Hey everyone. I've gotten in such a hurry lately after I finish a chapter that I've been forgetting to leave some type of intro or note. THANK YOU for the reviews, they really do help me to keep writing. What would you like to see next? Just a note- even though Jason was in prison for 4 years and Danni was born, Molly and Kristina didn't grow much. In this story, Kristina is 19 and Molly is about 13. After this chapter, things will start to move a bit faster for Jason and Sam.

Alexis had a restless night. All she could think about were her daughters and her granddaughters and the guards that now surrounded her family. She lie in bed awake and looked at the clock, it was 7:30. She'd had less than 3 hours of sleep, but decided to get up. She walked down the hall and opened the door to Molly's room where she watched her youngest daughter and her granddaughter sleep peacefully. She knew Danni was exhausted and decided it best to allow her to sleep as long as she could. Even though it was a Monday morning and Molly had school, Alexis was not concerned whether her youngest arrived there or not. She felt a need to keep Molly with her, so she knew she was safe with the uncertainty in Port Charles. Kristina, on the other hand, had already finished her spring semester of classes at PCU. Alexis had enrolled her in a summer course to make up for the time she lost when she decided to go to Italy with Ethan. She knocked on her middle daughter's door. "Kristina," she called.

"Go away," she called.

"No can do, you've got class," Alexis called as she opened her door and walked in just in time for Kristina to go running past her to the bathroom.

As Kristina emptied the contents of her stomach, Alexis continued to inform her of the plans for the day, "Honey you have to take this class, because with a baby coming we don't know if you'll be able to carry a full load in the fall,"

Kristina looked up from the toilet as she held her hair. "Do I look like I really care, mom? Something's going on with Jason and Sam, not to mention my baby's life is in danger because of who my dad is,"

"Shh! I don't want to wake Molly or Danni. Your baby is going to be just fine, but did it ever occur to you that perhaps getting pregnant wasn't the best choice?" Alexis said rolling her eyes.

Just then Alexis looked up to find Danni standing at the door of the bathroom Molly and Kristina shared. "Nanna I have to go potty," she informed her grandmother.

"Ok sweetie, use the bathroom in my room or the one in your Mommy's room, Aunt Krissy isn't feeling well," Alexis said.

"Eew," Danni said as she walked out and turned toward the extra bedroom that was 'Sam's' at the lakehouse.

"Let me know if you need any help," Alexis called.

By that time, Kristina had stood up and washed her face and her hands. She brushed by Alexis quickly without saying a word.

"Honey, where are you going? Are you feeling better?"

"I guess I better get ready for class," she huffed.

Alexis walked further down the hall as she rolled her eyes and mumbled under her breath. She couldn't believe what her life was becoming. She stood in Molly's doorway to find her gathering her school uniform.

"Mom, I'm going to be late for school," she said as she rushed to gather her clothes and head to a free bathroom.

"Molly, it's ok, I'll write a note," Alexis said.

"No mom, I'm going to get out the door on time," she protested.

Alexis walked out into the hallway and banged her head against the wall. As she stood there, she could hear the muffled cries coming from Sam's room. She walked into the room to find Danni curled up on Sam's bed holding a pillow and one of her favorite stuffed animals, she was crying. Alexis walked over to the bed and started rubbing her granddaughter's back. "Sweetheart, what's wrong? Did you have an accident?" Alexis asked thinking perhaps Danni hadn't made it to the bathroom in time.

The little girl sobbed harder and didn't move. "Sweetie, Nanna can't help fix it if she doesn't know what's wrong. Tell me about it," she said as she continued to rub her back. Danni was still lying on her side, curled up in a ball and facing the opposite direction of Alexis. Alexis continued trying to get her granddaughter to sit up or at least look at her, but she continued to sob. "You know when Mommy calls to check on you, I don't want to have to tell her you've been crying," Alexis continued. At the mention of Sam, Danni sat up and looked into Alexis' eyes.

