Patrick looked at Sam with such longing and love that Sam wished she had said no to Jake. "I am sorry that I said yes to Jake. Should I bring them back?" Patrick grabbed Sam and pulled her into a long steamy kiss.
"Everything is fine. I asked Elizabeth if she would watch Emma and Danny for a few days so we could have a few days in the city. I have plans for a romantic get-a-way that will have you not wanting to come back home. That is how great these plans are. Danny and Emma will have a great time with Cam and Aiden. I have our hotel reservations for three this afternoon so we will have to get ourselves and the kids packed up for the next few days." Sam kissed Patrick on his cheek and took off upstairs to get ready for their adventure.
Elizabeth and Jake headed over to pick up the children for their adventure. Elizabeth knew that it would be hard for Danny to be away from his mother but she had a surprise for him and Emma. Jake and Elizabeth were going to take the children to the aquarium and then out to a nice lunch. Elizabeth told Patrick about the idea the afternoon before and he knew the boys and Emma would love that. Patrick just hoped she realized what they were getting into with the two youngest boys. They could be a handful one on one but the two together could make you want to pull your hair out sometimes.
Jake knocked on the door and Patrick went to answer it. Patrick shook Jake's hand and gave Elizabeth a hug when they walked inside the foyer. The home was very inviting and the kids came running in all directions to see who there. Aiden ran right for his mother, wrapping his arms around her legs making her giggle. "Aiden, I see that you missed me or are you running from your brother, Cam?" Cam up to his mother and gave her a kiss on her cheek and tagged his brother, Aiden. Aiden then started chasing everyone around the living room and Jake knew that for the next few days it was going to be crazy around his home but it would be filled with love and a lot of noise.
"Jake, Elizabeth I leave you with some words of wisdom. Have plenty of patience and earplugs. Also a couple of drinks couldn't hurt. Thank you for watching Emma and Danny for us. Sam and I need just a few days to decompose and also for me to get the courage I need to propose." Sam came down the stairs with Danny and their backpacks.
"I think everyone is packed and ready to go to your place, Elizabeth. Thanks for doing this for us. I am not sure what he has planned but I know without the two of you it couldn't have happened. The boys were great and their backpacks are by the front door. Our things are ready too so we will be there for check-in time." Jake, Elizabeth and the children said their goodbyes and took their backpacks for the ride down the road. Sam and Patrick waved to them as they drove down the driveway and down the road.
"I didn't think they would leave. Now, it is time for you and me to hit the road ourselves. Here is to a glorious few days in New York City. I was just thinking that this time of year everyone in the city was coming here for a vacation and we now live here and are going to the city for a vacation. Doesn't it seem like we are doing this backwards." Patrick took their things and headed to their SUV. Sam had checked to make sure that nothing was left on and that the security system was on. Sam looked at Patrick and knew that they had made the right decision about moving to Long Island and that Patrick was the man that she should be with and not Jake.
"Jake has asked Spinelli and Maxie to move down here to help with his new business adventure. He wants to flip houses and part of the remodel is to put the best security systems in them. Maxie said if she and Spinelli could have the first flip then she would agree to the move." Patrick just smiled thinking about how Maxie always got what she wanted, even if it costs someone else. The drive was easy because most people were going to Long Island and not away from Long Island. Patrick knew the ride back was going to be a lot longer than going to New York City. They pulled in front of Trump SoHo Hotel and had the valet take their vehicle while they walked into the lobby of the hotel. Jake had a surprise for the two of them when he upgraded the regular room that Patrick had picked up and paid for and had them stay in the Penthouse Suite.
"Dr. Drake, I am afraid there has been a mix-up with your reservation and the room you paid for is now down for repairs. I tried to call you but I didn't get an answer. The penthouse is free for the same time as your vacation. Since it was our fault, we would love for you and your lovely wife to have the penthouse suite." Patrick was at a loss for what to say.
"The arrangements I made for the first room are they still going to be in the suite? It's just that I had certain plans for that room and I don't want to mess anything up." The concierge told both Patrick and Sam that everything is just perfect. There are a few different upgrades in the penthouse that were not in the regular room. Enjoy yourself. The bellboy took their luggage and headed for the penthouse suite.
Jake, Elizabeth and the kids made it home and the dirty clothes were put in the laundry room for the maids to take care of the next day. They all changed into their swimsuits and headed for the beach. The youngest boys, Aiden and Danny stayed close to Jake and Elizabeth. Cam and Emma headed down the beach looking for seashells.
"Now Cam, after what happened yesterday I want you to play it cool with Emma. I want Emma to know that you are an upstanding young man and that you will protect her honor so Patrick doesn't want a hit taken out on you. I saw the looks between the two of you and so did her dad." Cam looked at Jake and hugged him and then he and Emma took off into the waves.
"Okay, so who stays and plays with the younger ones when the other goes out there to check on the older ones. We can only be so many places at once. The water was getting a bit rough and so before Jake had to go out there, Cam and Emma came back to shore.
