Author's Note: The incomparable IlovetowriteSMP was gracious enough to continue as beta for this series with this fic... THANK YOU SO MUCH, Sara!

Epilogue #1: This Christmas

Hang all the mistletoe
I'm gonna get to know you better, yeah
This Christmas

Carly stepped out of the kitchen and grinned at the sight that greeted her. It was her idea of Heaven on Earth. Michael stood tall and proud by the Christmas tree, whispering into the phone to his new friend, Steffy. They had met when Jason had the idea for Michael to join her while scouting the site for The MetroCourt in LA. Steffy was… well, she reminded Carly all too much of herself, but she had a good heart and was fiercely loyal. Who would have thought meeting up with an old associate and her granddaughter for lunch would have changed so much? Now she was likely to lose her oldest baby to the West Coast as he was now bound and determined to take charge of—or at least have a hand in—the construction, startup, and operations of the new hotel. He'd even been looking into enrolling in classes at UCLA. Jason just had to keep reminding her that it was better to lose him to love and success in LA than a bomb or a bullet from the power-madness Sonny's business had once been synonymous with.

In front of the roaring fireplace, the rest of her little gathering was huddled close hard at work. Morgan held Josslyn as they tried to help Jason and Shawn hang a string of lights high above the mantel.

"Dad, more to the left," Morgan called out.

"Yeah, Dada Jase. Left!" Josslyn demanded with a happy giggle.

Carly's heart warmed and turned over in her chest every time her kids acknowledged Jason's place in their lives. Josslyn loved Jax, and for her, he would always be her "Daddy", but somewhere along the way she had taken to calling Jason "Dada Jase". Once Jax recognized the seriousness of their relationship and the futility of fighting it, he'd accepted Jason's place and they had made a truce for all of the kids' sakes.

Unfortunately, nothing could ever be so simple with Sonny. Finding out about their reunion had only made his unraveling worse. By the time Jason moved in with her and the kids, Sonny finally snapped and vanished, but not before completely alienating both Michael and Morgan, who had both resorted to changing their names... to Michael and Spencer Morgan—although the family still referred to Spencer as Morgan. That brought another major adjustment where the boys chose to start calling Jase "Dad" leaving their former "father" to be relegated to "Uncle Sonny".

Jason had been forced to take over the business and was on the verge of having to kill Sonny when the desertion occurred, so no one had been too sorry to see him go. Only four people—Spinelli, Jason, Shawn, and Carly herself—knew for sure that he still lived. Spinelli had tracked him down and found that not only had he made contact with Brenda and Alec, but he'd also gotten himself a new island. It appeared that story was finally getting its happy ending. And since Carly had one of her own, she felt no need to begrudge anyone else theirs.

The doorbell ringing shook her from her reverie. She made her presence known in the living room, and placed the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. "Don't move. I've got it, guys."

And as we trim the tree
How much fun it's gonna be together, yeah ha
This Christmas

As they simply brushed her off and got back to business, Carly could only chuckle. Sweeping open the door, the visitor she found caused a warm grin to replace the fake smile she'd pasted there. "Evangeline!" she squealed. "I'm so glad you made it!"

She shared a hug with her, and closed the door. She really liked Shawn's girlfriend. In fact, since Courtney, she has become one of the closest friends Carly had. Evangeline Williamson had moved to Port Charles from a small town in Pennsylvania called Llanview. Diane had been in need of help as under Jason's control, the business flourished and expanded as always. It had been especially important since the success of "The Secret Life Damian Spinelli". The situation had only become truly desperate when Claire and Alexis had pulled out not long after Sonny's defection. Diane had become so overwhelmed that she'd taken to growling threats about charging five and ten times her normal rate to represent Jason and Carly's ever-amassing interests and assets, both separate and joint.

Gia Campbell and Evangeline's separate but timely arrivals had been JUST what the doctor ordered. Both proved to be incredible assets because while both were well-versed in various areas of law, they each came with their areas of expertise making it possible for them to effectively split the work pretty evenly between them and still be available to pinch hit in other areas. Her face softened as Carly thought of how blessed she felt to be able to call both women her friends.

"Thanks for the invite. Diane and Gia ganged up on me again, and reminded me of that pact they outvoted me on. I don't know why I agreed to something as cheesy and cliché as "One for all and all for one" in the work load. Now it's a majority rules situation just to decide if we're ready leave at the end of the day. And considering it IS the holidays, they had plans," she chuckled proving she wasn't really bothered at all. Her mellow, go-with-the-flow attitude was a perfect balance for her and Gia's more outgoing personalities.

"Let me see if I can guess," Carly snickered, her eyes dancing as she tapped her chin in a playfully thoughtful way. "Diane has a date with a certain bar owner by the name of Coleman for a private game of strip pool, and Gia is having dinner with the Prince's Quartet and Matt."

"Be nice, Carly," Evangeline demurred, knowing where Carly's mind had gone. "She's really not that bad."