"I miss Mommy," Danni said simply as she continued to cry.

Alexis held out her hands and Danni crawled onto her lap. "Honey I know this is hard, and your Mommy and Daddy miss you so much. They hate leaving you here, you know that?"

"They weren't supposed to leave. Mommy promised that after graduation I could go with them and Bree- all the time," Danni said emphasizing the last three words as she spoke through the tears.

Alexis held the four-year old in her arms. She slowed started rocking her as they sat on the bed and carefully considered her words. "Your Mommy doesn't make promises she can't keep. She thought you'd all get to go be with Bree together, but that changed. Your Mommy and Daddy want you with them just as soon as you can be," Alexis explained as the four-year old managed to wiggle out of her arms and hop off the bed. "They love you Danielle," Alexis added.

"I just want my Mommy!" Danni screamed as she stormed out of the bedroom and went running to the living room where she sat down on the floor in a corner by the fireplace and pulled her knees to her chest. She was a lot like Sam in that she held her anger inside until she couldn't anymore. The months during Sam's pregnancy and since Bree had been born were stressful for her.

Alexis debated what to do. She knew Jason and Sam would be calling to check on Danni soon and she didn't want them concerned. She wondered if letting Danni call them would calm her down or make her more angry. Alexis also didn't want Sam to feel guilty about her decision. Danni had been very easy going throughout the pregnancy and with Bree in the NICU, but Alexis realized her granddaughter had enough and just wanted Sam. As she was heading to the living room where she could hear the child sniffling, she heard a knock on the door. She looked over and noticed Danni was still upset, but hadn't moved. "Ugh," she said as she opened the door to find Max. "How can I help you?" she asked.

"Well Ms. Davis, young Michael Corinthos is here to see you," he informed her.

"Michael?" Alexis asked.

"Yes, Jason is not going to be happy. He does not want Michael near his family, but he wants to see you," Max said.

Alexis looked at Danni on the floor and then to Molly who had emerged needing a ride to school, then to Kristina. "Give me a few minutes and then I'll allow him to come in," she said.

Alexis hurried to get Molly and Kristina out the door with a guard and some money to stop for breakfast. She then went over and tried to console Danni, who became more frustrated and withdrawn. Alexis decided to visit quickly with Michael and then hoped that Danni would come around. She hated leaving her granddaughter like that, but knew she was a lot like Sam and once she made up her mind; there was no talking her out of it until she did it on her own. Alexis hoped Michael could explain what on earth had been going on lately. She opened the door and gestured Max in to watch Danni as she sat on the porch with Michael.

"Hi Michael, what brings you here today?" she greeted him getting straight to the point.

"Well, I'm worried about Kristina," he said.

"Please go on," she encouraged. "May I add that you don't want to say anything that would implicate yourself in any crimes."

"Well Kristina drugged Johnny, which didn't sit well with Anthony Zacchara. He decided to attack us by breaking into a warehouse. There was some uh, retaliation and now Anthony has 3 other families working with him to go after us. I see the guards here, did you already know this?"

"No, Jason put the guards here because he and Sam had to go back to the baby," Alexis explained.

"Is the baby all right?" Michael asked with concern in his voice. Everyone knew that since the young adult had become a mob boss, he had alienated himself from all of his family and friends, but Alexis could tell there was concern coming from his voice now. She knew he was in over his head.

"Yes, Bree is doing great. Michael, why don't you go to the police? I'm sure if you help them with an investigation into the other families, they can offer some sort of protection," Alexis suggested as she looked into the young boy's eyes. She no longer saw the brat that was trying to be a mob boss at everyone's expense, but rather she saw Carly's son.

"Look, I can't do that. Just keep guards on Kristina, ok?"

"Michael, I can do that. You need to keep yourself safe."

