Hey all!

AN: I will start off by saying that I am a horrible person! I know it has been way too long since the last time I updated. I don't even know how long it's been. scratch that I do... I know they erase documents after three months of inactivity and that is what happened recently with this document. So Yeah! And then before that happened, I also kind of lost inspiration as well. So hopefully, I can get back into writing because I just love to write. I also love to read your guy's reviews! They are all so great! Thank you for all your kind words. I will do my best with shout-outs...

Jenny: You are in for a treat this chapter. There will also be plenty more chapters with the three of them coming up soon. Charmedfreak3b: Wow, thank you for sticking with it! Venica23: Sorry, I am not a quick updater. I'm sorry to disappoint and hope that this next chapter does not disappoint. Guests and reviewers: Glad you are all loving it! It makes my heart soar to hear all y'all's thoughts. Thank you to all who review and give me ideas. Thank you!

Anyways, my life right now... I am almost done with my Bachelor's. I have a year left, and I am also working on my pre-requisites for my credential. After I graduate I can get started on the actual credential classes, and then I will finally be done with school and can get started on my career- which I need to figure out because I have no clue what I actually want to do in the field of child development. Okay enough about me, my brother's wife had a baby girl and she is probably the cutest baby that I have ever seen. There are so many people right now that I know having babies and seriously out of all of them she is the cutest. Although, I might be biased because she is my niece after all. I get to babysit all the time and I love it! My two summer jobs are about to come to an end, actually today is my last day and I am going to school full-time. That's it for now!

So I guess it's onto the chapter now... Have fun! This chapter's form is a bit different than anything I've ever written and might be confusing at times. Let me know if you liked it or if it was just too much. I hope you like it! A lot of stuff happens in this chapter. And I think that you will all like it, it is a NALEY-CENTRIC chap. Starting with the beginning of Naley's relationship. I am loving the way this chapter turned out so if you thought so as well, please please, send off a quick review... If you guys have anything that you want to happen let me know and if you have any ideas for where the story should go send those my way as well. It is also the longest chapter yet and I did have a ton of fun writing it! It is over 1600 words...

And now this AN is getting way too long so again I am sorry everyone for the huge gap between posting...

Disclaimer: I do not own anything... Boohoo.


Chapter 12

From that moment on, Haley and Nathan spent as much time together as possible. Sometimes it was just them and other times Jamie would tag along. Sometimes they would be invited over for dinner at one of their friends' houses. Nathan loved showing her off to his friends, old and new, and of course his teammates.

She had met so many new people in the last month alone; it was hard to keep them all straight. There was Sara and Clay, along with their son Logan. Haley took a quick liking to Sara as did Jamie with Logan and Clay. Sara had invited the mother-son duo over for a playdate that next week where the women shared tea and coffee and pregnancy horror stories while their boys played around the house.

Shortly after meeting the Evans at Brooke's opening, she had met Tim and Bevin Smith. Tim was Nathan's best friend growing up, apart from his cousin. He was sweet but a little dim-witted. He had very light brown shaggy hair. His wife, Bevin, had been a cheerleader with Brooke and they had been friends as well. She was the stereotypical blonde and made for the perfect pep squad teen.

Another friend from Nathan's high school days, Owen Morello, made it clear that if she ever wanted to get into Tric free of charge, he could make it happen. He was the bouncer after all. He was in charge of the figurative rope into the night club.

Haley met him on their second official date, the count would have been higher if you counted going to other's houses. It turned out to be a double date with Luke and Brooke. They had danced and drank the night away after a wonderful dinner out on the town.

There were many others that she met; like Junk and Fergie, some old friends of both Nathan and Lucas.

Then there were the members of Nathan's basketball team, the Charlotte Bobcats. She had met almost all of them. There was David Fletcher and his fiancée, Quinn. Also on the starting line-up are Nino Jones, Devon Fox, and Tony Battle. Now that they had found their groove as a team, they get along really well now, but Nathan told her old stories of mean-spirited pranks and locker room hazing.

The new couple learned something new and exciting about the other each and every day.

Nathan learned that Haley was not a huge fan of PDA. Haley learned that he kind of was. He liked to hold her hand when they went out in public. Haley didn't seem to really mind that part of being Nathan's girlfriend. It was like he had to be touching her in some way when they walked along together. He always had his hand on her back, reassuring her, or his arm around her shoulder or waist, holding her to him.

Nathan asking her to be his girlfriend might seem a little childish to some people but Haley liked the idea that he cared enough to ask.

Now that their relationship was official there was a lot more kissing involved. Before the opening, their kisses had been tentative and hesitant. After though, the couple took the art of locking lips to a whole new level. They were more exploratory and less shy when their lips met. Each kiss took her breath away.

Haley was falling hard and fast and so was Nathan. The new couple just didn't know it yet.

It all happened on a Saturday almost a month after Brooke's opening...

Haley was sitting out on the balcony of her apartment. Her thoughts occupied her as she waited for the sun to rise. It was one of those rare mornings where she was up to watch the sun rise which were few and far between. Jamie was still fast asleep in their bed.

Nathan was asleep on the couch in the front room. They had made it a new tradition of watching movies together on Friday nights. They would start out with a kid-friendly film for Jamie. Once Jamie was asleep and in bed they would put something with a little higher rating on.

Last night they watched Finding Nemo, with Haley only shedding a few years. She didn't exactly know why but usually she cried like a baby when she watched that particular movie. It was such a sad movie. It kind of reminded her of her life a little bit in an odd sort of way.

Next was an oldie but a goodie- Grease.

She knew most of the words to most of the songs and sang along whenever possible. She remembered laughing as Nathan attempted to sing "Grease Lightning". He was particularly good at the very first line, but that is about where his talent ended. She remembered the tone of Nathan's laughter as she sang along with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John at the end.

Since they were only mildly tired after that, they picked out another movie and promptly fell asleep in each other's arms before the end.

As she sat in the lounger on the deck, she rubbed at her sore neck. Last night was their first sleepover, albeit accidentally. She remembered the feeling of his arms wrapped securely around her as she slowly began to wake up. Her mind came back to the present as a cool morning breeze drifted over her. It was a good thing that she had brought a nice, warm blanket out with her.

She thought about everything that had happened during that summer.

She met Nathan and she could tell that he was a good guy. But she didn't really know him, not until their first date.

But even before she met him, before she had seen him for the first time jogging on the beach, she had known that there was something there. Something between her and the man with the ocean blue eyes.

She thought back to the dream she had the morning that her son and her went to the beach. She had always thought it was weird how in her dream, the man had Nathan's eyes and this was all before she had even seen the raven-haired basketball player. There was something going on with that that she could not explain.

'Maybe it was fate.' Haley thought to herself.

The sky began to lighten in front of her eyes. She slid her arm out of the blanket that cocooned the rest of her body in its warmth and reached towards the accent table next to her seat. She picked up her cheaply bound journal and the pen that sat beside it. She flipped it over in her hands, weighing it, weighing all the memories in her mind that the small book held. She could clearly see where the bookmark was from the indent that it made in the pages.

'Hmmm... I'm almost out of pages. I guess I'll need to get another one soon.'

Haley opened the book, not to the next blank page but instead she flipped through the moments that filled the pages of the journal.

She loved writing in her journal. It was something that her mom taught her to do. She was an avid journalist herself as Haley recalled. She was always writing something down. One minute she would be doing something completely ordinary like setting a pot to boil on the stove and the next she would point her finger up in the air and sit up a little straighter. She would have this gleam in her eye and Haley would know. She would know that the light bulb had just lit up in her mom's head and she had to write something down.

Her mom would say, "Always write stuff down. You never know when you will need it again."

So that is what Haley did. She wrote everything down. She wrote about her feelings and about her day. She wrote about her goals and her dreams. She would write down anything that came to mind. Every once in a while a lyric would appear out of the blue and she would write that down as well.

She liked to look back on the pages of her handwriting and try to remember what she was thinking as she wrote a particular line down. She never could. But if it was important enough to remember later she would have it if she ever needed it. She liked to also ponder her thoughts and wonder why she had been feeling that way. Sometimes her writing would get a little jumbled because she had been writing so fast that day and that made it hard to read most of the words. She had been keeping a journal since she was nine years old. The latest versions where all written to her parents. She hoped one day she would see them again and she could tell them about her life and all that they had missed out on.

She turned the page, reading the date of the entry.