"Do you mind if we go to the pool for a while instead. The surf is a bit rough right now." Aiden and Danny were ready for the pool too so they could cool off. The six of them heading back towards the house and pool. They lounged around the pool for the rest of the day. Jake got the grill ready for some hot dogs and hamburgers. Emma and Elizabeth went inside to make a nice potato salad and garden salad. Cam came in and asked his mother about her making brownies. He begged her with his sweet smile and she gave in. Jake brought Danny and Aiden in to help make the brownies. The day was going great and the kids were exhausted. The sun and pool made them very sleepy after dinner. Jake went and gave Danny a bath while Elizabeth gave Aiden a bath. There were enough bathrooms that everyone could have a separate bath or shower at the same time if they wanted. Once the baths and showers were done they it was bedtime. Danny had his own room but he felt more comfortable sharing a room with Aiden. The two of them became close friends. They were so cute together and it made bedtime a lot easier. Jake read them a couple of stories from the guide books that he had on Italy and France. He told them both about the adventures he has had in those countries and the plans he had to take them all there in the next year or so. Cam and Emma hung out in Cam's room watching a couple of movies that were more grown up than what they would have to watch with Danny and Aiden.
"Emma, I have the guest bedroom all set up for you down the hall from Cam. There are fresh sheets and blankets on the bed and if you need more pillows or an extra blanket, Cam can help you." Emma had already talked to her father and said good-night to him. Danny talked to his mother and did the same. Patrick asked Elizabeth and Jake if they had anything to do with his upgrade.
"If I did and I am not saying I did then it is because I think that the two of you deserve the best and that includes the penthouse suite. There is no better way to see New York at night and the view is incredible. I just want you to know that everything is fine here and to enjoy yourself for the next few days and forget your troubles. You don't even need to leave your room. You have everything right there in that suite." Patrick then knew he was right and that he owed Jake a big favor sometime soon.
The penthouse was more than Patrick or Sam could ever want in a hotel. The view of the Manhattan skyline was incredible. Their room had windows that were from floor up to the ceiling. The bathroom was dream come true with the sunken tub and the large walk-in shower with all the different sprays and jets to make sure their stay was incredible. Patrick loved the penthouse so much that he wasn't sure about taken in any of the shows or shopping. He just wanted to relax and spend as much time as possible with the woman he wanted to marry.
"Let's get unpacked and enjoy a nice relaxing bath before our dinner. I will order us some room service and it will be ready when we are. The wine is chilling and I heard that the desserts here are to die for even better than Elizabeth's brownies." Patrick ordered their meal and had it ready for seven. That would give them time to relax and unwind a little before his proposal.
"Before we start on this great meal, I want to tell you how much I love you Sam. You are so special to me and Emma. You have been there for me since I lost my son and I am not sure if I would be here if it were not for you." He then got down on one knee and pulled out a box with the most beautiful engagement ring that Sam had ever seen. "Will you do me the honor of marrying me? I promise that you and Danny will never feel left alone and that you will always have a place in my heart forever." Sam held out her hand and watched as Patrick put the ring on her finger.
"I had hoped and prayed that this was why we came here this week. You have helped me in so many ways and I have finally come to a place in my life that I know that Danny and I deserve to be happy and have a great family. You and Emma are as much as a part of my family and heart as my son Danny is to me. Losing Jason and then having him come back the way he did, it just blew me apart because I was just starting to live my life without him. Now, he is starting a new life with Elizabeth and I feel that this is the way it should be. I love you so much. You are my heart and soul. I would be proud to be your wife." Patrick was overwhelmed when Sam said yes. They walked out to the balcony and watched an incredible sunset. The love in Sam's eyes told Patrick more than he could hope for and then they kissed. It was the most amazing kiss that Sam ever had. She knew that it was only going to get better from there. They heard a knock on the door and Patrick went to get their room service. The meal was amazing but they only could think of one thing.
"I say we put our meal away and try out our bed. I want you to know that it was going to be hard to top this for a honeymoon but I have a few suggestions that we could try." Sam laughed at what Patrick said and started heading for their bedroom stripping along the way. "Hey, no fair wait for me." Patrick was just a few steps behind and the two of them made it to the bed at the same time. They stared deep into each other's eyes and then at the ring that Patrick got for Sam. They took their time making love that night. There were no nightmares for mommy or daddy. No tears to wipe away, just the two of them. It felt great and weird at the same time. They started to make plans for their wedding and couldn't wait to share them with Emma and Danny. Patrick knew that Emma adored both Sam and Danny so he knew that she would be happy. Danny was young and just getting to know his dad but was getting along great with Patrick and Emma so there would be no problems there. It just seemed strange for the two of them to be at this point in life that they were both happy and with someone who makes them happy. It was a lifelong wish for Sam and she was finally getting it. She thought that she had it with Jason but knew that she didn't truly love him like she loved Patrick. He made her feel safe and loved. She didn't realize how much she wanted to feel protected until she found out that Jake was Jason. She felt her world was being blown apart but it took her a few days before she realized that it didn't change how she felt about Patrick but only made it feel stronger. There was no more ghost between them. That was the best feeling ever. Patrick was also beyond happy about Jake being with his best friend Elizabeth and that Sam still wanted to be with him. They talked about that night and he felt truly loved and at peace. There were no ghosts there anymore.