"I'll be fine," he said as he walked away. Michael was trying to prove that he could handle the business, but failing miserably. He wasn't sure how to fight back. He had a few loyal men working with him, but it wasn't the same as having Jason. He knew Jason couldn't be involved. He had two kids and a wife to think about. As Michael thought about Abby and the way she'd left him as soon as he took over the business, a wife and kids didn't seem all that bad.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Jason and Sam had very little sleep in the hospital waiting room the previous night. Sam rested a little in Jason's arms, but Jason stayed awake all night thinking about what to do. They had awoken to freshen up in time to go back in the NICU and feed their daughter for the first time. Bree was learning to suck on a bottle remarkably well. Jason and Sam were amazed at how much their tiny beauty was growing and changing right before their eyes. Sam fed Bree first and then passed the little "sweet pea" off to her Daddy while she talked with the nurses. The nurses were amazed at Bree's progress and assured Sam that there didn't seem to be any complications. She smiled thinking about the day they'd finally bring their baby home and how it was getting closer. After they fed Bree and put her to sleep, they decided to head over to their condo to shower and change. It took a lot of convincing on Jason's part. He knew Sam was scared, but he also knew they needed a change of scenery even if for a few hours. Sam was also very curious about what was going on with the gunman. She and Jason hadn't been able to talk about his theories while in the hospital. Jason had successfully located his men overnight, but was unable to put them back on the job. He worked with Spinelli to locate a few trustworthy guards to watch the hospital.

It was very quiet as Jason and Sam left the NICU. The press release had stated that a gunman had entered the hospital, his intent was unknown, and that he was in police custody. Jason knew who the gunman was and Sam had a feeling that his presence had something to do with them. Several hours had passed since they first were with Bree and it was almost lunchtime.

"I want to call my mom and check on Danni," Sam said as she pulled out her phone and turned it on. She had wanted to call sooner, but had been distracted while they were in the hospital. "Oh my goodness," she said as she realized she had several missed calls from her mother.

"What?" Jason asked.

"My mom called my phone six times, Jason. Something's wrong with Danni," she said as she hit the call back button and stopped walking.

Jason put his arm around her small frame as she listened to the phone ringing. "I'm sure everything's fine, she just wants to check in," he reassured her.

"Hello," Alexis answered.

"Mom, sorry we missed your calls. We were with Bree," Sam explained.

"It's ok, I figured you were. Look honey, I know you're doing the best you can, but Danni hasn't been herself this morning,"

"What's wrong with her Mom?"

"She hasn't said much, but she is asking for you, so I'm going to let you talk to her,"

"Poor thing. Put her on," Sam said as she looked into Jason's eyes. Alexis walked over to the spot by the fireplace where her granddaughter had been crunched up for hours without saying a word except how much she wanted Sam. Alexis couldn't even get her to get dressed or eat anything, but she didn't want to share that with Sam.

"Here she is," Alexis said as she handed the phone to Danni.

"Hi baby girl," Sam said enthusiastically and expected a response from her daughter. She furrowed her brow and checked to see if something happened to their connection. "Danni, it's Mommy, are you there?"

"Yes," was all that came out of her daughter's mouth.

"I'm glad you're on the other end of the phone because I was getting worried about you," Sam said trying to cheer up her obviously upset daughter. "I love you, now why don't you pretend that I'm sitting down and you're crawling into my lap as I'm giving you a big hug and tell me what's bothering you?"

Danni sat up and closed her eyes. Alexis wasn't sure what she was doing, but trusted Sam was somehow helping Danni. "I want to be with you and Daddy and Bree," she said simply.

"Baby girl we miss you sooooo much. As soon as we can, we want you here with us, ok?"

