A/N: I apologize for the long wait for this final chapter. There was an unfortunate event that has kept me from updating and left me with limited computer access.

I want to thank every single reader. The favorite story alerts, subscriptions and reviews were much appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this story. I challenge any reader, especially if you have never left a review to leave feedback. Though this is the final chapter, feedback is still very important to me.

I had a request for a sequel and as of now I don't have an elaborate plan for one, but more like snippets, if that makes sense; however, my next story will not be a sequel to this story. For those who read Sweet Disposition the sequel to that story is my next focus.

This has taken me two different computers to edit on so please excuse any errorenous mistakes. THANK YOU, again for reading and reviewing.

CHAPTER15: Past,Present,Future

Haley's hand trembled. Her heart began to hammer hard against her chest. It was a mixture of anxiousness and happiness. She nodded her head up and down unable to find her voice. The moment was surreal. She blinked a few times as if waking from a deep slumber. She badly wanted someone to pinch her. She couldn't believe Nathan was truly in front of her on one knee with a ring in his hand. She shoved her hand in front of him still unable to shout the one single word that would make the proposal complete.

Nathan's smile grew wider understanding her answer by her action. He slid the ring onto her finger. At first, her silence had scared him. He was worried it was too soon, but he had made his mind up. He had his heart set on proposing since graduation.

Every time he looked at her, he knew. He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Talking about sharing the next part of their journey was one thing, but he wanted to prove his commitment. However, Nathan didn't think Haley questioned his sincerity in wanting her to follow him. He just never wanted her to have a reason to question it.

"Yes!" She yelled taking his hand in hers lightly tugging his arm silently asking him to stand. She threw her arms tightly around his neck and before she realized it Nathan picked her up off the ground and spun them around. Laughter soon filled the River Court. She rested her head on his shoulder still in utter disbelief. She bit on her bottom lip containing a delighted squeal.

She was never a girl who had dreamt of the perfect man or proposal so everything was far beyond perfection. Feeling utterly dizzy, she placed her hand to her forehead and smiled finally squealing.

Nathan laughed squeezing her tighter.

"I love you, Haley James."

She lifted her head up and kissed him hard. Finally feeling the ground beneath her feet she pulled away. She ran her hands through her hair then brought them in front of her face admiring the ring. When he was on his knee she hadn't really paid attention to the symbol of love.

"Do you like?" Nathan held onto her hips and chuckled at her adoring look.

"I love it. I love you."

She cupped his face and kissed him softly. There was no way she could convey just how much this moment meant to her. Her lips moved over his slowly. She ached to commit the proposal to memory. How he looked and felt. She sighed against his lips and Nathan gently tugged on her bottom lip.

Nathan delved into her mouth tangling his tongue with hers. She moaned letting him know how much pleasure she was getting from his action.

"Oh my God," she shrieked when she abruptly pulled away leaving Nathan stunned and his lips red and swollen.

"What's wrong?'

His baby blue eyes darted across her face trying to figure out what happened. Why did she find it necessary to pry her wonderful lips away from his? He stared at her with big, puppy dog eyes.

She laughed and placed her hands on his chest.

"We need to call my parents." She twirled around him on the concrete slab. "Oh my!" She pushed his back. "We have to go back." She ran off to the car attempting to open the door. When she realized the car was locked she turned around and ran back.

"What the hell? Why are you still standing here? We need to go back to your mother. We have to tell your mother." She bounced up and down in excitement expending all her energy she had bundled up for the few seconds after Nathan asked her to marry him.

The raven-haired man smirked and firmly placed his hands on her shoulders halting her cute, little celebration. She furrowed her brow in confusion. She knew what that look meant.

"What?" she asked playfully hitting him, but with irritation. She didn't quite like it when he stood silent. She knew his wheels were turning and that meant more surprises.

"I ... uh ... Your parents know, Hales. My mom … she knows."

His smirk turned into a huge smile at her shocked expression. She hated surprises, but Nathan had somehow managed to change her opinion about them. This tidbit only furthered her new opinion about the subject. A surprise from Nathan was more than welcomed.

"That night we had dinner with your parents ... I ... I asked your father for your hand. I knew then. I was certain I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I saw how your parents were with each other and I saw a little of us in them."

