Chapter 28: Aloha

-District Attorney's Office-

It was pointless to waste time there any longer. Better to leave quickly and never look back, but he struggled to swallow the bitter finality of it all. Everything he worked for, lived for, the family and good reputation he'd made for himself in the community had been brutally cut short, and it choked him. Reality hung in his lungs like a thick haze denying him any cleansing breath. Still, the decision was made; papers signed, resignation accepted and all worldly possessions packed and on their way to the other side of the country now just as he would be shortly.

Ric sat behind the desk at the end of his last day as the District Attorney of Port Charles with a small box of personal affects tossed in haphazardly; a brass name plate, a Harvard Alumni stein, framed college and law degrees, a pink and purple painted clay paperweight Kristina made for him during summer camp, a framed photo of Elizabeth and himself at the fundraiser last Valentine's day, and a framed photo of Molly.

Molly, his daughter, his baby girl. How would he live without her? The short answer was he would have to, have to find a way. He had no other choice. His life literally depended on it thanks to Morgan. Morgan. How he despised that man, more now than he ever thought possible. His mind drifted back to a few short weeks ago, back to when there had still been a chance of salvaging his quickly crumbling plan...

Flashback [Ric's POV]

Two days had passed since Jason was released from police custody for violating the restraining order against Elizabeth. Two days of Ric hiding out in his office, afraid to go home and find his car exploding as he turned the key or the brakes suddenly failing on the dangerously curved road on his way home. Sonny refused to take his calls and he'd all but given up.

He'd been expecting a swift death at Jason Morgan's hands, but when it didn't come Ric started to wonder if maybe his brother had stuck up for him again. It had to help his case knowing Sam hadn't lost one of her babies after all. Maybe that fact was enough to tamp down any blood lust Jason Morgan had for him, or maybe it was enough for Sonny to order Jason to stand down.

It was the not knowing that drove him mad. He couldn't focus on work, or Elizabeth, or anything. He had to meet with his brother. Sonny was the one person that could save him at that point, but Sonny wasn't taking or returning his calls. He wasn't allowing him past the guards for a visit either. Ric had no choice other than to sweat it out. It was the longest three days of his life.

Finally, Sonny called and requested Ric to meet him at his home. Ric hadn't known whether to be relieved or terrified. He made sure to tell the police commissioner exactly where he was headed before he arrived at Greystone Manor that morning. Better safe...

"Sonny," Ric greeted his estranged brother warily as he glanced around the living room.

"Jason isn't here." Sonny confirmed.

"Good to know." Ric replied.

"So, Ric, what did you want to discuss?" Sonny stepped from behind his desk.

He was keeping his cool so Ric decided to play it safe. He wasn't sure what Sonny may, or may not know.

"I wanted to discuss Jason. After recent events, it doesn't escape my attention that he may harbor more ill will toward me. I thought it best to try and smooth things over before things get out of control." Ric explained.

He'd wanted to discuss it that day he brought Sonny down to the station, but Diane had interrupted him and Sonny had been released before he could bring it up.

"You nearly caused his unborn son's death. You don't think Jason has a right to ill will as you put it?" Sonny inquired.

"I understand he may try and hold me responsible for Sam's pre-existing medical condition and if he were any ordinary citizen, I'd let it go. You and I know Jason Morgan is no ordinary citizen. He's willing to cross lines for vengeance normal people would never consider. I'm hoping you might help Jason see reason, before he does something to land himself in prison." Ric rationalized.

"Prison, interesting you should bring that up. Actually, Ric, I think you should be more worried about your impending incarceration than Jason's." A thin smile crossed Sonny's face delivered coldly with a pitch black stare.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. What happened to Sam was..."

"What happened to Sam was cruel and sick, even for you, but that is only part of what's going to earn you a 6x8 in the federal pen." Sonny's voice was harsh, but controlled.

"I'm sorry, Sonny. You seem to be under the false impression that I've broken some law. I can assure you..."

"No, Ric. I can assure you. I can assure you I know everything you've been up to for the last year. I can assure you how lucky you are to still draw breath after Jason found out. I can assure you there are only two choices to save your miserable life and I can assure you won't like the third option Jason will deliver should you refuse. You see, you've been a bad bad boy little brother. You've been in league with some very questionable business associates, setup some off shore corporations and accounts used as fronts for money laundering and smuggling pirated merchandise on the black market. You stayed away from drugs and weapons, but somehow I don't think that will win you many points with the Feds. Now, you see, all of that I would overlook. Hell, I admire your initiative, but you just didn't know when to quit. Always been your problem. You just neeeever learn to leave well enough alone. You had to go after Jason, but not straight-forward like a man. You used women and innocent children to hurt the man and that I can't overlook. Won't overlook. You paid a lab tech to falsify Elizabeth's paternity test. You paid him to tell Sam she wasn't pregnant knowing how hurt she'd be and you timed it so she learned this news just before overhearing Elizabeth confess to Jason. Even that wasn't enough. You taunted Sam, made sure to drive the knife in as far as you could, manipulated Elizabeth to deny Jason rights to a child they believed to be his and provoked Jason for months with your threat of raising his child with Elizabeth. Finally, you couldn't resist rushing right over to deal Sam what could have been a fatal blow to her and her unborn children." Sonny's voice was filled with barely controlled rage that seethed through a grinding jaw.

"Sonny, I.."

"I don't want to hear it, Ric. Don't bother to deny any of it. It's all here!" Sonny shouted as he retrieved a file from his desk and shoved it angrily into Ric's chest.

Ric felt all color drain from his face. He swallowed nervously. How could they have proof? He'd been so careful. Opening the file and studying the first few pages, he could see he obviously hadn't been careful enough. He felt lightheaded. For the first time he could remember, words failed him. The evidence he was looking at was too thorough. Even as good of an attorney as he would have no chance disproving any of it. He had no choice other than to listen to Sonny's options.

"You know, you owe what's left of your life to Sam. Even after everything you did to her, she was the hold out. I didn't want to see you dead when I could see you suffer. I voted to use this information to send you to prison, but if Sam had insisted I wouldn't have refused her. I don't think I need to tell you what Jason wanted. Sam didn't want the death of her sister's father on her husband's conscience and she didn't want her baby sister to grow up with a father behind bars. She came up with another alternative and Jason finally agreed to give you the chance to accept." Sonny handed Ric a legal document from his desk.

"What is this? You can't be serious!" Ric scoffed as he perused the document.

"Deadly serious." Sonny stared him down pushing the point home.