"But you promised Mommy. You said after graduation we would all be together,"

Sam didn't know what to say. Her daughter was right and she felt her eyes welling up. Jason saw she was upset and figured Danni was too, but he just held Sam tighter in his arms. Somehow she found the strength she needed. "Danni, I am so sorry that it has to be like this. I want to hold you in my arms right now and take you to see your sister and tuck you in every single night. You have been so brave. Daddy and I just need you to be brave a little bit longer. We're going to bring you here soon, I promise baby,"

"Mommy why'd you promise before if it wasn't going to happen?" the young and inquisitive four-year old asked.

It wasn't like a child asking for dessert or a new toy. Danni was asking to be with her family after months of being separated from them, and after Sam had promised they would be together. "Baby, I know I promised and that's important, but there are things I didn't know-" she paused not knowing what else to say.

"Let me talk to her," Jason whispered.

"Daddy misses you too and he wants to talk to you for a few minutes," Sam said handing the phone to Jason as she let the tears fall freely. Danni was hurting and all she wanted to do was hold her in her arms and tell her everything would be ok, but would her young daughter believe her?

"Hey Princess," Jason said.

"Hi Daddy," Danni said in a less than enthusiastic voice.

"Are you missing Mommy and I as much as we're missing you?" he asked in a playful tone.

"Yes," she said simply.

"Do you remember when I couldn't see you, but I used to call you every day?"

"Uh-huh,"

"Well remember I told you that even though I wasn't there with you, I was somewhere inside you?"

"Right here," she said pointing to her heart. Jason couldn't see his daughter, but he knew she remembered. For the first 3 years of her life their father-daughter relationship had existed through phone calls and pictures.

"Sweetie I know it's hard to be away from the people you love. Mommy and I promised we'd all be together and we will, just not yet. But until then all you have to do is think of us and we'll be right in your heart. I love you princess," Jason said.

"I love you too Daddy," Danni said as she started to sound more like herself.

"Is that a little bit of our Danni I hear? Is she back on the phone and not sad? Now I'll bet Mommy wants to talk to hear that voice too," he said as he handed the phone back to Sam.

"Hey Danni," she said as she wiped more tears.

Danni could tell her mother had been crying. "Mommy, I love you," she said.

"I love you too and I cross my heart that we won't be away from you even a second longer than we have to, ok?"

"Ok Mommy," she said.

"And I want you to know that you can call us anytime you want to, ok?"

"Ok Mommy," she said.

"Now give me a big kiss over the phone," Sam said as she placed her hand up to her mouth and made a kissing sound as Danni did the same. "I love you," she said.

"I love you too, here's Nanna," Danni said handing the phone to Alexis. Danni moved from her spot on the floor over to the sofa, where she laid down.

"Mom, I hate to hear her like that,"

"Well I know she misses you and I think she's tired."

"Mom, just know you can call us anytime day or night. Call the hospital and leave a message. I'll call Danni immediately. I don't want her scared or sad," Sam rambled.

"Ok honey, what's going on there?" Alexis wondered.

"Well the gunman is in custody and Jason's been working on some stuff, but I don't know details. We're heading back to the condo now, so we'll discuss it. I'll call you,"

"Ok, how's Bree?" Alexis asked, but Sam had already hung up.

After she hung up the phone, she stood on the sidewalk and looked to Jason. He held out his arms and embraced her in a hug as the tears started to fall. As he held her and gently rubbed her shoulders, he said, "She's going to be fine. It's just been hard for her,"

"I know, she's a strong little girl. I just hate that she's feeling so alone. Jason I know what that's like and that's the last thing I want for Danni," she confessed.

"I'm going to figure this out and as soon as it's safe, we'll bring her,"

"I know," Sam said pulling away.

They continued to walk until they reached their condo. As soon as they arrived, Jason made Sam and himself a sandwich and they sat down to talk about what was going on.

"Things have gotten kind of complicated," Jason began.

"It's ok Jason, we can get through anything," she said as she wrapped her hands around his.

"It appears this is related to Sonny's business. Michael tried to attack the Zacharras. Anthony has four other families as allies,"

"Five?" Sam asked in confusion.