It read 10:30 p.m. on the fifteenth of July. She remembered that day. She read the first line to herself as she smiled, reminiscing about just a few days prior.

Nathan came to surprise me today.

...

"Here you go, boys." Haley said, setting a plate of mac n' cheese in front of her favorite guy. She set Luke's hamburger and fries in front of him next.

"Thanks Hales." Lucas was the first to speak. He grabbed a french fry off of his plate and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Yeah. Thanks momma."

"You're welcome baby." She said, giving his cheek a little peck and his hair a little tousling. Before walking away she made sure that their drinks were still full, which they were.

"Enjoy your food."

"Come on momma, its mac n' cheese, you know I will." Jamie commented. He grabbed the spoon that was already dipped in the bowl. He licked the sauce off of the piece of silverware, "mhmmm... Cheesy goodness."

Haley walked away shaking her head as Lucas' loud guffaw was heard throughout the cafe.

She busied herself with the menial tasks of a café waitress. She wiped down the counter. She refilled customer drinks as she went from table to table checking on the café patrons. She wiped down empty tables and chairs. She restocked empty salt and pepper shakers as well as napkin holders.

She checked up again on Lucas and Jamie and by that time they had both finished, Jamie even going so far as to lick clean the bowl that his lunch had come in. Lucas and Jamie said their goodbyes just then. Haley said that she would see them both later and went back to work, cleaning up after them as more customers finished their meals.

It wasn't an overly busy day at the café by any means. The usual lunch rush was just about over. Afterwards, she could take a little break as her relieve came in to take over.

A few minutes later, after most of the customers had paid and left, Denise came in. Haley sighed in relief as she waved to her. She finished counting out a credit card tip from an earlier table as Denise put her apron on and started wiping down the rest of the tables.

"Not a bad day. Not bad at all." Haley commented after Denise asked her how it had gone that morning. "I made..." She paused as she counted her tips from her first shift that day. "Seventy dollars in tips and my day is not even over yet."

"Well, I hope mine is as good as yours."

"Good luck. And I am off." Haley went to grab her purse but decided she needed to use the restroom first.

"Actually I have to use the little girls room first." She made her way to the hallway that housed the restrooms. She wasn't looking where she was going because her feet knew the way. But before she could reach the women's bathroom she was yanked into a supply closet along the hallway.

"Nathan. What are you..."

She found Nathan's lips on hers in an instant before she could even finish her question, her eyes closed a second later. Their bodies were close as he licked her top lip, gaining access as she opened her lips for him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer still.

Once the need for air became apparent they pulled apart. Haley spoke first, breathlessly, "Hi."

Nathan replied, "hi." He gave her one more kiss and pulled back, still holding her, her arms still around his neck. He looked her in the eye and she knew that something was wrong. "I have to leave for a few days."

Haley tilted her head a little to the side and let out a sigh. "What about this weekend?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. You know how I love our movie nights."

Haley smiled at that. "Okay well, as long as you'll be back by Friday night then I guess you can go."

"I'm glad I have your permission now." He smirked as she giggled and leaned in to kiss her some more.

Ten minutes later...

"I think Denise will find it strange that I haven't come back from the bathroom yet." Haley giggled as one of his hands brushed lightly along one of her ticklish spots.

Nathan was working his magic on her pulse point at the moment. It had gone from a simple kiss to a full-on make-out session in a matter of minutes. Her hands had gone from clasped behind his neck to running through his hair and traveling over his well-built, muscular body. They were currently grasping his shirt and his were roaming her back.

"Nathan..." Haley moaned.

Nathan's lips made their way back to her, pressing light butterfly kisses up her neck and the length of her jawline along the way. The kiss they shared then was passionate and out of this world, leaving them both breathless.

Nathan rested his forehead on hers. She closed her eyes but could feel his eyes on her.

"I wish you didn't have to go." Haley pouted, opening her eyes and pulling back from him.

"I know. Me neither. Can you do me favor?"

She smiled. "Anything."

"Check in on Sara and the baby, will yah?"

"Of course."

...

Haley read the next entry.

I went to see Sara today, as promised. I walked in on an intimate moment between mother and child and felt a little jealous. I haven't had that since Jamie. And I want that again. I want to be able to hold another baby that is all mine in my arms. Even though I went through hell the first time. I wouldn't change it for the world, if it meant that I wouldn't be where I am today and have Jamie.

But I think I am ready to have another kid. I have always wanted a big family, you guys know that. Being an only child does that to you. I had always assumed that I would have more kids. And I think it is about that time.

Anyways, I think after a minute she saw me and waved me in. She had the glow; the glow that holding a baby in your arms produces. It's different from the pregnancy glow. It lasts for the first few months after you give birth, even though you are extremely exhausted from the 3 a.m. feedings and late night cry sessions.

I miss that...

Her name is Katelyn. Katelyn Lillian Evans, Katie for short. She is just two short days old. She is so cute at 6.8 lbs. and 18 inches. She has to be one of THE cutest babies I have ever seen.

I know. I know. People always say that. But she really is. She has the most angelic face. She is all Sara, I mean like a complete look alike. Which I know Clay must be super proud of. And Sara too... Bada bing!

She let me hold her. And it reminded me of the day Jamie was born.

I remember Jamie's birth like it was just yesterday. I went into the hospital alone. I almost was not able to do it on my own. But soon enough, Lindsey was there. She held my hand and did the breathing with me. She was so strong that day and I could not have done it without her. She was my rock that day.

He was so tiny, so much smaller than the baby that I held in my arms today. He was underweight, barely five pounds. That's probably why he is still so small for his age.

But the first time I held him in my arms after waiting and pushing for nigh on six hours, I was a complete goner. I already held so much love for this tiny little bundle of joy I held in my arms that after I gazed upon him, it was like my heart burst. I could not have possibly felt more joy, or excitement, much less anything else in that moment.

And he was a cutie, but nowhere near as angelic as little Katie is. I can just imagine what Sara and Clay must be feeling after the birth of their second child.

Her rooting reflex was intact because as soon as I ran my finger along her cheek she sought it out, wanting to put the small appendage in her mouth and suckle it.

We talked a little and I asked her how she was doing. Nathan had wanted to know. They are all quite close.

Clay made his appearance at that point in the day and I handed the little baby girl to her father. I could see that he was already wrapped around her little finger. He joined Sara in the small hospital bed and I felt like I was intruding again on an intimate family moment, although Logan was not present.

I guess he was spending a little time with Sara's sister who was in town for the birth of her niece, and their mom, Lillian. (yes, they named Katie after her grandmother.) The three of them had left a few hours before I showed up to go have some fun for the day. And I had yet to meet them.

Anyways, I left shortly after that not wanting to impose myself on them any longer. I went straight home where Lucas was waiting with Jamie and I spent the rest of my time with my son, watching movies, until it was time for his sleepover with Lily. It was a relaxing day all around.

Haley stopped reading, looking up at the horizon. The sun was almost ready to make its daily debut, just about ready to break the surface of the skyline. And Haley was ready for a new day to begin. She could tell that it was going to be a beautiful day. There was not a cloud in sight, which meant a surefire scorcher.

She glanced back down to the journal in her hands and flipped to another entry.

...

June 29 8:45 a.m.

Good Morning World,

And what a beautiful Sunday morning it is! Maybe I'll take Jamie to the beach today... That boy loves the beach, and maybe Nathan can join us. We haven't all gone to the beach together yet. Maybe I could get the whole gang to go!

Haley remembered that day. Nathan had ended up coming, as did Brooke and Lucas, towing along a cute-as-ever Lily...

June 29- 12:30 p.m.

"Uncle Lucas, Aunt Brooke, over here!" Jamie called out as he jumped and waved at the three people who where now on the sand. As they made their way through the throng of people he squealed to his mom, "there here. There here!"

"I know. I can see them, too." The young mother said to her son, as she also lifted her hand to wave at the newcomers. She had called them earlier that morning to see if they wanted to do a beach day altogether.

Haley's phone went off as she looked back towards the ocean. She glanced down at the screen. It was a text from Nathan and it read, 'on my way back.'

She smiled at the thought of seeing the raven-haired basketball player. She was broken out of her reverie when Brooke plopped herself down right on the sand next to the young mother.

"What are you all smiley about, Miss James?"

"I'm just happy is all." Haley replied.

"It's the sex right?" Brooke commented, grinning at the young mother.

