A/N: Hey everyone! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Sorry I've been MIA. I had acute bronchitis, an upper respiratory infection, and just the worst flu imaginable. I've been sick for 3 weeks, but I am FINALLY feeling better. I kept trying to write while I was sick, but that was a no go. lol I'd fall asleep writing and spend an hour the next day deleting all the nonsense words and gibberish I wrote in my exhausted state of mind lol. But I know it's been the longest I've gone without updating this fic, so I'm so sorry. I promise not to go so long again! :D

Anyways, I'm glad to be back to the story. I'm glad so many of you like the after dark chapter, and promise more to come soon! But first, I'm laying the groundwork for the next couple of chapters. Things are going to get pretty heavy, though I plan to keep Jasam love in the mix throughout. I love angst, and I'm not opposed to deaths in shows that make sense. One thing I am heavily opposed to is killing off children and miscarriages. I know they happen and sometimes even make sense. But that's just not something I feel the need to write. I am, however, okay with writing a child going through some sort of struggle that the parents have to help them get through. It makes for good drama, as long as everything works out okay in the end. I say all that to give fair warning to the readers that though things may get a bit sad or scary, everything will turn out okay in the end. I know some of my readers have shared personal stories with me, and expressed that it is difficult for them to read anything where a child dies. Please don't worry, I won't be writing that particular tale in any story of mine. :)

Anyways, in this chapter, Jace starts to question some of the flashes of memories he's been having and starts to share them with Sam. Will they figure out who he really is? And what happens when a special delivery gets lost in the shuffle?

Let's find out. Happy reading! As always, please continue to leave reviews. They keep me inspired and push me to write. I'm so grateful for all the kind words, and how devoted so many of my followers are. You're all amazing and I appreciate you!

Jen

buttercup0303

Chapter 30

Sam woke up slowly, a smile spreading across her face immediately. She'd spent an incredible night with the man she loved and she couldn't be happier. Glancing to the side, her smile faded when she saw the mussed covers thrown back over an empty space. Sitting up, her silken inky locks tumbling around her, she looked around the room.

Just then the sounds of someone moving around downstairs traveled up to her and she settled back down with a happy grin. She stretched languidly, curling up her legs and stretching her arms above her head. When she stretched like that, her back arched slightly off the bed and her full breasts pointed straight out. Jace watched her from where he leaned against the doorway, the coffee mug and plate of eggs and bacon forgotten in his hands. Desire fogged his brain as he took an unconscious step towards her.

Sam's head turned towards him and, spotting him, she grinned, crooking her finger at him. He walked over, his hands full. Sitting up, unashamed of her nakedness, Sam reached up and looped her arms around Jace's neck, waiting for his kiss. He didn't disappoint, immediately sinking into a hot, deep kiss. She pressed her bare breasts against his chest and ran her hands up his back and under his t-shirt.

"Morning." She whispered huskily against his mouth.

Jace just grunted and captured her lips with his again. Giggling a little, Sam's hands slipped out from under his shirt and ran down his arms. When they reached his wrists, she moved fast, grabbing the mug of coffee, and a slice of bacon. She pulled away, and plopped down on the bed against the headboard, breathing in the deliciously rich scent of Corinthos Coffee. She peeked up at Jace while she munched on her slice of bacon. He was staring at her in disgruntlement and she couldn't help but laugh.

"This wasn't for me?" She asked innocently, blinking up at him exaggeratedly. Jace stared down at her adorably gorgeous face and couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head.

"Yes, but now I have something other than breakfast in bed in mind." He said, dropping the plate onto the nightstand and placing one knee down onto the bed, crawling towards her slowly.

Sam pretended to think about it for a second, before wiggling her eyebrows and setting the coffee on the nightstand, reaching up for Jace. As he lowered himself over her, he stared into her eyes.

"I don't think one night with you could ever be enough. I just want to show you how much I love you." He said tenderly.

Sam smile up at Jace and laughed softly.

"I plan for us to have a lot more than one night together. Besides, I'm pretty sure you showed me last night, over and over and over again."

Jace's eyes went smoky with remembered passion and the corner of his lips quirked.

"You're right but as much as I loved making love to you by the candlelight, I'm dying to make you mine under the light of day. I want to learn every curve of your body and make it mine.

Sam's hand came up to cup his face.

"Well then, what are you waiting for?" She teased with a sparkle in her eyes.