"You're going to sign those papers right here, right now and then leave town for good. If you refuse, I'll make sure the proper authorities get copies of everything in that file you're holding. If you're thinking of trying to win in court, I'd recommend you reconsider. If you run or avoid prison for any reason, Jason will handle you his way." Sonny finished.

"Leave town? I'm the District Attorney. I can't just up and leave." Ric couldn't believe his brother.

"You're a clever boy, Ric. Not as clever as Carly, but I'm sure you'll come up with a very convincing reason for your resignation and sudden relocation to the West Coast." Sonny assured.

"Carly? What does Carly have to do with any of this?" Ric couldn't help ignore the remark about the West Coast at the mention of her name.

"Carly's the one who saw through your plan, Ric. She was on to you before any of us. She's been investigating you for months now. She's the one who came up with all this evidence to put your sorry ass in a dark cell where it belongs." Sonny flashed his dimples in a dangerous grin.

Ric was speechless. How could he not have seen her coming? He always saw her coming. Carly was careless, reckless and loud-mouthed. Somehow the knowledge that she'd been the one to uncover this mountain of damning evidence against him stung so much more than if it had been one of Sonny's professionals. She wasn't even in Ric's league. He felt his entire being deflate physically, intellectually and emotionally.

What choice did he have? Disbarment? Prison? Death? Even if he opted for prison, he'd have no license to practice law anymore. How would he support himself? What type of job would a convicted felon find? How would he manage to gain custody of his daughter after release from prison? How many years might he miss out on her by being locked up and would she even want anything to do with him once he was out? Still, these papers... This was no choice either. How could he sign away all parental rights to his child?

Then it hit him. It was just a piece of paper. Alexis would never ban him completely from their daughter's life. She might be angry for a few months. Okay maybe a year, but eventually Ric knew he could win Alexis over again. He'd done it before, plenty of times. He'd sign the papers, find a great job out West, show Alexis he'd turned a new leaf and have his daughter in his life again before her next birthday two at the most. It hurt to consider missing a year and possibly more of Molly's young life, but it was better than missing her entire childhood behind bars. It was better than death.

End Of Flashback

Ric smiled at the recollection now back in the present moment and shook his head. They always underestimated him. He'd be back, if for no other reason than to reclaim his daughter. Ric grabbed the last box of belongings from his office and headed out of the building and out of Port Charles, but not for good. He was certain.

-Davis Residence-

Sam sat at the desk chair near the front door and had to admit looking around her mother's living room it was an odd gathering for a celebration, but somehow they all fit together. Emily sat at the table holding a sleepy Spencer as Nikolas, Jax and Alexis stood nearby in animated debate and occasional observance of others. Carly and Jason sat on the sofa together as Michael attempted to outwit his mother in a plea for a third piece of cake while Morgan tackled his uncle. The boy's intent to conquer bright in his eyes reminded Sam so much of his father in that moment she had to chuckle, exasperated by dimples Jr. and the possibilities to come. His little body refused defeat until finally Jason began a merciless counter-attack of tickles.

Uninhibited barrel laughs filled the room causing everyone to stop and take note of the joy clearly marking the toddler's face and Jason's as well. A reflexive smile formed on her lips as the two carried on oblivious to the attention the happy exchange garnered. She was surprised to see everyone else looking on with their own varying degree of happiness too. Even her mother looked at Jason and his god-son with a smile and some other emotion Sam couldn't quite place. Confused wonder maybe?

Sam shifted Molly's relaxed frame. Her baby sister now rested her head against Sam's shoulder and nuzzled her little forehead into Sam's neck as her tiny fingers played lazily with the dazzling star pendant. Sam knew it was time to take Molly upstairs for bed, but couldn't help turning her attention to the quietest corner of the room where Kristina sat with Sonny.

Kristina had thrown herself into Sonny's grasp and settled in her father's embrace. Despite the extremely limited presence of her father in her life the bond seemed strong. Sonny smiled wide as his little girl described the picture she'd just colored for him and for the tiniest of moments her heart sank as the vision of her baby girl settled on her sister's face and she imagined how it might have been had she lived.

As if sensing the shift in Sam's heart, Kristina looked over at her big sister with soulful brown eyes full of longing it seemed. The little girl returned Sam's warm smile with a very timid one of her own before her head drew downward and the smile faded. Sam swallowed back the sadness she was unable to deny by Krissy's reaction to her since she'd arrived home.

Alexis had walked into her house with Molly on her hip and Kristina at her side only an hour ago to find the rag-tag welcoming committee firmly ensconced in her living room. A rainbow assortment of balloons, flowers, and a "Welcome Home Davis Girls" banner made by Michael, Emily, and Sam perched on the mantle of the stone fireplace marked the occasion.

Everyone ushered welcoming wishes to the three as Alexis rushed to greet Sam with a long intense hug and kiss on the cheek. She'd insisted on immediate reassurances that Sam and her grand-babies were truly safe and sound. Once Alexis was satisfied and she'd stolen kisses and hugs from Molly, Sam turned to find Kristina surrounded by Michael, Morgan, and Emily kneeling down with Spencer in her arms.

Alexis had called Sam from her cell after seeing Viola off with her family at the airport and settling into Sonny's limo. She told her how Kristina talked non-stop on the flight about Sam and all the things she wanted to tell her big sister. Sam was thrilled Kristina was anxious to see her again and couldn't wait to shower her with all the love she'd been dying to give her, especially since the last several days. Kristina had clung to their web-cam chats refusing to let them end.

Sam had never felt so loved and needed by Kristina as she had during those chats, so it took her by surprise when she bent down calling out to Kristina and she hadn't rushed into her arms. Krissy approached her slowly with what Sam quickly brushed off at the time as just a typical little girl's momentary shyness, but over that next hour it proved much more.

Kristina's normal exuberance was to be expected with Michael and Morgan, certainly, as they were children too. She could even understand her cheerfulness with Emily and Carly, who may not be good with adults, but was quite good with children. It wasn't until the hour was almost up that Sam began to worry. Kristina had been talkative, even loving at times, with everyone in the room except her.

She tried to illicit her little sister's smiles over cake, hints of a present and questions about her trip, but every attempt failed. Alexis and Emily noticed and tried to soften the blows, but they'd already struck Sam's heart. Perhaps, Alexis was right. It had been a long day for the little girl and she must be worn out, but Sam had a feeling it was more.

Worry must have been written all over her face as she gazed over at Krissy lost in thought. She felt Jason's strong hand caress her shoulder as his solid form leaned in to kiss her on her cheek and nuzzle her ear and neck briefly. Jason couldn't stop the smile that crept to his lips as his blue eyes locked with baby brown ones. Molly's sweet little face looked up at him in sleepy wonderment as her hand stilled over Sam's heart.

