Thanks to those who are reviewing the story. Remember to tell me what you think. There are a lot of things I'm considering, but not positive how I want it to go. Here's another update. I know this story is moving really slow, but I get so caught up in it. Please review and let me know what you think.
As Sam sat with Edward and listened to him telling her about Jason, she noticed something about Edward and she imagined the same was true for Monica too. They both were lonely and missed their family. But they missed Jason Quartermaine. Sam wondered if Edward and Monica were willing to accept Jason Morgan. Jason and the girls were family, but Jason had been hurt so much that he had turned away from his family. Sam wanted Edward and Monica in their lives, but didn't want to push Jason. She also didn't want Jason to feel pressured into being someone he no longer remembered.
"We'd better get back to the party," Sam said as she stood up. She held her hand and helped Edward up.
"Thank you dear," Edward said. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to Jason."
"Now Grandfather that I can agree with," Jason said as he smiled watching Sam.
When they got back to the backyard, Sam noticed that most of the kids were enjoying the moon bounce with Spinelli and Lucky supervising. Maxie and Lulu were chatting together. Dante and Carly were also talking with Morgan. Monica stood by the moon bounce watching the kids, but Sam guessed she was probably mostly watching Danni. She could tell that Monica loved her little girl and she wanted more than anything to be her grandmother. Kristina was sitting by herself, Sam imagined she needed some time to think and Sam was lost as to what kind of advice to give her. Molly was entertaining Max and Milo, although Sam was unsure how. Elizbaeth was talking with the other preschool parents. It appeared that everything was going well. Sam could hear Danni laughing and giggling with her friends and it warmed her heart.
"I'm going to go over where the action is," Edward said as he walked over toward Monica.
Jason wrapped his arm around Sam. "I'd say this is a success," Sam said.
"The smile on Danni's face is all I care about," Jason told her.
"And nobody got hurt," Sam said immediately pausing, thinking of her baby.
"She's going to be fine," Jason said.
"How did you know I was thinking about Bree?" Sam asked as she smiled realizing how well Jason knew exactly what she was thinking.
"Because I know you," Jason answered.
"Jason I kind of told my mom," Sam admitted.
"That's ok," Jason said.
"I couldn't not tell her and she knew something was up, but she agrees that Bree is safe,"
"She's going to be just fine. My contacts said there have been no changes, but they'll let me know the second the hospital is out of lockdown," Jason said as he looked into Sam's eyes.
"I trust our little girl will be safe. She's been through too much to have something happen now. Come on, let's go over and be with our big girl," Sam said as she pulled his arm.
When they got to the moon bounce, Jason went over with Lucky and Spinelli to help supervise the kids getting in and out. They were all having a great time. Sam stood outside and watched as Jake, Danni, Aiden, and another little girl from school were in there together. She couldn't help but notice that Jake and Danni were getting along so well.
"Our kids do play well together," Elizabeth said as she came up behind Sam.
"Yeah. You know I found Jake and Danni playing motorcycles in the sandbox," Sam admitted surprised that she and Elizabeth were having an adult conversation.
"I bet Jake loved that. Cameron and Aiden aren't really into motorcycles," Elizabeth said.
"Well Danni's not used to playing with someone who likes to get as dirty as she does. She can be a fashion diva thanks to Maxie, but deep down she loves getting messy," Sam chuckled as she was telling Elizabeth.
"Jake is definitely our little dare devil. That boy will try anything- no fear. I'll bet with both you and Jason as her parents, Danni's the same way," Elizabeth said.
"Well Danni's a lot like me. She tries to hide her fear and act tough, but she gets scared. Sometimes she does show that 'no fear' streak just like Jason," Sam explained.
"Sam I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. Our kids do play well together and we should get them together more,"
"I'd love that. Tomorrow we're heading back to be with Bree, but she should be home in a few weeks and we'll talk," Sam said shocked that her conversation with Elizabeth had gone so well. Sam hoped that she wasn't secretly up to something.
