A/N: Long time no see! I'm so sorry for the EXTREMELY extended absence. But the block was strong with this story, and I just couldn't see my way past it. I really really wanted it to be the perfect ending, but nothing seemed good enough. I just wrote and deleted on an endless cycle for weeks. On top of that, as my Twitter followers are aware, I started writing weekly articles for TVSource Online Magazine, recapping my fave prime-time show, Supernatural. So it's been kind of hard to focus.
But then an idea hit me this weekend about how I wanted the story to end. I wanted to show how things kind of come full circle, but with a little twist. And so I sat down in front of the computer and BAM! It just flowed.
It's sweet, funny, nostalgic, and exactly what I wanted. I'm really happy with the ending, and I hope it's good enough you can forgive my long absence! lol
Thank you ALL so so so much for your continued support and kindness and love for this story. It is completely inspiring and so so appreciated. I've got some ideas in the works for more Jasam goodness, so I'll be back.
But until then, happy reading and enjoy your holidays!
Jen
buttercup0303
Chapter 50
"My water just broke."
Jason stared at Sam in stunned silence. She stared back at him, waiting, but he didn't say anything, just stared back and forth between the water pooled beneath her and her stomach in a panic.
"Jason?"
Nothing.
"Mr. Morgan! For the love of God, your wife is in labor!" The birthing class instructor finally shrieked in annoyance before realizing she'd lost her cool and forcing a wide, strained smile on her face.
But it was exactly what Jason needed to jump into action.
"You're in labor! Sam, you're in labor!" He suddenly shouted, standing up and moving towards the door and then back to Sam, and then over to their bags, and back to Sam.
"Jason!" Sam shouted, though she was choking back laughter at her cool, level-headed husband's extreme panic.
Jason whipped towards, wild-eyed and freaking out.
"Yeah?"
"Help me up, please?"
Jason burst forward.
"Right, right. Of course, sorry." He bent down and instead of helping her up, he lifted her into his arms and then set her down on her feet.
"It's fine. Now, look at me." She cupped his cheeks and waited til he met her eyes.
"Calm down. Everything is going to be ok. We're already in the hospital, so all you have to do is walk me over to labor and delivery. Okay?"
Jason nodded quickly, and once again, just scooped her up into his arms, before bolting out of the room, with the class instructor hollering after them.
"Slow down before you bounce the baby right out of her, for goodness sake!" She turned to the class, her left eye twitching slightly.
"And that's exactly how not to react when you find out your wife is in labor. But we'll discuss that more in next week's class." She said in a strained voice, before moving to cleanup the amniotic fluid on the floor, while the chattering parents bustled out of there.
"Mr. Morgan, please. We have to check her vitals." The nurse pleaded, clutching Sam's chart.
Jason was leaning over Sam, hands fluttering everywhere and nowhere, unsure what to do or how to help her.
"She needs help, she needs something. She's in so much pain." His words came out in a rush.
Sam gritted her teeth as the next contraction sent waves of pain rolling through her. When she could talk again, she reached out and grabbed Jason's hand.
"Jason, I'm fine. Let the nurses do their job, please."
Jason nodded and shuffled backwards out of the nurses way. Sam shook her head. She never thought she'd use the word shuffle to describe anything Jason did. He was really losing it, she thought with a small smile.
"Babe, you have to calm down. I'm giving birth, not dying."
Jason's eyes shot to her.
"Don't even joke like that." His voice was hoarse, pained at even the thought. Sam immediately felt contrite and nodded.
"I'm sorry, you're right. But baby, you have to calm down. Everything is going smoothly, and - oh!" She had to stop as another contraction slammed through her.
"She's right, Jason. You need to get a grip. You're supposed to be supporting her, not the other way around. Get it together!"
Jason turned to see Carly standing in the doorway, a huge bouquet of flowers in her hands. He turned back to Sam and saw that she was sweating, eyes squeezed shut as she waited for the contraction to pass. Turning on his heel, he walked out of the room.
Carly stared after him in shock.
"Jason! What the hell was that?" She muttered, shaking her head. She moved to Sam's side and smoothed her hair off her face.
"How you doing, sweetie?" She asked with a sympathetic smile on her face.
Sam nodded, panting.
"Ok. A little worried about Jason. Where do you think he went?"
But before Carly could answer, Jason was walking back in, a cup held in his hands. He looked a lot calmer, back to his usual self. Carly stepped back to let him stand beside Sam.
He glanced at he as he passed her and mouthed Thank you. She winked and backed up.
Jason sat beside Sam and held her hand.
"I'm sorry, Sam. I panicked a little and I've been completely useless. But I'm good now. Here, I brought you some ice." He held the cup to her mouth and she gratefully started chewing on it. Using a wet cloth that Carly handed him, he mopped at her brow and neck. Sam sighed in pleasure as she felt herself cool down a bit.
"I'm glad you're feeling better." She smiled up at him. He smiled back sheepishly and leaned over to give her a quick kiss.
"Yeah. That was weird." He said, a little embarrassed by his total lack of calm.
She looked at Carly, who was hiding a smile behind her hand.
"It really was, Carly. He just froze!" Sam confided with a giggle, before launching into her story. Before long, the room was echoing with Sam and Carly's laughter, while Jason rolled his eyes and listened, a sparkle in his baby blues.
When Sam was hit with another contraction, Jason moved forward,holding her hand, watching her with concern until it passed. Sam fell back against the bed, panting.
"They're coming a little closer together. I think that was less than two minutes between." She said weakly, out of breath from that last contraction.
"I'll go grab a nurse." Carly offered, hurrying out of the room.
Jason moved behind Sam and started massaging her shoulders and back the way they taught him to in the class, and Sam moaned, tilting her head down.
"That feels so good. Thank you, Jason."
"Sam, I should be thanking you. You found me and gave me my life back. You, Danny, and now this little girl we're adding to our family. You've given me everything." Jason's eyes shone with emotion as Sam looked back and met his eyes, her own shimmering with unshed tears. She smiled softly.
"I love you." She replied simply. Jason dropped his forehead against hers and just breathed in the moment.
"I love you, too."
Carly rushed back into the room, followed by Dr. Lee and nurse.
"I called everyone, so they're on their way." Carly announced as she hurried back outside as Dr. Lee and nurse got in position to examine Sam.
"Alright, Sam. This is happening." Kelly announced with a grin. "You're ten centimeters dilated and completed effaced. It's time to push."
Sam glanced at Jason nervously, who moved beside her and gripped her hand.
"I'm right here with you, baby. You can do this." Jason said intently. Sam nodded and looked at the doctor with determination.
Jason held Sam's hand, cringing at the obvious pain she was in as she began pushing. He was in awe of her as she just followed Kelly's lead and pushed when she needed to, grunting slightly as she pushed. He continued to wipe the sweat from her brow, rubbing her back and whispering how much he loved her. And just like her pregnancy, Sam's delivery went smoothly. Before long, the room was filled with their daughter's healthy cries.
"Here's your little girl, Sam." Dr. Lee said, carrying over their beautiful baby and placing her in Sam's arms.
"Oh my God, Jason. Look at her." Sam whispered, rubbing her daughter's cheek with the tip of her finger, already completely in love with her. Jason leaned over them and smiled down at them, his heart full.
"She has your hair." Jason pointed out, lighting touching the silky tuft of dark hair on her head. Just then, she blinked up at him, and Jason stared at her. He knew right then that his little girl owned him, body and soul.
"And your beautiful blue eyes." Sam grinned, sniffling as tears of happiness slid down her face. She looked up and fell a little more in love with Jason as she watched him fall in love with their daughter. He glanced up and caught her eyes and they leaned towards each other at the same time, their lips pressing against each other. The looked back at their daughter.
"Welcome to the family, Isabel Mikaela Morgan." Sam whispered softly, dropping a soft kiss onto Isabel's head.
Jason looked at her in surprise.
"I thought you wanted to give her Emily's name as a middle name."
