Love, Me - Chapter 3
Chapter 3

It had been over a week since Zander and Emily's perfect night together. They were still being so careful not to be seen with each other in public places, if her parents got wind of their romance, she would be history...ancient history. That would be all she needed was to have her parents on her back, she didn't need the extra pressure...Zander's testimony against Sorel was coming up and she needed to focus her attentions on him and help him through this ordeal. It would soon be over, Alexis had made a real strong case against Sorel, thanks to Zander's testimony...she feels confident enough that Sorel will be put away for a very long time.

Emily's days had been pretty much filled with school and with exams. She hadn't seen Zander in a few days, but hears from him every night before she goes to sleep. She is hoping to pull this charade off for just one more week. With Zander no longer in danger of Sorel and now working with Sonny, it seems he is getting his life back on track. After they came back from Arizona, Sonny was upset and disappointed in Zander for jumping bail and lying to him about the money. So, Sonny offered Zander a job at the warehouse to pay him back. Sonny knew that Emily would have a problem with him doing anything more then warehouse work, and he couldn't put her in that situation again. It was fine with her that Zander was working for Sonny, it was actually so perfect, cause they could meet down on the docks and her family would be none the wiser about their romance that had been on going for months now.

It was a beautiful day in June and Emily just need to be out of the house, she had done way to much studying for one day...she need to take a walk and clear her head. Emily grabbed her coat from the closet and left her room headed for the spiral staircase. Noticing that the house seemed to be empty, she quickly scurried down the stairs to the front door. Thinking she made a clean getaway she reached for the door knob.

"Emily...where ya headed?" said the voice behind her...
Startled by the voice she heard she turned around and there stood Reginald..."just going for a walk..way to much stuff in my head to study, I need to clear my mind...I'll be back in a few.."
"Okay, just remember that dinner is at 6 o'clock.."
"Oh, yeah sure I'll be back way before then..." Emily replied and with that she opened up the door as she walked through and closed it behind her.

"She ain't just going for that walk..." Reginald said quietly to himself.

Emily walked down the slated walkway towards the rose gardens, she enjoys going there to think, it is peaceful there and she can clear her head. She sat down on the bench that grandfather had put in a few years ago for him when he brought grandmother here. They used to sit here for hours, just admiring the roses and each other. As she sat there thinking of the what ifs, she was surprised by a someone coming up the path. There were many paths and walkways around the estate, and many of them lead to someplace different. This particular path leads down to the Gate House, so she seemed puzzled by the fact that someone would be walking it. As the stranger came closer, Emily got a little nervous not knowing who this dark haired stranger was. As he drew closer, she noticed it was


"Zander.." Emily said quietly to herself as her heart beat faster...he just took her breath away by looking at him.

"Zander...what are you doing here..?" She said as she ran into his arms.
"I came for you..I missed you and I wanted so much to see you."
"You shouldn't be here...if anyone found you here, I am sure there would be trouble.."
"Emily, I don't care anymore...I don't care what others think, I just want to be with you."
"I want the whole world know that I am hopelessly in love with you."
"That's what I want to, Zander..but we need to be careful for another week..Sorel's trial starts next week and after that...."
He stopped her right there as he put his index finger over her mouth..."Shh..there is no trial next week..."
"What do you mean no trial next week, sure there is .. Sorel's .." he stopped her again...
"No, I tried to call you on your cell and you didn't answer, so I thought I'd come over and tell you in person.."
"What...what happened.."
"Alexis got a call from the prosecutor an hour ago...Sorel confessed..to everything...they got it in writing, tape, video..everything..he's being sentenced on Monday."
She was so happy she jumped in his arms and with the momentum he started to twirl her around, on an impulse she kissed him.
"What was that for..." Zander asked.
"For being you...just for being you." She replied
After she calmed down a little, he asked..
"Whatcha doin' now..."
"Well, I got some studying left to do before tomorrow's exam...why what did you have in mind.." she replied with a flirtatious look in her eye.
"I don't know...how bout dinner?..."
"Dinner?...with what?..."
"Money..ya know the stuff a job pays you with for a hard days work.."
She looked puzzled...
"I got pay today, sweet heart...where do you wanna go?..."
"You got pay?....I thought you were working off your bill with Sonny.."
"Yeah I am, but he wanted me to take you out...so he gave me an advance..."
"If he keeps giving you advances in pay, it'll be years before you pay him off.."
"Well, I'm supposed to have dinner with my folks at 6, but I can sneak away after that.."
"How bout we meet at Alexis's and go from there..."
"Sounds good to me, I'll see you later say around 8 ish...okay.."
"I'll be counting the minutes.." Zander replied as he leaned in for a good bye kiss.


