Emily stood at the alter of the church staring at what was going on with the two men who obviously knew each other.  Zander and his father quietly argued in the back of the church as on lookers were making their own conclusions on who the man was.

"Alex...I missed you.." the man said as he reached to embrace his son.  "Don't ... just don't touch me..." Zander replied quietly so not to make a scene in the presence of God.  Zander tightened as his father backed off a step and the tension between shown through their body language.  His hands clenched and his jaw stiffened as the memories of his family life flashed through his mind.  Zander was not the least bit happy to see his father standing before him.  His father peered over Zander's shoulders at the on lookers who sat in the first few pews of the church and than glanced once again at his son.  "Your wife I presume..." he asked as he looked down the isle towards Emily who stood at the alter waiting for her husband.  "What do you care....?!" Zander replied with a raised voice trying to keep the conversation quiet within the church.  "Alex...why are you being like this?...of course I care." his father replied as he again reached for his son.  "Oh, really....than why has it taken you almost 3 years to come look for me?" he asked as he glanced back over his shoulder and scanned the faces that started back at him. "Can we talk about this somewhere else?" Zander added as he stuffed his hands in his pants pockets.  "Shall I wait?" his father asked as he removed his scarf.  "Suit yourself..." Zander replied as he shrugged his shoulders.

Zander turned and walked back towards the alter where his family stood waiting for him to return so they may finish the ceremony.  Zander stepped back into place where he once stood and asked that Father Mulcahey finish the christening ceremony.  "We as family and friends of Zander and Emily's have gathered here on this glorious day to welcome their infant into the arms of the Lord." he began as he asked that Emily pass the child to Sonny who still stood next to her.  She did as she was asked to and Sonny took Dante in his arms and cradled Dante's head in his hand as Father Mulcahey took a few droplets of water in his.  "I baptize thee, Dante Alexander Smith in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." said Father Mulcahey as he slides his hands under Dante's head as support and glides the back of his head into the holy water that awaits. Father Mulcahey asks who has come today to sponsor Dante as Sonny and Alexis reply together " We do..."   As the Father assists in doing this he replies "to give him to understand that from that day he is united as a member to Christ, his head, and engrafted on His body; and therefore he is called a Christian from Christ, but Christ from chrism" With that said, Father Mulcahey placed a white viel which reads...."Receive this white garment, which mayest thou carry without stain before the judgment seat of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that thou mayest have eternal life. Amen."  A candle is lit and the Father says.."Receive this burning light, and keep thy baptism so as to be without blame. Observe the commandments of God; that, when Our Lord shall come to His nuptials, thou mayest meet Him together with all the Saints and mayest have life everlasting, and live for ever and ever. Amen."   As Father Mulcahey raises his arms over their heads as if to bless all who stood before him...he states "May God bless you and keep you and may his eternal Light shine upon you.  In the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Zander and Emily descended from the alter and joined the Quartermaine's who were witness to the baptism.  Sonny and Alexis followed as Zander glanced towards the back of the church and his father rose from his seat and glared back at his son.  Zander wrapped his arm around Emily and held her close to his side as he whispered..."I'll meet you outside..stay close to Sonny..."  She nodded in agreement and kissed him lightly on the cheek and smiled.  With that, Zander made his way towards his father who stood in the doorway as he waited for his son.  As Zander approached him he gestured to him and said...."Outside..."  His father followed him out the double doors of the church to the front steps.

As Zander and the stranger walked out of the church, those who remained inside the sanctuary of the church had asked the question of "who is was that?"   Emily was unsure of the identity of the man herself and was determined to reveal who this stranger was that disrupted the christening.  The family lingered in conversation as Father Mulcahey came and spoke to Emily about the ceremony he just performed for her and Zander.

Meanwhile on the steps of St. Matthews, Zander was getting reaquainted with the father he was hoping to forget.  Though he came from a very well off family, he had never thought it was a good one.  He had remembered how he wanted his father to support him in his decisions throughout high school, to support him in the sports he participated in, and take pride in him for keeping his grades up while he did so.  It was never good enough.  Zander could never get it right, even though he tried his best to please his father....his best was not good enough for him.  He wanted more and Zander could never top out at his potential.  Zander never wanted his father's power, influence, and money.  He was striving on his own and he wanted to keep it that way.  When his sister died, his father's expectations became more extreme.  He wanted his son to strive for the top, but Zander could never reach that expectation and his father was always there to tell him so.

"So...whatta want this time?" Zander asked as he and his father stood on the front steps of the church.  "I want you Alex...I want to be a part of your life again..." his father replied as Zander glared him down.  "Oh, really....well where were you three years ago, when I needed you...!" he replied as the memories of his past over came him.  "Alex...I'm sorry I wasn't there for you...but I'm here now...that has to count for something.." Zander's emotions were running wild through his mind and body as he stood listening to his father's apology.  "Count for something?!  I think it is to little too late..don't you think?" he replied as he scanned his surroundings.  His father noticed he was alert of his surroundings and got curious at to what it meant.  "Alex....it's never to late." he replied as he stuffed his hands in his overcoat pockets.  "What do want me to do....give you a hug and say welcome back into my life.  After everything you have done to distant me from you and the family...you want me to welcome you back with open arms?!" Zander replied in a raised voice, trying to keep his cool.  "I don't think so..." he added as he heard the church doors open behind him.

"Zander..." Emily said as she came up behind him with Dante in her arms.  Zander closed his eyes for a brief moment and sighed.  He turned around and looked at her stepping down off the first step and reached for her hand to assist her to him.  He figured this was as good a time as any to introduce his wife to his father who hasn't seen in three years.  As he drew her close to him and wrap his arm around her he said..."Em, this is my father...Julian Smith."  Emily stood along side her husband and extended her hand to shake the hand of his father.  "Hi...I'm Emily, Zander's wife..." she replied as Julian took her hand in his.  Zander looked on as his wife finally met his father he left in Florida what felt like many years ago.  "And who is this....?" Julian asked as he reached for Dante's little hand.  Zander tensed as his father touch came upon his son.  With a clenched fist Zander said..."This is our son...Dante.."  "He looks just like you...Alex." he replied as he glanced at his son and studied his features.  "Yes...I know." Zander replied as noticed the Quartermaine family had dispersed from the church and headed towards their car that was waiting for them.

Zander and Emily stood a few more moments on the steps of St. Matthew's conversing with Zander's father as Jason approached.  Zander noticed he was walking in their direction and hoping that it was not a business problem that Jason wanted to discuss with him.  This was a special day and he wanted to spend it with his family, not conduct business.  Emily too noticed that Jason was approaching and quickly ran to meet him at the bottom of the steps.  Zander was glad she did, cause he was in no hurry to introduce his father to anyone else but Emily.  Julian turned and looked at the embrace Emily and Jason held and became puzzled at what he saw.  "And that is...who?" he asked as he glanced back and forth between them.  "That..is Jason.  Emily's brother." Zander replied reluctantly.  "Oh...he looks like someone I wouldn't think you would be associated with..Alex." his father replied as Zander thought his father would say something like that.  "There is alot about me that you do not yet know, father...and I am sure you are going to be surprised who I associate myself with these days." Zander replied as Sonny and Carly descended down the stairs.  Zander and Sonny's eyes met and each nodded in acknowledgement of each other as he and Carly passed.  "Another one of those who you associate with?" his father asked as he watched Sonny and Carly stop and talk with Jason.  "Yes...he's...well, was my boss for a long time and is a very close friend to Emily and I...why do you have a problem with that too?" Zander replied as he saw his father glaring in their direction.  "To each his own I guess...." his father added as Zander was about to give up on this conversation in disgust.  There was no pleasing this man.  Whether it be friends, jobs, accomplishments....Zander could never be the perfect son his father always wanted.

Zander figured he would be polite and ask.."So..where are you staying?" His father glanced back at him and replied "I don't know...I just came into town.  I haven't had the chance to find a place to stay...any suggestions?"  Zander knew where this was going...and wouldn't feel comfortable for his father who has come back from the past to stay with he and Emily.  Not really knowing what to say, he agreed to spend some time with his father that afternoon and he would have arrangements made for his father while he stayed in Port Charles.

Zander and his father moved down the stairs side by side as Zander motioned to Antonio to fetch the limo.  He did so as they all gathered on the sidewalk in front of the church.  Zander had made the first move to introduce his father to his associates who stood before him.  As he introduced Sonny and Carly, his father became ashen as Carly's name was mentioned.  Zander not knowing the reason why..was sure to find out when his father would have a chance to explain it to him.  Everyone dispersed into their respected vehicles for the drive home.  Emily had made the move to invite her new found father-in-law home with them for coffee and conversation.  Zander was reluctant with the invitation, but he would grin and bear it for Emily.

Zander was not looking forward to spending quality father and son time together, but if it would please Emily...he would make the best of it.  There were many things in his past that he wish he could forget.  His father was certainly one them.  Even though he knew he loved him for being his father, but that was the extent of it.  His father hadn't supported him, he hadn't made any effort to realize the potential Zander had been so hard trying to prove he had.

Zander assisted Emily into the back of the limo as Julian stood in awe of his son's wealth.  The first thing that came to his mind was "what bank did his son rob to get one of these?" Julian and Zander took their seats in the back seat of the limo as Zander closed the door.  As soon as all were comfortable he tapped on the glass partition to notify the driver that he could pull away from the curb.  Julian was certainly surprised to see his son living so well, with a beautiful wife, and adorable son and seems like plenty of money to provide for them.  As the long black limo pulled up in front of the Port Charles Towers, Zander sat for a brief moment before exiting the vehicle.  Julian couldn't believe that his son could associate himself with the darkside that seems to have pulled him in.  Julian had assumed that Alex would of learned his lessons and would not make the mistakes he had made in his life with associating with the wrong people.  He didn't make his millions the easy way or most of the time the legal way.  Many a nights his wife sat up waiting for that dreaded phone call from the police or the morgue.  The danger came with the territory of being connected and working side by side with those who were not law abiding citizens.  Julian knew how things operated when you become connected with those who you shouldn't.  His father remembered how it was for him to associated with the infamous Frank Smith and how it destroyed his family just to hear the name of his dearly departed brother.

He did not want that kind of life for his son.  He wanted better...and he knew Alex could achieve a high standard than the company he was currently keeping.
 

Chapter 2
 
 

Emily lay next to her husband awake for an hour or so just watching him sleep.  He was restless most of the night and she wondered what had him tossing and turning.  He hadn't mentioned his dreams in a long time and she had hoped he would of gotten passed them.  But as she watched she did notice what ever he was dreaming was pretty bad....his expressions of fear and panic were evident and she was fearful to wake him.  As she looked across the bed to the clock that sat on the night stand....Zander jumped out of a deep sleep and in a cold sweat.  "No!....." Zander screamed as he sat straight up in bed.  Emily startled by his scream, replied "It's okay..you're alright....hun..I'm here.." trying to calm Zander down as he embraced her closely.  "Oh God..I don't ever want to have that nightmare again..." he replied.  "What...can you tell me..what has gotten you shaken.." she said as she brushed back his black lock of hair.  "Answer me this...are you alright?" he asked as his eyes looked over her.  "Yeah..Zander I'm fine...what is wrong.." she replied as a worried look over came her face.  "The worst nightmare I could ever have..." he replied as he released the embrace.  Zander was shaken by the nightmare of losing his wife by the hands of Juan Santiago...again.  The nightmare always ended the same way, with him holding his wife in his arms and a pool of her blood.  In the nightmare, Zander is completely helpless and the protection he has placed on her is not enough.  Juan takes the only thing that matters to him...Emily.  Zander swung his legs over the edge of the bed and is slowly trying to calm himself down as feels Emily's hands soothing his shoulders.  "Zander, tell me..what is it about...do you remember?" she asked quietly.  "Just promise me that you will never leave my side....never." he replied as he looked over his shoulder into her eyes.  Emily saw his fear and agreed never to leave his side.  She knew this one was bad and he wouldn't of asked her if it weren't important to him. "Zander you know that I would never leave your side...never..." she replied as she wrapped her arms around him.  "They have to catch him...they just have too.." he muttered under his breath.  Emily didn't say anything but heard what he obviously didn't want her to...but she couldn't agree more...Juan needed to be caught.

