chapter14
Chapter 14

Zander and Emily spent last evening just talking. Talking about what it will mean to have Alexandra back in his life..and what this means for them as a family with their new baby coming into this world within the next few weeks. Emily expressed her feelings about him keeping this from her for all this time. She was rightly upset with him for lying to her but she believed him when he told her that he had no choice. His whole life was all about his best intentions. He was scared, he wanted so badly to protect them and the only way he knew how was to leave them behind. She certainly could understand. She may not of understood it had it happen to her but knowing Zander the way she did, she could understand why he did what he did. It was painful to relive it, and it will be painful to overcome it.

The next morning Emily had not been feeling well, so Zander had Antonio go to the hanger to pick up Steph and Alexandra. He needed to stay with Emily. He gave Antonio instructions and he was off to pick them up. Zander knew it would be a shock for Steph to be flown from Dulles Airport to Port Charles in a private jet, and he was sure she would have questions when she would arrive at a private hanger with a private limo waiting for them. Steph new nothing about him, what he had become or what he had been doing the last three years. As the time ticked away, he started to become nervous about meeting his past face to face. Zander left Emily sleep in, she had been up half the night tossing and turning, she needed her rest. While Emily lay sleeping, Zander decided to make a few phone calls.

He quickly got dressed and dispersed to the living room where he wouldn't disturb Emily. Zander reached for the phone and in a split second it rang. He quickly picked it up and answered it. "Hello..." he said as he held the receiver. "Zander...it's Alexis." the voice replied. "Hey, what's up?" Zander replied as he laid back against the cushion of the sofa. "Steph called me last night...I was going to call you earlier but things got hectic around here and I simply forgot." she replied as she adjusted her glasses. "She called me too..." he replied. "How did things go...did you get things worked out.." she inquired. "Yeah, pretty much I guess....her and Alex should be here in about an hour." he replied as he ran his fingers through his hair. "They're coming to Port Charles?...may I ask why?..." Alexis asked. "Well, I guess she has changed her mind about me seeing Alex...and so she is bringing her here to see me." he responded. "What about Emily?" "Well, she seems okay with this...we had a long..a very long talk about it last night and she doesn't want to keep me from Alex." he replied as he heard Emily walking around upstairs. "Alexis....I gotta go..Emily is up and I want to get her some breakfast..she's not feeling well today, so I'm sure she is a little cranky." "Okay..call me later..." she replied. "Yes, mom.." he replied with a chuckle. "Zander...I mean it..if you need me..you call me." she said. "Okay..I'll call you...I promise...geesh.." he replied to her request. "Alright..c-ya." she answered. "Okay..c-ya." he replied as he noticed Emily coming down the short flight of stairs. Zander hung up the phone and quickly went to assist her down to the sofa.

Zander had a feeling she was not in the greatest mood this morning. He had left her sleep so she would get her rest...however it looked like that didn't happen. He added an extra pillow of support to her lower back as she elevated her legs on the ottoman. "Can I get you some breakfast.." he questioned hesitantly not knowing if she would bite his head off with that kind of question considering she wasn't feeling well. "Nah, just some toast and juice is fine..thanks." she replied as she rubbed her hands over her face trying to wake herself up. Zander went into the kitchen and popped two slices of bread into the toaster. "So..who was that on the phone just now.." she asked with a yawn. "Alexis...she called to see how we were doing.." he shouted from across the room. "Oh...don't you have to go pick Alex up at the airport this morning.." she asked as she noticed Zander was pouring her juice in a tall glass that he had taken down from the rack above the center island. "Nah..I figured I'd spend a little quality time with you..so I sent Antonio to the hanger. He should be back in about an hour or so." he replied as he carried her so called breakfast to her and placed it on her lap. "So we have a little time before they get here..." she inquired as she sipped her juice. "Yup..whatta ya wanna do for an hour..." he asked as she made room for him to sit on the ottoman. "Nothing...I just want you to sit here with me.." she said as she removed the tray and set it on the coffee table. "That can be arranged..." replied as he took a seat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder...as she leaned into him.

Zander and Emily just past the time by enjoying each other's company and both becoming nervous and anxious for him to meet his daughter for the first time in three years. He was just thanking his lucky stars that Emily was being so understanding about this situation. He thought she would have reservations about being in the same room with his ex. He had never wanted anything to come between them, they had built a life on honesty and he made one mistake...no...Alex was not a mistake...she may have not been planned but she certainly was no mistake...the honesty policy he and Emily had been broken...he was so hoping it could be mended.