Sam noticed him pause and turned slightly in time to see the glance between the two. She smiled as she witnessed Jason's hand reach out and gently tuck a small lock of Molly's hair behind her ear as tenderly as he'd ever done for her. Love spread over and through her for this man she'd known all along would make such an amazing father. She couldn't wait to see him holding their daughter and son.

"Sleepy baby." Jason whispered not wanting to stir her.

"I was about to take her up. I just wanted to watch Kristina a bit longer." Sam replied softly.

"You're worried." Jason massaged her shoulder softly. It wasn't a question and Sam loved how well he always read her.

"I just don't understand what happened to make her go from one extreme to the other with me today. She couldn't wait to see me, but now it's like she... like she's almost afraid of me, Jason." He rubbed his hand over Sam's back to calm the emotion thick in her voice.

"Could just be sensory overload and once everything is back to normal she will be too." Sam clung to Jason's thought and hoped it true.

"Looks like someone is ready for bed." Alexis approached with a smile.

"Do... Would you mind if I put her down?" Sam said.

"Sam, she's too heavy for you to lift, especially up stairs." Jason cautioned gently.

"Jason, I'll be fine. I just really love this time with Molly. I don't want to miss it." Sam shifted to prepare to stand with her.

"Jason, why don't you carry her up and help Sam put her down?" Alexis offered shocking both of them by the looks on their faces.

"I'd like that, if you don't mind?" Jason questioned still kind of stunned.

"You're family. May as well get used to you sooner, or later. Besides, you're about to have your hands full. You need all the practice you can get between now and then." Alexis teased.

Sam smiled appreciatively at her mother as Molly slipped into his arms. Her head rested contentedly over his shoulder as his large hand barely moved back and forth covering her entire back in a soothing motion. Sam watched as her mother struggled to reconcile the gentle side of Jason Morgan with the stone cold wall she'd faced so many times across the interrogation table. She was happy to recognize the small victory as her mother's face softened in a slight smile over the protective tenderness with which he held her youngest daughter. Sam hugged her mom and kissed her cheek allowing her thanks to transfer wordlessly in the gesture.

It was an odd and thrilling sensation standing in a nursery with Jason again as they stood over the changing table working in tandem to place her in a fresh diaper and jammies. Both remembering, but neither mentioning, the last time they had done so with a baby girl they hoped to have forever. Jason couldn't help his half smile as the chubby little girl laid on the table playing with her toes in nothing but her diaper, waiting patiently for Sam to pick out her pajamas. She chose a white cotton knit footed zip-up with tiny pink rosebuds.

"I know it's summer, but it's kind of chilly in here with the air on and she won't stay covered long the way she rolls around in her sleep." Sam offered in a slightly nervous ramble.

Jason just smiled and put an arm around Sam to lean in for a kiss that was sweet and tender and much too short for Sam's liking. "Great instincts."

Sam lifted Molly from the changing pad and delighted in the weight of a child in her arms and the heavenly smell of baby lotion. "I think I just want to rock with her for a while. I'm not ready to let her go just yet."

"Alright, I'll check back in a few to help lay her down." Jason gave Sam another kiss and left Molly's room quietly.

Sam knew her mother usually laid her down straight away, but she just wanted the extra time to with her today. She'd missed Molly. She also worried for her.

"You are the sweetest little thing, Molly girl. I love you so much." Sam spoke softly as she rocked in the chair.

"I know you're too young to understand any of the things going on right now concerning your father. Maybe that's a good thing. It's definitely a good thing considering some of the uglier details, but I can't help wonder if we made the right decision. If I made the right decision. The others went along with my idea, but I'm responsible. So, you should know, I'll be the one to blame one day if it doesn't work out." Sam sighed as she gazed into the weary little eyes beginning to nod.

Sam wasn't sure how many minutes passed as she sat quietly rocking. Every moment was both a joy at the trust and love Molly showed in the comfort of her embrace and pain at the thought it could all end one day once Molly learned she was responsible for keeping her father away from her.

Sam was able to find a moment alone with Alexis on the deck earlier to reveal what she prayed her mother would see as the gift it was intended. Alexis was shocked to read the papers and repulsed by the reasoning behind them. Pain was clear on her mother's face and Sam hated to be the one to put it there, because of Ric, again. Alexis tried to disguise it, but Sam had felt the tension in every silent second that stretched between them.

Sam tried to explain getting Ric to sign away his parental rights to Molly seemed the best alternative. Alexis seemed to understand and even thanked her, but Sam had to wonder if she wasn't somehow disappointed in her for stooping to blackmail. It seemed no matter how close she and her mother ever became they would always have that one defining characteristic that set them at polar opposite ends of any argument. Alexis trusted the system. Sam didn't.

"I don't know if you'll ever see your father again. There's always the chance one day you will and maybe you'll end up having a wonderful relationship and prove us all wrong. I'd like nothing better than that Molly, even if it means you end up hating me for forcing your dad away now. I could take it if it meant you were able to have a good and loving relationship with your dad. I know what it's like to grow up wishing for a father's love, real love and support not based or contingent upon your ability to help them accomplish some ulterior motive for revenge or pursuit of cold hard cash. In some ways Ric reminds me of Cody and there's no way I'd ever let anyone, especially your dad, use you like I was used. I love you with all my heart, Molly. I hope when you're older and learn the truth you'll be able to believe my true motive wasn't to punish Ric as much as it was to protect you, protect you from all the hurt a father like that brings. I'm so blessed to have you and Kristina. When my brother Danny died I thought I was all alone. I thought he was the last bit of family I had left, but his last gift to me was you. He helped me find my real mom, our mom and Kristina and you. He was the best big brother anyone could dream of having and I'll love him forever just like I'll always love you, even if the day comes that you won't be able to love me for this decision and the horrible mistakes I made to make it necessary." Sam wiped at the tears escaping her eyes and sniffed back the emotion threatening to overwhelm as she kissed her baby sister and comforted in the contact of her cheek pressed to the tiny forehead.

"Hi there. Is she sleeping?" Alexis whispered from the doorway.

"Yea, I was just about to lay her down." Sam smiled trying to blink back any remaining tears unable to read her mother's face to determine if she'd overheard her words.

"It's okay. I'll do that part. You shouldn't strain yourself. Jason was about to come up, but Michael and Morgan asked if he'd walk them to their car." Alexis explained softly as Sam handed Molly to her.