"Yes, there are the Sandabal and Lopez families in Port Charles. But they have relatives using a port here."

"And Anthony knew we were here," Sam said.

"I also think that Anthony knew I've been in contact with Michael. Anthony thinks I'm in, which makes me fair game,"

Sam rolled her eyes, "and that makes our girls fair game."

"And you," Jason said as he looked deep into her brown eyes. "I talked to Johnny and he's trying to convince his father to leave me out of it. Sam, nobody is going to hurt the people I care about. NOBODY. Johnny knows they'll pay."

"Michael's in a lot of danger," Sam said.

"Sam I care about Michael, but I'm more concerned about you, Danni, and Bree," he said as he brushed her hair with his fingers.

"What happened with the guards?" Sam asked.

"They were stupid. They let them get to them and you know I can't have that," Jason said.

"Is Danni really safe away from us?" Sam asked as Jason sensed the fear in her voice.

"She's fine. We have our best guards on her," Jason said, "I'm still trying to figure out who to trust here. I have Spinelli checking and I may have to go out tonight."

Sam knew exactly what Jason meant and she was not pleased. "No Jason- you're not going alone. I'll go with you as back-up."

"Sam, thank you for offering, but we have our girls to think about and you need to go to the hospital with Bree," he said.

"Well, you need someone you can trust," she said as she put her head in her hands. "UGH! It just never ends!"

Jason pulled Sam into his arms. He turned so he was sitting against the arm of the sofa and she was resting on his lap with his arms around her. She rubbed her hands over his muscular arms. "It's going to be ok. I really think that Johnny can help us this time,"

"Well Johnny owes you Jason, but after what MY sister has done to him, it wouldn't surprise me if he wanted to hurt us,"

"I want you to focus on our kids and let me take care of all 3 of you," Jason said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and softly kissed her hair.

"Just promise me one thing, ok?"

"What's that?" he asked.

"Promise me you'll let me know what's going on and you'll let me be your back-up if you need it. Your princess and sweet pea need you." She paused for a moment, before turning her head and looking at him, "and Jason, I need you too."

"You have me," he said as he reached down and kissed her.

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Johnny Zacharra had always respected Jason Morgan for his calm demeanor, unlike Sonny. Sonny reminded him a lot of his own father. They both reacted before thinking and were ruthless in hurting people. When Johnny received the call from Jason and found out that his father had rallied other families against the Corinthos organization, he was mad. He understood his father's hate toward Sonny, he felt the same way. But Michael was still a kid trying to gain his father's approval. Yes, Michael had torched their warehouse, but he was harmless. Johnny was out right pissed when he discovered that his father's actions brought a gunman within the walls of the hospital where Jason and Sam's innocent and premature baby was fighting for her life. He stormed into his penthouse to find his father tending to his precious flowers.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he asked as he knocked over a pot with orchids.

"I'm just taking care of my precious orchids. That's no way to treat them," Anthony said.

"You know damn well I'm not talking about the flowers," Johnny yelled.

"I have no idea what you're referring to," he said.

"Look, if you want to go after Sonny. Go after Sonny. That bastard can rot in hell for all I care after what he did to my sister. But Jason and his kids are innocent!" Johnny screamed.

"Jason may try and pretend he's out of Sonny's organization, but he's still got his fingers in that business. We've finally got enough people on our side to take Corinthos down and then we can find out if that slut of his is having your baby." Anthony retorted in his crazy tone. Johnny didn't know how to reason with a crazy person, so he grabbed his wrists.

"Look, I don't care if you're my father. If you or anyone you know messes with Jason or that innocent little baby, I will KILL you," Johnny said staring into his father's eyes and standing up to him in a way he had wanted to for years.

"Right," Anthony laughed. "As if you could hurt anyone Johnny. I'll leave that baby alone, but now the Lakehouse. I could get Sonny's slut and Morgan's kid."