Haley was aghast. "Brooke!" She spun her head around making sure Jamie was not in hearing distance. He was not. He was with Luke and Lily who were walking back along the sand to the parking lot to fetch more beach necessities from Brooke's car. She could not believe the audacity of her brunette friend. "It's a good thing Jamie wasn't here to hear that, or you would be in a load of trouble."

Brooke did not look apologetic at all and went on with her questioning as she grabbed her towel out of her beach bag. "That's it isn't it? So, how good was it?" Brooke asked excitement coloring her voice.

Haley wouldn't answer, her disbelief and agitation showing on her face.

"He was that good, huh? Damn, I should have tapped that when I had the chance." Brooke was trying hard not to let out a laugh. She wasn't succeeding.

Haley's expression softened. Brooke's laughter was that contagious. Soon enough they were both full on laughing, having no clue what they were laughing about.

Once Brooke had settled down, both her laughter and her towel underneath her, she continued. "You never answered my question."

"Well, I don't see how my relationship is any of your business but for your information, we have not done that yet. And we will not for awhile still. I'm just not ready for that part yet. Once you reach that part of the relationship, you really have to be in it. You get what I'm saying?"

"Oh, I totally know." Brooke was now more serious. "Luke and I had a pretty complicated relationship throughout high school. I mean it didn't start out that way of course. No one starts a relationship out that way and wants it to end up that way. You go in with the best of intentions."

"Of course." Haley agreed.

"Anyways, we started out as friends, how any couple should start out really. It was Luke, Nate and me against the world for a few years there. After going out with yet another asshole, Luke was there to comfort me and it just progressed from there. He asked me out a couple of weeks later. I was shocked, let me tell you. But it also felt right. You know?"

Haley nodded. She knew. But she also knew that that feeling could fade and turn into something that you didn't even recognize. She had been on the tail end of that feeling before. She waited for Brooke to go on.

"That was junior year. We did the whole loving, nauseating couple thing. We went to the Spring formal and all that stuff that being a couple entails. And then it all fell apart. We broke up at the end of the school year. And to tell you the truth I can't remember why we even did." Brooke thought for a second and then smiled as if she remembered something. "Oh! I remember. Have you ever heard of Rogue Vogue?"

"I can't say that I have." Haley answered.

"It's this fashion showcase that is held in New York every year. And Lucas submitted some of my designs without my knowledge. But that's not all, I actually got in! It was such a sweet thing to do. But what I didn't know was that if I went and I won, I would be given the chance to be an intern for the summer at Ralph Lauren, and I would have been featured in the next issue of cosmopolitan."

"So, did you go? Did you win?" Haley asked amazed she had never known this about her newly acquired friend.

"Both, and it was so fun and I got to learn so much about myself and my area of expertise, but the whole spending the summer in New York thing just didn't work out for us. So then, I come back after the summer is over and we all go back to school; Senior year. The year I had been looking forward to since the day I entered my first day of freshman year. Soon enough, the rumor mill was running. There were these rumors, most of them pretty nasty, about Lucas' summer escapades. There was one about him hooking up with one of the summer lifeguards, who was a college student at the local community college, at the pool. There was another with him in a threesome. And yet another with him fooling around with an older woman, a much older woman. There were even some of me and I wasn't even there that summer."

"That's horrible, Brooke."

"Yeah, I know. And what's worse is that I believed some of them, until I found out that none of them were true."

"You know, I never had problems with rumors until I got pregnant. Overnight I went from all-around good girl to a walking cliché."

"I tell ya, high school can be one long vacation in hell."

"That's for sure. So what happened? How'd you guys get back together? How are you the couple I see today?"

"Eventually we got back together."

"Well, duh!"

Brooke sent a scowl Haley's way for her last comment. "Sarcastic much."

"Sorry." Haley grinned at the fashion designer sitting beside her. "Go on."

"I mean there were times when it was hard, harder than the first summer but when we got back together senior year, we decided not to let anything come between us again, and so far it hasn't."

"Now that's what I like to hear. I always love a happy ending."

"I'm sure you do. I know I do." It was Brooke's turn to grin at the young mother, bobbing her eyebrows up and down in a suggestive way, as she leaned over and bumped her shoulder against Haley's.

"Brooke! You better stop with the double entendres before my son and Lily get back from the car." Haley pointed her finger at the brunette, menacingly.

"Okay. Okay, I'll behave." She said raising her hands in a gesture of defense. "And by the way, that was very 'mom' of you."

"Speaking of kids, where are those guys?" Haley spoke up. She sat up in her chair and looked behind her. She smiled. "There they are and guess who is with them?"

Brooke could guess who it was from the goofy grin that the young mother had on her face.

Haley watched their every move as Luke, Jamie and Lily made their way with two newcomers to their spot on the beach.

"Look, who I found mommy." Jamie was holding Nathan's hand. Tagging behind Nathan was Logan. Haley could see the strip of zinc oxide on the boy's noise that did not get rubbed in all the way.

Nathan set his chair up next to Haley on her unoccupied side. He sat down and handed Haley her camera that she had left in the car and pecked her on the cheek.

"Oh, thanks babe. So, how are Clay and Sara?" Haley set the device on her bag after digging for the sunscreen.

"Grateful. They are still trying to finish up the baby's room. And having the kid out of the house is extremely helpful. They wanted me to say thank you to you for suggesting this."

"It was my pleasure." Haley held the sunscreen in her hand and motioned for Nate to turn around so she could get his back. As he turned his back to her he removed his t-shirt. She wiped the white lotion over his back as he did his torso. "Okay, Jamie you're next. And you too Lily."

...

Haley continued reading.

...

Anyways, last night Karen had another of her family dinners. This time though, there was an unexpected guest or two or four...

If you guessed that the unexpected guests were Nathan's parents, you were right, well half right. Yep. I got to meet the 'rents and their significant others.

Haley shifted in her seat uncomfortably. There were four pairs of eyes on her.

When she had first arrived at Karen's that evening, she had been calm and collected. You wouldn't have guessed that if you looked at her now. She was as stiff as a board.

Earlier that evening Karen had asked her to help her out in the kitchen with the cooking. She had gladly accepted, now though she was stuck between Nathan and Karen on one of the couches in Karen's living room. She was sure her left hand that was firmly clasped in Nathan's was beyond sweaty by this point in time and it had only been five minutes since the two couples now staring at her had knocked on the door.

Nathan had introduced her once everyone was inside. "Mom, Dad. This is Haley."

"It's very nice to meet the girl that has my son so happy." A petite woman with a short blonde bob and eyes that were not quite blue stepped forward. Haley presumed it to be Nathan's mom as she shook her hand. The tall heavy-set brunette almost black-haired brute of a man, his dad again she presumed, also came forward. He had a suspicious look in his bluest of blue eyes, like he didn't quite trust her.

Haley felt quite intimidated meeting Nathan's parents. She had no clue what to expect after all the stories that he had told her about them. She knew that in later years they had really shaped up and started acting like a family, even though they were no longer together. On previous occasions, Nathan told her that his mom had never remarried but Dan had a few years after Nathan graduated from high school. That is who Haley met next, Dan's wife.

Carrie Scott had light brown caramel colored hair that went half-way down her back. Her eyes are a stunning and warm chocolate brown. But the one thing that you first notice about the woman is her height; she is tall probably close to six foot. She is the perfect height for Dan.

Instead of shaking Haley's hand, the older woman brought her in for a hug. "It's nice to meet you Haley." Haley was surprised at her friendliness. From all that Nathan had told her about Dan, it would seem that she was expecting someone else entirely as his other half.

Deb's relationship however, was fairly new. They were still in the 'get to know you stage' of their time together. Nathan told her that he had only met the guy once before, at dinner with his mom a few weeks ago. His name is Andy, Andy Hargrove. He is young, that much Haley can tell just from looking at him. Not as young as her but definitely not Deb's age. He is shorter than both Nathan and Dan, seeing as how they are both over six foot tall. He would probably be considered average height for a guy. He has icy blue eyes and medium brown hair that would fall over his eyes if he wasn't careful. His beard and mustache, which were short and neatly-trimmed along the sides, made him look ruggedly handsome.

He introduced himself to her as "Dr. Andy Hargrove" and shook her hand, which started the conversation.

"So, you're a doctor, like a 'save a life' Grey's Anatomy doctor?"

He lets a laugh. "No, not that kind of doctor. My doctorate is in the business and finance field."

"Oh, okay then."

"I'm a professor at Tree Hill College. I teach all sorts of business classes. I am also the major advisor."