Sam followed her mother over as Alexis laid her down and covered her lower half. She stood at the foot of the crib taking in the scene of her mother's calming hand on Molly's chest as she stirred followed by a loving caress with the back of her fingers across her sister's cheek as she stilled. Sam's entire being was moved witnessing such profound love and care pouring from her mother to her sister. She couldn't help subconsciously lay a comforting hand over own babies as she considered how much better her life might have been had she known this mother's love earlier in her life.

The two women tiptoed from the nursery and down the stairs in silence and Sam was surprised to find the mess from the little get-together cleaned and everyone gone except for Jason who sat at the table with Kristina. Kristina asked Jason to describe his home with Sam in Hawaii and she colored as he told her all about it. Sam's heart summoned a happy sigh and she smiled.

"Sam, do you think you and I could talk on the deck for a moment?" Alexis inquired as she glanced questioningly between Jason and her middle child.

Jason nodded his consent to keep an eye on Kristina as Sam and Alexis made their way to the door.

"Kristina, honey, I'll just be on the deck a few minutes with your sister."

"Sam's not leaving right? I don't want her to leave!" Kristina's body and voice tightened with worry.

It was the first sign all night she actually missed Sam and wanted her near, but concern clouded Sam's relief as she took full measure of her little sister's body language. She watched Kristina look at her as though she wanted to run to her, but her little hands clutched tightly to the chair, almost as if she was fighting the urge to do so.

"I'm not leaving just yet, Krissy. I'd never leave without saying goodbye to you first." Sam tried to reassure.

She saw her entire little body relax as she let out a sigh and nodded in acknowledgment before turning back to her work in progress. Jason gave an encouraging smile as Sam turned back toward the door.

"Please, Sam, why don't we sit for a minute." Alexis motioned to the outdoor loveseat.

Alexis saw the note of confusion and worry on her daughter's face and tried to figure out how to say what it was she wanted so desperately for her to know and believe. Alexis decided weeks ago to have this conversation, but it needed to be in person and she was more determined now than ever since she'd been upstairs and overheard her words to Molly.

Her heart broke hearing the vulnerability and raw pain in her daughter's voice as she spoke to Molly of knowing all too well how it felt to long for the real love of a father. A mother too, Alexis was certain. She might never know all the details, but she knew her adopted mother abandoned her at a helplessly young age to a degenerate conman willing to use his innocent daughter to help him steal and do who knew how many other unconscionable things. Sam said she saw the same kind of corruption in Ric. Alexis never wanted to believe the man she once loved capable of ever using his daughter, but after seeing evidence of how he'd used other innocent children and the lengths he'd been willing to go to hurt Sam, she couldn't take the risk.

"I overheard you upstairs with Molly. I'm sorry. It was just so nice seeing two of my girls together I didn't want the moment to end. I knew I shouldn't listen when you started talking, but I couldn't make myself interrupt or pull myself away." Alexis confessed, her eyes seeking understanding.

"It's okay and before you say it, I know I was wrong to even talk to her about those things. She may not understand what I was saying, but children can pick up on feelings and it wasn't right for me to unload those feelings onto Molly. I promise it..."

"No, Sam, that isn't why I'm bringing it up. I'm happy you were able to find comfort with Molly. I know how much you love your sisters. They're lucky to have you. I hope it helped to talk to her. I also hope you feel you can talk to me just as easily one day. I don't want to upset you, but I just can't let what I overheard go by without saying something." Alexis sighed trying to steady her nerves.

She'd gotten much closer to her oldest daughter these past months, but there was always a fear that seized her whenever these tougher issues were addressed. So often the two women ended up pushing one another further away with their words when their hearts only wanted to be closer. Alexis prayed for the right words this time to bring her daughter closer. She knew what she had to do, what she wanted to do, but where to begin? How to begin? There was just so much.

"A few months ago, you gave me a gift I never expected. A gift I never knew how much I needed until it was given. You forgave me and encouraged me to forgive myself. It was so much more than I felt I deserved. I don't know how to thank you enough for what you gave me that day. You loved me enough to forgive me for something I never thought I could forgive myself for and a broken piece of my heart started to heal that day. It's time I try and do the same for you, time that you know... I forgive you too." Alexis paused hoping she'd started okay.

"Alexis, I..." Sam let out a shaky breath not sure what to say.

"I know the guilt and pain you carry from that night with Ric. I know, because I've seen it in your eyes and it's the same look, the same pain I carried from that night in the chapel. I forgive you, Sam. I love you and I forgive you every bit as much as you forgave me and I hope you'll forgive yourself too. I want all the bad stuff truly put to rest. I've got another chance at life and a future with all three of my amazing daughters and I want to focus on all the good things to come." Alexis smiled through her tears and placed a loving hand on Sam's belly.

"Mom." Tears fells and choked her and before she could say anymore she found herself in her mother's loving embrace.

Alexis sat in the middle of the loveseat with an arm around her pregnant daughter as Sam leaned into her side and tried to dry her eyes. Sam sniffed and blinked back more tears as her mother ran a soothing hand up and down her arm and laid her cheek against her temple.

"You should also know Molly will never be able to hate you Sam. I know this, I couldn't hate you even when things were at their worst between us and it seemed like it might be easier. I'll never let anyone blame you for Molly losing her father. Ric is responsible for that alone. I won't have you taking on any of the guilt he should own. He'd still be in his daughter's life right now if he hadn't used innocent children to hurt you. You said Ric reminded you of Cody and that thought terrifies me. I wasn't able to keep you safe from that ugliness, but you've given me that chance with Molly. I refuse to waste it. I won't risk Molly's happiness and well-being to someone capable of using children that way, someone that would hurt you that way. I love you, Sam. I really love you. It isn't the same idealized love I had for the baby girl I gave up as a teenager. It's better, stronger, and despite the pain we've both caused one another, the love I have for you is far more rewarding than I ever dreamed. I've gotten to know and see you for the loving, strong, intelligent and courageous woman you are and that alone would be enough for me to admire, but you are my daughter. My first baby girl and my heart has never felt more complete than it does now having you here with me." Alexis squeezed her shoulder in a reassuring hug.

Sam sat up feeling a bit stronger. She smiled softly at her mom and couldn't stop tears from falling again, happy tears. She'd wanted that kind of love and understanding from her mother for so long. She felt it. She felt the love from her mother that she showed Molly in the nursery earlier and she felt that broken piece of her heart begin to heal just like her mother said.

"I love you, mom." Sam sighed and hugged her again before sitting back to look at her.

