Chapter 60

Courtney looked up at her husband and brother.  Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.  Jason wondered inanely why he hadn’t heard her crying then refocused his thoughts on the gun.

He kneeled down just inside the doorway and he scooted forward towards her on the slick surface. 

“Court, honey, what are you doing?” Jason asked softly.

She shrugged her shoulders like a small child.  She was obviously exhausted and could barely keep her eyes open.  Jason saw her eyelids droop and threaten to close.  He was worried that she would startle and the gun would go off.  He had no idea if she had the safety off but he could see that her finger was on the trigger.

“Baby, please put the gun down.”  Jason pleaded.  “You’re safe.  I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“Who’s going to protect you, Jason?  And Zander?” Courtney asked softly.

“I can protect all of us, honey.  Please put the gun down.”

“No, it’s my job to take care of Zander.  Mama told me that.  She made me promise.” Courtney protested.

Zander’s heart dropped when he heard her say that.  He took a few steps back and tried not to cry.

“Just put the gun down and we talk about it.  I’m sure you mom would understand you taking just a little break.” Jason cajoled.

“I can’t.  It’s my job to take care of him and I didn’t.” Courtney answered anguish contorting her face.

Jason looked at Zander and with his eyes motioned to the bathroom telling him silently that Courtney needed him.

Zander took a few deep breaths trying to compose himself and stepped forward to take Jason’s place in the doorway.

“Hey, Corey, I thought it was our job to take care of each other.” Zander said evenly.  He sat down on the floor and tried to set through to her.  “Remember that time that Billy Marks pulled your hair and I beat him up for making you cry?”

Courtney nodded her head. “You got in trouble because his mom called mama and told her.”

“Yeah, and then you took her by the hand and sat her down at the kitchen table.  You told her that Billy had it coming because he pulled your hair and when mom said that I couldn’t just hit people even if they had started it you looked up at her with those big blue eyes and said, ‘Mommy, actions have consequences.  There wasn’t a grownup to punish Billy so Zander did it.’

Jason heard the gun clatter lightly against the tile and he heaved a sigh of relief.

“See, Corey, you have always taken care of me … better than anyone could have asked.  But mom shouldn’t have asked you to do that.  It’s one thing to take care of each other because we are family but you aren’t responsible for me.  I made my own choices and my own mistakes.  You aren’t to blame for any of that.”

“I am.” Courtney said.

“No, you’re not.  I went a little nuts when mom died but that’s not your fault.  And it’s not your fault that mom killed herself.  She made a choice to do what she did.”

Courtney started to cry again and Zander looked around to see that Jason had left the room.  Straining his ears he could hear Jason ending a conversation with someone on the phone. He had no idea who he had called but he hoped it was someone more qualified to help than either of them.

“I can’t do this anymore.  I’m not strong enough.”  Courtney sobbed wrapping her arms around her legs and rocking back and forth. “I want my mama.”

Zander reached forward and grabbed the gun backing out of the bathroom.  He could feel the commotion coming from the hall and managed to get out of the way just in time for Carly to push past him into the bathroom.  She settled on the bathroom floor and wrapped her body around Courtney’s.

“Shhhhhhh, it’s okay, sweetie. I’ve got you.  It’s okay.” Carly whispered calmly.

Zander turned to Jason handing him the gun.  Jason checked it and sighed clicking the safety back on.

“Do you think she was going to kill herself?” Zander quietly asked his brother-in-law.

“I don’t know, Zan … I don’t think so.  If she was, she probably would have done it.  I think she’s just scared and overwhelmed and she doesn’t know what to do anymore.”

Both men stepped back as Carly led a shaking Courtney out of the bathroom and over to the bed.

“Out.  Both of you … right now.” Carly ordered as she settled Courtney under the covers and started to climb in next to her. 

Jason started to protest but he took one look at Carly’s face and led Zander out the door shutting it behind them.

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Jason sat with Zander in the kitchen and stared at him over the top of the table.

“I hate to do this to you, Zan, but I think I need to hear the whole story from you.” Jason said. 

Zander just nodded.  He could see now that Courtney was much worse than he had ever imagined.  She felt guilty and responsible for everything that had gone wrong with their family.  He would do whatever he had to, to help her get better.

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When Carly walked in the two men had gone over the story twice and finished the better part of a pot of coffee.  Jason jumped up from the table.

“How is she?” He begged.

“She’s sleeping right now.  How long has this been going on?” She asked with an accusatory tone looking back and forth between the two men.

Jason rubbed his hands over his face.  “We found her like that this morning.  I knew she had been upset but she kept saying that she was fine.  Then when I found her at Kelly’s last night with her mother …”

“Wait.  What? Her mother?” Carly looked at Zander.  “I thought your mother was dead.”

Zander nodded. “She is but … this is really complicated.”

“It turns out the woman who raised them wasn’t Courtney’s mother.  Zander and Courtney are twins.  Their biological mother gave them to her sister to raise.”

“Right.  The husband was the father but … I thought that it was just Zander.  It was both of them?”  Carly asked.  “Why would their mom tell them only part of the truth?”

“That’s the question.  Unfortunately, we’ll never know.  And it turns out she did tell Courtney the whole truth.  Courtney never told anyone until Alexandra, their birth mother, showed up.”  Jason explained.

“So Courtney knew and never told anyone?” Carly asked.

“Yes.” Zander answered.

“That explains a lot.” Carly murmured lost in thought.

“What? What does that explain?” Jason asked urgently.

Carly looked up at him.  “She kept saying ‘I’m sorry, mama.’  She feels really guilty about something, Jase.  It’s tearing her up inside.”

Jason sank down into the kitchen chair.  “I don’t know what to do anymore.  It’s like she falling and I keep losing my grip on her.”  He looked up with a desperate fear on his face.  “Am I going to lose her?  Now, after everything we’ve been through … am I going to lose her?”

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People flooded into the hallway when they heard the screaming.  A maid had come upon a bloody body when she had entered the room to clean.  When the Port Charles EMS arrived they were stunned to find the woman just barely alive.  She had been severely beaten and left for dead.  They rushed her to General Hospital.

Lt. Marcus Taggert had picked up the call on his way to breakfast at Kelly’s.  Normally, he would let a uniform handle the investigation but the sweepers searching the room had found full dossiers on Jason and Courtney Morgan and Zander Smith.  Taggert decided to pay the Morgan family a little visit and ask them a few questions about the victim, Alexandra St. Clair.

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Jason hurried over to open the door before the banging woke Courtney up.  He was not thrilled to see the police standing in the hall.

