So a five month hiatus sucks. Sorry guys. First semester of junior year of college was really a pain. But I should be updating more regularly for sure. There's only about four more chapters though. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 14: When Love Comes To Town

She was a goddess.

As she glided towards him in her beautiful white gown, a strapless creation that accented her porcelain skin to perfection, that's all he could think about. Her head was held high to the heavens as she moved, her hair curled and swept up off of her long neck with tiny tendrils of silken hair cascading down the sides of her face, partially shielding her crystalline eyes. She seemed so proud in that moment; she was almost strutting down the aisle. Her focus was on none other than her husband -to-be, so ready was she to stand in front of the man of her dreams and start the rest of what she was sure to be an incredible life.

Before he knew it, she was standing in front of him, their hands and eyes locked—the tangible and metaphorical symbols of their innumerable intangible bonds—souls and hearts in identical rhythm with one another. He could see her eyes fill with moisture as the minister began speaking and he hoped he would be able to keep it together. He followed her gaze to his little sister in the front row of the congregation as she spoke her vows. They opted for traditional vows but Lucas had something up his sleeve.

Once she finished her vows and proudly slipped the wedding band on his finger, he paused and informed her that his vows were written, pulled straight from the pages of his second book that she was not aware he was writing. Her eyes widened with surprise and humble acceptance at his admission that his second book was a manifestation of his undying love for her. Direction. Beauty. Meaning…he began, feeling his eyes fill and his heart burst at the sight of her face as she listened intently to every word he spoke. He spoke again, feeling her hands tread through his hair and her lips graze the tip of his nose….

"Lucas."

"Lucas, wake up sweetie," he heard a gentle voice whisper in his ear. He opened his eyes slowly, realizing that Peyton was not in a white dress; she was in a green robe and he nearly cried when he realized that his dream was…only a dream. She could see disappointment etched on his face as he opened his eyes and she couldn't help but feel disappointment herself. He was supposed to be happy to wake up next to her.

"I might not be the most graceful looking woman in the morning, but you could at least pretend that you're somewhat excited to see me after seven months," she said, slightly in jest.

Lucas sat up and grabbed her hands, "Oh Peyt I'm so sorry. I am happy to see you, so happy, I was just having this incredible dream and---

"Oh really?" Peyton said mischievously, slipping her hands teasingly underneath his shirt, running them up and down his torso.

He laughed and kissed the palm of her hand, "It was a G-rated dream thank you very much. R-rated dreams are more your specialty, if I remember correctly."

Her cheeks flared at the embarrassing memory and he chuckled at her cuteness.

"So what was the dream about?" she implored.

"The future," he said vaguely.

"You're not going to be specific?"

"I don't want to jinx it."

She looked confused but he just kissed her and held her close, relishing in the feel of having her back in his arms. She belonged there, without question; he wasn't so sure of anything in his life.

"Is Lily still asleep?"

"Yeah she is."

"I can't tell you how adorable it is that you have a spare crib in your apartment," he smiled against her face, kissing her hair, "I guess you just needed to be prepared in case some stalker ex-boyfriend came to your apartment, unannounced, at nine in the morning with a baby in tow."

She looked up and gave him a sly grin. "If Jake or Nathan show up at my apartment at nine in the morning with Jamie or Jenny, unannounced, there's going to be serious problems."

"Well considering the fact that you let me kiss you until I fell asleep without any problems, I'd like to know what makes me and Lily the exception to the rule," he said with a smile.

"For starters," she leaned up closer to his face and whispered softly, "you're not my ex-boyfriend…"

His expression visibly brightened and she couldn't help but be turned on by how adorable he looked. She closed the small gap of space between their lips with lightening speed, passionately moving her lips against his, a repeat of the reunion kiss they shared hours ago. The kiss that they had been waiting months and months for, the kiss that made Lucas leave his luggage in the hallway of the apartment complex, a kiss that made him temporarily forget that he had a one year old in his arms.

