Hi Everyone, thanks for the reviews! Sorry it has taken me a while to update, I was away from my computer. Let me know what you think!
The next morning bright and early, Sam awoke to tiny fingers on her face. Allie had gotten up bright and early and crawled into her bed. She was holding Sam's face and getting ready to kiss her when Sam opened her eyes.
"Morning Mommy," the little girl said as she proceeded to kiss Sam's face.
"Hey sweetie, you're up early," Sam said looking over at the alarm clock. It was 8:00, she guessed it wasn't that early. Sam was just experiencing a lack of sleep because Jason had stayed until almost 2 AM talking to her about Alexis. Jason told her that Alexis had 2 other daughters. Kristina, who happened to also be Sonny's daughter, and Molly whose father was Sonny's brother. Sam knew that the girl she saw with Alexis that night at the restaurant must have been Molly, who was 14. Jason told her that Kristina was 18, but was away at college. Sam could tell that Jason was holding back in what he was telling her. However, he had been very supportive and Sam was certainly feeling better about her plan to see Alexis.
"Mommy, I've been awake a long time. I was waiting for you to get up too," Allie said.
"I'm sorry baby, it's just this is one of our last days to sleep in and I'm tired," she said.
"Did you stay up late mommy?" Allie asked knowing that her mother was normally a morning person.
"You could say that. Jason stopped by to visit," Sam explained.
"And I didn't get to see him," Allie said with a pouty face.
"Well, he tried to get here early so you would still be awake, but as hard as he tried that didn't happen. At least you'll get to see him today, because we're going for ice cream and out on the boat," Sam said.
"We might go out on the boat. Mommy, you kept the secret, didn't you?" Allie asked.
Sam couldn't disappoint those bright brown eyes staring back at her. "Yes, I kept the secret and I'll pretend to be surprised," she said.
"Good. It's going to be the bestest day before school," Allie said.
"All right, munchkin, let's get you some breakfast," Sam said as she started to get out of bed and onto her feet. Allie reached up for Sam to carry her, which took Sam by surprise. In the back of her mind, each time she held her big girl she wondered if it would be the last time she'd ask to be carried, so she picked her up. "My goodness you're getting heavy," she said as they walked out of the bedroom and downstairs into the kitchen. Sam put Allie down and gave her a job while she went to check with the guard outside.
X X X X X X X X X X X
Carly had decided to take Josslyn to Kelly's for breakfast and then they were heading to the park before they met Jason, Sam, and Allie for ice cream later. Kelly's was somewhat busy with the normal morning coffee crowd, but not a lot of people sticking around.
"What can I get for you Carly," Sean asked walking up to the table.
"She'll have some chocolate chip pancakes and I'll have oatmeal please," Carly said. "How are things going with TJ?" she asked looking over at the young boy sitting at the counter. Carly and Sean had not spent a lot of time together since TJ had come to live with Sean.
"TJ's got a long way to go. Being with Molly has helped, we're actually expecting Molly in a few minutes," he said.
"That girl is good for him," Carly said.
"She is. Let me put your order in," Sean said walking to the kitchen.
The door to Kelly's opened and in walked Alexis with Molly. Molly headed straight for TJ and Alexis was looking for Sean. When she realized he was busy, she decided to sit down with Carly. "May I sit here for a few minutes?" Alexis asked.
"Sure," Carly said.
"How's this pretty little girl today?" Alexis asked.
"Good," Josslyn said.
"We're headed to the library and then for ice cream," Carly informed her.
"With Allie," Josslyn added.
"Sounds fun," Alexis said. "Is Allie a friend?" she asked being friendly to Carly. The two women weren't best friends, but they learned to tolerate one another for the sake of their children and mutual friends.
"Uh huh," Josslyn said shaking her head up and down. "She just moved here."
"Alexis, you actually met her mother. She's the one renting Sonny's penthouse," Carly said.
"Oh yes, that poor woman. I could tell she was desperate turning to Sonny. She's nice, but hopefully not getting mixed up with the Sonnys and Jasons of the world," Alexis said.
"Well not that it's any of your business Alexis, but Sam is trying to make a life and do what's best for her child. She's working at the Metro Court and has enrolled Allie in Josslyn's school and dance classes," Carly said.
