Before heading to the waiting room, Jason finds himself in the chapel. He feels the worry and anxiety filling him until he wants to tear apart the room, rip out pews and break all the stained glass. Instead, he sits in a pew, his body leaning forward with his face in his hands. Tears drip through his fingers, making tiny puddles on the floor. He feels like everything he had begun to believe was in his grasp, was actually his to hold, is slipping through his fingers. The woman he loves, his child, and his father could easily be taken away from him in an instant. And somehow he's supposed to sit with this fear that's ripping him apart inside.

He doesn't realize Bobbie has joined him until she's sitting beside him, her hand running soothingly over his back. "Jason…" she begins.

In a tortured cry, he cuts her off, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I promised to protect her. I promised I would keep her safe. And instead, she's…"

Tears fall down Bobbie's cheeks, as she pulls him to her. His emotional pain is so intense, he remains curled in on himself in the embrace. Her arms wrap around his back and his head, holding him to her chest the best she can. "This is not your fault. You killed the bastards who were to blame. And Carly and the baby are alive." Her voice breaks, "Two men and their hired guns tried to murder my baby today, one of them held a gun to my grandson's head, but you saved them. They are all alive because of you, and I'm so grateful."

Agony sharpens his words, daggers aimed at himself, "Carly got shot. I should have stopped them. I knew they were up to no good. I had a fucking tail on all three of them and I couldn't…" he rubs his hand down his face, then looks up at her as more tears spill. "I'm so sorry I didn't figure out what they were up to until too late. If we lose them… if I lose either of them, I don't…"

Bobbie pulls him more tightly to her, and with a firm voice, she reassures him, "We won't lose them. They both are going to make it through this. My girl is a fighter, and that little baby that's growing in her, your child, is a Spencer. And the Spencers, we don't know how to stop fighting. A detriment at times…" He gives her an ironic look through his tears. "I know. But in times like these, that's who I lay my odds on. Always bet on the fighters."

He nods his head, taking comfort from her embrace and her words. He realizes what an important person she's become in his life. While he had pushed his own mother away, Bobbie had been allowed in, usually in the name of keeping Carly safe and happy. But, without him realizing it, she had filled the void left by the family he kept away. Not exactly a mother, but he still cherishes her as trusted family.

She continues, "And, as for your dad, he made it through surgery. I checked on him before I came to find you. He's in recovery, and the doctors are saying he's doing well. He's going to have a hard recovery, but he will recover Jason. And I believe our girls will too."

He lets out a shuddering sigh of relief that his father made it through. He sits up, pulling her into a proper hug. "Thank you. Oh God, that's… thank you for telling me." He lets out a watery laugh, "Carly's convinced you it's a girl, then?"

She gives him a smile, "Never doubt a mother's intuition. I knew Carly was a girl from the moment I knew she existed. I was sure, and I was right." Then gently, "And I'm sure our girls are going to make it out the other side of this healthy."

He nods, making himself believe. Pulling back, he wipes his hand over his face. "We need to find my mother and sister. Do you know when we can see my dad?"

"He will be in recovery for a little bit, but it shouldn't be too long." Bobbie tells him as he rises, taking her hand to help her stand. As they make their way through the halls of GH, Jason forces himself to put one foot in front of the other. His normal calm is missing, leaving him feeling a buzzing of anxiety that makes him want to tear the world apart with his bare hands.

As they make it to the waiting room, Bobbie stops him before he goes in, her hand resting on his arm. He pauses looking down at her with concern. Her face crumples a little, tears leaking from the corner of her eyes, "You are about to be pulled in a bunch of directions, and I have to tell you…Thank you for saving my family. If I had lost them… my daughter, my grandsons… I would have lost… myself." She pulls him into a tight hug, and with an intense voice that shakes through her tears, "Thank you, Jason. Thank you for loving them, and keeping them alive."

He gives her a nod, though he doesn't feel like he deserves her gratitude while her daughter is being cut open by surgeons, his child still at risk. Everyone in the waiting room turns to watch the interaction. Besides his mother and sister, Spinelli, Lulu, and Maxi are huddled in one corner of the room, Luke is sitting in another, and Lila is in her wheelchair with Edward sitting in the chair closest to the door. Monica watches the closeness of her son and her best friend enviously, hoping to have that same connection one day in the future. Emily, seeing her brother, rises and cries out as she rushes across the room to him, "Jason."