He combed his hand through her hair then caressed her cheek.

"I never ... I mean my parents ... They weren't ... they didn't truly love each other. This," he took her hand in his and placed it on his heart. "This is love. This is my love for you and this ring symbolizes my commitment."

Haley swallowed hard holding back her tears. She knew Nathan loved her, but she ignored how deeply he loved her for fear of it not being real. For fear of her own feelings mudding what he actually felt for her. She was beyond head over heels in love with him, but a little part of her was still scared of loving someone so much. Nathan was right though. Her parents were the best example of loving someone unconditionally. She had never really considered them role models because of their quirkiness, but they were absolutely perfect. They defined love much like Nathan had for her.

"We don't have to get married soon. Whenever ... whenever you're ready, I'll be ready. I just … I didn't want to begin our next phase without you truly understanding what the next part of my … our life meant to me."

Haley stared at her fiancé in awe. Goodness, he had a way with words when he needed to.

"You have this all planned out, don't you?" She hugged him.

"Yeah," he said scratching the back of his neck. "And I was thinking we could have five children."

Haley peered up at him not understanding. How far had he planned things out?

"Five children ... a basketball team." He arched his eyebrow and she shook her head. Secretly she liked the idea. Basketball brought them together and it was just one of their passions.

"You, Nathan Scott are too much." She snaked her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"While I like the idea, there are a few steps we need to consider first before we bless this world with little talented Scotts."

"Well you know before we reach that phase, we'll need to practice just like any other athlete," he said huskily taking her lips with his in a mind-blowing kiss.

There were absolutely no words to describe how he felt. Well besides one. He felt loved. Loved, unconditionally.

"Get your lazy ass up!" Haley yelled at the brown-haired young man. "Marvin McFadden, I didn't ask you over for you to sit and watch me move boxes. If I wanted that I would've asked Nathan over." She stood over her best friend with her arms across her chest.

Mouth laughed at her stern expression, which caused her forehead to scrunch.

"Where is the fiancé?"

Haley smiled at the word. Her heart fluttered whenever anyone referred to Nathan as her fiancé. She placed her left hand over her heart and the sunlight caught her ring causing it to sparkle. Mouth in turn smiled. When Haley told him that Nathan proposed he fell out of his chair. He wasn't prepared for such news. Lucas didn't even know his brother had planned such a gesture. Though Mouth was shocked he was happy for his friends. Had this been four years ago, he would never have believed Nathan Scott wanted to settle down.

"Luke would kill him if he dared to step outside their apartment to help me. Come on and help take those boxes down." She pointed to the final four boxes that sat near the door.

"What about the couch?" Mouth stood up and made his way to the boxes.

"I told you, Nathan is driving the moving van over here and the two of you will load that and the bed."

"Do we have a minute to ... to talk?" Mouth scratched the back of his neck nervously.

Haley furrowed her brow. She noticed his voice had changed to a soft tone.

"What's wrong?"

Mouth returned to the couch and shook his head dismissively.

"Don't worry," he said reaching out rubbing the crinkles in her forehead laughing. "I'm so happy for you. I don't … I don't feel like I'm losing a best friend. I know I'm gaining a best friend-in-law."

She blushed and smiled at him. It had been the two of them for the longest time. There were a few times over the past months that she felt she had abandoned him. Mouth hadn't been as lucky in love, and everything with Nathan happened to develop naturally with such ease that she never looked back.

Haley sighed with a heavy heart as memories of the two of them drinking themselves silly after their bad dates in an effort to numb their horrible experiences. Mouth had been her emergency call on several college dates gone awry. She in turn did her best to give him advice on girls, and of course footed the bill once or twice for drinks.

"No more dates from hell, at least not for me, but you can always call me for a drunken debacle." She beamed at him. "I'm still good enough for you to be seen with, right?"

"More than good enough, you're the future Mrs. Nathan Scott. You think I won't want to hang out with the wife of a NBA player?"

Haley gently punched him in the shoulder. Her heart fluttered hearing Mrs.NathanScott. She never imagined she would marry Nathan. The thought was the farthest from her mind. Her thoughts were always in the moment whether she was sitting across from him at dinner or cuddled next to him on the couch, watching Sports Center, her mind never strayed from the present. She wrapped herself up in their isolated time just taking it all in not wandering too far into the future.