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The Quartermaine mansion was a buzzing about Emily's surprise baby shower. Everyone wanted to volunteer to help Monica plan the shower. She certainly appreciated the offers, but her, Chloe and Elizabeth had everything under control.

Monica knew when she came down this morning she needed to be focused....she had a surgery later this morning and a surgery planned for this afternoon. So her schedule didn't allow for her to think about the shower. She had made a few phone calls and things had been set into motion for the shower to be held at the PC Grille, the invitations were in the mail and the menu had been planned. Chloe and Elizabeth were taking care of just about everything else, plans were in the works of how to get Emily to the Grille without her knowing about the surprise that would be waiting for her.

Morning breakfast with the Quartermaine's was never boring, there was always something to quarrel about and this morning was no exception. Monica made her way into the living room grab a quick breakfast before heading off to the hospital to see her patients. Edward and Alan were in a heated discussion about ELQ business as Monica walked across the room to the table where the much needed coffee was waiting. From what she gathered by listening to the argument, Alan had wanted to give AJ another chance to prove himself in the company. Edward of course disagreed with bringing his drunken grandson back into the fold. Monica had wanted no part of this conversation, so she sat quietly at the dining room table sipping her coffee and listening intently at was being said between her husband and her father-in-law. She sat a few moments before Alan even noticed she was in the room. He acknowledge her with saying "Good morning dear.." and that was the extent of the conversation. She reciprocated the pleasantries and took the last sip of her coffee as Edward refilled his cup. The two of them continued with their conversation about AJ and ELQ while she quietly got up and walked out of the room. She grabbed her coat and bag and headed out the door.

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Zander waiting anxiously for his daughter to arrive, as Emily went up stairs to change out of her pajamas. He went a few times and opened the door staring down an empty corridor, hoping he would find her standing there waiting for him. Zander was getting nervous...this would be the first time in three years he had seen his little girl and there were many thoughts that ran through his mind. He loved his little girl with all his heart and want to so badly to be a good daddy. He knew he wasn't there for a few years, but he was here now and wanted to make the best of the time he spent with her.

Emily came down the stairs a few moments later with a new outfit on...certainly something he hadn't bought for her and questioned her about where she got the new outfit. "When did you get that...?" he asked. "The other day when I went to see Dr. Meadows...I stopped in town and picked up a few things...do you like?" she replied as she modeled it for him. "It is very nice...." he replied being very careful of what he said. "You don't think it makes me look to fat do you?" she questioned as he stood in awe of her. "Hun...your pregnant...your not fat..trust me.." he replied as he heard the door to the apartment open and Antonio stuck his head in.

"We're back..." Antonio said as Zander walked towards the door. "Thanks...Antonio." he replied as he opened the door to reveal his past staring him in the face. It was awkward for sure...there she stood...Stephanie Lords. A tall ashen blonde who stole his heart and gave him a very precious gift...his daughter Alexandra who she stood holding in her arms. "Alex...?" the young woman asked as he stood in shock to see his past standing before him. "Zander now...but yeah it's me." he replied as she peered over his shoulder to see more of the inside of the apartment. "Right...Zander. Sorry I forgot..." she said apologetic "habit I guess..." she added. "Uh, Zander aren't you goin' to invite them in..or are they going to stand in the hallway all day..." Emily said from across the room. "Oh..yeah where are my manners...come on in.." he replied and with that the young woman and child stepped into the apartment just in awe of the spacious home he was living in....with...someone else. Stephanie's wishes were shattered by hearing another woman's voice...she was so hoping the three of them could become a family once again.

"Alex...this is your daddy.." Steph said as they stood in the foyer of the apartment. Zander wanted for so long to hear those words again. Zander took his hand and cupped the back of his child's head and ran his fingers through her soft black hair. "She looks just like you..." Steph said as she noticed Zander wanted so desparately to hold his child. Emily watched from afar as her new husband was reuniting with his long lost past and his daughter he missed so much. "May I...." Zander asked as he reached for Alex who was still being held tightly by her mother. "Oh..yeah, sure...." Steph replied as she carefully handed over his daughter to him. Zander took Alex in his arms and held her tight against him as tears of joy welled up in the corner of his eye. Alex quickly warmed up to him and wrapped her little arms around his neck and whispered in his ear "Hi daddy..." Zander closed his eyes for a brief moment as he enjoyed feeling of holding his child...his child in his arms again.