With his arms wrapped so tightly around her waist, he leaned in closer, close enough to hear her whisper "I love you, Zander.." he kissed her lightly on her sweet lips. He didn't want to go, but he knew he had to.
"I'll see you tonight then...."
"Okay...around 8..." Emily replied as he turned and started to walk down the path towards the Gate House.


She waited till he was out of site and she turned to head up too the house. This had been a great day so far, she was beaming from ear to ear. This was such great news about Sorel confessing to all his crimes. The nightmare was over. They could finally put it behind them and move on....to focus on their future together and to finally be together without worrying about Sorel or his men. She sighed as a sign of relief, so much had been lifted off her shoulders, it was wonderful to feel free to live her life again...her life with Zander.

She was so much in her own little world when she walked in the front door of the mansion, she didn't even notice AJ coming out as she was going in. She walked right past him, and didn't even acknowledge him with a hello. She climbed the stairs as AJ walked out the front door. The slam of the door knocked her back into the world of reality, she was dreaming way to much about Zander, she needed to focus on her exams tomorrow. The final day of school before graduation and she needed to study. Her dreams of going to Harvard were not that far from reality. If she studied hard and made the grade on these exams...she'll be a shoe in. Thoughts of leaving Zander here in Port Charles crossed her mind. How was she ever going to leave him here while she went to college. College seemed to so far off, she had plenty of time to think about going to college. She needed to get through these exams tomorrow and graduate before thinking about the fall semester.

As she walked down the hall towards her room, she noticed her parent's bedroom door was open and it seemed strange, they always close the door...she wondered if one of them were home yet...a thought crossed her mind..wonder if they saw that Zander was here...if they saw him here..she would be in so much trouble. She loved Zander so much, and she loved her family. She certainly would have a very difficult decision if it came down to her making a choice. As she walked into the bedroom, she noticed that the room was empty...she turned around to walk back into the hallway. She was met by the man she loved so...Zander was standing right in front of her, face to face with her...she was so shocked to see him in the house, she could barely stand it...a little scared, a little excited...they didn't say a word.as she scurried him down to her bedroom. As they entered the room she couldn't help but ask him to explain.

"What are you doing here...I thought you left..." she said as she closed the door behind them.
"I thought I'd surprise you..."
"Well you certainly did..what if Reginald or worse grandfather would of seen you..."
"Don't worry no one saw me....I climbed through the window...what do you think I walked in the front door?...Zander replied with that grin that made her smile.
"Zander...." she started as he quickly kissed her...she melted in his arms right then and there.
He just wanted to sneak 5 minutes alone with her....just 5 minutes. He knew he was risking it by coming to the house and that he was really taking a risk by being in her bedroom. But he had to have her, he had to be close to her. It had be a few days since their special union and he couldn't get that night out of his mind. She felt so good laying there with him and he couldn't get enough. She stood by him through everything, she believed in him when no one else would. He has done everything for her, and he has done it all with the best of intentions.

As they stood in her room just holding each other tight, he started to remember how they made love at the studio and remembered the little surprise he didn't give to her. He wanted so badly for her to have it....he decided to give her the surprise tonight.

