Hey guys, this is the final chapter. I just wanted to thank everyone who's read, reviewed, and supported this story. Some people asked if I was planning on doing a sequel. I'm not going to, because everything pretty much gets wrapped up. I think it's already run its course. But I will be continuing to update my current fic Secrets of Life if you guys would like to check that one out.

Also, if you go under my profile, you'll see the summaries to both Stand By Me and I'm You. I'm writing both fics at the same time, since I know many people have been waiting for them. But they're still in their very early stages, so they won't be posted for awhile. So that's about it. Once again, thank you all for your constant enthusiasm for this story. I hope you enjoy the last chapter and will leave a review!

Two and a half years later…

"How stunning is this dress? I mean, usually bridesmaid dresses are really ugly. But these are just amazing."

Haley smiled and continued to fix her makeup as Brooke rambled on about how great her butt looked in the gown she was wearing.

"…don't you think?" Brooke asked.

"Think what?"

"Have you been listening to anything I just said?"

Haley shrugged. "I tuned in and out."

"Tutor Girl!"

"Brooke, I already know how awesome the dress is. You've said it about a hundred times. Not to mention that I'm wearing the exact same one," Haley stated as she smoothed her own gown out. It was a strapless, burgundy-colored dress that featured an empire waist accented with a small black belt and bow. The hem of the gown consisted of layered tiers that just reached the floor.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "All I'm saying is that we look hot. Broody and Hero Boy won't know what hit them."

"You girls look beautiful," a voice said from behind them. The pair turned around to see Karen. A moment later, they're mouths dropped open at the sight before them. "How do I look?" she questioned a bit nervously. "And be honest."

"You look gorgeous, Karen," Brooke answered.

Haley nodded in agreement as she scanned over the older woman's wedding dress. The material was white and covered by a satin net with tiny, intricate designs sewn into it. Thin white straps held it to her body as the hem flowed outward just at her feet. Around her waist was a burgundy-colored, bejeweled sash. Overall, it was absolutely breathtaking.

"Really?" Karen urged, making sure.

"Yes. Keith is going to be speechless," Haley assured her.

"Oh, well, I hope he recovers quickly. He needs to at least be able to say his vows," Karen joked.

"It'll be perfect," Brooke declared. "We've spent too many months planning this wedding for it not to be."

"Which reminds me, I want to thank you girls for all your help," Karen told them. "Everything has been so crazy. I really do appreciate it."

"We had fun. Besides, you and Keith deserve a special day," Haley replied. Karen and Keith had been dating for years, and everyone had been wondering when they were finally going to tie the knot. When Keith had proposed to her several months ago, everyone had been thrilled at the news. That's when Karen had approached Haley and Brooke for help with planning the wedding. She wanted a winter wedding in January. Both girls had been honored by the gesture and had immediately gotten to work organizing the perfect event.

"Oh, Karen, your eye shadow looks a little smudged," Brooke noticed. "Let me fix it. Haley, can you pass me that brush?"

"Sure," Haley said. As she reached for the intended object, a knock sounded at the door.

"Not again," Brooke muttered with a roll of her eyes.

"You have to admit, they sure are determined," Karen laughed.

"I'll get it this time," Haley announced as she walked towards the door. For the last hour, Keith and Lucas had been making up numerous excuses to come in and get a quick peek at Karen. Haley and Brooke, however, had firmly told them it was bad luck and that they'd just have to wait for the ceremony like everybody else.

"For the last time," Haley began as she opened the door. "You can't—oh…Nathan."

"I know that Keith and Lucas are forbidden to be here, but I was hoping I'd be allowed," he said with a devastatingly sexy smile. It automatically made Haley's heart flutter.

"Whoever it is, don't let them in," Brooke shouted from behind her.

Haley gave him a sympathetic grin. "I'm sorry, Nathan, but you can't see Karen either."

He leaned forward so that his mouth was right next to her ear. She could feel his hot breath against her skin and had to suppress a shiver from running up her spine. "I didn't come to see Karen."