Emily allowed him a few moments to reacquaint himself with his child before she stepped forward to introduce herself to Zander's past who stood before her. Zander noticed Emily approaching as he introduced her to his past. "Stephanie Lords..this is Emily...my wife..." he said as he introduced to the two women to each other. "Wife?....you didn't tell me you got married..." Steph replied shocked and disappointed at the news her first love had found a new one. "You didn't give me a chance....and Emily this here is Alex...my daughter." he replied as he held her in his arms. Emily wanted to be polite and cordial to the guests, even though her stomach was in knots. "It is so nice to meet you...Alex..I'm Emily" she replied as she shook the little girls hand. Alex smiled and giggled at her reply. Emily noticed how much Alex looked like her daddy...and how much they need to spend time together. "So, how was the flight...?" Zander said as he walked towards the sofa and sat Alex down. "Fine...I was a little surprised though.." Steph said as she followed him and sat down beside her daughter. Emily had taken a seat on the love seat and placed her feet up on the ottoman as her eyes never left sight of the beautiful young woman had re-entered her husband's life. Steph had noticed when she walked in that his new wife looked to be about 8 months along. She sat and glared towards Emily's pregnant form as Zander noticed her staring. "Surprised...at what..that a private jet flown you here or that a private limo picked you up from the airport?" he questioned as his eyes never left his daughter. He just couldn't believe that she was really here, in his living room..he just wanted to hold her forever. He kept reliving that moment in hospital when she was born over and over again. Zander explored every feature of his daughters face knowing that she had his eyes and her mother's nose. She certainly had his dark hair that curled on the ends at the nape of her neck, her hair was thin and soft to the touch. She had deep brown eyes that were filled with laughter and danced as she stared back at him. A smile came over her face as she noticed her daddy was watching her every move. Alex drifted across the cushion towards him as she held out her arms as if for him to pick her up. He did so and held her on his lap as he heard Steph reply..."Well, yeah I mean...come on Alex..I mean a private jet, limo..your own body guard...I was just shocked..." Emily sat quietly as she wondered how he was going to explain this one to his ex...Zander left Florida with not much of anything in his back pocket and now three years later, has a posh apartment, limo and many other expensive things that the ex obviously knew he couldn't of afforded when he left.

Zander had pondered thoughts of how he was going to begin explaining while he caressed Alex's head who was sitting quietly on his lap. He noticed she was very well behaved for a three year old and how she smiled across at Emily. Kids loved Emily...she just had this way with children.

"I would love to hear the story behind the all of this..." She replied looking at him with her deep green eyes. Zander use to love when he could sit and look into her green eyes. But that was then...this now. He had a new life here in Port Charles with Emily and their baby. His feelings for Steph had dissipated a long time ago..when he met Emily and fell in love with her. He would always be grateful to Steph for giving him his daughter but the love was no longer apparent....at least for him. "Okay...well..then would you like some coffee.." Emily said as she started to get up from her seat trying so hard to be polite to a women she was beginning to dislike very much. Hate was a strong word for Emily and being she was the mother of Zander's daughter, she thought twice about saying what she thought out loud. "Sure thanks..." Steph replied as she observed Emily walk across in front of her and kiss Zander softly as she passed by him. Steph thought to herself ..."Emily seemed to come from a well-to-do family, her clothes, her perfume she wore were all fairly expensive items." With peaked interest in where Alex found his new love, Steph was dying to hear the story of how they met.

"So...are you going to tell me this story of yours or am I going to have to guess.." she asked as she turned towards Zander "Okay...where shall I begin..." he began as he glanced towards the kitchen to see if Emily was doing okay with making the coffee. "Em...are you doing okay in there..." he asked as he stood waiting for the reply. "Yeah..I'm fine..I'll be out in a few.." she responded as she peeked around the corner. With that...he sat down once again on the sofa and leaned back into the cushions. "You were saying..." Steph began anxious to hear his story of the last few years. "Well, there's not much to tell. Emily and I met under circumstances that were not the best and but we knew after spending a few weeks together that we discovered we had feelings for each other. Her family has tried their damndest to keep us apart but our love prevailed and we eloped. It has taken some time for her family to except the marriage, the baby..and our love for each other. Once we saw that our problems were coming to an end, Emily's brother got me a job at a coffee warehouse that he partly owned." Zander tried so hard not to bring up the kidnapping, drug dealing and Sorel...he figured the less she knew the better. He seemed to be in the habit of hidding things, he hid his feelings from Emily for a long time, he hid his daughter from her for the same amount of time and now he was hiding the truth from the mother of his child. He didn't want them to be afraid. Steph sensed there was more to this story of young love, but figured if he wanted to tell her he would so she didn't push the subject.