"That's kind of cool. You must meet and see all kinds of different people."

"I do."

The conversation continued, as everyone took a seat in the living room. Haley learned that he has one sister that is younger than him and she still lives in their home country of Australia. They used to be pretty close as kids but since he moved halfway across the globe, they have grown apart.

Growing up, his mom was the glue that held the family together after his dad died. Then when she died a couple of years ago it really tore the family apart. The siblings no longer keep in touch.

In the meantime, he went to school and continued to do what he needed to succeed. And so far, it has worked out for him pretty well. He is the owner of a multi-million dollar corporation, and is himself, a multi-millionaire. He also said he doesn't like to boast about his success in life and gives away most of the profits.

After a glimpse into Andy's past, Carrie spoke up. Her mother had died when she was little, around four. She told the young mother, her father had done the best he could at the time. Carrie had been relieved when he was remarried when she was twelve. She was just about to enter the time in her life where a young girl really needs her mother or at least some female guidance.

Apart from growing up without her mom, her teenage years were normal. She ended up marrying her high school sweetheart, John. They had kids, two to be exact, Jennifer and Jonathon, and their kids had kids. Yep, Carrie is a grandparent, of three wonderful little darlings, two girls, who are one and two and a boy, who is four.

In the midst of all of the happiness though, John senior was killed when a drunk driver swerved into the pedestrian crosswalk as he was crossing. It was a hard time for Carrie and her kids, even though her eldest was expecting her first child.

Haley listened to the stories they told her. She cried and laughed when appropriate. 'Wow, such tragedy! Amazing that they both turned out alright. There is hope for me after all.'

At this point in the evening, a timer went off in the back of the house. Karen stood up and started for the kitchen, but not before asking for some help. Haley and Deb both stood up to help. "It's alright Haley. You just sit and relax. I will help Karen with whatever she needs."

"Are you sure? I can help as well."

"Actually, if you want to set the table, Haley, you can do that." Karen instructed.

"Yah. I can do that. Nathan, why don't you help me?" Haley grabbed Nathan's arm, pulled him up from his spot next to her and hauled him into the kitchen.

"Hales, you know you're using your kung fu grip, right?" Nathan said as soon as she released his arm. He started to rub the area.

"Oh, don't be such a baby." Haley cooed, smirking at him.

Nathan narrowed his eyes at her tone. 'Oh, she is so gonna get it.'

Karen and Deb looked on at the two. "See, aren't they perfect for each other?" Karen questioned Deb.

"You are so right, Karen. They are so cute! Oh, how I just can't wait to see what their kids turn out to look like. They will be just perfect, don't you think? And I will finally get to brag about my own grandchildren and not have to hear about Carrie's perfect 'little darlings'."

Nathan turned his head towards his mom at the mention of kids. He gulped loudly. The scared expression on his face was priceless, but Haley's hand was back on his arm. This time as a comfort.

Karen and Deb kept talking, as they finished dinner.

"Nathan. Nathan?" Haley shook his arm a little to get his attention. The tug on his arm helped to pull him from the trance he had been in ever since he heard his mom mention kids.

"Huh?" He looked down at Haley. Her face was red, probably from the same comment that had him in a trance.

"Help me set the table."

The two set about retrieving place settings for those that were coming. They had to pull the table to make it bigger and ask Karen where the insert was. There were more people that were going to be there than last time Haley was there. Luke and Brooke, plus Lily and Jamie had yet to arrive.

Haley had the whole day to herself, apart from work that is. Jamie and Lily had a sleepover at Brooke and Lucas' house the night before. Nathan had taken her to a movie and then had came over and they watched another movie, which they decided would be a weekly ritual.

As Haley put a table cloth down, Nathan set up the place mats. He made sure there was a place for everyone, Dan and Carrie, Deb and Andy, Karen, Lily and Jamie, Haley and Nathan, and Brooke and Lucas.

Once the two older women were otherwise engaged, Haley glanced at Nathan. She had been mad at him, for springing his parents on her. That feeling was gone for the moment. For some reason when Deb mentioned grand-kids, her heart seemed to skip a beat but once it resumed it felt like any moment her heart would leap from her chest. She was soaring. She smiled to herself as she thought of what could happen in the future with Nathan. That had all come tumbling down when she had tried to get his attention a moment earlier and saw the expression on his face.

...

Haley read the next line.

He had a surprised expression on his face. It is the same look a deer gets when caught in the beam of a car's headlights.

She looked off in the distance at the horizon, which seemed to be brightening by the minute. She remembered that moment, looking at him and that sinking feeling in her stomach. Looking back on the moment before that when her heart skipped a beat she now realized she had known even then that she wanted more kids, but more than that, she wanted Nathan's kids. She was worried that might never come to pass because their relationship was so new. She also didn't know if Nathan even wanted kids. That was something that they had yet to discuss in their many conversations.

The young mom reached over to the side table for her still nearly full cup of coffee, bringing it to her mouth. When she took a sip, it was cold, so she decided to warm it up. She got up and left her spot on the deck. She walked inside and into the kitchen, where she carefully opened and started the microwave to warm up her morning brew.

While the microwave warmed up her cup she glanced over at the couch. Nathan was still fast asleep on the small couch that she could not believe slept the two of them for most of the night.

'His back must be killing him' she thought to herself. She noticed the blanket that was supposed to be covering his large form was only covering his legs and hips. She went to grab another from the closet and positioned it over him so that he was covered from chest to toes, which where hanging off the end of the couch. She laughed to herself quietly because it was such a funny sight to see.

She made her way back to the microwave, grabbed her once again scalding mug of coffee, and quietly went back to her musings.

...

Dinner was a pleasant affair with the various conversations around the table. Soon enough, stomachs were full while plates and glasses were empty. The group retired to the living room while Jamie and Lily went to play upstairs.

Before long the older generation said their goodbyes. Both couples lived outside of Tree Hill and had to make the trek back home. So as hugs were given out around the group, Jamie and Lily made their way downstairs carrying some things. When the front door had been closed leaving the two couples and hostess in the living area, Jamie came forward carrying a board game; the very same game that they had to call quits on the last time they were all together in Karen's house.

Haley looked at Jamie with the board game in his hands and smiled. She glanced at Nathan and watched his face as he smiled at the young boy with the Monopoly game in his hands.

"You ready to get your as, I mean your butt kicked, Hales?" Nathan spoke first, looking her way after letting Lily and Jamie set up the game board on the coffee table.

"Nice catch, superstar." Brooke laughed out, looking at the two youngsters sitting on the couch waiting for the game to start and finish so that they could play a kid game. Lily was holding the Chutes and Ladders game in her hands.

"I think you'll be the sore loser tonight, Nate." Haley argued back.

"You go momma!" Jamie shouted out.

"Ah. Thanks Bud." Haley smiled at her son then turned to pretend laugh at Nathan. She even stuck her tongue out at the basketball player.

"No. Nathan is gonna win. Totally."

"Yeah! That's what I'm talkin' 'bout, Lils." Nathan high-fived his little cousin.

"Nah-uh."

"Yah-huh."

"Nah-uh."

"Yah-huh."

Was the mantra between Jamie and Lily for at least a minute or so until the adults couldn't stand it anymore.

"Okay, how about we just agree to disagree here." Jamie speaks up while the adults look on with slightly impressed and amused smiles.

"We could just start over." Haley comments to a loud chorus of "no's" from those lounging around the room. With that they tried to set up the board to how it looked last time, which was difficult until, Brooke pulled out her phone. She had taken a picture of the game board before leaving last time.

Two hours later...

"I think we have another draw." Karen stated stacking up the Uno cards, glancing at Nathan and Haley's game that was once again at an impasse.

Thirty minutes into Nathan and Haley's game, the two kids grew bored of watching the game being played and wanted to play something else. Karen, Lucas and Brooke had all taken up the game mantle with the youngsters. They played game after game, from Twister to Chutes and Ladders. Brooke and Lucas had left thirty minutes ago while Karen was grabbing Uno and they played that all while Nathan and Haley continued their Monopoly game.

Out of the corner of her eye, Haley saw Lily yawn. They were contagious, so Jamie proceeded to let out one as well. Haley glanced at Nathan. He had seen it too. It was time to go again.

"Okay, it's time for bed, Lilypad." Karen looked at her daughter.

"But mom, I'm not tired."

"Your yawn begs to differ. Teeth, Upstairs, now!"

"O-kay..." Lily says slowly as she drags her feet to the stairs and slowly makes her way up them.

