A/N: Hey everyone! I know it's been a while since my last chapter. Honestly, I have had SUCH a hard time writing this story. Writer's block is a real bitch. Somewhere along the lines, I lost my excitement for this story and I don't even know why, and it's been so hard to find it again. The last few chapters have just gotten harder and harder to write, and so the time between posts have gotten longer and longer.

I'm so sorry for that. I know I hate reading fanfics where the author doesn't post regularly, so I get why some of you are frustrated, some may have quit following it, etc. For those of you who have hung in there, I am so grateful. I promise, I have no plans to leave this unfinished. It's just taking a bit more effort to get anything out. I sit in front of the computer and it's just blank. But I'm working through it.

As you'll see, this is a bit of a shorter chapter. I'm hoping that maybe I just wrote myself into a corner and that's why it's been hard to write. So I did a little time jumping in this chapter to get me to where I want the story to be. The next chapter will hopefully be a little easier to write now that I've gotten past what was holding me back. At least, that's the hope.

Regardless, I hope you enjoy this chapter. And as always, please review. I could def use some inspiration right now. :)

Happy reading!

Jen

buttercup0303

Chapter 40

"They're gone." Anna said in an empty, disbelieving tone as she looked around at the large, lavishly furnished parlor.

"How did they know we were coming? Unless we have a leak." The thick Australian accent was rife with fury at the thought. Anna looked back at Robert, desolation in her eyes.

"She was here, Robert. I can feel it. Robin was here." She was almost pleading with him to believe her.

Robert strode forward and pulled Anna into his arms as his eyes searched the room.

"We'll find our daughter. We'll bring Robin and Patrick home to Emma." He vowed. Anna cleared her throat and pulled back, swiping angrily at her tears. She stiffened her spine, and smoothed her hand down her shirt.

"You're damn right we will, Robert."

Robert grinned at her proudly. Nothing kept his Anna down for long.

Nikolas strode into the room, his face a cold mask of anger.

"One of my people tipped her off. He's being dealt with. But I have a new lead."

Anna and Robert moved forward as one, their eyes lit with eagerness.

"Tell me."

…

Sam and Jason stood together and watched as Silas and the nurses started Danny's stem cell infusion, and Sam's eyes remained locked on the IV bag that was seemingly dripping new life into their son. The infusion had been going on for a few hours and would last for a bit longer.

"Why don't you two go for a walk? I can stay with Danny." Monica offered from the chair in the corner. Sam didn't answer, her mind completely occupied with her son. Jason looked up absently.

"We're good."

Monica smiled softly, having known what the answer would be when she asked.

Alexis slipped into the room and smiled in greeting at Monica and sitting in the chair near her.

Danny made a noise in his sleep and Sam's entire body shuddered. Her eyes on her son, she stepped forward and ran a soothing hand through his mop of silky, blonde locks. She took a deep breathe, trying to force herself to think positive. She glanced over at Jason with concern.

"Jason, please sit down. You just had the procedure this morning. You should rest."

Jason shook his head, but leaned down to press a kiss against Sam's forehead, wincing slightly at the twinge in his back where they had inserted that huge needle to draw his bone marrow.

"I'm fine."

"You always say that." She replied wryly.

"Because it's true."

"Oh really? Then why did you wince when you bent down to kiss me?" Sam challenged him, an eyebrow raised.

Jason grinned down at her sheepishly.

"You don't miss anything, do you?"

"Sam Morgan, private eye at your service." She winked, pushing him until he relented and collapsed into the chair beside Danny's bed. He wouldn't say it out loud, but he had to admit at least to himself that the pain eased once he was sitting. He pulled Sam into his lap and she went without protest. Her head leaning against his, she let her eyes travel the room absently and stopped in surprise.

"Mom! Monica! When did you get here?"

Monica and Alexis chuckled and smiled at her.

"I just got here a minute ago." Alexis answered, getting up and walking over to give her a quick hug.

"I've been here for about thirty minutes." Monica chimed in from the corner, an indulgent smile on her face.

Sam blushed guiltily.

"I'm so sorry, Monica. I've been lost in thought." She said as she attempted to nonchalantly get off of Jason's lap. He tightened his grip, making her drop clumsily back down onto his lap. She shot him an annoyed look and hissed, "Jason! Let me up."