She didn't need a ring just Nathan. She didn't like to admit it, but she realized early on in their short courtship that she needed him. She, much like Nathan had admitted, was lost. She just never acknowledged it. Though she didn't throw herself into basketball, she ran from anything serious and focused on schoolwork. She found what she considered a happy balance between school, athletic trainer and a social life. Now looking back she could pinpoint the void because Nathan occupied it.

She squealed in delight, which she found herself doing a lot lately. She threw her arms around Mouth's shoulders pulling him tightly into a brother-sister hug.

"It's surreal, I am going to be Mrs. Nathan Scott. Oh no."

"What?"

"Promise me you will stop me from ever becoming a basketball wife." She laughed at the disgusted look Mouth gave her.

"You are far too intelligent to take on that label. You'll always be clumsy, sweet, smart Haley Bob just with an extra name."

She pulled back and inhaled deeply. She liked the sound of that, Haley James Scott.

"You are unbelievable," Lucas said as he slowly and carefully led the way down the stairs carrying one end of the couch. He couldn't believe his brother managed to turn the piece of furniture around before they exited the apartment so his back was to the stairs.

"I promise I won't let you fall big brother. Besides I need to protect my future. I can't risk tripping down stairs. It was your bright idea that we save money and move the larger items. Idiot," he muttered the last word.

Lucas rolled his eyes in response, but his brother had a point. Living in New York wasn't going to be cheap so he convinced Nathan to move some boxes and larger items. If he wanted to blame someone, it should be himself.

As Lucas reached the last step he placed his end of the couch down and Nathan dropped his end resting it against the stairs.

"What?" Nathan questioned.

"I'm not the only one who needs to save money. I know you're going to get this great deal when you get drafted, but I'm not the one who has a wedding to pay for."

Nathan chuckled. Leave it to his older brother to throw his happiness in his face.

"Not yet. I told you, Haley and I are in no rush. We are being practical about it, but speaking of weddings, what about you?"

Lucas groaned. His brother had become quite good at turning the tables on him and he blamed Haley for that. She was rubbing off Nathan and not in the way Lucas hoped for.

"What is the hold up on that anyway? Lindsey loves you and you love her. Why not make it official and ask her to marry you? What are you afraid of? I mean you … you aren't afraid are you?" He stepped down the stairs and gently rested his hand on Lucas' shoulder.

"You are Lucas Scott, the romantic. I don't understand."

The dirty blonde walked over to a planter and sat down. He admired his younger brother for taking that big leap of faith with Haley. When he heard the news from Nathan he almost tripped over his own feet. Luckily he gained his balance, if not he would have fallen face first onto the living room carpet.

He ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

"How did you know, Nate?"

The raven-haired Scott blinked in disbelief. Was his older brother asking his advice? This was a rare moment among the brothers. It was no secret that Nathan needed guidance. Since he showed up in Tree Hill he was wandering aimlessly. Lucas begrudgingly took him under his wing and never let go. He knew Nathan needed him and in the end he needed Nathan.

"You just know, Luke."

He shrugged his shoulders and walked over to his brother taking a seat next to him. He didn't understand the intense emotion when he first felt it, but as weeks went by and he realized it pained him to be separated from her, he just knew. When his mother and him arrived in Tree Hill he felt a huge void without his father, but immediately knew both his mother and him were better off. That separation, though difficult, was easier to deal with than having to leave Haley at the end of the night or just walk away from the sidelines.

"Who was I? What kind of guy was I?" It bothered him to revisit the younger version of Nathan Scott, but he had a point to make and the only way to make the point was to return to his adolescence.

"You were pretty messed up, but that wasn't your fault. Deb did the best she could. She showed you unconditional love, but Dan was a complete ass and together they couldn't be a good example of true love. You treated girls badly as a defense mechanism. Eight years ago you thought basketball was your entire world. You were young and impressionable and Dan's great plan echoed in your head."

Nathan hung his head. His brother was missing the point.

"Haley saved me, Luke."

Lucas stared at his younger brother at a loss of words. He had an a-ha moment. Though he had altered his use them, leave them persona, he hid behind basketball. He put forth enough effort in his relationships prior to Haley, but he was never fully committed. No, because when basketball season ushered in, he couldn't have a serious relationship.

