Thanks for the reviews. I was actually able to get this next chapter finished quicker than I thought. It takes us through graduation, but the party will be the next chapter. Please review, it helps me to write more. I've started the party chapter and can probably get it up this week
The next morning, Sam opened her eyes to find Jason's large and muscular arms wrapped tightly around her as he slept. It was rare that she would awaken before him, but she laid there as the sunlight streamed in and she thought about the events of the previous day. Sam knew that her sister was in danger and that Michael was responsible for the bomb in Johnny's warehouse. She thought about her tiny baby so many miles away clinging to her life and none of the other stuff seemed to matter. Sam was brought out of her thoughts as her energetic four year old entered the bedroom.
"Mommy, Daddy! Today's the day!" Danni announced proudly as she marched to Jason's side of the bed. She knew that he was usually the first of her parents to wake up and that Sam enjoyed sleeping in whenever she could. Danni noticed that Jason was still asleep as she heard Sam whisper a "Shh."
"Morning, baby girl are you sooooooo excited?" Sam asked as she leaned over Jason looking her daughter in the eye. She motioned for Danni to come to her side of the bed and reached down to help her climb up. Sam was reminded what a sound sleeper Jason could be.
"I can't wait," Danni said excitedly as she snuggled into her mother's loving arms while Sam remained in Jason's arms.
"Daddy had a late night and we have plenty of time, so let's whisper," she said quietly to her daughter, "Today is going to be so much fun," Sam added.
"Mommy, I wish Bree could be here too," Danni admitted.
"I know Danni, I want Bree with us too, but the doctors need her to stay in the hospital. Very soon, we'll all be together. When you're thinking about Bree, just remember that she's always right here," Sam said pointing to Danni's heart.
"I know Mommy, let's wake up," she said.
Sam was wide awake thanks to her thoughts, the sunlight, and her daughter, but she was so comfortable in Jason's arms she never wanted to leave that safe feeling. Sam carefully tried to get out of bed, but she woke Jason as he felt her leave his arms.
"What's going on, he asked?" as he opened his eyes.
"Morning sunshine," Sam said turning and looking into his eyes. It was rare that she was awake before Jason and they both knew it.
"Daddy, get up, we have a lot to do today," Danni explained as she climbed over Sam and into her father's arms.
"We do?" he asked questionably as he looked at Sam with a grin. Sam loved how playful Jason could be with Danni.
"Yes silly, we have graduation and then the party," she explained as she looked into his eyes and kissed his cheek.
"Well then I guess I should get up and get dressed," he said as he sat up.
"You should and you have to dress up today Daddy," the four year old explained.
"Dress up?" he asked.
"Yes. We bought you a blue tie to match your eyes."
Jason groaned. "Who did?"
"Me and Aunt Maxie picked it out and you have to wear it because it's a special day," she explained as she wrapped her tiny fingers in his. Jason couldn't say no to his little princess and it made Sam laugh as she listened from the bathroom where she was brushing her teeth.
"I guess I can wear it, but only for you," Jason explained.
"Thank you very much," Danni said excitedly. "And Mommy will think it's hot too," she added as Sam walked out of the bathroom laughing.
Jason raised his brows looking at Sam who winked at him and shrugged her shoulders.
"What? That's what Aunt Maxie said," Danni explained as innocently as she could.
"Come on little one, I think you are spending just a little too much time with Aunt Maxie," Sam said as she picked Danni up off the bed and carried her down to feed her breakfast.
While her daughter was eating and her husband was showering, Sam called to check on Bree. Robin told her that everything was looking good and encouraged her to relax and enjoy the day with Danni. Sam wanted to be with Bree, but felt comfort knowing she was in good hands. She thanked Robin for being there with Bree and assured her that they would arrive early tomorrow morning. As she hung up the phone, she felt Jason's arms and scent around her as he kissed her shoulders.
"Morning beautiful," he said.
"Hey, don't you look handsome yourself," she said as she turned around and looked him over nodding with approval and straightening his tie. "Wow" was all she could manage as tears started to fall down her cheeks. Sam had so many emotions. She was thrilled to be sharing this day in their daughter's life with Jason. While he was in Pentonville, there had been so many times that she had to do things alone, it felt really comforting to know that from this point forward they were in it all together.
"What's the matter?" Jason asked sensing her tears.
"Oh, I don't know, it's just that being here with you and her Jason, it just seems right. I am so happy that we have each other and Danni and Bree. A lot has changed for us, but I love where we are right now. I love having you with me, with us."
"I'm not going anywhere," he said as he gently kissed her hair. It felt so good to stand in his embrace, but Sam knew she had a lot to do and she didn't want to get lost in the bliss and make them late.