It was only after Peyton forced herself to break up the kiss that Lucas realized Peyton's joyful tears were not only for him, but for seeing Lily again, the little girl that had stolen her heart in just four months. She grabbed the little girl out of the crook of his arm and held her close to her chest, pressing kisses to every inch of her face. Lucas was worried that Lily might not be responsive to Peyton simply because of how long it had been since she'd seen Peyton, but that wasn't the case. Trivial things like time couldn't touch the bond they had and Lucas was almost embarrassed that he even spent a second worried about it.

They spent an hour together, just the three of them, before Lily's sleepy eyes led Peyton to pull out the crib in her closet that she so desperately hoped she'd get to use.

She placed a sleeping Lily inside the crib and kissed her forehead.

Lucas couldn't believe she had a spare crib in her closet. A freaking crib. God he loved this woman.

So touched by the thought of Peyton preparing and hoping for a visit from he and Lily, he marched over to her and began kissing her senseless, preventing her from asking any questions that he knew were on the tip of her tongue.

"Luke, what made you decide---?"

He kissed her once.

"How long are you goin---?"

He kissed her twice.

"What about Cla---?"

He kissed her three times, the third time a bit more forceful and passionate than the first two leaving her breathless and satiated. She finally said "fuck it" and led him to the bedroom. They made out a little longer and eventually she let him fall asleep in her arms, realizing that they could make love at another time. Despite his insistence that just seeing her was enough to have him wide awake, she could tell that the everyday demands of raising a baby and working tirelessly, was wearing on him.

But after he'd woken up from his nap, she wondered just how exhausted he was. After waking up from his fantasy wedding reverie and hearing Peyton confirm that they were not in fact "exes", he felt rejuvenated, to say the least. As soon as Peyton's lips touched his, every nerve in his body was alive. Her touch felt fucking incredible, stirring his senses in a way that he had not felt in a very long time. Too long.

"I missed you so much Luke," she murmured as he applied voracious lips to some of his favorite places on her body. She sat above him, straddling his lap and rocking forward, grappling at the headboard to keep her balance.

"Peyton you are…so incredible," he groaned. He could feel one of her hands trail down his abdomen to the front of his jeans to unclasp his belt and unbutton his pants. Before he could even allow himself to process how much he approved of what she was about to do, the piercing sound of Lily's cries filled the room.

"Dammit," he cursed. Peyton laughed, of course, cruelly thrusting her hips forward one final time before jumping off of his lap to retrieve Lily.

"You have no idea how much you are going to pay for that." He could hear her giggle as she left the room. He could hear Lily giggle as Peyton made her way over to Lily's crib and made a face at her.

It doesn't get much better than that.

---

After Lucas and Peyton got their hormones in check, Peyton cooked a late morning Sunday breakfast, similar to the one she cooked for Lucas on the day she left Tree Hill, seven months ago. Lucas helped out with breakfast, laughing and making jokes, humoring his two girls.

It was a beautiful day outside and Peyton took both he and Lily to the rooftop of her apartment complex, a place she loved to sit and think whenever she was in need of some time alone. She couldn't help but realize how much her time was better spent when she had Lucas and Lily by her side.

As much as she loved the peace and quiet time, she just had to broach some questions after the whirlwind of a morning she just had.

"Luke, how long are you and Lily staying?"

He was about to speak when her cell phone rang. She sighed loudly, clearly annoyed at being interrupted during such an important conversation. She flipped her phone open without even looking at the caller id.

"Hello." She all but growled.

"Umm I'm sorry should I call back another time?"

"No Jake, that's fine. What's up?" She eyed Lucas slowly as he looked off in the distance.

"I just wanted to make sure that we still have plans to go to Gale's tonight since I'm performing. Brooke is on her way to get Jenny from my house. So can I pick you up around seven?"

"Yeah…but Jake there's something---"

"I'm sorry Peyton, I have to go. Jenny just hurt herself trying to climb on top of my kitchen counter. See you tonight."

"Jake! Dammit, he hung up."

Lucas looked at Peyton hesitantly, "Did you have something to tell him?"

"Yeah I did. I wanted to tell him that you were in town."

"Why do you need to tell him?"

"Because he's coming here at seven o'clock because he's playing a set at the restaurant he works for, and I told him I would go watch him play."