Haley looked behind her and saw that Brooke was completely wrapped up in fixing Karen's makeup. "I guess a few minutes couldn't hurt," Haley said as she discretely stepped out into the hallway and shut the door behind her.

Nathan smirked before wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her against him. Haley sighed breathlessly as his mouth met hers. His lips caressed hers gently before becoming more demanding. Haley clung to his shoulders as she kissed him back with the same intensity. They didn't pull away until air became an issue.

"What was that for?" Haley whispered, smiling.

"You look beautiful. I couldn't help it." He then added, smirking, "I hardly think it's fair to the bride with you looking this good."

"Oh, stop it," Haley laughed, pushing his shoulder.

"What? I'm serious."

"And what is the point of all this flattery? You think you're going to get lucky tonight or something, Scott?" she teased.

"Oh, I'm counting on it," he answered, giving her a sexy wink.

Haley smiled mischievously at him. "We'll see," she declared and kissed him again.

"Haley!" The pair quickly broke apart to see Brooke standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips. "What are you doing? You're not allowed to see Hero Boy before the wedding."

"That only counts with the bride and groom, Brooke," Nathan cut in.

"I don't care. You should not be over here. And seeing as though you are the best man, I would expect you to know that," she proclaimed. "Besides, we're in a church. What did you think was going to come of this little visit with Tutor Girl?"

"Well, seeing as though we're in a church, I really can't say," Nathan replied with a cheeky grin.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "You're going to hell."

"Okay you two. Relax," Haley interjected. She turned to Nathan. "You should go. I'll see you in about ten minutes."

"Alright." Nathan gave her one more quick kiss before heading back towards the men's section of the church.

"What?" Haley said when she noticed Brooke staring at her.

"And you call yourself the maid of honor," Brooke sighed while shaking her head.

Haley nudged her friend back into the room, "Oh shut up," she laughed. "We were just kissing. Besides, it's not like you and Lucas are saints."

"We haven't—"

"Need I remind you of that time when you both got caught in that—"

Brooke quickly clamped her hand over Haley's mouth. "That won't be necessary." She then nodded over to wear Karen was looking at herself in the mirror. "I get the point."

"What do you think Karen would think of that incident?" Haley teased. She'd laughed her head off when she found out about Lucas and Brooke's little sexcapade. Karen, however, probably wouldn't find it that amusing if she knew.

"Haley, if you are my best friend then you will value my life and not say anything," Brooke whispered.

"Relax, I'm just kidding."

"Girls," Karen called.

Brooke and Haley walked over to her and did a last minute check of the entire ensemble to make sure Karen was perfect. There was a brief knock on the door as Jimmy cautiously poked his head into the room. "Sorry to interrupt, but it'll be starting in about three minutes."

"Thanks, Dad," Haley replied.

"Okay, this is it," Brooke announced while fixing Karen's veil.

Haley grabbed the bouquet and handed it to Karen. "Are you ready?"

Karen took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's go."

"That was a sick block last week, Nate," Junk stated. "You guys think you'll be winning the championship again this season?"

The guys were currently all sitting at a table discussing basketball. After the wedding ceremony, everyone had then gone to Tric for the reception. Tric was Jimmy and Karen's new club. They'd been looking into expanding their business and had finally gotten the nerve and finances to do it last year. It was big and elaborately decorated for the reception.

Nathan, Lucas, and Jake all looked at each other. "We'll sure as hell try," Nathan answered. The first season that Nathan had started playing for Whitey again at Gilmore, the team had done really well. They were still a little rough around the edges but were quickly drawing attention with their numerous wins. They'd made it all the way to the playoffs that year before they lost a game that put them out of the running.

They'd trained over the summer with Whitey to be ready for next season. All of their hard work had paid off. The team had played hard and worked together. Because of that, they made it to the finals and ended up winning the championship. It had been such an amazing feeling to Nathan. It was the first time he'd been able to share such a huge victory with Whitey, Lucas, and his friends. The school went crazy, too, now that Gilmore's losing streak was finally over. The pressure was on this year for the Gilmore Cobras to, once again, come out on top.

