Final Chapter

Nathan Scott wanted to wake up and instantly kiss his wife the morning of October eighth, but that wasn't possible. He wasn't sure why he had awakened to his wife missing from their bed, but with the pain in his side he had a pretty good guess why she was gone.

Madeline.

When Nathan began calling the few week old baby, Bear, he had no idea that she would grow fully into the name. Bears were very playful, sneaky, tended to get a little wild, but a shy, gentle giant none the less, and when the time came, they could be ferociously protective of their cubs.

In the Scott household, Nathan was Maddie's cub. It's not that you would be wrong to call Maddie a daddy's girl, it would just be more accurate to call Nathan, "Maddie's boy". That's what his wife insisted on calling him.

She had her mommy moments, usually when she was sick or not feeling well, wanting that comfort only Haley could bring, but the rest of the time Haley Scott found herself rolling her eyes at her husband and daughter. She deemed them sickeningly attached to one another, but couldn't deny the way it made her heart melt. There were moments that her daughter wanted nothing to do with her and refused her mother, so Haley was glad her son wasn't too picky about his parents.

The handsome eight year old was growing up fast, but there were still things he did that showed both Nathan and Haley he was still their little Jay. He didn't like to be read to sleep anymore, instead he insisted on reading to his mother, while they snuggled up in his bed every night. He slept like the dead and the times that Nathan had to haul him out of the car into the house, he'd cradle the boy, missing the days he could fit him in one, single hand.

As much as he took after his mom with all the reading he did, starting a series with Haley that they could talk about, his boy was very much into sports. He tried a couple different sports out but one in particular he managed to play both in season and off season. Jay had the quickest feet his parents had ever seen and their boy dominated any soccer field he stepped foot on.

Climbing out of the bed, Nathan went to use the bathroom being sure not to make too much noise. In the past year he'd gotten used to locking any door he wanted privacy behind whenever his Bear was home.

When he was done he moved back to the bed and gathered the sleeping beauty that literally kicked his own wife out of their bed, into his arms. Maddie snuggled closer to his chest, then her pillow once he deposited her on the new full size bed in her room. Walking to the opposite end of his house, Nathan pushed open the door to the guest bedroom and found his wife lying peacefully asleep on her side. He climbed in bed next to her, and although his original plan was to not disturb her, he welcomed her stirring next to him. Staying on her side, she turned her head towards her husband wanting a proper good morning greeting before pulling his arms around her.

"What time did she attack" Nathan whispered in her ear. He never felt when Maddie snuck into their bed at night, but Haley always noticed the shift in the mattress as well as the small body that would take over her husband's body.

"It wasn't as bad last night, she just has to get used to that new bed and she'll be fine. I just wish the monster would just stay on your side of the bed"

"She only gets in between us cause she wants to be just as close to you too"

"I know, and trust me I hate leaving our bed but I can't take the kicks. She's such a wild Bear."

"Mommy!" The screamed that stopped their conversation startled Haley and she instantly felt bad for her baby girl. They heard the pattering of her feet running down the hall, picturing her becoming upset at not finding her parents right where she expected them to be.

She raced through the door and launched herself as far up on the bed as she could go, her father pulling her the rest of the way into his arms. "You left me" she directed angry, judging eyes at her mother, snuggling further into Nathan's embrace.

Haley laughed at her dramatic daughter, swearing she bore the female version of her husband. She was full of life, loved immensely, not only craved, but demanded attention and was fiercely protective of the ones she loved. Her mini Nathan.

"Maddie, you know Daddy and I got you that new bed so that you can sleep in it. Big girls sleep in their own beds and only on special occasions do they get to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed. Daddy and I like having our own bed, and since we only have one bed to share, it's harder to share it with another person" Before she could continue with her impromptu story, Madeline interrupted.

"Then you and daddy can have your own beds and I can share with daddy. I can share with you sometimes too mommy" She had turned herself around in Nathan lap playing with his fingers and wedding band. In so many different ways she was like Haley. She was a thinker, and quick to come back with an answer for any problem.

Haley smiled at the proposal, not the least bit surprised by her daughters' idea of basically hogging her father once again. "Yea, but daddy would miss me too much. He loves sharing a bed with me"

"Is that true" she looked up at her father, his face appearing up-side-down as she stayed in his grasp.