Lucas' eyebrows raised slightly, "So this is like a date?"

She abruptly corrected him, "No! No, this isn't a date."

"So why is he picking you up? Can't you just meet him there?"

"Lucas," Peyton sighed. "I really hope you're not---"

"I'm not jealous Peyton. I'm just curious, that's all. It's not a big deal. Clearly you have a life, and things just aren't going to stop just because I'm in town. You and Jake have fun tonight; I'll stay at your apartment with Lily."

"Actually I was thinking that you can go with us. Brooke is babysitting Jenny, so I'll call her and tell her to just come to my apartment and watch Lily too."

"Are you sure Jake would be okay with that?"

"Of course he would."

Lucas looked at her with skepticism.

"Okay," she sighed, "I don't really know if he'll be okay with it, but even if he's not, it doesn't really matter."

"So Jake still has a thing for you, huh?"

"Maybe. But I've been pretty clear with him about what I want us to be. Friends. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm going to the show mainly because I'm working on getting Jake signed, and perhaps getting a job as a junior A&R executive. They're looking to replace a few people at the label."

"That sounds like quite an opportunity, Peyton. I really hope you get that job," he leaned over and kissed her gently.

"Thanks. There's going to be a lot of important people watching Jake and another band I'm trying to get signed so tonight is a big deal."

"Maybe I shouldn't come then. I don't want to be a distraction."

"Luke, you're coming. I'm about to call Brooke and tell her that you're here. She's going to be thrilled to know that's she's getting baby double duty." Peyton smiled in Lucas' direction, but he was staring off into space again. She didn't like that.

"Luke, whatever it is you're thinking about, just stop. Tonight is going to be great." She lightly grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him into the softest, sweetest kiss he'd ever experienced.

"So are you going to answer my question about when you're leaving me?"

"Can I give you that answer after the night is over?" he asked.

Peyton looked like she wanted to ask another question and he kissed her again.

"Okay this habit you've got of kissing me to keep me quiet, is going to get old really quickly," she joked.

He kissed her again. She closed her eyes and he could feel her melting into the kiss, "And when I say quickly, I mean never."

"That's what I thought," he murmured against her lips.

---

It didn't take long for Lucas to get ready although sharing the bathroom with Peyton was pretty fun. Her bathroom was small and well-kempt, with neat little blue tiles and a nice shower head fixture. There was also a translucent shower curtain that Peyton made sure to take advantage of. Reminded of the time when she walked in on a naked Lucas in his bathroom, she announced her presence in the bathroom before she took a peak around the shower curtain.

"Hey!"

Peyton giggled, "I think your ass could use some LA sun."

He peaked around the curtain, "Why? It's not like my ass needs to look good for anyone. No one's gonna see it," he teased.

"We'll see about that," she quirked an eyebrow.

When he finished his shower and stepped out of the tub, he blindly reached for his towel, surprised that Peyton had not taken the towel from where it hung. He was also surprised to find that Peyton was already undressed and standing by the sink; ready to start her shower. Lucas stopped dead in his tracks and just stared.

"So what were you saying about no one seeing your ass?" she said in mock seriousness.

The sight of her standing there in all her naked glory had him flustered beyond belief. "Umm…what?"

"You're blocking the shower sweetie."

"You are a tease," he groaned.

She side stepped him and eased into the shower before saying, "Make sure you keep that towel wrapped tightly around your waist. Luke Jr. seems to be on the move."

She laughed loudly and gave him a pat on the back. When he stepped out of the bathroom, he surveyed the room, noticing a sleeping Lily in her crib, and---what the hell! Brooke Davis was sitting on the couch with a little blonde-haired girl that had to be Jenny.

"Well would you look at that? I didn't see my first half-naked boy until I was thirteen. Jenny, my darling, you are waaaaay ahead of the curve."

An embarrassed Lucas ran out of the living room and into Peyton's bedroom to change, but not before calling Brooke a pervert.

She shrugged her shoulders, "I've been called worse."

Once he was fully clothed and under control, Lucas stepped out of the bedroom and marched up to Brooke giving her a firm hug.

"It's good to see you again Brooke."