Nathan and Haley looked at each other. Haley knew it was time for them to leave too and Karen was right it was another draw on the Monopoly board. Neither of them wanted to admit defeat. This time it was Nathan who spoke first.

"I guess I should get you two home."

"Yeah. I guess it's that time." Haley said picking up the game pieces and putting everything away, while Nathan grabbed their stuff.

"Do we have to go, mommy?" Jamie asked while Nathan helped him put his sweater on.

"Yah, bud. I'm afraid we do. It's past your bedtime." Haley answered, getting up from her spot on the ground and taking her sweatshirt from Nathan's outstretched hand.

"Awh... but I don't wanna." Jamie whined.

"Jamie..." Haley warned, not wanting to hear the whining.

And just like Lily he said "O-kay."

"Maybe you can stay next time. That sound good to you, Jame?" Karen spoke up.

"Oh, yeah! That sounds fun." The youngster now looked excited. He turned to face his mom. "When will the next time be?"

"We will set something up." Karen commented before Haley could answer, looking at the young mom for confirmation.

"Sounds good. We'll see you Karen." Haley waved goodbye as she walked out the front door.

Jamie hugged Karen and took Nathan's hand as they also walked out the door to Nathan's SUV.

...

Haley remembered they returned to her apartment and Jamie was fast asleep in the back seat of the car once again. Nathan carried him up, which was becoming a habit of sorts for the trio.

She remembered before he left that he hugged her and before the embrace ended he gave her a sweet kiss right by her ear and whispered, "Remind me never to play Monopoly against you ever again."

Haley laughed at the memory, just like she had laughed when Nathan said what he did.

She turned again to the journal in her hands and found another entry.

...

July 6...

Hey there,

I have so much to tell you...

Has it really been a week? I meant to write a few days ago. I'm sorry I didn't get to. It's just that these last couple of days have been so busy and hectic. This last week, the mornings were full of a hyper Jamie and then in the afternoon I would go to work for the rest of the day starting at two. I asked to change my schedule so that I could spend more time with Jamie and Nathan in the morning. I have been working so much that by the time I got home each night I would just fall asleep. I haven't had the time or the will to write. But not to fear I am here now and ready to tell you guys all about it.

Karen hired a new girl, her name is Sam. And guess what? I got to train her... Yeah! Not! She has got to be the most irritating and rudest person that I've ever met. Here's how it started...

I was having lunch with Nathan, it's a tradition of ours, when he's available to, that is, which is all the time. Karen called me halfway through and asked me to come back a little early. So I did. As I slide into the booth opposite where she was sitting she handed me a folder. The first thing was the new master schedule with the schedule change that I had asked for. Yeah! Karen, of course, is generous like that.

Next came a resumé , application and the task of training the newbie. So the next day I go in a little early to get things set up.

So two o'clock passes. That was when the new girl was supposed to show up. It's 2:38 and yet she's still not there. Then as I am just about to get out my phone to call Karen about her new employee, the girl walks in. Well, she more like strolled in, like she owned the place.

It's like she had no idea that she was late. I mean forty minutes is pretty late. Then because she was late, she had to stay after and complete the three hours. And she was not having that at all. She was snotty for the rest of the shift. Then she did it again the next day. I mean, come on! How can someone who was that late be almost exactly that late again the next day? It just doesn't make sense to me. But what do I know?

So I told her if she was late again the next day that I would fire her. At first I don't think she believed me. She had a suspicious look on her face before she left. So I gave her my sternest mom look and simply said "try me." After that she looked scared. I don't even know if I'm allowed to fire her. But she doesn't know that.

But the next day was even worse. She wasn't late, so that's a good thing. I think she took what I said to heart. So the next day she comes in on time, but throughout the entire shift, she would argue against every little single thing that I told her to do. And this time it was a five hour shift, so two whole hours longer of all of her complaining. She also would try to give me tips on how to do my own job.

I mean I welcome good feedback and criticism from people who know what they are doing. But Sam has barely been on the job so it was just really irritating.

Anyways, enough about that subject. After the whirlwind fourth of July weekend that I had, I am in need of some relaxation. Not that I didn't have fun. I did. It was just two days of non-stop go go go! But it was fun.

Friday was the fourth. And it was a good thing that Karen had closed the café early that day, because that gave us all a little time to get everything together for the BBQ that afternoon.

Nathan hosted a fourth of July BBQ at his house right on the beach. He asked Karen and I both to bring some food. And it was a good thing that he did because there was quite a crowd. Some of the people who showed up also brought food, knowing that there might be more people coming than I myself knew. Nate had burgers and franks cooking but also some of the guests brought their own meats that they wanted to eat. There were steaks and kabobs, rib eyes and filets.

Karen gave me a ride over to my apartment after closing the diner for the day. I had to grab all the things from my fridge. Then we went to the store to grab some extra things for the burgers and sides. Then we made our way along the beach-side highway to Nathan's beachfront home. Brooke and Lucas were already there, with Lily and Jamie, setting up for the bonfire that night we would all have on the beach while the fireworks would go off. Clay and Logan were helping as well. When I asked Clay where Sara was, he told me she would be by later.

When it came time for guests to start coming by the first group to show up was one of Nathan's teammates and his family. Tony Battle and his wife, Faith, with their five year old daughter, Morgan, were the first to show. They didn't want to stay for too long but decided to stop by on their way down to Myrtle Beach to meet up with the rest of their family.

Nathan and Tony were both drafted to the Bobcats the same year, even though Tony was a few year's older than Nathan. He had to take some time off after an accident in college that set his dream of playing in the NBA back a few years. Him and his wife were high school sweethearts and got married right after high school graduation. In fact their graduation party was their wedding ceremony as well as their reception. She is a high school English Lit teacher in Charlotte and loves all things fashion. Her and Brooke really hit it off.

Next to show were many of Nathan's family, Dan and Carrie along with Deb and Andy. Carrie's grand-kids even made an appearance with their parents. The whole family seemed to get along really well, after all, many years had passed since the messy divorce.

Carrie's daughter, Jennifer, was the spitting image of her mom. It was like looking in a mirror. Although, her hair was shoulder length. Other than that there were not many differences between the two. Jennifer's two kids, Samuel and Chloe were both brunettes like their dad, the elder Samuel. Jonathon, Carrie's son came in carrying his two year old daughter, Claire, and holding his fiancée, Alice's, hand.

I also got to meet Nathan's grandparents on his father's side, Royal and Mae Scott. Royal was just like Dan, an oaf of a man with kind eyes and a serious face. Mae was a short pixie of a woman, with her blonde hair in a pixie cut to match her height. She had a gentleness about her that made her seem like the perfect grandma.

Nathan's uncle Cooper came by as well. He and his, "flavor of the month", as Nathan liked to call her, girlfriend, showed up right before the burgers and various foods were ready. His girlfriend, Nicki and her daughter, Jenny, were a welcome addition to the night. He liked to make everyone laugh with his hilarious jokes and told stories of his time on the circuit. He is a NASCAR/Indy driver. He was quite a hoot.

I met some more of Nathan's old friends that day.

There was the river court gang, as they liked to call themselves. They aren't really a gang, so don't worry guys. Junk, Fergie, Mouth and Jimmy are the furthest thing from a gang as possible. They were Lucas' friends and became Nathan's in high school when they all started hanging out together. The first two- Junk and Fergie (I know weird names right?) were also both on the basketball team in high school but were not all that good so most games they rode the bench and watched their two friends dominate on the court.

They are both in the midst of trying to start their own business, a sport's choreography company.

What is that you may ask? Sport's choreography is when a movie has a sport's scene that they need choreographed. You didn't think they have the actors come up with all that stuff themselves, did you? Anyways, that is what they are trying to do. They have just started really trying to collect the funds and get their name out there.

Mouth (another funny name, but it is like the other's-only a nickname. Nathan punched him in the mouth once) whose real name is Marvin Mcfadden. He was the announcer for all of the high school basketball games with Jimmy Edwards, the last of the gang, as his side-kick. He is now a sport's broadcaster for the local news.

I got to meet his girlfriend, who was also an old high school girlfriend. Her name is Millie. They reconnected shortly after he moved back to town for his current job. She works for Brooke of all people. It is totally a small world!

Jimmy also works at the station but behind the camera.

The Smith's were there as well. I don't know if I've mentioned them before to you. Tim and Bevin both went to Tree Hill High and were on the basketball and cheer-leading squad, respectfully. They had a son who they named Nathan. Isn't that cute?