Zander glanced at the clock that sat next to him and read the green neon digital numbers of 5:18am...it was way to early to rise on a Saturday morning as he turned his head towards the windows of their bedroom and noticed the darkness.  Emily slipped out of bed and went to check on Dante who was sleeping across the room in his bassinet.  Zander felt her leave as he watched her walk across the room.  She adjusted his blanket and turned to walk back Zander's side.  She stood in front of him as he sat on the edge of the bed.  "Is he still sleeping?" Zander asked as he made an opening between his knees and Emily slipped herself closer to him.  He wrapped his arms around her waist as she looked down at him and replied..."Him..he's sound asleep.." as she glanced over at Dante.  "So...are we gonna try to get a little more sleep before he decides he's hungry..." Zander replied as he drew her closer.  Emily glanced at the clock and replied..."Well, it is way to early for me to get up...so I guess we should try to get some sleep...cause you know that little guy will be up with the sun..."  With that, Emily dropped her head and leaned in as he reached for her as their mouths touched lightly.  As they did Emily's weight shifted and they both fell back on the bed never letting go of each other.  They both laughed quietly and slipped under the silk sheets.  Their legs intertwined as they held each other close as Emily laid her head on Zander's chest.  His heartbeat soothed her and gave her comfort as she drifted off to sleep.  He brushed her auburn hair away from her face as he looked down at her and smiled at seeing her lay there next to him so comfortable as she snuggled closer.  He ran his hands along her arms and she gave a little sigh of comfort.

They drifted off to sleep as they lay in the darkness of the room with the moonlight making shadows across the floor.

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As Port Charles slept, Alexis was making her way down to the PCPD at the request of Detective Taggert.  As she made her way down to see him, she had called him every name in the book for getting her out of bed this early in the morning.

As she entered the PCPD, the desk sergeant knew Taggert had requested for her to come down to speak with him and pointed to her where Taggert would be.  Alexis wandered into the squad room where Taggert sat at his desk with a stack of folders in front of him.  "Good Morning, Ms. Davis..." Taggert said as Alexis approached.  "Good Morning for whom?" she replied as she stood with satchel in hand.  "What's this all about, Detective?" Taggert looked up from his paperwork and stopped writing notes in the file he had been working on.  Alexis stood waiting for a reply as she adjusted her coat.  "Juan Santiago...Ms. Davis." he replied as he offered Alexis a seat.  She waved him off and stood in front of him with bewilderment.  "What about him...Detective? Do you have him in custody, yet?" Alexis asked of Taggert who closed the folder he had been working on.  "Cause I really do think that Zander and Emily would like to hear a bit of good news from the PCPD right about now..." she added as she adjusted her glasses.  Taggert was hoping he wouldn't have to tell her what he had to tell her.  This was going to be difficult and he knew Alexis would be upset by this news.  "Ms. Davis we do not have Mr. Santiago in custody...far from it.  But what we do have is a fugitive who is running from the law and it is doing one hell of a job staying a few steps in front of us.  Which means one of two things..." he replied as Alexis took that seat he offered her.  "Go on..." she said as she unbuttoned her coat.   "It seems that we have been tipped off by someone who has informed us Mr. Santiago has found his way back to Puerto Rico..."  Taggert replied as he was hoping Alexis would stay calm.  "Puerto Rico!...Well go get him...if you know he's there...or is that just it..you're not sure he is there?" Alexis replied as she felt disappointment of the PCPD handling of Juan's case.  "Right now...the latter...but that's not to say he is still in Port Charles...or anywhere else for that matter."  Alexis sat in amazement at how the PCPD could screw this case up yet again.  "And in the mean time, my client is looking over his shoulder every two minutes and trying to protect his family from someone that he is not even sure is still a threat!  Taggert, I can't go to Zander with this kind of news...this isn't good...and why is it taking so damn long to find him?" she questioned as Taggert rose from his seat.  "Zander's family is in danger and they will be till Juan is put behind bars...he blew up their apartment for goodness sake...with them still in it...with that accomplished, taking Emily or their child is child's play to Juan...come on, Taggert...use some of those resources and put Juan behind bars!" she added as she became agitated with the conversation.  Taggert knew she was right and agreed with her on all counts...but the PCPD didn't have the man power to put every officer on this case.

"I don't know what to tell you, Alexis..we are doing the best that we can with what we got....we'll catch him soon.." Taggert replied as he started to file the folders away in the cabinet.  "Well, soon may be not soon enough...there are people's lives in danger here...the PCPD needs to work harder and find this punk before he does something else to harm innocent people.  He needs to be caught and put away for his crimes." Alexis replied as she too rose from her seat and put on her coat.  "All I can tell you is that we are working on it..." Taggert replied as he turned and looked at her.  "Well...work harder!" she snapped back as she left the squad room abruptly.  As soon as Alexis turned the corner, Taggert said to himself..."Okay...that went well.."
 

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Emily sat in the kitchen feeding Dante his breakfast as Zander made his way down the stairs.  He noticed she was standing in the kitchen and wandered towards her.  "I was thinking....." he said as he approached. "Oh no..." Emily said with a giggle and a smile.  "Funny...no seriously...I was thinking maybe we should go away for a while....leave all the stress here in Port Charles." he finished as he kissed her on her cheek.  "Just the two of us...?" Emily said as she held the bottle up so she could read the measurements on the side.  "Yeah..I thought we could ask Carly if Laticia could watch Dante for a while....we could go back to Sonny's island." Zander replied as he poured himself a cup of coffee.  "Leave Dante here....oh Zander I don't know how long I could do that...." Emily moved Dante from a cradle position to her shoulder and placed the bottle down on the counter.  "I'm not saying we go for a month...maybe week or so...just to get away from everything....just so I get some down time with my wife...Em. Could you handle some down time with me?"  Emily had placed Dante in his rocker that sat on the counter as they spoke.  Emily turned and drew him closer to her as his lips found hers...the kiss deepened as her mouth parted slightly and they found each other in a passionate kiss in the middle of the kitchen.  Dante's giggles and coos broke the kiss as they both looked in his direction.  They just had to laugh at the thought of their son watching them kiss so passionately.

"So...I take that kiss as a yes..." Zander replied as he looked down at her and she smiled.  "Yeah...that's a yes..we'll go for a week or so...but no longer..we can't be away from Dante any longer..."  Zander knew he had her hooked...finally some time for them to be alone.  Dante was about to turn 6 months old...it was time for them to have some quality time together...he loved his son...but the kid had impeccable timing.

"I'll call Sonny to see when he can arrange it all....." Zander replied as Emily picked up Dante and held him close to her.  He saw in her face that this was going to be a difficult task...but he will be safe with Sonny.  Zander knew that Sonny would never let anything happen to his son....Sonny protected his own and Dante was surely a part of Sonny's family.  "Sounds great...just let me know when...I'll be ready.." she replied as she carried Dante into the living room.

Zander picked up the phone and dialed Sonny's number hoping he would be home yet and not at the office.  It rang only a few times before he picked up.  "Sonny...it's Zander..." ... "Good how are you....great.  Listen...Em and I would like to visit your island again..." ...  "Yeah at least for while...we need some down time...just the two of us.."  ... "Dante?....well, we were hoping that Laticia wouldn't mind taking him for a while...maybe a week or so.."  ... "Cool....Yeah let us know when you have it set up...Emily only needs an hour to pack.." ... "Thanks Sonny.."   Zander hung up the phone and wandered toward Emily who sat quietly with Dante on the sofa.

"Everything is being arranged...including Laticia taking Dante for a while...so you need not worry about leaving him...he'll be in good hands..." he replied as he sat down on the ottoman across from her.  "Sonny will let us know when everything's arranged...."  He and Emily sat together on the couch just admiring how much Dante had grown over the last month or so...he has become such a big boy...Zander was just amazed at how he grew so much.

"Don't you think you should call Steph and let her know you won't be available for a while...?" she asked as Zander played with Dante.  "I sent her back to Virginia for a reason Em...when she needs me she'll call....I'm not going to go out of my way to tell her everything.." he replied as he glanced at her and than focusing again on his son.  "Okay...what about your father....are ya gonna tell him....?" Just with the mention of his father infuriated him, and Emily saw his reaction to the name.  "Right now, he is on a need to know basis...and at this time he doesn't need to know...and I would like it if you wouldn't say anything to him either..." Emily knew what he meant and was glad they agreed on something.  "Okay..fine..we'll let it go for now..." she replied as she cradled Dante in front of  her.

Zander and Emily spent some quality time with their son and soon it was time for his morning nap.  Zander loved his morning nap, cause it gave him a few hours of quality time alone with Emily.  He was really gonna enjoy their little getaway..they both deserved time alone together.
 

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Juan found himself in some motel off the interstate hoping to stay a few steps ahead of the police department.  He had planned this little game with Zander for a while now and it was about time to put it into action once again.  The room was not the best, but Juan wasn't to concerned about the room service, he just needed a place to sleep and somewhere where he could make the phone call.  He would be leaving in the morning and heading back to Puerto Rico where the organization was waiting for him to take him underground.  He had set this plan into motion with that initial call to Zander a few months ago and had left it go for a while so no one would get suspicious and not to attract attention to himself in the process.

After a hot shower, Juan sat on the edge of the bed and took out his wallet from his pants pocket.  He found an old picture of he and Emily and stared at it for while.  He would soon be with her again and no one is gonna stop him from being happy with the girl he loved.  It was time to set her straight with the matter of her heart....he loved her and no matter what..he was gonna have her...Zander or not.  She broke his heart once, she is not going to do it again.

Juan put the picture back in his wallet and laid back on the bed.  He stared at the ceiling for a while and tried to fall asleep.  He'd been on the run from the PCPD for a while now, and trying to keep one step ahead of them wasn't to difficult but he was pushing his luck if he thought they would just give up.  Cause he knew Taggert wouldn't let this one go....he knew Taggert never gave up on anything...including trying to help him turn his life around.  But that was in the past...it is now and Emily will be a part of his future.  He deserved her love and damn it he was gonna have it.

Juan drifted off to sleep as the PCPD drew closer to finding him.  Taggert had to find him before he did something stupid...like get himself killed.  The vendetta against Zander had become way out of hand...after the explosion at the apartment...Juan had become obsessed with getting revenge and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

Taggert and the PCPD had distributed flyers with a picture of Juan and the desk clerk at the motel recognized him when he checked in.  Being the good samaritan, he called the number at the bottom of the flyer.  "Port Charles Police Department...Sgt. Walters speaking..how may I help you?" the voice said as the desk clerk became nervous about calling.  "Hi..my name is Thomas and I am the desk clerk at the Pine Crest Motel out on interstate 4.  We rented a room to someone matching the description of Juan Santiago and I was calling to let you know that he was here if you want to send someone out here to pick him up."  There was a brief silence on the other end as the desk Sgt was writing every word down.  "Could you give me the exact location and what room is Mr. Santiago staying in?....."  "The motel is about 1 mile off interstate 4 and he is staying in room 22 towards the back of the motel.  As far as I know he is still there..I haven't seen him leave."  the desk clerk replied and tried to answer all the officer's questions.  "Thank you sir...we will have a few officers drive out there and check it out...." with that the desk Sgt hung up the phone and immediately rushed to Det. Taggert as he sat at his desk doing paperwork.  As Taggert read the information on the pink slip of message paper he jumped up quickly and grabbed his coat.  "Burkette, Shuey, Miller...let's go..we got a tip on Santiago...we'll call for more back up when we get there.." Taggert shouted as he slipped his coat on and headed for the door.  This was the best news for Taggert...finally he would have Juan in custody and Port Charles would be safe once again.

As Taggert and the officers made there way to the motel out on the highway, he instructed them on what the plan was hoping not to spook this kid.  He needed him alive so don't shoot to kill....shoot if you have no other choice.  "We need him alive people...We can't press charges on a corpse...so don't come in there guns blazin'...don't shoot unless you have no other choice."