"Emily..there is one more thing I wanted to tell you before tonight..."
"And that is..."
"Remember the other night at the studio, I had gotten you that surprise..."
"Yes, and you forgot to give it me..."
"Now I didn't forget...I wanted to give it to you but ...you were sleeping so peaceful I didn't want to wake you.."
"So...."
"Well I thought I would give you the surprise tonight at Alexis's.."
"Well, now I am certainly intrigued at what the surprise is..can you give me a hint.."
"No hints..this is something that I think that will certainly be a surprise to you..and I want it to be special..so no hints."
"Okay...I trust you...now you better get outta here before someone comes looking for me..and they find you in my bedroom.."
"Alright I'm going..I know when I'm not wanted.." he said with a grin..
"Oh but you are..." she replied with a kiss.
"Now go before I change my mind.."she said as he started to crawl out the window..


She watched him as he crawled down the huge maple tree that stood outside her bedroom window. She was sure glad grandfather didn't cut it down last summer. And she thanked the lucky stars that no one saw him come in. She looked at the clock that sat on her night stand, and she had about an hour or so before dinner. She decided to take a shower and maybe get some more studying done before dinner wth her folks. As she went into the bathroom she wondered what the surprise was that Zander had been wanting to give her. She was so excited about spending another night with him, she couldn't wait to be in his arms.

She felt so refreshed after her shower..she just laid on her bed and relaxed a few moments before getting dressed.

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After Zander left the Quartermaine estate he walked down to the docks hoping to find Sonny. He needed some advice about tonight with Emily, and since Sonny knew the stakes he was the best one to talk to about this. Zander made his way down to the coffee warehouse and had a look around. He didn't see anyone working anymore, so he decided to head back to the penthouse.

He came up the elevator and as the door opened Johnny was there to greet him.

"Hey....Sonny around..." Zander said to Johnny as the elevator door closed.
"Yeah, he's home..would you like to speak to him..."
"Yeah I would...if he don't mind.."
Johnny introduced him as he opened up the door and led Zander inside. Sonny was on the sofa going over some paper work as Zander stood there and Johnny closed the door behind him.
"So what can I do for you.." Sonny said as he got up from the sofa...
"Well I need some advice...about Emily.."
"About Emily....okay well let's sit down...and talk about this.."
"What's on your mind Zander.."
"Well ya see...a few nights ago I told Emily that am in love with her...and well, we have been seeing each other for about 6 months now and we have really gotten serious..."
"How serious..."
"Serious enough...and I really do love her..I love her so much..she is the air I breath, she is everything to me ... Sonny"
"I can see that..I really do and I see that in her too..she loves you too.."
"So my question to you is.." Zander asked as he reached into his pocket of his black jeans...
"Do you think she's gonna like it?..." Zander asked as he pulled out a diamond ring that he bought a few weeks ago with the money he had made working for Sonny.
"Well, now you know that every woman loves diamonds.." Sonny replied with a grin..
"I really want to do this, Sonny..we have come so far....and we mean so much to each other..."
"She is graduating next week, you're still on probation..."
"Yeah I know..I know...but we don't have to get married right away....we'll wait..but I want to give this to her as a promise and a commitment from me..."
"What about her parents....they are not going to be happy about this.."
"Yeah I know...but I'm working, I will take care of my own...we don't need their money..."
"I have no doubts that you will take care of her, protect her, and provide a wonderful life for her.."
"But....I know there is a but coming.."
"No..no buts..if you think the two of you are ready for this...then you're ready...you can't worry about what others think...about you, about what you do, about who you marry...it is up to you how you want to live your life...and if it is with Emily...then...it's with Emily.."
"Thanks Sonny ... I knew I came here for a reason..."
"You better get your butt across the hall...Alexis has been looking for you all day..."
"Great...I wonder what I am in for this time..."
"So, how long are you gonna stay with Alexis?.."
"I don't really know..why?"
"Well if you are going through with this tonight, I just thought you might want to have another surprise for Emily.."
"Yeah and what's that.."
"Well, I do own the building that is situated next to the coffee warehouse...and it is primarily used for storage..but there is a loft that is still in pretty nice shape and it also has a back entrance for privacy...you interested?"
"Yeah sure I'm interested...but what about rent?"
"Pay me when you can....and there is no need to thank me..consider it an early wedding present.."
"Thank you...a thank you is not enough.." Zander replied as he reached his hand out to shake Sonny's hand..
"So when do you want to move in.."
"Move in...?"
"Yeah I had figured you wanted to move out sooner or later so when Jason came to visit a few weeks ago, I had him decorate for you...It's all ready to go..."
"Like now, like I can move in now.."
"Sure can...but I think you are going to need these..." Sonny replied as he handed Zander a set of keys.
"What can I say...I am totally speechless..thank you a hundred times over.."
"Just take care of Emily... I promised Jason some time ago that I would look after her...and now... I can see that you will look after her..."
"I will..I swear to you right now...I will always take care of her..always.."Zander said as he walked towards the door.
"Johnny.." Sonny yelled at the door..
"Sir..."
"Follow Zander across the hall and when he is ready take him over to the warehouse...he is moving in upstairs in the loft.."
"Yes, sir.."
"Johnny will take care of everything and anything you need.."
"Thank you Sonny..thank you very much.."
Sonny just nodded his head in confirmation and Zander walked out the door.
Zander was so excited about Sonny's offer of the loft..he couldn't stand it..he had to tell someone. He walked into the penthouse and saw Alexis sitting on the couch doing some paperwork. She motioned for him to come in and he did as instructed. He thanked Johnny and told him he would let him know when he was ready to go. Johnny agreed and closed the door.