Jace head lowered to hers but just then a loud ringing sounded in the room and Sam glanced over to see her cell phone lighting up. With regret in her eyes she pulled away from Jace.

"Sorry, but it could be about Danny." She answered the phone and it was her mother. She glanced over at Jace and made a face.

"Hey, Mom." She said warmly. "What time are you dropping off Danny?" The smile fell off Sam's face as she listened to her mother.

"Okay, just take him in and I'll meet you there. Thanks. Bye." Sam hung up the phone and jumped out of bed quickly. Jace watched her with concern.

"Is everything okay? Is it Danny?" The thought of Danny being sick or something happening to Danny made his stomach lurch.

Sam glanced back at him, quickly pulling on clothes.

"My mom said he has a fever and he's been fussy. It's not like him so I want to take him into the doctor. I've got to go."

Jace got up quickly.

"I'll go with you." he said, concerned.

Sam shook her head.

"You can't". She said with regret. "No one is supposed to know we're together, remember? You have to keep up appearances with Hayden."

Jace shook his head stubbornly . "I know and I will but I'm worried about Danny. I can't just sit here." He argued.

Sam's face softened.

"I know you are and it means everything to me. I swear I will let you know as soon as I know how he's doing. But we can't let Helena know that we're onto her or Hayden won't be the only one in danger."

Jason face is set in stone at the mention of Helena and he nodded shortly.

"You're right. I don't know what I was thinking." He was mad at himself for letting the bliss of spending the night with Sam chase away the reminder of how much danger he was putting her and Danny in just by being with them.

Once again, he questioned his decision. What kind of man would he be if he put his own happiness ahead of their safety? But could he really walk away from them? He didn't know the answer to that.

Sam saw the change in his face and wondered at it but did not have time to question him. Danny was the only thing that mattered right now.

Jace walked her to the door and gave her a quick kiss.

"Give Danny a hug for me and don't forget to let me know how he's doing."

Sam nodded and started to walk away but Jason stopped her with gentle squeeze on her hand. She looked back at him and her breath caught at the tender look in his eyes.

"I love you." He said softly. She smiled brightly, happiness glowing from within her.

"I love you too."

…

Jace walked out of Sam's penthouse only to stop at the sight of what appeared to be a courier standing with his fist raised to knock. Jace paused.

"Can I help you with something?"

The man smiled politely and nodded, reaching into his satchel and handing Jace a small envelope. Jace signed for the delivery and poking his head into Sam's penthouse briefly, he tossed the envelope onto the side table. He didn't see it slide across the smooth surface of the table and fall to the floor.

The envelope gleamed white against the hardwood floor. In small font in the return address section, the small print read: Samuel Bennett...

He made his way over to his apartment, his mind full of Sam and Danny. He pushed open his door and started to walk in only to freeze in place. Hayden slept on the couch, fully clothed, her jacket pulled over her for warmth.

Damn. I forgot about Hayden being here, he thought to himself guiltily. He closed the door softly so as not to wake her but she stirred anyway.

Hayden sat up, her streaked brown hair falling around her shoulders as she rubbed her hands over her face. She squinted up at him, then glanced towards the window.

"Well, I guess you and Sam...connected, last night." She said dryly, straightening her clothes. She glanced up at him with a scowl.

"You could have at least remembered to show me to the guest bedroom." She snapped, shaking her head.

Jace crossed his arms over his chest.

"Somehow, you didn't strike me as the type to be shy about helping yourself to a comfortable bed." He replied steadily and Hayden burst out laughing.

"Did you just imply I'm a slut?"

Jace's face went slightly pink.

"Wh-what? No! I was just saying- you know what? Never mind."

"So tell me, what's the plan to keep Helena in the dark?" He asked.

Hayden shook her head, wringing her hands.

"I really don't know. I keep second guessing myself. I'm terrified that I made a mistake by telling you the truth."

Jace nodded sympathetically.

"I know it's scary. I can't thank you enough for telling me and Sam the truth. Because of you, I didn't lose the woman that I've come to love more than anything in the world. I won't forget that. And I'll do whatever I can to help you with your sister."

Hayden smiled tremulously.

"It was the right thing to do. I'm not a murderer, no matter what Helena threatens me with." Hayden's voice was determined, as if she was trying to convince herself that she made the right decision.

"What about Sam's cousin? Did she contact him?"

Jace shook his head.

"Not yet. Her son is sick so she didn't have a chance to call him. But you can trust Sam. She'll keep her promise to help you."