The officers pulled into the motel parking lot, where Taggert noticed the desk clerk was waiting for him outside.  He motioned to Taggert that Juan's room was around the back and Taggert followed his direction.  The three police cars followed all unmarked but one.  He was hoping that Juan wouldn't know what hit him. And that he wouldn't try anything stupid...like trying to get himself killed.  Taggert had the cars park outside of Juan's room as the officers stepped out of the cars and with their guns focused on the door of the motel room.  Taggert walked slowly and cautiously to the door of the room.  He stood off to the side of the door as he banged on it with his fist.  No one answered his forceful knock.  Taggert began to wonder if Juan was still in the room or has he foiled them once again.  "Juan Santiago...this is the PCPD..open the door!" Taggert shouted as he heard movement inside the room, so he knew Juan was still in there.  "Come on Juan, don't make us come in there to get you!"  Juan heard Taggert at the door and now was in a panic...he wasn't about to get taken in custody...there was so much he needed to yet...what about Emily...she would be upset and would be all beside herself if he went to jail...he couldn't have that...she needed him.  "You're gonna have to Taggert...."  A brief moment of silence which didn't have a great effect on Juan...cause it was just only a few more moments that he thought about spending his life behind bars...without Emily.  "One more chance Juan....I'm gonna count to three and than we're coming in there and you son are going to prison for a long time!"  Again there was nothing but silence.  Taggert glanced at the officers who still had their guns drawn and focus on the door of the room.  "One!...Two!....and in a split second Taggert motioned to break down the door of the room...as the officer positioned himself in front of the door...Three!"  All hell broke loose as the officers of the PCPD rushed the room and searched it for Juan.  The officers found the suspect trying to climb out the window in the bathroom as the brought him in the bedroom area of the room and forced him down on the floor, Juan trying his damnedest to get away from the officer's clutches.  "You are only making it worse on your self..." one of the officer's said as he forcefully dropped his knee in-between Juan's shoulder blade to keep him down on the floor.  "Handcuffs...." The officer on top placed Juans wrists in the handcuffs and quickly pulled him to his feet.  Taggert stood nose to nose with Juan as the intensity within the room was great and Juan now knew that Taggert had him dead to rights.  There was no fighting it anymore...it was over.

"Mr. Juan Santiago...you have the right to remain silent...anything you say or do held against you in a court of law..you have the right to an attorney..if you can not afford an attorney...one will be appointed to you...do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"   Juan's blank stare pierced Taggerts last words as Juan nodded in agreement.  "Good...get him outta here!" Taggert said as the officers led Juan out the door of the motel room.  "Let's tape this off and start searchin'.... let's see what Juan was up to over the last few weeks." he said as one of the officers called the arrest in.

Taggert breathed a sigh of relief....he was glad that Juan didn't take the situation to the next level...he didn't want to have to shoot him...he needed him alive to stand trial.  Zander and Emily are going to be so relieved to hear this bit of news.  Taggert left a few officers on the scene as he made his way back with Juan to the PCPD to start the paperwork on the arrest.  Juan sat quietly in the back of the squad car as they came back into the city limits and pulled up to the PCPD.  Taggert and the officer stepped out of the car and assisted Juan out from the back seat.  They escorted him up the front steps and into the squad room as the Commissioner came out of his office to congratulate Taggert on a job well done.  It was about time that Mr. Santiago was in custody and he certainly will be enjoying the company of the Port Charles City Jail.

"Take him into the interrogation room..." Taggert ordered to the officer who had a grip on Juan's cuffs.  "Let's go..." the officer said as he moved Juan forward towards the door of the room.  "Taggert...you better be calling Alexis..I'm sure she would like to know that we have him in custody."  Mac said as Taggert got the file folder from his desk.  "I was gonna go talk with Juan first...." he replied as he moved towards the door.  "I think I'd better handle this one...you go call Alexis.  If I need ya I'll give ya a shout...okay.."

Taggert did as ordered by the Commissioner and got on the phone to call Alexis about arresting Juan.  "Ms. Davis...Detective Taggert here.  We have Mr. Santiago in custody as we speak.." ....  "Yes...the commissioner is with him now...I'll let you know if and when he talks..." ...  "Good bye Ms. Davis..."   Taggert hung up the phone and watched through the blinded window of the interrogation room as Mac was having a heated one way discussion with Juan.  It didn't seem to be going very well...Juan wasn't talkin'.
 

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Port Charles could sleep peacefully tonight knowing that Juan Santiago was in custody....while Zander and Emily made plans for a romantic getaway to the island for some down time...and Alexis..well she was just keeping busy.  All was well in Port Charles...for now.
 

Chapter 3
 NC-17
 
 

The morning sun peeked through the sheer white chiffon curtains of the master suite as Zander and Emily slept peacefully for the first time in months.  Zander's dreams had seemed to dissipate at least for a little while, and Emily had no more worries about looking over her shoulder every five minutes.  As their bodies intertwined beneath the silk sheets, Zander squinted his eyes together as he awoke from his deep sleep.  He glanced over and noticed that Emily was sound asleep as he moved closer to her and wrapped his arm around her.  She felt him lying against her body as she snuggled closer into his embrace.  A smile over came her face as she felt his loving arms around her.  She was safe and felt very secure in the arms of her husband.

Just on habit, Zander glanced over to the bassinet that sat empty in the corner of the bedroom.   He became panicked when he noticed Dante was not in his bassinet...but got composure and realized that he and Emily dropped Dante off with Laticia last night.  He released his breath and took another to cleanse his thoughts.  He and Emily had planned to leave for their trip this morning..although laying this close to his wife many other options popped into his head. He didn't realize that Emily had been awake as long as he has as he drew her close and leaned in to kiss her.  She surprised him by rolling over towards him and kissed him first, a full and tender kiss on his lips.  Zander was startled for a few moments but returned the kiss as their mouths parted and the kiss deepened to a more passionate one.  It was the first time in a long time that they were completely alone together, no interruptions.  Zander laid back as Emily moved closer to him and laid her head on his bare chest.  Her fingers teased his soft skin as he kissed the top of her head.  He ran his hand along her arm as their legs intertwined once again beneath the sheets. Emily feeling safe and secure wrapped in her husband's arms, she certainly wanted the feeling to last longer than she was sure it would.  "What time is our flight?" Emily looked up at Zander who's fingers were tangled in her auburn hair as they soaking in the silence of the room.  "In a few hours...why?" Emily's hand found its way down along the other side of Zander's mid drift as it moved along further beneath the sheets.  "Cause I don't think we are going to make it..." Emily drifted off as her mouth found his and kissed him deeply.

Zander hands explored the curvature of her body as Emily's fingers tantalized his.  They exchanged soft and tender kisses as the morning sun began to light up the room.  Their bodies intertwined beneath the silk sheets each enjoying every part of each other, taking the other to their peak.  Zander caressing her body with his strong hands as they wandered up and down her body as he softly kissed her silky skin.  He drew her close and gently rolled her on her back so he now was hovering over her as she ran her hands up and down his back.  They eyes fixated on each other as they looked deep into their souls and found the love they shared.  Zander brushed his hand along Emily's face and entangled his fingers in her auburn hair as their look deepened.  He lowered his head and kissed her gently was she returned the kiss with passion.  Her hands slid up his back and found their place within his soft black locks of the nape of his neck as they flirted with each strand.  He lay back down along side her as their kiss hadn't been broken and he drew her closer to him.  Their bare warm bodies now tantalizing to the touch as Zander felt his way down along her back.  His hands wandered farther down across her hips as he felt her tremble to his every touch.  He rolled her gently on her back as he hovered her once again. He glanced down as his hands followed the curvature of her body and glanced back at her for approval.  He noticed her eyes had fallen closed as she was enjoying the pleasure of his touch, he proceeded as his hand found the inner pockets of her thighs and her legs fell open.

Zander's fingers found themselves teasing her soft skin of her inner thigh, as he began to kiss her softly along the nape of her neck and followed the line of her body.  He couldn't resist the smell of her skin, the soft touch of her fingers or the sweet aroma of her hair. His fingers explored the moistness he found between her thighs as he heard Emily's moans of pleasure as he did so. The thought of her enjoying the pleasure of his touch aroused him as his kisses led his mouth down across the front of Emily's beautiful figure.  Emily moaned with pleasure as Zander's mouth found her nipple and began to tease it with his tongue.  She arched her back away from the silk sheets in the moment of ecstasy he had taken her to.  He knew she was almost at her highest point when her hands fell onto the silk sheets and she grabbed at them with her fingers.  His fingers slid up and down inside of her as he watched her start to move her hips in with the motion.

Zander moved to straddle her so he could please her even more as he continued to caress her breast.  His hardened flesh flirted with the moistened area between her thighs as he slowly and gently entered her.  She leaned her head back into the pillow as he pushed his hips upwards.  His hardened shaft glided in and out of her as both of them moaned with pleasure.  Zander hovered Emily and leaned in as their mouths met once again, his kiss was deep and passionate just as the strokes he was thrusting upon her.  Their warm bodies glistened with droplets of perspiration as their rhythm of love making heightened.  Zander released the kiss as he pulled back and extended his arm to support himself above her.  Emily raised her legs and wrapped them around his strong back as he deepened his penetration.  He slowly thrusted his hips into hers as he shifted his weight and with his hand began caressing her breast.  He leaned down and began to tease her nipple with his tongue once again.  He kissed her softly as his mouth found its way along her collarbone and neck.  Her mouth found his again and parted as her tongue found its way into his mouth and the kiss deepened.  Her hands moved along his backside and flirted with his soft black hair at the nape of his neck.

Their love making had found new heights as they were both about to reach their peaks.  He could feel her muscles within her contract against his shaft as he found himself deeper in her.  He thrust back and forth within her as she moaned his name and he briefly closed his eyes as he felt himself at his point of release.  The pace quickened as Zander felt himself release his bodily juices inside of her.  They were exhausted but were not done.  He may be, but he knew that she was not satisfied.

She released her hold on him as her legs fell to the silk sheets and he pulled himself away from her.  She released a sigh of exhaustion as he moved himself to her side.  She looked at him waiting for more as he returned his look of knowing exactly what she wanted.  He teased her soft skin with his fingers as they found themselves within her, as they tantalized her with slow and easy strokes against her most pleasurable spot.  Her legs open to him as she enjoyed his movement inside her.  She arched her back away from the silk sheets as her hands grabbed the extra fabric in them.  He noticed she was nearing her peak of an orgasm and slowed the pace so she could enjoy it even more.

Emily moaned with pleasure and could feel her juices reach the point of release.  Zander watched his wife reach her point of ecstasy as he stroked her slowly.  The touch of his hand was gratifying and pleasurable to her as her muscles started to contract once again with ease.  His finger teased the most intimate spot within her as she released the juices that her body was holding back.  She moaned with pleasure as he knew she now was satisfied as was he.  She lay exhausted from her experience as he lay alongside trying to catch a breath of his own.  She turned to him and wrapped her arms around him.  He drew her close and once again his mouth found hers.  "I love you, Em..." He said as he brushed a stray strand of auburn hair away from her face.  "I love you, too."

They laid beneath the silk sheets for a brief moment before he heard her say..."See I told you we weren't gonna make our flight."
 

Chapter 4
 
 

The jet engines lowered in volume as the jet made its descend to land on Sonny's private island late in the afternoon as Zander and Emily awoke from their short naps.  It had been a long day and both were in need of some rest and were resting comfortably during their flight.  Zander noticed that Emily was peering out one of the small windows of the jet as they taxied down the runway towards the hanger that awaited their arrival.  The late afternoon sun hovered over the horizon as the warm tropical breezes flirted with her auburn hair when they took their first step onto the staircase to descend from the plane.  The warm suns rays glistened on the polished chrome of the limo that was waiting for them.  The driver grabbed their bags and loaded them into the trunk as Zander opened the back door for Emily.  As she stepped into the limo, Zander was observing his surroundings and noticing every little movement made by those who were in their vicinity.  Once Emily had positioned herself on the opposite side of the car, Zander stepped inside and closed the car door.  He noticed that Emily was lost in thought as she looked beyond the black tinted glass of the limo.  "Are you alright?" he asked as he heard their driver slam his door.  "Em...hello?" he added as Emily was still lost deep in her thoughts.  "Oh..yeah, sorry hun...I'm fine...just thinkin'...." Zander took her hand in his as the driver pulled away from the hanger and headed out of the chainlink fence that surrounded the small airport.  Zander knew she was thinking about Dante and wondered himself how he was doing without them.  "We'll call as soon as we get to the beach house...okay.." he replied as she came back to reality and looked in his direction.  "How...did...nevermind..." he knew her to well not to notice she was thinking about their son.

