"Hurricane? You can't be serious?"
"Afraid so darlin' - it's hurricane season."
"Yeah - in Florida - not upstate New York."
"They're whirling wind and rain - they travel. Mainly down south, yes, but they feed on warm water, so can go in any direction. We're not getting the full brunt of it here but the weather station is predicting high winds and lots of rain in the next twenty-four hours. They'll just have to postpone the wedding." They were so high up in the Crimson offices that she could actually feel as though the building shifted with the wind.
"That's it, isn't it? That's what this is about…you want to stop Sam marrying Jason!"
Turning from where she'd moved near Maxie's desk, Alexis tried to sound offended, "Don't be ridiculous - I couldn't exactly rustle up a hurricane, and Sam has never listened to what I want her to do."
"Doesn't prevent you from trying. "Why - what's gotten you against their nuptials now?"
"I'm not against it. Not really…it's just…it was nice, during the time he was missing…"
"Mom!"
"I don't mean it like that - I just mean, she wasn't in any danger anymore." The disapproving look from her middle daughter urged Alexis to further explain herself, "She dressed up all the time, in bright colors, I might add - dresses even! She was completely different…and safe! My daughter was on the verge of becoming a surgeon's wife, for goodness sakes!"
"And we barely recognized her. Mom, when Jason died, Sam put on a brave front for Danny - tried her best to give him a safe life, even went as far as getting involved with men she thought would make good role models. But she completely changed from the Sam we knew and became a shell of herself! Have you seen her lately? She's glowing! She's back to the career she loves, with the man she's always loved…her family is intact and happy, and Jason is a big part of that. How do you not see that?"
"I do see it." She sighed in exasperation of none of them ever being able to understand her concern for their wellbeing. "What's wrong with making a family with someone safe, is what I want to know?"
"Nothing…but it's not Sam. You and I both know Sam and Jason are adrenaline junkies and even when they don't go looking for it, trouble will find them. They get a kick out of living life, Mom, and would both be miserable if restricted. We don't want that for her, do we?"
"Of course not. I want my happy girl, always." With a sigh of defeat, Alexis palmed her daughter's face between loving hands, "I just wish I could keep you three in a bubble where nothing ever hurts you."
The opening elevator deposited Maxie and Sam, who smiled at the women impatiently waiting for them. Kristina pulled Sam into a hug as Maxie whisked by.
"Save that for later - we need to hurry up and beat this storm. Sam, fitting room - stat!" She was already halfway down the hallway to the closet, where the two dresses she'd marked earlier hung in wait.
"Yes, ma'am!" Smiling, Sam grabbed the hands of both women and pulled them along to follow Maxie. Kristina hopped to catch up and squeezed the hand gripping hers.
"I can't believe you're getting a traditional dress for your wedding to Jason - and don't think I don't notice how thrilled you are this time."
Waging a losing battle on the smile spreading through her, Sam ducked inside the fitting room, away from the scrutiny, brimming at her sister's words as the first dress fell into place. Krissy was right - she was blissfully happy. Last time she'd tried a gown on it had felt like duty - something she needed to do to insure her son's future and move on for all their sakes. This time…this time it was as thrilling as it was the first time she married the man she adored, in jeans and a tee. Maybe even more so…she smoothed the slight rise of her tummy and smiled wider at her reflection…this time they had even more to be thrilled about.
"Come on, Sam - let's see!" Kristina had never pretended to be patient for anything and she was dying to see her big sis in the dress she'd wear to complete her happiness, and moments later, she wasn't disappointed when the vision in ivory and white exited the fitting room to the clasping of her hands over smiling lips. "That's it, sissy…that's the one!"
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"Jason - thanks for coming." Sonny turned to the opened door of the restaurant and rested an elbow to the bar, offering the stool next to him to the man sprinkled by the rain that had caught him running in from the car. "Conan just made lunch - can I get you anything?"
"No thanks - I'm fine." Taking the stool, leaving one between them, Jason waved off Conan, who'd waited to take his order. "You said you wanted to talk?"
"Yah." It didn't really phase Sonny his friend wanted to get straight to the point - he kinda did too. "I've been thinking about our current situation and I had a conversation with Diane this morning about the best way to move forward."