"It's good to see you too Luke. It's been way too long," she looked down at the crotch of his pants, "And I see you've got your little guy under control."

Lucas turned beet red. "Nothing gets passed you Brooke."

"Well nothing below the waist," she smirked.

"Does Peyton know you're flirting with her boyfriend?"

"Nope. Because A) she doesn't have one and B) she doesn't know I'm here." Lucas looked at her with confusion. "I have a key."

Lucas corrected her, "Well A) she does have a boyfriend as of three hours ago and B) does she give all her friends a key?"

"No. Just me and Jake."

"Jake has a key!" Lucas shouted.

Peyton opened the door in time to hear Lucas nearly blow a fuse. "No he doesn't," she corrected. "Brooke, stop causing trouble."

"It was just a joke, don't kill me," she put her hands up. "So does Jake know that Lucas is here? Because I just saw him and he wasn't crying about it…I mean…he didn't mention it," she gave Lucas a little nudge.

"Brooke!" Peyton admonished. "Why don't you come in my room and help me pick out something to wear. Lucas, are you going to be okay out here with Jenny?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine."

Lucas sat down on the couch and looked at a visibly bored Jenny, sucking on her pacifier and playing with her hair. "Hey Jenny," Lucas said to the little girl. "You remember me? I used to know your dad." Just as he said that, he heard a knock on the door.

"I'll be right back."

Lucas opened the door to find Jake standing in the hallway. "Hi Jake."

"Lu-Lucas, wow it's…um…it's really nice to see you! How are you?"

"I'm good. It's good to see you too man," he chuckled. "It's been a long time."

"It sure has," Jake answered back, not really knowing what else to say.

Lucas smiled and moved out of the way so he could walk into the apartment.

Jake spotted Jenny and the little girl climbed onto his lap as he sat down on the couch. "So did Peyton tell you about the show I'm doing tonight?"

"Yeah, she invited me to come. It's really cool that you're still doing the music thing. Peyton seems to be very excited about your music."

"I hope so. She's really trying to get me signed and move up the ranks of the label. This big shot A&R executive is going to be at the show to watch me and another band Peyton discovered. They're called Mystical Ingenuity and they're really good. Peyton did a great job discovering them on the underground circuit. I'm really proud of her."

"Yeah me too," Lucas said a bit dryly.

It shouldn't bother him to hear another guy say he's proud of Peyton, but it did. He wasn't jealous, but there was something disconcerting about not knowing much about something so important in Peyton's life. He couldn't help but resent Jake slightly and even Peyton. He still wanted to know why she hadn't answered his email that he sent more than a week ago. He wanted so badly to fit into Peyton's world, but in seven short months it seemed as though she had built a solid foundation without him.

On cue, Peyton stepped out of her room with a giggling Brooke behind her. She looked incredible in a Radiohead band tee and a pair of skin tight black leather pants and black cowboy boots.

"I'm guessing Brooke didn't pick that out," Lucas joked.

"No I didn't," she pouted.

"I picked out a black satin dress that shows every inch of her legs. I was trying to help you guys out," Brooke said with a smile.

"Brooke!" Peyton hissed.

Lucas and Jake smiled uneasy smiles and turned to look at Peyton.

"So, Jake have you and Lucas gotten all caught up? How long has it been since you guys have spoken?"

"Umm…it's been awhile," Lucas answered, not particularly interested in awkward small talk. "We have plenty of time to catch up," he said with a half smile.

Lucas walked over to the closet, pulled Peyton's leather jacket off the hanger and held it out her to slip her arms through. "You look amazing," he whispered in her ear.

She blushed and then leaned down to kiss a sleeping Lily, securely tucking in a blanket and quietly snoring in her crib. "Be good Lils." Then she walked over to Jenny and gave her a little kiss on the forehead. Lucas and Jake said goodbye to their respective girls and Brooke told them all not to worry and have a good time. She tugged at Peyton's jacket as she walked to the door and whispered, "Am I the only one seeing the hot threesome possibilities you've got going for you?"

"Brooke you're crazy and that's never going to happen. Be back later tonight," she gave Brooke a kiss on the cheek.