Bobbie pulls back in time for Emily to crash into him. His little sister squeezes him tightly to her, her arms nearly strangling his neck. "Did you hear about Dad? He's going to be okay." Tears are dripping down her face, but she has a huge smile splitting her face. "Thank you, Jason. Thank you for getting us out of there. I was so scared, but then there you were. You were right on time to save Dad, which doesn't surprise me at all from my big brother, the hero."

Both have tears in their eyes, "I'm glad I was able to get everyone out. I love you, Em."

"I love you too, big brother." Emily pulls back. She gives him a big smile that falters as she sees the strain still on his face. "How are you doing?"

Tears drip down his face, "If anything happens to Carly and the baby…"

She pulls him back into a hug, "Mom told me about Carly getting shot. I'm so sorry."

"She hasn't woken up since it happened, and all that trauma, with the baby…" his voice breaks.

"Jason," Monica cuts in, "Likely, she hasn't woken up because her body is protecting your child. She is doing what she needs to do to make sure they both make it out of this." She moves closer, putting her hand on his arm. "And both my grandchild's parents are very good at beating the odds. When you got in your accident, they told us we had lost you, and when you woke up, they told us you would never be able to live a normal life, but look at you now. You have built a wonderful life for yourself. Plus we know the lengths Carly will go to protecting her children. They will both make it through this, I truly believe that."

Turning to his mother, he pulls her into a hug. He allows her to give him comfort, and allows himself to accept it. It's not comfortable, not yet, but it's a beginning.

From behind him, Michael quietly asks, "Jason, Grandma, have you heard anything about Mom? Are you hugging because of bad news?"

Bobbie goes to the boy's side, putting her arm around his shoulders. "No, honey. They are hugging because sometimes when you're scared, a hug makes it a little better. We haven't heard anything about your mom yet."

He walks over to Jason, wrapping his arms around him. The baby he raised for the first year of his life now comes to the middle of his chest. Michael tells him, "I'm scared too. But they won't leave us. Mama would never leave us."

Jason holds the boy tightly to him, "You're right. She would never leave you and your brother. She will fight to come back to us."

Michael pats the man who is one of the most important people in his world, "You either. Mama would never leave you. She loves you too."

Jason literally goes to his knees at the boy's words. The two hold each other for a long moment, tears in the eyes of everyone in the room.

They are interrupted by Patrick's voice behind them, causing Jason to rise quickly to his feet and everyone in the room to turn in the doctor's direction, "Bobbie, Jason, good news. The surgery went well. She's in recovery now, but should be moved to a room in about half an hour. I had to put two screws in to reattach the bone the bullet broke off in her collarbone. She will have her arm immobilized for at least four to six weeks. But she should have full range of motion after she heals." He gives Jason a stern look, "She is to take it easy for at least a month. I don't care how you achieve it, but no lifting, straining, or strenuous exercise. However, she and the baby are doing well, and will be moved to a room soon."

A sigh of relief can be heard around the room. Bobbie gives Patrick a hug, "Thank you, doctor."

Jason asks with concern in his voice, "Has she woken up at all?"

In a reassuring tone, Dr. Drake informs him, "Not yet. But remember, it's not time to worry. I expect her to wake up when the anesthesia begins wearing off."

Michael is standing beside his uncle, his arms around his waist. "Mama and the baby are okay, though, right?"

Looking down at the boy, Patrick reassures, "They both did great. You've got a tough mom in there. She will be back to her usual self before you know it, Michael."

Jason feels the boy take a deep breath, and looks down to see a relieved smile spread across his face. He envies the boy. Until he sees her awake, her beautiful eyes looking into his, he's not going to be able to breathe easy.

Amy comes into the room, heading towards Monica, "Dr. Quartermaine, your husband is awake and in his room. He's ready for visitors. For the moment, limit it to two people at a time until he fully gets the anesthesia out of his system, so you don't overwhelm him."

"Thank you, dear." Lila says sweetly. Turning towards her family, she commands in a voice that is no less powerful for her kind tone, "Jason, why don't you accompany your mother in. I know Carly will soon demand your attention."

Emily easily agrees, telling her brother, "Of course, Dad will want to see you."