"That sounds good. Lucky and I really have to get going, but this was fun. Thank you," Elizabeth said.
"You're going to miss cake…I completely forgot about it," Sam admitted.
"They're having too much fun to even notice. We can stay for a few minutes," Elizabeth added.
Sam went over to Jason and asked him to get all of the kids out of the moon bounce so that they could sing to Danni and have cake and ice cream. Jason wasn't sure how to get that many kids quiet, so he asked his daughter for her help. Danni was very efficient, she called Maxie over for help. Maxie and Lulu got the kids out of the moon bounce and helped put shoes on. Carly helped get them all to sit at the tables. Sam had grabbed Kristina and Molly to help with Danni's cake. After all of the kids were seated, Sam walked out with the birthday cake and 4 candles. She placed it in front of her smiling daughter and looked to Jason who was smiling too. The entire crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to Danni.
"Don't forget to make a wish baby girl," Sam reminded her as she blew out the candles.
"I did," Danni said after she blew them all out.
Alexis began cutting the cake with Kristina's help and Sam went to be with her daughter.
"Mommy, I know I can't tell you my wish, but it was the same wish as my real birthday," she said.
"I hope it comes true," Sam said as she kissed her daughter's face.
"Oh, it will," the little girl said proudly.
"You think so, huh?" Sam asked as she smiled thinking about how happy her daughter was.
They began handing out cake quickly. After the cake and ice cream some of the guests, especially the ones with younger kids, left because it had been a very long day. Edward and Monica lingered for a while. It was obvious to Sam that they missed family time and Jason, Sam and their girls were family. Sam pulled Danni away from her friends for a few moments.
"Sweetheart, I want you to go talk to Edward and Monica for a few minutes. They've been waiting all day to see you," she explained as she knelt down to talk to her daughter. Jason had gone to make a few calls and Sam decided this was something she needed Danni to do.
"But Mommy, what do I say?" the little girl asked.
"Well let's start with a thank you for coming and see what happens," Sam said as she brushed her daughter's long hair out of her eyes and tucked it behind her ear. "You'll know what to say. Come on, just remember your manners," she said pulling Danni's little hand.
"Somebody's been a busy little girl today, but she has something she wants to say to both of you," Sam said.
"Thank you for coming," Danni said shyly as she held Sam's hand tighter by the second.
"You're quite welcome. I loved seeing you and watching you with your friends," Monica said.
"Yes, dear, you and your sister are our youngest Quartermaines," Edward added.
"You remind me so much of your Aunt Emily when she was a little bit older than you," Monica said.
"We are so glad you were here and as soon as Bree comes home, we'll make sure to invite you over for a visit," Sam said.
"We'd love that. She certainly is a beauty in the pictures. There's so much they can do for preemies now. The NICU is fully equipped. Please if I can help with any medical information let me know," Monica said.
"Thank you. We will certainly do that. You are both welcome to visit us any time," Sam said unsure of how Jason would respond to her offer.
"ELQ and our door at home are always open to you and Jason and those little ones of yours," Edward said.
"Thanks again," Sam said. As she started to walk away with Danni, she couldn't help but notice her little girl was still standing there and she had let go of Sam's hand. "What's wrong Danni?"
"I have a question," Danni said.
"Ok honey," Sam said as she braced herself for what was coming.
The little girl looked at Monica and Edward. "Daddy said you're my family, and you were Aunt Emily and Daddy's mommy. Why is your name Dr. Monica?" Danni asked bluntly.
Sam knelt down, prepared with an explanation, but Monica held out her hand. "Let me," she offered. She walked a few feet over to a patio chair and sat down. She pulled Danni into her lap. "Danni, I'd like to tell you a story," she said.