"Okay?"
"I respect your decision to stay out of the business, still, you're part owner of the coffee import and the majority of our legitimate holdings…the real estate, the shell companies, the fleet of ships…I imagine you probably want me to buy you out?"
"I honestly haven't given it much thought Sonny. My family is provided for - the PI business is doing very well and I have the offshore accounts and stockholdings…we're not hurting for money."
"I never thought you were. I just figured you'd want a clear line drawn between what was legitimate and not - given your decision."
He knew it. "That's not why I'm here." The slight fidgeting confirmed his suspicion. If this was just about their joint holdings, they would be having this conversation in Diane Miller's office. "You want me to tell you what to do about your decision."
A quick glance upwards from where his head bowed, Sonny knew he should have known better. "Okay. I won't waste your time…I'm starting to think I might have made a series of bad calls recently."
Jason said nothing as he waited for him to continue, already aware of what was coming.
"I didn't see how far Robin had fallen, I might have been hasty in hiring her partner, and I certainly should have vetoed hiring those guys she recommended. Carly and Sam were almost killed because I wasn't paying attention."
"So what are you going to do about it?"
"That's what I'm hoping you'll help me decide."
"Come up with anything?"
"I have a tail on him twenty-four-seven, but nothing's turned up yet."
"I'm not surprised. He's going to expect that…you have to anticipate his next move and be there when he makes it. Instead of a tail anyone with a brain will spot, bug him. This is the electronic age…give Bryk a call and get a few of those gadgets he's peddling, to find out what you need to know."
Nodding in agreement, Sonny couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it earlier. Bryk always had some new ingenuity he was dying to show off. What better way to get one step ahead of the enemy?
"See why it will never be the same without you?"
Rising to his feet, Jason offered a noncommittal shrug. "Hey, we all did fine before - it'll work out. I have to go - need to grab my tux before Danny and I go meet Sam."
Sonny followed to his feet and towards the front door. "You're still going ahead, in this storm?"
"It could be firing hail and brimstone, like from the Bible - nothing is stopping my wedding to Sam."
"Okay - I'll see you there."
"You don't have to…we told all of our guests to batten down at home…we don't expect anyone to risk getting hurt for us."
"You and Sam are still my family, Jason…that doesn't change because we no longer work together." Despite the new lump in his throat, Sonny knew he needed to be clear. "Nothing changes that."
With a furtive look to the man he'd called brother for as long as he could remember, Jason was again struggling with the biggest obstacle that now lived between them.
"That would have been enough to stop you once."
His meaning stabbed Sonny through the heart, and the right words failed him the way he'd always known they would, the day this finally came up between them.
"I was wrong, and I can't tell you how much it eats me up since the day I realized it."
Jason knew that. He knew Sonny's remorse had often sent him to that dark place they all feared he'd one day never be able to come back from…but Sonny's remorse was no comfort to his mother's loss after she'd already lost so much. That knowledge changed something between them. Something irreparable.
"I don't get it. Family means everything to you. Ric worked tirelessly for years to lock you up, to destroy everything you know and love - and you forgave him, welcomed him as your brother…because in the end he was family." His shoulders shrugged with a sharp incline of his head, "We knew AJ as a useless, scheming drunk who was consumed by his own greed, but from what I heard, Michael got to meet a better him. They'd built a bond finally, despite you, me, Carly…how could you look at the father he loved and just…?"
The shame he'd always felt at his actions that day swept Sonny like a typhoon, the disappointed look on the face of the man he respected above all others, compounding it the more.
"I couldn't see it then. All I saw was the pig who'd taken my last chance at happiness, snuffed her life like she was nothing, just to hide his ridiculous secret." He felt his lips tremble as he imagined the pain he'd inflicted on a mother who had never looked at him with anything but derision, accusing he had robbed her of both her sons. "If I could take it back I would." Quivering lips trembled more with the intensity of his regret. "I'm sorry, Jason."
Pursing his own lips to stave the rush of emotions the raw moment threatened to rip open, Jason nodded and made to turn, then stopped, his gaze falling upon the rain-streaked window.