"Hey. One, this is MY house so I'll say what I want," she snapped mulishly. "And two, while I'll be eternally grateful to the little guttersnipe for allowing Jake to save Josslyn, I still don't trust or like her." And with that, stuck her tongue out, causing Evangeline to burst into a fit of humor.

Gia's return had brought Laura's sons both to attention and they'd quickly found themselves battling for the same woman's affections once more. Unfortunately for their plans, Gia had been dead set on ignoring them both. In the end, it had proven a plan doomed to failure as she had forged a deep friendship with Lucky, while her heart had returned to the Prince—where it had always been in truth. But as was often the case in Port Charles, just as things began to settle, chaos came back to reign supreme in the form of Emily's return from the dead. That had been truly interesting as it had been very confusing for both Nikolas and Gia, until it became all too clear that Emily's heart belonged to Lucky and vice versa.

It had taken a while for ALL of the shockwaves to die down from that one, but it had, eventually. Carly had been sitting back waiting to have to neutralize Little Lizzy Webber, but had been shocked when she'd done more to help than hinder their paths to true love. It had forced Carly to have a grudging respect for the little pixie. Kind of. Then, Carly had seen the writing on the wall for Liz and Patrick's little brother, Dr. Matt Hunter, and it all became clear. Now the six of them were thick as thieves, not unlike the original quartet had been. A lot had changed in a little over a year.

Presents and cards are here
My world is filled with cheer and you, ohh yeah
This Christmas
And as I look around
Your eyes outshine the town, they do
This Christmas

Leading the way to the living room, Carly called out, "Hey, Shawn, that was just the delivery of your Christmas present a little early. What do you think?"

A huge grin split his face at the sight of her. "I swear, Carly, you sure know how to spoil a guy. Have I mentioned that you have excellent taste? Because this is EXACTLY what I wanted for Christmas. Hey babe."

"Hey Shawnie," she giggled stepping into his waiting embrace and accepting his passionate welcome.

She let them go for a moment, but when it became clear that they were showing no signs of stopping, Carly cleared her throat. "Vangie, Shawnie, come on, guys. I've got impressionable teens, well, young adults here. No giving them ideas."

Evangeline blushed as Shawn pulled back roaring with laughter, "As if you and Jase haven't given them enough ideas for ten kids' lifetimes."

"Hey, hey, hey! None of that kinda talk, Uncle Shawn," Morgan piped up earning him an approving grin from his mother.

"Yeah, they're our parents, man," Michael added catching his brother's thought easily. "That's so gross. Are you actually TRYING to scar us for life?"

"Hey," she laughed throwing a handful of popcorn at her eldest. "You, quit the comedy and tell us how Steffy, Stephanie, and the rest of their insane family are."

"They're great, mom," Michael replied smiling, but slightly flushed. "Stephanie actually passed her first annual check-up with flying colors… still completely cancer free. But I spent most of my time trying to talk her down from her latest crazy scheme."

"What is my future daughter-in-law up to now?" she asked eyes twinkling with amusement.

"MOM!" he snapped indignantly as he flushed slightly again. "We've been through this. We're just friends, but Dollar Bill Spencer and his son, Liam are back to messing with her again. She's feeling really confused and hurt and—"

"She's ready to lash out, huh?" Jason added wrapping his arms around Carly's waist. "And you told her to count to 10 and call you before she does anything crazy."

"Works for you and mom," he quipped blushing scarlet once his words registered, and he recognized his own insinuation.

"Hey, I couldn't have picked a better future daughter-in-law myself. And I practically did pick her," Carly snarked before sobering slightly. "Now my advice to you is if she asks you to pretend to be the father of her child, tell NO ONE unless it's me or your dad, and then marry her as soon as I can get the wedding together. Also, do NOT let it drag out for nearly TWENTY YEARS."

"Are you ever gonna let me live that down?" Jason grumbled.

"Do you think I'll ever beat you at pool fair and square?" she asked receiving a glance that was both mutinous and cocky, and so uniquely Jase. "Now as I was saying, I also have one request. Please hold off on kids for a couple of—five or ten years or so. Because, you see, I'm not ready to be a grandma and your Grandma Bobbie is DEFINITELY not up to being a great-grandma."

"Honey, leave him alone," Jason chuckled kissing her cheek as Michael seemed to fight the urge to blush even more brightly.

"Yes, dear," Carly agreed although it was obvious she wanted to continue.

"I swear, Jase," Shawn said in awe. "You are a miracle worker, man."

"Shut up!" Carly snarled playfully as she through a handful of tinsel at him.

"Can we finish decorating this tree before Shawn and Joss eat all the popcorn," Morgan sighed trying to help take the heat of his brother, and receiving a grateful nod for his efforts.

"Snitch!" Shawn laughed throwing the piece he'd been about to eat at Morgan.

"Oooooh, Unca Shawn! You said a bad word!" Joss gasped eyes wide with shock.

Everyone erupted into laughter and Shawn tried to apologize for saying his "bad word". After that, they got back to the business of tree trimming.