Hayden nodded and looked away, fidgeting. She glanced up at him and seemed to want to say something but stopped.

"What is it?" Jace asked curiously.

"You really don't remember anything about your past?" She asked, avoiding his eyes.

Jace's brows rose but he answered her.

"I've had a few memories here and there, but they're distorted, like I'm watching and hearing them through some kind of filter. It's frustrating because I can feel the emotions of each memory, but I can't tell who the memories are of or with." Jace's jaw clenched as he thought about the memories he'd had so far.

"I'm sure you'll remember soon. I bet spending time with Sam will help." Hayden said before looking away quickly. "I'm going to go wash up."

Jace told her where the guest room and bathroom were. He watched her as she made her way upstairs.

What had she meant by that? Why would spending time with Sam help him remember his past?

Before he could think about it further, his phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and looked at the display:

Sam calling…

…

Sam rushed down the hall and pushed open the door to the doctor's office. Alexis stood there with Danny, his head was laying against her shoulder and his chubby cheeks flush. A small smile came over his face when he saw his mom but he didn't shout like he usually did when he saw her. He simply reached his arms out for her.

Sam hurried over and pulled him into her arms, holding him tight. She gasped when she felt how hot he was.

"Oh mom, he's burning up!" She cried out in alarm, running her hands over her son. She was frightened, she had to admit. Danny was so rarely sick. In fact, she hadn't seen him this ill since…no. She wouldn't think of that.

Sam cuddled her son, who whimpered slightly, and murmured nonsense words to him. More than ever, he looked so tiny in her arms.

"Did the pediatrician see him yet?" She asked Alexis. Alexis nodded, walking over and placing a comforting hand on Sam's back.

"She was just in. She thinks it's just the flu. We're waiting on antibiotics now."

Sam nodded, trying hard to shake the feeling of dread seeping into her.

They waited for the doctor, and after Sam grilled her on Danny's diagnosis, they took their prescription and left. Alexis and Sam parted at the parking garage, while Sam tucked Danny into his carseat.

She drove home carefully, her eyes drifting to Danny in her rearview mirror. He sat there, staring out the window as they drove, his usual nonstop chatter glaring in its absence. Sam pressed the bluetooth option on her steering wheel, waiting while the phone rang.

"Sam? How's Danny?" Jace's worried voice filled the car. Danny looked up briefly, Jace's voice putting a small sparkle in his eyes, but then he was looking out the window again.

"He has the flu. Jace, he...he's so miserable. I'll be at the apartment in a few minutes. Do you think you could come over?" Sam knew she could handle it herself, but sometimes she just wanted to lean on someone, for once.

"Of course. I'll wait for you." He answered immediately, sending relief and warmth running through her.

"Thank you." She said quietly, before hanging up, still watching her son in the rearview mirror.

...

Sam stepped off the elevator to see Jace leaning against the wall outside the penthouse. Relief swept through her. She didn't want to be alone with her fears tonight.

Jace glanced at Danny laying quietly in Sam's arms and immediately stepped forward. Danny's eyes lit up at the sight of Jace.

"Fwend!" He called out happily, though his voice was a bit hoarse. He reached out for Jace, who scooped him up and held him close.

"Hey buddy! How are you feeling, big guy?" Jace asked, brushing a hand down Danny's head.

Danny pouted pitifully.

"I sick, fwend." He answered, tears brimming in his eyes, his lower lip trembling.

Jace's heart broke, but at the same time he couldn't help but grin at Sam. This kid was seriously adorable. But the look on Sam's face made the grin drop off his face. She was worried. More worried than he thought was normal for a simple cold. Was there something else going on?

"I'm sorry you don't feel good, kiddo. Come on, big guy. Let's get you inside."

Sam shook herself and stepped forward, opening the penthouse door and stepping through, waiting for Jace to follow her with Danny.

Jace carried Danny into the living room and sat down with Danny in his lap, while Sam bustled around the apartment, gathering things for Danny. Before long, she was sitting down and feeding Danny a spoonful of medicine.

"I'm going to give Danny a bath. Can you hang around for a bit?" Sam asked Jace. Jace nodded.

"Yeah, of course. Why don't I find a movie for us to watch? I bet Danny could use a movie night with his beautiful mommy." Jace suggested. Sam smiled softly at him and nodded.

"Sounds great."