Sam grinned sheepishly. "Monica asked if we would mind giving her a different name. Apparently, she and Michael were talking and he mentioned that if he ever had any children, he wanted to name his daughter after the aunt that he loved so much and lost so young. Of course, I agreed. So, Isabel Mikaela it is."
Jason nodded, his eyes back on his princess.
"It's perfect. She's perfect."
…..
"Oh, Jason. She's just beautiful." Monica cooed quietly, trying not to wake an exhausted Sam. Jason smiled proudly and nodded.
"She looks like her mother."
Monica smiled indulgently at her son.
"You're absolutely right. But she has your beautiful eyes. The best of both of you."
Jason made a face of mock outrage.
"Are you saying I don't have a handsome face? That the best thing about me is just my eyes?"
Monica let out a surprised laugh before responding dryly, "Lord knows you were always an ugly child."
"It's been a burden to me. The money helps." Sam whispered sleepily from behind them. Monica burst out laughing and Jason glared at her.
"Oh yeah, well I'm just with you…" He stopped and sighed. "For everything about you." He ended softly. Sam's face softened too, and she held her hand out to him. Picking it up, he brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. Monica's eyes stung with happiness at the proof of how happy his son truly was.
"I'm sorry we woke you, Sam. I just couldn't wait to meet my precious granddaughter. She's gorgeous." Monica said, mooning over the sleeping baby in her arms. Just then Isabel stirred and let out a loud cry. Monica looked up with a laugh.
"My goodness, someone's hungry. You better take her, Sam." Monica hurried over and placed Isabel in Sam's arms. Sam quickly adjusted her so she was feeding, slightly covered. Monica leaned down and pressed a kiss to Sam's cheek.
"Thank you for letting me be a part of all of this; your lives and my beautiful grandchildren. You know I love you like my own, right?" Monica whispered. Sam smiled up at her and nodded.
"Of course. Danny adores you and I know Isabel will too. And you're like a second mom to me." She reciprocated, meaning every word. Monica smiled and nodded, cupping her cheek for a moment, before straightening and making her way outside.
Jason was struck again by how much his life had changed since Sam had come into it. He had a family, a home, and a relationship with his mother and the Quartermaines. How someone so tiny could have such a huge impact on him, he'd never know. But he'd stopped questioning it long ago. He was just beyond grateful.
Jason walked over and climbed carefully onto the bed, stretching out beside Sam and their feeding daughter. He reached out and placed his hand over Sam and she looked over at him with a smile.
"I love you, Sam."
Sam's brow quirked at the seriousness of his tone but smiled.
"I love you too, Jason." Jason shook his head and Sam looked at him with confusion.
"No, Sam. You don't understand. I love you. In a way that I didn't know was possible. Everything about you brings me the kind of happiness I always thought was for other people. Not me, not Sonny's enforcer. I've done things that I can never take back, things that should make you run in the opposite direction from me. I know that I will never deserve to have the love and happiness that you've given me but I swear I will do everything I can to make you and our children happy and safe and loved."
By the end of his impromptu speech, Sam had tears in her eyes. She reached out and cupped his face.
"You're the one that doesn't understand, Jason. You do deserve my love, our happiness, and this life and I need you to stop doubting that. Neither of us are perfect and we've both done things we regret or can't take back. But that was a long time ago and we've both changed." She smiled softly. "You aren't Sonny's enforcer anymore. You're the Head of Corporate Security for a multibillion dollar corporation. You're an incredible father, son, friend, and husband. I've never felt more cherished or loved than you make me feel. I never doubt that you love me and our children. So if I need to tell you everyday that I am desperately and completely in love with you and that you deserve every bit of that love, then I will. Because you and our kids are my entire life. And it's better than anything I could have ever dreamed of."
Jason felt completely swamped with love, and it washed over him in a wave that both left him weak and strengthened him. Loving Sam made him more vulnerable than he'd ever been, but he would risk anything for the life he shared with her.
"You leave me in awe." He said, his voice trembling with emotion. Sam's hand shifted from his cheek to slip around the nape of his neck and gently urged him forward. He leaned towards her and their lips met in a deep, tender kiss. When Isabel wiggled between them, they broke apart with a laugh and glanced down to meet their daughter's disgruntled, bright blue eyes.
"Sorry baby girl." Jason said on a chuckle. Isabel Mikaela gave him one last long look before turning back towards her mother's breast, seeking out her nipple. Sam guided her to latch back on and glanced up at Jason with a grin.
"I think we're gonna have our hands full with this one." She joked.
Jason stared at their daughter with adoration.
"Nah. Not my angel."
…
"There's my girl." Jason crooned, stooping over the bassinet to scoop a crying Isabel into his arms. She quieted instantly as he rocked her gently back and forth.
"Let's go downstairs so we don't wake Mommy." Jason whispered with a glance towards their bed, where Sam was finally getting some sleep.
They'd been home a few days, and these quiet hours just before sunrise were Jason's favorite. It was just him and his little girl, and he would talk to her and read to her. Sometimes, Danny would wake up and join them, and then it was even better. Jason loved spending time with his kids, and having them to himself was rare so he enjoyed it whenever he could. Besides, Sam was exhausted and needed all the rest she could get. He could handle the kids. Especially since Isabel really was a perfect baby, his little angel.
"Oh God, why won't she stop crying?" Jason asked on a groan, staring at his red-faced she-demon of a daughter. They'd been home for a little over two weeks, and the baby had turned their worlds upside down in the last couple of days. She was a lively, adorable baby, but when she was upset, she let the entire building know it.
Isabel wailed loudly, and Jason struggled not to wince as he resumed rocking her and pacing back and forth at the foot of the bed. Sam sat up sleepily, shoving her long tangle of hair out of her face.
"Bring her to me." She said, yawning loudly.
Jason shook his head.
"Sam, go back to sleep. You were just up with her an hour ago. I'll take her downstairs. Go to sleep."
Sam shook her head, still reaching out for her.
"Babe, you need sleep more than I do right now. You have to be in the office at six am."
Jason glanced at the clock on the bedside table and winced. Three fifty-six a.m. Still, he shook his head.
"I'm fine. I don't need a lot of sleep anyway." He insisted.
The door flew open and Danny stood there, swaying sleepily.
"Isabel Mikaela, are you crazy or sumfin?" He mumbled sleepily, his hair standing on end. Without another word, Danny stomped into their bedroom, climbed into the rocking chair beside the bed and held his hands out imperiously.
"Give her." He demanded.
Jason and Sam glanced at each other in surprise, biting back smiles.
"Hey, buddy. It's late. Go back to sleep. You can hold Isabel in the morning." Jason said quickly, wincing as Isabel's cries reached new decibels.
Danny shook his head.
"Daddy, now please." Jason looked at Sam again who shrugged and nodded. Sighing, Jason walked over and carefully arranged Isabel in her brother's waiting arms, and stayed crouched beside them, one hand hovering near her.
Danny looked down at his sister and smiled softly.
"Go to seep, Izzie." He whispered sweetly, before he began to sing softly.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy, when skies are gray.
You never know, dear, how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away.
As Sam and Jason watched in stunned silence, Isabel quieted down, blinking up at her big brother. By the end of his song, she was asleep, her little hand wrapped around Danny's pinky.
"See? I'm seepy. Take her." Danny demanded quietly.
Jason hurried to shift Isabel back into his arms and into her bassinet while Danny shuffled out of the room. Danny stopped at the door and pointed his finger at his parents.
"Go to seep, Mommy and Daddy. It's past your bedtime." His tone brooked no nonsense and Sam and Jason were too stunned to do more than nod obediently.
When he was gone, Sam looked at Jason, tears in her eyes over the beautiful, if surprising moment they'd just witnessed.
"What just happened?"
Jason was struggling not to laugh.
"I think our son just out-parented us."
Sam burst out laughing and clapped her hands over her mouth to muffle the sound, throwing a terrified glance at Isabel. They both held their breath as the baby shifted but let it go when she resumed breathing deeply.
"I think you're right." Sam responded finally, her eyes sparkling.