"Well that sounds good. I'm not one to judge, just concerned," Alexis said.
Carly decided it may be best to change the subject. "How's Kristina doing?" she asked.
"She's good, and getting ready to head off to Yale next week. I can't believe how fast this summer went by. I am so proud of her," Alexis said.
"Well that's good. I'd really like to see her and Michael spend some time together before she leaves," Carly said.
"Yes it would, I'll say something to her. Catch you later," Alexis said as she stood up to go talk to Sean. Carly didn't like how abruptly Alexis left or that for one minute she had judged Sam. Carly had gotten to know Sam and knew that she was doing the best she could for her daughter, which was more than she could say for Alexis.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
A few hours later, Carly and Josslyn stood at the pier waiting for Sam, Allie, and Jason. "All right, Joss, you and Allie know the plan, right?"
"Yes, Mommy. We take a walk by the boats and ask Jason to take us out," Josslyn explained Carly's plan perfectly.
"Exactly, here they come," Carly said as she looked up to find Jason and Sam walking side by side and laughing. Jason was holding Allie's hand and Carly couldn't help but think about how cute they looked.
"Jason, Sam, Allie, we're so glad you're here," Carly said as she hugged her two friends and Allie and Josslyn hugged one another.
"It's good to see you Carly," Sam said.
"Well we decided to celebrate the last day before school starts with some ice cream and our favorite people. It's our treat," she said.
"No Carly, it's my treat," Jason said and Carly knew there was no point in arguing with Jason. He was always the perfect gentleman.
"What kind do you girls want?" he asked looking down at Josslyn and Allie.
Jason was completed absorbed in conversation with the girls when Carly pulled Sam to the side. "Isn't he great with them," Carly said to Sam.
"He is. Jason is amazing with Allie and she adores him," Sam said.
"He's very amazing," Carly added with a wink. Sam realized exactly what this little outing was going to be like. Carly knew Jason and Sam were spending time together, but Sam assumed that Carly had no idea just how close they had gotten. After all, they were just god friends and Sam liked keeping it between just her and Jason for now.
"Carly, he's been great. It's nice knowing that somebody's watching out for Allie and I," Sam said honestly as she looked up to see Jason handing the girls their ice cream and napkins.
"We'd better go help him," Carly said as she and Sam went to help with the girls and order their ice cream.
They all sat at a picnic table near the ice cream stand to enjoy their treat. Jason sat on one side of the picnic table with a girl on each side. Carly and Sam sat on the other side of the picnic table across from their girls. Allie and Josslyn had each ordered chocolate dipped cones that were melting fast and the chocolate coating was really messy. Sam knew that the melting ice cream was a disaster waiting to happen as they started talking about how excited they were to start school. Allie was going to kindergarten and Josslyn was going to start half day preschool. Sam looked up and realized that Allie had chocolate all over her face and that the ice cream was falling out of the cone. Instinctively, she reached across the table to catch the ice cream and clean up Allie. At the same time, Jason tried to do the same and as his hand reached for the ice cream, he touched Sam's breast because of the way she was leaning over. The touch was quick, but Jason and Sam's faces turned bright red. Her heart was beating fast, but she tried to clean Allie's face and get the ice cream.
"I'm sorry," Jason said as he moved his hand out of the way and allowed Sam to take care of it.
"It's ok, I think we both had the same thought at the same time," she said thinking about how much she enjoyed having Jason's hand graze her breast. She shook her head realizing that her daughter was sitting there and so were Carly and Josslyn. Sam wanted those thoughts out of her head.
Thankfully Josslyn came to the rescue, "Uncle Jason, can we go see your boat?"
"Boat, I love boats!" Allie said almost a little too rehearsed.
Jason remembered what Sam had told him and decided to make this easy. "Maybe we could take a boat ride if it's ok with your mothers," he said.
Carly looked at her watch. This was a little too easy. "Actually I have to go to the Metro Court, but if Sam's going, maybe you guys could take both girls."
"Sure, no problem, Carly. We can take Joss back to the penthouse and you can pick her up later," Sam suggested.
"Yeah Mommy," Josslyn pleaded.