Firesideis blazing bright
We're caroling through the night

Carly stood adjusting the lights for probably the tenth time when she found a small box addressed to her under the tree. She leapt at it her eyes alight with sheer excitement.

"Who is this from?" she asked shaking the box and looking around in search of Jason.

Before he could open his mouth to speak, the doorbell rang.

"Perfect timing," he muttered, snatching the box from her grasp. "I'll take that! You get the door."

She gave him her best pleading look, but when he showed no signs of buckling, she went answer trying to mask her pout at having to wait for her gift AND having her family time interrupted. Once the door opened, voices began caroling. A delighted smile filled her face, only to slacken in shock, when she started recognizing the motley crew of carolers.

Then, taking advantage of her shock, they began entering her home, starting with Gia leading Nikolas, Spencer and Caroline Lesley with Jax, Alexis, Kristina, and Molly. They were quickly followed by Lucky, Emily, Aiden, and Little Lila Page. The obviously expecting Elizabeth brought Cameron and Matt Hunter who had Patrick, Robin, Emma, Maxie and Spinelli in tow. Two pixies in quick succession slipped by her before the shock could wear off enough for her to react. But it appeared the shocks were only just beginning as Edward, Monica, Tracy, Ned, Lois, and Brooklynn came waltzing past a speechless Carly. Just when she thought the processional was ending, Luke and a newly clean Lulu stepped across the threshold.

"Lulu!" Carly gasped hugging her tightly.

Oddly, they had reconnected just as Lulu was finally admitting her problem. When she went to rehab three months ago, everyone had recognized it had been regaining that deeply complicated bond and not wanting to lose it again that had convinced Lulu to go so she could get her life back on track.

"Merry Christmas, Carly," she whispered tears clogging her throat.

"Now, Caroline, you're holding up the progress," Luke's voice sneered into the silence following the songs ending, but when she pulled back to snarl her response, she found she was in for yet another bombshell.

"Lucas? Momma?"

"Merry Christmas, sis," Lucas chuckled accepting her hug.

"Merry Christmas, baby!" Bobbie chuckled through tears.

When she had finally released and been released, she realized her eyes were still closed. She opened them to find Jason at her side grinning at her, his eyes dancing the way they did when he was going to surprise her.

And this Christmas, will be yeah
A very special Christmas, for me yeah

"Jase, you did all this for me?" she gasped.

"Like there's anything the man wouldn't do for you, Caroline," Luke retorted.

"Luke?" Bobbie whispered her voice still carrying as she moved to stand beside him.

"Yeah, Barbara Jean?"

"Put a sock in it, will ya?" she told him.

Jason's laughter brought her attention back to him. He looked into her eyes and handed her back the box she found just before this whole thing had start. "Go ahead and open it. It's an early Christmas present."

With hands that trembled, she tore away the wrapping paper and found a robin's egg blue jewelry box. "I didn't even know you knew about Tiffany's," she whispered at a loss for what to say.

"Well, I learned," he answered simply. "Open it."

When she obeyed, it was to find the most beautiful, black and white diamond engagement resting in the center of a glittering gem incrusted charm bracelet.

"Each charm represents an important event in our past," he explained as he fastened the bracelet around her wrist.

Her breathing grew shaky as he lifted the ring free and dropped to one knee. As Shawn, Evangeline, Michael, Morgan, and Joss moved forward into her line of sight, she looked around at their family and friends surrounding them in shock and awe. When he took her hand, her gaze returned to his and she barely breathed his name, "Jase."

"Carly, you given me more than I could have ever dreamed of when I woke up from that coma over 20 years ago. You've shown me that love is all that matters in the end and if you love hard enough, even your wildest dreams can come true. And a life with you is the wildest dream anyone could ever have. Now, I'm asking you to make this dream come true last the rest of our lives so I can do the same for you. Because I'd say it's definitely my turn to make your dreams come true." When she continued to stare in awed silence, he went on. "I seem to remember you saying you'd earned a big, splashy ring and proposal, so how'd I do?"

"I don't think you could be more perfect," she whimpered nodding as tears poured down her cheeks. "You know you're gonna give a complex, right? Now, ask me already so I can say yes!"

"Will you—"

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Now put that ring on my finger and kiss me!" she demanded.

"Impatient and bossy to the end," he chuckled sounding a little choked up himself as he complied.

"And you love me for it," she giggled as he stood.

"I love you for everything," he retorted before taking her mouth in a passionate kiss to seal their newest pact.

Spontaneous applause broke out as they took another step toward forever. And then their moment ended as Spencers, Quartermaines, Cassadines, and everyone else in attendance hurried forward to congratulate the happy couple and to get a better look at her new jewelry. Spinelli and Michael were quick to reassure Jason that everything from beginning to end had been caught on video and would be edited for. Jason smiled knowing they'd want to look back on this moment through the years. One more step forward on the road to forever.

And this Christmas, will be yeah
A very special Christmas, for me yeah