Jason nods, giving his arm to his mother. When they get to the room, Monica walks in, but Jason stops at the door. The years of pushing this man away rush through his mind. His father had pleaded only for a space in his son's life, and again and again he had pushed him away. A wave of guilt slams into him so hard he grabs the door jam as though to brace himself. Tears fall down his cheeks as he looks at his father, connected to tubes and looking frailer than Jason has ever seen him.

Monica goes to Alan's side, putting her hand on his and squeezing. He opens his eyes, focusing on his wife. "Hey…" his eyes focus beyond her to his son standing in the door. "Jason, son… come in. I'm so pleased to see you." His words slur a little, but are filled with happiness. "I'm so proud of you for saving all those people. I wouldn't be here if you hadn't come and saved us when you did. I'm grateful."

Jason takes a step into the room, the thanks barely registering. Tortured, he confesses, "I'm so sorry. When I thought I lost you, I realized that all the times I pushed you away were a mistake. I should never have…"

Alan stops him, his voice weakly reassuring his son, "Son, don't beat yourself up over the past. It's useless. All we can do is move forward. It means so much to me, more than you know, that I woke up to see my son at my bedside. And I will never be able to thank you enough for saving my life." A tear falls down his cheek, "Knowing that my son saved my life fills me with more pride and joy than I can express."

Jason walks to stand beside his bed, "I can't change the past, but I would like to find a way to let you," he looks over at Monica, "and mom be a part of my life. I want you to be a part of your grandchild's life." He gets a soft smile on his face, "Fair warning Carly is convinced it's a girl, and knowing my girl, she gets what she wants. So, be prepared for a handful of a granddaughter."

The joy that fills his parents brings tears to their eyes. They both had feared they would never get to have a relationship with their son again. They had already lost AJ, and losing their other son had felt unbearable. This chance they are being given is a gift they will cherish.

Jason looks down for a moment, looking up he says hesitantly, "About Carly…"

Monica puts her hand on his, with a smile she reassures him, "She is the mother of our grandchildren, so she's family. The Quartermaines may have a bunch of faults, but family always figures it out." She gives a self deprecating smile, "Even if it takes us a while to do it."

He puts his arm around her, pulling her into a side hug, giving her a squeeze in gratitude. Then, he tells his dad, "I need to thank you for letting me know which way the guy went, back at the hotel. If you hadn't, I might not have gotten to Carly in time. Thank you for helping me save them." When his father gives him a nod, accepting the gratitude, he adds, "I'm so glad you're okay. You are okay, right? How are you feeling?"

Taking his son's hand, he tells him, "I have my son back in my life, everything else will heal. You have given me and your mother the greatest gift; thank you, son. And I'm glad I could help. Tell Carly congratulations from us, and that we'll have to start a recuperation club." Then solemnly, knowing the importance of this olive branch in building a meaningful relationship with his son, he offers, "Tell her we'd love to have her over sometime, her and the boys."

Jason gives his parents a smile of such happiness, it takes their breath away. "I'll tell her."

From the doorway, Bobbie interrupts, "I'm sorry to interrupt," she gives him a bright smile, "but Carly's demanding your presence."

His knees go weak and tears of joy fall from his eyes. He rushes to the door, looking back for a moment in apology to see his parents waving him off with smiles on their faces.

Turning to Bobbie, he asks, "Where?"

"Second floor, room 204."

Then, he's rushing through the halls almost running into several nurses, including Elizabeth, throwing back apologies as he jogs away. Finally, he's at her door. He looks through the window, and her head turns in his direction, somehow instinctively feeling his presence. When her eyes meet his, she gets a huge smile on her face. It's his smile. The one that communicates a thousand things: love, happiness, an acknowledgement of that soul-deep connection that says 'you are my person.'

Without conscious thought, his hand is opening the door, pulled like on an invisible string to her side. He looks her over briefly, assuring himself she's okay. Then, he's reaching for her face, leaning over the bed, and gently kissing her. He just gives her soft kisses for a full minute or two, not deepening the kiss in an effort to not hurt her. He allows himself to savor the fact that she is alive, that she is safely in his arms again. Pulling back, he studies her more closely. Her shoulder is wrapped in a mummy-like fashion in a way that has fully immobilized her shoulder. Her arm rests in a black sling. Her lip is swollen and bruised from Jerry's hit earlier, as well as a light bruise on her right cheek. Otherwise she looks like her usual beautiful self. She is currently looking up at him with such love on her face that it makes his heart pulse with joy.