Jason remained stone-faced and shook his head. Sam's eyes widened in disbelief. She shot a hasty glance at a grinning Monica before pinching Jason. He didn't flinch, and when Sam once again tried to get up, his arms simply tightened around her. Sam glared at him and Jason's face didn't crack. And then, he winked at her and Sam was so surprised she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Monica beamed as she watched her son and daughter-in-law practically wrestling in the chair.

"You know, it's much more awkward to watch this odd little foreplay you've got going on then to see you sitting in Jason's lap, Sam." Alexis piped in wryly.

Sam froze and buried her head in Jason's neck in embarrassment.

"Mom, seriously?" She groaned, shaking her head so that her hair fell in her face. Jason smirked at Alexis and squeezed Sam closer.

"You know, I remember a time when Alan and I couldn't keep our hands off each other either. We would rip each other's clothes off every chance we got." Monica said dreamily, her eyes locked on some far away memory.

Sam's head lifted slowly as she stared at Monica, while Alexis choked on a laugh. Jason stared at his mother in disgust.

"Stop right there. No more walks down that memory lane, please. I'm gonna throw up." He said hurriedly, waving his hand at his mother.

Monica grinned at him and shrugged. Sam looked around the room and couldn't help but start laughing again.

…

The next few days passed quickly. Danny remained at the hospital, but with each passing day, the news got better and better. He was having a favorable reaction to the stem cell transplant and his prognosis was getting better.

But things weren't as smooth for everyone. Anna, Robert, and Nikolas were being led on a merry chase by Helena and Hayden was growing despondent with each passing day. She'd taken to visiting Sam at the hospital to take her mind off of things. It was unexpected, but a friendship had sprung up between them.

"Seriously? You were a con?" Hayden laughed, her expression disbelieving.

Sam laughed and tucked her hair behind her ear, nodding.

"Yeah, and I'm gonna take it as a compliment and a sign of how much I've changed that you sound insultingly shocked. I mean, I was fantastic at what I did."

Hayden shook her head, but her gaze was admiring.

"Oh really? And what was it that you did?"

Sam shrugged, the corner of her lips quirking up.

Hayden laughed and pushed her shoulder lightly.

"Come on! Tell me!"

Sam bit her lip and checked to make sure Danny was still sleeping before leaning forward.

"Married men and disappeared after emptying their bank accounts." She muttered quickly, before leaning back.

Hayden stared at her, her jaw hanging open.

"Look, I'm not proud of it and it's not who I am anymore. But I did what I had to to take care of my big brother. I don't regret it. I mean, of course I do, but I don't regret that I was able to protect Danny with the money I stole."

Hayden's smile faded and she nodded slowly.

"That's right. I understand being willing to do anything you can to protect your brother...just like I did for my little sister. Except you saved your brother. I damned mine."

Sam immediately reached out and grabbed Hayden's hand and squeezed.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. Hayden, you didn't damn your sister. You saved my son. Regardless of when I found out who Jason was, you're part of the reason Patrick realized who Jace was, and you were going to tell me the truth no matter what. You're a good person. And when we find your sister, and we will, I know she'll be proud of you."

Hayden blinked away the tears that formed and nodded shakily. She smiled softly.

"We?"

Sam grinned.

"Hell yeah. Former conwoman, current kickass private investigator. Danny's getting better everyday and I've had a little more time on my hands. So my partner and I have done a little digging. We're going to find that old bitch, and your sister, and Patrick and Robin. And we're gonna bring them all home. Alive."

"You know, when you say it, I almost believe it." Hayden said.

"Would I lie to my new cousin?"

Hayden chuckled.

"I'm glad you're my family. Hell, you're probably the best friend I've ever had."

Sam smiled in surprised pleasure.

"Back at you."

"Whoa whoa whoa. I already had to learn how to share Jason. No way in hell am I learning to share you too, Sam." Carly drawled from the doorway, grinning at the two women.

Sam laughed and waved Carly in.

"No one can replace you, Carly babes."

Carly groaned.

"Ugh, don't call me that."

Sam just laughed as Carly dropped onto the couch beside them.

"What's wrong?" Sam asked, studying Carly's face. She was smiling but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Carly shrugged.

"Sonny asked me to marry him. I said no." She replied quietly.

Sam stared at her in surprise.

"Why?"

Carly was staring at her hands.

"Because I'm scared. I don't know how this time is any different from any of the other times we were married. We love each other. That's never changed. But we hurt each other. Constantly and deeply. I don't know if I'm willing to open myself up to that again."