"Sorry to interrupt, boys, but I was just wondering if my son would mind taking his mother for a quick spin on the dance floor," Deb stated.

"Sure," Nathan replied, standing up. "I'll see you guys later." He then led his mother over to the dance floor where a slower song was playing.

"I was sure you'd try to come up with some kind of excuse to get out of this," Deb joked as they swayed back and forth to the rhythm. "I know how you hate to dance."

Nathan shrugged. "If there had been a faster song playing, I would have."

"Well, thank you for humoring me."

Nathan smiled before twirling her around. They'd had a rocky relationship over the years, but that was all in the past. They talked often and were the closest they'd ever been. After Nathan had moved back to Tree Hill two and a half years ago, he'd managed to convince his mother to do the same. He didn't like the idea of her stuck alone in that big, empty house in Oak Lake. It undoubtedly held the same painful memories for her that it did for him.

Eventually, his mother agreed to his suggestion. She'd sold their house and his father's dealership, purging her life of anything that further had to do with Dan Scott. Deb then bought a new house by the beach with the most amazing view. It was a peaceful area, just what his mother needed. She later got back in touch with Karen and Jimmy through Keith. Nathan was glad for that. He'd never known his mother to have truer friends than them.

They took it one step further last year when Deb offered to finance Jimmy and Karen's plans to expand their business. Her investment was what made Tric become a reality. They were all business partners now. It was the first time Nathan had ever seen his mother genuinely excited about her work. It was a good change to witness.

"Where's Andy?" Nathan questioned, referring to his mom's boyfriend. She'd started dating him a few months ago. Andy was a nice guy. A bit younger than Nathan would've expected or preferred but as long as he treated his mother right, he wasn't going to complain.

"He was talking to Karen the last time I saw him," she answered. "Where's Haley?"

"She was with Brooke and Peyton dancing. I don't know where she is now."

"Oh, I see her," Deb said, looking over his shoulder. "She's dancing with Lucas."

Nathan snuck a quick peek. Haley's arms were wrapped around Lucas' neck. She seemed to be gripping him tightly as he made her laugh about something. Seeing Haley look so happy automatically made a smile appear on Nathan's own face. They'd been through so much together. Sometimes he wondered how they'd ever found their way back, which was instantly followed by him thanking his lucky stars that they had made it.

"Why don't you go cut in?" Deb suggested.

"I thought you wanted me to dance with you."

"I know what you're thinking. And I don't mind," she replied. "I'm sure Andy will be looking for me soon anyway."

Nathan looked over at the pair before turning back to his mom. "I'll wait a couple more minutes."

"Lucas Eugene Roe, behave," Haley warned playfully.

"I didn't do anything!"

"You are such a troublemaker."

"It must be all the champagne I've had."

"Probably."

"Like you haven't been downing a few glasses," he teased.

"I only had one."

"Sure."

"Not all of us are boozehounds like you," Haley joked.

"It's a wedding. Everyone is supposed to get drunk. Look at Mouth. He can barely walk straight."

Haley glanced to the left and saw Mouth stumbling his way through the crowd. "How much did he have?"

"Well, counting the glass currently in his hand, one."

Haley laughed out loud. "Nice. But Mouth is allowed to do whatever he wants, and I'm sure your mother and Keith would appreciate you not looking like a cheap drunk in their wedding video."

"You always were the voice of reason."

"And God only knows what would happen to you guys if I wasn't," she kidded.

"Amen to that," Lucas declared before dipping her. Haley let out a small shriek in surprise, causing him to chuckle.

"Mrs. Scott," someone called nearby.

"Huh?" Haley turned her head towards the voice. A blush colored her cheeks when she realized that the person was talking to Karen instead of her.

"I guess that'll take some getting used to. You're not the only Mrs. Scott in town anymore," Lucas pointed out.

"But she was the first," a voice cut in.

Haley's whole face lit up when she saw Nathan standing before them. "Actually, your mother was," she reminded him.