Peyton walked towards Lucas and grabbed his hand as he shot Brooke the evil eye over his shoulder. Jake was already out the door.

---

When they arrived at the restaurant, Jake excused himself and headed backstage to go prepare for the show. Lucas and Peyton found a table, silently glad to have some time alone. She reached across the table and grabbed his hand, "So are you okay? I know you just got here and we're already out on the LA scene."

"I'm fine Peyt."

She gave him look that said she didn't really believe him, and he clarified, "Okay this is a little overwhelming," he admitted. "But I just love being here with you. Nothing is going to ruin that."

"I love being here with you too. I know you're slightly uncomfortable about the Jake stuff, but you know you have nothing to worry about, right?"

"Of course."

She gave him a look that he knew was reserved for him, and they just sat in silence for a few moments, Lucas idly rubbing his thumb over Peyton's knuckles. She smiled and gave his hand a squeeze before her phone started ringing. She checked the caller ID and answered, "Hey Tony! Are the boys here yet?"

"Wait what? What kind of problems?" she yelled into the receiver. She put up a finger and signaled to Lucas that she would be right back. Ten minutes later she was back. "I'm so sor—"

"Don't apologize Peyton. Do whatever you need to do. I'll be fine."

She kissed him on the cheek, "See this is why I love you."

The show was about to start and Lucas watched Peyton as she watched the stage. She had this sparkle in her eyes and her enthusiasm was so evident. When Jake's set was over, Mystical Ingenuity stepped onto the stage and blew everyone away. The night was successful to say the least. Lucas tried his best to stay out of Peyton's way and he just watched as she talked to various executives who were present at the showcase. He noticed how she used her hands when she spoke and how big her eyes got when she explained something to someone.

Jake joined them at the table after his performance and Peyton called him over to talk to an A&R executive, leaving Lucas all alone at the table. They talked for quite awhile as Lucas tried to keep from looking bored while sitting at the table. A half an hour later and they still weren't done talking to the A&R guy. He pulled out his phone to call Brooke, but he didn't get that far. He heard Peyton yelling his name across the room, "Lucas!"

He looked up and saw Peyton, Jake, the A&R guy and some other people staring at him as Peyton waved him over. He got up and walked over to stand at Peyton's side. "You guy's, this is Lucas Scott, my better half," she smiled up at him. He mirrored her broad smile back at her.

"So this is the infamous Lucas that I've heard so much about," said one of the ladies. "Peyton says that you're an author and that you influenced some of her musical tastes. She also said you pushed her to come out to LA. We're glad you did."

Lucas' cheeks reddened at the thought of Peyton gushing over him. "Peyton did it all on her own, I don't deserve any credit. And I'm not really an author. You need to have a book published first," he laughed.

"Well I'm sure you'll get there," the woman said with a smile. "If you're anything like Peyton, our new youngest Junior A&R executive, you'll definitely get there."

Lucas' eyes widened and he pulled Peyton into his arms, "Really? That's incredible."

"I'll say. I can't believe I went from working in a mailroom to this."

"Hard work, plus a few job openings and there you have it," the A&R guy stated. "Peyton we're glad to have you on our team. Goodnight everyone."

"Thank you," Peyton said gratefully. "See you tomorrow."

When they all left, Peyton turned towards Jake and hi-fived him for such a great performance. "This is only the beginning Jake." He smiled and nodded his head as Peyton turned towards Lucas and hugged him tightly.

"I'm so glad that I can share this with you," she whispered sweetly. "But I can tell you were a little surprised, when I called you over to meet my bosses, weren't you?"

"Yeah I was, but it was a nice surprise. When we get home, I want you to tell me more about this job any other bands you're scouting. I want to know everything."

Lucas gave her an Eskimo kiss and held her hand as they walked to Jake's car. He was on cloud nine, not only because of Peyton's success, but mainly because of how she made him feel like he was a part of it instead of being in the way of it. The last thing he wanted to do was hinder her in any way.

Tonight made him feel so much better about the engagement ring he had in his suitcase.

But all Peyton could think about was Lucas calling her apartment, home.