"So where have you been.." Alexis asked as she reached for her glasses and removed them from the top of her head.
"Well, I was over at Sonny just now...and it looks like you are going to be losing a roommate."
"You're moving out?..do you think that is wise?"
"Alexis...I have to..it's time..I have disrupted you life way to long...I think I have overstayed my welcome.."
"Nonsense...Ned's getting used to the idea.."
"Yeah right..he'd rather see my sorry butt back in jail and away from Emily.."
"True .. but he has tried.."
"Like I haven't..."
"Now I didn't say that..of course you have..we all have"
"Well, I am going to pack a few of my things and Johnny is going to take me over to the loft.."
"But first I think you should make a phone call.."
"To who?"
"Emily...she called a few minutes ago.."
"Yeah, I guess I should call her.."
"Thanks Alexis...for everything..."
"Sure..no problem.."
Zander walked up the stairs up to his room to pack a few things and to call Emily. She is going to have two big surprises tonight...and litte does she know...he can't wait to surprise her. She is going to be elated about this news. He took his duffle bag out from inside the closet and started packing some of his clothes..at least for a few days, he would come and get the rest later.

He picked up the phone and dialed Emily's cell phone number...he was so anxious to tell her about the loft apartment. He thought maybe he would wait and surprise her..he'd ask her to meet him at Kelly's and they could walk to the warehouse from there.

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After dinner with the family, Emily went upstairs to grab her coat before she went to meet Zander. As she opened the door to her bedroom she heard her cell phone ringing.

"Hello...."
"Emily...it's me.."
"Zander..where have you been..I've been calling Alexis every 5 minutes.."
"Sorry I was with Sonny..we had a few things to discuss.."
"A few things...what's going on.."
"It's about your surprise..."
"Any hints.."
"No hints...now I told you...you are going to be so surprised..especially since it is now two surprises.."
"Two?...why two.."
"I will tell you all about it when you meet me at Kelly's.."
"At Kelly's .... why there.."
"Don't ask questions...I'll meet you there in about 20 minutes...okay.."
"I'm leaving now.."
"Emily..."
"Yeah..."
"I love you..."
"I love you too..see you in a couple of minutes.."
"K..bye.."
"bye.."
Emily closed the cell phone and couldn't think of what he was hiding...what were the surprises..well she would know soon enough. She grabbed her coat from the chair and headed out the door. She scurried down the stairs trying to not make a sound. She wasn't planning on telling her parents where she was headed and figured they wouldn't believe her anyway..so she didn't..and she walked out the front door. It was only a short walk from the mansion to Kelly's, it should take her long to get there, she'd probably beat Zander there. As she walked down into town, she had all of these thoughts running through her head...what could these surprises be..she was racking her brain to think of what Zander had up his sleave for tonight.