Alexis held her hand, gave it a gentle squeeze and looked into her eyes.

"We've come such a long way. We still have a long way to go, but Sam I hope one day I can make you feel all the unconditional love and support you were denied all those years. I want you to feel safe and secure in my love no matter what happens. No matter how often we may argue I will always always love you. I'll never walk away from you again. You're stuck with me... and I just wanted you to know."

Sam smiled bright with hope and placed her other hand over her mother's. "You're stuck with me too."

They stood and Alexis walked with an arm around her oldest daughter as they made their way back into the house, both happier than they had been in a very long time.

"Jason would you give it to Sam for me?" Kristina stood at Jason's knee holding out a drawing.

"I think Sam would really love it if she got it straight from you." Jason looked up as he noticed mother and daughter enter.

"Please? I can't." Kristina stared down at her feet.

"Hey sweetheart, did you finish your picture?" Alexis tried to engage Krissy now that it was just the four of them hoping she might warm up to Sam.

"Yes mommy." Kristina met her gaze slowly.

"Kristina made the picture for Sam, didn't you Kristina?" Jason coaxed the girl gently.

"Really? You made a picture just for me? I'd love to see it." Sam approached cautiously hoping not to shy her away.

Sam sat at the table as Kristina turned and hesitantly handed her sister the picture she colored.

"Kristina, this is beautiful. I love it. It looks like a beach Jason and I love to visit." Sam smiled encouragingly.

"Jason told me about it. Here's the ocean with the dolphins and here's your house with the la, lan... with the patio. Jason said it's your special place." Kristina kept her eyes carefully trained on the picture as she pointed, never looking up at Sam.

"It is our special place and I love that my special girl drew a picture of it to remind me. Thank you. I love it and I love you, Kristina." Sam rubbed her hand across her back and gave her a quick kiss on her temple.

"You're welcome." Kristina whispered as her eyes returned to her shoes.

She turned to walk away and Sam's heart felt heavy again, worried.

"I promised mommy to get ready for bed as soon as I finished my picture. Good night Sam. Good night Jason. Thanks for telling me about Hawaii." Kristina smiled a smile at Jason that didn't reach her eyes before heading upstairs.

Sam noticed the welcome home present she'd given her laying on the table by her crayons and grabbed it up. "Hey Kristina, you forgot your flying monkey."

Kristina turned and Sam held it out for her sister to take. Kristina raised her arm to grab it. Her hand stretched to accept it, but she pulled it back before taking it.

"I... I think you should keep it." Kristina turned to run upstairs, but not before the three adults noticed the tears in her eyes.

"Do you think maybe the toy just kind of scared her a bit? I mean those flying monkeys even give me the willies." Alexis wondered.

Sam considered the idea. "Kristina was frightened by the flying monkeys at first, but I had her in a complete giggle fit over them every time one appeared on screen by the second time we saw them. It's her favorite movie, you know she's practically worn out the DVD. I, I think it's something else. I think it's me. I think if you or Jason had given this to her she'd be fine with it, but I just don't know why." Sam stood wanting to go to the little girl and find out what was bothering her.

"It was just like earlier when Kristina held herself to the chair. She wanted to go to you Sam, but she wouldn't let herself. She wanted the toy too, but she wouldn't let herself have it." Jason agreed and Sam wasn't surprised at all he'd noticed Kristina's reaction earlier.

"Earlier I told you it was almost as if Kristina were afraid of me, but that isn't it exactly. It's not that she doesn't want me around. She practically jumped out of her seat when she thought I was leaving. She's denying herself what she wants. She... she's punishing herself, Jason." Sam approached the table as she wondered what was going on in with her sister.

Jason took Sam's hand in his and pulled her onto his lap. She leaned into his embrace thankful for the healing power it never failed to deliver.

"Punishing herself? That's completely absurd. What possible reason could Kristina have to punish herself and why would she choose denying herself affection from you as her form of punishment?" Alexis puzzled.

Their thoughts were disrupted by the phone. Alexis grabbed her cell and let out a disgusted sigh. "Ric."

She silenced the call and threw it back on the table.

"It's okay if you want to take the call. I understand." Sam knew there was always the chance Alexis would still allow Ric in Molly's life, but at least now Alexis had the power to keep him out if she chose.

"He probably wants to say goodbye to Molly, but she's sleeping now. I haven't decided if I even want to allow him to say goodbye. He hasn't seen her in months. All that time we were away and I told him he was more than welcome to visit or call. We could have had the same video chats like you and I. Four e-mails, four e-mails in three months to check on the progress of his daughter. Revenge was more important than spending time with his daughter then and she doesn't need him now. It's ironic. When I first asked Ric to allow me to take Molly with me, he refused. He told me Molly should get used to being without me now so it wouldn't be so hard on her once I was..."

Sam gasped at the cruelty. Jason felt her body tense and rubbed his hand soothingly up and down her back. He gently squeezed the tightened muscles in her shoulder and felt her relax under his hand.

"Turns out our daughter ended up getting used to being without her father and I think I should take his own advice. It would only be harder on Molly if she saw him again now. Ric is out of her life from his own doing and that is how it's going to stay. Besides, you and Kristina need my attention right now. Would you mind going up with me to talk with her?" Alexis walked toward the stairs.

Sam looked apprehensively to Jason knowing how exhausted he must be after being subjected to shopping and a party at her mother's.

"Kristina needs you and I owe Bernie a phone call anyway." Jason smiled accepting Sam's soft kiss as thanks.

Her thanks was completely unnecessary and he would make sure she knew it when they were alone later, but he was incapable of refusing this woman's affection no matter the reason. Sam rose from his lap with his gentle assistance and headed upstairs with her mother.

-Davis Residence-

The two women almost missed the little girl as they entered her room and found no sign of her, but paused at the sound of sniffles. They edged slowly around the far side of the bed to find Kristina curled into a tiny ball on the floor. Her back pressed against the wall, almost hidden in the small space between her bed and book case.

Alexis and Sam shared a concerned look, both immediately flashing back to the last time they remembered her that visibly shaken. It was in Dr. Winter's office shortly after Krissy witnessed Sam shooting Diego. Sam sighed unable to keep the guilt from washing over her, the apparent cause of so much pain for her little sister once again. She took a step back knowing her presence would probably only upset Kristina further, like the last time, but Alexis grabbed her hand effectively halting her retreat.

"It's not your fault, Sam. Whatever this is, it's not your fault and she needs us, both of us." Alexis knew she'd read Sam's thoughts correctly for once as she witnessed a small amount of anxiety relieved from a sigh. She couldn't help feel a little encouraged at finally knowing her first born well enough to read her body language and accurately gauge her thoughts and emotion.