Jason shook his head ruefully and climbed back into bed, pulling Sam into his arms.
"I think you were right too. We're gonna have our hands full with these two."
…
At the sound of the door opening, Sam looked up from where she was breastfeeding Isabel on the sofa.
"Jason, you're home." She sighed in exhaustion. Jason grinned, loosening the tie that left him feeling so suffocated, and unbuttoning the dress shirt that still felt so foreign. He walked over and leaned down, to press a lingering kiss on her lips. He brushed his lips across his daughter's cheek as she fed, tempted to nudge her away and take her place at Sam's breast.
"Mind out of the gutter." Sam said knowingly. Jason jerked up guiltily before laughing.
"My bad." He yanked at his tie, tossing it on the couch. Sam gave him a sympathetic glance.
"So you've survived your first month of working as Head of Security. Consensus?"
Jason smiled at Sam, knowing she was worried about how he was adjusting to this new way of life.
"Yeah, I have. I really enjoy it." He laughed when she threw a cynical look at him.
"It's the wardrobe I hate, not the job. I'm good at this, Sam. Like, damn good."
Sam smiled proudly, relieved.
"I know you are, babe."
"I've come up with ways to make ELQ more secure, both at their physical offices, and cyberly."
Sam nodded, impressed.
"Wow, that's amazing."
Jason shrugged sheepishly.
"Spinelli helped me with the cyber stuff but Michael and the rest of the board agreed with my idea. It's pretty cool. It's a different kind of adrenaline rush."
Sam reached out and squeezed his thigh in relief.
"I'm glad you're happy. You know if you weren't, you could tell me though, right? I can handle it."
Jason remembered Sam, huddled in an incoherent, weeping mass after he was stabbed on his last job for Sonny. He'd never go back to that or put her through that again. Besides, he meant what he said. He loved his role as Head of Security.
"I know, baby."
Sam paused.
"I took a job." She announced quietly.
Jason looked at her with surprise.
"What job? When?"
"Do you remember Curtis Ashford?"
Jason thought of the charismatic P.I. he'd met last year.
"Yeah, what about him?"
"He stopped by yesterday with a proposition. He wants to go into business with me." Jason just stared, so she hurried on.
"He made a lot of good points in favor of it. Port Charles is a small town, and we don't really need a lot of P.I.s running around town. And I have an established, trusted firm. He can infuse it with fresh blood, new ideas, and new skills. He's willing to take the riskier jobs. I think it's a good idea." She watched Jason nervously, not sure how he'd feel about her going into business with Curtis.
Jason waited, knowing she needed to get it all out.
"So we're gonna do a trial run. We're working a case together. I'm doing this, Jason." She ended firmly, needing him to know she wasn't asking for permission, but also needing his support.
Jason didn't hesitate. He leaned over and kissed her softly.
"I'm glad you're back at work. I know you've missed it. And Curtis seems like a great guy. And I'm sure he knows if he does anything that hurts you or your business, I'll kill him." He shrugged nonchalantly, making Sam giggle.
"Thank you, Jason. For being okay with this."
"You don't need my permission to do anything, San. But you know I have your back. Always."
Sam blinked back tears and nodded.
"I know. It's just nice to hear it. I didn't want you to think I was pushing you out of the life while I was taking risks."
Jason frowned at her.
"Sam, you're a private investigator. It's not like what I did for Sonny and the mob. You're not facing the kinds of risks I was. It's not the same, baby, and I know that."
Sam closed her eyes and nodded.
"Thank you."
"You never have to thank me for supporting you. We're partners, Sam. Besides, maybe you can let me help you on a case every now and then. I'm good backup, you know." He teased.
"You're damn right." She said with a happy smile.
….
Sam stood at the sink, quietly drying dishes and placing them in the rack. She felt two strong arms circle her waist and smiled, leaning back against her husband's chest.
"You're back."
Jason breathed in the scent of his wife's subtle perfume and felt himself relax for the first time in a week.
"I missed you."
Sam turned in Jason's arms and looped her arms around his neck, tilting her head back to drink in his handsome features.
"Where are the kids?" Jason asked, glancing around, curiously.
"My mom just picked them up. They're having a sleepover at her house with Leo, Avery, and little Thomas." Sam smiled, thinking of her brand new nephew and his proud parents, Dr. and Mrs. TJ Ashford-Davis. She would never get over the fact that her baby sister was a NY Times Best-Selling author and now, a mom. Then again, nothing about Molly shocked her anymore. Sam was brought back to the moment when Jason traced a finger down the side of her neck.
Jason arched a brow.
"So we're alone?" He asked, sparkle in his eye. Sam laughed and hugged him tight.
"I'm going to have to tell Michael not to send you on anymore trips overseas. I hate sleeping without you."
"I already told him." Jason admitted, thinking of the last week of sleepless nights, reaching for his wife's body only to feel empty space. He couldn't sleep without her by his side. His arms tightened around her waist.
Sam pulled away slightly and grinned up at Jason.
"Oh really? What made you do that?"
Sam yelped in surprise when Jason suddenly gripped her waist and hoisted her up onto the edge of the counter. Her legs automatically wrapped around his waist and tightened, pulling him closer. She felt him harden against her.
"Because even after ten years of marriage, I can't sleep without you by my side. I need to feel your heart beating against mine." He murmured, kissing the side of her neck as his hands came up to palm her full breasts. Sam tilted her head to the side to give Jason better access, moaning as he dragged his tongue down her throat.
Her hands came up to grip his hair, leading him to her turgid nipples, aching to feel his mouth close around her and letting out a long moan when he suckled her through her thin tank top.
"I need to feel your skin against mine, your thighs on either side of my hip, your hot, wet pussy gripping me as I slide inside you. You're my world, Sam. When I'm not with you, I'm lost." Jason continued to whisper, pulling her tank top up and dragging his mouth to the side to show her other breast attention.
Sam reached behind her and quickly unsnapped her bra, letting her full breasts tumble out of the bra to land in Jason's eager, waiting hands. He didn't waste any time, dropping down and swooping her nipple back into his mouth, sucking hard then deeply.
His mouth was fire and ice, sending passion burning through her as chills shivered down her spine. Desperate to feel his skin against hers, Sam wriggled around until she could reach the hem of Jason's shirt and pull it up and over his head. Next came his jeans, as she wrestled with the button. Jason kicked off his pants and swept Sam into his arms, carrying her out of the kitchen.
Neither of them heard the click of the lock nor the rapid snap of the door closing, they were so lost in each other.
He would have kept going, but Sam stopped him, steering him towards the couch. She writhed and gyrated her hips, grinding her pelvis and wet heat against him, his hard, thick, penis twitching against her. He groaned and dropped her gently on the couch, reaching for her yoga pants and ripping them off her, until she lay there in just a lacy red thong.
"I need you, Jason. Please." Sam moaned, desperate to feel his mouth on her, arching her back and lifting her hips off the couch.
Jason didn't hesitate, sliding his fingers under the waistband and pulling her thong off, leaving her completely bare to his vision. He grabbed Sam's ankles, and placed her feet on either shoulder, before dipping down and dragging his nose up and down her slit, as she strained towards him.
"You like that, Sam? What do you want me to do? Hm? Tell me, baby"
Sam moaned, near tears as her body trembled with anticipation.
"I want to feel your mouth on me. Please." She whimpered, writhing on the couch. With a victorious grin, Jason buried his face between her legs and began to feast. Inhaling her sweet, unique scent, Jason closed his eyes in ecstasy, flicking his tongue and lathing her folds with abandon.
"You taste so fucking good." Jason groaned, lapping up the juices flowing freely between her thighs. He slid one finger, then two, and then a third inside her, stretching her walls, making her cry out with pleasure.
"I need to feel you inside me. Please!" Sam cried out, desperate for release but needing that connection with her husband more than anything else.
And Jason needed it just as badly. He dragged himself up her body, and positioned himself between her legs. His eyes met hers and it was as if he could see his whole world in her gaze. When he looked at her, he was home.
