The Lucky Ones

When Carly awakened the next morning, Jason was looking down on her in concern. She was still encircled in his embrace. "How are you feeling this morning?" he asked, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

Carly's heart fluttered as she gazed into the deep blue sea of Jason's eyes. "I- I'm feeling a little better," she said in a whisper. "What time is it?"

"A few minutes past 10 am. I let you sleep in."

"That's sweet of you, Jason, but what if Michael needs us?"

"I told Bobbie to call me if there was any change."

"Bobbie," Carly said in a little groan.

"I know how you feel about her, but she's been wonderful to Michael. She's an excellent nurse and she was truly concerned for you when you were in the hospital."

"She was?" Carly asked in surprise.

Jason nodded. "She was there all the time. She helped me keep it together, for both you and Michael."

Carly frowned as she had conflicting feelings about Bobbie. She had been amazing after Michael's birth, but that didn't change the painful past. "She left me behind. Gave me up," Carly said sadly. "How could she do that?"

"I can't speak for her, but she was very young... only sixteen and..."

"Jason, I can't believe you're taking her side!"

"No, Carly. I am on your side. Always," he said as he caressed her cheek with tenderness. "I just want you to realize that there is a story behind why Bobbie felt she had to give you up. Maybe she thought it was what was best for you at the time."

"Last night I was thinking... I almost left Michael behind with you. I thought it was what would be best for our boy. What kind of mother am I? I can't even hold my own baby!"

"You're struggling right now because the birth was traumatic. You've been through a lot - your body has been through a lot. You need time to heal. So does Michael. Once you're ready, you'll hold our son. Until then, I am going to take care of you. I'll be here for you, Carly. I promise."

"Ohhh Jase, you're my best friend," she said tearfully as she went into his arms and held him so tight. "How could I ever get through this without you? Michael's so lucky to have you. I'm so lucky."

Jason caressed Carly's hair as he returned her hug. "The day you walked into my life, I knew you were special. There was something about you. I just had to know you; I knew you were the one."

Carly pulled away, searching Jason's eyes. That was the closest confession of love she had ever gotten from Jason Morgan even though in that moment he had not said the words. He had said "I love you" before, but this time it felt different. In many other ways he was showing her just how much he loved her. He didn't just love her; he adored her. Carly had been searching for that all of her life. Now she finally had it. Jason's love. A family. A family with Jason and their baby son.

Eyes heavy with tears, she smiled. "That... that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me."

"We are going to get through this. When we bring our boy home, that's going to be the happiest day ever."