"You are such a romantic," Lucas commented smacking him on the back of his head trying to lighten the mood. "I guess I rubbed off on you."

Nathan laughed.

"No, it was all Haley. She brings out the best in me. Everything Karen and my mom had tried to instill in me, Haley brings it out. She makes me want to be a better man. I know the young man I am now is just that a young man. I want to grow into a man deserving of Haley as a wife and … and as the mother of my children."

Lucas about chocked from shock. The young man who sat beside him wasn't the badass Nathan he called little brother. Instead he was a big softie. He was a vulnerable young man.

"I'm in absolute awe of you at this very moment. You are so deserving of Haley. Trust me, she wouldn't have said yes if she thought otherwise."

Without any hesitation, Lucas pulled his brother into a hug. He would miss moments like these, but the time had finally come for them to begin on separate paths.

Nathan pulled Haley's naked form flush against his bare chest. He kissed the top of her head and ran his fingertips up and down her arm lightly. He squeezed her tightly hearing her sigh.

Her eyes fluttered open in the dim room. She leaned across his chest brushing her breasts against him causing him to groan.

"Wha … what are you doing besides driving me crazy?"

She shushed him and moved off his body. In response he dragged his hand down his face. All night she was telling him to be quiet. He explained to her that his mother knew they were sleeping together. Hell once he was drafted they were going to live together then marry.

"You are such a cover hog. How did I not realize before?" She scooted to the edge of the bed and wrapped her pale yellow silk robe around her petite frame.

"You never noticed because you would immediately doze off snoring lightly after we made love," he commented sitting up on the bed smirking at her in the dark room. "Come to bed and let's at least spoon."

She laughed lightly listening to him whine. What had she gotten herself into by agreeing to be his wife?

She climbed on the bed in between his legs hovering above him.

"You are such a tease," he said turning his head to the right falling deeper into the down feather pillow.

She giggled knowing she was indeed teasing him. She traced her index finger down the center of his chest as she bit her bottom lip.

"What are the chances that your mother is asleep at three in the morning? A deep sleep?" She cocked her brow.

He cupped her face knocking her off balance and she fell flat against him. He pressed his lips to hers and immediately moaned. They had spent two weeks living with his mother and Haley insisted on no lovemaking. Well no full-blown lovemaking. He ached for her. He missed adoring her body.

His left hand tangled in her auburn locks as his tongue delved into her mouth eliciting a deep moan.

"We should have gotten an apartment," Nathan said against her lips.

His mother would not take no for answer when she offered them a place to move in until the draft. Nathan vehemently shook his head no, but Haley being the good-hearted person she was told her future mother-in-law they would consider it. Honestly, she appreciated the gesture and rationally thought it was ridiculous to move into an apartment when they were unsure where Nathan would be playing.

"How did you talk me into this?" He questioned her as he dragged his index finger along the silver chain where the N still dangled. He leaned slightly forward capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. When he pulled back he tapped the tip of her nose. "I believe we were in this same position and you used your body to convince me."

She smacked his chest hard and tried her very best to remain serious. The comment hurt a little, but it was true. Partially true. Nathan was basking in the afterglow, still on a high when she brought up the subject. After realizing what he agreed to his eyes snapped wide open and he shot up in bed, however, was at a loss of words seeing his fiancée sound asleep.

"You know that's not entirely true." She shifted her body off his and sat up on her knees. "You would have agreed to stay here without much persuasion."

Nathan sat up against the headboard. She was right. He had already begun to realize she right about a lot of things. Though his mother never had the perfect marriage she had some valuable advice and after spending time with Haley, she stressed to her son that Haley would nine times out of ten be correct. He knew she made the comment half joking, but the short three weeks they had spent under the same roof in the same room, without a doubt his mother knew what she talking about.

He smirked at Haley, who stared at the window. He tucked his hands behind his head then saw a flash of light come through the partially opened blinds. The light though was rather bright.

"What the hell?" Haley asked as she jumped off the bed and ran over to the window peering out. "Unbelievable."

Nathan swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose to his feet, but was almost knocked over by Haley running out the bedroom tightening her robe.