"I love you. More every day. And I know I will love you forever." He vowed, staring intently into Sam's eyes. They watered and she had to swallow before she replied.
"And I'm going to love you until the day I die and beyond. Forever, babe." She promised, her voice trembling with emotion. Jason swooped down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. At the same time, he slid inside her until he was buried to the hilt, making her gasp softly into his mouth.
With a slight smirk, Jason began moving inside her. Slowly at first and then picking up the pace. Before long he was slamming into Sam, sending powerful waves of ecstasy through her body as she tossed her head back and forth with wild abandon. The sofa was shifting slowly across the room from the force of his thrusts, but neither noticed.
And then they shouted with their release, reached as one, fingers interlaced, bodies intertwined, Jason's head resting on Sam's chest.
"That was…" Sam started, trying to catch her breath.
"Intense? Amazing? The best you've ever had?" Jason teased.
Sam laughed, smoothing a hand down his back.
"All of the above. But I was going to say better every time. Even after twenty years together, we still have the same passion for each other." She marveled. Jason lifted his head to press a sweet kiss to her lips.
"And twenty years from now, it will be even stronger than it is now. I told you, I'm going to love you forever."
Sam grinned, leaning up to kiss him again.
"Good, because right back at you!"
Jason finally lifted himself off of Sam and helped her sit up. When she did, she looked around in a daze.
"What are we doing over here?" She asked in confusion, noticing for the first time the sofa was practically on top of the dining room table.
Jason looked around in bemusement before glancing back at Sam with a self-satisfied grin.
"I guess I'm more powerful than I thought-." He started before Sam cut him off with a laugh and slap on the shoulder.
"Oh my God, shut up." She said with a laugh, shaking her head at him. "We weren't exactly quiet either. Imagine if someone had stopped by." Sam suggested with a guilty grin, burying her face in hands.
…
"Grandma, please. I need my tablet."
Alexis rolled her eyes and leveled a suspicious stare at her grandson.
"Danny, what is so important about this tablet?" Her suspicions rose when Danny flushed red and looked away.
Alexis glanced behind her as a tinkling laugh filled the air.
"He's supposed to Skype with Georgie tonight." Ten year old Isabel teased in a sing-song voice. Danny glared at her.
"Izzie, what the fu-?."
"Daniel Edward Morgan!" Alexis snapped before he could finish.
Danny stopped and had the grace to duck his head in guilt. Even at fifteen, when most kids were going through moody phases, he was always respectful. He shot Alexis a sheepish grin, flashing his gorgeous baby blues up at her.
"Sorry, Grandma. Really." He said sincerely and Alexis sighed. She never could stay mad at her grandson for long.
"Me too, Grandma. And sorry, Danny. I didn't mean to tease." Isabel said quietly. Danny walked over and pulled her into his side, resting his arms over her shoulders and bumping the side of his head against hers.
"You know I can't stay mad at you, Squirt." He teased, making Izzie bump her shoulder against his before grinning up at her beloved big brother. Even shorter than her mother, Isabel was used to hearing Danny's nicknames. Squirt, Shortie, and Tiny were his faves.
Height wasn't the only thing she shared with her mom though. With her long, straight brown hair and sparkling blue eyes, the ten year old girl was a little beauty. Much like Danny was growing into a younger version of Jason. Tall, and already forming lean muscle, Danny was tough, smart, and could see a lie a million miles away.
Alexis watched her grandchildren with a smile, her heart full to bursting.
"Alright fine. Let's go get your tablet."
By the time they reached the beautiful Victorian house Jason & Sam had purchased shortly after Isabel's birth, Isabel had fallen asleep & Danny was talking intently on the phone. Shaking her head, Alexis whispered that she would run and grab his tablet, and to stay with Isabel. He barely nodded, and rolling her eyes, Alexis hurried up to the path.
She knocked but there was no answer.
"Sam must have gone out." She said under her breath, and started rummaging through her purse. Using her spare key, she unlocked the door, looking down to put the keys back in her purse. As she started to walk in, Alexis glanced up and froze.
A nearly naked Jason was carrying and equally unclothed Sam in his arms, locked in a passionate embrace.
Horrified, Alexis stumbled backwards against the door, accidentally closing it, leaving her in the room with the unsuspecting lovers. Cringing, Alexis squeezed her eyes shut, fumbling desperately for the doorknob, waiting for Sam or Jason to notice her presence.
When she didn't hear anything other than their passionate kisses, she opened one eye a smidge. They were, oh dear God they were moving towards the couch! Alexis spun around, opened the door and closed it with a fast click, leaning back against it, her eyes squeezed shut.
"Why does this always happen to me?" She groaned, before running down the path and jumping into her car. Back inside, she simply laid her head down on the steering wheel, willing the image of her daughter and Jason out of her head, hopefully forever.
"Grandma? Are you okay? Where's my tablet?" Danny asked worriedly.
"I-I-I didn't, I couldn't find it."
"I'll go get it." Danny replied, reaching for the door handle.
"No!" Alexis cried out, gripping his forearm. Seeing the startled look on his face, she let out a shaky breath.
"Never mind. I'll buy you a new tablet. A better one. But I am NOT going back in there. And neither are you."
Danny shook his head, and dropped a sympathetic hand on Alexis' shoulder.
"Dad's home, isn't he?" Danny asked, his grandmother's reaction starting to make sense. His parents always got really lovey dovey whenever one of them had been away from the other for more than a day. Of course, they never did more than that in front of him or Izzie, but he wasn't dumb or a baby. He was willing to bet what his grandma had just walked in on was much more traumatizing than a few kisses. It was gross. I mean, who wants to see their parents hugging and kissing all the time? He thought to himself, trying not to laugh. Still, Danny secretly loved having two parents who loved each other so much. They were the best people he knew.
"Let's go, kiddo." Alexis said, shaking her head and rubbing her eyes.
Danny laughed as Alexis sped down the drive and away from their house. At least he got a new tablet out of it.
Isabel rolled the motorcycle into the garage quietly, careful not to make any noise. As she kicked the kickstand into place, she breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't gotten caught.
Suddenly, the light flickered on and Isabel's eyes flew up to see Danny leaning against the wall, watching her with a knowing grin.
"You're so busted." He said, shaking his head.
Rolling her eyes at her big brother, Isabel ignored him, knowing he would never rat her out. Danny had been protecting her for as long as she remembered.
"Danny, shut up before Mom or Dad hears you!" She hissed, looking around to make sure nothing was out of place.
She yanked the helmet off her head, shaking back the long silky brown tresses that tumbled into her face and down her back. She glared at her brother.
"What are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be at PCU?"
At twenty-two, Danny was like a younger, less muscular version of their father. Although, it looked like he'd been working on the muscular part, she thought.
She rolled her eyes, just imagining how much harder all her friends would throw themselves at her brother now. Not that he would ever take any of them up on it. He and Georgie Spinelli had this intense, on and off thing that had been going on since high school.
"Actually, I was studying for my MCAT when Rocco called me. Imagine my surprise when he told me he'd been visiting Uncle Sonny when he overheard Avery & Charlotte talking on the phone. They were talking about how they wish they had the guts when they were younger to take their parent's bike for a joyride like you."
Isabel cringed, cursing her bad luck & her chatty cousins.
"So you've been waiting for me in the garage like a creeper this whole time?"
Danny smirked.
"Nope. I found you about thirty minutes ago. I've been riding behind you, making sure you were alright. I'm just smoother and better than you, so you never noticed me. Hell, I pulled in right behind you and walked into the garage practically by your side." He said with a shake of his head.
"So not waiting like a creeper, following me like a stalker? Got it." Isabel replied, shaking her head at her own stupidity. How the hell did she not notice him?
"Anyways, it's not like you never snuck out on Dad's bike before."
"Yeah, but I never got caught."
Before Isabel could think of a response, the garage door started to close. Her and Danny both jumped in surprise.
"Isabel Mikaela Morgan! Where the hell have you been?"