“Taggert, this is really not a good time.  My wife is not feeling well.”

Taggert looked over Jason’s shoulder to see Zander and Carly sitting on the couch.

“Then why are you having a party?” Taggert asked as he pushed past him into the apartment.

“What the hell?  Taggert, you are an idiot.” Carly said with a nasty glare.

“Mrs. Corinthos, don’t you have a home? How about you Mr. Smith?” Taggert asked.

“This is his home. Now, is there a reason you’re here?” Jason asked not attempting to conceal his annoyance.

“A woman was found severely beaten earlier this morning.”

“So, now you are harassing Jason for any crime that is committed in Port Charles?” Carly asked sarcastically.

“Carly, stop.” Jason had a bad feeling about this.

“She was found in her hotel room at the Port Charles Hotel. She had files on you, your wife and Mr. Smith.” Taggert continued.  “What do you know about her?”

“She’s my mother.” Zander answered, his face pale.  “Is she alive?”

“Barely. Whoever did it knew what they were doing.” Taggert said.

“I don’t know anything about my mother other than she gave me and my sister away when we were babies.  The first time I laid eyes on her was the other day.  She’s been sneaking around town asking question about us.” Zander said.

“Do you know who might have done this to her?” Taggert asked.  He was certain neither man was involved.  Both were too stunned and no matter what reputation Jason Morgan had he wasn’t a woman beater.

“No, I can’t think of anyone but I don’t know her very well at all.  We only met yesterday.” Zander answered without meeting Taggert’s eyes. 

Taggert knew that Zander Smith knew full well who had done this and he was going to find out the truth one way or another.

Chapter 61 – Running on Faith

Carly handed Jason the slip of paper.  He looked down at it, sighing, before he picked up the phone and dialed the number.

“Hello, Dr. Timmons, my name is Jason Morgan.  Dr. Meadows recommended you.”

“No, I understand you only treat women.  I’m calling for my wife.”

“I’m not quite sure what is wrong with her but I know that she needs help.”

“I understand you don’t normally do this but … could you come here?  She’s pregnant and really not up to going out.”

Jason heaved another sigh.

“Um, I don’t know if I can explain it over the phone … well, three years ago my wife was almost raped by her father and then watched as her mother killed him a few moments later.  She’s been having flashbacks and nightmares.”

“Yes, I’m very concerned about her safety.  We found her this morning with my gun.”

“No, the gun has been removed from the apartment.”

“Yes, thank you, we’ll see you in a hour.”

“Wait … Dr. Timmons.  You’re not going to lock her up are you?  In a hospital?  I don’t think she’d be able to stand that.”

“Okay.”

Jason hung up the phone and crossed his arms over his chest.  Carly pulled him into an embrace and just held him, the most dangerous man in Port Charles, while he sobbed like a child.

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“God, I don’t even know what to call you.  I can’t call you mom.  I had one of those before.” Zander said softly as he looked at the women swaddled in bandages.

All the machines and tubes intimidated him but, no matter what this woman had or had not done to him, he wanted her to know that someone was here for her.

“Courtney’s always been there for me even when I didn’t feel I deserved it.  Jason told me she stayed by my side almost the whole time after a car hit me.  It didn’t matter that I had just told her to leave me alone and slammed my door in her face.  She sat with me for days.”

He looked up at all the machines and tried to concentrate on talking to her.  He couldn’t really look at her because it was so unbelievable to him that anyone could be so cold and brutal to do this to another human.

“I know we didn’t get off to a great start and honestly I don’t know if I can trust you but I want to believe that you care about us and want what’s best for us.  Right now, that has to be you staying away.  Courtney can’t handle this right now and I need to focus on her.  It may be awhile before I can get back but I’ll be checking to make sure you’re okay.”

Zander got up and walked from the room nodding to Tony on his way out.  Someone was guarding her room constantly to make sure that the man who did this to her couldn’t hurt her again.  Sonny had promised to make sure that Frank Martin paid for nearly killing Alexandra.

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“Hey, baby, can you eat just a little?” Jason asked as he offered his wife a spoonful of soup. 

Courtney just shook her head.  Jason sighed and put the food down on the table next to the bed.

Taking her hands he looked into her eyes and was devastated to see that he couldn’t find her at all.  The light was gone.  He felt like someone had sucked all the air out of the room.

“Court, I called someone to come talk to you.  Her name is Rachel Timmons.  Dr. Meadows said she’s the best at what she does.”

“Do you think I’m crazy, Jason?” Courtney whispered.

“No, I think you’re confused and scared.  And I know that, as much as I want to, I can’t help you. Not alone anyway.”  He took a deep breath to steady him. “Please talk to her.  Will you do that for me?”

This time Courtney nodded her assent.  Relief flooded through him. He kissed her on the forehead.

“She’ll be here pretty soon.  Do you think you’d feel better talking to her up here or would you like to get dressed and come downstairs?”

“I want to take a shower.” Courtney said softly.

Jason took her hand and helped her out of bed.  They walked together to the bathroom where he turned the shower on to warm up and then helped her out of the robe and nightgown she wore.  Pausing for a moment he held her tightly and felt her let out the breath she had been holding.  Easing her back so he could look into her face he tipped her chin up with one hand and held it gently forcing her to look into his eyes.

“We are going to get through this.  I know right now you feel out of control but I will never let you get lost.  Hold onto me when you feel like you can’t do it yourself.  You don’t need to be the strong one all the time.”

“I love you, Jason.” Courtney said. 

“I love you too.”

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Zander was walking in the door to the penthouse as Jason was walking Dr. Timmons was out.

“I’ll be back tomorrow morning at 10:00 am, Mr. Morgan.”

“Thank you, Dr. Timmons.”

Zander just stood and stared at the woman.  He raised an eyebrow at Jason as he closed the door behind the woman.

“What’s going on?” Zander asked.

“That was a doctor who specializes in women who were sexually assaulted.  I brought the idea up last night with Courtney and after what happened this morning I called Dr. Timmons to come to talk to her.” Jason answered.

“And?” Zander asked.

“Well, Dr. Timmons thinks that Courtney is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.” Jason answered.

“Wait, isn’t that what the Vietnam vets suffered from?” Zander asked.

“She says that anyone who has been through a traumatic event can develop it.  In fact, it’s very common in women who have been sexually assaulted.  Your father’s actions, then your fight with him, and then the shooting all hit her really hard.  She feels guilty for being the cause of all these bad things that happened to your family.  She sees that one moment as her fault and the events that followed are hers to claim also.  Including your car accident.”

“But that’s ridiculous.” Zander said.