Jace watched her carry Danny upstairs, worry creasing his brow. He shook his head and found himself wandering into the kitchen. He'd bet Sam hadn't eaten yet and Danny could probably use something simple to eat.

Without thought, Jace opened the freezer and fridge to see what was available. With a nod, he started pulling out ingredients, and before long, a thick and hearty chicken soup was bubbling on the stove, its fragrant scent wafting through the air.

"Was I a chef?" He wondered suddenly. He didn't even really know how he knew what to do, but making the soup had been fairly simple. Shrugging, he pulled out three bowls and gathered the utensils. He paused and looked around the kitchen.

Just like this morning when he'd made breakfast and coffee, he'd seemed to know exactly where Sam kept her dishes and utensils. He hadn't hesitated; simply turned towards them instinctively. How was that possible?

He supposed it could be possible that it had just been common sense. Maybe those were simply the most logical choice for dishes and utensils…

Brushing off the thought, Jace picked up the bowls and piled them on a tray he found in the pantry. Carrying it into the living room, he set them on the table. He glanced up just as Sam descended the stairs with a pajama-clad Danny in her arms.

Sam lifted her head as the scent of something delicious hit her senses. Looking to the side, she saw Jace standing by the table, smiling over at her. Three bowls sat steaming on the table. Tears blurred her eyes as she realized he'd cooked for them.

She walked over with Danny and saw that he'd made soup and she couldn't stop the tears from spilling over. Without hesitation, she leaned over and pressed a brief kiss to his lips.

"Thank you." She said thickly, moved by what could seem like a simple act to others, but meant the world to her.

Jace reached up and tucked a hair behind her ear and nodded. Pulling a sweet-smelling Danny from her arms, he sat him in his booster seat and set the small bowl in front of him. Without thinking, he sat in the chair beside him and leaning close, began to stir the soup while blowing on it, cooling it down for Danny. Once he deemed it safe to eat, he handed Danny the spoon.

Danny seemed to come alive a bit at the scent of the soup and leaned forward, taking a bite. He brightened up a bit and grinned at Jace, broth dripping down his chin.

"Nummy!" He said encouragingly, before taking another bite. Sam watched him with a smile, and without thinking, she reached out and grabbed Jace's hand, squeezing. Without hesitation, he turned his hand over and linked fingers, bringing them to his lips. He kissed her fingers and their eyes met. Words, though unspoken, passed between them in a moment of pure connection.

Jace used his free hand to gently shove Sam's bowl in front of her, and with a nod, he gestured at it.

"Eat. You can't take care of Danny if you don't take care of yourself."

Sam nodded and began to eat. She looked up with surprise as she chewed.

"This is really good!" She exclaimed, taking another huge bite. Jace grinned as he watched her eat. He'd never thought of eating as sexy before, but there was something about the way Sam attacked food, eating with gusto and pure enjoyment. It was incredibly sexy.

"Yeah? Good, I'm glad you like it." He paused. "With what happened last night, I completely forgot about Hayden waiting for me at the apartment."

Sam covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes sparkling.

"Did you really? I didn't. I called Nikolas while I was driving to the hospital. He was planning to come back to Port Charles this weekend for Thanksgiving, but he's moving up the timeline to meet Hayden and find out what's going on with his grandmother."

Jace shook his head in admiration.

"Seriously? Sam, you're amazing. Even with everything going on with Danny, you still managed to think of Hayden's problems."

Sam shrugged.

"I am pretty amazing." She agreed nonchalantly, grinning at him.

"Yes, you are." He agreed quietly, studying the beautiful woman sitting beside him. Suddenly, visions of them entwined in bed together flashed through his mind. Then he recalled his earlier wonderings about his familiarity with her apartment.

"You know, I was thinking. I know we ruled out the possibility of me being Jason when the prints didn't match. But is it possible we knew each other before?"

Sam almost choked on her food, swallowing quickly. Her spoon dropped in her bowl with a clatter as she stared at him in surprise. Why had he mentioned Jason? And what did he mean?

"Why do you think that?" She asked slowly.

Jace shook his head, cursing himself for bringing this up right now. It had just been on his mind and he didn't even realize he was going to ask her until he'd said the words.

Oh well. It's already out there. Might as well go the distance.

"It's just that something about this place seems familiar to me. I mean, I knew where all the dishes and utensils were. I knew where your bedroom was last night. And sometimes, I have these...flashes of you."