Isabel froze in place, cringing at the sound of her mother's voice. She was just grateful it wasn't her father who had caught her.
"Step away from my bike. Now." Her heart sank as her father's voice echoed through the garage. She turned slowly to look at her parents, still holding the helmet in her hands. Danny straightened and shot her a look of sympathy.
Sam stood beside Jason, watching her daughter turn to face them and felt a little ache in her heart. Her little girl wasn't so little anymore. At seventeen, looking at Isabel was like looking at a mirror. One that showed your much younger self, Sam thought wryly.
"You stole my bike."
Sam glanced up at Jason, who was glaring at their daughter. His worry about his daughter was translating to anger. Their daughter had better start groveling.
"I would've taken Mom's but it's in the shop." Isabel quipped, before her eyes flew to Danny's in panic. He was staring at her in disbelief.
"Really, dude?" He muttered, shaking his head.
Sam shot her a swift look.
"Izzie. Not the time to be cute."
Isabel winced and stepped forward.
"Sorry, Ma. Dad, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sass you."
"You scared your mother half to death. She's been so worried, she couldn't sleep." He said accusatorily.
Sam had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. While she had been worried, Jason was the one who nearly had a nervous breakdown. Having watched him pace the floors in a near panic for the better part of an hour, she knew no one would believe he used to be infamous for his cool, calm demeanor.
Isabel turned towards her mom with genuine remorse. Tears filled her eyes at the thought of her mom being scared for her.
"I'm so sorry, Mama. I didn't mean to scare you. I just needed to clear my head, and get away from it all. I couldn't breathe."
"Now who does that sound like?" She muttered to Jason, who winced as he recognized his own words.
Sam walked over and pulled Isabel into her arms. Pulling back, she cupped her daughter's face.
"What's going on, Izzie? What has you so stressed, baby?"
Tears spilled down Isabel's face as she stared at her Mom. Just like that, she knew she hadn't needed a ride to clear her head. She'd needed her mother. Her mother, who always gave her unwavering support, knew just how to comfort her and make things better.
"I got my letter of acceptance into Harvard."
Sam gasped, looking over at Jason, who grinned at her with pride.
"Oh my God. Baby, congratulations!"
Isabel shook her head.
"That's just it. I don't know if I want to go."
Jason stepped over and rubbed his daughter's back.
"Baby girl, you don't have to go anywhere you don't want to go. I'm sure PCU has a good business program."
"I can't take over operations at ELQ with a business degree from PCU, Dad." Isabel replied, although she shot her father a grateful smile. She should have known he would be just as supportive as her mother.
"Hey!" Danny called out, offended. "There's nothing wrong with PCU."
"Oh, shut up. You're going to John Hopkins next year."
Danny shrugged. She had a point.
Sam shook her head, trying to get the conversation back on track.
"Why don't you want to go?"
Isabel sighed.
"Because I've never been away from you or Dad, or Danny, or my family so long."
Sam's heart squeezed.
"Oh sweetheart, it's normal to be scared to leave your family and go on your own. But we will be right here. And if you think your father and I aren't going to visit you, or that your Grandmother & Aunt Molly aren't going to jump at the chance to visit their old stomping ground, you're crazy. You'll be desperate to get rid of us, we'll visit so often."
"It's true. They do that to me and I'm only like 10 minutes away."
Sam shot him a quick grin and chuckled when he winked at her.
"Whatever you decide, you know we support you." Jason added, dropping a kiss on his little girl's forehead.
Isabel sighed with relief. Her parents never let her down and their support gave her the strength she needed.
"Okay. Then it looks like I'm going to Harvard! But promise you'll visit all the time!" She announced, pointing at them.
"Absolutely." Sam replied with a smile. "Now let's talk about how grounded you are."
Isabel grimaced.
"I guess it was too much to hope that you'd let this pass?"
"Yep." Sam grinned, wrapping her arm around her daughter's shoulder and heading inside.
Isabel shot Danny a pleading look, but before he could open his mouth to plead her case, Sam glanced at him over her shoulder.
"And you weren't as smooth as you thought. I knew when you took the bike out."
Danny stared at her in shock before sputtering out a defense.
"Yeah, but I knew what I was doing! Dad taught me how to ride when I was fifteen."
Jason shot Danny a look of disbelief as Sam raised her brow at Jason.
"Oh really?"
"I can explain-." He started but Sam just shook her head.
"We'll talk about this later."
Jason winced and then glared at Danny.
Danny shrugged and grinned.
"Sorry, Pops. Every man for himself."
With a shake of his head, Jason grinned at his son, yanking him into a bear hug.
Isabel glanced over her shoulder at her brother and father, before leaning close to her mom.
"So we're not gonna tell them about you teaching me how to ride when I turned sixteen?" She whispered. Sam paused to look back at her guys, and smile softly.
She turned back and met Isabel's eyes and they spoke simultaneously.
"Nah."
Bursting out laughing, they quickly closed the door, leaving Jason and Danny to stare after them in bemusement.
Jason fussed with his tie nervously, looking around at his backyard, teeming with friends and family. The music started and he straightened, turning to face the garden entrance. All his nerves fell away as Sam stepped through the gate, looking so beautiful he forgot to breathe.
She stood there in an off white dress that hit her calves in soft waves, and showed her still luscious figure to advantage. Her salt and pepper hair, the fine lines around her eyes and mouth, the slight rounding of her curves did nothing to detract from her beauty. In Jason's eyes, Sam was more beautiful today that she'd been when they first met nearly forty years ago.
Sam stared down the garden path to the gazebo, where Jason waited for her in his dove gray three piece suit, and let out a little sigh. She placed a hand on her stomach, hoping to settle the butterflies she still got whenever she saw her husband's handsome face. The added lines and wrinkles on his face, added to his nearly gray hair merely just made him look distinguished. And the glasses he'd taken to wearing just gave him a sexy, Clark Kent vibe that she was definitely into.
She reached Jason's side and was stunned to see tears in his eyes. He reached out for her hand, gently guiding her up onto the slightly raised platform in front of their gazebo.
They turned in unison to face their family and friends.
"Thank you all so much for joining us. Jason and I wanted to celebrate our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, by renewing our vows, in front of all of you." Sam announced, smiling at their guests.
"All of you have been a part of our lives for most of our relationship, and seen us go through our best and our worst. And you've all helped us find each other, fall in love, and get to this point in some way or another." Jason turned to the side and looked at Sonny, who beamed up at him.
"Sonny, you're the reason I met Sam in the first place."
"Don't remind me." Muttered Carly beside him, jokingly, sending titters of laughter throughout the guests.
Sam was led into the interrogation room and stared at the handsome, stone-faced blonde sitting in front of her.
"Well, it must be crowded around here if the cops have got to double up on two total strangers, huh?"
Jason stared at the sexy brunette and shrugged, disinterestedly.
"I don't think it's a mistake."
"Why not?"
"Because they're hoping to get something out of it - your testimony against me."
"Well, I might be willing if I had any idea who you are. I'm Sam. Sam McCall. I'm in for aiding and abetting Sonny Corinthos."
"Jason Morgan. Me too."
Sam grinned at Sonny and Carly.
"And hell, you hated me and I couldn't stand you. Until, one day, you were my best friend in the whole world."
Carly and Sam stood in the penthouse. Sam looked away but Carly persisted.
"What were you just saying? About how it's easy to tell everything to the wrong person?"
"I don't need to talk."
"Oh, my mistake. Everything's so perfect in your world."
Sam looked on the verge of tears and lowered herself down to the couch.
"We were supposed to be strong."
"Jason's not off on business, is he?"
"You know, I guess this is your time to say 'I told you so.'"
"What happened? I mean, come on. It can't be that bad. It can't be as bad as mine. You didn't sleep with another man. I thought Jason would break up with you when you lied to him about Robin."
"You must have been really disappointed when he didn't."
"Okay, whatever it is, it can't be that bad, Sam."
"Carly, you have no idea."
"You're right. I don't."