Zander still hadn't learned much about her life since he left Florida...other than he knew she and Alex were living in Virginia now. He was curious as to what she was up to these days and of course the curiosity got the best of him. "So, what have you been up to lately?.." he asked as he looked at Steph who sat close to him sipping her coffee. "Other than trying to keep up with a three year old.." she replied with a chuckle. "I guess she does keep you pretty busy..huh?" he replied with a smile. "Yes she does...and she has that wild streak of yours..." she hinted hoping he would remember how it used to be. Emily sat next to him and wondered what Steph had up her sleeve..what were her intentions with her husband. "What have I been up to lately...hmmm...well I went on to college and got my degree in teaching...and now I am a student teacher. I have a little while to go before I can get my license...and while I'm doing that...my mom watches Alex.. About a year after you left and I figured you had no intentions of coming back...my parents and I packed up and moved to Virginia. After quite a few months in conflict about why you left and needing so much to move on with my life, I just decided one day to do it." she said as she noticed the love that he and Emily shared. There wasn't a moment that he was not touching her in some way...caressing her hands, or her knee...wrapping his arm around her, or brushing her auburn hair away from her face. It was obvious that the child she was carrying was conceived out of love as was Alex.

"You know, now that Alex is back in my life, I have no problem taking responsibility." he said as Emily caressed his back soothingly. "I know..and that is nice of you to offer...and I'm sure we can arrange something without hassle." Steph replied as she looked down at her watch noticing it was getting later by the minute. Zander wanted so badly to spend as much time with his daughter as possible before they headed back home to Virginia. "Would it be possible if I could spend some time with Alex tomorrow..say taking her to the park?" he asked as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "Sure I guess so...can we make it more of family outing or would be to uncomfortable for you to have me tag along..?" she asked. "Em...do mind if we head to the park tomorrow?" he asked as he looked at his wife. Steph noticed that he had the utmost respect for his new wife..it was nice to see how Alex really had grown into a fine man that she wish she would have a chance with...again. "Sure..not a problem maybe Elizabeth and I can go shopping or something tomorrow..." Emily replied thinking in the back of her mind what in the world was she doing...giving her husband permission to take the day and go spend time with his ex and his daughter she never knew about...God she hated feeling like this...she wanted him to spend time with his daughter, but did he have to do it with Steph...Man she was really not liking her. Emily trusted Zander completely when it came down to it...it was the ex Emily didn't trust. She didn't know anything about her, who she was and how much she wanted Zander in her life...was it only for the child or did she have a hidden agenda. Zander knew it took alot of guts to give him the okay for him to go tomorrow...beings he would be spending time not only with his daughter but with his first love...would be hard on any new wife...but Emily tried to hide it...but he could read her like a book..he knew what she was thinking even before she said it.

"Well, why don't we see if we can get you a room for tonight at the PC Hotel...which is around the corner..." he suggested as he reached for the phone that sat behind him on a tall table. After a few moments on the phone with the hotel...Zander added "Well, it looks like you have a room for the night. I"ll have Antonio drive you to the hotel so the two of you can unpack and get settled." "Sounds good..." Steph replied as she picked up Alex who had been napping most of the time they had been visiting. Zander rose from his seat and headed towards the door. As he opened the door Antonio turned around to meet him face to face. "Would you come in here for a moment..." he asked of his body guard. Antonio stepped inside the apartment as Zander asked him to take Steph and Alex to the PC Hotel to check in. "Take the side entrance Antonio.....make sure she gets to her room okay." Zander said as Steph came up from behind. "I guess till tomorrow than...." she said as he looked adoringly at Alex who seemed to have missed her afternoon nap. "Till tomorrow...I'll pick you up around noon.." he said as he kissed his daughter as he ran his hand over her head. With that, Steph and Alex walked down the corridor to the elevator as Antonio followed in toe. Zander watched them get on the elevator and than closed the door.

"Are you alright...?" Emily asked as he came over and sat next to her on the sofa. "I should be asking you that question...Em. " he replied as he wrapped his arm around her and she leaned into him finding comfort and solace. "I'm fine...really.." she replied as she looked up at him. "Okay...cause I want you to tell me if you're not...and if you're not it's open for discussion." he replied as he caressed her arm and shoulder. "Zander..I'm fine." With that said the two of them sat a few more minutes gathering their thoughts about what happened there that afternoon.

"So...if you're fine and I'm fine....what do you say to a candle light dinner at the PC Grille?" Zander asked as their eyes met once again. "How bout a candle light dinner from the PC Grille at home?" she inquired as she brushed her lips with his. He released his kiss and replied "Hmmm....you call the order in and I'll get the candles."

Chapter 15