I had actually already met Bevin before but now I got to meet her husband.

Anyways, I had the chance to get to know her a little bit better. She is a real estate agent and not as blonde as she looks. She is actually who Luke set me up with when I first got into town. She found me my apartment. She also sold Nathan his beach house, which by the way I was seeing for the first time. Another first for us as a couple.

My! You should see it. It is something. It's not an overly large house, but I can see that it seems like it would be a bit much for one person, even if that person was a very tall basketball player and super rich like Nathan. But it fits him.

For me, I would think it would get kind of lonely.

Then I also saw Owen, whom I had already met. He is the Italian bouncer for Tric. When I first met him actually he tried to come onto me, not knowing I was his friend's girl. Nathan set him straight though when he came up behind me as Brooke and I waited at the bar at Tric. He lifted me off the ground, hugging me to him.

I remember that it felt so good to be in his arms. Owen had sent him a knowing smirk that I barely caught sight of before he swept me off to the dance floor to hear the band that was playing that night.

We got to talking a little bit. He is a super sweet guy and in the process of trying to woo a local girl, Makenna, who was a few years behind them in school. He actually brought her to Nathan's BBQ.

The last few couples arrived; two of Nathan's teammates and their significant others. First I met, Antwon "Skills" Taylor who was one interesting man, let me tell ya'. He had tons of little funny anecdotes to tell. He told me one about how he got his nickname "Skills". His girlfriend of a year, Lauren Fletcher, was with him. She is a petite blonde with a very sweet and diminutive side. She is a molder of little minds, a preschool teacher.

Last but not least was her brother, David Fletcher and his wife, Quinn. That is how Antwon and Lauren met actually, through David. She would occasionally come to his games when he joined the Bobcats and I guess you could say that opposites attract.

David and Quinn met also through the team. Quinn was a cheerleader and it was love at first site when he joined up. They are both really tall. David is after all the center on the team. From what Nathan has told me, that means that he stands by the hoop and protects the basket. Whatever that means. I guess this means that I am going to have to learn basketball. Ahhh!

Anyways, he has light brown hair and blue eyes. He looks like he could be Scandinavian, maybe? But I guess you can't tell just by looking at someone.

Quinn is model thin and could indeed be a model for all I know. She is that pretty! She has high cheekbones, a very straight nose and eyebrows that any girl would kill for. When the two first met she was a cheerleader, oh wait- I already told you that.

Anyway, now she is a photographer, a world-class one apparently. She does shoots all over the world and just finished one in Brazil a few weeks ago. She actually brought her camera along with her and showed off some of her pictures. And I gotta say, they are amazing!

...

While I was meeting all these new people, Jamie was off with all the other kids. They were all having fun running around the yard or splashing in the water of the ocean that was less than fifty feet from the edge of Nathan's property.

I took the time to take some pictures of the groups that were clustered around the beach and yard. I think you guys would love them.

Nathan's family and friends were pretty great too.

The food was finally ready and everybody ate to their heart's content, and that was when Sara finally showed up to the party.

There was plenty of food to go around, from all different kinds of salads, including macaroni and potato, to french fries and onion rings, courtesy of Karen's. There were snacks galore- fruit salads, chips and salsas and other various dips, cracker plates with meat and various cheeses, and mixes. There were alcoholic and mixed drinks, courtesy of Luke, ever the bartender and plenty of nonalcoholic drinks for the kids. There were also desserts that were brought out later in the day for the kids, Popsicles and ice cream bars. Karen made her yummy lemon bars.

Once everyone was full, the snacks were covered but left out while the leftovers were slowly put back in the house. People broke out their bathing suits and swam in the ocean or spent time in Nathan's hot tub, although, I always think that Jacuzzi's are better when it is colder outside which it was definitely not cool that day. It was July in North Carolina after all...

Anyways, slowly those people that had other places to be started to leave, and when the evening was turning into night, Luke started the fire on the beach. Those that were left, mostly Nathan's family, grabbed chairs and dragged them out to sit beside the warm flames. Nathan broke out the marshmallows and roasters later that night. Then there was also a fireworks show down the beach a ways that we could see from our spot behind Nathan's house. I sat next to Nathan with Jamie in front of me, eating away at the s'more that he had just made as we all watched the wonderful color display over the ocean.

By that time, some of the kids were falling asleep because of their day carousing in the sun, sand and waves. Nathan picked up Jamie from his spot once he had fallen asleep and carried him to the guest bed while Clay and Luke did the same with Logan and Lily.

The rest of the guests started to say their goodbyes, leaving Nathan and me, Luke and Brooke, and Clay and Sara on the beach to watch the flames of the fire slowly die down. Karen was the last to say her goodbyes while Luke went to go get Lily into the car. There wasn't much clean-up to do because the guests were pretty good about throwing away their trash.

When Nathan and I were the last ones on the beach we went for a walk, but not before I went in to check on Jamie. He was still fast asleep. We weren't gone that long. We walked hand in hand down the beach a ways and after Nathan noticed that I yawned he turned us around so that he could take us home. I was so tired that night that I slept like a log. We had another full yet fun day planned for Saturday.

Here's what happened.

...

Jamie was still fast asleep when the young mom woke up that Saturday morning. Which was just how she wanted it because she was going to make his favorite breakfast foods. She started with the bacon. She was so glad that she had remembered the night before to take it out of the freezer, otherwise it would have still been frozen. Once the package of ham was safely defrosting away in the microwave she got out the waffle maker that Karen and Lucas got her once they realized Jamie loved waffles. She started making the waffle batter. She made sure she had some chocolate chips to add in the mix. That is just how her and her son liked them.

Once the batter was ready, and the iron hot, she started cooking the Belgian-style waffles that her son enjoyed so much. Between waffles, she made sure to get out all of the fixings for breakfast. She even made some orange juice and started the tea kettle for some tea.

She had woken up nice and refreshed and did not really need the extra caffeine boost that a cup of Joe would set her up with. So she decided that tea would be fine. And who knows, she might have to have coffee later in the day to get through the busy schedule Nathan had planned for Jamie and her.

There was some leftover fruit salad from the BBQ that she also pulled out. She had always liked fruit on her waffles, especially strawberries and they were some good strawberries. They seemed to just melt in your mouth, they were that ripe. They were after all in season.

Twenty minutes later...

Haley heard some rustling from the bedroom just as she took the last waffle out of the iron. Jamie emerged from the back of the apartment a few minutes later, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"How'd you sleep sleepyhead?"

"Good, mama."

"Guess what I made for you, bub?"

"I smell..." It took a second to register the smell that was filling his nostrils. "Bacon!" He took off for the counter and his waiting plate of food, the sleep no longer evident from even the minute before.

As the young boy started to eat, his mom watched with a large grin on her face. "What?" Jamie asked as she looked at him, noticing she was holding her hands behind her back.

"Oh, nothin, bub. Just Happy Birthday!" Haley squealed bringing her hands back around to show Jamie what she had in them. It was an envelope. Jamie took it from her, not showing as much enthusiasm as his mom.

He slid the card out easily enough. He looked at the picture on the front. It was very colorful and had a dog on a skateboard holding a bunch of balloons. At the top it had a big blue five typed on it. He glanced at his mom with a questioning look in his eyes. "Can you read it for me, momma?"

"Bud, you know your 'ABC's' and your sounds. Why don't you try to sound it out?" Haley replied. She had started teaching him the letters of the alphabet and the sounds they made last summer. It was a slow process but the mother-son duo had fun with it. She knew he would be starting kindergarten soon and wanted him to be ready for when he did.

He looked at the card again with visible trepidation. The young mom grabbed a plate with a waffle and some of the other breakfast foods on it and came around the other side to sit next to him in the empty stool, so she would be there to help if he needed it.

He started at the top, trying to sound out 'high'. When he tried to say the finished word, it didn't make sense to him. He looked up to his mom again, "Hig-h" he said with a lilt in his voice, to see if he said it right.

"That's actually the word high, Jame. But that's a pretty hard one to sound out."

His eyes went back to the card in his hands where he read the rest pretty easily just by sounding out the letters and stringing them together into words. It read, "High five, birthday boy!" He turned to his mom to see her holding up a hand, gesturing for him to return the slap. "I can't believe your five, mister."

