Chapter 2

"Sonny, I need to take a trip to the courthouse today. But, I have to tell you something first."

"Alexis, honey, I'm beginning to hate hearing words like that come out of your mouth. They are not words that you say lightly and more often than not, we usually end up having to deal with life-altering events after you say them." Sonny smiled at her even as he recognized just how true his words were.

"I know. But, I told you I would do something for you and I didn't. Sonny... I didn't file the adoption contract for you like I said I would."

Sonny leveled an unwavering gaze at her and waited for her to explain. Alexis didn't do anything without a good reason. Experience taught him that about her and he trusted her. So he patiently waited for her to explain.

"When I saw Johnny's name on the contract and recognized that I may have put a child's life in danger, I simply couldn't go through with it. I had to know for Michael's sake if Johnny was dangerous. Last night you heard what Cassadine's do to children. I was having to face the fact that I legally sealed Michael's guardianship to you and you employed a Cassadine. Please tell me you understand why I couldn't file the adoption papers." As she tried to explain her actions to Sonny, Alexis began pacing back and forth. She needed him to understand, needed to know he wasn't angry with her.

"Shh...Alexis, baby, calm down. I understand and I love you all the more for it. You were trying to protect Michael again. How can I not understand? I know that you will always put the safety of Michael or any child first. It's ok, honey. I understand." And Sonny, with a twinkle in his eye... "But, you did say you were going to make a trip to the courthouse today, right?"

Looking up, she saw the slight mischievous smile he wore and it allowed her to relax. He did understand.

"Yes, I am going to file the contract this morning. And I expect to find you here when I get back. Can we have lunch together? I know you have a lot to do with the business and I'll understand if you need to go handle it."

"Actually, I thought I'd take Johnny down to the Grille and have a talk with him."

"That sounds ominous."

"It's nothing to worry about. I want Johnny to resign from the business and as my bodyguard. With his new role as a bona fide head of his own family, he needs to be able to focus on you and Kristina instead of my business. I want to set him up as the CEO of the coffee business. It's well established and I think he could be very good as an executive."

"It's also a legitimate enterprise as well, right?" While the words she spoke were teasing, Alexis wanted her brother away from Sonny's organization. The simple offer of what Sonny wanted to do for Johnny was overwhelming. It was a completely selfless act on Sonny's part and she knew what it would cost him.

"I may need your help to convince him that this is the right thing to do."

"Thank you, Sonny. You have no idea what this means to me. Thank you. Thank you." She reached over to cup his face in her hands and kissed him.

"Thank you."

"Alexis, he means a lot to me too. I owe him. He saved my life, twice. And he is your brother, but more than that, I think of him as a brother too. I don't want him caught up in something that may hurt him or you."

"Things are going to get rough aren't they?"

"They already have. But, I need you to know something. Last night I realized that violence is not always the answer when dealing with problems. You and Johnny showed me that. You both have a lot to be angry about, but instead of retaliating against the crimes committed against you, you chose to build a life that your mother would have been proud of. It makes me wonder what my life could have been like if I had made different choices. I find myself wondering what my mother would think of the life I built for myself. I don't think she would be very proud of me and that hurts. She meant the world to me and I'm afraid I've let her down."

"You still have the capacity to change your world, Sonny. You have the right to choose what you want out of your life."

"It's too late now, Alexis. I have too much to lose. This is just going to have to play out and I'll try to make the best decisions I can to hopefully cause the least amount of damage."

Now was not the time to continue this discussion with him. Alexis could tell he was finally beginning to question the decisions he made in his life and that was an enormous first step for him. She would give him the time he needed to further evaluate himself and his actions. Her faith in him was strong and she knew he would now look for alternative measures in his business dealings.

"Ok, sweetheart. I'm going to go get ready to go to the courthouse. See you back here later?"

"The sooner, the better."