The raven-haired young man rubbed his hands over his hair then his eyes widened hearing the shutting of a door followed by a happy female voice and a deep male voice.

He couldn't help, but laugh as he watched his girl from the bedroom window shake her head at her parents in embarrassment.

Deb smiled widely as she moved around the kitchen helping Lydia prepare a huge breakfast.

"I guess our children are still in bed?"

Deb laughed nodding her head as she cracked eggs into a bowl for the breakfast casserole.

"I must apologize for showing up at that ungodly hour, but when the feeling strikes us, Jimmy and I get on the road and see where it takes us." She shrugged. "Luckily for the GPS we found your house." She laughed causing Deb to do the same.

"I really don't mind. I feel as if my presence alone keeps those two shacked up in Nathan's room from the hours of eight in the evening to eight in the morning. I swear I leave for the café to help Karen out and those two pad out the bedroom to roam around freely with no adult supervision. Not like they need any, but … oh … it's just so silly."

"Well they have been living on their own for four years. I imagine Haley is just being respectful sort of staying out of your way and Nathan … well … I don't want to assume, but …"

"Oh goodness, Nathan is just ridiculous. He's hiding because he wants privacy. He only has a few days before they head to New York then off to New Jersey. He prefers I stay out of his way."

Haley leaned against the doorframe of the kitchen listening to the older women. She had been embarrassed and upset earlier for her parents showing up on a whim, but seeing Deb and her mother bond warmed her heart.

In the little time she had spent with Deb she realized she had this enormous heart. All that heart was reserved for the apple of her eye, her baby boy, her son, Nathan. Haley was now more self-aware. The woman before her made up for the lack of concern, love and happiness from Dan, Nathan's father.

She jolted to reality as she felt Nathan's strong arms encircle her waist. Her body automatically leaned into his and she sighed as he kissed her temple.

"It's about time the lovebirds made an appearance," Jimmy said entering the kitchen with a bouquet of fresh flowers and the morning paper. "I thought you three lovely ladies could enjoy these." He handed the bouquet to his daughter and nodded for Nathan to follow him.

"You two don't go too far off," Lydia called out and received a hearty laugh from her husband.

"Why so pensive, Haley Bob?"

She peered over her shoulder hearing the backdoor close.

"First, you and dad show up in the middle of the morning unannounced and now he wants to talk with Nathan. I'm just a little curious as to what you two crazy parents are up to. You realize Nathan and I leave this weekend so if you have bomb to drop on us, I appreciate you do it now."

Lydia's face hardened causing Haley to tense while Deb stood off to the side observing. She already knew the reason for the James visit.

"Mo-mother," she whined with worry in her voice.

Her mother giggled shaking her head absolutely assumed that after all these years she still could play with her daughter's emotions only when absolutely necessary.

Haley's nostrils flared in anger.

"Seriously, mother I am not a child anymore. I don't find your tactics all that funny." She huffed and placed the flowers on the counter.

"Oh dear," Deb said crossing the kitchen to pull her future daughter-in-law into a hug. "Your parents mean very well."

"Deb, don't coddle the girl. She'll expect it from Nathan and that will be all sorts of trouble."

Haley now laughed. Truthfully she was nervous about the draft and secretly relived to see her parents before they left for their next big adventure.

"Nate, I'm going to cut to the chase." He placed a firm hand on the young man's back. "Have you and my crazy daughter picked a date?" He watched as Nathan shook his head slowly. "No worries. Lydia and I want to pay for the wedding so when you do …"

Nathan rose to his feet and shook his head no.

"I can't let you do that. This is my responsibility. I want to marry your daughter. You two shouldn't have to pay for anything. Besides we aren't in a rush to marry. First things, first. I need to know where I'll be playing then there's the matter of finding a place to live. Then Haley will find a job …"

Jimmy chuckled as his future son-in-law paced back and forth rambling.

"Goodness, Nate she's already rubbed off on you."

Nathan stopped mid stride realizing what the older man was referring to. Jimmy James scared him a little though he already had his permission to marry his baby girl, the man still held an air of protectiveness.

"I really appreciate the offer, and I'm sure Haley would too, but as of now I have no plans in allowing you or my mother to pay a dime. When Haley and I get to the planning we can revisit the offer, but as of now I'm going to respectfully decline."