“To you and to me but to her it makes perfect sense.” Jason offered running his hands through his hair.  “We all have a lot of work to do but we are going to get through this.  Dr. Timmons wants to talk to Courtney alone for the next few days but then she wants to talk to all of us.  Are you willing to do that?”

“Jason, I’d do anything for Corey.”

“Good because I have the feeling we are all going to have to be willing to do whatever it takes to help her.

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After a few hours sitting with a sketch artist a bellboy had given a remarkable description.

“Frank Martin … another mobster.” Taggert said as he looked at the sketch.  Turning to Mac her continued.  “This doesn’t feel like a mob thing though, does it?”

“No, this is not the way things get done.  If he wanted to send Jason a message he wouldn’t use a newly discovered family member.” The Police Commissioner admitted.

“So, I’ll see if we can find another connection between the victim and Martin.” Taggert stated.

“Looks like it back to talk to Morgan and his family.” Mac said.

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“Mama, what are you doing?” Courtney asked.

“What I have to, baby girl.” Corinne answered.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Courtney screamed sitting up in bed.

Jason grabbed her.  “It was just a dream.  I’m here.  It’s okay.”

She looked at him.  “Where’s Zander? I need him.”

“I’ll go get him.” Jason said.

She slowed her breathing and tried to calm down remembering what Dr. Timmons had told her.

She heard them coming up the stairs and took a deep breath.  When they came into the room she held out her hand for Jason to come sit with her on the bed.  He sat next to her and wrapped his arms around her instinctively knowing she needed his support.  Zander sat on the foot of the bed and turned towards her.

“Dr. Timmons told me that the only way I can start to feel better is to stop hiding everything that hurts me.  That I need to feel I can talk to my family and let them share some of the burden.”

“Corey, we’ll do anything to help.  You know that?” Zander said.

“I know.” She burrowed deeper into Jason’s side. He held her tightly.

“Take your time, honey.  You don’t need to do it all at once.” Jason told her.

She nodded and took a deep breath.  “It’s about the day mama killed herself, Zander.”

Zander cleared his throat trying not to cry.  As angry as he was with their mother he still missed her terribly.  He nodded for her to go on.

“I was in the house.” Courtney said.

Both men looked at her in horror.  Neither had known she was in the house during the suicide.

“Oh my God, Courtney, why didn’t you tell us?” Jason asked. 

She looked up at her brother with tears spilling out of her eyes.  “She did it right in front of me, Zander.  Our mother killed herself while I watched.”

Chapter 62 – To Where You Are

It was a strange sensation.  As if the room had suddenly filled with light and fresh air.  The two men stared at her. 

“Court, are you okay?” Jason asked softly.  He was concerned about her sudden shift in mood.  Sobbing as she confessed her witness of her mother’s suicide she had suddenly stopped crying and smiled.

‘They really think I’m insane now.’ She thought. 

Swallowing her tears she nodded.  Taking a deep breath she let it out slowly.  The pain she had felt in her chest for weeks was slowly fading. “You’re both still here with me.”

“I was so afraid … that if I said something … that if I told no one would understand … that you would leave me.  So I didn’t even think about it.  And then I had almost convinced myself that I had just made it up.  But I was there.” Courtney said, her smile fading, as she remembered.

“I don’t understand.” Zander said. “I thought that the neighbors heard the shot and called the police.”

Courtney nodded.  “I came home from class early.  I just had this awful feeling that something bad was going to happen.  She was in the bathroom.  She froze when she saw me.  I asked her what she was doing and she told me that she had to do it.  I don’t remember much of what happened after she ….” Courtney broke off unable to say the words again.

Jason held her tightly. “It’s okay, sweetie.  You don’t have to keep going.” He said gently.

To his surprise she pushed away from him and sat up.  She dragged her hands through her hair and turned to him.

“No, I’ve hidden it long enough.” She turned to catch her brother’s eye.  “And Zander has been in the dark long enough.  I’m so sorry, Zan.  I never wanted you to find out.  I never wanted you to be hurt by it all.”

Zander nodded.  He was so confused by everything that had happened the past few days but he wanted to hear what she had to tell him … he needed to hear the truth.

“She had already told me everything about Alexandra and our father the night before.  She wanted me to know in case she ever came looking for us.”

“Why did she tell me that it was just me then?” Zander asked.

“Maybe she thought that it would explain why Daddy had always been so mean to you.  I, honestly, don’t know, Zan.  I know that she loved us both but I think towards the end she was just tired of all the lies and pretending.” She closed her eyes and sighed.

Jason could see that the enormity of what she had confessed was exhausting her.  He knew it was important for her to talk it all out but he was concerned about her health too.

“Maybe we could continue this a little later.  After you’ve eaten and slept some more.” He entreated.

She just shook her head no and he knew to back off.  He pulled her back into his arms and let her rest against him.

“I think she hated me just a little too, Zander.” She saw him started to protest but she held up her hand.  “It wasn’t just Daddy who wanted everything to be perfect.  She thought she could make it all work with the right lies.  The Matthews family … pillar of the community.  She did what she did to protect us from him physically.  Then she killed herself to protect herself from the fallout.  Not us … her.  And she did it in front of me because she wanted to hurt me.  No matter how many times she said it wasn’t my fault part of her believed that it was.  Because she wanted Daddy to love her best and he loved her sister.  And she wanted me to love her best and I loved you.”

Zander ached for his sister right then.  So much more deeply than ever before.  He knew the whole burden she had carried for years now.  She had carried it for him too.  Out of love.  And he had accused her and betrayed her.  He had run off and left her to clean up the nightmare their parents had created.  He had slammed doors in her face and called her names. Yet she sat in front of him asking for forgiveness for trying to protect him.

She sat, staring at him, terrified that he would never understand.  He ducked his head down and broke eye contact with her and her heart broke.

“Corey, I …. “ He took a deep breath and started again. “I don’t care about any of that anymore.  I don’t care why either of them did anything.  We can’t change it now.”  He looked back up at her.  “I’ve always known somewhere deep down inside me that you were special … more than a sister.  I could never explain it.  I just knew that you were a part of me.  Now, I know why.  And I know why he hated me so much.  He knew it too … we’re a part of each other and we always will be.”  Zander leaned over and grabbed her hands.  “Nothing will ever pull us apart again … I promise you that.”

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Courtney had fallen asleep shortly after Zander gave her his vow that they would never be estranged ever again.  Jason just held her until her breathing slowed and both men watched her.

Once she was fully asleep Jason gently released her, settling her on the bed, and followed Zander into the hall.

