A/N – Thanks for the review ilovedana53
Chapter 10 – Pictures
Jayla grinned. "Mama," she said wobbling over to Evangeline who picked her up. "Oh my God, Jayla," she said holding her. "Mommy's here."
Carly and Jason looked at each other in shock.
"Do you remember?" Carly asked.
Evangeline shook her head yes as she sobbed and held Jayla close.
Jason grinned with relief. "Thank God."
"You do remember us too right?"
Evangeline smiled and wiped her face. "Yes, Carly. When I saw her it was like all these pictures flew through my head. It was crazy."
She kissed her daughter and sat on the couch. "I missed you so much baby," she said before tickling her.
The boys are playing with Jayla's train set, so Carly sat on the other side of her. "It's good to have you back. We were so worried. Steven said you could get your memory back at any time, but that was kind of surreal."
"You're telling me?" Evangeline said shaking her head.
Jason went upstairs and changed into some jeans and then joined the boys on the floor. Jayla couldn't stand being left out, so she climbed out of her mom's arms and joined them.
Carly left an hour later so she could take the kids home and eat with Sonny. By then, Jayla had fallen asleep, so she napped in the playpen.
"You kissed me," Evangeline said. "And you said that you were an idiot for letting me go."
Jason sighed. "I was."
"What does all that mean exactly?"
"That I want to be with you," Jason said softly. "I know I have been a complete ass, but Evangeline, I'm in love with you and I want us to be a family."
She started to cry. "Jason, I don't want you to want to be with me because you thought I was going to die. I wanted you to want me no matter what. I wanted you to fight."
Jason nodded. "I'm sorry Eva. I can't take all that back, but I will love you beyond reason for the rest of your life if you let me. In my head, my protecting you was fighting for us. It's not in my nature to be scared, but the fear that you and Jayla could be hurt because of me made me crazy. I realize now that there is danger everywhere and if I let that stop me from enjoying life, then what life do I have?"
Evangeline's heart feels like it's going to burst. She had waited so long to hear those words, and now that he finally said them, she feels empty.
"I don't know if words are going to be enough. I'm with John."
"Do you love him?"
"Yes, I do," she said softly. It is the truth, she loves him.
"As much as you love me?" Jason asked.
Evangeline felt like she is going to be sick. She ran upstairs and left Jason to wonder on the couch.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Eva picked up her phone and waited for him to answer.
"McBain."
"John."
"Evangeline is everything okay?"
"Yes, I remember."
John closed his eyes and moved to his chair. "Oh my God, I'm so happy right now."
Evangeline smiled. "Can you come here and see me tomorrow?"
"Of course. I'll be there by 11:00 a.m."
"Good."
"Evangeline, I'll come right now if you want."
She appreciated his enthusiasm. "No, it's okay. Tomorrow morning is fine. I want to spend every waking moment tonight with Jayla."
"Okay. I can understand that. I'll see you tomorrow. I love you," he said softly.
"I love you too."
She hung up the phone. She had until 11:00 tomorrow morning to decide which man she wants to spend the rest of her life with.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Jason left the house early the next morning. Evangeline got out of bed and fed Jayla and then put her in the playpen so she could take a shower. When she finished, she called Carly, desperately needing to talk to someone.
Carly breezed in about a half hour later and plopped onto the couch next to her. "What's up?"
Evangeline took a dramatic deep breath. "I have until 11:00 to decide if I want to be with Jason or John."
Carly bit her lip. "And?"
"And I'm not sure."
"I think you are sure, but you're scared," Carly said as she played with Jayla. "Evangeline, you need to be honest with yourself."
"I know. I've wanted Jason for so long and he pushed me away. I'm just so mad at him. He infuriates me and then there's John. He has been there for me and has never run away. Despite all the craziness, he loves me and Jayla."
"But, he's not Jason."
Evangeline collapsed against the back of the couch. "I'm screwed."
Carly tried not to smile. "Has Jason said he wants to be with you?"
Evangeline got up and grabbed one of Jayla's toys. "Yes."
"Then what is the problem?"
She plopped onto the couch again and handed Jayla the toy. "I'm scared that he only chose me because he thought he had lost me."
Carly didn't say anything at first. She understands where Evangeline is coming from. "I get it. I really do, but in the end, he's in love and wants a family with you. Are you willing to give that up because of your pride or bad timing?"
Evangeline glanced at her. "You suck," she said making a face.
Carly chuckled. "So, I've been told. Listen, it would not be fair for you to be with John if you are not one hundred percent into him. He deserves more than to be with someone who settles for him. If Jason wasn't in the picture, you two would probably have a great life together, but he is in the picture—in fact he's the entire picture. Don't punish Jason and yourself because he was being a bonehead. At least he realized his mistake and manned up."
Evangeline sighed. Carly had made some great points and she knows what she has to do.
"John will be here soon. Can you watch Jayla?"
"I tell you what. I'm going to take Jayla for an overnight. Pack her a bag for me and that way, you and Jason can talk afterwards."
Evangeline suddenly froze. "I'm scared to let her out of my sight."
Carly grabbed her hand. "I would never let anything happen to her. Our house is like a fortress. Trust me, you need some alone time with Jason so you guys can get back on track."
"Okay, but I want to talk to her on the phone later."
"I'll do you one better and we'll have video chat."
"Deal." She went upstairs and packed a bag and Carly left with her baby.