June 2039 –
Lila pushed herself up from the rocking chair. It was nearly five o'clock and Cameron would be home soon. She had a funny feeling in her stomach and really wanted him with her.
Sucking in a quick breath, she put a hand on her bulging belly. She was two weeks from her due date, although Mattie had said that the baby could come any day. It seemed to her like Baby was choosing today as that day.
She tried to breathe through the pain like the Lamaze classes had taught her, but panic was beginning to build and it was getting harder and harder to remember the techniques. God, where was Cameron when she needed him?
When the pain began to slowly subside, she managed to take a few steps across the room. Walking was good for the pain, wasn't it? But despite her slight panic, she was excited. There was something about the idea of in a few hours, she would be holding her child in her arms.
It was exhilarating.
She still laughed at herself. A year ago, she would have never thought twice about settling down and having children. But then she and Cameron became involved and then she got pregnant. Sure, maybe the process was a little faster than she'd ever planned, but it still led her to the same place: marriage and motherhood.
After she'd finally agreed to marry him, after he'd proved that he truly loved her, her life was perfect. And the arrival of their little miracle made it even more wonderful.
Lila closed her eyes and reached out a hand to the couch to steady herself as the pain came back. She remembered to time the contraction and saw that they were happening about every three minutes. She knew that it was coming closer.
She fought back the urge to panic, to worry. She needed to stay calm for herself and her baby. She rubbed her stomach, murmuring. "It's okay, baby. Just stay in there a little longer. Just until Daddy comes home. Please, do it for Mommy."
Just then the door to their apartment opened and she opened her eyes as Cameron stepped inside. He was about to say something when he saw the way she was rubbing her stomach and breathing carefully.
He crossed to her in three steps. "Lila?" He put a hand to her shoulders, rubbing the tension out of them.
She visibly relaxed simply because of his presence. "Hey," she managed, blowing out a breath. "How was work?"
His eyes darkened with concern. "Work was fine. What's wrong? Is it the baby? Are you in labor?" He ran his hands over her belly just as she felt that familiar tightening begin.
Her breath came out in a whoosh this time. She could only nod. "I think so. I've been having contractions off and on all day, but—"
He cut her off, "why didn't you call me? I would have come home early." He pulled her to him and she tried to take strength from him.
"It was too soon earlier. There was nothing you could have done. Although, I'm really, really glad that you are home no—" she sucked in her breath again as she felt that pain begin to build again. "They're coming closer together," she managed, around the pain.
"Okay, we are going to the hospital. Where's your bag?" he asked, helping her walk across the room toward the door. She motioned the pink bag she'd set beside the door earlier that afternoon. He smiled. "Prepared, are we?"
"Always."
As they made their way out into the hall and toward the elevator, he helped her breath through the contractions, his energy already calming her. By the time they were at the car, she felt like she could do anything.
They arrived at the hospital five minutes later and Mattie was already waiting. She smiled as she reached in to help Lila out of the car. "Baby's impatient?"
She nodded. "Very. I'm glad that you were here already." She allowed herself to be placed in a wheelchair and within minutes, she was in a hospital gown already ensconced in the delivery room.
Mattie looked up from between Lila's legs, where she'd been checking the progress. "Good thing you got here when you did. This baby's in a hurry."
Cameron gripped her hands as he felt Lila tense up again. Mattie stood and disposed of her gloves. "I will be right back. I just have to check one thing. Don't do anything until I'm back."
Cameron leaned down to Lila. "You're almost there, Lila. I love you more than ever. You are going to be a great mother."
She smiled and gripped his hand like a lifeline. "And you will be the best daddy any child could ask for." Then her face contorted. "Get Mattie!"
A nurse dashed out and Lila felt a funny sensation. She wanted to push so badly! Finally Mattie appeared. "Impatient. I said to wait. We are all ready. Okay Lila, when I tell you, I want you to push, okay? Push as hard as you can!"
Lila grunted and did as asked. She pushed until she was breathless. Cameron watched as the love of his life delivered the most beautiful gift he'd ever received. Lila cried out and fell back against the bed as pulsing cries filled the air. He had to wipe his eyes as Mattie handed him the scissors to cut the cord. "It's a girl!"
Even Mattie had tears in her eyes as she worked to help clean Lila up and make her presentable.
Much later, the little family had the room to themselves. Lila lay on the bed, exhausted, yet full of energy. She stared down the gorgeous infant in her arms in awe.
"I can't believe she's ours!" Cam's voice was full of emotion. He reached out a hand and touched the baby's clenched fist. When their little girl gripped his finger, they both smiled.
"She's strong like her Daddy," Lila said, "she'll stand up for what she believes in."
"And she had a heart of gold like her mommy," Cameron added. "She'll root for the underdog." He leaned over and caught his wife's lips with his. "Thank you Lila. Thank you for the gift of our little girl. I love you both and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that the both of you are safe."
"Same here," Lila replied, her voice thick. She felt herself becoming drowsy. "Here, take the baby. I'm so tired."