Sam blinked back the tears and nodded with resolve to do whatever she could to help ease the little girl's suffering.

"Kristina, baby, come here." Alexis sat on the patchwork quilt with Sam and held her hands out to her beloved sister's namesake.

Kristina peeked up over arms folded atop her knees revealing the redness of her eyes and the saddest little frown that quivered as she tried to hold in tears now that she wasn't alone. She considered her mother's offer for only a moment before she stood and was instantly scooped into her mother's arms. She buried her head into Alexis' chest as sobs overtook her small form again. The older woman braved a glance over to Sam who seemed as shaken and confused as she felt over the troubled little girl in her arms.

"Honey, I need you to tell me what's wrong. What's got you so upset? Was it that stuffed toy? Did it scare you? Hmm?" Alexis smoothed her little girl's hair from her face and rubbed her back as she asked in her most soothing tone.

Kristina shook her head allowing her body to sit across her mother's lap. Her head leaned against Alexis chest, but she refused to lift her face to look directly into her mother or sister's eyes.

"The flying monkey is the bestest gift ever, e'cept for my ruby slippers." Kristina admitted through lingering sniffles.

"Well, honey, then why would you say Sam should keep it if you love it so much?" Alexis asked gently.

Kristina remained silent. Her head tipped down until her chin touched her chest as fresh tears streamed her face.

"Is it because you're mad at me, Kristina? Did I do something to hurt you? If I did I'm so sorry, Krissy. I'd never..." Sam stopped short as Kristina shook her head insistently dismissing any notion Sam hurt her, but it was obvious Sam had something to do with her current state.

"I'm not mad at you. You didn't hurt me. I hurt you. You should be mad at me." Kristina confessed before hiding back into her mother's embrace.

"I don't understand, Krissy. Sweetie, you didn't hurt me. I'm not mad at you. I promise. How do you think you hurt me?" Sam asked in the most comforting way possible.

Kristina kept her face hidden against her mother as they watched sorrow rack her little body. Alexis squeezed her tight and kissed the top of her head, barely able to keep her own tears from falling. She couldn't stand to see her daughter in pain, any of her daughters and, whatever this was, it was obviously hurting two of her children at the moment.

Alexis rubbed Kristina's back up and down as she spoke. "Kristina, you know you're safe here right? It's just us Davis Girls here. Your sister and I love you so much. There isn't anything you could tell us that would make us stop loving you."

Kristina seemed to relax at this and sat back again. "But Sam's last name isn't Davis."

Sam knew her sister wasn't trying to be hurtful. She was just taking Alexis' words literally, but it did hurt, just a bit, a slight reminder that she was still the outsider to this little family unit formed long before her arrival. The innocent observation also reminded her of something her brother might have said and made her miss Danny so much more in that moment.

Alexis wasn't oblivious to the sadness that crept into Sam's eyes over Kristina's statement. "That's true, honey, but Sam is a Davis girl in the best sense of the word, in strength, in spirit and through our love for one another. The way we love each other and protect each other makes us the Davis girls team even more than just our name."

Alexis reached over and squeezed her eldest daughter's hand at the last part and Sam smiled, with watery eyes, completely embraced by the warmth of her mother's acceptance.

She took a deep breath before attempting to engage her little sister again. "Please, Kristina, I need to know how you think you hurt me so we can make it better."

Kristina risked a glance at Sam for the first time since running from her downstairs. She hesitated as if her brain processed concepts too large for her little mouth to form.

"I... I..." Kristina's little chest made a triple sigh before she tried again.

"I hurt your babies." It was a faint whisper even Alexis strained to hear.

Sam's eyes shot up to her mother alarmed and confused. "No. Kristina, you didn't hurt my babies at all. My babies are just fine. Remember? Mommy and I told you the doctors let me go home, because we're all better now. Besides that sweetie, it wasn't your fault I ended up in the hospital. I just got sick and that isn't your fault at all."

"It is. It is my fault! I was lucky this time, because I prayed real hard and promised... promised something if God would make your babies safe and He did. I can't go back on my promise, or, or something bad will happen, but I miss you and I need to see you're okay even if I can't..." Kristina stopped short, her emphatic response giving way to fear of admitting too much of a secret agreement between her and God.

Shock and disbelief hung silently over both women. Somehow this little girl thought she was responsible for her sister's babies almost dying.

"Kristina, No! There's nothing you did to hurt my babies. Nothing!" Sam protested adamantly but still tender.

"I did. I missed you when you left. You couldn't come back, because of the babies and I wished you didn't have them so you could come back." Kristina lowered her head into her hands and cried again.

"Oh, sweetheart." Alexis couldn't hold in a sob of her own as her grasp around her guilt-stricken little girl tightened once more.

Suddenly, all the puzzle pieces fell into place. Kristina felt responsible for Sam almost losing the babies, because she'd wished them away. Kristina heard Sam was in the hospital for the babies and made a deal with God. "You promised God to stay away from me, if he saved me and my babies."

Kristina nodded slowly with her hands still pressed over her eyes and spoke between sobs. "I, I... can't let you love me and I can't, can't have fun with you anymore."

Sam choked back the tears and fought every fiber in her that wanted to grab her sister to her and hold her as tight as she could while she assailed her with kisses. She knew it wasn't the right moment. Sam knew she had to somehow make Kristina understand she wasn't responsible before she would feel safe to accept her love. She squeezed her mother's hand in a gesture that oddly both gave and received strength and struggled to hide a pained face as she swallowed and met their mother's eyes briefly before continuing.

"Krissy, it was not your wishes that put me in that hospital. I had a medical condition that put me there. I was sick baby, long before you ever wished I wasn't having my babies so I could be with you." Sam couldn't stop herself from placing a small loving caress on her sister's little outstretched leg.

"Mommy said it was just like last time. You were sick, but it was the stress over me that caused you to lose your first baby. You were stressed over me this time too cuz I wished you were with me to help me and it stressed you." Kristina was barely able to hold Sam's gaze as she spoke.

The statement took Sam's breath away. Tears rolled down her face. Alexis was speechless, mouth agape and shaking her head as she looked at Sam in total confusion.

"Honey, when did I say this? I... I don't remember ever saying anything like this to you." Alexis looked down to meet her little girl's eyes.

