It's four years into the future and the Tree Hill gang has finished college. Now, their lives have taken completely different directions. Lucas has written and published a book, Brooke has made it big in the fashion industry with her brand "Clothes Over Bro's", Peyton is pursuing a career in the music business, and Nathan and Haley continue to raise a now older James.
Haley tries to make Nathan understand what is going to happen if he doesn't change his ways. Lucas and Skills prepare Jamie to compete in a race-car competition. Meanwhile, Brooke faces problems at her company and Peyton meets Lucas' new girlfriend. Mouth gets a job, but it doesn't turn out well.
Now that Peyton and Brooke are back in Tree Hill, Lindsey worries that the two might threaten her and Lucas' relationship. Meanwhile, Nathan visits Dan in prison (his first visit in four years) and gives him a picture of his grandson. Meanwhile, Haley tries to persuade Quentin to return to school, Brooke opens her store in the old Karen's Cafe and Peyton signs her first band.
Peyton wants Haley to work with Jason on his music but he refuses to. Mouth is involved in a relationship with his boss and age is a factor in it. As the opening of Clothes over Bros approaches, Brooke finds herself in a few problems. Nathan takes strides to help Quentin.
In this flashback episode, memories are looked back upon. Lucas surprises Peyton in Los Angeles and they talk. He asks her something and is left with a surprising answer. Meanwhile, Nathan's temper triggers up after a guy reminds him of his cheating in high school basketball games.
It's confrontation time in Tree Hill, as Lucas confronts Peyton about her nasty behavior towards Lindsey and Brooke must confront Victoria about meddling with Peyton's record label. Meanwhile, Nathan begins to grow closer to Carrie, Haley continues to struggle in dealing with Quentin, and Mouth must choose sides between his co-workers and Alice.
The Honorary Title performs at Tric and Mia plays her song there as well. Carrie tries to get closer to Nathan. Brooke sets Mouth up on a blind date with her assistant and Lindsey confronts Lucas about Peyton.
Brooke continues to pursue Owen. Carrie continues to flirt with Nathan. Haley is upset at Lucas and Peyton for what happened the other night. Quentin needs to change his negative approach in order to succeed in the season-opening game. Mouth tries to win Millicent back.
Haley, Brooke, Peyton, Lindsey and Mia get locked in the Tree Hill High library; Brooke tries to stand up for her mother; Lucas and Nathan try to tell their loved ones about their indiscretions.
Brooke runs into someone from her past while on a trip to New York with the Tric bartender, Owen. Nathan and Lucas attend Dan's hearing while they try to protect Jamie from him. Mia gets an offer from a major record label and in the meantime, Haley and Nathan's marriage is on the rocks.
On the eve of Lucas and Lindsey's wedding, they conspire to save Nathan and Haley's marriage; Brooke pairs Peyton with an old boyfriend; Rachel and Dan return to Tree Hill.
The big day for Lucas and Lindsey's wedding has arrived. Nathan attempts to reconcile with Haley, with no avail. Peyton sees her last chance to get her man as Lucas says "I do". Meanwhile, Dan and Nanny Carrie have dark intentions.
Lucas is distraught after being being dumped at the altar, while Nathan and Haley go to counselling to work out their marital problems, with surprising results. Dan is a free man, but he runs into a dead end trying to readjust. Brooke is asked some difficult questions while being interveiwed to be an adoptive mom. Meanwhile, Peyton gets a visit from her old friend, Max the old owner of the infamous Tree Hill music shop.
Not to have a repeat performance, Nathan and Haley interview nannies, with no such luck. Brooke is undeterred when adopting, and she is given a second chance to prove herself to the adopting agency. Mouth is given a chance to have a permanent sports spot in Omaha, which forces Mouth and Millicent to make a decision about their relationship. Meanwhile, Quentin is making trouble with the Ravens coaches.
Nathan and Haley throw a birthday party for Jamie. Deb hires a clown, which doesn't exactly thrill clown-phobic Haley. Lindsey returns to Tree Hill for Jamie's birthday, which gives Lucas hope that the relationship can be rekindled. When Dan arrives, Deb's mood swings fast and in the meantime Brooke and Peyton attend the party with baby Angie.
The residents of Tree Hill must face difficult struggles in the coming weeks. Lucas investigates his father's heart condition and when he learns that Dan was telling the truth his conscience comes into conflict with his desires. Haley wrestles with her decision to let Dan into Jamie's life and Peyton struggles with her guilt over Lucas' breakup. Meanwhile, Mouth finally gets the chance to be a sports anchor but when the time comes will he be a roaring success or major flop?
Lucas is crushed by devastating news from Lindsay, and when his star player is targeted on the court by the opposing team, his pent-up frustration boils over. Meanwhile, Brooke's baby undergoes emergency surgery, Haley reconsiders her decision to cut a new album and Dan learns that he is second on the donor list.
The Tree Hill residents are forced to face their fears as Dan turns over on a new leaf and Brooke makes the hardest decision of her life. In the meantime, Haley's career takes a turn and Peyton is visited by somebody from her past. Lucas is still struggling to mend his heart after Lindsey left him at the alter. Meanwhile, Mouth and Millicent meet a new face.