As she came up to the front of Kelly's, she noticed a few couples sitting at the tables that were outside the diner. She peered through the window looking to see if Zander was there waiting for her.

"Lookin' for me.." the voice said from behind her...
She turned around and saw Zander standing in front of her...
"Yeah.. I was..I figured we would get a bite to eat while we are here..considering Alexis doesn't have anything in her kitchen but popcorn and water."
"No need for food...we got places to go..come on.."
"Where...Zander where are we going.."
"You'll see..it's part one of the surprise..."


He took her hand and they walked down along the pier hand and hand...she thought it was odd, because they never have done this before..walking hand and hand in public..this was definitely different. He could feel that she was anxious to see her surprise and he was so nervous to give it to her. He couldn't wait to see her face when he proposed...this was something she would remember for the rest of her life. He was just hoping that Rick had prepared the room as Sonny instructed.

As they approached the coffee warehouse, she wondered what he was up to.."What are we doing here.." she asked him as the turned off into the alley next to where he worked. "Your surprise..remember.." he said as the reached the back stairs. "Zander what is this.." she asked as she followed him up the stairs. "This my dear is surprise number one.." he replied as he unlocked the door.

"Okay wait..." he said before opening the door to his new apartment. "Wait for what..let me see.." she replied as she tried to sneak a peak inside. He turned to her and she looked at him with her deep brown eyes.."Emily, this is a gift from me to you...well actually from Sonny to me and you. He replied as he opened up the door to the loft. "What is all this.." she said as she stepped inside. "This Emily is my new place.." he replied as he followed her and closed the door behind him. He reached for the light switch on the wall behind the door. " Your new place...you mean you live here.." she said as she got all excited..finally a place to call home. "I do now..Sonny had Jason redecorate and he said I could pay him rent when I had it..you like it.." he asked as he took off his coat. "Like it...I love it.." she said as she walked across the hardwood floor.

The loft rested above an old storage warehouse that Sonny had used to store extra coffee and other equipment for the warehouse next door. The place sat empty for a while, but Jason had added a few touches while he stayed here when he was visiting a month or so ago. The loft was spacious, and had all the amentities of home. Jason had added a queen sized bed, refrigerator, a kitchen table with 2 chairs, plus the sofa and recliner in the living room. The loft was an open area that had a hard wood floors with some throw rugs lying about the room. It had 3 large windows on the backside wall and skylights above the living room. You would never guess that it was above the warehouse.

"Well it looks like Jason thought of everything.." she said as she walked over to the stereo system standing in the corner of the living room. "There are probably some CD's in there if you want to turn some music on.." Zander said as he stood and watched her from across the room. He couldn't believe that she was all his, and that she would be his forever. Rick had added the final touches to the place before they got there. Zander opened up the refrigerator and it was stocked full of food. "So what do you want to eat..?" Zander said as he peered into the open refrigerator. " Looks like Rick stocked us up with plenty of everything. "Zander...I don't want anything to eat.." Emily said as she took his hand and he closed the door with the other. "Well, then what do you want..." he replied as a grin came over his face. "Tonight..all I want is you.." she said as she removed her coat and threw it on the sofa behind her. "Well if that is all you want, then I am more then willing and able to help you out." he said as he pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her waist.

They stood looking into each others eyes just taking it all in, this was the place that the two of them will live...that is if she accepts his proposal...and he is so hoping that she will. He was getting nervous now about asking her, he didn't know if he should..but he was always told to follow your heart, it would never steer you wrong. Zander leaned down and kissed Emily with such passion, and all the feelings of the love they shared came rushing over them. She knew she couldn't resist temptation, she needed him..even if it was for a few hours. She had finals tomorrow but she didn't have to be in till 11am, so she could sleep in tomorrow morning. She wondered if she could get away with using the same excuse as she did last week. Lucky and Elizabeth had gone away for a few days, so she didn't think Elizabeth would mind to use her for an excuse again. "I gotta make a phone call.." Emily said as she broke the embrace they were in. "Your parents.." he replied as he thought this would be the last time for this dreaded call. "Yeah I gotta tell them that I probably won't be home tonight.." she said as she dialed the number on her cell. "What are you gonna tell them this time.." he asked as he sat down on the sofa. "The same thing I told them last time.." she replied as she waited for someone to pick up. "They're gonna by it a second time?.." he said as he watched her. "Let's hope so.." she replied.