Sam's face softened in understanding and she put an around Carly and laid her head against her shoulder.

"I'll always be Team Carly, so I'll support whatever you decide. But I'd hate you to waste even a second of happiness worrying about what ifs. There's always a chance of being hurt. But there's also a chance that you and Sonny could just end up spending the rest of your lives happy and together. Isn't that worth the risk?"

Carly glanced up with tears in her eyes.

"I want it to be. Nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life with Sonny."

"Then take the leap. Have faith in your love for each other."

"How can I? Our love hasn't been enough to keep us together in the past. Why should this time be any different?"

"Because you've changed, Carly. I mean, look who your best friend is now. Would the Carly from ten years ago be best friends with me?" Sam asked with a laugh.

Carly's answer was immediate.

"Hell no." She grinned at Sam and bumped shoulders with her.

"But that Carly was a jealous idiot. This Carly knows how perfect you and Jason are for each other. And what an incredible friend you are."

"Back at you, babe. And I think this Carly and this Sonny have changed enough to know what's worth fighting for."

Carly stared at her, and Sam could see the struggle in her eyes.

"Maybe. God knows I love him."

"Then I guess the real question is do you love him enough to risk being hurt again?"

"I'd like to know the answer to that myself."

Sam and Carly both looked up to see Sonny standing in the doorway. His eyes were locked on Carly.

"Sonny." Carly whispered, standing up slowly.

"Let's talk." He said, holding out a hand. Carly moved forward instantly, placing her hand in Sonny's. Without another word, they left the room, leaving Sam and Hayden smiling after them.

"I don't know them, but something tells me there will be another wedding soon." Hayden guessed.

Sam grinned.

"Something tells me you're right."

…

"I can't believe we're finally taking our son home." Sam said, packing up Danny's things as Jason moved around the hospital, gathering things.

He looked over from where he was hunched over, grabbing Danny's toys.

"We're very lucky."

Sam nodded, blinking away tears. It had been just over a month since Danny's stem cell infusion and he had finally been cleared to go home. His most recent tests showed that the chemotherapy and stem cell infusion had worked. He was cancer free and his blood counts were where they were supposed to be.

Though Sam had been through this before, she was still very emotional about Danny's recovery. She couldn't stop herself from checking on Danny every few minutes still, making sure he was breathing and didn't have a fever or anything like that. She knew it would be something she did for a long time. It was a while before she stopped doing it after Danny's first bout with cancer.

Sam jumped a little as Jason wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"He's okay, Sam. Our little boy is going to be okay." Jason whispered against her ear, resting his chin on top of her head. Sam turned into Jason's arms and snuggled in as he wrapped around her. The sound of his steady heartbeat soothed her, giving her the comfort only he could provide.

"You're right. I know you're right. It's just going to take a little while for me to accept it." She said with a weak smile, glancing over at Danny. He was still sleeping. It would be a while yet before he got his energy back to normal. But his appetite was already returning and she could already see his cheeks filling out again.

When Danny's beautiful blue eyes met hers, Sam smiled and moved towards him.

"Ready to go home, buddy?"

"Leggo!" He shouted happily, making both Sam and Jason laugh in delight. Sam swung him up into her arms gently and squeezed him against her. They waited while Jason signed the discharge papers, and as Silas rattled off a list of after care instructions.

Finally, Jason came over and wrapped his arm around Sam and Danny.

"Let's go." He said with a smile at them. Sam nodded, her head resting against him, and Danny in her arms. Together, they walked out of the hospital and headed home with their gorgeous, healthy little boy.

...

Sam slipped out of bed, glancing back at Jason's sleeping form. She smiled lightly, before scooping down to grab her nightgown off the floor. She pulled it over her head and padded out of the bedroom and down the hall. She stopped in front of Danny's bedroom and pushed open the door, peeking in. It had been a week since Danny's discharge, and she still couldn't break the habit of checking on him in the middle of the night. She stifled a chuckle at his position on the bed. He'd always been a bit of a wild sleeper, but this was a new level. She couldn't help herself. She jogged back into the bedroom, grabbed her phone off the nightstand and hurried back to Danny's room. She snapped a couple pics, and stood there staring at them with a wide grin on her face.

She sensed Jason's presence a moment before his warm, hard chest pressed against her back. His arms looped loosely around her waist, he peeked over her shoulder and burst out laughing. He glanced up to see Danny and laughed even harder, until he had to drop his head into Sam's neck.