"Well, she's going by her maiden name now. So that pretty much null and voids it. Which means you're the first," Nathan explained. "Mind if I cut in?"

"She's your wife. You can do whatever you want," Lucas said while handing Haley off to him. "Besides, I'm sure Brooke is—"

"Broody," Brooke called, approaching them. "I managed to snag us some more champagne."

Lucas glanced over at Haley who gave him a look. "Maybe we've had enough," he said.

"It's a wedding. Everybody celebrates and gets drunk. Besides, how else will I be able to paralyze you long enough so that I can have my way with you later on," Brooke teased.

Lucas smirked and gave Haley a pointed look.

"Do whatever you want, boozy," Haley told him. "It won't be my head in the toilet later."

"Just one more," Lucas said while taking the glass from Brooke. The pair then went back to sit at their table.

"He's going to be so hung over tomorrow," Nathan chuckled. Lucas never was good at holding his liquor after a certain point.

Haley nodded. "He'll be wishing he took my advice," she said as Nathan pulled her into his arms. She automatically rested her head on his chest.

"So, are you having a good time, Mrs. Scott?"

Haley grinned. "I am now." She loved it when he called her by her married name. It was hard to believe that only five months ago in August that they'd tied the knot themselves. The ceremony had been small and taken place on the beautiful grounds just outside their church. Only their closest family and friends had been there. Everyone had been so thrilled for them. It was without a doubt one of the happiest days of her life.

Nathan kissed her forehead. "Me, too."

"Attention, everyone," Deb spoke into the DJ's microphone. "The bride and groom will be leaving soon. But before they do, Karen is going to throw the bouquet."

Instantly, almost every female guest in the place clamored towards the stage.

"Damn, that's insane," Skills mumbled next to them.

Jake bobbed his head in agreement. "Someone is going to lose a limb."

"I'm just glad I'm not over there," Lucas declared.

Haley giggled. "Oh my God."

"What?" Nathan asked.

"I can't believe Taylor and Peyton are over there, too," she stated. Neither one had expressed an interest in getting married before.

"Hey, at least your mother isn't over there," Nathan said. Deb was somewhere in the middle, pushing against the other eager women.

"I have a feeling that Taylor and Peyton are just in it to win it," Chase explained.

"Yeah, Peyton loves a good competition," Jake added.

"Yeah, well, they haven't seen how intense Bevin gets about that stuff," Skills declared.

Lucas shook his head. "My money is on Brooke."

Haley and Nathan watched in amusement as the guys placed their bets. It was a moment later that Karen turned around before tossing the bouquet over her shoulder. As it flew through the air, the women's hands reached up. Some were already jumping up and down to try and catch it. The bouquet started to land towards the back. Brooke, Taylor, and some other girl caught it at the same time. Everyone watched, laughing, as the trio fought one another for it.

"Yes!" Lucas cheered when Brooke emerged victorious. The bubbly brunette was jumping up and down in excitement. "Pay up, boys."

"Fine," Skills grumbled. "But on the bright side, at least I'm off the hook."

Lucas frowned. "What? Why?"

"Because whichever girl catches the bouquet is the one who's supposed to get married next," he explained. "So good luck, dogg. Better you than me."

Lucas shrugged. "I don't think it's that horrible. I'd like to settle down someday."

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with marriage," Haley defended.

"Yeah. It was hands down the best day of my life," Nathan chimed in. Haley gave him a beaming smile before kissing him deeply.

"Well, mine was the day Halle Berry got divorced. She is fine," Fergie proclaimed.

"Broody, look what I got!" Brooke shouted as she approached them.

"It was a lucky catch," Taylor mumbled from behind her as Peyton rolled her eyes. Brooke turned around and stuck her tongue out at them.

Lucas smiled and pulled her into a hug. "I see it. Nice work, Pretty Girl."

"So, when should I expect you to propose? I need to have the perfect outfit ready," she declared. Despite the serious face her friend wore, Haley could see the mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Lucas gulped nervously. "P-proposal? Like right now?"