"Ok, but be careful," Carly said realizing that a boat ride was exactly what Jason and Sam needed. She felt as if she could cut the sexual tension with a knife a few minutes ago.
After their ice cream had been cleaned up, they started walking toward the boats. Jason was holding Allie's hand on the left and Josslyn's hand on the right. Sam walked beside of Allie. The girls were doing most of the talking; they were very excited and eager to get on the boat.
"Here we are," Jason announced as they reached his boat. "The only rule is that you have to wear a life jacket the whole time," he said looking at the girls.
"Did you understand Jason?" Sam asked the girls and they both shook their heads.
"My mommy had a boat a long time ago," Allie said looking at Jason.
"A very long time ago," Sam said.
"Wow, I didn't know that," Jason said.
"She used to sail all over the place," Allie added obviously proud of her mother.
"That's right, before Allie was born," Sam said as Jason helped them onto the boat. He and Sam helped the kids on first and then he took her hand. It was soft and silky and he loved touching her.
"Maybe she could drive this boat," Jason suggested.
Sam laughed, "I think I'll leave it all up to you," she said. "This time anyway," she added. Jason smiled at the thought that Sam was expecting to be on his boat again.
As Jason checked everything down below, Sam made sure Allie and Josslyn were settled on the upper deck. "Are you ready for this?" Sam asked.
"Yes," they both said excitedly.
"We're all set," Jason said as the boat started to move. Sam and the girls walked down to watch him and Jason answered 20 questions until the boat was on autopilot.
"Let's go up and watch the water," he suggested.
"Uncle Jason, can we stay down in the living room?" Josslyn asked.
Jason looked at Sam and they both smiled. They had been set up by Carly's 3 year old. "Yeah, we don't want to get sunburnt," Allie added.
"Or wear our life jackets," Josslyn said knowing that if they were inside they could take them off.
"I guess, but I still want to see the water," Jason said.
"Me too," Sam added.
"Then go," Allie said.
"We're fine," Josslyn said.
Jason helped the girls get settled with some toys and Sam went over all of the rules. As they walked up to the upper deck, Sam said, "You realize we were just played by a 3 and a 4 year old, don't you?"
"Yes, but I don't mind," Jason said as he grabbed her hand to help her up the stairs. Jason sat on a bench on the upper deck and Sam took a seat beside him facing him. They looked into one another's eyes for a few moments.
Finally Sam broke the ice. "Did you notice how Carly was a little too eager to leave us alone?"
"That's Carly," Jason said. "And Josslyn and Allie are taking right after her," he added.
"Allie was so excited to go on your boat. She knows it's something I used to do, but she's never been," Sam said.
"Never?" Jason asked.
"Nope. Anthony made me sell my boat as soon as we were married. No wife of his was going to know how to sail," she said.
Jason clenched his fist. "The more you tell me about him, the more it upsets me that you had to live like that," he said.
"But I got through it," Sam said. "And I while I know it isn't over until he signs the divorce papers, I really like it here," she added.
"Good, because I'm glad you and Allie are here," he said as he reached out to push some of the stray hair out of her face.
"Jason, I mean this honestly. I don't think Allie and I would have survived without you, so thank you," she said as she reached out to cup his face. She kissed him long and slow and when his tongue begged for entrance, she happily allowed it. She loved kissing Jason and the way her body reacted was undeniable.
After several moments, he pulled away, but put his arm around Sam. "Being with you and Allie has made me feel something I haven't felt in a long time,"
"What's that?" she asked.
"Happiness, being with you and that little girl of yours just makes me smile," Jason said.
"We feel the same way," Sam said wanting to tell Jason how she felt, but unsure if it was the right time. "And thank you for helping me last night with the Alexis situation," she added.
"Sam, I told you that I'm here for whatever you or Allie need. Are you worried about tomorrow?"
"How could you tell?" Sam asked as she bit her bottom lip. Jason knew she was feeling a range of emotions because Allie was going to school. He also knew that she was nervous about setting up a meeting with Alexis.
"I just know that it's going to be a big deal to send her off," Jason said.
Sam took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "Jason, I'm excited. I know she is ready for school and that she'll have a great day, but I also know that Anthony could get to her," Sam said.