He did, then he turned his attention back to more important things, like the food on his plate. Haley did as well and the mother-son duo continued to eat in contented silence. The sound of their utensils scraping against their plates the only thing that you could hear. Every once in awhile, the two would talk but their was really no need to.

Twenty minutes later, the mother-son duo were finished with their food. Just as Haley was going to grab the plates, their was a knock at the door.

"I wonder who that could be?" Haley said turning towards the door.

The young boy practically jumped off his stool and made a mad dash for the door. "I'll get it," he called as he did so.

Haley stood up as well and also made her way to the door. She already knew who it was.

"Nathan!" Jamie shouted with joy when he saw who it was on the other side.

"Hey buddy." The basketball star greeted as the boy he was greeting jumped up and down. He bent down to the boy's level, sitting on his haunches, all six foot three inches of him. "I hear it's your birthday. Is that true?"

"Yep. I'm five." The birthday boy shouted at his hero and raised up his hand to show the number five. "See?"

"Wow! I can see that."

"Momma can't believe it." He said matter-of-factly, turning his head to find his mom. The young man also looked up from his spot next to the boy and grinned at the young mom.

The young boy turned again to face Nathan and gasped with wide eyes, "wanna see the card momma got me?"

"Sure bud." Nathan stood up and regained his height. The birthday boy grabbed Nathan's hand and led him to the counter, hopped up on the stool and grabbed the card to show him.

"That's a pretty cool card, Jame."

"And she made breakfast, see?" Jamie presented the breakfast foods that were still on the counter.

"You're welcome to have some." Haley spoke up for the first time since the young man walked in. She went to a cupboard and pulled out another plate for the basketball player along with a fork. She loaded up the plate with a waffle and a couple slices of bacon, trading her dirty plate for his so that he could sit and eat.

"Thanks Hales." He gave her a genuine smile. "Have you told him our plans for the day?"

"No. I was gonna leave that to you." She sent a smile back and started to clean up the mess from breakfast.

Nathan grabbed the butter and looked around the counter, trying to find something. "Hey Hales, do you have peanut butter by chance?"

"Yah. Jamie, why don't you get the peanut butter out for Nathan?" Haley went back to the dishes as she heard her son rummaging around the cupboard for the condiment.

"Thanks buddy." Nathan commented as the birthday boy jumped up on his stool once more after retrieving the peanut butter.

As Nathan readied his pastry, Jamie asked, "so what are we doin' today?"

Nathan took a bite and looked like he was thinking about it. When he had swallowed the piece in his mouth he glanced at the young boy. "Well, as a matter of fact, I have these tickets. Now they are no ordinary tickets, Jame. These are special tickets to a very magical place."

"Are we going to the moon?" The young boy asked, making the two adults laugh. Haley stopped what she was doing to catch the entire conversation between the two.

"Aww... that would be cool, wouldn't it? But no, not the moon."

"Is it Disney World?"

"That's another good guess." Nathan said between bites.

"Well, that is all I got." Jamie replied, not able to come up with any other place that seemed more magical than the two he had already listed.

"Jamie, how would you like to go to the water park today?" Nathan asked the young boy.

"Really?" Jamie replied in surprise, his eyes as wide as saucers. He then looked a little confused, turning towards his mom, "Momma? What's a water park?"

Haley gave him a sad smile as she said, "It's a place that has lots of water slides and there are swimming pools and other such fun things."

Jamie looked contemplative for a few seconds and shrugged. "I guess that sounds fun."

Nathan spoke up then, "it is fun, bud. I promise you'll like it. It's almost like being at the beach."

"Except it's way more fun." Haley added on. She knew how much her son loved the ocean and going to the beach. A water park would surely be up his alley, plus all kids loved going to the water park. The young mom felt a little guilty that she had never been able to take her son to one before. Now, on his birthday, no less, he would get the chance.

"Okay, we can do that." He perked up at the mention of the beach.

"Alright bud, since it's your birthday, you don't have to clear your plate. But you can help me pack for the water park if you would like to."

"Okay Momma! I'm gonna go put my swim shorts on."

Haley went back to the dishes as Jamie zoomed down the hallway.

Nathan huffed in amusement at the duo and took another bite of his waffle. He let out a content sigh of relief from the food he was eating. He looked up to catch the young mom staring at hm with a faint smile on her lips.

"What," he said with a slight inflection on the end.

"Oh, nothing." Haley dismissed his questioning tone. "It's just, are waffles really that great with peanut butter on them?"

"You've never put peanut butter on your waffles?" Nathan asked in amusement.

"No. Definitely not."

Nathan's surprise was evident on his face and he said, "Well, that is something that needs to be remedied. Here, taste this."

He held out a piece that he had just cut on his fork. Haley, whose hands were still in the dish water stepped up on her tiptoes to reach over the counter to take the proffered piece of breakfast pastry but she couldn't quite reach it. Nathan seeing that she couldn't quite reach the waffle moved it closer to her.

He watched as she chewed and swallowed the sugary goodness, her face lighting up just as his had done on their first date when he tasted the mysterious green tinted ice cream she had ordered him.

"It's good isn't it?"

Haley smiled, "Oh my gosh, yes."

Nathan laughed because now she had a piece of food stuck between her teeth. "Babe, you got some..." He pointed to where the half-chewed piece was showing between her teeth.

Haley closed her mouth for a second to get rid of the offensive piece of food as her face turned pink from embarrassment.

Nathan took another bite and looked up once again to see Haley full on smiling at him this time. He looked down at his plate and back up to her, "you want another bite don't you?"

She bit her lip as she smiled and Nathan thought it was the sexiest thing he had ever seen. "Yes." She finally said.

Nathan breathed out a sigh. "Fine." He held up his fork again for her to bite off the piece of waffle. She reached over as she had the first time but this time...

Nathan had other ideas. He suddenly moved his hand, and consequently enough the fork, further away. Haley set her heels back down on the floor as she straightened out. She let out an agitated huff and sent a questioning look his way.

"You can't just eat all of my food and get away with it." Nathan spoke matter-of-factly as he took the piece that was meant for her into his own mouth. What he hadne't noticed was that Haley had removed her hands from the water and was just about to wipe them off when she flicked them at him, showering him with droplets of lukewarm water, soapy lukewarm water.

Haley smiled playfully at the provoked basketball player who had just stood up, knocking his stool over. "You deserved that." Nathan started to stalk his way around the counter to her as she backed away around the opposite side. "Nathan?" She probed, with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"Just remember you started this." He stated as his stride lengthened to try and catch her. She was too fast though and he missed her as she bolted for the backroom, locking the door behind her. She laughed as she heard Nathan trying to get in.

She noticed then that Jamie was jumping on the bed. "Jame." She started, using her mom voice, "Are you supposed to be jumping on the bed?"

Jamie was caught. "No momma. Sorry." He apologized as he scrambled off of the bed, with a guilty expression.

"That's okay bud." She said, bringing his small frame to hers and giving him a hug. Once the mother and son had separated to an arms length away she continued. "Thank you getting off the bed."

Jamie smiled up at his mother, "I love you mommy."

"Ah, I love you too Jame." She paused then clapped her hands together, "now, you want to help me keep Nathan at bay?"

The little boy vigorously nodded, excited to be joining in the game they were playing.

Yep, it was Jamie's birthday! Aw... my little boy turned five. He was born five years ago from yesterday at 11:39 p.m. He was a late night baby. And I could go on and on about my beautiful baby boy but you have probably already read anything and everything that I could possibly write about that momentous occasion and every moment that I have had the pleasure to experience with him since.

He really is the light of my life. He is such a special little boy and he is all mine. I am so glad he is. I would not trade the past five years with him for anything in the world.

Jamie opened his presents before we left. It turns out that Nathan got him a basketball and jersey. His whole team signed the back by the number '23'. I got him what I usually get him, his birthday spankings which Nathan helped me to dole out. I also purchased an art set that he had been wanting for quite awhile. Lucas said that he was going to be bringing by his' as well as a present from Karen and Lily later that day. He has a key so I don't mind if he lets himself in. He has always been there for me and Jamie. He is so much like his cousin.

Anyway, we had a blast at the park and Jamie ended up loving the place almost as much as he loves the beach. Nathan was so sweet with him, it's hard to remember what it was like before Nathan came into my life so suddenly. And the fact that I let him. He carried Jamie around on his shoulders or back almost the entire day, all throughout the park. I'm surprised that his back isn't killing him. We went on so many of the slides. Jamie had so much fun splashing around in the wave pool with Nathan. They stayed in the shallow part so that I didn't have to worry. My favorite part will always be the lazy river though. Journeying through at one point, we all linked together, Nathan held my foot and I held Jamie's. It was a perfectly peaceful moment together.