"There's no time like the present," she urged.

Haley covered her mouth to suppress a laugh.

Skills smirked and clapped Lucas on the back. "Good luck with that one."

Lucas shook his head. "I'm gonna need another drink."

Haley and Nathan walked hand-in-hand along the Market Street Dock. The February air was chilly that evening but neither cared. It was Valentine's Day, and they'd just finished eating at one of the restaurants by the water. Haley had protested at first, because it was so expensive. But Nathan wouldn't hear of it. He wanted to take her out somewhere nice. Despite the high prices, Haley had to admit that the place had a romantic atmosphere.

After they were done eating, they'd gotten a hot chocolate and decided to visit their spot. The pair quickly recognized their familiar table. Nathan started to pull her towards it when Haley shook her head. She then led him over to the railing.

"Are you cold?" Nathan questioned as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Haley shook her head and snuggled further into him. "No. That hot chocolate warmed me up."

"Well, just in case," Nathan said as he tightened his hold on her.

Haley grinned as she leaned up and kissed his cheek. "You've been so sweet all day." In addition to taking her out tonight, Haley had gotten a delivery of roses to her dorm room earlier that morning. Brooke had gushed over them before picking up her phone and calling Lucas to ask why he didn't surprise her like that on the most romantic day of the year. Haley couldn't control her laughter at hearing that conversation.

"It is Valentine's Day," he pointed out with a laugh.

"Yes, but you didn't have to do everything you did. I would've been content if you'd just gotten me chocolate."

"I know. But I like making things special for you." Haley had done so much for him over the years. Nathan wanted to do everything he could for her in return. Not to mention the fact that he wanted everything to be perfect tonight. He still had one surprise left.

"Thank you," Haley replied. She then checked her watch. "Did you want to be heading back? It's getting late, and you have an early practice tomorrow." They still had a couple of hours drive back to Gilmore. After such a long day, Nathan was most likely exhausted.

"Actually, I was thinking we could stay a little longer," he stated. "It's not like we get to come back to Tree Hill that often with school and everything."

Haley nodded. "Okay. I just don't want you to be too tired tomorrow."

"Trust me, I'm not tired," Nathan said. In fact, his body had been keyed up for most of the day. He couldn't stop thinking about tonight and his plans.

Haley smiled as she turned around in his arms to face him. One of her hands rested on his shoulder as the other cupped his cheek. She then guided his mouth to hers. Haley pressed her lips to his softly before deepening the kiss. They'd been back together for a year and a half now. They had their normal ups and downs like any couple, but nothing ever took away their intense feelings for one another.

Nathan rested his forehead against hers. His hand buried itself in her hair before moving to gently caress her soft, rosy cheeks. "I love you," he stated while looking into her doe-like orbs.

"I love you, too," she replied and kissed him again.

His lips broke away from hers to trail down her jaw and neck. He then nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. "I'm going to marry you someday, Haley James," he whispered against her skin.

Haley giggled softly. "You always say that."

"Well, maybe this time I mean it."

Haley felt her skin tingle at his words. She then felt him pull back and watched with a strange intensity as he reached into his pocket. Suddenly, his hand lay open between them with a small, blue velvet box in his palm. Haley's eyes widened in shock as she glanced back up at him

"Nathan…" she trailed off, speechless, when he actually opened it. Her breath caught and her head felt airy as she looked at the ring in astonishment. The band was thin, white gold, and featured a long row of small diamonds. But nothing could compare to the large, sparkling, round-cut diamond in the center.

Nathan took a deep breath before getting down on one knee in front of her. "Haley, I love you so much. And I know that we sometimes have our differences and that we have to work at it. But it's all worth it to me. Because every time I look at you, I know that I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I've known that we were meant to be together since our very first kiss," he revealed. "I don't want to ever lose you again. You're my family. You always have been. And nothing would make me happier than you becoming my wife."

"So, Haley James," he said after a quiet moment. "Will you—

"Yes," she answered quickly, cutting him off. Haley's face instantly turned red from embarrassment when she'd realized what she'd done.