"Everything I did, I did it for Jason. I did it because I loved him. I did it because I loved him so much. I didn't want him to hurt. I didn't want him to feel as bad as I was feeling. But I made everything worse. And now I don't know what to do, because I think I've lost him."
"Okay. All right. You're not gonna lose Jason, all right? You won't. This is Jason we're talking about. And Jason's everything Johnny's not. And Jason promised to love you forever and Jason never breaks a promise. Unlike Johnny. I mean, every single minute that we were together, everything was a lie. [Sighs] God, this hurts. I don't know why it hurts so much, you know? I've been used by guys before, but this one hurts."
"Hey. You are gonna get through it. Nobody can take down Carly Jacks."
They both laughed.
"Well, you're pretty strong, too." Carly paused and stared at Sam in horror.
"Oh, God."
"What?"
Carly grimaced. "I think we just had a girlfriend moment. Can we agree that this never happened and we can go back to hating each other?"
"Please. I have already started."
"Great. [Sighs] I'm gonna go."
"Mm-hmm."
"Before Jason gets here. He's gonna be back. And you guys are gonna have tons to talk about. Way more than my latest disaster."
Sam stopped her at the door. "Carly. Thank you."
"You too."
Jason turned to where Alexis sat, Molly, TJ, and Kristina and Kristina's fiancee, Valerie, by her side.
"And it took a while, but you finally came around to me being in Sam's life." He said, with a grin.
Alexis stood in front of the guests, while Sam and Jason watched nervously.
"I never had the privilege of...knowing my beautiful eldest daughter until she was an adult. But that never stopped me from harboring hope about how the rest of her life would turn out and with whom she'd turn it out. The truth is, Jason wasn't exactly what I had in mind."
"I think I will cheerfully kill her." Sam whispered to Jason, who rubbed a hand down her back soothingly.
"I had reasons to disapprove, and I did, and I built a wall that was so tall I never thought I'd get over it, but...in time and observing the constancy of this commitment the two of you have for each other, I realized I needed to take a deeper look at this man that my daughter thought so highly of, even though he gave her a lug nut for an engagement ring."
The crowd chuckled and Alexis continued.
"Actually, it's because you gave her that lugnut for an engagement ring. It was genius, really. It was perfect. It was stable and sturdy and long-lasting. Didn't have any of that razzle and dazzle that we've all been trained to expect from the media or fashion ads. It was authentic and real. And I liked it. And as it turns out...I actually like you, Jason. I think that you are caring, and I think that you are kind, and I think that you are loyal. But most importantly, you love my daughter as if your life depended on it. And that means more to me than anything, so...so to Sam and Jason-may your unconventional and unique love go on forever and ever."
"Hear, hear." Echoed the guests as they applauded.
Sam walked over to embrace her mother, tears in her eyes.
"Mom...that was beautiful. Thank you."
"You sound surprised."
"Maybe a little."
"I appreciate it." Jason nodded, moved by Alexis' words.
"Well, welcome to the family. Okay. All right." Alexis hugged him briefly before making a hasty exit.
"At some point or other, every single one of you have offered us encouragement or told us how perfect you thought we were for each other." Jason announced with a soft smile.
"And we just want to thank you so much for supporting us." Sam added, blinking back tears.
Edward stood in Jason's living room, staring up at his handsome grandson.
"I like Sam. She's a strong, independent lady. Perfectly suited to you. And Lila would approve. Crossing Lila, that would be foolish."
"I'm sorry she couldn't be here for this."
"She will be with you in spirit. Which is why I'm here. Now, I imagine that you and Sam have already picked out your wedding rings. But I hope you'll-you'll reconsider and give Sam this. I gave that to Lila on our wedding night."
"I can't take this."
"She'd want you to have it. Please give it to Sam. And maybe you can pass it on to your own children someday."
...
Monica, Maxie, Sam, and Spinelli stood together.
"It's Alan's ring. I, uh, I carry it with me. It makes me feel like I'm close to him. I want you to have it."
Sam gasped, moved.
"Oh, no, I couldn't. I mean, what if something happened to it?"
Maxie rolled her eyes.
"Which it will, seeing the way the wedding is turning out."
Monica shook her head.
"Well, I don't need a ring to feel close to Alan. He'll always be with me, and now he'll always be with Jason. I really can't think of a more perfect gift. Here."
"Wow. I, um, I really don't know what to say." Sam took it, lost for words.
"Your eyes say it all. Ok? You're welcome." Monica smiled softly.
"Gosh. Thank you. Thank you so much." Sam pulled Monica into a fierce hug.
…
Molly stared at Jason intently.
"Sit down. Look, I know that Sam spent the night, and that means -."
Jason looked at Molly in discomfort. "Okay, that - that's between me and your sister."
"You're right, but sisters are supposed to look out for each other, and there are 3 of us - Sam, Kristina, and me, just like Anne, Charlotte, and Emily Bronte, well, except we're not writers. Now, I know that Sam is brave and tough, and she went all over the world in her boat, but you broke her heart."
"Uh, that's also between me and your sister."
"Actually, it's not. Sam is a wonderful person."
"Yeah, I know she is."
"Then you know it's important to treat her with chivalry and honor."
"What?"
"Jason, you have to promise you'll respect Sam. I mean, you can't just bail the first time there's a problem. That's not how the hero treats his true love. And you do love Sam, right?"
Jason smiled at Carly, who beamed back at him.
"Even when we didn't know if we would make it, you helped us realize how perfect we were for each other."
Carly stared at Jason, intent on making him hear her.
"...Pay attention closely, 'cause I'm about to be unselfish, and that's really difficult for me when it comes to you, okay? You love Sam. Sam makes you happy. And if you guys are gonna be together, you have to reach out to her. Sam can't, Jason. She's too messed up. She's hurting too much. You have to make the first move, because Sam needs you and you need her."
"We are so far apart. I-I don't know how to fix it."
"Yes, you do."
Jason sighed.
"Yes, you do. First, you have to forgive yourself for not being able to save Sam. Yes, you do. And en you have to forgive Sam for keeping secrets and for whatever else she's done, and am then you move forward and you let it go."
Jason looked away, letting out a heavy breath.
"You need to be with the person you love, Jason. You need to be with the person who makes you happy. Go to Sam. Tell her you love her and that you accept the baby, even if you don't yet, because you will. l I mean, the second you hold that child in your arms, your heart is gonna fill up and you're just gonna be done. I know you, okay? I know you, and I'm right. And I love you.
Jason smiled. "I love you."
Carly glanced at the fireplace, looking at the Phoenix figurine.
"And everything's gonna be okay. Hey. Isn't there, um, supposed to be a dragon with this?" She glanced back at Jason.
"Sam has it."
Carly smirked. "Because she doesn't love you, right?"
…
Carly turned away from Jason to see Sam walking into the hospital room.
"I, uh, came to, uh - see your beautiful little boy. You're a mom now, and you need to do the right thing. You need to let Jason be a part of his life."
"You've seen us through our worst…" Sam explained.
Sam slides to the floor in the hospital corridor, beating her fists against Jason's chest futilely.
"No. No, you're lying! You're lying to me! No! Liar! You're a liar!"
"Sam -."
"Let me - let me go!"
"Sam."
"No. No, my baby."
…
Sam stumbled outside.
"Jason, I want to hold my baby. No, no, no, no, no. Don't put him down. I want to hold my son! I want to hold my son."
Jason stared at Sam, his face showing his torment.
"I just need to talk to you first."
"Talk about what, Jason? He's a newborn. He's cold. He's got to be held. Jason, please."
"Sam, I'm sorry."
"Sorry about what? No. No! I want to see my baby! Let go of me!"
"Sam, he's gone."
"He's not gone, Jason! Stop it!"
"Sam! Sam! Sam!"
"Give me my baby!"
"Your baby died."
"No! No! No! Stop! No."
Sam wiped the tears that had spilled over from her cheeks, before turning to look at her beautiful babies. Well, they were adults now, but they would always be her babies.
"And our best, most happiest moments."
"It's about your son. Your son is alive."