Jimmy crossed his left leg of his right knee and settled into the lounge chair. His girl had definitely chosen a fine, great, young man. He never admitted to anyone, but his wife, but once he found out a little more about Nathan's childhood he was worried. However, meeting Deb and seeing the support she had with Karen and Lucas he knew his first impressions were off base.

He extended his hand out for Nathan to shake.

"I can respect that, but just know if you need anything you let us know. We better get back inside. The natives are getting restless."

Nathan shook his future father-in-law's hand and peered over his shoulder. Sure enough the three women were looking out the kitchen window. He wondered what they thought at the sight.

Nathan's leg bounced up and down as he held onto Haley's hand tightly under the table. He looked around the room taking all the hustle and bustle in. He spotted Clay making the rounds, shaking hands with other agents and prospects.

"Nathan, you look awfully pale," Deb said arriving back to the table. At first, he only wanted Haley with him at the draft, but he realized that was insensitive and stupid of him. His was a big part of where he was today and would continue to be an integral part.

"You should see my hand, I'm sure it's a whiter shade of pale," Haley commented finally able to break loose from his grip. "Baby, you're perspiring." She carefully patted his brow line with a tissue.

"Nathan, why are you so nervous?"

His gaze again wandered through the room. He had been so relaxed up until ten minutes ago when Clay told him the Bobcats pick was still in the air. He really wanted to stay in North Carolina especially for the first years of his career. He thought he had a great story in that he was a hometown boy wanting to bring home a championship. Then Haley immediately reminded him of the pressure that would carry. He still wanted to be in Charlotte because he knew Haley wanted to be close to Tree Hill. She probably fell in love with the place before she even fell in love with him.

He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"I just want to give you everything you want." His voice cracked and he felt the sting of tears in the corner of his eyes.

Haley's face fell with concern. She cupped his face and held it closely in front of hers. Her hazel eyes tried desperately to offer some reassurance, but the hint of sadness in his pool of blue eyes made it very difficult.

She kissed his lips softly.

"You have only just begun to give me everything I want. Remember, it's not where you end up. It's where you call home." She ran her right hand lightly through his hair and took his right hand in hers placing it over her heart.

He smiled warmly at her.

"It's you and me. I'm not going anywhere. I love you, Mr. Scott"

"I love you, Haley James." He nuzzled her nose.

"Soon-to-be Scott," she whispered then held up her left hand showing off her engagement ring to him giggling at his softened expression.

"How do you do it, Deb?" Clay asked taking a seat next to Haley. "I mean are they always so … so…"

"In love," Nathan interrupted with an edge in his voice. He knew his agent was trying to lighten the mood, but he didn't want the teasing as the clock approached primetime for the number one draft pick.

"You say love, I say precious." Clay smirked crookedly at his client then leaned over and gently pinched him on his cheek.

"Cut it out." He swatted at Clay's hand barely missing.

Deb and Haley laughed at the young men's playfulness. The tense air lifted and the entire table settled into a comfortable silence waiting for the draft to begin.

Haley leaned into Nathan's shoulder and squeezed his knee. She kissed his cheek then behind his ear whispering.

"Always, Forever."

Clay returned to the table grinning from ear to ear.

"You ready?" He put his hands on Nathan's shoulders. "Just nod, Nate. This is your night, man. You've worked for it all your life."

"With the number nine pick in the 2011 NBA draft, the Charlotte Bobcats takesix-foot two-inch shooting guard Nathan Scott from Duke University," NBA Commissioner David Stern announced.

Nathan hugged his mother first then turned and kissed Haley before making his way to the stage where he was bombarded with flashbulbs and given a Bobcat baseball cap.

Through the flashes he managed to see Haley mouth an I love you as she touched the N charm around her neck. It was then he noticed she wore that silly Cracker Jack pink bracelet. God did he love her.

As Nathan hammed it up for the cameras, Haley couldn't stop the silly smile that formed on her face. Her stomach did flips and her heart raced in the excitement of him achieving his dream.

"This is your night too, Hales," Clay said clapping beside the redhead. "Remember this just isn't about Nathan. It's about you, too."

She looked over at him realizing what he was saying. Her life was no longer just about her. Nathan's life was no longer just about him. This was only the beginning. It was their journey.