Their long drive was along the beautiful coast of the island as the afternoon sun glistened on the salty waters of the perfectly clear blue ocean.  The white surf of the waves crashing into the rugged rock cliffs were a sight for sore eyes.  So beautiful to see and so soothing to listen to.  This was exactly what both of them need...and Zander was so glad he thought of it.

As they pulled up in front of the beach house, Zander noticed the beautiful gardens they had missed visiting the last time they were here.  Vibrant colors were soaking up the end of the day sunshine as the warm tropical breeze carried the wonderful fragrance of passion flowers through the air.  Zander assisted the driver unload the bags from the trunk as Emily explored the grounds only a few feet away.  Emily ran her fingers through her auburn hair as the sun set over the crystal blue water.  Her mind wandered as she began to daydream about what could of been if she had never met Zander...where would she be...heck..where would he be without her....jail probably...or worse.  As she looked back at him observing her, she knew that he was all she ever needed or ever would want.

Zander admired what Emily had done for him in the past, and he was so grateful for what they have shared.  He was looking forward to what their future may hold.
 

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Meanwhile, back in Port Charles....
 

While his son was caring for Emily's needs, Julian was tending to his own.  He had come to Port Charles for one reason and that was to find the mistress he once knew and cared deeply for.  Julian knew she had taken residence in Port Charles for some time now, but just recently realized that his son could come upon her without knowing who she was.  The mistress on the other hand wouldn't know Zander either, since after the child was born, Julian and his family took custody of the child and raised him as their own.  Julian needed to find her before she would meet her son....now was his chance to do some sleuthing while Zander was out of town.  He had done some research before he came to Port Charles, so he knew where to start his search for his long lost love.  The Port Charles Courthouse.
 

*****************
 

The day had begun as any normal day for Elizabeth.  She had so much work that had to be done at her studio, so she took the whole day to just paint.  This was her release from it all, to forget all of her troubles and to just step into a world all her own.  She had been painting for a while and had decided to take a break for lunch and head to Kelly's for a bite to eat.  Elizabeth grabbed her belongings and locked the door behind her as she headed towards the docks.  It was a beautiful spring day for a walk along the waterfront.  She needed to breath the fresh air rather than the paint fumes that she had been objected to for the last few hours.  It only took her a few minutes to reach the diner and noticed Nikolas and Gia approaching.

"Hey stranger..." Nicolas called out to her as she reached for the door of Kelly's.  "Hey...how are you guys?...Haven't seen you in a while..." she replied as she gave him a friendly hug.  Nikolas was still trying to make his mark as an individual and not a Cassidine...his family was not taking his independence very well.  "What...no Lucky?" he asked as he held the door of the diner open as the ladies stepped across the threshold.  Elizabeth turned to face Nikolas as she removed her button up sweater..."No Lucky today...he's on a photo shoot with Laura.." she replied as she took a seat at one of the open tables.  "Oh...where are they shooting today?" Gia inquired as she took a seat across from Elizabeth.  "Ya know..I'm not quite sure...he said he'd be gone all day, but I would assume just out side the city limits." she replied as a waitress came to take their lunch order.

"Can I get you anything?" the waitress asked as she flipped open her order pad and clicked the top of her pen.  "Anything the ladies want....my treat." Nikolas piped up.  "Oh, Nikolas..you don't have to do that..really.." Elizabeth replied as she reached for his hand.  "No arguement...my treat." he replied as Gia opened up her menu to read the selections.  "Okay..than I'll have a tuna melt and a glass of ice tea with lemon." Elizabeth replied as she noticed Gia still eyeing up her selection.  The waitress took the rest of the orders and headed back towards the kitchen.
 

*****************

"Good afternoon family..." Edward bellowed as he entered the family room where his family had gathered for an all important family meeting.  "Good afternoon father...what is this family meeting all about? I got paperwork to do back at the hospital.." Alan replied as he and Monica sat on the couch sipping their afternoon tea.  "All in good time, son....all in good time." he answered as he poured himself a double on the rocks.

Edward turned and faced the family as he cleared his throat to get their attention.  "I gathered all of you here today to discuss something that is very important to this family.  Now, hear me out before you start the accusations." he said as the family listened intently.  "Just tell us...will you..." Monica replied as he glanced in her direction.  Edward stood tall in stature as he took another sip of his bourbon. "I was informed today, that Julian Smith is in town..." The family exchanged looks of bewilderment at who Edward was talking about.  He noticed the blank expressions that stared back at him.  "Julian Smith...he is only one of the most powerful men in the country..." The blank expressions were still apparent from the family, as they wonder what Edward was talking about.  "Ack...don't you know who Julian Smith is?"  Alan spoke up "No Father...do tell?  Who is Julian Smith? and Why are you so interested in his visiting Port Charles."

Edward pondered his son's questions and thought about what he was going to say.  "Alan....Julian Smith is the most powerful corporate tycoon in the country.  And he is staying here in Port Charles.  Why am I interested in someone like that....business of course.  Strictly business."   The family now wondered what this had to do with them, why was Edward so adamant about the meeting.  "And this has to do with the family for?  What reason?"  Monica asked as she set her tea cup on the saucer.  "Monica, my dear....do I have to do all the thinking around here?"  Monica glared back at him as he answered her question and snubbed his reply off.  "Julian Smith is to Florida as Jasper Jax is to Alaska.  Maybe bigger." Edward replied as his eyes widened at the thought of lining his pockets with some of Julian's cold hard cash.

"I feel a corporate raid coming on...Father?" Alan asked as he rose from his seat.  Edward thought about those words and knew that it would be only good business if he and Julian would get together for some business dealings.  ELQ was just the type of company Julian would be interested in doing business with.  The family witnessed the devilish smirk that overcame Edward's face as he pondered his son's question.

"Alan...that may be the smartest thing you have ever said..."
 

******************
 

Back on the island.....
 

Zander had the driver take the bags into the house as he walked toward Emily would stood peering out over the sand dunes of the white sandy beach.  He approached her and wrapped his arms around her waist as she fell back into his arms.  She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes for a brief moment and sighed.   "What do you think Dante's doing right now?" she asked as the warm breezes came over them once again.  "I hope his is being a good boy for Laticia....she shouldn't have any problems with him.  And if something comes up, Sonny will call us...don't worry.  Dante will be fine." he replied trying to reassure her.  "I know...I guess it's a mom thing.." she replied as he tightened his grip on her waist.  Zander kissed her cheek lightly as they stood and watched the beautiful deep red sunset that was happening across the horizon.  The warm breezes were gradually becoming cooler as Emily shivered every so slightly.  Zander felt her body shiver against him as they continued to watch the sun go down.  He did notice the air became cooler as he asked if she wanted to go inside.  Emily just wanted to spend a few more minutes on the beach before heading back to the house.

She remembered the first time she and Zander were on the island.....their wedding day.  It was just as beautiful then as it is now...even more so.  They share a great love and a bond that will never be broken.  They became one that first visit to the island and she wondered how he was gonna top that one.

Zander stood behind her with his arms tightly wrapped around her waist as he leaned his head against hers and peer out across the white surf of the waves.  This was heaven...complete and utter salvation.   He looked down at her as she was deep in thought too.  He wanted to give her so much this visit to the island, but how could he top getting married.
 
 
 

Chapter 5

Julian wandered through the corridors of the courthouse in search of his past.  He wandered till someone noticed he looked lost and asked if he needed some help finding someplace.  He asked where he could find Ms. Alexis Davis and asked if they could point him in the right direction.  He found out soon enough that Ms. Davis had an office in her home and worked there most of the time.  He then proceeded to ask where it was so he could go and see her about an important matter.  He was informed of her address and headed back the way he came.

He hailed a cab and asked the driver to take him to the address he was given by the kind soul he met at the courthouse.  The cab pulled up at the address he was instructed to and Julian paid the fare and existed the cab.  Julian tilted his head back and looked up at the tall building that stood before him as he became nervous of coming face to face with his past.  The doorman opened the door for him as he entered the foyer of the building and headed towards the elevator.

As he rode the elevator to the Penthouse where his mistress resided many thoughts filtered through his mind about what they had shared.  She was much younger than he at the time of their liaison which lasted a short time, but a wonderful time it was.  He never felt so alive like he did when he was with her, she was the love of his life or so he thought.  She became pregnant and his family wanted him to have no more to do with her.  His father arranged everything so that as soon as she gave birth to the child, it was to be handed over to him and she told nothing of what had taken place.   Being connected made the arrangement all the more easier to cover up and he had since found out that his father had help.  Apparently her family was just as eager to assist in the arrangement as his father had hoped.  He had a lot of explaining to do when he finally met her once again after almost 20 years.

Julian stood in front of her door as he noticed a guard posted at an apartment door across the hall.  The guard watched him closely as Julian knocked.  He heard a voice from inside telling him to wait she'd be right there.  He stood patiently while the guard across the hall looked on.  He heard footsteps towards the door as he took a deep breath as to calm his nerves.  She swung the door open as to be expecting someone else as he stood in hallway and came face to face with Natasha.  She stood in amazement as Julian stood before her in all his glory.

She quickly pulled him into the apartment and shut the door behind her.  "What are you doing here?" she asked completely surprised by his visit.  "We need to talk..." he replied as she escorted him to the couch.  She hadn't seen him in almost 20 years, she was actually surprised he remembered her.  She had been occasionally remembering the good times they had during their short relationship.  Even then she had issues with commitment and she actually blamed his leaving her the root of her problems with Ned.

"Julian, I haven't seen you in twenty years...what in the world would we have to talk about?" Alexis asked as Julian removed his lightweight top coat.  Julian sat and pondered the thought of how he was to tell his once mistress that her son was now living only a few blocks from her and at one time lived with her without her knowing it was him.  Alexis tried to be a friendly hostess and offered him something to drink while he sat in deep thought.  "Are you gonna tell me what we need to discuss or am I gonna have to guess?" she asked as she walked back towards the kitchen.  Julian sat a few moments till she returned to acknowledge her question.  He took a cleansing breath and began to explain to her the reasoning behind him being in Port Charles.

Alexis being shocked by the story he began to spin about their relationship 20 years ago, took a seat on the couch across from him and listened intently.  She couldn't believe what she was hearing, this couldn't be true.  Memories from her past filtered through her mind as Julian continued with the story of how he raised their son and what became of him.  Shock had taken over her body as she was completely in awe of the fact that her son had at one time lived with her and she never knew why she felt the strongest connection with him.  Now knowing what she knew, her motherly instincts were working fine.

Alexis didn't know whether to believe the story he spun but why would he lie.  This was his son too.  She had so many questions about the last twenty years and only had wished she would of known.  She missed so much of her son's life, she didn't even know what to say or how to even explain this to him.  "Does he know?" she asked.  Julian looked at her with a disappointment in his eyes.  "No, he don't know.  I haven't had the heart to tell him.  I wanted to tell you first."   "Julian...he has the right to know!" she exclaimed as she rose from her seat.  "I know...I, huh..I didn't know how!" he replied as tempers started to flare between them.  "Look, I don't know either, but he needs to be told that I am his mother!"  She couldn't believe she just said that.  The strange word of mother just was blurted out without warning.  "He grew up with out me and I missed everything...birthdays, holidays...everything!" She tried to calm herself down this was not good for her to get all excited like this she had enough stress from work, she didn't need the extra pressure.  "Look, I know...and believe me I wanted to tell him and I tried a few times but I just couldn't find the right words.  Then he grew up and got himself into trouble with a few things and just took off.  I had no way of connecting with him anymore after his sister died.  I lost him too.  And....."  She stood listening to Julian express to her the way it used to be.   "And what, Julian?"   She asked as he stood before her.  "I don't know....I guess I was hoping that I could be a part of his life again....I want my son back damn it!"  "Well, I think that this is certainly gonna send him right over the edge, Julian.  He certainly is never gonna trust you..us again."

Julian returned to his seat on the couch as Alexis picked up the phone on her desk.  "Who are you calling?" Alexis held the receiver to her ear and dialed the number.  "Someone who can tell me where my son is." she replied as Julian held his head low in his hands.  "Wait!" he exclaimed as she looked at him startled.  "Hang up the phone...there's more."  Alexis did as he asked and walked towards him.  "What else can there be?" Julian needed to tell her everything...he began to explain how her family assisted in the plan as she fell into the sofa.  She didn't understand why the family was so hell bent on keeping her from her son.  As she thought about what he was telling her, she realized who he was talking about.  She wouldn't put anything past her step-mother.  She wanted control and to rid the family of another illegitimate child was the only way to have complete  control of the hierarchy.