"Don't say that to me."
"No, I would never say it if it wasn't true."
"What are you talking about? What does that even mean?"
"You knew as soon as I put that baby in your arms, you swore that he wasn't yours."
"No, I was wrong!"
"No, you were right. You were right the whole time. Your son is alive."
…
"My son! Where's my son, Jason?!"
"He's right here."
"He's okay?"
"I'm sorry we scared you. It's over now. You're safe."
"Are you sure? Are you sure he's not hurt?"
"He's perfect."
"Yeah?"
"Except for one thing. He wants his son is right here waiting for you."
"I'm scared if I touch him he's gonna disappear."
"He's not going anywhere, Sam, not without you."
"Jason, I've imagined this moment so many times in so many different ways. I can't believe it's happening."
"Your fear will be gone the second you hold him. Trust me."
"I do. I trust you, Jason. I trust you with my life. I trust you with my son's life. Hi."
"Hey, buddy. Somebody waiting to meet you."
"Sam: Hi!"
"It's okay. You can take him."
"Hi! Hi, buddy! You remember me. I'm your mom."
…
"You know, there used to be so many things I didn't understand. So many things that didn't make sense to me. But I could see they were important to other people. So I'd play along."
"Like dinner on a roof?"
"No. No, like a party to mark a special day or a ring to symbolize a promise. I can never really see the connection between something that you know in your heart and a piece of jewelry."
"I think that's pretty wise. I mean, to not care about the symbol. But the actual feeling."
"Right, and we do need markers in our lives, otherwise, the days just kind of start bleeding together, and without meaning to, you start taking things for granted; that somebody will always be there, that they'll always know how you feel, and I've done that to o you. I mean, because we're so comfortable and our relationship is so easy that I've already started counting on our future together without ever saying the words or asking you how you feel."
"Yeah, but you know how I feel."
"I know, but I know that you're afraid if you say any of those words out loud, that this might go away."
"Yeah, my dad used to tell me, set your expectations low, that way you won't ever be disappointed. It's a really sad way to live, you know."
"What's the point of holding yourself back from something you really want? I wanted to tell Jake that I loved him. And I wanted to tell him that I was his father in a way that he could understand, but I didn't get the chance. But I learned from what I lost. And I will never take time or love for granted again. [Exhales] I love you so much. And I would be honored to spend the rest of my life with you...will you marry me?"
…
"Jason, you stand beneath the symbol of the dragon. Sam, you stand beneath the symbol of the phoenix. For the union between a bride and a groom is the union between phoenix and the dragon. The dragon, the symbol of strength, can scare off evil spirits, protect the innocent, bless those around him with safety, and bring wealth to those who hold his emblem. The phoenix, goddess of all winged creatures, harvests luck, success, and prosperity. She can turn bad luck into good. Together, the phoenix and the dragon are the ultimate sign of yin and yang. Male, female. Strength and beauty. Alone, they bring happiness, but together, they bring double happiness. Do you have rings to share?"
He waited as Sam and Jason both turned to look at him and answered.
"Yeah."
"Yes."
They twisted and looked at each other in surprise.
"Well, um, Maxie got the inscriptions wrong on our rings." She explained, quickly wiping away the tears that had fallen during their vows.
Jason was overcome with emotion and was eager to share the gift his grandfather had given them. He dug in his pocket and pulled out the ring, holding it out with both hands. He took a deep breath.
"This is, uh...my grandmother's ring. She wore it for over 50 years. Through it all they loved each other. My grandfather gave it to me...to give to you." His voice shook with emotion, his eyes damp.
Sam took a deep breath, struggling to contain her tears. Nothing could have been more precious. She held out her hand and Jason slid the ring onto her finger. It was a perfect fit, as if it had been meant to be worn by her.
Sam reached into her pocket and pulled out her own surprise. She also held it out to Jason with both hands.
"Wow. Ohh...ok, um...your mother gave me this ring, and it was your father's. And she said that he would want you to have it, and their love lasted a lifetime. And so...oh, so will ours." She slid the ring on his finger as she said the last line.
Jason struggled not to lose his composure, closing his eyes against the rush of both love and pain at the thought of his father. Knowing his mother had thought to give this to Sam for him filled him with love. He felt surrounded by his family in spirit as he married his soulmate on the most important day of his life.
They stared at each other tenderly.
Robert spoke.
"Do you, Samantha McCall, take this man to be your husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?"
"Yes, I do." Sam answered with a teary laugh. Jason smiled at her, thinking he had never seen anything or anyone more beautiful than his wife smiling up at him on their wedding day.
Robert continued.
"Do you, Jason Morgan, take this woman to be your wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?
"I do." Jason answered simply but sincerely.
Mrs. Yi stooped over to grab to glasses of wine wrapped with red ribbon. She hurried over with the glasses and handed them to Jason and Sam. She guided their hands and spoke quickly in Chinese, as Sam and Jason looked at her and each other in confusion.
Robert translated.
"Red is the color of happiness. Tonight you are joined in happiness. Drink of the wine and the honey and your life will be sweet and rich."
Jason and Sam smiled at each other and sipped the wine. Mrs. Yi walked over and took the glasses from them. She smiled at them and said something in Chinese.
Robert spoke again.
"From this moment forward, you are one world. Earth, water, air, and fire together, for all eternity. I now pronounce you husband and wife. I think you know the next thing."
Sam and Jason smiled at each other and Jason reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear. Jason leaned down and with a choked sob, Sam reached up and pulled him down to her for a deep and tender kiss.
…
"We're having another baby, Sam." Jason whispered softly, unable to wipe the goofy grin off his face.
"Mmm." Sam turned in his arms sleepily, and after cocooning in, she dropped back into sleep.
Jason chuckled and soon he was following her into slumber.
The sun was streaming into the room through the blinds when Sam suddenly bolted up in bed, turning to stare at her startled awake husband in shock, her hand dropping to her stomach.
"We're what?!"
…
"Welcome to the family, Isabel Mikaela Morgan." Sam whispered softly, dropping a soft kiss onto Isabel's head.
Jason stared at her in surprise.
"...it's perfect. She's perfect."
Jason picked up Sam's hand, and turned her to face him.
"In front of all of our friends and family, I want to tell you that you changed my life. I never expected to even live this long, let alone as happily as I have. Everything good in my life is because of you. I will love you until the day I die, and beyond. Samantha Morgan, you're the love of my life, and I thank God every day you found me again on that street and let me into your life and your heart."
Sam blinked rapidly against the tears welling in her eyes as she stared up at her husband. God, she loved this man.
"You say that everything good in your life is because of me, but I can say the same for you. Jason, when I met you, I was lost. You gave me a home and a family and showed me what real love was. When I lost you, my entire world went dark, except for the light our beautiful son shined on me. I couldn't accept your death, because I didn't feel it. I ached with the loss of you and yet, it was as if something inside of me was screaming at me, begging me to listen to my instincts because you were out there somewhere. And that something, that pull I felt but couldn't explain? It was what pulled me to you. And the moment I saw you, everything inside me yearned to be close to you. So I did the only thing I could. I answered my soul's call."
Jason let out a low growl and yanked Sam into his arms, capturing her lips in a scorching kiss that sent their guests into an uproarious applause.
…
Sam and Jason swayed back and forth on the dance floor, Sam's head resting against Jason's broad chest.
"Nana, Nana! JJ won't let me have cake!"
Sam grinned down at her beautiful granddaughter, looking like an angel with her platinum blonde hair and bright blue eyes sparkling up at her. Sam bent down and swept the giggling girl into her arms.
"BJ, where in the world in your brother?" The little girl grinned and pointed to where a little tow-headed handsome little devil waved at them furiously. Sam crooked her finger and the little boy ran as fast as his legs could carry him towards her. Jason intercepted him and swung him up into his arms.
"Grandpa!"
"Jason Jones Morgan, why won't you let your sister have any cake?"
"I wanted it." JJ answered stubbornly, staring at his twin with a smug look in his eyes.