"I was in bed, mommy, but I had a bad dream and I went to your room. You were crying on your phone. You said it couldn't happen again, not like last time when Sam's first baby died to save me. You said she lost her baby cuz of stress to help me and it couldn't happen again. You were crying so hard mommy and you said it couldn't happen again. I ran back to my room to pray." Alexis hugged her daughter tight remembering that very conversation with Carly the night Sam was admitted to the hospital. Only somehow, her little girl had gotten her meaning confused and now felt responsible for the death of Sam's baby girl.

"Oh, Kristina. Kristina, I'm so sorry my words made you think that, but it isn't your fault. None of this is your fault." Alexis sighed as she pressed her cheek to the top of Kristina's head and pursed her lips to prevent the wail that threatened to escape as she stared at Sam.

It took a moment for Sam to collect herself enough to speak. Her little sister, the only living part of her daughter that remained on this Earth, believed she was responsible for her death. Krissy believed she was the reason the twins and Sam almost died too. She wiped at her tears futilely finally realizing it was a losing battle and allowing them to fall as she spoke.

"Kristina Adela Corinthos Davis! You look at me right now." Sam began in a stern voice demanding her sister's attention.

She didn't want to be harsh, but it was vital Kristina's mistaken ideas be dispelled immediately. The little girl had to know, in no uncertain terms, she was in no way responsible for any death, especially her baby sister's.

Sam and Alexis were authority figures in Kristina's life. They were responsible for teaching Kristina right from wrong. Right now, that little girl's thoughts were very very wrong and a swift, strict lesson was the only thing Sam could think of to emphasize the importance of her words.

Kristina looked up into Sam's eyes right away and Sam couldn't help soften to at the fear and guilt she saw in them. Alexis began to speak, unsure it was a proper tone to use with Kristina just now, but Sam flashed her a reassuring nod and Alexis allowed Sam to continue.

"Kristina, do you trust me to tell you the truth?" Sam asked in a serious voice only slightly more gentle than her previous demand.

Kristina nodded boldly and Sam was gladdened by it.

"Do you trust mommy to tell you the truth?" She continued a little gentler still.

Kristina nodded again just as hard and Alexis smiled through her tears and sniffed.

"Then you need to listen to me and mommy right now and believe what we're about to tell you. Okay?" Sam asked, praying Kristina would agree.

Kristina bit her bottom lip, her eyes darting to the left. She finally nodded, less sure, but it was an agreement all the same.

"The first true thing you need to believe is nothing you did, or said, or wished, or thought caused my baby girl to die. I can tell what you heard mommy say confused you, but that is because you don't know the whole story. One day, when you're old enough to understand, mommy and I will explain everything to you better. For now, I promise you, Kristina, on my baby girl's memory, her death was not your fault. It's the same thing with these babies too, Kristina. It wasn't your fault. Do you believe me?" Sam held her breath for her answer.

Kristina looked up searching her mother's eyes for reassurance. Alexis nodded. "It's true, baby. We know the whole story and Sam and I promise you, without a doubt, you never did anything that could hurt your sister or any of her babies."

Kristina was quiet and still for a minute. She looked straight ahead as if considering their words then finally spoke.

"I... I believe you, but..." And Kristina did believe her sister and her mommy. Sam always kept her word. She never broke a promise, ever, and her mommy always told her how important it was to never lie. Her mommy would never lie to her. She believed them now and she felt better that she hadn't hurt her sister's babies, but she'd made a promise too, a big promise and she couldn't break it. There was no way she'd ever break a promise, especially one to God, but she missed how her big sister loved her and did fun things with her. She always wanted a big sister and she just wanted to have her love again so bad, but she couldn't break her word.

"Are you worried about breaking the promise you made, Kristina?" Sam dipped her head down to meet her little brown eyes and Kristina nodded.

"Well, that brings me to the second true thing you need to believe." Sam started and Kristina raised her head, curious.

"Krissy, you tried to bargain with God and that isn't how prayer works. You can't make a deal with God in exchange for what you want, no matter how big of a promise you make, or how much you want it. Believe me, sweetie, I've tried to do that so many times. Everybody has, even mommy, I'm sure. It's natural to turn to God when someone we love needs more help than we can give, but the truth is God only exists to love us and help us show His love and strength to one another. Not to punish us when we make mistakes, or even to save us from bad things that happen. We're all God's children and He loves us far too much to hurt us. So, even if God did make deals with us to give us what we want, He would never ever accept a promise He knew would hurt you so much. You don't have to worry about keeping that promise, Kristina, because God's love for you and for me would never allow Him to hold you to it. God wants us to love one another, especially our family. It would be wrong to keep me from loving you, or keep us from enjoying the time we have together. God knows better than that. Mommy and I now know better than that and I think you will too, if you think really hard about it." Sam hoped she'd found the right words to convince her sister.

Alexis and Sam smiled in earnest when they observed the furrowed little brows and twisted mouth knowing Kristina was giving the information her hardest consideration. They waited silently for an extremely long minute and a half before Kristina smiled and nodded her head in agreement with Sam's words. Alexis felt her entire little body relax as relief washed over her. Both her girls, all her girls, were going to be just fine. The Davis Girls were together and stronger than ever and they were all going to be just fine, better than fine.

Sam held her arms open to Kristina and she delighted when the small girl left her mom's arms for hers. Sam hugged her tightly, lavishing her with all the kisses she'd been dying to give her for days.

"I love you so so much, Kristina. I'm so lucky to have you for my sister." Kristina nestled into her side mindful of her belly.

"I think your niece and nephew want to say hello to their aunt Kristina. Do you want to feel?" Sam smiled down at her noting the wonder mixed with apprehension in her eyes.

Krissy gave a shy nod and Sam took her little hand in hers gently placing it over her belly so she could feel the babies move.

"This is your little niece. Don't tell your nephew, but she has a much stronger kick." Sam whispered the last part conspiratorially to her sister and she giggled.

Alexis watched her two girls with a teary-eyed smiled, a joyful smile with joyful tears that they could share a moment like that after everything they'd all been through.

Sam moved Kristina's hand over to the other side of her belly and pressed. "And this is your little nephew. Don't tell your niece, but he's much nicer to his mommy than his sister. He doesn't keep mommy awake at night moving all around like his sister."

Kristina giggled some more, happy to be in her big sister's embrace and feeling her love once again. It was the best love she'd ever known right next to her mommy. Sam grinned at her sister and then her mother. Kristina had been afraid for her babies and Sam admitted a big part of her was too. It was the reason she'd been afraid to prepare the nursery even though she was safely past her first trimester and the recent condition had been resolved.

"Kristina, there is one thing you could do to help me." Kristina looked up at her sister with concern.