"Damn that woman!"  she shouted as she rose once again and paced the floor of her apartment.  Julian sat and knew that she pieced the family puzzle together.  "Do you understand why now I was hesitant to tell him? He would of went after her and I didn't want that.  I knew how powerful the family was, and he wouldn't of stood a chance in hell against them."  Alexis agreed with his reasoning, but now it was time.  She stood and thought of the lineage of the Cassidine fortune and knew her son wouldn't stand to inherit the throne but certainly would become a problem for the family.  The family had no right to take her son away from her, but they had done it before so this would be no different to do it again.  Becoming a Cassidine was certainly something that she didn't want for her son.  The family name was held in highest regards to some and to others it was a death wish.  She wasn't sure how he was going to take this news.

***********************************

Meanwhile on Paradise Island....

***********************************

It was a beautiful day for some fun and that is just what Emily had planned for her and Zander.  She was up with the sun as it was getting later and later by the minute.  She drew the curtains opened and left the sun shine through as Zander stirred under the sheets.  "Rise and shine! It's glorious day..let's go!" she said as she jumped on the bed trying to wake him up.  "Come on...I thought we were gonna take it easy on this trip.." he replied still half asleep.  "Don't make me get you out of bed...." she teased as she started to tickle his ribs.  Zander knew she didn't make threats, she made promises as he sat up and propped himself against the headboard of the bed.  He ran his hands through his hair and rubbed his face trying to wake up.  "Where we going?" he asked as she threw him a pair of trunks.  "Where do you think...to the beach!"  His eyes came into focus finally and noticed she was wearing nothing but a two piece sapphire blue bikini.  "Is, uh that new?" he asked as he laid admiring her.  "What this? Of course it's new!  Do you like?"  she replied as she stood before him modeling it for him.  "Uh, yeah...I like...what's not to like?"

After a few moments of gazing at her, he finally slid from underneath the sheets and headed towards the bathroom with the trunk in his hand.  "Hurry up, I ain't got all day!" she replied as she headed for the door of the bedroom.  "I'll meet you downstairs.."

Emily grabbed the beach towels and her beach bag and stood waiting at the front door for him as he made his way down the stairs in his black trunks.  "Well...let's go...slow poke" he said as he passed her by and opened the front door of the beach house.  She giggled as she followed him out the door and closed it behind her.

She hurried to catch up to him as they made their way down to the private beach which was only a few feet from the house.  The white sand was warm to the touch as they walked hand and hand in the surf and watched the waves roll in and out against the shore line.  The breeze was cool but the clear blue water was warm and inviting as they walked a little distance from the house towards the cove.

"This is good..right here!" she said as she pulled him with her farther up the shore line away from the water's edge.  Zander couldn't wait to get her out in the water and as she set the stuff down on the sand he scooped her up in his arms and headed towards the water as she wiggled to get away from him.  She was laughing and screaming at the same time trying to squirm her away from his grip but it was no use...he had her but good.  She was going down and she knew it.

As soon as he was in deep enough, he tossed her in.  "Hey...now that was uncalled for.." she said with a laugh as she came up. "No...I say that was called for...considering I owed you one from the last time..." he replied as a playful grin came over his face.  "Oh really.....and now what..were even..." she asked as he started to back away from her not knowing what she may do to get even.  "For now..." he replied with a laugh.  "Oh is that right...hmmm for now, huh?"  The two of them frolicked in the crystal blue water releasing all of what they left behind in Port Charles.  He had her in his grasp once again and had thought about doing it to her one more time, but hesitated.  He drew her close to him and brushed his lips against hers as she wrapped her arms around him and held him tight.  Knowing that she didn't expect a thing, he tossed her once again into the water.  Surprised by his actions she came up with playful revenge in her eyes and knew he deserved everything that was coming to him.  She latched on to him with her legs wrapped around his waist and with her momentum he fell back into the water as she hung on.  They both went under and she released her grip so they could float back up to the surface with ease.  He surprised at her tactics and had to laugh at the thought.  "So, this is how we play?" he asked as she came up and was giggling that she got him good.  "Now, Zander...now we are even...." she said as he came towards her playfully.  "Oh no, sweetheart.....I owe you this time..." he replied as she backed away from him.  "You gotta catch me first!" she shouted as she headed back towards the blanket she had laid out on the beach.  Emily swam for it and once she reached the beach she ran towards the blanket but Zander caught her a split second before she hit the blanket.  He grabbed her by her waist and turned her towards him as his mouth found hers and kissed her tasting the salt water from her lips he laid her down gently on the blanket.  "Mmmm...salty.." she replied as she released the kiss.  He ran his tongue along her bottom lip..."yeah...it is."  She ran her fingers through his wet hair and pulled him closer as her lips met his once again.

Zander watched while Emily bathed in the sun, he admiring her beautiful body as she soaked in the sun's rays.  "I hope you, huh..put some oil or something on before you laid down...cause if not..you will be hurting tomorrow."  She turned over and looked at him as she thought about what he said.  "In my bag is a bottle of oil...would you..." she began as he reached into the beach bag and took out the bottle of suntan oil she had brought along.  "Do you even have to ask?" he replied as he unscrewed the cap.  He drizzled oil from the bottle across her back as she quivered to the sensation of the cold liquid that fell on her warm skin.  Zander began caressing her back smoothing out the droplets of oil.  She moaned with pleasure as his hands moved slowly across her back.  He began to drizzle more of the oil along her legs as she turned her head to the other side and reached to move her auburn hair off her back.  He massaged her legs as the oil was soaked up by her supple skin.  "Okay...flip." he suggested as he was ready to the front of her now.  She did as he asked and turned herself over and laid on her back.  He began to drizzle the cold liquid onto her legs as he made a straight line of oil droplets from her ankles to her upper thighs.  She closed her eyes as she enjoyed the pleasure of his hands caressing her skin as the oil disappeared.  He made his way along her legs and found himself admiring every inch of her.  She looked more beautiful then day they met and his feelings for her grew stronger every day they were together.  She noticed he was deep in thought as he caressed her legs and she smiled at to what he may be thinking.  He turned the bottle over one more time and released more of the oil across her abdomen.  His hands moved across her navel area as she reached down with one of hers and laid it on top of his.  He never knew how putting on suntan oil could be so erotic...but it was.  From the looks she was giving him, he knew she was thinking the same thing.  Her hand stopped his over her lower abdomen and he looked at her wondering why she did so.  He remembered the last time she did that and wondered if it had meant the same this time.  He prayed his hunch was right.

She hesitated a few moments as she looked into his eyes.  He noticed the look of longing as their eyes were fixated on each other.  She wanted to tell him for a while now, but didn't know how.  She wanted it to be special not like the last time.  She wasn't even sure herself but she wanted to share at least the possibility with him.

"Zander...I think I'm pregnant."
 

***********************************

Back in Port Charles

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Alexis showed Julian the door as she wondered what she needed to do about this news she had heard.  She quickly went upstairs to her bedroom and searched for the box she had kept in her closet that contained memories for her.  Memories of her past.  She took the old shoe box from the top shelf and emptied it on the bed as she took a seat so she could search it more thoroughly.  She knew she had important papers she would need to help her explain this to Zander once they returned.  This news would be devestating to him if he found out by someone else other than her.  She need to be the one to tell him about who she was and why she had his birth certificate in an old shoe box in her closet.  He needed to hear this from his mother.

She hesitated as she looked over the contents that was now scattered over her bed.  Old photographs of her family, and of her and Julian...along with her birth certificate and her son's.  She picked it up and held it to her chest as she folded her arms as if to embrace the paper it was written on.  Her eyes filled with tears as she remembered the day he was born. The sadness she felt when the hospital staff told her he was gone and she had lost the only thing that she would ever have to hold on to.  She had lost the only thing that kept the love her and Julian shared....their son.  She wept softly in the dark as the time passed and she again felt the emptiness in her heart.  She thought about him every day of her life, she loved him so much and if she had only known things would of been different.  But her family had other plans.

She sat and sobbed over what she had lost, and sobbed over what she was now given....another chance to be with her son.
 

Chapter 6

Zander didn't know quite what to say.  Emily had just told him she might be pregnant and he was totally speechless.  When she told him a year or so ago that she was pregnant he was so excited about becoming a father and has since enjoyed watching his son grow up.  He would love to become a dad for the third time..he rethought that statement...for a third time.  He was 23 years old and a father of two beautiful children and possibly a third one on the way.  He thought that quite odd.  If someone would of told him 3 years ago that he would have a family at 23 he would of thought of them as crazy.  Emily only 21 herself, he had bigger plans for his wife than just being a mother.  She is a great mother and a wonderful wife, but Emily deserves more.  She had plans of college and a future career as an attorney and maybe politics.  She gave all that up for him.  He really didn't deserve the young lady who lay before him.  He was blessed with a loving wife, a beautiful son, and a very comfortable lifestyle...he certainly didn't think he deserved what fate had given him.

Emily saw that Zander didn't know quite what to say about her news of possibly another child.  She was so excited when she became pregnant the first time with Dante and couldn't wait to tell Zander he was going to become a daddy.  But alot has changed since then.  She knew her family did not agree to their relationship, their marriage, and now her and Zander having a family.  The Quartermaines were against her spending any time with a deviant like Zander Smith.  Since then, her parents have tried to get along with Zander and have tried to be civil when in the same room with him....for her sake.  They know she loves him and will always love him.  They have at least recognized the love they share and are willing to work on coexisting in the same small town.  She got married young, and started a family soon after they said I do.  She had plans for college and was expecting to have a wonderful career as an attorney, she didn't plan on being a mother at the age of 20.  She loves Zander and her son, and wouldn't change her life for anything.  She knew it was fate that brought them together and fate will play a huge part in what their future will hold.

She looked up at him and noticed he was not saying anything.  "Well....say something..Zander." He heard the words but just couldn't say anything.  "Em...I'm..huh, I'm...are you sure?" She wasn't positive, but she was having all the signs she had early in first pregnancy.  "No..I'm not sure...."  She saw that he was having a hard time putting his words together and knew this would be a surprise to him, since they have tried so hard to becareful.  "How?...I mean we have been...when?..I mean...God we have been sooo careful." Emily knew for a fact that they have used protection since Dante was born and for the simple fact that they were happy with one child at the moment, and their lives had been in such turmoil, they didn't want to bring another baby into their lives right now.  "Between me and you...you must have pretty powerful stuff for me to become pregnant." she replied with a giggle.  "You are just full of laughs today, ain't ya!"  He and Emily lay side by side on the blanket just soaking in the afternoon rays of sun. "Aw, come on Zander....that was supposed to be funny..." she replied as she noticed he was not laughing at her stupid joke.  "Oh, I'm sorry..Emily.  You just caught me completely by surprise and I guess I am in total shock about this...." he questioned her yet again "are you positive?"  Taken back a bit, she figured he would be ecstatic about having another baby.  "No I'm not positive...but what's the problem?  I thought you would be overjoyed to have another baby."  Zander sat and thought about what she was saying to him before he spoke his thoughts to her.  There was so much he wanted for her and it was certainly more than raising a family.

"I am really, can't you tell I'm just illuminating with joy." She looked at him puzzled at why he was acting this way and why it didn't seem that he was all that excited.  "Okay..now who's being funny."  Zander laughed just enough to bring a smile back to her long face.  "Of course I am thrilled of the possibility of another baby...of course I am." She knew he wasn't finished with his thought and coaxed him on.  "but...Zander, there's always a but.." He hesitated over his words as if he was thinking of a quick reply to her question.  "But....There has been so much that you haven't done yet, Em.  I mean I thought you wanted to go to college and study Law.  Become an attorney and do your part to make a difference....what happened to that dream?"   She listened to every word spoken and took each of his words to heart.  She too wanted that, but her family came first.  He and Dante were her family now and they became top priority in her life.  "Zander, I am happy right as I am.  I am your wife, the mother of your child and I have promised you that I will be with you always.  That is what is important to me." Zander looked in her eyes that glistened by the rays of the sun and knew she meant every word.  "But you shouldn't have to put your life on hold for me.  You deserve so much more than just being my wife."  She reached up and ran her fingers through the hairs at the nape of his neck.  "Zander...you and a family is all I need to be happy.  And I am very happy with how my life has turned out.  I wouldn't do anything different.  I have always trusted in fate.  Fate is what brought me to you, fate is what gave us Dante, and fate will carry us through."  He wanted so badly to believe her and had no reason to doubt her words.  She had always come through for him...always.  As she spoke her last words he pulled her closer to him and brushed his lips against hers as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.  With the seal of a kiss, each of them knew it would be alright.