"A long time ago, your Daddy was a little boy with lots and lots of energy. He grew up to be a strong man. He even wanted to be a doctor like his father. But one day, there was a terrible car accident that changed his life. Your Daddy was so hurt from the accident that he had to sleep for a very long time. While he was sleeping, his brain forgot who he was. When he woke up he couldn't remember that I was his mother or Aunt Emily was his sister, or that Edward was his grandfather." Danni had heard the story before, but the way Monica was telling it was different. Sam watched, but couldn't hear everything Monica was saying. "The problem was that everyone wanted him to remember and it was too hard. Your daddy didn't like people telling him how to be, so he decided to be somebody different. Then he met your mommy and they fell in love and you and Bree were born. I missed a lot of time with your daddy because I wanted him to remember so badly. He doesn't remember me as his mommy, so he doesn't call me that. I am a doctor, so you know me as Doctor Monica, but if you want to, you can call me Grandmother," Monica watched as Danni sat there. She knew she probably told her too much, but she could already tell her granddaughter was able to comprehend a lot.
"Ok, but maybe I should ask Daddy first," Danni said simply unsure of how to respond to Monica and a little confused that she was her grandmother.
"I think that's a good idea," Monica told her granddaughter.
"They look cozy over there," Edward said to Sam.
"They certainly do. Edward, I want Danni and Bree to know the Quartermaines. I just think Jason is scared. He wants our girls to feel happy and safe, but with no pressure," she explained.
"We can do that," Edward said.
"Just remember that Jason is a good man. He may not be the young man you remember, but he's a great husband and father. I love Jason Morgan for the man that he is," Sam said.
"That's why you're so good for him. You accepted Jason when so many of us turned him away because we wanted him to be someone else," Edward explained.
Monica walked back to where Sam stood with Edward holding Danni's hand. "Did we get an answer to that question?" Sam asked.
"Yes and Dr. Monica says I can call her grandmother if I want to," Danni said enthusiastically. "She thinks I should ask Daddy first though."
"I think that's a great idea," Sam said. "What do you say to them for coming?"
"Thank you," Danni said as she offered a hug for Monica and Edward. Sam couldn't believe the look on Edward's face. He was very happy. Monica was excited too. Sam said goodbye for both she and Jason and promised they would let Monica and Edward know when Bree was home.
A few hours later, Danni and Josslyn were falling asleep sitting with Alexis reading a storybook. Molly, Kristina and Morgan were with Max and Milo. Spinelli, Maxie, Carly, Sam, and Jason were sitting and talking.
"I'd say that was a successful party," Maxie admitted.
"Yes it was, thank you for your help," Sam said knowing her friend well enough to know she wanted acknowledgement for her help with the party.
"Maximista has done a fabulous job for the little Stonecold party," Spinelli added.
"Why thank you Spinelli," Maxie said kissing his cheek.
"Why don't you too get a room?" Carly suggested causing Sam to laugh. Ever since Jax had left town because of her involvement with Sonny, Carly was feeling lonely and defensive of any other couple in Port Charles.
"We actually need to get going," Maxie said as she motioned Spinelli. The couple said their goodbyes and left.
Jason's phone rang and he excused himself to answer it.
"Morgan," he said.
"Jason, this is Patrick,"
"What's going on?" Jason asked as he walked farther away from the group and sensing the fear in Patrick's voice.
"The hospital is still on lockdown, the gunman's location has changed," Patrick said.
"Where is he?" Jason demanded.
"Jason, I'm not positive where he is," Patrick said.
"Patrick, I don't like it when people don't tell me things, WHERE is HE?" Jason commanded.
"Jason, the authorities have apparently lost him," Patrick said.
"Damn it. How do you lose a gunman?" Jason asked.
"Look Jason. I wanted you to know. As far as I know Robin is in there with Bree," Patrick tried to reason with Jason. "I'm sorry, if I didn't have Emma, I would try to do more."
"I have some men watching things; I'm going to make a few calls. Then I need to get to Bree," Jason said as he hung up the phone and started dialing his men. Fear set in when Jason couldn't reach any of his men in Baltimore. He motioned Max over to him.
"Hey boss," Max said.
"Look Max, I'm trying to get Vince and some of the guys in Maryland, but they won't pick up. Do you know what's going on?"