"I want to be out of here in an hour," she said.
"An hour? But we have lots of time," Jason asked questionably.
"I promised my mom and Maxie and Spinelli we'd save seats and you know normally we like the back, but since this is our little girl, I want to sit up front," she explained.
"I can manage an hour. Can you?" he asked playfully.
"Absolutely."
"Good, then we should be there in plenty of time," Jason said as his lips brushed over hers.
As Sam pulled away, she turned to face her daughter and focus on the task at hand. The kiss with Jason left her feeling weak in the knees, but she spoke to Danni, "We've got to get you ready Danni," she said as she looked over at her daughter who was playing with her cereal. "Hurry up sweetheart," she encouraged.
"I'll help her finish up, you go ahead and make yourself beautiful…not that you need any help in that area," Jason said as he ran his hands over her bare arm.
"Thanks, just send her up when she's ready. Can you check outside and make sure things are all set for the party?" she said as she kissed him on the cheek and headed upstairs.
Jason stood there and watched as Danni continued to play with her cereal. "Come on munchkin. We don't want to be late for your graduation," he said as he sat down beside her at the table.
"Daddy we won't be late, I've been waiting forever for you and Mommy to wake up. Do you want to hear my songs?" she asked.
Jason laughed, "You know what, I've heard your songs and I want the next time that I hear them to be when I'm looking at you in your dress and gown on stage, ok?"
"Ok Daddy," she agreed.
Jason managed to help Danni finish her breakfast and then she walked outside with him to check the set up and the security for the party. Danni asked many questions, but he could tell she was very enthusiastic about having their family and friends join them in the afternoon.
Sam knew that Jason had forgotten to send Danni upstairs, so she walked out onto the patio in a stunning blue dress that matched Jason's tie. Her long raven hair was pulled up half way and the layers of waves seemed to fall naturally down her back. She was beautiful. He couldn't believe how amazing his wife looked. "Danni," she called, "it's time to get dressed and do your hair. Come on baby girl."
Jason stared at his wife as she met their little girl and kissed her on the cheek as she picked her up to take her inside and get her ready. He was so happy that he had chosen his life with Sam over anything else and couldn't imagine anything that would make the moment better than it was right now except for having his other daughter there with them. Jason briefed the security guards and called the hospital one more time to check on Bree while Sam was inside getting Danni ready. As he waited in the living room for them to come down the stairs, he felt anxious. He couldn't be more proud of his little girl and the woman he loved who had cared for her so delicately while he was away.
"Are you ready to go?" Danni asked as she skipped down the stairs two at a time being followed by Sam.
"I can't wait," he answered. "You look very pretty Danni."
"What do you say baby girl?" Sam interjected.
"Thank you," the little girl spoke. "I got to wear my birthstone necklace," she said proudly.
"And you look stunning," Jason said as his hand met Sam's and he helped her put on her sweater for the cool, New York spring air.
"Why thank you very much," she said.
After they walked out of the house, Jason asked one of the guards to take a picture of the 3 of them on the front stoop. Neither he nor Sam had ever really liked pictures, but with their girls it didn't seem to matter. When they were finished, Jason had asked the guards to stay at the house. He did not like bringing attention to them or to Danni in public, especially if he was with her. As they got into the SUV, Sam couldn't help but notice that her husband and daughter were grinning from ear to ear. She was sure that her facial expression mirrored theirs as well.
As they drove, Jason and Sam discussed the day. "Jason when we get there, I'll take her to the classroom and you can go into the auditorium and save seats."
"How many am I saving?" he asked.
"Well, there's you, me, Maxie, Spinelli, my Mom, Molly, Krissy, Carly, and Josslyn- did I miss anyone?"
"Uncle Sonny," Danni chimed in from the back seat.
"Sweetheart, Uncle Sonny hasn't been feeling well. I don't think he's going to make it," Jason explained.
"That's ok," she said.
"But you know what honey, there are so many other people that love you and we're all going to be there," Sam explained.
"What about Michael and Abby?" Danni asked.
"I'm not sure Danni, we'll have to wait and see," Sam said knowing that Michael shouldn't dare show his face if he knew what was good for him.
"I'm just happy you and Daddy are here," she said as Jason pulled into the parking lot of the preschool.
"You two get out here, I'll park and then go save seats," he said, "Princess I'll be looking for you on stage."
"I'll be in the middle of row 3," Danni said as Sam unbuckled her and she stood in between the front and back seat to give her father a kiss.
"I'll see you out there," Jason said.
"I'll be in as soon as I get her dropped off. Seats close to the front," Sam instructed. She grabbed her daughter by the hand and shut the car doors as they walked into the school and Jason drove to the parking lot.