Johnny stormed out. He didn't know what to do about his delusional father, but he knew he didn't want Jason's kids to end up like he or his sister growing up in the mob. Johnny knew that a life away from the mob was what Jason wanted for them too.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

After her phone call with Sam and Jason, Danni had fallen asleep on the sofa. Alexis tended to some odd chores around the house while watching her granddaughter. She decided to make her favorite, macaroni and cheese for when she woke up. Alexis wasn't a very good cook, but she had perfected the recipe for her granddaughter, whom she loved to spoil. She figured she better learn to make something Danni liked, because Sam couldn't. As Alexis returned from making the beds in the bedrooms, she noticed Danni stirring on the sofa and feared she may roll off. She walked over to her and placed a hand on her back. The little girl opened her eyes and looked at Alexis.

"Is Mommy here?" she asked half groggily.

"No sweetie, Mommy and Daddy are still with your sister, but I made your favorite- macaroni and cheese," Alexis tried uplifting her granddaughter.

"I had a dream Mommy and Daddy came home, with Bree," Danni admitted.

"Danni, I don't know when or how soon, but that dream will come true and then your family can be together all the time," Alexis said. "Let's go eat something."

"Ok," the little girl said.

As she fed her granddaughter, she could tell that she still wasn't her usual self. Alexis was trying to think of something that would cheer her up. She thought for a minute and remembered Danni just yesterday on stage at her graduation and she had an idea.

"After you finish, why don't we start working on a Welcome Home banner for Bree. Then we can hang it up at your house when your baby sister comes home. Mommy and Daddy will love it," Alexis suggested.

"Yeah Nanna, that's a good idea," Danni said as she smiled for the first time all day.

Alexis looked at the clock. "Molly will be home from school soon and I bet she'll want to help."

"And Krissy too?"

Alexis thought for a moment. Kristina should have been home hours ago. She wondered what her daughter was up to.

"Yes, Krissy too," Alexis answered simply with a half smile.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

"Then it's decided," Jason said.

"Jason, I don't know about this," Sam replied.

The couple had spent most of the day trying to decide what to do. Jason wanted the other families to come to a truce. Johnny had offered to help him. Sam didn't want Jason going alone; she feared he was walking into a trap. Jason wanted Sam to be at the hospital and close to Bree. He insisted that he was going to try the truce and if need be, he'd handle things.

"I'd rather try this than sit around and be vulnerable. I can handle it," Jason insisted.

"I know you can, but shouldn't we stick together?" she pleaded.

"Sam, you need to be with Bree. I'll be fine."

"But what if Johnny's setting you up?"

"Johnny knows better than to cross me,"

"True. He knows you'll make him pay," she walked over to the window and looked out. "I just wish I knew everything would be ok."

Jason walked over and put his big arms around her. "Everything is really going to be ok."

"Jason, it's just I know what it was like raising Danni without you and now that you're here. I don't want to think about it any other way,"

"Stop talking like that, we'll be fine."

"What time is the meeting?"

"They're meeting at 8. Johnny is arriving at 9,"

"So we have a few hours?" she asked.

"Yes. We checked on both girls and now we just have to wait on Johnny. What do you want to do?"

"Well," she said as she put her finger to her lip, "I could distract you."

"I like the way that sounds," as he placed his mouth over hers and pulled her in for a long, slow kiss. Sam pulled away.

"I know there's a set of dominoes here. We could play," she said walking to the closet.

"Dominoes. Only you," he said sarcastically.

"Hey, those dominoes led us to Danni," she said with a smirk.

"How could I forget?" Jason asked as he walked up behind her the same way he did on that August night.

Jason and Sam enjoyed the few hours they had together playing dominoes and making love before it was time for her to go to the hospital and for him to meet Johnny. As Sam kissed him when they left that night, she feared it may be the last.

What do you think? Please review if you're reading. This story has gone in a different direction than I anticipated and I'm not sure whether to continue or not.