He accepted the child and simply stared. Lila watched him with tired eyes, knowing that her little girl couldn't have a better father. "Welcome home baby girl."
Cameron looked over at his wife, then back at his daughter. "Welcome home Megan Elizabeth Spencer."
And what a grand welcoming it was.
* * * * *
July 2039 –
Mattie strode purposefully down the hall toward Examination Room 1. She was in a hurry today…in a hurry to supply some happy news to the most deserving couple. This was the second best part of her job, the first being actually delivering babies. She so enjoyed seeing that joy wash over the faces prospective parents as they revel over the fact that together they created something wonderful.
She stopped in front of the room, making certain to compose her face, hide her smile. Giving a courtesy knock, she turned the knob and stepped inside. Spencer and Miranda Cassadine both turned as she shut the door. Miranda was sitting on the table and had Spencer's hand held tightly in hers.
Mattie smiled slightly and sat in the chair across from the couple. "I have good news, guys!"
Miranda gasped and looked at Spencer then back at Mattie. "I'm pregnant?"
Mattie nodded. "Yes. You are most definitely pregnant. I will have to do an ultrasound to find out how far along you are, but the blood and urine tests were conclusive. Congratulations!"
Miranda turned slightly and was caught in the arms of her husband. Mattie looked on as the couple embraced. "I'm having a nurse bring in the ultrasound machine and I'll do it now." Then she sobered as she couple broke apart. "I'm not saying that this will be an easy road. I've seen your chart, Miranda. I believe that you can carry this baby to term and deliver a healthy child, but it won't be easy. It may require bed rest or extensive testing. But I am giving you my word. I will do everything in my power to make certain that you deliver a healthy baby."
Spencer and Miranda both nodded. "Thanks Mattie."
She shook her head. "You can thank me on d-day." A nurse popped her head inside the room and wheeled in the ultrasound machine. "Thanks, Nurse Jacoby."
Spencer moved to near Miranda's head as she lay back on the table. She pulled up her shirt and pulled down her jeans slightly. Mattie squirted the jelly on her stomach and picked up the wand.
She moved it around, smiling when a loud thumping sound filled the room. "That's your baby's heartbeat. Very strong, very nice."
Miranda reached for Spencer's hand. "It's so fast. Is it supposed to be like that?"
"Yes, it's supposed to be rapid." Mattie moved the wand around a bit more. "Look!" She pointed at a little gray blob on the screen. "That's your baby."
Miranda glanced at Spencer who gripped her hand tighter. "Wow. Look Spencer, that's our child."
He nodded, unable to speak but leaned down and dropped a kiss on her forehead. It was a moment he'd been afraid would never come true. "I know," he said finally.
"From the size of the fetus, I'd say that you are about 10 weeks along. That along with the menstruation information you gave me earlier puts your do date at January 4th. You'll have a New Years baby!" Mattie replied happily. She finished her examination and pushed the button to print the photos from the ultrasound. She then wiped Miranda's stomach off as the pictures printed out from a little printer on the cart.
"I'll leave you guys for a few minutes. Miranda, you are already taking your vitamins so just keep that up. I will need to see you in a month for your next checkup. Just call my office and schedule an appointment. Again, I am so thrilled for you. If anyone deserves happy news like this, it's you guys," Mattie said as she walked out of the room and shut the door behind her.
When they were alone, Miranda turned to her husband of only two months. "Can you believe it?"
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around it," Spencer answered, leaning in and capturing her mouth with his. The kiss deepened and Miranda savored the moment.
"I still can't believe that I'm actually pregnant. After the miscarriage last winter and not knowing if I'd ever become pregnant." She took his face in her hand. "You've changed me, Spence."
"In a good way, I hope."
"In the best way. Just think! In six and a half months, we are going to be holding this little miracle in our arms. Nothing could be more perfect," she answered, staring at the snowy image on the photo.
"I love you Miranda Montgomery-Cassadine."
"I love you too, Spencer."
She slipped her hand into his as she hopped off the table. "Let's go home, Spencer."
"Sounds good." He opened the door for her and together they walked down the hall and out of the hospital.
It was the beginning of a beautiful family.
* * * * *
August 2039-
Georgie stepped out into the sweltering hot sunshine of summer in lower Manhattan. She'd just come from being de-briefed over her latest mission which involved a two-week stint in Mexico. But now she was home for an extended period of time.
And she had no intention of waiting around at the WSB headquarters.
She smiled when she saw the tall, dark and handsome man walking toward her, with a tall, willowy blonde at his side. There was a small place in her heart that tweaked at the sight because it reminded her of another time, a different set of people.
She squared her shoulders and focused on the present. If giving up her ruse had taught her one thing, it was that while it was important not to forget the past and to learn from it, it was even more important to focus on the future and what you have rather than what you lacked.
She'd lost a very important part of her heart, but in turn had gained the love of Dillon Quartermaine. While her vision of her own child was forever painted in her heart, she'd been given the chance to watch and know Dillon's gorgeous daughter.