When they got to the classroom, they were greeted by the teacher. Danni was the first child to arrive and she was acting kind of shy which surprised Sam.
"Good Morning Danni," her teacher said. But Danni didn't answer. "It's so nice that your Mommy is here. How's that baby sister?"
Sam watched as her outgoing little girl was shy and reserved. "I guess the cat got her tongue. I hope he brings it back before you have to sing," she said as she felt Danni's grip tighten around her index finger.
"How are you Mrs. Morgan?" the teacher asked.
"I'm doing great. We're so excited to be home for a few days and to be here with this one, who couldn't stop talking this morning," Sam explained.
"Well, I know she is very excited that you're here," the teacher answered.
Just then Sam felt the grip on her finger loosen and she looked down to see Danni smiling as some of her friends arrived. Danni walked over to greet them leaving Sam and the teacher alone.
"I just want to say thank you for everything this year. It has really been crazy for us with all the ups and downs, but Danni loved school and it really was one of the most constant things for her. I never imagined that we'd be sending her back and forth so much or that I'd be facing another high risk pregnancy. She feels safe here and both Jason and I appreciate it so much," Sam said with heartfelt thanks.
"Thank you for sharing your little girl with us. She is resilient, outgoing, smart, and caring. I wish all of the kids in my class were like Danni," the teacher said honestly.
"Thanks so much. She seems to be warming up now, I think I am going to head out there with Jason," Sam said as she waved to Danni who was busy with some of her friends. As Sam was looking back and waving to Danni, she barely noticed that she practically ran into another mother walking into the classroom.
"I'm so sorry," she said as she realized it was Elizabeth.
"Hey Sam, I'm glad you and Jason could come back for this," Elizabeth said in her snotty tone.
"Jason and I wouldn't have missed it for the world," Sam answered. "Hey Aiden, how are you?" she asked turning her attention to the little boy. Sam never really felt threatened when she saw Elizabeth, she just annoyed her.
"Good," the little boy answered as he kissed his mother and walked in with the other kids leaving Sam standing there with Elizabeth.
"Lucky said you're having a party after graduation today," Elizabeth remarked.
"We sure are and we'd love it if you, Lucky, and the boys could join us. Danni loves Aiden," Sam answered.
"We're planning on it, as long as Cameron and Jake are on their best behavior. You know older brothers can only tolerate little ones for so long," Elizabeth said with a fake laugh.
"That's great! I know Danni would love it and I really do want her to spend some time with all of your boys, including Jake," Sam said.
"Sam, I still don't think it's a good idea to let the world know about Jake," Elizabeth countered.
"Then why are you bringing it up here, again," Sam thought to herself.
"Elizabeth, that's not the issue here. I just want our kids to play with one another and see where it goes. You and Jason are going to have to talk about Jake. Now let's get to the auditorium before we lose the seats Jason and Lucky are saving," Sam said.
"Jason has no say in what happens to Jake, but I wouldn't mind letting him play with his half sisters," Elizabeth said. Sam couldn't believe how casually Elizabeth continually brought up Jake's paternity in a public place. She knew that Jason would not be happy, but she refused to let Elizabeth ruin their day with Danni.
As Sam walked into the auditorium, she realized Jason must have intimidated someone, as he had reserved the entire front row in the middle section. She smiled as she walked down the aisle to meet him and left Elizabeth searching for Lucky who had saved seats on one of the wings further from the front row. When she got to where Jason was standing guard over the seats, she reached up and kissed him. "These are great seats," she said as she played with his tie.
"I wasn't sure if they were too close," he admitted.
"Nope. They're perfect," Sam said as they both sat down. "My mom and the others will find us," she said as she texted Maxie to let her know they were sitting in the front and center.
"What took you so long?" Jason asked.
"Danni was the first kid to get there and Jase, she seemed a little nervous. She didn't even want to talk to her teacher," Sam explained.
"How is she now?" Jason asked in a concerned voice.
"Well, you know our social butterfly. I don't know where she gets it, but she warmed up as soon as the other kids started coming in."
"Good," Jason said.
"I literally ran into Elizabeth dropping Aiden off," Sam said.
"How was that?" Jason asked.
"Jason I try to be very patient with Elizabeth, but sometimes it's hard. They're coming this afternoon," Sam added.
"Good. I think our kids need to play together some," Jason said.
"I couldn't agree more," Sam said as she jumped up after receiving a text from Molly letting her know they arrived.