“It’s all so clear to me now.” Jason said shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Why she ran off to deal with Elizabeth alone … why she kept those secrets from you … and me.”

Zander leaned against his bedroom door and just shook his head.  “Can you imagine trying to keep all of that inside you?”

“No, I can’t and I can’t imagine how your sister kept it together as long as she did.”  Jason answered.  “She’s a very strong woman … stronger than she should ever have had to be.  I hate your father for what he did to her … and to you.  God, that feels strange.  I’ve never really hated anyone before.”

“You know … I don’t hate him anymore.  We survived everything he did to us.  We may be hurt but he didn’t win because he never broke us apart.” Zander said.

“He was jealous … of his own children.  He saw something in you he knew he could never share.” Jason offered.

Zander steadily looked him in the eye. “Are you?”

Jason’s eyes widened. “Jealous?”  He shook his head. “No, I’m not jealous.  A part of me wonders what it would feel like to have a built in best friend but what I have with your sister is enough for me.  What about you?” Jason asked turning the tables.

“Hell yeah.  I’m jealous of what you two share but not because I want to have it with Corey but … I guess, I’m just jealous that you guys have this instant family.  It was so easy.”

Jason chuckled.  “It’s not as easy as it looks.”

“No, I know that but … you guys just fit, you know?” Zander asked.

“Yeah, but it makes this so much harder.” Jason said gesturing to the bedroom door behind him.

“God.” Zander said rubbing his head.  “I’d die if this was happening to Em and I couldn’t do anything.”

“Yeah, well, you’d manage … just like we will.” Jason said as he turned to go back into the bedroom.

“Jase?” Zander said hesitantly.

“Yeah.”

“I know that we haven’t always … well, what I’m trying to say … you made us a family again. Thank you.” Zander turned and went into his room leaving Jason staring after him.

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“Jason?” Courtney whispered in the quiet dark of the bedroom.  She wasn’t sure what time it was but it was late.

“Are you okay?” He asked instantly awake.  He had really only been on the edge of sleep, staying alert in case she needed him.

“I’m fine. So are the babies.” She said softly not quite whispering anymore but talking quietly.

“Do you need anything?” He asked.  He started to sit up in bed preparing to get up and attend to her.

“No. I just wanted to talk a little.”

“Okay.” He lay back down and turned to face her.

“I know I’ve been a lot of trouble lately.”

He reached out to cup her cheek with his hand. “You haven’t been trouble.  You just needed some help. I’m glad you feel safe enough to talk to us now.”

She nodded against his hand. “I’m sorry I waited so long.  It wasn’t you … never you.  It was me … and him.” She said it and then shivered and Jason knew she meant her father.

“Whatever he told you was a lie.”

“He said that no one would ever love me as much as he did.” She moved closer to him until she could see his eyes even in the dim light of the pale, crescent moon.  “But he didn’t know what love was.  Not real love. Not the kind that you have given me.  Your love is pure. It is gift … a promise.

He closed the minute distance between them and kissed her softly.  “I will always love you.  Nothing will ever stop that ... not a million miles … not a thousand years.  You are a part of my soul … forever.”

He pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her.  He could feel her heartbeat as he held her and he understood what she had told him long ago. Her heartbeat was the sound of home to him too.

“Why do you love me?” Courtney asked.

“Because you are the most selfless person I have ever met.  You took on other people’s lies to protect your brother.  You treated me like a real man and not some criminal.  You opened your heart to me even though I hadn’t earned that trust.  You have been so brave.  I love you because you are you.”

“Thank you.”

“Baby, please sleep.  I need you to sleep.  I’m worried sick about you and the babies.”

“I can sleep now.  I’m safe here with you.” Courtney whispered and she snuggled deeper into his embrace.

“Sweet dreams, my love.” Jason whispered back knowing she was already asleep.

Chapter 63 – Shadowboxer

“So she is doing better?” Dr. Timmons asked.

She arrived for their session but Courtney had slept late and was still getting ready.  She wanted to talk with Jason about how things had been.

“Definitely.  For the past few days … ever since she told us about the suicide … she’s been eating better and wanting to do more.  She went for a walk in the park yesterday and came home excited about the children she had seen playing.  She asked to see Michael … our nephew. He’s six.”

“Good.  She’s focusing on the present and not the past.” Dr. Timmons nodded.

“She has been spending a lot time with her brother, Zander.  He has been really great.  He hasn’t blamed her or been angry with her about anything that has happened … even though I wouldn’t blame him if he was.” Jason said not meeting the doctor’s eyes.

“Are you angry with her, Jason?” She probed.

“No, I’m not angry.” He said but then got up and began wandering around the room.

“But … maybe you’re hurt.” She asked. “It sounds as if she is spending time away from you … the park, Michael, her brother.”

“She’s not avoiding me and she’s not ignoring me …” He ran his hands through his hair in frustration “… it’s hard to explain.”

The doctor sat looking at him as he began to agitatedly touch things in the room.  She waited patiently until he was ready to tell her what was happening in his home.

Finally, he stopped and looked at her. “I’m just here.  It’s almost as if I’m not a real person but a piece of furniture.  We go about our everyday life.  We eat and talk but it’s not as if she’s really interested.  She’s happy or sad or angry with Zander but with me … nothing.”

“Have you told her how you feel?” Dr. Timmons asked.

Jason looked at her as if she were crazy.  “Of course not.  She’s trying to get better.  She doesn’t need me whining about being lonely.”

“Actually, she does.  She needs to hear that her behavior is hurting you.  I think today would be a good day for a session with both of you.  I’ll start out with just her and then let her know that you will be joining us.  Are you all right with that?”

“Are you sure?” Jason asked nervously.

“Yes.  This is not only Courtney’s problem.  The events happened to her but they affect you too.” Dr. Timmons answered.

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“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Courtney.  Your husband says you’ve been eating well and getting out of the house.”

Courtney smiled excitedly at her therapist.  “All the children running around … their laughter.  It was so much fun.  I can’t wait to take the babies to the park next year.”

“So you and Jason had a nice time watching the children and making plans for when the twins arrive?” Dr. Timmons explored.

“No, I went to the park alone.  Except for Marco.” Courtney explained her smile beginning to falter.

“Oh, I see.  And how are things with Zander?  I know it’s very stressful with your biological mother in the hospital.”

“Zander is great.  We’re closer than ever before.  We talk about all the time we missed in each other’s lives.” Courtney sighed. “I feel so connected to him.”

“That’s good.  And you’re enjoying spending more time with your friends and nephew.”

