebrow arched. Peyton smiles at Brooke, while Lucas narrows his eyes, intrigued.
Brooke : First of all, thank you. Thank you for having me here, for giving me some peace and quiet and a semblance of family. You don't know how much that means to me. And today... I wanted to share a very special moment with you.
She reaches into her purse and pulls out a small box with a pink and blue bow. She places it gently on the table.
Brooke : Peyton already knows, since she was here at the ultrasound. But I wanted you all to discover it together, here. So here it is...
She takes a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly as she opens the box. Inside is a small baby onesie... pink. Karen is the first to react. Her eyes light up instantly and she puts a hand to her mouth.
Karen : Oh, my God... a little girl! I'm having a little girl.
Lucas, for his part, remains silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on the bodysuit. Then, he gets up and goes around the table to come to Brooke.
Lucas : Is it a girl?
Brooke : Yes, a little girl.
Lucas : You're going to be an incredible mother, sweetheart.
Karen stands up as well, tears in her eyes, and they both wrap Brooke in a warm hug.
Karen : This baby... he's going to be so loved. Thank you Brooke for this gift from heaven.
Peyton : So? Can we start thinking of names or do you want to keep that a secret too?
Everyone bursts out laughing. As the party ends and everyone starts to leave, Lucas gently holds Brooke by the arm.
Lucas : Thank you for this moment. I'm the happiest man.
He holds her close, and for once, she doesn't want to run away. She feels like everything is finally starting to align.
The weeks have flown by so fast, and honestly, Brooke hasn't had a single second to catch her breath. Between the packing, the trips back and forth, and the goodbyes to New York, she couldn't even tell where the time has gone. What she can say for sure is that she hasn't been idle. Lucas and Jake have been incredibly present. Lucas has taken days off to the ranch to help her pack up her New York life and move it to Texas. Jake, true to himself, has orchestrated everything with formidable efficiency, making sure that her furniture and memories arrive intact. Now, she officially lives with Lucas in his little cabin, and for the first time in a long time, she really feels at home. Lucas has put his heart into preparing their little princess's room. It was adorable for Brooke to watch him poring over decorating tutorials on his phone, brow furrowed, focused as if he were building a work of art. And honestly? It's a masterpiece.
The room is soft and warm, in pastel tones that exude serenity. A small wooden shelf already holds children's books and stuffed animals. On the wall, Lucas has hung a painting with the name they chose for her, even if they kept it secret from everyone until she was born.
Brooke : You're a real machine, my love.
Lucas : Not at all. I'm just motivated. Everything has to be ready before she arrives.
The next morning, the sun floods the house with a golden light. Brooke feels heavy, exhausted. But at eight and a half months pregnant, this has become her norm. Lucas is already outside, taking care of the horses. Karen came to bring Brooke homemade muffins a little earlier, and Brooke is lounging on the couch, savoring a moment of calm. That's when it happens. It all starts with a strange feeling. No pain, not a cramp, but an internal plop that suddenly feels warm. She looks down, and she sees a clear puddle forming beneath her.
Brooke : Oh no. Oh no, no, no! Not now, not here!
Brooke stands up, trying not to panic.
Brooke : Lucas!
No response.
Brooke : Great, it had to happen when he's outside!
She tries to grab her phone, but of course, she left it at Karen's yesterday, on the kitchen table. Resigned, she decides to go outside, despite her trembling legs. She pushes the front door open and ventures towards the barn. The sun is beating down hard, and she thanks the heavens that the path is clear. But of course, just a few steps further, one of the ranch horses has escaped from its pen and is wandering peacefully in the middle of the path.
Brooke : Are you kidding me!
The horse watches her with quiet curiosity, its big ears swiveling in her direction. Brooke, is there, soaking wet, huge, and in no mood to negotiate. That's when Lucas finally appears, coming out of the barn with a bale of hay on his shoulder.
Lucas : Brooke? Everything okay?
He stops when he sees her, his gaze moving from her panicked face to the widening puddle at her feet, then to the horse that lingers nonchalantly.
Brooke : No, it's not okay! My water broke, and your horse is blocking my way.
Lucas drops the hay and runs towards Brooke.
Lucas : Did your water break? Now?
Brooke : No, tomorrow, for the show! Yes, now!
Lucas starts laughing, but Brooke glares at him.
Brooke : This isn't funny!
Lucas : Okay, okay! Don't move.
Brooke : Are you kidding me?I'm not going to run a marathon!
Lucas whistles softly to attract the horse, who trots lazily toward him. Once free, Lucas gently supports Brooke and helps her move forward. They walk past Karen, who steps out onto the porch, alarmed by all the noise.
Karen : What's going on?
Lucas : The baby's coming, Mom. Get the car ready.
Karen : Oh my God, I'm going to get some towels!
Karen disappears as quickly as she appeared.
Lucas gently places Brooke in the car, taking care to reassure her the whole time.
Lucas : It's going to be okay, my dear. We have everything under control.
Brooke : I don't control anything at all, Lucas. The baby controls everything!
He takes off at a bang, the ranch disappearing quickly in the rearview mirror. With each contraction, he squeezes her hand, gently encouraging her. And despite the chaos, despite the pain and the panic, Brooke feels the gentle warmth invade her. She is with Lucas. And no matter what happens, she knows he will be there, by her side.