"What's done is done. Nothing you or I do can change it for Monica, much as we'd like to…and Michael has forgiven you." His hand fell on the doorknob and he paused once more, but no other words would sound. Deciding it better to leave it that way, he opened the door and jogged the short rainy distance to the car that would take him to what mattered most in his life.
What about you? The unasked question blazed Sonny's unsettled mind as he watched the best friend he'd ever had his entire life, turn from him in a finality that blatantly spelled the end of that closeness that had roared between them so solidly. It felt deserved. Jason had wanted to kill Ric many times over, but Sonny's insistence on him being blood had been enough to stop him each time. He should have lived his own words.
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"Only you and Jason wouldn't let something like a major hurricane stop you from doing what you want!"
Sam smiled as she recalled Monica's earlier words. She tweaked a bouncy curl of dark brown before turning away from the mirror in the small dressing room of the church, taking a quick glance out the window at the increasing downpour. Relishing the moments of solitude she'd been left while they all finalized everything and lit candles throughout the church that a bolt of lightning had plunged into darkness, she turned back to the mirror, once more running a slow hand over her little secret. She'd convinced Maxie that the snugness of the dress was owing to a rather large lunch - something that had earned her a side eye but had staved further questions. She'd tell no-one before the man she knew would be over the moon at the news.
She'd planned on telling him first thing that morning, knowing he'd soon guess by how the last two mornings he'd woken to her rushing from the bed to make it to the bathroom in time. He thought something she ate was making her sick, but she knew that wouldn't last much longer, so she'd planned to share the news before their wedding, but had woken only to a note on his pillow. Moving slowly to the mirror that brimmed a reflection of blissful happiness, she smiled at the memory of the words that started her day…
Dear Sam,
Happy Wedding Day! You look so perfect lying there, I didn't dream of waking you, so Danny and I will make a quick run and I'll meet you before God to make the promise that's bursting my heart wide open. I love you with a fierceness that robs my breath, and I will spend my lifetime finding ways to relay how uniquely and completely you are that love! I can't wait for my forever with you…
Jason
Slowly turning her wrist, Sam fingered the thin gold bracelet that held the diamond encrusted Amethyst birthstone that had been resting in a long velvet box beneath that note, her smile growing wider with the small shake of her head. Danny's birthstone. Jason Morgan was to this day thee most romantic man she'd ever known!
"Jesus, you're beautiful!"
Eyes moving to the door she hadn't heard open, her breath caught at the sight. Jason in a dark suit had always jellied her knees and belly, and nothing had changed there. Him standing there, the stark white shirt contrasting the dark lines of the Italian suit that had been tailored to exactly fit broad, commanding shoulders, made her clit flick like the candlelight that spanned the room.
"Jesus, so are you!"
He felt transfixed to the floor, unable to rip his eyes away from what swam like a white light around her, standing there in all her gorgeous glory, curls bouncing against bare shoulders to the wispy, translucent short sleeves that ducked into the laced, corseted top of the victorian ivory dress. When she'd turned to smile at him it was as though the sun appeared above her head, casting warm rays that sparkled an already brimming picture that fired a riot through every molecule of his body. Without feeling his feet move, he was standing inside the door, eyes fixed on pouty, lush lips that threatened death did he not taste her immediately.
"Come here!"
She felt compelled by the low command to go to him, as she would forever be, her hand extending of its own mind to find refuge in the one held out for her, electrified, the moment it connected to the charge emitted through his slender, clasping fingers.
"You're not supposed to see me in my dress."
"Bad luck knows better than to come for us by now. We'll beat it everytime…just like everything else." His fingers played with hers as his eyes drank from the beautiful chestnut that pinnacled the masterpiece he got to see everyday. She so easily robbed him of all oxygen.
"Always the daredevil, aren't you?" Her summoned body edged closer to the magnet she'd never again fight, bringing her within an inch of the solid rock of a man she could freely call her own.
"You glow, you know that?" His hand still holding hers, traveled upward, where he traced her cheek with a forefinger, his gaze following the lowering of long lashed lids that sensed the lowering of his head.
"And a biased one at that."
Any more words she had died in the surrender of her lips to the feel of his, covering in sync with a sweeping embrace of her body to the chisel of his own, as with a backward kick of one foot he slammed the door shut behind him and propelled her further into the room.