Courtney nodded as tears began to course down her cheeks.

“Good.  I told Jason earlier that I think today would be a good day to have a couple session.”

Dr. Timmons got up to get Jason from the kitchen but Courtney stopped her with a hand to her arm.

“Do we have to?” Courtney asked softly.

“Is there something you have to tell me that you don’t want him hearing?” Dr. Timmons asked.

Courtney shook her head miserably and wiped away the wetness on her face.

The therapist returned with Jason following her and he sat on the opposite end of the couch from Courtney.  It was obvious that they were both very uncomfortable.  When it was apparent that neither of them was going to speak, Dr. Timmons cleared her throat and turned to Courtney.

“So, how are things between the two of you?” Dr. Timmons asked.

Courtney’s eyes turned hard as she looked at Jason.  “Fine.”

“Good.” Dr. Timmons said.  “Jason?”

He gave her a confused look but before he could answer Courtney did. “He’s fine too.”

“Good. So often in a situation like this there is a distance between the couple but you two seem like you are committed to each other and happy despite the issue you are working through.” She started to pack up her bag and looked as if she was about to leave. 

The wariness that had invaded Courtney’s face when Jason entered the room disappeared and she stood to show the woman out.

“Wait a minute.  I’m not fine and I am not happy.” Jason said.

Dr. Timmons turned to look back at him.

“You said she needed to know how I felt but you just let her answer for me.” Jason said accusingly.

“I’m here to listen, Jason.  If you have something you want to say to Courtney you need to tell her.” She pointed out mildly.

“I said everything is fine, Jason.” Courtney glared at him.  Her voice had a hard edge to it.

“No, everything is not fine.  Stop saying that.  I’m not fine.  We’re not fine and you know it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Courtney said obstinately as she crossed her arms over her chest and set a look on her face that dared him to contradict her.

“I’m talking about last night.” Jason shouted at her.

Courtney shot a startled look over at the doctor. “Don’t you think that’s a little private?” She hissed.

“Normally, yes, I do think it’s private but since you didn’t see fit to make me a part of it I don’t really care.” Jason spat at her.

“What the hell are you talking about? You were a part of it.  I wasn’t alone.” Courtney yelled.

“You might as well have been.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Courtney asked angrily her eyes filling with tears again.

“No, don’t you cry! Don’t you dare.”  Jason said quietly.  “Not after what you did to me.”

“Jason.” Dr. Timmons said evenly.  He looked over at the doctor.  He seemed almost confused to see her. “Tell Courtney what she did last night and how it made you feel.  Be specific.  Everyone sees things differently.  Maybe she doesn’t understand what she did was hurtful.”

Jason nodded.  He was grateful that the doctor had stopped him.  His anger had been threatening to spill over and he knew that he would have said things that he would have later regretted.

He turned back to his wife.  Courtney looked around the room frantically as if searching for an escape route.  Jason reached out to take her hand but she impulsively snatched it back out of his reach and placed it behind her back.

Jason sighed heavily.  “Courtney, when you touched me last night I was so happy.  I thought we would make love and … and for a little while forget about all the sadness.”

“That’s what we did.” Courtney said stubbornly.

“No, love had nothing to do with what happened last night.” He said softly.

Courtney opened her mouth as if to say something but quickly shut it again and then turned her back on Jason.

Dr. Timmons decided it was time she stepped in again.  “Courtney, your husband is trying to tell you something.”

Courtney shook her head no.  She wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t want to talk about this.”  She said in a small voice.

“Fine.” Jason said and started to walk out.

“Okay, Courtney, you don’t want to talk about it but would you be willing to listen?” Dr. Timmons asked.

Jason stopped and looked to see what her response would be.  He saw her nod ever so slightly before she sat down on the couch with her head down.

‘So she’s willing to listen but she won’t look me in the eye.’ Jason thought.

“But I realized after a moment that you were not interested in the same thing I was.” Jason looked over at the doctor and she nodded for him to continue.  “You used me.  I could have been a stranger. Someone you picked up in a bar.  I didn’t feel any love or even that you liked me.”

Courtney looked up and saw the broken look in his eyes and her face flushed with shame.

“It hurt me and … and it scared me.”

“Why did it scare you, Jason?” Dr. Timmons prompted.

“It scared me because I thought that she had never really loved me and everything that happened between us was just a reaction to what had happened in the past.”

“No.” Courtney whispered.

“No, what?” Dr. Timmons asked.

“No, that’s not true.  I do love you, Jason.  I love you so much.” Courtney answered.

Jason felt relief wash through him.  He had known the truth.  He just needed to hear it.

“And I don’t know what happened last night.  I’d been feeling so angry with you and I wanted to hurt you.  I don’t know why I did that.” Courtney continued.  “I didn’t want to talk about it because I didn’t have an answer for you.”

Dr. Timmons had pieced together the events of last night.  “Actually, its not at all uncommon for women who have been sexually assaulted to act out in this manner.  Luckily, the only bad thing that came from this was some hurt feelings.”

The therapist turned to the young woman shrinking into the couch.  “Courtney, you weren’t angry with Jason.  You were angry with your father for trying to hurt you.  He made you feel powerless and small.  You decided to take back your power in the same way he tried to take it from you.  Sexual assault is not about sex. It’s about power, control, and anger.”

“That’s the way I felt.  I was so angry and I didn’t know why. I felt really powerful too and it felt good for a little bit but ….”

“But you knew that you were hurting someone you love.” Dr. Timmons finished.

Courtney nodded and met Jason’s gaze. “I’m sorry, sweetie.  I am so, so sorry.”

“I know that you were hurt by what she did, Jason, but you need to know that she did it because she knew she was safe with you.  It’s probably not the way you wanted to help her but you did.  And its important that you tell each other how you feel.”

They both nodded. Jason took Courtney’s hand and took a deep breath.  “I know that you are trying to deal with a lot right now and I want to help you any way I can but … but when you’re angry … could you just throw my clothes off the balcony.” His eyes twinkled with mischief as they both broke into laughter leaving Dr. Timmons confused but pleased.

“I think that’s my cue to leave.  Even though we have work ahead of us still I think everything is going to be fine.”

Chapter 64 – Free

Snuggled up on the couch they were content to sit quietly just holding one another.  It was a rare calm moment in their lives and they wanted to savor it.  Courtney absentmindedly rubbed her growing belly.  She felt Jason sigh.  She reached over and grabbed his hand placing it on her stomach and hers over top it.  They sat like that for a few more moments until Jason felt a movement.  He jumped up from the couch.

“They moved.” He practically shouted.