Jason opened up his arms and Sam rested her head on his chest as he protectively wrapped his arms around her. "We've got guards on her and you've talked to the school and given them copies of the restraining order," Jason said. "But it's still scary knowing you can't be right there with her," he added.
"It's not just Anthony," she said simply. "Jason, she's growing up so fast. I'm just worried she won't need me anymore," Sam said.
Jason rubbed her arm lightly and pulled her close. "You're her mother. You gave her life. She'll always need you," he said not thinking about Sam and how she felt she needed Alexis.
"I love how much you understand Jason. I mean you really get it," she said as tears started to fall from her face.
"Hey," he said as he started rubbing her arm. "She's going to be fine; we'll make sure of it."
Sam wiped her eye. "I know that, I just can't believe she's going to school. I remember the day she was born. It was such an amazing feeling to hold my baby for the first time," she said.
"I know what you mean. I was there when Jake was born," he said.
Sam was surprised. Jason had told her that Jake's mother hadn't been anyone serious in his life. He had also shared that because of his so-called dangerous lifestyle he had decided Jake would be better raised by Elizabeth. Sam knew Jason was upset that Jake's life ended despite his sacrifice. He didn't talk much about Jake, but Sam realized it must be hard to be around Allie, as she was the same age. "Oh Jason, I'm so sorry to be talking about Allie," she said.
Jason turned her face to look into her eyes. "Jake was my biological son, yes, and I do miss him, but I was never his father. That was Lucky. It's too late for regrets or to feel sorry about what I didn't have. And besides, I love it when you talk about Allie," he said as his face lit up.
"Speaking of, I am going to go check on the girls. They're pretty quiet down there," she said as she stood up almost disappointed to be leaving Jason's arms. As she walked down the stairs she thought about all the little touches and kisses she and Jason had shared. She knew they were more than friends and she hoped that Jason felt the same way. Sam went down to find Josslyn and Allie passed out on the sofa with all the stuff they had played with on the floor. She shook her head and started to pick some of their toys up.
Jason's phone rang and he decided to answer it.
"Morgan," he said.
"Jason, it's Sonny. We've got a problem," he said.
"What's wrong?" Jason asked in a concerned voice.
"Max said you're with Sam. Stick with her. Our guys lost Anthony Monroe," Sonny explained.
"What?" Jason asked with a clenched fist. He had a bad feeling. "Find him," Jason ordered.
"We're working on it. Look, your priority right now is Sam and that little girl. Do not let that animal anywhere near them," Sonny yelled.
"Trust me, I won't," Jason said annoyed that their men had lost Anthony. He prayed the bastard wasn't anywhere near Port Charles. He wanted to take his boat and sail far away with Sam so that Anthony wouldn't get anywhere near her.
"Ok, I'll be in touch," Sonny said as he ended the call.
Jason sighed. He had no idea what, how or if he should tell Sam about the news. She seemed so relaxed in his arms, he couldn't worry her. Things were finally starting to fall into place for her and Allie. He decided to check their course.
As Sam finished picking up from the girls' mess, she found a blanket and covered them. She walked into the washroom and freshened up a bit and decided to go and find Jason. She could hear him flinging things around and it sounded as if he was upset. She walked into the room. "Hey, is everything ok?" she asked with a smile.
"Everything's fine, just trying to decide when we should head back," he said not wanting to tell Sam he was angry and frustrated that his men lost Anthony.
"Well, the girls are out cold," Sam said as she walked up and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Jason was surprised by her gesture and the seductiveness of her voice. She hadn't grabbed him around the waist before and her arms felt so good. "Oh really," he said as he bent down and looked at her. He decided in that moment that unless Sam asked, he would not tell her about Anthony. She was starting to feel safe and relaxed and he needed to make sure she stayed that way.
"Yeah, let's head back up, maybe we can watch the sunset," she said grabbing his hand to lead the way.
"You must be expecting them to sleep for a long time," Jason said knowing that the sunset was hours away.
Sam laughed. "I guess that was a silly thought," she said as she headed up the steps and sat down. She decided it was now or never as Jason sat beside her. "Jason, it's just that I don't want our time together to end. I think that I'm falling in love with you," she confessed.