I am glad that I got to spend the day with my two guys. I think that was a special treat for all three of us. We took a break to eat the lunch that I packed us, just plain ole' peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Nathan treated us to ice cream after and by the time we got back to the apartment, Luke had already been there. In the corner of the living room was a brand spankin' new bicycle. It was blue which was Jamie's favorite color. It had training wheels on it already and everything. There was a helmet hanging off of the handlebars. But there was more. There was also a basketball hoop set up as well. One of the small kid's sized ones. It even had a tiny basketball to go with it.

It's weird to think that my little boy is growing up. Soon he will be starting school and riding that new bike of his without the training wheels on it. He might want to be a basketball player when he grows up, maybe play on a few teams throughout his years at school. It seems like it was just yesterday that he relied on me for everything and now he is a big boy and he just won't need me in the same ways anymore.

Enough of this pity party... I think I am going to start my day of relaxation now and try not to think about Jamie being all growed up. So au revoir! Until next time!

...

Haley turned to the next blank page in her journal. She thought for a minute about what she was going to say. Once she had her thoughts in order she put pen to paper and just started writing.

Sat. July 19...

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well it's been about a month since my relationship with Nathan was made official. And I don't think I've ever felt happier. Or more alive for that matter. I just wish that you guys were here to share in this feeling with me.

We haven't mentioned the "L" word yet which is understandable. I mean we have only been dating for less than a month. Plus, I have only known the man for a little over a month. I can most definitely say that we are in the serious "like phase", though. And what a wonderful place that is, too!

He makes me so happy. When he looks at me sometimes, I feel these ginormous butterflies fluttering around inside of me. It's like Mothra is inside of me sometimes. He looks at me like no one ever has before. It's almost like he can see into my very soul. It is almost disconcerting, almost and makes the butterflies flutter all the faster.

And when he kisses me, oh dear GOD! I can feel it all the way to my toes. Sorry Dad...

He is also very charming. He'll bring me flowers after work sometimes, even though it's late and he knows he can't stay. He writes me little texts throughout the day that brighten my mood. Sometimes I'll just be having a crappy day and then I hear my phone ding with an incoming message and it'll be Nathan. He makes my heart smile. He has taken to calling me 'Hales', which as you both know is my favorite nickname for myself. And only the people who are closest to me get to call me by that moniker.

And he is smart. He may not think he is because he wasn't the best student in high school or college (he told me that he was a strictly C student and never got above a C+). But he is indeed very smart, he just doesn't realize it. I mean we are always neck and neck when we play monopoly so he is not just smart but resourceful as well.

Haley thought back to the many times that they had played monopoly and laughed at all the great memories. It was like she was living a fairy tale. For the first time in her entire life she was truly happy and she owed it all to the wonderful human being that was fast asleep on her couch.

While she was thinking of what else she could say about the man who had recently become such a big part of her life in such a short time, a stray thought came to her mind. 'What if I am falling for him?' She asked herself. She came to the realization that the feelings she had could not possibly be categorized as just liking the man fast asleep on her couch in the living room. If anything she didn't know what to call them because she had never felt this way before. She immediately went to the next page in her journal, even though she was not done with her entry and started writing down a few lines of lyrics that had popped into her head with her previous thought. She made sure to note where the melody would crescendo and decrescendo with the words.

I've been spending all my time
Just thinking 'bout you
I don't know what to do
I think I'm fallin' for you

It was a start and with any luck more of it would come to her, albeit probably at a later date because at that moment, she heard faint rustling sounds coming from inside. She couldn't tell if it was Jamie or Nathan. She took the next couple of minutes to finish her journal entry that she had started.

She got her answer when a few minutes later, the sliding door leading to the balcony where she was sitting slid along the track easily enough. She knew it had to be Nathan. because Jamie always struggled with the glass door. And sure enough she heard the sleep still in his voice when he said, "Mornin'."

"Good Morning. There's coffee on in the kitchen." She said finally turning around to lay eyes on her boyfriend. She smiled at the site. Before her stood a devastatingly handsome man with his raven black hair sticking up every which way. It was almost like she could still feel her hands running through his black mane from the night before when they had made out on the small couch. He also had sleep lines on his face. His eyes were still glazed over with sleep. And much to Haley's delight his shirt had been discarded the night before and he had yet to put it back on. He also had a cup of the aforementioned coffee in his hands already. "Oh good, you already found it."

He took a sip as she watched and smiled at her once he had swallowed the warm liquid. She then noticed that he had his shirt clasped in his other hand. Her eyes trailed up his arm to his face once again.

"Is there room on that lounger for me?" He asked.

Haley's smile grew and she nodded, repositioning herself to allow Nathan room on the chair. As Haley did that his feet carried him over to her side, and he set his mug down first, right next to hers and proceeded to put his shirt back on. Haley was slightly disappointed when she looked up to see his plain cotton t-shirt adorning his previously bare chest.

"Hurry up and sit down, or you'll miss the sunrise." Haley joked with him after he took a second gulp from his mug.

"Alright, alright. I'm coming." He said sliding in next to her. The chair wasn't exactly made for two people, so Haley ended up sort of sitting on his lap. She was more curled into his side than anything with her head resting on his shoulder.

"That's what she said." Haley mumbled under her breath. Nathan chuckled as he gave her side a pinch. She squealed in surprise, swatting his chest.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Haley finally spoke. "You know you could have at least kept the shirt off."

Nathan let out a loud laugh at her comment and pinched her side again. "You think you're so funny. Don't you?" He tickled her even more as she pealed out in laughter.

"Nathan, stop it." She squealed, squirming against his side. His hands stopped their barrage of her ticklish sides. Her rapid breathing had her chest rising and falling, her breath hitting his chest. She looked up to his face to see him smiling down at her with a look she could not quite place in his eyes.

She reached her hand up around his neck and pulled his face down to hers. Her hand tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck. Their kiss was simple yet sweet as if they had been doing just that their entire lives. Once they pulled away, Nathan brought his hand up to cup her face and caressed her cheek. She nuzzled her face into his chest and turned towards the east.

The blanket was pulled around them as they watched the sunrise together.


So tell me what you thought... Any review, even criticism is welcome! Love hearing what you guys think about my writing. I know there wasn't much romance in this chapter and that's because I am not very good at the mushy stuff. So if you have ideas about how I can get better, let me know... Hopefully the dialogue was easy to follow.

AN: If you are trying to picture some of the characters, Carrie is the woman that Dan meets in the season 1 episode 'Hanging by a Moment'. I think y'all know Andy, right? He is Karen's professor and boyfriend from the second season. I think he was pretty popular so you should know him. Let's see who else... The team are people throughout the show that Nathan played basketball either with or against. Tony Battle 3rd season, Devon and Nino- 6th season, and of course David- Quinn's ex husband. I know he doesn't play basketball in the show but it's called creative license for a reason. I had to be creative here. I don't know if any of you remember Faith from the show- she is Lucas' friend that he goes to see when he takes Peyton to see Ellie in the 3rd season. The one that likes to read books. Makenna, is one of CoB's models- the one that get's Millie hooked on pills. Everyone else, is pretty popular or recurring in the show so I will not go into everyone at the BBQ... Although, I did make up Carrie's family so you won't remember any of them from the show.

I know it's a little weird to have David and Lauren as brother and sister, seeing as how their characters in the show and the actors who play them are married to each other.

And I know I said that I loved how this chapter turned out. But I am not so sure now, because I feel like I rushed the end. Let me know if you thought so... I just really wanted to get it to you guys. So that is why it may seem rushed and unfinished. I guess it's true what they say, "You are your own worst critic."

Song is Fallin' For You by Colbie Caillat and I do not own it, but thought that it would be a good song that fit with Haley's feelings at this point in the chapter and story.

You guys might hate me, but I gotta tell ya, I have no clue what is going to happen next chapter- I have an idea but I do not have any details readily written yet. I need ideas, any and all will help. And this story probably won't go on much further, unless you want it to. I'm just getting bored with it. I need to do a better job of planning out my stories before I go to write them. There might be maybe five chapters left... Oh and shout out to Naley12 for some great ideas for this chapter... Anyways, hope you all liked this chapter cuz it's been awhile. I may have lost some readers because of my inability to update this story. Show me some love, friends!