"Jason, I don't," Max said.
"Look I need to get to Bree. I want you to stay here and guard Sam and Danni with your life. Something's going on here," he said. "I need to talk to Sam."
Sam was on edge from the moment she found out her baby was in potential danger and she knew the hospital was locked down. She tried not to think about it and focus on the beautiful day they had, but she couldn't imagine if anything happened to her little girl. The fact that Jason's phone rang didn't help. She knew if it was good news, Jason would have told her immediately, instead she watched Max walk over to where Jason was standing. She saw Jason walk back to the patio where she and Carly were sitting.
"Is everything all right?" she asked not even caring that Carly was sitting there. She was worried about her baby and needed to know what was going on. Jason walked over behind Sam and started to massage her shoulders. She knew exactly what he was doing. "Damn it Jase, what's going on?" she asked standing up.
Jason knew that Sam was frustrated with the situation and not necessarily at him, but Carly was a different story.
"Sam, what the hell is wrong with you? You've been edgy all day. If I had a man like Jason, I'd take his hint instead of pushing him away," she said.
"Carly, I know you're not going to understand this and yes, I have been edgy today. But get this, it's not about me! I'm worried about my baby, and Jason knows something that he's not telling me," Sam screamed.
"Come on Sam," Jason said as he pulled her into the house and tears began falling freely from her face.
The noise had startled Danni and Josslyn and caused everyone who was calmly relaxing on the patio to look.
"What was that all about?" Carly asked Alexis.
"Not now," Alexis said pointing to Danni and Josslyn.
"Is something wrong with sissy?" Danni asked.
"Sweetheart, your baby sister is just fine," Alexis lied to her granddaughter.
"Alexis, what don't I know?" Carly demanded.
"I'm not sure, we're going to have to ask Sam and Jason," Alexis stuck to her guns and refused to tell Carly anything while the little girls were on her lap.
Carly started pacing and then rushed over to Max attempting to get information from him.
X X X X X X X X X X
Jason led Sam into their home and closed the blinds. He and Sam didn't need an audience.
"Jason, I'm sorry I shouldn't have yelled at Carly," Sam admitted as he walked over to her and gently kissed her forehead and held her hands in his. "It's just that I'm scared and I hate that there is nothing we can do from here,"
"I know," he said as he pulled her into his arms and hugged her.
"That call was about Bree, wasn't it?" Sam asked.
Jason pulled away from Sam. "It was, let me tell you what I know," he said as he led her into the family room and had her sit in a chair. He sat on the coffee table across from her and looked into her eyes. Jason took a deep breath. "The first call was Patrick. The gunman has moved,"
"Moved where? What the hell does that mean?" Sam asked.
"Patrick says the police lost his location and they're not sure where he is. Now the good news is that Robin is still with Bree,"
"We think Robin is still with Bree," Sam interjected.
"We don't have any reason to think she's not," Jason said.
"But we don't know that she is Jason and we don't know that the gunman isn't in the NICU, right? So what you're telling me is we really have no way of knowing whether Bree is safe or not. Well I can tell you one thing, I am not going to sit back while my baby is in danger. I have to go to her," Sam said standing from the chair only to have Jason push her back down.
"I know how you feel. I have to get to her, now. Max is going to stay with you and Danni," Jason explained.
"N-n-n-n-n-o, JASON. We are in this together, no matter what. I'm going with you," Sam said.
"Sam, there's something else you should know. I can't get a hold of any of my men in Maryland. I put Max on it, but there's no answer. That makes me wonder about this," he confessed.
"Jason- you're not going up there alone, I'm going with you," Sam was adamant.
"What about Danni?" he asked.
"Baby, what about Danni. I hate what this is doing to her, but another night with my mom is safer than taking her with us," Sam pleaded.
"I know you want to be there for Bree, but Sam Danni would be even safer with you. Look, I don't know anything about this gunman. For all I know this could be a rival family trying to get to me or the business. I don't want Danni vulnerable, I want her with you," he begged.