Courtney laughed. “No, honey, that was just my stomach rumbling.”

He looked so crestfallen she stifled the urge to laugh again.  “It won’t be long. I promise.”

“I know … just for a minute, I thought … never mind, you’re hungry.  I’ll go fix you something to eat.” He turned to go to the kitchen.

Courtney got up from the couch and wrapped her arms around him laying her cheek against his back.

“Jase? Talk to me.  Remember, we need to tell each other how we feel.”

He wrapped his hands over top of hers.  “I just don’t want to get too excited or hopeful.” He said softly.

He felt her warmth receding as she pulled away from him, her small hands slipping out from underneath his.  He turned around and was stunned to see a look of utter sadness on her face.

“You’ve given up on me, haven’t you?” Courtney asked in a whisper.

Jason reached his hand out and palmed her cheek. “Never.” He said fiercely. “I will never give up on you. You are my life.”

He pulled her to him and hugged her hard.  So hard she started laughing again.  He loosened his grip on her.  “Sorry.” He told her sheepishly.

“No.  I love it. Its so good to feel close to you again.” She said happily.

“Yeah, things have been a little strained around here lately.” Jason agreed.

She looked him straight in the eye wanting him to know she was sincere. “I am so sorry about last night.  I never meant to hurt you.  I didn’t understand ….” She trailed off when her shook his head at her.

“I know.” He reassured her.  She nodded and laid her head on his chest.  He held her for a few moments until her stomach rumbled again.  Breaking apart they both laughed.

“Let’s get you fed, Mrs. Morgan.” Jason said.

“Then I want to go to the hospital.” Courtney said firmly.

“Are you alri ….” Jason trailed off when he realized what she meant.  “If you’re sure.”

“She’s my mother, Jason.  She needs me.” Courtney answered.

-------------------------------------------

Zander was surprised to see her when she walked in.  He got up and walked over to the door.  She was stock still just inside the doorway staring at the woman on the bed.

“Corey, you don’t have to do this.” Zander told her gently.

She lifted her gaze to his and saw the concern in his eyes.  She reached out and took his hand giving it three squeezes.

“It’s okay, Zan.  I need to do this.  I need to forgive her … and mom and dad too so I can finally forgive myself.”

Zander started to return the squeezes but then stopped himself.  “We’re not playing by his rules anymore, Court.  I love you.”

She smiled at him as her eyes filled with tears.  “I love you too.”

They held hands looking over at their mother.  Zander motioned to the folders on the table beside the bed.  “I’ve been reading them, Court.  Not one mention of money or assets.  I think she just wanted to see us and be a part of our lives.”

Courtney nodded and sighed.  “He did this to her because she left him for us.  I want him to pay for what he did to her, Zander.  No matter what it takes no man will ever hurt her or use her again.”

Zander reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a thick envelope handing it to his sister.  “Let’s see if we can’t find a way to protect as many women as possible.”

She opened up the papers and read them out loud. “The Courtney Morgan Foundation.”

She looked up at Zander confusion etched on her features.  “What is this?”

“This is the way I’m going to become the kind of man who is worthy of being your brother.  This is a foundation I started to help prevent the kinds of things that have happened to you and her.  I’m going to spend every penny of that money you gave me if I have to.”

“Oh, Zander, I don’t know what to say.” Courtney choked out.

“Say you’ll help me when you’re feeling better.”

He led her over to the chair next to their mother’s bed and sat her down.  “Do you want me to stay?”

She shook her head.  “No, Jason is waiting for me.  I’ll be fine.”

He leaned down and kissed her head.  “I’ll see you at home.”

She heard the door close behind him.  She leaned closer and touched her mother’s hand.  Gently resting her own hand on top Courtney was saddened to see that her hands were the only places on the woman’s body that wasn’t bandaged or deeply bruised.

“I’m sorry he did this to you.  I’m going to make sure he never hurts you again.  When you’re better I’m going to take you to the most beautiful place in this world.  It has the bluest water and the whitest sand.  You’ll never be afraid there.  And we’re going to make sure Frank Martin pays for what he’s done to you.”

Courtney leaned down to kiss her mother’s hand.  “You have to get better soon.  We have so much to catch up on, Mom.”

-------------------------------------------

Zander sat in front of Lt. Marcus Taggart’s desk. “Frank Martin.”

“What about him?” Taggart asked knowing full well what Zander was telling him.

“We think he’s the one who hurt Alexan … my mother.” Zander explained.

“Why do you think that?” Taggart asked evenly.

“She used to live with him.  She left to come here and find us, I assume.  He might not have liked that too much.” Zander explained.

“And the fact that he’s a rival of Corinthos-Morgan has nothing to do with it.” Taggart said once again making sure his tone was neutral.

Zander shook his head.  “No, I don’t think so.  From what I understand that’s just not the way things are done.  You don’t go after family.  He probably doesn’t even know she’s related to Jason.”

Taggart looked at Zander for a moment.  “I take it that Corinthos-Morgan won’t be handling this in their usual fashion.”

Again Zander shook his head.  “This doesn’t have anything to do with them.  This is my mother … mine and Courtney’s and we want this man put behind bars for what he did.  Sonny and Jason have men guarding her at the hospital and once she’s better they will be sending her someplace safe.  That is until you can find Frank Martin and put him on trial.”

Both Zander and Taggart stood up.  The cop reached his hand out to Zander.  “I’ll do whatever it takes to get Frank Martin for what he did.”

“Thank you.”

-------------------------------------------

The penthouse was quiet when Zander arrive home.  He figured Jason and Courtney might be napping.  Courtney would be, at least. He was getting concerned about them.  Jason was as attentive as ever to his wife but Courtney was pulling away.  Zander didn’t want to have his new family fall apart but he was at a loss as to what to do.  He knew they had to work it out on their own but he was afraid that too much had happened.  Courtney would always be his sister but if the marriage failed where did that leave him.  He had come to love Jason like a brother and to suddenly not have him in his life anymore ... or worse play the hand off guy when Jason wanted to see his kids would be almost too much to bear.  He decided that no matter what he was going to figure out a way to help Jason and Courtney find their way back to each other.

Zander headed up the stairs trying to formulate his plan when a strange noise caught his attention.  He stopped and listened but didn’t hear anything.  He was almost to the door of his room when he heard it again.  He couldn’t quite place the noise until he heard a soft girlish giggle.  He could hear a low voice talking.  Jason.  Another giggle answered the voice.

‘Well, I guess they are doing better after therapy this morning.’ Zander thought.  And then a loud moan made him shudder realizing he was listening to his sister making love.  He quickly opened the door to his room and rushed over to the stereo turning it on loudly trying to drown out the sounds that he now imagined in his head.