It seemed that many of the other eyes in the room were on Jason and Sam. Despite having tried to walk away from the business, Port Charles was a place for rumors and The Morgans sometimes found it difficult not to stand out in a crowd. As much as Jason and Sam liked to blend in, when it came to Danni, they'd always be front and center, no matter who was watching. Sam was sure that there was some talk about the explosion from the previous day, but she didn't care. She spotted her mother and sisters and waved.
"Hi honey," Alexis greeted her daughter giving Sam a kiss on the cheek. "Jason, you look nice," she said.
"Anything for Danni," he said smiling.
"Hey Sam," Kristina smiled as her big sister pulled her into a hug.
"Krissy, I've been waiting to see you. We have so much to talk about."
"Molly," Sam said as she greeted her youngest sister.
"Sam I can't wait to see Danni. She's been excited for months and you and Jason look amazing. You guys should dress up more often," Molly rambled.
"Yeah, maybe we should," Sam said as she winked and smiled at Jason and explained how she and Jason had planned to have everyone sit to avoid any confrontations.
"Gracious greetings Stone Cold. Maximista and I are honored to be here for the little one's special day," Spinelli said as he and Maxie greeted everyone and sat down.
"Didn't you just love her dress and that tie Jason, amazing," Maxie said.
"It's perfect, Maxie. Thank you for everything," Sam said.
Sam sat down beside of Jason and couldn't help but notice that he seemed nervous.
"What's wrong," she leaned over and whispered.
"This is gonna sound silly. But Carly's not here yet," Jason said.
"I noticed. It's quiet," Sam smirked.
"Danni and Josslyn are so close and I've been there for everything for Carly's kids. I just don't want Danni to be let down," he explained.
"She won't. Speak of the devil," Sam said as she stood to greet Carly.
"Hey guys, sorry we're late. It's been crazy," Carly offered.
"Thanks for coming, I know these last few days have been tough," Jason said.
"Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss anything this little girl does Jase you've been a great friend to me even when I don't deserve it. Am I scared as hell about Michael? Sure, but I'm here for you now," Carly explained.
"Well you're just in time," Sam whispered over Jason as they dimmed the lights.
The kids marched into the auditorium to the traditional graduation march. Danni was toward the front of the line and she looked very serious as she concentrated on marching up to the stage. Jason wrapped his arm around Sam as they watched their daughter standing in her place as the other kids marched in.
"Look Jase, she's adorable," Sam whispered.
"Just like you," he said.
"I never had anything like this, Jase. I'm so excited for her," Sam whispered.
"It's pretty cool," he answered.
Molly waved at Danni who waved back to her family and cracked a smile; she obviously got the seriousness from her father. When all of the kids had taken their places on stage, the Director of the School welcomed everyone before asking them to sit down. She also gave the audience a chance to snap a group photo. Sam had given her camera to Molly who was great with pictures. She had even managed to snap a picture of Jason and Sam watching Danni walk in. Spinelli was also snapping lots of pictures.
"Jason, she is adorable," Carly said as they took their seats.
"Thanks," he answered.
The program was entertaining. The group did a few songs as a whole and then each row of kids did a different dance. Danni's row did the Chicken Dance and she was a natural. She didn't miss a single move. Everyone with Jason and Sam smiled from ear to ear. Some of the kids had a speaking line where they had to say their name and something they enjoyed about the year. Neither Jason nor Sam realized Danni had a speaking line. When she got up to the microphone, she said, "My name is Danielle Morgan and my favorite thing this year was painting pictures for my Mom and baby sister in the hospital."
Sam was touched. Her eyes and cheeks became moist as she smiled. Jason squeezed her hand as Maxie reached over and patted her on the knee. "That was so sweet," Carly said leaning over to Jason. "I know it has to be about them now." Jason was proud of his little girl, but relieved that maybe Carly was starting to understand it all. Alexis, Kristina, and Molly were tearing up while Danni was speaking; it was really cute to watch her up there.
When they were finished their program, each child got to walk across the stage for their diploma or certificate. Since Danni had just turned four and she was coming back to preschool, she earned a certificate. She proudly accepted it and as she stood for her picture, she waved to Jason and Sam who were in the front row and waved back at her. Sam winked at Danni, unsure if Danni could see from all the lights.
When the program was over, the teachers took the children into the social room for refreshments and to meet their parents. Jason and Sam knew that it was going to be crazy, so they asked Kristina to sneak away a little early and grab Danni so there wasn't any kind of chaos.
"Aunt Krissy!" she said when she saw her come in.
"Hey sweetie, you were fabulous!" Kristina said.
"Where is everybody?" Danni asked.
"They're going to meet us in here. We were so close to the front your Mommy and Daddy were afraid they wouldn't get out in time, but they didn't want you to worry, so they sent me," Kristina explained.