Sam had tears freely falling from her eyes. She didn't know what to do. She understood Jason's point, but she wanted to know her baby was safe. "Jason, I get what you're saying and I know Danni needs me. Call me selfish, butI need to know Bree is ok, I need to see her. I want to touch her. We haven't even gotten to HOLD our baby yet. What if we NEVER get to hold her Jason, what if…..what if something happens to her?"
Jason pulled Sam onto his lap and he kissed her hair. He understood Sam's point of view, he just didn't want Danni scared or alone and he hated putting Sam in danger if he was facing a gunman. "I need you to trust me. I know what I'm doing, I need to find my men and get to our daughter," he said as he held her in his arms and gently rocked her in his arms.
"Jason, I am not some delicate little flower. I can take it and you know you're going to need back up," Sam defended.
"Don't I know you can hold your own in any situation and we do make a good team, I'm just thinking about a four-year-old who needs her mommy too,"
"Well just for the record, she needs her Daddy too," Sam said as Jason's phone rang again.
"Morgan," he answered.
"Jason it's Patrick. Robin just called me. They found the gunman,"
"Where was he?" Jason asked.
"The police have him," Jason whispered to Sam.
"You're not going to like this but he was on the 5th floor with a map and the NICU highlighted," Patrick explained.
"Where is this nut now?" Jason asked.
"They arrested him," Patrick said.
"Was he acting alone?" Jason asked trying to figure out what was happening and why.
"I don't know," Patrick confessed. "But I do know that Robin called and said Bree is doing really well. She is breathing on her own some,"
"That's great news," Jason said as he smiled but immediately focused his attention back to the danger. "Patrick, I need you or Robin with Bree all the time until we get there if possible,"
"We can do that," Patrick said.
"I'll be there as soon as I can," Jason said and hung up the phone.
Jason turned to Sam. "There's good news, really good news, and some not so good news," he started.
"Well I'm guessing the really good news is the police have the gunman," Sam said.
"Actually that's just the good news. The really good news is that through all of this, Bree has started breathing on her own some," Jason said.
Sam started kissing him. "Jason, that is some of the best news I've heard all day. And it means we can hold her….. but wait, what's the not so good news?"
"The gunman was heading for the NICU. He had a hospital map with the NICU highlighted," Jason said. "It could be nothing, but-"
"That's why you asked Patrick or Robin to be with her all the time until WE can get there. Jason, I'm going with you or I'm going alone, but I'm going to see our baby come hell or high water," Sam said.
"Look I knew that once we found out she was breathing I couldn't hold you back," Jason said with a smile on his face.
"Oh God Jase- Danni, we have to tell her we're leaving her again," Sam said worrying how much more her big girl would be able to take.
"Ok, let's do this as quickly as we can. I'll get rid of Carly-"
"You think you can manage that one?" Sam asked.
"I can. Then I'll talk to Max about security and guards for Danni at the lake house. You tell your mom what's going on and tell Danni we'll be back soon,"
"Sounds like a plan, this is going to be hard on her," Sam said.
"I know, but as soon as we know it's safe, Max can bring her to us. It's not the best, but I am going to find out WHY that man was heading for the NICU where our baby is," Jason explained with rage in his blue eyes. He vowed to make anyone who was heading for his daughter to pay.
Jason kissed Sam before they both stood up and walked outside hand in hand. They found Carly talking with Max while Alexis held the two girls in her arms.
"I'll go that way, you handle things here," Jason said as he started moving toward Carly and Sam started walking over to Alexis.
"Mommy, why are you crying?" Danni asked.
"I'm crying because I'm very happy and maybe just a little bit sad," Sam explained as she picked her daughter up from Alexis' lap and put her on her hip. She walked over to a nearby chair and sat down with Danni in her lap.
Alexis watched as her daughter held her granddaughter. She loved watching Sam with Danni. The time they spent without Jason had truly bonded them together like no other mother and daughter she knew. Alexis knew that Sam loved that little girl and Danni trusted Sam more than anything.