“I’ve got to get my own place.” Zander said to no one as he flopped down on the bed.

-------------------------------------------

The blast of music startled them.  The notes that pulsed through the walls pierced the intimate little bubble they had created around themselves causing Courtney to laugh a deep laugh out loud.

“I guess Zander’s home.”

“Yeah, it seems like he figured out what we’re doing too.” Jason chuckled.

“Poor guy.” Courtney said lowly as she searched Jason’s eyes.

“Yeah, I feel really badly for him.” Jason said before he dipped his head down and took her mouth with his.  She reached up and sank her hands deep into his hair to pull his head down further to her.  She tried as hard as she could to connect with him as never before.  More intimate than body on body, stronger than just love, deeper than reality … she wanted his soul to join hers.  It was the only thing she had to give him and she knew it was the only thing he really wanted.  And she realized after all this time that it was wanted she had wanted all along too.  She wanted him to know her and love her for who she was and not the charade … the perfect girl.

“Jason, look at me.” Courtney whispered urgently.

When he opened his eyes he saw something in her face he’d never seen before … peace.  A quiet, calm peace that changed everything he thought her knew about her face.  He had spent hours memorizing her face, tracing its curves with his fingers, lingering kisses on its soft skin … this face was brand new to him.

“Baby?” He asked her confused and overjoyed at the same time.

“Jason, I’m not afraid anymore.” She whispered.  “I’m free.”

Epilogue – Christmas

She heard the crackle before his voice.  She sighed softly and shifted the baby on her lap.

“Courtney, honey …” Jason’s voice came through the walkie-talkie attached to her hip.

She pressed the button and spoke.  “Jase, I’m just getting ready to feed Jack.  Whatever it is call Carly, okay?” Courtney said as nicely as she could.  She wasn’t frustrated with him but the day had overwhelmed her.  Neither of the babies had gone down for their naps yet, they both needed to be fed and she desperately needed lunch and a nap herself.

“Okay.”

She heard several clicks and then Jason’s voice again. “Carly? Hey, I need some help.”

Courtney pressed the button again. “Jase, you’re still on my frequency.  Carly is CC.”

“Sorry, sweetie.” She could hear the baby upstairs start to wail and as if on cue Jack echoed his twin’s cry.  She sighed again.  Now, she had two hungry babies.

‘God, just get me through today and I’ll never ask for anything again.’ She thought as she placed Jack to her breast and he began to suckle making soft cooing sounds as he nursed. ‘Oh, you know I’m lying.’

Carly walked in through the front door and with a smile for Courtney raced up the stairs.  Curious, Courtney turned the walkie-talkie to ‘receive’ to hear the conversation going on upstairs in the nursery.

She heard Carly’s clear voice chuckle. “Jason, what is that child wearing?”

“Carly, I seriously do not need this right now.  I need you to help me get this sleeper off and this outfit on and then you can take your smart-ass remarks and go home.” Jason said with annoyance in his voice.

“Jason, that’s Jack’s outfit.” Carly advised.

“No, this is the one Courtney gave me … see? … dammit, you’re right.” Jason said as the baby wailed on.

Michael raced in the penthouse door giggling. Courtney grinned back at him and placed her finger to her lips. Michael plopped down on the couch next to her and ran his hand gently over Jack’s soft head.

“Hey, buddy.” Michael said to the baby.

“Jason, stop worrying so much.  You’ve got to relax.” Carly chided.

Courtney pressed the button and spoke.  “Never mind with that outfit. Jack’s asleep and I still need to feed …” She broke off as Marco walked in the door.

The guard saw what Courtney was doing and quickly turned his back.  “Sorry, Court.”

“Marco, you have to get used to this.”

“Yeah, all they do is eat and sleep right now.” Michael chimed in enjoying the adult’s discomfort.

“See, Marco.” Courtney teased. “Even Michael can handle watching me nurse.  Are you telling me you’re grossed out more than a 7 year old?”

Marco stammered a little and then settled on his words. “I’m not grossed out. It’s perfectly natural but … geez, Courtney, I mean ….”

Carly laughed at Marco’s inability to say what was on his mind. She stepped off the steps and over to the couch. With a practiced ease she placed the baby in Courtney’s other arm and plucked Jack up to take for his nap.  Settling the baby to her other breast Courtney looked around.

“Where’s Jason?”

“Taking a shower.” Carly laughed. “I warned him.  He whipped that diaper off and next thing you know he was getting peed on.  You should have seen the look on his face.  I told him little girls could do it too but the tough guy had to show me he was in control of the situation.”

Courtney tried not to laugh but she couldn’t help herself.  Pretty soon Marco and Michael were laughing too.  Trying to compose herself Courtney spoke.  “That’s twice today. Jack did it to him this morning.”

Jason came down the stairs. “Very funny.  Do I laugh when stuff like this happens to any of you?”

“Yes.” They all answered in unison.

“Jason, you couldn’t stop laughing when Gracie threw up on me last week.” Marco said. Michael nodded his little head.

“You too, buddy?” Jason asked.

“Sorry, Uncle Jason.”

“Come on, Mr. Man, we still have to get ready for dinner.” Carly said taking her son by the hand and leading him upstairs to put Jack down in his crib. “We’ll head out the back.”

“There are packages downstairs. Let me know when you want me to bring them up.” Marco said and then he slipped out the door.

Jason sat next to Courtney on the couch.  He hated seeing the dark circles under her eyes.  Leaning over her kissed her gently on the temple

“Hey, how are my girls doing?” He asked softly.

“Both of us are about ready to fall asleep … finally.” Courtney answered.

Jason looked down at his daughter nestled in Courtney’s arms.  Gracie’s blue eyes were closing and she had a faint smile on her face as her mouth dropped away from her mother’s warm skin.

“Correction, one is already asleep.” He said as he picked Grace up. “Let me go put his one down next to her brother and I want you to nap too.”

Courtney protested. “Zander’s getting Emily from the airport and they’ll be here any minute. I still have to clean up the kitchen.”

“Honey, why didn’t you let me call in replacements for Carrie and Brianne?”

“Because we are perfectly capable of taking care of two infants for a few days while the nannies visit their families for Christmas.” Courtney responded stubbornly.

Jason took his daughter upstairs as Courtney mumbled under her breath, “I think.”