"Are you okay?" They ask at the same time.

Carly laughs softly. With a reluctant smile, Jason grumbles, "I'm not the one who was shot, I'm fine. How are you? Are you in any pain? Are you having any cramping? How is the b…"

"The baby is fine. I'm fine. I mean, I'm sore, but they gave me something so I'm more groggy than in pain. My mouth is dry, and I'm a little nauseous. And I really want to see my babies. But I will be okay; we will be okay." She gives him a look he knows well, it's the one that says she's about to say something crazy that she'll somehow convince him is true. "She is going to be fine, the baby I mean. I know it. She told me when I was out, told me not to worry because she would make it through. I was scared, so she sat with me, and held my hand, and reassured me that everything would work out." She gives a little laugh, "We're going to have our hands full with her. She is bossy and a hurricane, determined to have her way, but I think she's also a planner like you." She has tears in her eyes, her hand cupping his face, as she confesses softly and with pride, "That one may take over the world. She told me to tell you hello, and that she can't wait to meet you."

Jason has tears running down his face. It takes him a couple tries to speak, and when he finally does, his voice is choked, "I can't wait to meet her either. I'm so glad you're… I thought I'd lost both…" and then his knees give out. He collapses to sit on the bed, curling in on himself as he lets out all the fear and anguish he's felt. His body is visibly shaking with his tears. Carly begins scooting around, trying to find a position where she can comfort him. Finally, she whines, "Jason, dammit, come here and let me hold you."

With effort, he gets to her uninjured side, carefully getting into the bed beside her, and curls up around her as she turns to face him. They end up lying with their faces resting on the same pillow, close enough their breath wafts across the others lips. He rasps out, "So many times today, I thought I had lost you. I was so scared. I can't lose you. Please, I can't ever lose you, it will end me." They pull closer to each other, crying and giving each other salty kisses as they release everything from the battle they had just endured. Words of love and devotion slip in between kisses. Finally, the storm eases, and they lay face to face for a moment, both lovingly stroking each other and wiping away tears.

So close their noses brush, Carly asks, "How is your dad?"

He smiles, "He's good. He made it through surgery." He lets out a laugh that is more a rush of breath than a sound. "He said you should start a recuperation club." His face gets serious, he looks intently in her eyes, "I told them I was willing to have a relationship with them. I told them I was sorry I had pushed them away for so long. I think it might be good, might be…" he gives a shrug, his lip curling up on one side. "They invited you and the boys over. Monica called you family."

She pulls back, her good hand smacking his arm, "She did not. Did it look painful when she said it? Like she had to force it out? Or…"

"She looked sincere. I think everyone's got a new perspective tonight, making all the fighting in the past feel unimportant." His hand goes to brush hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear, "Everyone just wants a fresh start. I know it's a lot to ask, but…"

Her hand cups his face, "Don't you know yet? There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. I will even be friendly with Monica. I never really minded Alan. He's always been kind to me." She looks intensely at Jason, her thumb tracing against his bottom lip, "I love you so much, even more than I did yesterday, which is impossible. I don't know how I got lucky enough to get the best man on the planet, but I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you." Her eyes trace his face, a face she has loved for most of her adult life, the face of the man who has proven time and again how far he's willing to go to be there for her in all the big and small ways, who shows up for her boys, over and over. Suddenly, she knows with certainty that she has to tell God and the world that they are one. She wants to claim him as hers and build a life together. Her voice trembles as she proposes, "Marry me." She breathes out the words, barely making a sound, but he hears them.

He freezes for just a moment, then his face breaks out in a smile. With a voice filled with joy, he rasps, "Nothing would make me happier." He presses his lips to hers, giving her a kiss that quickly deepens. When he pulls back, he reverently brushes her hair from her face, "Carly," her name comes out like a prayer, "I didn't know I could love anyone this… intensely. I used to try to run from it, from us, so scared of what you make me feel. But my heart knew better, it knew that you are what makes everything worth it. My heart, my soul always comes back to you. I want to spend every day for the rest of my life with you. I want to create a home for our family, you and me and our kids."