Danni introduced Kristina to a few of her friends and then Kristina let her get a cookie and some juice. "Don't forget to save room in your tummy for party food and birthday cake," Kristina reminded her.
When Josslyn walked in with Jason and Sam, Danni went running and gave her friend a huge hug. "Joss, thanks for coming," Danni said.
"Baby girl, I LOVED everything about your graduation," Sam said as she bent down and hugged her daughter. "Thanks Krissy" Sam said looking over at her sister.
Jason bent down behind Sam. "Princess that was amazing! Were you nervous?" he asked.
Danni held up her fingers. "Uh, maybe just a little nervous," she said.
"Do you know what time it is?" Carly asked as she walked up to Danni standing with Jason and Sam bent down.
"Time to party," Danni said as Jason raised his brow and rolled his eyes. He and Sam honestly didn't know how she came up with half of the stuff that came out of her mouth. "Aiden told me that he and Cameron and Jake are coming," Danni announced.
"Really?" Carly asked.
"Yes. Aiden IS one of Danni's friends," Sam explained.
"Well with Elizabitch it ought to be interesting," Carly huffed.
"Carly," Jason demanded.
Maxie heard the tail end of the conversation. "Don't forget the Quartermaines," she added.
"What?" Carly asked. "I wouldn't miss this party for the world."
The social hall was very crowded. They had about an hour until the time the party was supposed to start, but Jason, Sam, and their guests decided to say goodbyes to the teachers at the preschool and head over to their house. Alexis and Molly had gotten stuck talking with someone and hadn't even gotten the chance to talk with Danni, but they knew there'd be time for that later.
"Sweetie, Josslyn and I are going to go get Morgan, but we'll see you back at your house," Carly said as she hugged the little girl.
"You were rockin that dress. We'll have to go shopping again soon!," Maxie said as she kissed her forehead.
"Thank you," Danni said to Calry, Josslyn, Maxie, and Spinelli.
"All right, Danni let's go say goodbye to your teachers," Sam said as she held out her hand.
"I'll get the SUV," Jason offered as he walked out behind Carly.
"Carly, thank you for coming today. I know there's a lot going on, but it meant a lot to Danni and to me and Sam," Jason offered.
Carly teared up a bit. "Jason, you're my best friend. I know I'm not your wife, but when my kids were little you were always there for them. I want to do that for you," she offered.
"Carly, I love your kids like they're my own. But right now, I do have my own. What Michael is doing is not good for my kids. I'll always be here if he needs me, but I can't pick up the pieces, not now," Jason explained.
"I know that Jase, I really do. It's very hard for me to watch Michael and Sonny fall apart. I just have to have faith that it will get better. I can't chase after Michael anymore. It's not good for Josslyn or Morgan," Carly said as she cried.
"So are we still in a good place, as friends?" Jason asked.
"Absolutely. You can't get rid of me that easily. We're going to get Morgan, but we'll see you, Sam, and Danni in a little while," she said.
"Sounds good," Jason said as he pulled his friend in for a hug.
As Jason walked to where he had parked, he pulled out his phone and called the hospital to check on Bree. He was surprised that there was no answer, so he decided to try Robin. Robin's phone went straight to voice mail. Jason didn't think anything of it. He knew the NICU was a busy place and the direct number to the nurse's station was bound to be busy at some point. He figured that Robin was possibly in with Bree. He pulled the SUV around and waited for Sam and Danni to walk out of the school. He got out to help with the car doors, but Sam said she could handle it.
"Daddy, wasn't that the coolest thing ever?" his little girl asked from the backseat.
"It sure was. I loved your songs and your dancing," he said.
"Well I LOVED that you had fun making pictures for me and your baby sister at school," Sam added.
"Yea Mommy that was the best," Danni said.
"Were you nervous when you were up there talking?" Sam asked.
"Just a little bit, but I like to talk, so it wasn't bad," Danni explained.
Sam and Jason both chuckled at their little girl and then looked at one another.
"Are you happy?" Jason asked.
"Uh huh. Very happy," Sam answered. "I think I'll call to check on Bree," Sam said.
She tried Robin's phone first and it went straight to voice mail. "She must be in with Bree," Sam said. Jason didn't want to alarm Sam by telling her he had tried. Sam then punched the direct line for the NICU. "That's odd," she said, "There was no answer or automated system."
"Why don't you try Hopkins main line and then go through the options," Jason suggested.
"Good idea," Sam said as she began dialing. "That's odd," she mumbled to herself.
"What?" Jason asked.
"The number is out of order at the moment. Jase, what's going on?" Sam asked.