"Sorry, Mom. These little rugrats causing you trouble?"
Sam looked over to see Danny had joined them. She smiled up into her son's handsome face.
He leaned over and kiss her cheek.
"You look beautiful, Mom."
"Thank you, baby. And of course they're not bothering me. You know my babies can do no wrong."
"Yeah right, Mom. Here, let me get them out of your hair so you can enjoy you reception. You look gorgeous, by the way. As always."
Sam turned to see Danny's stunning, pixie sized wife, Georgie, smiling over at her.
"Thanks, sweetheart. And you do too, as always."
Georgie scooped the daughter she'd named after her mother's childhood savior and cousin, into her arms. She nodded at her husband, and Danny nodded back.
"Come on, JJ, let your grandma and grandpa finish their dance." Danny took JJ from Jason, and after clapping his hand against his father's back with a grin, Danny joined Georgie and BJ on the dance floor.
Sam and Jason watched their son and his beautiful little family with smiles on their faces.
"We did good." Jason announced. Sam nodded, but her eyes wandered to where Isabel stood, talking to her cousins Caroline, Ricky, Sami, and Thomas III. Isabel was a gorgeous, accomplished young woman, helping her Uncle Michael run ELQ. And Sam was so proud of her, but she couldn't help but wish she could find the same kind of happiness her brother had found.
She spoke her wish out loud to Jason, worrying about her little girl.
Jason rubbed her back.
"Don't worry. She's just like you at that age, and just like you, she'll find love when she least expects it."
Sam leaned her head against Jason's arm, his calming presence soothing her as always.
"Yeah, well if she's anything like me, then she'll find exactly what she's looking for in bad boy with a heart of gold." Sam teased, before bursting out laughing at the look of horror on Jason's face.
"There's no way in hell I'll ever let my daughter end up with someone like me." Jason declared. Sam shook her head and laughed, looping her arms around his neck.
"I don't know, Jason. I'm pretty happy with my bad boy." She teased.
"Me too, baby. Me too." He whispered before lowering his head meet her lips in a lingering kiss.
From across the garden, Isabel watched her parents with a smile on her face, ignoring the small pinch of longing she felt. She didn't need a man, she was a strong, independent woman. Isabel repeated her chant to herself, even as she found her eyes wandering to all the happy couples in the room.
Her brother Danny stood beside his wife and in-laws, Maxie and Spinelli. Her Uncle Michael and his wife, Nattie, stood beside Uncle Morgan and his wife, Darby. Then there was Uncle Sonny and Aunt Carly. Aunt Molly and Uncle TJ. Aunt Kristina and Aunt Valerie. Uncle Nik and Aunt Hayden. Her eyes landed on her Grandma Alexis and Grandpa Julian. Okay, so maybe she wasn't exactly itching for a love like theirs, but still. Even they'd found it. And although Grandma Monica was alone, she'd had her great love in Grandpa Alan. So what was she waiting for?
Needing some space from all the love in the air, Isabel grabbed her jacket and before she knew it, she was in her car and speeding towards the docks. In minutes she was standing at the pier, breathing in the soothing scent of the harbor. She'd definitely inherited her mother's love of the water.
A clock chimed somewhere off in the distance and Isabel jolted.
"How long have I been gone?" She wondered, checking her watch. She stared at her watch in horror when she realized that an hour had past. How could she have left her parents vow renewal because she was feeling lonely and jealous? Suddenly ashamed, she spun around and hurried towards the exit from the docks, where her car was parked.
She paused as she heard the distinctive sound of flesh hitting flesh. Against her better judgment, she ran towards the sound.
"Come on, you cowards! Come on! You were a lot tougher when you yanked that girl into the alley. Why don't you show me how tough you are? Come on!"
Isabel rounded the corner to see a young girl cowering against the wall, nursing a black eye, and three rough looking guys facing off against one, well, also rough looking guy.
Swaying on his feet, wearing a leather jacket, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, a small cut on his forehead, and a cocky grin on his face, the guy who had spoken waved the thugs towards him.
"You're crazy, man!" One of the guys yelled, nursing some serious bruises. The other two, equally banged up, circled the loner. Or at least, they tried to. Isabel noticed that although he moved with his attackers, he kept his body between the thugs and the girl cowering on the ground, protecting her.
One of the guys moved forward and threw a wild punch, and Isabel winced at the sickening thud as the guy in the leather jacket slammed his fist into the other guy's jaw in a lightning fast movement. The second guy moved in and just as fast, Leather Jacket kicked his legs out from under him, and started pounding on him.
Isabel watched in horror and indignation as the third guy jumped in, swinging a pipe and hitting Leather Jacket across the back, knocking him to the ground, dazed.
"Stop!" Isabel shouted, and before she knew it, she was running into the alley and leaping onto the third attacker's back. He shouted with surprise as she dug her nails into his eyes. He shook her off with a roar of fury, sending her flying into the wall.
The force of the impact knocked the breath out of her, stunning her momentarily. As the giant swung his meaty fist towards her head, Isabel thanked her parents' insistence on teaching her self-defense, as she ducked, and delivered a vicious kick right in his crotch.
He dropped like a sack, squealing in pain. Just then, Leather Jacket moved between them and sent the thug flying back with a savage knee to the jaw. The threat over, Isabel dropped beside the young girl, checking to see if she was ok. The girl nodded shakily and at Isabel's direction, pulled out her phone to call the police. Isabel started to stand, but let out a whimper as the pain from hitting the wall finally hit her. She would have sunk to the ground if not for the firm grip under her elbow, steadying her.
"Whoa there, Mighty Mouse. Careful."
Isabel glanced up and froze as she met the sparkling green eyes of the man in the leather jacket, her heart skipping a beat. He was, well, gorgeous.
"That was pretty stupid, what you did back there. Brave, but stupid."
Isabel snapped out of it and glared at him.
"What, do you mean saving your ass? Yeah, obviously. I should have let them bash your brain in with that pipe." She pulled her arm out of his grip and straightened her dress.
Leather Jacket took the chance to get a good look at her. Jesus, she'd come running into the alley like a raven-haired avenging angel, and she certainly looked the part in that fancy dress. Not to mention the face. Oh man, that face. He could have sworn his heart had stopped for a minute when those ocean blue eyes had met his with the force of a hurricane. Shaking it off, he glanced up at the sound of the police approaching.
Straightening, he strode over to where the girl from before stood, her arms wrapped around herself.
"Hey, hey. You okay, kiddo?"
She glanced up at her savior with wide eyes before throwing herself into his arms.
"Thank you! Thank you so much! You saved me!" She sobbed. Stiff, uncomfortable with both her gratitude and her tears, Leather Jacket tossed a pleading look towards Isabel.
Isabel had watched them, softening. He really had been incredibly brave, and probably stopped that girl from going through the worst experience a woman could go through.
She walked over and pulled the sobbing girl into her arms. Throwing her a grateful look, he backed up.
"Look, I gotta go. Cops and I? We don't get along so great." With a last grin, he waved at Isabel. "Take it easy, Mighty Mouse."
Isabel watched him leave, before she told the girl to wait and ran after him.
"Wait!"
He was at the end of the alley and should be long gone by now, but he stopped anyway. The hell if he knew why.
"Yeah, Mighty Mouse?"
"Stop calling me that. My name is Isabel. Isabel Morgan."
Leather Jacket grinned at her, and once again, Isabel's heart gave that annoying little jump.
"Beautiful name for a beautiful woman." He glanced down the alley and spotted the cops running into the alley and eased backwards.
"See you around, Isabel Morgan!"
Isabel watched him turn around before taking another step forward.
"Wait! You didn't tell me your name."
He chuckled and nodded. "You caught that, did you? Look, it's better if I was never here."
"I won't tell the police who you are. I just...I want to know."
He hesitated before leaning forward and whispering his name in her ear, sending a shiver of desire through her.
With a final wink, he was gone, leaving Isabel staring after him, thinking of his claim that they'd see each other around.
"I hope you're right, Tony Zacharra."
...the end