"Reginald..it's me, Emily..are my parents home.."
"Oh their not..well do you know where they went?"
"You don't huh...well could you give them a message for me.."
"Could you just tell them that I am staying at Elizabeth's again tonight..she's helping me with those finals tomorrow.. thanks Reginald..bye.."
As she flipped the cell phone closed as he came up behind her and put his hands around her waist. "See it was easy..." she replied regarding her phone call to home. "Yeah this time..what about next time and the time after that.." he asked as he turned her around to face him. "Well I'll think about that next time.."

He wanted so bad to ask her, but he was waiting for the right moment. "So what do you want to do now.." he asked as he led her to the sofa. "Well did Rick by chance stock your video collection too..." she said as she noticed a few video sitting on top of the VCR in the corner. "Well I sure didn't so I guess it was Rick.." he said as he got up to get the movies. "Let's see what do we have to watch.."Titanic"..always a good tear jerker.."Psycho.." a good horror..."Casablanca"..a good classic..."and last but not least.."Passenger 57" your action.."whatcha wanna watch?" Emily sat on the sofa and didn't here a word he said...she was watching him as he stood there in his tight black jeans and a silk button up dress shirt. Since working with Sonny, he had got himself some nice clothes..she thought a little of Sonny was certainly rubbing off on him. "What...did you say something.." she asked as her mind came back to reality. "Well I wanted to know what you wanted to watch, but by the looks of it, you were watching me.." "Yeah I guess I was..sorry.." "No need to be sorry, cause I watch you all the time.." She was so easy on the eyes, he couldn't resist looking at her.

"Come sit here next to me.." she said as she motioned for him to come sit by her on the sofa. She snuggled up close to him as he sat down and made himself comfortable. She wrapped her arms around his waist and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, as she got even closer. "Comfy.." he asked as she nuzzled up close.."Comfy.." she replied as she kicked off her shoes and pulled her legs up on the sofa.

She could snuggle with him for hours and feel so safe in his arms. She knew that this was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. "Emily..." Zander said as he lifted her head to look at him. "I was going to wait till later for your next surprise, but I can't wait any longer." as he moved to the side to give him room to go into his pocket for the diamond ring. "Do I get three guesses as to what it is?" she asked as she saw him reach into his pocket. "No, but I need to say something before I give it to you." He turned to her and took a deep breath. "Emily, you have given me life, you believed me when no one else would. You have brightened everyday of my life for the past 8 months, and you have given me so much more then you will ever know. I have never met anyone like you, you are strong, determined, generous and stubborn at times, but I love you with all my heart and soul." he said as he noticed a stray tear trickled down Emily's cheek. "Zander, I feel the same way about you...You have brought so much to my life, I never thought I would feel this way about anyone. And I will always love you...always." she replied as the moment neared for him to ask her.

He held the ring so tight in his hands, he was sure there were imprints of the gold setting in his palm. He waited for this day for a long time and now was the moment of truth.

As he took the ring from his palm and placed it between his index finger and thumb, .."Emily..Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" Shocked at those words, she was speechless. Tears fell from her eyes onto her soft skin, and she was so moved by the question. "Zander, I don't know what to say..." "Well you could say yes.." The tears of joy were evident and so were the fears. Fears of living out their lives together. "Yes, I will marry you!" she replied he placed the diamond on her left ring finger. As she cried tears of joy, he leaned in closer to kiss her lips which were now touched with her tears. He could see she was over joyed by all of this and was relieved that she said yes. He was worried she would turn him down for many reasons.

Time stood still as they embraced each other and lost each other in their kiss. It was a moment they would remember for the rest of their lives.

Chapter 4