Sam glanced up at Danny and started laughing too. Danny was splayed across the bed, one arm over his head, the other arm hanging over his face, which was dangling off the mattress. His legs were crossed at the knees and twisted over, facing in the opposite direction of his torso. It seemed like an impossibly uncomfortable position, but Danny slept so peacefully.

"This kid is gonna lose consciousness sleeping with head upside down like that." Jason muttered, still gasping from his fit of laughter. He padded past her and gently lifted Danny's head back onto the bed, while Sam carefully turned his legs in the other direction. Now laying on his side, a look of disgruntlement passed over Danny's face. Sam and Jason took a step back and watched as Danny immediately threw his arms and legs out in every direction, his blanket flying off him. His face smoothed into peaceful lines, and Sam had to slap her hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter. She laughed so hard, tears sprang into her eyes, and suddenly she wasn't laughing anymore. She was crying, her hand still over her mouth to stifle her sobs. Jason's eyes went sad as he scooped her up into his arms and carried her out of Danny's room and back to their bedroom. He sat in the chair by the window, with Sam in his lap, as she turned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He held her, rocking her softly and just let her cry.

He let his own tears roll silently down his cheeks and just held Sam tighter. Finally, her tears seemed to subside and she just lay with her head against his chest.

"He's really okay, Jason. Our little boy is really okay." Sam said in a barely audible whisper. Jason nodded against her head.

"Yeah, he is."

Sam tilted her head back and almost started crying again as she saw the track of tears on Jason's face. She reached up and gently wiped them away. She cupped his face and stared into his eyes, and it was like looking into the swirling waters of the sea.

"Sometimes I forget that you were just as worried about Danny as I was. Last time, I felt so alone, like there was no one who understood the pain and terror I was dealing with. Having you with me this time, it was a blessing. You were so strong, so confident and reassuring, you held me up. You let me fall apart when I needed to, and you were strong so I could be weak when it became too much. But you were just as scared, just as terrified. Our son almost died. He's going to be okay now, but we almost lost him. That's not something you ever get over and you don't have to be strong anymore. It's okay to be weak with me."

It was as if a carefully built wall crumbled. Jason buried his face in her neck and shuddered as he broke, holding on to her as he wept bitterly. His shoulders shook as he let out his fear, anger, and the overwhelming relief he'd felt since the infusion. Sam's arms tightened around him, and she laid her head against him again, and just held on. There was no one in the world who understood exactly what she'd gone through during Danny's illness except Jason. Even though the worst was over now, it didn't take away the trauma they'd gone through. There would be moments when it was too much, when the sadness and fear would catch up with them, or the relief would be too overwhelming. And for each of those moments, they would be there for each other. It was an unspoken promise between two parents who had faced the possibility of losing their child.

Gradually, Jason and Sam simply sat in each others arms, breathing each other in and letting the peace of the night steal over them. She wasn't sure who reached for who first, but suddenly, they were kissing, tongues tangling, bodies entwined. Soon, Jason was dragging Sam's nightgown over her head, leaving her bare, filling his hands with her breasts. Sam threw her head back and let the pleasure sweep over her. Jason shifted slightly, and Sam reached down to help him slide his sweats off. And then she was sinking down onto him, moaning softly. Jason's thighs flexed as Sam's wet heat enveloped his hardness, pulsing around him, sending arcs of pleasure coursing through his system. His hands gripped her hips as she began to move over him, slowly, tortuously. At first slow, but as tension built inside her, Sam rode him hard, their sweaty bodies slipping against each other, making every nerve ending thrill with each touch. Need swirled inside her, quivered in her belly, as beams of ecstasy shot through her. As the heat and intensity of the moment gripped them, their eyes locked in the darkness. Jason dragged her head towards his and captured her mouth in a drugging kiss. She let out a tortured breath as she crested over, falling into an endless abyss of bliss, and came in a torrent of sweet release. And then she was rising over him again, hips rolling, as Jason groaned loudly, his body shuddering as he fell with her into a sea of euphoria.

A sheen of sweat glistening over their bodies, gasping for breath, Jason held Sam in his arms, still inside of her. He started to pull out but Sam tightened her thighs around him.

"Not yet." She whispered. Jason smiled and brushing her back, dropped a kiss against her forehead.

"Okay." He replied, arms tightening around her. He was perfectly fine with staying the way they were because it's how they were meant to be. They were one.