"It is true, Bear. I love sharing a room and bed with mommy because I love her very much. You know how we have our special times when I just do stuff with you and then I just do things with Jay?" he watched her nod before continuing "Well every time I'm away from mommy, I miss her so much, so I love being able to share my bed with mommy and have special time with just me and her, because she's my favorite person"

Maddie smiled at her father before removing herself from his lap and crawling to her mother.

"Mommy's my favorite person too daddy and I love having special time with her too" She curled up against Haley's middle and intertwined their fingers together. She was a good suck up too.

Hearing a noise from the door, the three occupants of the bed turned to see Jay standing there, still in his pajamas making gagging noises at them all.

"You guys are so sappy sometimes and now you're turning my tough little sister into a sap. Come on Maddie, I'll get you some cereal"

"ChockyCheeries!ChockyCheeries!" She bounced into her brother's awaiting arms, and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck as he hoisted her onto his hip.

"Chocolate Cheerios coming up Sissy"

Nathan smiled at the two leaving the room. He felt so blessed to have those kids in his life and couldn't imagine things any different. "That kid's a lifesaver"

Haley shook her head before pulling him off the bed with her and moved slowly down the hall to their bedroom.

It was later that night that Nathan and Haley showed up at his brother's house, kids in tow. Brooke had opened the door for them with her two year old perched on her hip chattering away.

Aubrey Elaine, lovingly called Lainey, was a very pretty little girl, and extremely dainty. She was a sweetheart that had the same calm personality as her father, but had dark hair and eyes that matched her moms. At two years old she hated messy foods, loved being read to, preferred showers with her mommy rather than baths, refused to wear Velcro shoes and had an obsession with chapstick. She had both her parents wrapped around her finger and although she was such a gentle child she had a wild side when either her cousin Maddie was around or Grandpa Dan was in town. She adored her Grandpa Dan and was spoiled rotten by him.

Before they could greet the little girl Nathan and Haley watched Lucas following Drew into the kitchen with a stern look on his face. The eight and a half year old was carrying a small bucket that held liquid in it.

"Now go to your room, and start writing. I will call you out when dinner is ready, but until then, not a word, do you understand me"

Drew contemplated his father's demand before looking over at his mother with pleading eyes.

"Hey, don't look at me, do what your father says Andrew. Trust me you'll want that punishment instead of one I'd give you, now go."

"Do you understand me Drew?" Lucas repeated.

"Yes sir" he replied, moping back to the room while Haley and Nathan sent raised eyebrows towards his parents.

Brooke pulled her phone from her pocket and held it toward Haley, who gasped, then Nathan who chuckled.

"Come on guys, that's completely normal at his age. It came off right?" Nathan chuckled.

The picture showed Lainey's bedroom wall with the scribbling of her older brother reading in large letters, "sisters are stupid"

"You better believe it came off. I'm so over the sibling rivalry already. I'm starting to wonder how my son inherited my brother's bad habits" Lucas said sarcastically.

"You're kidding me right" Nathan started, "Drew is so Brooke it's not even funny!"

"That's true Luke you can't deny that, but he's got a sweet side like his favorite Aunt Haley" Haley said smiling.

"So how are you feeling Hales" Lucas scooted to the side to allow his best friend to sit down.

"Good, just tired. This last week has been busy but glad it's almost over."

She smiled over at Nathan, who wore the same expression as his wife.

It wasn't long before homemade pizza was made with the kids help, and after bellies were full, Maddie threw a full on fit. It wasn't a surprise to anyone because she never liked sleeping anywhere that her parents weren't. When she did sleep over her aunts or even Tonya's house, either Haley or Nathan would be there to put her down, then would leave. There were times they'd leave before bed time and Jason was a big help with calming his sister down. They knew she was somewhat being spoiled by them, but usually it was Haley that could never leave her baby girl crying. She didn't have a choice this night.

Nathan and Haley kissed their children goodbye, and left them in the care of their aunt and uncle knowing they'd be perfectly fine.

"Hey can you hand me my bag"

Nathan reached for the bag and sat it on his wife's lap, watching her finger through the organized bag she'd packed. When she pulled out what she was looking for, Nathan noticed the purple painted finger nails that matched her toes he'd be kind enough to paint just the night before.