Bereft of breath, she tore soundly kissed lips away to draw in air, trying to ease back from arms that gripped her in a vice.
"Jason, we can't - the ceremony is about to start."
"Not without us." The gasping words fell from lips that devoured her again, his fiery brain inflamed by anything that would dare try to stop him from having her, right here, right now.
Her head, aswim with air and light with need, struggled to form another thought, mindful only of hungry hands running down her back to grip asscheeks that reveled in the feel of his tight grasp to grind her into the bulging hardness at his crotch. Ignited heat soared through her chest and fired grasping arms to rip the shirt from its tuck inside hindering dark slacks…but fumbling fingers moved too slow, the leather belt would take too long, when the zipper was easily glided down to give her tiny hand enough room to duck in and find the gorging rod screaming to be let loose. Let loosed she did, moaning into his grinding kiss when he met her need with a pained groan of his own, furiously winding the dress up in fistfuls of ivory and white silk to the hem, one hand supporting her body to lift her to his waist, moments before she moaned aloud at his rigid rod grinding through her wetness. He was inside of her, all around her, in every part of her. Arms wrapped his shoulders tightly as she locked toned legs at his back and lifted her body to fall down on him again, desperate to get more of him even as he filled her everywhere.
The roaring winds that pelted rain and flying leaves against the windows, paled in comparison to the storm firing in the lift and fall of her hips up and down his steely rod, ripping Sam's belly open to the swirling feel of ecstasy that swelled and swelled, his tongue roaming her mouth against the sound of his gasping breath when she clamped her muscles on a cry of pleasure, breaking her lips free to send her head railing back in release. Eyelids clamped tight against the flashing orbs of light that jerked her body in spasms, fading only when his own jerks up into her ceased fire, and the sweet sensations left her limp and motionless in his strong arms. One hand still gripped the back of her neck as his head fell to the cushioning softness of her heaving, welcoming bosom, beautifully propped atop the bulging ivory corset.
"Why is the door locked?" Muffled sounds of her sisters and Maxie crept in to break the spell, Jason lowering her to the floor to the pounding knocks. "Sam, is everything okay? Sam?"
More than okay. Eyes still closed, she gripped tightly to the arms holding her steady, trying hard to regulate the breaths that heaved her chest still. Languid smile awash within her, she finally opened them to the insistence of repeated knocks.
When she could breathe calmly, Jason, who'd zipped back up, was attempting to tuck his shirt in, jacket swung behind as he moved to the door. With a glance back to see she'd straightened her dress again, he turned the lock and opened to the surprised looks of filing ladies.
"Jason - what are you doing?" Molly had him by the arm as she ushered him out the door. "You can't see her in her dress!"
"It's a little late for that now, Molly." Maxie and Kristina exchanged knowing looks, the disheveled appearance of both not for one minute fooling either one.
"You know it's bad luck, Jason - why would you risk it?"
"Sam and I don't need luck for what we have, Molly." With a look at his bride-to-be that sent her every syllable he didn't need to utter, Jason reached inside his breast pocket, finally remembering his earlier reason for seeking her out to begin with. He took a step to get back in but was stopped by Molly shifting directly before him and ripping the letter from his hand. With a smirk, he took one last look at his lady, then left them to whatever it was they did in private. The sooner he left, the sooner she'd become completely his again.
Molly had scarcely turned from closing the door when Kristina snatched the envelop from her hand and ripped it open.
"Hey, that's private!" Sam made to take it but was stopped by Maxie's grip, who glared at her dress accusingly.
"You're all wrinkled." She flipped a messed curl in disapproval, "Sam, you can't walk down the aisle like this - not when everyone knows it was me who dressed you!" Then lowering her voice, she leaned closer to Sam's ear, "And you're going to hell for doing it in a church!"
Opening lips that found no words, Sam looked almost thankfully to the sound of Kristina's voice, intrusively reading her private letter out loud.
"Dear Sam,
The vows we say today are merely a formality, for I've lived them everyday since the day I knew I loved you. I've felt them every minute since that love was returned, and I'll honor them every second that I draw breath. 'You complete me' could never adequately describe the forever that lives between us, and though I'll never understand how I ever managed to earn your love, I swear by that love and the children it's produced, that I will never again give you reason to doubt my worth of it.