************************

Meanwhile back in Port Charles

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Darkness fell upon the city of Port Charles as Jason wandered the docks of Front Street.  He felt the chill in the air as the temperature was dropping and the cloud cover rolled in over the bay.  He looked up at the sky and just felt a storm was brewing to hit this small waterfront town.  As he made his way back to his room above Jake's he noticed a young women sitting alone on the bench outside of Elizabeth's studio.  He came upon her and startled her out of her deepest thoughts.  "You know, it's not safe to sit out here on the docks at night..." he said as he approached the young lady.  "Well, thank you for the words of warning...but I can take care of myself." she replied as Jason took a seat next to her on the bench.  Jason noticed the young women who was in her early 20's, beautiful blonde, and a body that wouldn't quit.  She sat with her long legs crossed and her arms crossed in front of her as she looked at him in annoyance.  "Jason Morgan..." he replied as he extended his hand.  "Nice to meet you, Mr. Morgan." she answered as she shook his hand.  She noticed he was a brut of sorts, with the shortest cut, chiseled jaw line and piercing blue eyes.  Jason waited for a name of this beauty that sat before and when she didn't offer one he asked.  "And you are?.."  The young lady looked at him and smiled.  "Wouldn't you like to know." she replied as she stood up and walked down the docks towards Kelly's.  Jason sat there taken back by the snub he received from the young woman and shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

Jason sat there for a few minutes and just stared out across the bay.  The wind had picked up as the storm grew closer.  He turned his head and peered over his shoulder and noticed a light on in Elizabeth's studio.  He had been missing all those talks they used to have.  Since she married Lucky, he was no importance to her anymore and he missed her.  He pondered if he should take a chance to visit an old friend as he rose from his seat and stood looking at the old building.  Before he knew it he was standing in front of the door to the studio and could hear music coming from inside.  Elizabeth had the shade drawn on the door as always as the light from inside filtered through the opened portion of the window.  He moved forward as to knock on the door as it opened and his eyes met hers as Elizabeth stood before him.

They stood for a brief moment gazing into each other's eyes as it seemed both remembered what they once shared.  Jason was surprised at her emotion and her action as she flew into his arms and hugged him with all her might.  He couldn't help but return the embrace as they stood in the hallway and left the emotions of the heart take over.  Elizabeth pulled back and looked up into his eyes of blue as Jason noticed the her eyes of worry.  "What's wrong..." Jason asked as Elizabeth drew him close once again and laid her head in the nook of his neck as she leaned herself against him.  "I need you Jason..." she replied as he wrapped his arms around her tighter than before.  "I'm here now and always will be...talk to me...what can I do to help?" Before he knew it, Elizabeth pulled him inside the studio and closed the door.  As she wiped the stray tear from her cheek, she turned and her facial expression showed him so much worry and sadness.

"It's Lucky.  We're having problems and as you can see I am not coping well with it..." she explained as he removed his leather jacket and threw it on the couch.  "And....what's the problem? I thought the two of you were so happy." he replied as he turned to her once more.  "We were.  I mean, I thought we were. But he is gone more than he is home and I have needs, Jason." she said as she looked into his deep baby blues.  Jason often wondered about what would of happened had she not married Lucky.  Would they be together, could they have survived his lifestyle...although he wanted to make it happen with Elizabeth...he was not a person who take advantage of her and her vulnerability.  She needed a friend and nothing more.

Elizabeth started to explain her situation with Lucky and why she was feeling this way about their relationship.  She told him how Lucky is always gone on photo shoots and really never has time for her anymore.  Lucky had changed since finding a career with Deception and everyone who was anyone wanted him to do the photo shoot from Cairo to London.  She didn't know if she could take anymore of his rejections.  Jason allowed her to finish her thoughts than pulled her close to him as he wrapped his arms around her once more.  She felt safe with Jason, she trusted him completely.  The feelings for Jason hadn't changed....she was drawn to him even though they hadn't seen each other in quite some time.  By the way she clung to him, Jason knew the feelings were mutual.  He hadn't lost the feelings for her as they all came rushing back as her tears moistened his black tee shirt.  He stayed with her for quite some time talking about her marriage to Lucky  as the lightening lit up the night sky.  The rhythm of the rain that fell against the window of the studio heightened the desires between them.  Elizabeth felt the pull towards him growing stronger and she decided it was time to head home before she couldn't resist the temptation.  She grabbed her coat as Jason slipped his arms through his leather jacket and he walked towards the door.  Elizabeth followed and closed the door behind her.  Jason stood and waited for her to lock her studio and asked if he could walk her home.  She agreed and they headed for the docks.

**************************************

Sonny had been keeping a watchful eye on Carly the last few weeks of her pregnancy.  She had complications with the first two and he didn't want anything to go wrong with the third.  She had 2 more weeks to go before her due date and he was becoming the anxious father all over again.  He had all the guards on stand-by incase Carly would go into labor so they could get her to the hospital fast.

Carly waddled down the stairs as the storm brewed outside the penthouse window.  She noticed her husband was standing at the window in deep thought as she approached him from behind and wrapped her arms around his waist.  "A penny for your thoughts.." she said as she placed her head on his shoulder.  Sonny turned and looked at his wife and smiled a crooked smile.  "Honey, you couldn't afford to know what I'm thinking." he replied with a chuckle.  He turned and released the embrace and wandered towards his desk that sat in the foyer of their penthouse.  Carly knew by the look on his face this was about business and she knew better than to speak her mind about his business affairs.  She had heard all to often about how she meddled in his business and she didn't want to get into with him tonight.  They stood a few moments while the rain fell hard outside and pounded the window panes.

"What would you like for dinner?" Sonny asked as he turned and faced his wife.  "You pick.." she replied as she gave him a peck on the cheek.  "How bout the PC Grill?" he suggested as he wandered towards his desk in the foyer.  "Sounds good, I'll get my coat." she answered quickly before he could change his mind.  Sonny nodded in agreement as he locked his desk drawer and took his coat as they walked out the door.

As they made their way into the hallway and waited for the elevator, Sonny heard a loud noise coming from Alexis's apartment.  He and Johnny rushed towards the door and listened for a brief moment to see if they could hear any voices.  "Damn it!" the voice yelled as Sonny quickly opened the door and noticed Alexis standing in the living room very agitated.

"Alexis...are you okay?" he asked as he made his way into her apartment.  Julian had left her apartment sometime go but she was still worried about the news he dropped on her while he was there.  She was just relieving some of the tensions and threw the closest thing to her, which was a crystal glass that was sitting on the coffee table.  As Sonny approached he stepped across the floor of broken glass and wondered what had gotten his friend so upset.  "Yeah, Sonny I'm fine.  I've just had a very long day." she answered as she fell into the couch and took a seat.  She hung her head and placed her elbows on her knees as her head fell into her hands.  Sonny could see she was upset and wasn't about to leave until she talked to him and explained what was wrong.

"Sonny...." Carly shouted from out in the hallway...."are you coming?" Sonny turned towards the door as he heard his wife calling him and replied..."In a minute.." Alexis looked up with tears streaming down her face and a concerned look in her eyes.  Sonny became concerned for her as he gave her one of his hankies he kept in his coat pocket.  "Alexis, you are not fine...talk to me." he said as he stood before her and she wept in the white hankie.  She knew Carly was waiting for him outside the door so she waved the hankie at him as if to tell him she was fine, he needed to be with his wife.  Sonny took the hint and turned and walked towards the door.  "Alexis..if you need me, you call me...okay." he said as he turned and faced her once more.  He knew by her actions that she wanted him to go and be with Carly, but it didn't stop him from being concerned about her.  She was holding her tears back and nodded in acknowledgment as she wiped the stray tear from her cheek.  She knew Sonny needed to spend time with his wife and thus let him go.  She needed to work through this on her own...she needed to sort through her feelings and to think about how she is going to tell Zander she is his mother.
 

Chapter 7
 

The fog hovered over the Port Charles bay as the sun rose over the horizon and the cool crisp spring breeze rustled the leaves that were blown from the tree tops the night before by the storm.  Jason found himself down at on the waterfront as the sun came up over the bay.  He enjoyed walking Elizabeth home last night from her studio, and he took home with him the sense that he and Elizabeth could definitely rebuild what they once had.  She was upset with the life she made with Lucky and needed someone to listen to her....he was once again the shoulder to cry on and he actually didn't mind.  He enjoyed her company and still wanted more.  For Jason his feelings for Elizabeth were strong and just as strong as they were many months ago.  The separation between them just enticed him even more to be with her.  He could feel her connection with him still and knew she had known he was the one she wanted to be with.  Her marriage to Lucky was coming to an end and she would need him to help her through the aftermath of a marriage gone bad.

The day started out for Alexis as usual...a few depositions, a few bail hearings and a visit to the PCPD but she wasn't expecting what she found when she returned home.  A package hand delivered by a young man who was waiting for her as she stepped off the elevator.  She took the package from the young man and gave him a little something for his effort and immediately read the return address on the manilla envelope.  There was no address and their was no indication that it was of any importance.  She unlocked the door to the penthouse and threw the keys on her desk as she kicked the door closed with the back of her foot.  Mesmerized by the package she had received she threw off her coat and wandered to the sofa where she threw the package on the coffee table.  She stared at it for a while wondering what it contained.  It wasn't of substance, it had bearly any weight...what could be coming for her from someone who wouldn't want to be noticed.  Her curiosity got the best of her and started to open the package.  She peeled back the flap and lifted it and peered inside the package.  She quickly sealed it closed and held the package to her chest as her brown eyes felt a warm sensation of tears.  After all these years, she hadn't even thought of the concept of finding her son.

She opened the package and scattered the contents onto the coffee table and was enthralled with the past that stared her in the face.  She took the paper in her hands and read it thoroughly before making any rash decisions about what she was looking at.  She had never thought she would see these again, but she was wrong cause she had in her possession documents that proved beyond a shadow of doubt that her past had caught up to her.

Alexander Madison born on March 23, 1982 to Julian Smith and Natasha.....she couldn't read no more as the warmest tears fell from her soft brown eyes.  What she held in her hand was her son's birth certificate which was something she hadn't seen in almost 20 years.  She couldn't believe that it was time for the truth to come out...for everyone involved.  She had kept this secret for so long, she wasn't even being truthful to herself and it was something that she had been trying to hide for many years.  The Cassidines were a family that took their heritage very seriously and to find out yet again that there was an illegitimate child born within the family would certainly bring retaliation.  She needed to protect her son from the backlash of the family and she needed to tell him before anyone else would.  It was her responsibility as a mother to tell her son that after all these years, he had a family he could call his own.  It was something she was not looking forward to, she knew that the news of Zander being her son would bring only trouble for both of them, but it was time to tell him the truth.

Julian had an agenda when he arrived in Port Charles and two items on his list had been accomplished.  He had met his son once again and had been the bearer of news to his one time mistress.  His visit was almost complete...his next stop was ELQ.  He had been informed by a few associates that Edward Quartermaine was looking to invest in some new ideas and projects.  Julian being a business man in the business to make money, knew a good prospect when he heard one.  He had made an appointment to meet Edward at the PC Grille for lunch to discuss the ideas that would make Edward many more dollars than he could count.  Although from what Julian had read about Mr. Quartermaine...he didn't need the money.  He was a tycoon of sorts and certainly had taken risks in business....Julian was a betting man and he was betting on Edward investing many dollars in some of his new ideas.