"—marry me?" he finished, smiling at how adorably eager she was.

"Sorry," Haley mumbled.

"I don't mind. As long as you're accepting," he said.

Haley nodded as she wiped away a few stray tears from her face. "I am," she declared. "You're my family, too. I want always and forever with you."

Nathan couldn't help the beaming grin that instantly formed on his face. He then took her left hand and slid the glimmering ring onto her finger. He felt Haley tug him up afterwards, and he obliged. His hands went to her face to wipe away the moisture from her tears before he kissed her with everything he had inside of him.

Haley clung to him as she completely surrendered herself over to the kiss. She didn't ever want this moment to end. Nothing could get more perfect than this.

"What are you thinking about, Hales?" Nathan asked as he ran his fingers up and down her naked back. They'd returned to their small house in Gilmore—which they'd rented for the school year—about two hours ago. Karen and Keith's wedding had been so much fun. But as much as they enjoyed being with their family and friends that evening, neither could wait to have some time alone with each other.

Haley smiled against his chest. "The night you proposed," she answered.

"I was actually thinking about that, too."

"Really?"

Nathan nodded. "Yeah. I was so nervous."

Haley shifted up in the bed so that she could face him. "I was so shocked."

"Yeah, well, you got over that quickly," he teased. "I couldn't even finish proposing before you said yes."

"It could've been worse. I could've said no," she quipped.

"But you wouldn't," he pointed out as he ran a hand through her chocolate locks.

Haley kissed him affectionately. "You know me too well." She never could resist him. Haley then let out a little squeal as he flipped them over so that he was on top. "Nathan!"

He smirked as he ducked his head. As soon as his lips started sucking on her neck, she felt herself melting into him. Her small hand ran through his short, dark hair while the other glided up and down his muscular back.

His lips caressed her jaw, cheek, forehead, and nose before returning to her mouth. "So, what's next?"

"For what?"

He met her gaze. "For us."

"Well, I'll be graduating this semester. Then I'll be a teacher," she stated, both excited and nervous at the thought of entering the working world.

"And me?"

"You will help Whitey win the championship again this season. And then, hopefully, you'll graduate next year and go on to the NBA."

Nathan smirked and rolled his eyes. "We don't know that for sure."

"Honey, you can't fool me. The scouts are practically drooling when they watch you play," she teased. "Plus, I know it's always been your dream and you're more than talented enough to make it."

"Well, it would be pretty awesome if it did happen," he admitted.

"And then, after that, I was thinking…" she trailed off.

"Thinking what?"

Haley was quiet for a moment. "Nothing. Never mind."

Nathan watched, intrigued, as the blush colored her cheeks. "Come on, you can tell me. What is it?"

"I was just thinking…I mean, I was hoping that after a while…you know, once we buy our big, expensive house...that maybe we'd want to fill it."

"With what?" he asked curiously.

Her cheeks reddened. "With kids." They'd never really talked about it before, but Haley had always wanted to start a family and be a mom.

Nathan was quiet for a moment. He then smiled. "You know, I would like to have kids someday."

"Really?" she questioned, the hope obvious in her voice.

"Yeah."

"A son with your eyes," she commented softly while stroking his cheek.

Nathan shook his head. "No. A little girl, just like you."

Haley hugged him and pulled him close. As his lips returned to hers in a tender kiss, Nathan couldn't help but think how far he'd come over the years. He'd experienced so much pain and sadness growing up. It was horrible being stuck in such a half-life—especially in Oak Lake. Nothing had ever felt good or right. Such vital pieces of himself were missing.

Now sometimes Nathan had to pinch himself to prove that this new life was his. That he'd finally gotten everything he'd ever wanted. There were times when he feared that it was all just a dream, too perfect and wonderful to be real. But it wasn't. He had basketball. He had his mom. He had his friends. He had Lucas, his best friend. He had Haley, his wife. They were all his family, his freedom, and Nathan Scott had never been more thankful.