Jake and Elizabeth had a great night with the kids. "Can you picture us with two more children? I think that we could use more noise in our life. How about you cupcake." Elizabeth loved his cute little nicknames for her. That was definitely a Jake thing and not a Jason thing. The more the two of them were together the more Elizabeth realized was that Jake was the best of Jason. There wasn't that much angst as there was when it was her and Jason. It was a bit strange to think about sometimes but she was happy, he was happy and their children were able to reap the best of it. She did miss Jake but knew that he was looking out for them and brought his father back to her.
"I truly believe that our Jake brought you home to us. He knew how much we needed you and that you needed us. There is a light in your eyes that I haven't seen before. I can see pure joy in your eyes and I think that before this last accident, it was gone. I love you Jake and I always will." Jake picked Elizabeth up and carried her up the stairs and dropped her on their bed where he held her down so the kids could tickle her.
"You all are in so much trouble. Even you, Emma. I thought you liked me. We are so outnumbered here. No more. You win." Elizabeth laughed as she pleaded for Jake and the kids to stop. "We have plans for today. We need to get ready for a ride to the aquarium. I think seeing all the interesting creatures that are on our shore and in the water would be very cool. Do you all want to go or do you want to do something else?"
Emma received a phone call from her dad telling her that Sam and he were engaged. "Daddy, tell Sam that Danny and I are excited about that and we are very happy for the two of you. Danny, tell you mommy that you love her. She is going to marry my daddy." Danny got on the phone and told Sam that he loved her and missed her. Patrick then told Emma that they were going to be coming home today because they missed them. Emma had told Patrick about the aquarium and he said that they should be home right around the same time they got back from the aquarium.
"Patrick, congrats from Jake and me. Do you want us to still go with our plans or should we wait for you two to get back?" Patrick and Sam both told Elizabeth to take them to the aquarium. It would make the day go faster for them and it would be a lot of fun for them.
Elizabeth, Jake and the kids got into their SUV and headed towards the aquarium. When they got there, they realized that it was bigger than they thought. They got in line and soon they were out of the hot sun and into the aquarium. Cam and Emma went ahead of Jake and Elizabeth. They each had a child in a stroller and it was interesting to see all the different exhibits. They saw the dolphins and got to watch them play in and out of the water. They also got to see the seals and the boys loved the turtles. The younger boys were getting rowdy and wanted out of their strollers. Cam came back and helped with Aiden. Emma came back and helped with Danny. She knew that there would be a lot more trips like this and she loved taking care of Danny. He was going to be her little brother and she was very happy about that. There was a restaurant outside of the aquarium that they were thinking about taking the kids till they saw the crowds outside of the restaurant. One of the attendants at the aquarium suggested a nice restaurant on their way home that had great food and loved kids.
The restaurant was halfway between the aquarium and their house so it was perfect. The kids loved it there but they wore more than they actually ate. It was a typical day at this restaurant because they catered to the younger crowd. Everything there was washable and the food was delicious. The best meal for the money next to eating at home. Restaurants are usually too stuffy for young children but this one was just what they liked and so do the parents. They even had a barn yard so the children go see the animals on their farm.
Danny and Aiden were sound asleep even before they pulled out of the restaurant's driveway. They had a fun day and soon Danny was going to be back with his mother and Patrick so Elizabeth knew that he was going to be a very happy boy. Cam and Emma talked quietly in the back about her father's upcoming wedding to Sam. She missed her mom but knew that her father deserved someone who not only loved him but who would stay with him and not leave on a whim. Cam told Emma that he prayed that someday Jake and his mother would get married. He didn't realize it but both Jake and Elizabeth heard them talking. Elizabeth had to blink a tear away but Jake caught it before she could brush it away. He knew that he was going having to do something bold like what Patrick did but he wasn't sure how to pull it off. He knew that he could have Cam and Aiden help him propose to their mother. He just had to figure out how and when.
Patrick looked at Sam and told her that he was sorry that they were ending their trip early. "You have made me the happiest woman in the world. There isn't anything in New York City that I would rather do than to be at home with you, Emma and Danny. That is where I am happy. Your proposal was so surprising and romantic. I can't believe everything that you have done for me and Danny. You deserve so much more than me but I am happy that you want me and Danny. I can't wait to get home and see our kids. I miss them when I am away from them." "Well you are lucky then because I love you and I know that Emma loves the two of you. You bring so much happiness into our lives and it seems weird that even though Jake is Jason it is like he is another person. Jake and Elizabeth are made for each other like we are made for each other. I wouldn't want to be with anyone but you. You mean that much to me." Patrick took Sam's hand and kissed it. They were about a few miles from home and they couldn't wait to get there. Sam called up Elizabeth and told her that they were almost home. Elizabeth told Sam that Jake would be over with Danny and Emma right after they packed their bags into the SUV. Jake and Patrick pulled up about the same time.
"Jake, things for bringing the kids back home. Thank you for everything and that he owed him one. We missed these too so much that NYC didn't hold a candle to them." Jake laughed and kissed his son Danny goodbye and congratulated the couple and then went home.