With a heavy sigh she got up from the couch and was headed for the kitchen when she heard the front door open.  She turned and, to her dismay, she saw her brother and Emily … who looked perfect.  Courtney made an ineffectual swipe at her hair, which had been in desperate need of a brushing for the past three hours.  Emily beamed at her.  Taking off her coat Jason’s sister looked Courtney up and down.

“Whatever you are getting ready to do, forget it. Zander and I will take care of it.  Go take a shower or a nap or just read a magazine.” Emily ordered firmly.

Courtney’s shoulders relaxed as she walked over and gave her sister-in-law a big hug.

“Thank you.”

As Courtney trudged up the same stairs Jason had gone up just a few moments before she heard Emily start to bark orders at her brother.

“Go tell Marco to bring in those packages we saw waiting downstairs.  We need to get that tree up and ready for us to decorate.  I want you to do the dishes and I’ll start making some Christmas cookies.”

Courtney started to laugh but then tears of exhaustion and frustration pricked her eyes.  She slumped against the wall outside the bedroom and rested her eyes for a moment.  ‘I won’t cry. I won’t. I can handle this.’

“Honey, you don’t have to do everything.  Nobody expects you to be perfect.” Jason soft voice crept into her thoughts as he touched her cheek.

She opened her eyes.  “I know but thanks for reminding me.”

She pressed forward into his arms and hugged him tightly.  “We have been ordered to relax.  Your sister is bossing Marco and Zander around and, if I heard correctly, making cookies.  So we have some free time.” She said spreading her hands out against his back and gently pressing her fingers into his flesh.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” He grinned suggestively at her.

“Oh, you’d better believe it.” She said.

“Thank God.” He sagged back into the bedroom pulling her with him and shutting the door behind them. Depositing her on the bed he started to take off his shirt when she grabbed him by the waist.

“No, let’s just do it like this.” Courtney said pulling him onto the bed with her.  “We don’t have much time.”

Jason rolled away from her grabbing something from the nightstand.  “Tell me what you want, baby.”

“An hour … that should be a long enough nap.” Courtney said as she watched Jason set the alarm.

“I am so exhausted.  Who knew two tiny people could wear us out so much?” Jason groaned as his back hit the soft mattress.

“Sweet dreams, honey.” Courtney whispered as she drifted off but not before creeping her hand over to clasp Jason’s.

------------------------------------------------------------

“So do they know?” Emily asked Zander as she wiped down the last dish and put it away.

“No, I wanted it to be a surprise. Don’t you?” He asked as he teasingly flipped water at her.

“Yes.” Emily giggled. “They are going to die … just die.”

Zander started to take the plates of cookies out to the living room when he stopped and turned back to Emily.

“Maybe this isn’t the best time for surprises.” He said. “They are both so worn out and ….”

Emily glided over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t be nervous.”

Grabbing a plate from him she sauntered out the doorway.  “Besides, it’s too late. It’s already done and there’s nothing we can do about it now.”

“Do about what?” Carly asked through the walkie-talkie sitting on the dining room table.

Emily looked around the apartment in confusion. “Carly?”

Zander chuckled as he hit the button on the device. “Hey, Nosey, you need to have your butt over here by 5:00pm.”

“Who is he calling nosey?” Carly asked.  The only answer the young couple heard was Sonny laughing before the receiver clicked off.

------------------------------------------------------------

The entire family was gathered around the undecorated Christmas tree when Jason and Courtney returned from their nap.

“Well, what happened then?” Jason asked in a slightly annoyed voice.

“Honey, I don’t know I set it for an hour … maybe the batteries are dying or something.” Courtney replied.

Emily shoved a mug of hot chocolate in her brother’s hands and shushed him. “I turned the alarm off.  You two were so dead to the world you didn’t even hear it go off.”

Courtney’s face turned crimson with embarrassment.  “I’m so sorry. I don’t know why we didn’t hear the alarm.”

Emily hugged her sister-in-law. “Don’t be sorry.  I had fun … bossing the boys around, baking cookies, playing with the twins.”

“But you’re supposed to be on vacation.” Courtney protested.

“No, I was on vacation last week. Now, I am home to spend the holidays with my family.  So just let me enjoy it the way I want to.” Emily answered.

Sonny laughed at the younger woman’s orders.  “I think you’re in trouble, honey.  Looks like Emily is gonna take over your job as the bossy one in the family.”

Carly just narrowed her eyes at her husband in response.

Everyone else started laughing and pulling ornaments out of the boxes.  In an almost ballet of family unity some people would decorate the tree while others held the babies only to trade duties.  Jack and Gracie were definitely used to being held by all members of the family and loved the attention.

Courtney handed out special ornaments she had gotten made.  Each ornament had a family member’s name engraved on it. Everyone was delighted at this new family tradition and searched for the perfect spot for their ornament.  Courtney holding Jack and Jason holding Gracie put up the babies’ ornaments and then their own.

Carly pulled the final ornament out of the box and looked at it sadly. It read Alexandra.

“Oh, Court, I know you had hoped she’d be home by now. Damn that Frank Martin.”

Carly handed Courtney the ornament and Zander walked over to join his sister. 

“Next year … she’ll hang her own ornament next year.” Courtney said softly.

“How about if she hangs it this year?” Emily said from next to the door.  She opened it to reveal Alexandra.

Courtney stared at the woman in stunned silence.  “Mom?” She whispered tears filling her eyes.

Jason stared too but rather, at Sonny and then Zander.  Both men were smiling broadly.

“Merry Christmas, sweetie.” Alexandra said.  She took a few short steps towards Courtney but stopped uncertain about Courtney’s reaction.

Courtney ran over to her mother and threw her arms around her.  “You’re here.  You’re really here.”

In the months since Alexandra had been well enough to be moved to the island Courtney, Zander and Jason had flown down often to be with her.  They all got to know one another and had grown to love each other.  Alexandra would never be able to replace the mother they had growing up but she was with them now and that was all that mattered to any of them.  Then as Courtney’s due date approached Dr. Meadows told her she couldn’t fly anymore and the visits ended.  They talked on that phone all the time but it wasn’t the same and a visit to Port Charles had been out of the question for Alexandra’s safety.  This was the first time Courtney had seen her mother in 5 months.  And Alexandra had only seen pictures of her grandchildren.

“Zander? What’s going on?” Jason asked.

“Frank Martin was caught 2 days ago trying to cross the Canadian border.  He’s in jail.” Zander told his brother-in-law.

“We thought Courtney could use a little Christmas surprise.  It’s been such a hard year.” Sonny said.

Jason gave a small nod.  “Thanks.”

He looked over at his wife and her newly discovered mother cuddling the twins and just smiled.  “Everything is finally the way it should be.”