I don't know how you've stayed, but my knees are bent in thankful prayer for the remarkable strength you've used to love me with a ferocity I've only known to compare with my own for you. When you look at me it gives me wings. When you touch me it gives me strength…and when you love me…lord, when you love me, I can conquer the world.
I'm waiting anxious, eager, desperate to marry you, Sam. Again. Give me forever…and though not nearly enough, accept a lifetime spent in devotion of only you…because forever and always, I do…
Your Jason"
With a quick brush of powder that dried wet cheeks, a renewing layer of lipstick and a hurried toss of her curls, she spun from the mirror to hasten for the door.
"Come on, Maxie…"
Maxie was already moving past her to fling it open, "Yes, yes - you need to marry that man - NOW!"
"Wait for us!" Kristina tossed the damp tissue to the dresser and grabbed the powder from Molly's hands, dabbing quickly before following the rushing women from the room, every last one of them left teary by the words from a man they all knew not to use very many.
The small, intimate ceremony had just gotten underway when the heavens opened up, literally, part of the roof ripping off to circle away in the whirling wind, drenching the clasped handed couple below as they listened to Father Coates. All eyes turned heavenward, before Sam's bridal party made a quick dash from the altar to find dry refuge in the aisles, beckoning to the couple to follow. Father Coates joined in, urgently calling for Sam and Jason, who looked only at each other, back to the open roof, then at each other again, bright smiles emerging as they stood drenched and unmoving.
"Get out of the rain, you two!" Alexis and Monica both waved their arms frantically beckoning for Sam and Jason to join them, but neither moved, still smiling at each other, a shared secret evident to even the most unseeing eyes.
"Father…" Jason raised his voice loud enough to carry to the aisles, eyes still locked on the beauty with her fallen curls starting to cling to her, "…if you would?"
"Jason, we need to take shelter. Please." Father Coates edged a little closer but kept from the rain coming through the roof, shifting uncomfortably when the water pooled at his feet.
"We will - as soon as you've finished."
Despite his better judgement, the priest threw another doubtful look at the gaping roof and stepped back into place. He knew from experience just how stubborn and strong-willed the two were, having known them for many years. He also understood the power of the love that lived between them, and the urgency they felt to be rejoined. It was bad enough they'd insisted on going through with the ceremony once the hurricane had been broadcasted, but since they were all here…oh well…a little rain never hurt anyone.
Danny looked up at his aunt Molly gripping tightly to his hand, then back at his parents smiling at each other in the downpour that looked like so much fun. Wrenching from his aunt's hold, he dashed over to his parents and grinned up into the water showering above them. He was Best Man afterall and had a duty to perform. Spinning with his eyes closed, he laughed when he realized what his parents already knew…this was fun!
Gapes and amused gasps abounded from the small gathering where Spinelli, Nikolas, Sonny, Carly, Michael, Monica and the Davis women, all watched the unusual family before them, determined that a wedding would indeed take place. Happy, content, in love…the appearance of all three left their audience mesmerized and elated as they took part in something they'd never seen before. Shaking her head in disbelief, Kristina beamed at her sister's little family as Jason pulled his bride into his arms, rested his forehead to hers and rocked her slowly in place. Leave it to these two to not only get married in the middle of a hurricane, but to top it with a romantic rain-dance…like they hadn't a care in the world. Debris and water be damned, they were in each other's arms.
Fairytales were a thing of the past, but watching Jason and Sam, left no doubt to the dwindling, yet still fighting existence of romance and the undying promise of a forever love. Those two had fought their way to everything, when the world had sought to leave them with nothing. Everything and nothing…she knew without a doubt which one cloaked her sister, her king, and the products of their beautiful, beautiful love. May they always love just like this, right into their golden, golden years…and way beyond!
A/N: The end. Your company has been a pleasure and a joy on this ride, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for coming along. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did (except for the nurse parts in the beginning…lord, that took STRENGTH), but thanks for sticking it out to the bitter end. I know you're wondering, 'but what about Brent - is he good or is he evil?' I say, let Sonny find out. See you on the other side of the keyboard :-)