He smiled seeing the pretty script his wife used to label the envelope although it would be thrown out very soon. She always took her time with the little things. He opened the card that had a dark blue cover and on the inside was a single red heart to the right and the left side, and finally a hand written note. Before he read the note he stared at his wife, remembering her giving him a similar card about two years ago.

"It means a lot to us that you guys are all here. We appreciate all the support you've given us this past year"

Nathan nodded his head, agreeing with his wife. Saying that his nerves were getting the best of him would be an understatement. He just wanted the day to be over with and for the worry that clouded his family the past year to disappear.

Giving a small smile to his parents, brother, and sister-in-law, Nathan gestured for them to head in first. He placed his hand on Haley's arm, stopping her mid-step. Haley turned to Nathan and squeezed his hand that she was holding when she saw the look in his eyes. He needed some reassurance.

"Hey, look at me" Tilting his head so she could have his full attention. "I want you to know how proud I am of you. You've been nothing but strong and reassuring through this whole ordeal and just have kept me going every day. Thank you Nathan. No matter what's said in that room, she can't hurt us."

"I love you Haley. Thank you for being my rock through all of this"

She leaned up and kissed him before leading the way into the courtroom.

Nathan and Haley felt like they'd been sitting on the hard, cold bench of the courtroom for hours when in reality once the verdict was read, the courtroom cleared out in less than eight minutes. They sat there, not having moved an inch from the position they were in when their family erupted in relief only minutes ago. The guilty charge of Stalking, Harassment, Vandalism and lastly Threats of Bodily Injury, gave them reassurance that Tracy Baker would definitely serve jail time and be out of their lives for an extended period of time.

The hell she put the family through had shaken both Nathan and Haley to their core but the day Tracy showed up while the Scotts took their children to the park was the breaking point. They refused to let their children be touched by the mess she'd brought to their lives.

"It's really over Nathan. She's gone"

Haley watched him, wondering when he'd finally let go and fully let her in. She knew he blamed himself for all their family was going through and was feeling like he had something to make up for.

"Let's go home Hales" He really was happy with everything that happened today, but for some reason he couldn't believe that things would stop hurting his family- that he would stop hurting his family. Whether it was crazy ex-friends stalking and harassing his family or the army taking him away, everything seemed to happen to his family and there was nothing he could ever do to stop it.

The only thing he could say is that he was certain nothing could shatter Haley and his love. He had such a hunger for her love and being the luckiest man alive he knew she felt the same way. He was excited to get home. He knew his parents were planning a big lunch to celebrate. Tonya and Matt would be coming over with Logyn. They had taken such great care of the kids whenever they had a trial date to go to and he was sure Lucas or Brooke had called to check on the kids as well as deliver the great news by now.

More than that, he couldn't wait for later that evening. His parents had cleared out of his and Haley's guest room and moved to Lucas and Brooke's house that morning and would be taking Jay and Madeline so they could have the night just to themselves. They had some reconnecting to do.

That night, when everyone was gone, Nathan and Haley were finally able to reonnect and be there with one another. Nathan made love to his wife, becoming completely vulnerable with her, and worshipping her body.

That following morning, at six-fifteen am, James Daniel Scott came into the world at seven pounds, twelve ounces and nineteen inches long. His parents were thrilled to meet their baby, and after not finding out what they would be having, they were both right in suspecting it was a boy. Later that day, once visiting hours began, Brooke and Lucas brought all of the kids by to meet the newest member of the family, and both Jay and Maddie were excited about their baby brother.

Nathan and Haley had been through so much in their time together, but nothing ever seemed too much for their love to handle, and for that they were grateful. All they had now were three beautiful, healthy children, family that loved and supported them, and a future to look forward to together.

The End.

I'm sorry this story wasn't completed the way that I had orignially plannned, but after last year, a lot has changed and a lot had happened since then. My last update was last September, and weeks later, I lost my aunt- who was my second mom and things went kinda downhill from there, but I notied that this was still here and wanted to close it out somehow. I hope that you can be happy it's over, and got a tiny piece of closure. I had so many plans, but I honestly forgot them all and had to end it there. Thank you for reading and reviewing.