Sam stared at him in surprise, unable to stop herself from remembering how sure she'd been that he was Jason when she first found him.

"Tell me. Tell me about the flashes you have." She insisted, reaching out to grab his forearm.

He hesitated and glanced at Danny.

"This was a bad idea. I should have brought this up when we were alone."

Sam glanced at Danny, who had finished eating and was now laying down on the sofa, dozing. Pushing her chair back, she gestured towards the kitchen and walked in, waiting for Jace to follow her.

Jace sighed.

He stood and followed Sam.

"Tell me." She said as soon as he entered the kitchen.

Jace shoved his hands in his pockets, uncomfortable.

"I had flashes of you. Or I think they were flashes. I don't know."

Sam pushed her hair behind her ears.

"I don't understand. How can you not know if they're memories?" She sounded frustrated, but it was more that she was thrown by his earlier mention of Jason and the possibility that they had known each other before.

Jace shifted, shuffling his feet, his cheeks going red.

"Because it's just as likely that I was just having vivid...fantasies." He mumbled.

Sam shook her head.

"What? I didn't hear you."

"Damn it, Sam." Jace burst out, embarrassed. "I had flashes of us in bed together. Making love."

Sam's eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh. Oh...well. That's...normal, though. Right? To fantasize about someone you desire?" She asked, blushing. She had to admit, she'd had more than a few fantasies about Jace herself.

Jace's embarrassment faded a bit.

"You're probably right. It's just that they were so vivid."

Sam found herself wondering what he'd imagined. She took a step closer to him.

"So...tell me about these flashes of yours." She said softly. Jace raised a brow but opened his mouth to speak when Sam suddenly spun away and ran out of the kitchen.

"What the-?" He ran after her to see her leaning over Danny, brushing his hair back from his head.

Danny looked up at him, tears in his eyes.

"I frew up." He said sadly, before he threw himself into his mother's arms and began to cry. Sam glanced up at him.

"I'm gonna get him cleaned up. I'm sorry. Can we finish talking about this later?"

Jace nodded.

"Of course. Go ahead and I'll clean up down here."

Sam nodded gratefully, and carried Danny upstairs.

Jace went to the kitchen and came back with a cloth and bowl of water and proceeded to clean up where Danny had gotten sick. He was worried about Danny too. Finished, he walked upstairs to check on Sam and Danny and found them upstairs in Sam's bed.

She had changed Danny into a new set of pajamas, and was humming softly to him, while rubbing his back. Jace watched them and felt his heart skip a beat. Watching Sam be a mother to Danny was oddly fulfilling to him. She was so tough all the time, but when she was with Danny, there was this gentle, nurturing, incredibly kind side of her that he just pulled him in and made him love her even more.

Not wanting to intrude, Jace began to back out of the room.

"Stay." Sam said softly. "It helps having you here right now."

"Then I'm here, for as long as you need me." He said immediately, walking over and laying in the bed, facing her, Danny between them. While she hummed to Danny and rubbed his back, Jace reached out and ran his hand down Sam's hair in soothing caresses. She was taking care of Danny, but he was determined to take care of her.

Laying there with her and Danny, one thing was clear to him. This was all he wanted, right here. For the rest of his life.

….

Patrick paced in his living room, reading Robin's reply to his message.

Patrick, please don't ask anymore questions. Think about Emma.

And that was all the answer he needed, really. He was right. Jason was still alive and Robin was still in Helena's clutches. He had to tell Sam.

He looked at the time and cursed. Typing quickly, he sent her a text.

Sam. I have something to tell you. It's urgent. I'll be at your place tomorrow at 9.

He'd lied to her long enough. It was time Sam knew everything.

…

"Madam, we've tracked Dr. Scorpio's emails. It appears Dr. Drake has been asking about Mr. Morgan. Asking her if he's still alive."

Helena's cold, calculating eyes went sharp as she looked up at her head bodyguard.

"And what did our little doctor tell him?" Her voice was dangerously soft.

"She didn't deny it. She told him not to ask questions and think about their daughter."

Helena's hand slammed down on the arm of her chair.

"The little twit! That's as good as a confirmation." Her mind worked furiously for a moment, her long nails tapping furiously on the arm rest. When she looked up, her face was hard and calculating.

"I think it's time we reunite Dr. Scorpio with her husband, don't you?" Helena smiled cruelly. It was time Patrick Drake learned it was better not to get involved in Cassadine business.