Carly smiles, "And Spinelli, the boys will be quick to remind you."

With exasperation, he says, "You do realize he's… well technically he's a grown man. We can't just adopt him like a puppy."

Carly just smiles in the way that says Spinelli doesn't stand a chance. He's about to be part of their mismatched family whether he wants to be or not. He gives her a soft look at the way she makes his young friend feel loved and included.

"You get to tell Sonny," she tells him. "I have officially had enough stress for a lifetime."

He laughs, giving her a sly grin, "Sonny's not going to be a problem. Your plan to distract Sonny with Brenda worked perfectly. Apparently, while we were killing Jax, he found Brenda and whisked her out of the hotel and out of the country. Last time I checked, they were holed up in his home on the island."

"Did you just say one of my plans worked? Can I please get that in writing?" She crows as he actually rolls his eyes. Then, wrinkling her nose in disgust, "Does that mean we have to be nice to her?" She whines.

He nuzzles into her, giving unconscious butterfly kisses. "We'll take it on a case by case basis."

From the door, two little voices call out, "Mama!"

Carly pulls back to look at her babies, her hand reaching for Jason to help her sit up. "My handsome boys! Oh, look how wonderful you look!"

Morgan rushes to the bed, eager to get to his mother. Jason helps him hug Carly so the boy won't accidentally hurt her. Michael stands back, looking over his mother's injuries. Carly looks at him gently. "Michael, I know it looks scary. But I promise you, I'm okay. This will heal, and I will be good as new."

"Does it hurt? Could I hurt you?" He asks worriedly.

She holds her hand out to him, and he cautiously walks to stand beside her, holding her hand. "It hurts a little, but the doctors are giving me medicine so it doesn't hurt too much. And it'll heal so fast I'll be like brand new in no time at all. But, I think you could actually do me a huge favor, something that will make me feel better. Will you give me a hug?" When he leans over to gently hug her, she pulls him tightly to her. She closes her eyes and sees her son in Jerry's hold all over again. She's not sure she will ever fully recover from seeing that bastard hold a gun to her baby's head. Tears leak out of her eyes as she consoles, "I love you boys so very much, and I'm sorry you had such a scary day. Mommy and the baby are okay, and the bad guys are all dead and can never hurt you again. You don't have to worry about them or think about them ever again."

Finally, she reluctantly pulls away, wanting to keep him clutched safely to her for the rest of his life. Looking at both her boys, and her mother standing by the door, "Now, for some happy news, Jason and I have something to tell…"

Jason cuts in, "Carly, may I?" When she gives him a soft smile and nods, he turns to the boys, getting down on his knees. With a serious tone, and sweaty palms, he asks them, "I have a big question I need to ask you. You know I love your mom more than anyone. I want to marry her and make her my wife, but the thing is, I'm not just asking her. You and your mom are a unit, so if we get married we have to agree to be a family. Michael, Morgan, will you be a family with me? Do I have your blessing to marry your mother?"

Morgan begins nodding his head, excited that his cool, heroic Uncle Jason will be his new stepdad. Then, he pauses, looking to his big brother for a final decision on how he feels about it. Michael looks at his mother, his eyes assessing her for a moment, taking in the happiness shining on her face.

Turning back to Jason, he asks, "You promise to not make her cry, and make her feel better when she does?"

Jason vows, solemnly, "I promise."

"You are going to have to keep her safe from all the bad guys. And don't let anyone hurt her, not even her feelings." Michael demands.

"I will do everything in my power to keep her safe." He promises.

Michael walks into Jason's arms, wrapping his arms around his neck. "You have my blessing."

Morgan, following his brother's lead, hugs his godfather as well. "It's okay with me too."

There are tears on the faces of all three adults in the room, the beauty of the moment breaking through the ugliness of the day. Carly tells them, "Bring some of that over here!"

They end up with Morgan and Jason curled up on a chair pushed up against the bed, with Michael curled up beside his mother. Jason and Carly's hands are joined. Their eyes meet, as a feeling of peace radiates through them. This is what they both have been looking for so desperately all these years, a sense of family, of coming home to right where you're supposed to be and who you're supposed to be with, and it had been right in front of them the whole time. A love that will stand the test of time if they just have the courage to claim it and fight for it.