Zander and Emily enjoyed their evening by dining by candlelight at an elegant coastal restaurant.  He wanted to do something special for his young lady who was going to give him yet another blessing.  They enjoyed a 5 course meal with a bottle of Merlot and danced the night away under the stars.  Emily couldn't think of anything more romantic for her husband to do but to treat her to a special evening with him.  She had been dreaming of an elegant evening alone with him for some time, but with their schedules they never found the time.  She dressed in a tight fitting lengthy red dress with spaghetti straps and a drop front and back, he dressed to the nines in a sharp black tuxedo.   She had her hair pulled back with a few stray curls caressing her cheeks, she wore the beautiful diamond studs Zander had bought her for her birthday last year and the diamond tennis bracelet to match.  Zander's first look at her was breathtaking.  He loved her in whatever she wore, but she was bound turn the heads of all who dined this evening.

Zander and Emily danced to the sounds of the string band that played through the night.  He held her close as they danced under the moon and stars as the waves of the ocean beat against the white sand beach.  They laughed and enjoyed each others company till the wee hours of the morning.  They had a few more days left on the island and wanted to venture out and explore the next day, so they reluctantly left the restaurant and headed back to the beach house after a wonderful night of dancing.

He couldn't help but see the glimmer in her eyes as they rode back in the limo.  He knew she wasn't ready to end the evening.  He suggested a walk along the beach before they retire for the night and she eagerly agreed.  The limo pulled up in front of the beach house as Zander leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.  The night had been so perfect, he didn't want it to end either.  He assisted her out of the car and walked hand and hand down to the beach.  She leaned on him as she removed her sling backs and left them laying in the sand hoping to remember to pick them up on their way back.  Her eyes sparkled as they caught the moon light as the warm ocean breezes filtered through her auburn hair.  She was breathtaking and he couldn't resist the temptation of touching her, caressing her, and just holding her close to him.  They held hands and walked along the water just enjoying each other's company.  He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her slim waist holding her close to his side.  She leaned her head against him as she wrapped her arms around him and laced her fingers to hold him tight.  She never wanted to let him go.

They walked closer to the cove and farther from the beach house as he slowed the pace.  He stopped suddenly and turned to face her as she was surprised at his advances.  He cupped his strong hands as he embraced the soft skin of her face and gazed into her brown eyes.  She wrapped her arms around him as they stood enthralled in each other.  His hand brushed back the curls that hung against her face as she brought her arms up and around his neck.  He drew her closer to him as she felt his warm breath on her soft lips.  She moistened her lips as her tongue rolled across them awaiting for their mouths to meet.  He hesitated a brief moment and just gazed into her eyes as he leaned in closer just barely brushing her top lip.  She could resist his advances no longer as her mouth found his with a soft moistened kiss.  His hands caressed her back as the kiss deepened and her fingers clenched his black hair at the nape of his neck.  The temptation to make love to her was growing stronger as their desires to be one was apparent.  The hunger grew as their tongues played with each other within the crevices of their mouths and his hand started to grope her beautiful body lines.  The urge to take her was overwhelming as he suggested they return to the house, she nodded in agreement as she brushed her finger across her lower lip as to wipe away the moistness left by his kiss.

Lucky arrived home after a very long week of photo shoots in New York as Elizabeth was on her way out the door heading to the studio.  She needed to finish up a project she had been working on for weeks and it was due tomorrow.  Elizabeth wanted to spend some time with her husband but he only had a couple of minutes to take a shower and change his clothes before heading over to Deception to develop the rolls of film he brought back with him.  There was so many things Elizabeth would of like to discuss with her husband, but yet again work came first.  Elizabeth was becoming more and more dependent on others to give her the support she needed, she was wondering why she was in a marriage alone.  They were very happy for many years and things changed when they said I do.  Lucky became more controlling and less understanding with what she was needing.  She certainly didn't need the aggravation and stress of a relationship that was obviously crumbling around her.  She grabbed her coat and slammed the door behind her, leaving Lucky to wonder what he said wrong.

As she wandered down to the waterfront, she walked with a purpose as she turned the corner onto Front Street.  She past Jake's and noticed Jason coming out the side door.  She couldn't resist the temptation of being held by someone who certainly appreciated her for who she was.  She always turned to Jason when she needed someone, they had grown very close yet Lucky's jealousy ran deep and had forbidden her to see Jason for some time.  She didn't care what Lucky thought at this particular moment, she just knew she needed Jason.  Her feelings for him had been raging inside of her like a fire out of control and she knew there was no way of dousing them.  He noticed her waiting for him as he approached she ran into his arms as he embraced her with his strong arms and held her close.  He knew by the way she rushed into his arms she was in need of him.  He pulled back and looked in her eyes and asked for her to explain what was wrong.  She started by asking if he would walk her to her studio and she would explain once they got there.  He agreed and escorted her down the block to the studio where she painted.

Staying out sight, Nikolas couldn't believe what he was observing from his brother's wife.  It was a well known fact around Port Charles being associated with Jason Morgan could get you killed.  Being concerned for Elizabeth he followed the two of them to her studio while still lagging far behind so he wouldn't be noticed.  As Jason waited for Elizabeth to unlock the studio door, he was observing his surroundings which was a course of habit for Jason.  Being associated with a well known mobster, he did many thing that seemed very out of the ordinary for others.  Elizabeth pulled Jason inside as she closed the door behind him and locked the door once again.  Nikolas came from around the corner and made a note of the time as he wandered past not wanting to know what she wanted with Jason.

Once inside the studio and out of sight of passers by, Elizabeth broke down and fell into Jason's arms once more.  He held her close trying to comfort her as her tears moistened his tee shirt.  He needed an explanation and became concerned when she was hesitant to tell him.  "Elizabeth, please tell me what is wrong...that is the only way I can be of any help to you.." he pleaded as she pulled back from his release.  She distanced herself from him as she sat down on the couch and wiped the tears from her eyes.  "It's over, Jason....it's really over." Jason not knowing what she meant had a puzzled look come across his face as he came and sat down beside her.  He wrapped his arm around her as she fell against him and laid her head on his shoulder.  "Elizabeth..what's over?"  he asked as he tried to comfort her.  She sobbed as he wiped away the tears that fell from the corner of her eyes.  "My marriage...to Lucky..it's over.  I can't take it anymore, Jason...I just can't." she replied as she sniffed back the tears.  He was stunned at her reply and couldn't help but feel the power of victory.  He had wanted to hear those words for so long, yet he felt her pain of losing someone she loved.  He had lost at love before and knew what she felt at the moment of realizing all was lost.  All he could do was be there for her and to reassure her that everything would be alright.  He stayed with her until she would let him go, and reluctantly he complied to her request as he left her alone in her studio to paint.  Painting and being alone was the best thing for her, it gave her solace and it was more soothing to her than Jason would ever know.  As she painted she remembered the wild times she and Jason had taking rides on his bike along the country roads that wound around the city of Port Charles.  It was all she ever wanted....to be free to be who she was and to be with someone who loved her.
 

Chapter 8

Zander awoke to his cell phone ringing as he quickly reached for it hoping not to awaken Emily.  "Hello..." he said quietly as he slipped out from beneath the sheets.  He walked gently towards the bathroom door in his navy blue silk boxers and stepped inside and closed the door. "Zander....it's me.." replied the voice on the other end.  "Sonny... why are you calling this early?" There was a brief hesitation from him as if to gain his composure before he answered Zander's question.  "Sonny, what's wrong?" Zander now getting worried because of the silence and becoming concerned he didn't answer.  "Nothing's wrong...everything's just right...." Sonny sounded excited as he finally replied to the question asked.  "Okay...why is everything right?  What's going on....Sonny?" From the sound of his voice something is definitely going on that he and Emily should be aware of....but Zander couldn't put his finger on the answer.  "It's Carly...she just went in to the delivery room about 10 minutes ago....Zander, she's in labor!" he exclaimed.  "Oh my God..Sonny, we're flying home today...we'll be there in a couple of hours."  Zander now all excited about the baby and he knew Carly would want he and Emily to be there, really decided in a split second to return to Port Charles.  Before Sonny had time to object to the plan, Zander had already hung up the phone with a quick good bye.

He rushed from the bathroom in a panic, yet he was so excited for Sonny and Carly at the same time. "Oh my God, Emily....get up!  Let's go baby!...." he exclaimed as he rushed towards her.  Emily began to stir underneath the covers as she rolled onto her back and rubbed her face vigorously to wake herself up.  "Zander....What is the matter with you?  Do you know what time it is?..." she replied still groggy from waking up out of a deep sleep.  "It's 5:30....but we gotta go....we gotta go back to Port Charles!" he said as the minutes passed the more excited he got.  Emily baffled at why he was packing the suitcase and ranting they had to go back home....but it had to be something important to get him all wound up like this.  "Zander, slow down...and tell me what this is all about now." she said as he quickly got himself dressed.  He stopped for a brief moment and took a deep cleansing breath.  "Whoo...okay.  That was Sonny on the phone.  Carly's in labor at General Hospital." he said as calm as could be.  Emily sat a moment reveling in what he just said and she quickly jumped up out of bed and got dressed.  "Well, what you standing around for....let's go!"

Zander and Emily headed for the airport as excited as could be for Sonny and Carly.  You'd think they were the ones having the baby.  As the car pulled into the hanger, the plane taxied out and stopped just shy of the platform so they could board.  They boarded the plane and took their seats and buckled up.  He took her hand in his and looked at her with a smile.  "We're gonna make it...don't worry."  Emily smiled and tried to calm him down.  "I know....but Sonny and Carly have been waiting for so long to have another child....and with all the complications from the last one....Em..." he answered as he drifted off his words.  She caressed his hand with hers as a sign of her support as the pilot came on the intercom system.  "MR. & MRS. SMITH....THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING, WE SHOULD ARRIVE IN PORT CHARLES IN ABOUT 3 HOURS.  PLEASE FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS.  WE ARE 3RD IN LINE TO FOR TAKE OFF.  THANK-YOU."  Emily and Zander sat and listened to the captain speak as she peered out the window the last time at paradise.

The flight into Port Charles was fine .... no complications, and they had hoped there was no complications for Carly either.  Zander and Emily were driven to General Hospital to be there for Sonny at this most exciting time for he and Carly.  They rushed into the hospital and checked with the front desk to find out where to go as they saw Alexis coming off the elevator.  She noticed them right away and didn't know whether to greet Zander as his mother or as a friend.  She was yet to tell him the truth...but this was not the time nor place.  Emily noticed Alexis and rushed to greet her with a friendly hug.  "Any news?...." Emilly asked as Alexis and Zander embraced.  "Uhh .... no, Emily not yet....Sonny's upstairs in the waiting room...if you want to go up and sit with him a while.  He's a nervous wreck believe it or not." she explained as they turned and waited for the elevator.  The three of them filed into the elevator as Alexis asked about their trip.

Sonny sat waiting patiently as he noticed the three of them step off the elevator and walk towards him.  Zander extended his hand to shake with Sonny as he rose from his seat.  "We got here as soon as we could. How is she?" Emily explained as she rushed and embraced Sonny who looked worried. "Nice of you two to cut your trip short to come back for this ..... " he replied as he took his seat once again.  Zander and Emily sat in the seats next to him as Alexis excused herself to fetch some coffee for all of them.  "Sonny...the two of you are like family...of course we'd be here..." Zander answered as one of the duty nurses came into the room, obviously with news about Carly.  Sonny rose from his seat with anticipation as she approached. As the nurse approached she removed her scrub cap and led Sonny back to his seat.  She sat down next to him and tried to explain what was happening with his wife.  "Mr. Corinthos, your wife is doing fine.  It was touch and go there for a while, but she's strong and so is the baby.  She is 8 cm dilated and should be delivering any time now.  You are more than welcome to come back and be with her during delivery." explained the nurse as Sonny accepted her invitation to be with his wife once again as he excused himself and followed her down the hall and beyond the automatic double doors.

Time passed slowly for those who were waiting in the room for news about Carly and her baby.  Emily noticed the nurse returned and approached them with a smile.  She breathed a sigh a of relief as the nurse informed them that mother and baby girl are doing fine.  They were going to be moved to a private room as soon as one was available.  Just then Sonny emerged from beyond the double doors as a proud father.  Sonny was proud of both his children, JT and Michael, and it certainly showed he would be very proud of his new baby girl too.

Emily rushed him and embraced him as Alexis and Zander followed in congratulating him. Sonny explained that Amelia would be placed in the nursery momentarily if they wanted to go and see her.  He would be with Carly for the rest of the day and gave instructions to Zander to deliver to Jason, who had been taking care of other business.  The three of them turned the corner towards the nursery as Sonny headed back to be with Carly.