"Do you think you could help me fix up the room for the babies? Jason and I could really use your help to make sure we get things the babies will like. I know you have so much experience with Molly that you'll know just what to get." Sam rubbed her back as she asked.

"Really?" Kristina's entire face lit up and Sam knew instantly it was the best idea she'd had in a while. It would help them both allay the fears she knew might come back up for Kristina once she was alone with her thoughts again.

"Really." Sam confirmed. "It's a tough job. It's going to require lots of shopping trips and I'm sure a few of those will be to toy stores and you know how shopping always makes me want an ice cream sundae from Kelly's. So... if you're not up to it, I could ask mommy..." Sam was cut off in an instant.

"I can do it! I can do it!" Kristina exclaimed excitedly and Sam hugged her close and nuzzled her nose into the crook of her little neck and shoulder to steal several more kisses.

Kristina laughed and leaned away to cease the ticklish caress and Sam finally relented allowing her to settle peacefully in her lap once again.

"Okay, missy, I think it's past your bedtime now. Let's get you into your pajamas and your teeth brushed." Alexis instructed firm, but lovingly.

"Mommy, can you and Sam read me a bedtime story?" Kristina pleaded.

Alexis bit her cheek and looked to the ceiling in mock consideration. She couldn't blame her daughter for wanting to prolong the moment a little longer. "It is past your bedtime, but... I guess one story would be alright as long as Sam feels up to it. You'll need to ask your sister."

"Sam, would you please read me a story?" Kristina gazed up, uncertain of her sister's reaction.

"I'd love to, Kristina. Why don't you get ready for bed and then you can pick one out, okay? I'll wait right here." Sam offered.

"Okay!" Kristina exuberantly agreed as she hopped down from Sam's lap headed toward her toothbrush in the other room.

"You are going to make an amazing mother, Sam." Alexis clasped her upper arm with a gentle squeeze.

Sam swallowed hard still unaccustomed to the proud tone found in her mother's voice and loving touch. "Thanks, mom."

Alexis smiled and pressed a kiss to her daughter's forehead before rising to find pajamas for her other daughter.

xxxxx

Jason's conversation with Bernie ended two minutes after Sam disappeared upstairs. He'd felt a little out of place suddenly alone in Alexis' living room so he sat still, afraid of being accused a snoop, but after thirty minutes of complete boredom Kristina's crayons and drawing pad were starting to look like a good idea...

He shook that thought off quickly and decided to step outside for a bit of fresh air. Instead, the only thing waiting on the door step was something foul. Jason opened the door to a very surprised Ric.

Seeing that Jason wasn't going to initiate conversation, Ric started. "I'm here to see Alexis."

"She doesn't want to see you. You need to leave." Jason gripped the door handle hard as an itch in his trigger finger longed to be scratched.

"Since when do you speak for Alexis? We have some unfinished business." Ric attempted to enter, but Jason stepped in his path keeping him just outside the door.

"What, are you all of a sudden Alexis' loyal protector now? This is none of your business, Jason. It's between me and Alexis." Ric glared at Jason incredibly unaware of how close he was to death just now.

"Alexis would have answered your call, if she had anything to say. She's family now. It makes her problems my problems, especially where they concern you. Consider every breath you take from here on out a gift from Sam. If you ever step foot in Port Charles again without Alexis' invitation, I'll consider it your way of telling me the deal is off and I'll handle things my way. You need to leave. Now. While you still can." Jason's voice had never sounded more lethal, more chilling.

It took everything in him not to drop the bastard with a bullet right where he stood. He'd never been closer to killing a man without actually pulling the trigger. This was why he'd had Sonny deliver the message to Ric. He knew if he had to see him again the risk was too great he'd just go ahead and end his miserable life. As much as Sam wanted to confront the slime, neither of them felt safe taking the risk of her stressing out so soon after the last pregnancy scare. Sam and Alexis would probably be down any minute and he wanted that trash gone before they found him. Jason stared the poor excuse of a man down. His muscles bowed and flexed intimidatingly as his hand slowly reached around toward the back of his waistband. It was then Ric decided he needed to leave. Jason closed and locked the door behind him.

"Who was at the door?" Jason turned to see Alexis and Sam entering the living room.

He was relieved to see their smiles.

"Just checking the locks." Jason replied.

His face was a mirror of the stone cold stoicism Alexis had been subjected to more times than she could count. It was the smallest of tells, but the fact that he'd used that face with her just now told her exactly who'd been at the door. Alexis decided not to press the issue. There was no sense upsetting Sam any more that night and it was obvious Jason had run Ric off. She had no doubt whatever he'd said would convince Ric not to return.

One look at the way Jason's body tensed, his blue eyes colder than she'd left them and Sam knew Ric had been at the door. She made her way over to her husband stopping in front of him. She felt him relax as she placed her hands over his hard chest and smoothed the black t-shirt against his skin. His arms encircled her protectively and her entire body warmed to him as he gently kissed her temple and whispered his love in her ear. Sam wrapped her arms around Jason's waist and hugged him as tightly to her as her belly would allow. She rested her head against his heart and realized suddenly how tired she was as the swift strong beat relaxed her to near sleep.

Jason glanced down at his exhausted wife and rubbed her lower back as he spoke. "I think it's time we get you home."

Sam hummed and nodded leaving her eyes closed to enjoyed the embrace a moment longer.

"It's been a very long day. Sam, thank you, honey, for everything. It was so nice to be surrounded by family and friends when we first arrived home and what you've done tonight for both of your sisters..." Alexis' voice trailed off as she shook her head and blinked back the emotion threatening to fall from her eyes.

"You're such a good sister and you'll be a wonderful mother. I'm so proud to have such an incredibly generous and loving daughter like you, Sam." Sam left Jason's arms to give her mother one last hug goodbye promising to call the next day.

Jason watched the two, happy to see Sam finally know the real love of a mother. He couldn't help allow his estimation of Alexis to slip up a notch, maybe two, for finally waking up and treating Sam the way she deserved all along.

"Welcome Home, Alexis." Jason offered with an almost smile.

Alexis returned a nod with a similar almost smile as Sam and Jason made their way to the door, Kristina's drawing clutched safely in Sam's hand.

"Jason!" Alexis blurted. "Thanks for...checking the locks." She smiled a knowing smile as Jason's eyes widened almost imperceptibly in recognition of her true meaning.

"Anytime." Jason replied as he and Sam turned again, headed home, ready to put another long day to bed.

Page 27 of 27 Created: 2010-06-15 Updated: 2012-05-10 Words: 11555 Characters: 62938