Chapter Nine

The next morning Carly drug suitcases down the stairs. Michael and Morgan waited in the living room with Sonny, Leticia and Max.

Sonny gave her a don't start with me look and said, loudly, "What is this all about now, Carly?"

"We are going to find Jason." she said " Doesn't that sound like fun boys?"

"Yeah!" they cried

"Like hell you are." said Sonny " Didn't you camp out here last night because you wouldn't be safe without protection?"

"I didn't say we were going alone. " Carly smiled at Max.

Max blushed.

Sonny scowled.

"Um," Sonny said " nope. You aren't taking off in a plane with my body guard or my kids just because you are jonesing for your Jason fix."

"What's that?" asked Morgan

"Nothing," said Carly, Sonny, Max and Leticia in unison

Leticia added, "Let's go playing in the back yard for a while kids." Looking at Carly she said, " Let us know if or when you are ready to go."

"Soon." answered Carly

"Not gonna happen." said Sonny

Max went outside with Morgan and Leticia.

Before Michael joined them he said, "Don't worry, dad. I can look out for mom and Morgan. No big thing. Nobody will mess with us."

Sonny nodded.

When Michael was gone, Carly said softly "He tries to be such a big man. I'm scared he wants to grow up too fast. I don't want him trying to follow in your footsteps."

"Mine are the same as your hero Jason's."

She gave him a look that could cut ice. "Are you that threatened by the idea of me and Jason?"

Sonny laughed. " Not hardly. Screw whoever you want but don't kid yourself that you will be any happier than you were in the past. People like you and me don't do happy, Carly."

"But you keep trying, " she pointed out. " Madison."

"I don't lie to myself that I can leave my whole life behind to be with Madison. I learned my lesson years ago. Jason will regret the day he ever gave in to you if you force him out of the life. This is all he knows. All he is good at."

Carly shook her head. Confidently she said, "He's good at loving me."

The door to the foyer opened and Jason was standing there.

All I want is to hold you forever.


All I need is you more every day.


You saved my heart from being broken apart.


You gave your love away and I'm thankful every day
for

the gift...

Jim Brickman lyrics

Seeing Jason, Carly's face broke into a smile. He smiled back at her. Then he looked at Sonny and said simply, "I found Sam. Alexis has been notified. She should have reached her some time during the night."

"Alive?" asked Sonny

"Yes, she wasn't injured or grabbed up. She left her boat on her own and rented a villa."

Sonny nodded.

Carly said, her voice rising in anger and a slight trace of fear, "So what was this? Her last play to get you back?"

Jason walked closer to her. "Something like that."

Carly wanted to ask " Did it work?" or say " Well, I know that didn't work." So that Jason would have to confirm that he did not reunite with Sam, romantically.

Instead she just said, " Sad."

Jason gave her a be nice look asked " How are the boys?"

Before Carly could answer Sonny said, "My sons are fine, thanks. So you can collect Carly here and take her on home. Then come back so we can talk business."

"Fine. But later." He placed a hand on Carly's arm and looked in her eyes, "Did everything go okay here?"

"The usual." she said. On his face she could read that he was still just as much hers as when he left. Her body relaxed.

"Okay. Do you need to head into work for a while? I could give you a ride."

"Sounds great."

As they left Sonny said, " Hey, Jason, there are business matters we have to discuss."

"It can wait, can't it?" The look Jason gave Sonny said that the answer needed to be yes.

"I guess." said Sonny

Carly and Jason walked out into the foyer. To Marco, Carly said "Can you give a message to Leticia for me? Tell her to leave the bags packed and that Jason and I will be back in a few hours for her and the boys."

Jason opened the door and Carly stepped outside. Once they were alone, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Hey, " she said

"Hey."

His head dipped and his mouth found hers.

When he pulled away Carly said, " You have a bad habit of leaving town without me. Cool it, okay?"

"Whatever you say."

She smiled as he led her to the motorcycle. She could get used to hearing those three little words.

You gave your love away


I can't find the words to say


that I'm thankful every day
for

the gift.

Jim Brickman lyrics