It allowed her to indulge in a way that had been stolen from her far too soon.
"Georgie!" Alex called and waved her hands excitedly as she and Dillon got closer. Georgie smiled, waving in return and picking up her step.
Dillon caught her in a hug and dropped a light kiss on her lips. Beside them, Alex grinned. She was thrilled that her father had found love and was even more thrilled to have a woman like Georgie in her life. It wasn't that she didn't love her mother, Alex reasoned, but Starr lacked Georgie's sense of adventure and her experience. Alex was happy to say that she had two women who she both loved and respected in her life.
Dillon and Georgie broke apart, a longing look in his eyes. It had been too long since he'd seen her, but he understood that she was just doing her job. It was something that they had to live with. The hardest part about her job was the danger. Dillon hated the fact that he was afraid every time she went out on a mission. But he loved her and he trusted her to come back with him.
"So are we ready?" Dillon said, hooking an arm around both of his women. He still pinched himself sometimes, worried that his life with Georgie was just a dream.
Georgie nodded. "We are. Oh God, I'm so glad to be back. I love what I do, but sometimes I feel like I'm getting too old for it."
"We missed you. The mansion wasn't the same without you," Alex added, grinning at her soon-to-be-stepmother. Georgie lifted her hand, studying the glinting ring on her finger. It still amazed her to think that she was about to marry the first man she'd ever loved.
"Having second thoughts?" Dillon asked gently. Georgie turned, smiling, and shook her head.
"Never. What are we doing today?" she focused on Alex now.
"Well, Dad and I wanted to have lunch at this little Jewish deli we saw near the hotel. But we thought that you could meet us there then you could go do your errand."
Dillon frowned. "What errand?"
Alex shrugged her shoulders and Georgie shook her head. "Oh it's just a little errand. I will only be a little while. I need to stop and buy some flowers first though."
Then it dawned on him. "Oh, sure. We'll meet you in an hour. You know where it is?" he asked her.
She nodded. "Yes." Then moved closer to him. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. It's just something I do when I'm in the city. Alex asked me about it a couple of weeks ago. That's why she knows what I'm talking about."
He nodded and turned to his daughter. "Ready?"
She nodded, and then looked surprised. "Oh! I almost forgot." She reached into the big bag on her shoulder and pulled out a wrapped gift. Handing it to Georgie, she smiled. "I think this is something you'll like."
Georgie looked surprised, but didn't get the chance to respond as Alex was pulling Dillon down the street. She stuck the gift in her bag and walked to a street vendor standing a few feet away. She purchased two bouquets of daisies and hurried to hail a cab.
Within ten minutes, the cab let her out in front of the quiet little cemetery. It had always amused her that in the hustle and bustle of the big city, there was this somber little bit of land.
She'd spent many hours on this silent land. Many hours of crying and bargaining, of wondering what if. Now she could walk here, move across the closely cut grass and gentle sloping flowerbeds, and not feel as if she was falling apart. It had taken time, years of time, but now she'd accepted that a fatal mistake had taken her family away and even though she'd been involved, it wasn't her fault.
That had been the hardest thing to come to terms with.
But now she knew that nothing she could have done differently would have changed the outcome.
Georgie stopped walking, closed her eyes, and shook off the memory. She hadn't come here to cry. She wouldn't let herself cry, she'd done that too much already. She took a deep breath and moved on, toward the far corner of the cemetery.
Somewhere in the haze of those first few days following her family's deaths, she'd managed to pick the plots in the cemetery. They were at the far end, in a little alcove that was shaded by the tall willow tree. It was a truly beautiful spot, gorgeous in all times of the year.
The plots were side-by-side. It was appropriate, she believed, for her husband and her daughter to be together forever. She knelt down in front of the two sun-warmed stones. Removing the dead bouquets, she replaced them with the sunny tulips. She ran a hand over her husband's name.
"I'm sorry, for not visiting in so long. I've been busy. With work and with— my family." She took a deep breath. "You'd never guess that the ruse is up. It happened so quickly that I couldn't think. And now, I'm so, so happy. I never thought that I could, but now. I want you to know that, both of you. I will never forget you. I will never stop missing you, loving you. But I want you to know that I'm finally happy."
Georgie closed her eyes, touched a hand to the engraved angel on Amelia's headstone. "I love you Baby Girl. I love you so much. You would have loved Alex. She's sassy and smart and so wonderful. Just like you."
Her voice broke and she willed back the tears. She knew that Dante would have wanted her to be happy. They'd talked about it once, about what would happen if one of them had died. They'd both agreed that they'd want the other to move on, to fall in love, to marry. To have a future.
Georgie took another breath, pushed herself to her feet. With a final pray skyward, she turned, moved out of the cemetery.
She did, after all, have a future to get to.
* * * * *
Okay, so here's the first installment of my epilogue. Just to let my faithful readers know, there will not be a sequel to this story, seeing as the entire story is a bit of a sequel to the actual show. I am chewing over a few over General Hospital story ideas. Please stay tuned for the final installment for my GH: Second Generation story.