"You are?" he asked. Jason was shocked that Sam admitted she felt the same way he was feeling. His palms were sweaty and his heart was beating faster than a cheetah running. He couldn't believe his ears. He looked into her eyes staring deep into them and saw the doubt written all over her face. She felt vulnerable for opening up and felt that it was possible Jason didn't feel the same way. "I mean, that's exactly how I feel. Sam, I'm falling in love with you too," he said finally as he pulled her closer for a slow kiss that lasted several minutes.
Sam pulled away to catch her breath and smiled at Jason. "I've been wanting to tell you for a while, but didn't know how," she confessed.
"I was afraid it was too soon. I didn't want to push you," he said.
"That's sweet Jason, but I've never felt this way about anyone," she said honestly. It was true. Sam had never really fallen in love while she was helping her father run cons. She had never been in love with Anthony. Their marriage was all about Allie growing up with both of her parents.
Jason smiled. "So what now?" he asked.
Sam smiled back. "I guess we need to figure out where we go from here."
"Sam, I want to spend time with you and Allie and I'm willing to take things as slow as you want," he said.
"Maybe I don't wanna go slow," she said as she moved over and straddled him and they began kissing ravenously. Sam's hands were on the back of Jason's neck and his hands were around her waist as they moved under her shirt and up her back. Jason let out a growl as he continued to kiss her hungrily and Sam moaned. They were both very preoccupied in what they were doing when they heard Allie and Josslyn down below. Sam pulled away and Jason sighed in frustration. "Jason, the girls," she said as she realized she had let her desire take over.
"Yeah, maybe we should save this for later," he said.
"Later," Sam whispered as she kissed him on the lips once and crawled off of his lap. They both headed down below.
"Did you girls have a nice nap?" Sam asked when they reached the room where Allie and Josslyn were.
"Yes Mommy, but we're hungry," Allie said.
Sam looked to Jason. "We should probably head back," he said. "I don't have much food here. We stayed out a little longer than I expected."
"I'm glad we did," Sam said looking at Jason.
"Me too," he whispered as he walked over to help the girls with their life jackets.
They headed up to the top deck and watched the water while they headed back. The girls were talking nonstop and Sam and Jason couldn't stop smiling at one another. Jason couldn't help but think about how he was going to keep Sam in his sight at all times once they got back to Port Charles. He didn't want to tell her about Anthony, but wasn't sure that was an option.
When they got back to the pier and into Jason's SUV after grabbing a quick bite to eat, Jason asked Sam to call Carly and tell her they'd drop Josslyn off at home. When they got there, it was later than expected, so Jason offered to stay in the SUV with Allie while Sam walked Josslyn in.
"How was your afternoon with Jason?" Carly asked as soon as Josslyn went upstairs.
"Carly, it was wonderful. We were able to talk and I think Jason and I both enjoy our time together," Sam said vaguely.
"Come on, is that all you have to say?" Carly asked. "Was it hot?"
Sam smiled. "Later Carly."
"It was hot," she assumed.
"Later. I need to get Allie home and to bed. Tomorrow's a big day," Sam said as she walked out and got back into Jason's SUV.
"How was Carly?" Jason asked.
Sam thought for a moment. "Inquisitive," she said.
Jason rolled his eyes. "I can talk to her and tell her it's none of her business," Jason offered.
"It's ok Jason. Carly's one of the only friends I have, but don't worry what happens between us stays between us," she said.
"Good Luck with that, you know Carly," Jason said.
"Mommy, do you and Jason have a secret?" Allie said from the backseat.
Jason and Sam both laughed and remembered how much Allie really did pay attention to the conversation. "No, honey we don't have a secret. It's just that sometimes grown-ups like to keep things private and that's what Jason and I are doing, it's not any of Carly's business just like it isn't any of my business what Jason and Carly talk about," Sam explained.
"Oooohhh," Allie echoed.
When they arrived back to the penthouse, Jason asked Sam to take Allie into his penthouse and wait with Max while he checked her penthouse. Sam and Allie sat on Jason's couch. "Did you have fun today?" Sam asked as she held her daughter on her lap and brushed her hair with the brush from her purse.