"Why are you sad?" Danni asked.
"Let's start with why Mommy's happy," Sam said.
"Ok," the little girl said simply as she took her thumb and ran it across Sam's cheek to wipe a tear. It melted Sam's heart because it was the way she had wiped some of Danni's tears.
"Well, I'm happy because I just found out from Emma's daddy that Bree is breathing a little on her own. That means Mommy and Daddy will get to hold her," Sam explained.
"Do I get to hold sissy too?" Danni asked.
"You will, but not for a while. Right now it's just Mommy and Daddy," Sam said.
"So what's making you sad?" Danni asked.
"Well, mommy and daddy have decided that we need to be with Bree and we can't take you with us just yet. We're going to be at the hospital A LOT and so the sad part is that we have to leave you again," Sam said as she started to cry.
"Don't cry Mommy," Danni said.
"Mommy's just having a tough time because she knows that you are brave and strong, but hates leaving you," Sam decided there was no way to water down the gunman story. "But you know what? As soon as Bree is just a little bit stronger, we're going to have someone bring you to us. Because we love you so much and we are not going to spend one more minute away than we have to," she said as she started covering Danni's face with kisses. The laughter from her daughter made the tears go away. Sam knew she was making the right decision. "Daddy and I love you more than you'll ever know baby girl,"
"I love you too Mommy," Danni said as her blue eyes met Sam's brown ones.
"Tell you what, why don't you get Aunt Krissy and Aunt Molly to go help you pack a bag. Mommy and Daddy have to leave tonight. Josslyn you can walk up with them if you want to," Sam said.
"Actually Josslyn, Morgan, and I are going to go," Carly said hugging Sam. "Jason told me everything. Call me," she whispered in Sam's ear. Sam looked over to see Jason deep in conversation with Max. She didn't know what he said to Carly, but she had taken the hint. Maybe it was the fact that Carly felt Jason told her something he hadn't told anyone else. No matter the reason, Sam just had to tell her mom and make sure it was ok for Danni to stay there.
"That was abrupt," Alexis said referring to Carly's departure. "Honey, I'm so excited that Bree is breathing a little bit, but that's not everything, is it?"
Sam bit her bottom lip. She knew that her mom wanted to hear everything no matter how bad it was. "No mom, it's not. The good news is that Bree is breathing a little on her own AND that the gunman is in police custody. The not so good news is that Jason can't get a hold of any of his men and that gunman was on the 5th floor with a hospital map and the NICU highlighted," Sam confessed. "Jason and I need to get to Bree, but we need Danni here until it's safe for her to be with us. Can she stay with you at the Lake House? Max and the guards will be there too," Sam admitted.
"I'd love to have Danni with us. Does Jason think Bree is in danger," her mother asked.
"He doesn't know. Jason's been away from the business since he got out of prison, but it's one of those things you can never really leave behind I guess. We want to figure things out and we can't have Danni at risk. We talked about me staying here, but mom I have to be there with Bree."
Alexis hugged her daughter knowing what a tough decision it was for her every time she left Danni. "I'm proud of you. You are such a strong and caring mom. You put those girls first no matter what. Honey, this is going to get easier,"
"Thanks Mom. I really want to talk more with Krissy, but it's going to have to wait."
"Sam, don't think about that. You and Jason need to get going,"
As she was in her mother's arms, Sam couldn't believe the way the day had been. It started with her in Jason's arms as her daughter came in proudly announcing her big day. It had been a great day, but as she was in her mother's arms, she realized that a normal day just wasn't in the cards for she and Jason.
Jason walked over to her with a small bag. "I don't think we need much. I said goodbye to Danni," he said.
"I want to see her one more time. Thanks Mom for everything." As she walked toward the house, she stepped on a balloon and it popped. "We need to clean all this up," she said.
"It's taken care of," Jason said.
"What would I do without you," she said grinning.
Sam said goodbye to Danni and she and Jason left for the airport where the private jet was waiting for them.