"It was the bestest day Mommy. I loved Jason's boat," she said excitedly.
"It was a fabulous day," Sam said as Jason walked in. Sam had been a little concerned when Jason insisted checking her place out first. She hoped that everything was ok, but she saw worry and concern on Jason's face.
"Mommy, can we do that again?" Allie asked.
"We sure can," Jason said joining the conversation and sitting on the chair in his living room.
"Good," Allie said looking at Jason and then back at Sam.
"Well that sounds like a plan," Sam said as she questioned the look in Jason's eyes and realized they needed to talk. "Allie, do you think you could stay here while Jason and I go into the kitchen? I'll turn on your favorite cartoon," Sam said.
"Where are you and Jason going?" Allie asked.
"Just to the kitchen because I need some water and Jason has to show me where he keeps the cups," Sam said the first thing that popped into her mind.
When they got to the kitchen, Sam turned and looked into Jason's eyes. "Ok, I'm lying to my 4 year old, but I can tell something's up. What's wrong?" she asked.
As Jason stared back into her brown eyes he could see worry as they pleaded for him to be honest. He decided in that moment that he had to tell Sam what was going on. "Sam, I don't know how to say this,"
"Just tell me Jason, whatever it is, it will be ok," she said.
"While we were on the boat, I got a call from Sonny. Our men lost Anthony. Sam we have no idea where he is," Jason confessed as he watched Sam's expression change. The same woman who had felt content in his arms a few hours earlier looked desperate.
"We have to leave. I have to take Allie and get out of here. We need to go somewhere that Anthony won't be able to find us," she said rambling.
Jason placed his hands on her shoulders and he looked out to check on Allie, which Sam noticed. "Now look, you and Allie are happy here. You're safe and I want It to stay that way. She loves Josslyn and dance. You like your job. Don't let fear of Anthony take that from you. I'm here and I will stay right outside your door if I have to," Jason explained.
"Thanks Jason, but I know Anthony," Sam said knowing that if her husband was in Port Charles, he would come after her and Allie.
"Then stop running from him. Look you're going to see Alexis tomorrow for legal advice and to talk to her. Let's just take this one step at a time," he said as he pulled her into a hug. "Promise me you'll let me take care of you and Allie," he said.
Sam waited for a moment. For the first time in her life she trusted Jason. She thought about the afternoon on the boat and telling one another they were falling in love. Sam looked out at Allie and she knew she had to stay in Port Charles. "Allie is so happy here, I can't take that away. I trust you to watch out for us Jason," she said as he bent down and kissed her lips softly.
Jason offered to stay on the couch at Sam's place. Sam wasn't sure how to explain it to Allie, but she knew it would be for the best. As they walked out, they found Allie very comfortably laying on Jason's couch and completely engrossed in the television program. "Hey baby girl," Sam said as she bent down to talk to her daughter. "You've got a big day tomorrow, so let's get across the hall so you can get to bed," she said.
"Mommy what's wrong?" Allie asked.
Sam wondered exactly how Allie knew something was up and she decided it would be better to be honest, at least as honest as she could be. "Nothing's wrong Allie, but Jason was telling me that we may want to be careful." Sam explained regretting her choice of words almost immediately after they were out of her mouth.
"Why be careful?" Allie asked.
"Well you see, the first day of school is tomorrow and since I don't have anybody to get ready for school, I thought it may be cool if I came over to your place and made some of those waffles you like. But I told your mom we have to be careful I don't sleep too late."
"You could spend the night," Allie suggested.
Normally Jason would have declined the offer, but he looked at Sam and winked. "You know Allie, that's a great idea. Jason could sleep on the couch and then he'd be there," she said.
Jason was looking forward to being there on such a special day for Allie, but he also didn't want to ruin the time between Allie and Sam. "As long as Mommy says it's ok, that works for me," Jason said.
"Please Mommy," Allie begged.
Sam smiled at Jason and rolled her eyes. "Oh all right, Jason can stay over," she said trying to hide her enthusiasm and nervousness that the man she admitted she was falling in love with would be sleeping at her place. Another part of her was grateful that he would be there in case Anthony found them.
Thanks for reading…remember to let me know what you think!