After gawking at Amelia Alexandra Corinthos for what seemed like hours, the three of them headed back to the penthouse.  Alexis was getting closer and closer to telling her son the truth, even though she didn't know exactly how to explain the situation.  Zander and Emily along with Alexis made their way up to the penthouse as Zander noticed Alexis looking kind of anxious about something.  "Is something bothering you, Alexis?" he asked as they stepped off the elevator.  Alexis acknowledge his question with a glare as she opened the door of the penthouse.  "Zander, we need to talk." she replied as she threw her keys on the desk by the door.  By the look on her face, Zander knew it was going to be a serious discussion.  They took seats on the sofa as Alexis glanced at Emily as if to ask her to give them a few minutes.  She excused herself to the kitchen to make some popcorn cause it looked like it was about to become a very long discussion.

"Okay, now with Emily out of the room...what's this all about?" Zander asked as he leaned back into the cushions of the sofa. "Zander, what I am about to explain to you is not easy.  And it wasn't kept from you to hurt you.  Heck I didn't know the whole story till about a day or so ago.  I have really been racking' my brain trying to think of a good way to tell you." she began to explain as he interrupted her thought.  "Tell me what!  Alexis just spit out....what?"

Alexis thought about the easiest and most painless way to tell him was just to be blunt about it.

"Zander....I'm your mother."  Zander sat in shock at what she just said as the anger filtered into him and any other emotion he never thought possible.  "What?....Oh my God..Alexis, that's not true!" he exclaimed as he rose from his seat in disgust.  He couldn't believe what she just told him.  How is this possible?  He had a mother who lived in Florida...there was no way the person he calls his friend could be his mother.  Alexis approached him as he tried to distance himself from her and tried to fathom that this was even remotely possible.  "Zander, listen to me....I never meant for any of this to come out like this.  I am so sorry it did...I wanted to tell you in my own time, but I didn't know you were my son till a few days ago.  I didn't know!" she explained unsure he was even listening to her.  "If you didn't know, than how do you know it is the truth, Alexis....how?!" he replied as his eyes welled with the warmest tears.  Emily stood in the doorway of the kitchen trying to stay out of the discussion and resisted butting in where she didn't belong.  "Your father, Zander.....he told me. Look, I thought my son was dead...Zander I didn't know you were him....I didn't know...." Alexis trying so hard to explain and knowing it was falling on deaf ears.  Zander paced the floor of the penthouse in anger as Alexis reached for the birth certificate to prove what she was saying was true.

"Here..." she said as she handed him the paper document.  Zander stared at the piece of paper he took from her and read it trying to decipher what all this meant.  "How can this be happening?  Why is this happening...Alexis?  Or should I call you mother..." he exclaimed as he threw the paper document in her direction.  Alexis tried to do her best to explain how this all came about...hoping he was listening.  Even though he was angry, hurt, and totally shocked by this news, he listened to what she had to say.  "Look I know your angry and hurt about me not telling you and I am truly sorry that I didn't, but I just found out myself.  They kept this from me too, Zander..." she replied as she picked up the certificate and held it against her chest.  "Who did...Alexis?  Who kept me from you?....Damn it Alexis tell me..." he replied forcefully as they stood face to face.  Alexis reached out to hold her son in her arms, and was surprised that he didn't pull away from her.  She finally got to embrace her son after almost 20 years apart, she was hoping on some kind of relationship.  She cupped her hands around the jaw line of her son and studied his features as if to look for herself in him.  "Zander, after you were born...I was told you had died due to complications...not knowing that Helena and Frank, your grandfather had struck a deal.  See being I am an illegitimate child myself...there was no way Helena was going to allow another bastard in the family.  Frank had taken custody of you and left his son Julian raise you as his own.  Helena had really solved the problem in one full sweep.  She got rid of my child..you....and got revenge on her husband's child in the process.  Julian's wife, your mother knew you only as being adopted and hadn't realized till it was too late that you belonged to someone your father had an affair with.  Zander...we were both lied to....." he words drifted off as he embraced her.

Emily stood in the shadows wiping away her tears from watching this mother and son reunion, although not sure she was to believe what she just saw or heard.  She was just as stunned as Zander was to find out that Alexis was his mother.  He turned and noticed Emily standing in the doorway and quickly went to her.  "How much did you hear?" he asked as they walked back over to where Alexis stood.  "Most of it...Zander." she replied as they embraced once more.  All three exchanged glances as if to acknowledge that each of them finally knew the truth.

"I think it's time the two of you should pick up that grand child of mine....don't you?  Zander smiled at the thought of Alexis being a grandmother to his child and embraced his mother once more.  "We're gonna discuss this further, ya know.  We have a lot to talk about...Zander."

With that, Zander and Emily headed across the hall to pick up their son as the mention of his name brought smiles to their faces.  They missed him so much and wanted only to pick him up and tell him just how much his mommy and daddy love him.  Johnny left the two of them in and called Laticia down from upstairs.  "Hey guys...welcome home." she replied as she quickly embraced them to welcome them home.  "We came to pick up Dante...is he ready to go." Laticia glanced upstairs and replied..."I just put them both down for a nap and I'd really hate to wake them up...they were really exhausted from their morning visit to the park."  Zander thought about it a moment and decided they'd let him sleep and go back across the hall and sit with Alexis awhile.  "Um...well, then just call us when he wakes up....we'll be across the hall." Emily replied as she and Zander turned to head back out the door.  Laticia nodded in agreement and said her goodbyes as Johnny stood guard outside the opened door.

Emily and Zander stood in the hallway a few moments outside Alexis's penthouse as Johnny stood guard.  Emily knew the news about Alexis being his mother was tearing him up inside...she could see it in his eyes.  She didn't want to pry into his family affairs, this was something he and Alexis would have to work out with each other.  She saw he was hurting and really didn't know how to help him other than just to hold him in her arms and hope she could take some of the pain away.  He walked a few steps in front of her as they passed the elevators as she grabbed his arm.  He turned around and looked in her eyes as she pulled him close and embraced him.  "It's gonna be alright...baby.  I'm here and just remember that I love you no matter what happens on the other side of that door." she said as he pulled her closer.  "I love you too..baby.  You and Dante are my life and there is nothing that is ever gonna change that." he replied as he released the embrace and brushed a stray curl of auburn hair away from her face.  He took the led once again and hesitated a brief moment before knocking once again on the penthouse door.  He took a deep cleansing breath as the door opened and his mother stood before him.

Alexis stepped aside and allowed Zander and Emily to enter the apartment.  Alexis closed the door behind them and took Zander by the hand and led him to the sofa to sit down.  "We need to talk, Zander...sit."  Zander did as he was asked by Alexis.  He always did what she asked of him, he really didn't ask questions.   He sat down on the couch as she sat beside him and Emily sat on the well padded arm rest.  Alexis looked at Emily as Zander noticed she didn't want to talk in front of her.  "Alexis...whatever you want to say, you can say in front of Emily...she's my wife..she deserves to hear the truth as much as I do.

Alexis took a deep cleansing breath before she began to spill her past.  She explained to her son and his wife how he became to be and why they were apart for so many  years.  "Now...there of course will be repercussions here Zander.  You do know that don't you?" she asked as she took his hand once more. Zander looked at her with bewilderment as he wondered what exactly she was talking about. As Alexis began to explain the telephone rang and interrupted her train of thought.  She quickly got up out of disgust with the being disturbed and answered the phone.

"Alexis Davis..." she said as she removed her earring and held the receiver to her ear.  "Yes he is...hold on a moment."  She extended the phone to Zander as she shrugged when he asked who was calling.  "Hello..." he replied to voice on the other end.  "Steph...what's wrong?!" Zander a little flustered and in a panic as he heard the explanation.  "Oh my God...we'll be right there....." he replied and quickly hung up the phone.  He glared at Emily and Alexis as if he were in shock from the news he received.  Emily rose from her seat quickly and went to him as she asked what happened.  "Zander...what's the matter?" she asked as he looked at her with a blank stare.  "That was Steph on the phone....Alex is in the hospital.  We gotta get over there...Em."   Alexis, Emily and Zander rushed out the door and headed over to the hospital.

They arrived at the emergency room where Steph and Julian were waiting for them.  Alexis shocked to see Julian in the waiting room as Steph explained what was going on.  "Oh, Alex....I am so glad you are here..." she sobbed as she threw her arms around him.  Zander not knowing what else to do but to console her as Emily stood by and watched Steph play this for all it was worth.  She certainly felt sorry for Steph and what she was going through because she wouldn't know what she would do if it were Dante.  But Emily had a woman's intuition that told her something else was going on.  Zander had mentioned that Steph had explained to him that she was sick and she wanted him to take custody of Alex after she was gone.  But something was going on here...Emily just couldn't put her finger on it.

Alexis stood to the side waiting for an explanation of what was going on with her granddaughter.  Julian looked up and noticed Alexis standing by the elevators as they made eye contact.  She didn't want to deal with him right now but knew at some point she would have to...they shared a son.  As she passed Zander talking with Steph, she touched his arm and lightly squeezed it as if to say "I'm here for you..."  Alexis took a seat in the waiting area with Julian and hoped he wouldn't start in conversation about Zander.  "I take it Alex was with you when Steph called....." Julian said as he and Alexis exchanged looks.  "Yeah he was....we were discussing they why's and how's of me not knowing he was my son..." she trailed off with her words as Steph and Zander along with Emily approached.

"So...what's wrong with Alex?" Alexis questioned as Zander took a seat next to her.  He brushed a single tear from his eye as he placed his arm on the back of the chair Alexis sat in.  "Well, Alex is..uh.....well, she is very sick and that's about all we know.  Dr. Jones is working to find out the reasons why...so we just have to sit and wait.." he said as Alexis's motherly instincts kicked in and she tried to comfort him by wrapping her arms around him.  As they sat and consoled each other, Dr. Jones approached with a chart in his hands.

Zander rose to his feet as Dr. Jones stood before them.  "So....what's wrong with my daughter..Dr. Jones?" he asked as Emily held his one hand and Alexis held the other.  "We're not sure.  But I do need blood from both you and Alex's mother..." Tony said as he exchanged glances with both Zander and Steph. "Sure ....fine...I can do that.  Anything if it is gonna help Alex.." Zander replied as he glanced down at Emily who nodded in agreement.  "Okay...well, the lab is up on the 4th floor....I will send the lab the work up and just ask at the nurse's station, they will tell you where to go." Tony replied as Zander released Emily's hand and took Steph's with the other as she led him towards the elevators.  Tony walked over to the nurse's station and called up to the lab with the work up he wanted done on both Zander and Steph.  He needed to find out what was wrong with this little girl before something else happened.

Emily's last glance of her husband as the doors closed was of him and his ex wrapped in an embrace of solace.  She stood and shook her head as she felt a strong hand on her shoulder.  She quickly turned around and noticed her father standing before her.  "What are you doing here?  Is everything alright with Dante?" he asked as he took her hands in his.  "Oh, yeah Dante's fine...he's with Laticia." she replied. "Gee, I hope there's nothing wrong with you...are you hurt anywhere?" he asked as he looked her over.  "No, Dad....I'm fine.  I'm here with Zander.....his daughter is sick..." Alan not knowing what to say to that stood with a puzzled look on his face.  Emily didn't remember if she told them or not about Alex.....but it was a little to late to do damage control. "It's a long story....I'll have to explain later..." she said and gave her dad a peck on the cheek as she noticed Zander step off the elevator.

She rushed to him and fell into his arms as he wrapped them around her and held on to her tightly.  "So..how did it go?" she asked as she pulled back from the embrace.  "It went..." he said with a shrug as he noticed Alan staring from across the nurse's station.   "What'd he want?" he asked as they approached the waiting area where Julian and Alexis sat.  "Nothing...it was nothing.." Emily replied as they took seats once again with his mother.  Julian and Zander exchanged stares as they sat across from each other.  "You know...this is neither the time or place for this..but all I want to know is.....how could you keep me from my mother?!" Zander asked of his father as he raised his voice.  "Alex...please...you have to believe me when I say that I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner."  Julian practically pleading for his son's forgiveness and Zander giving him a cold shoulder in return.  "Believe you....why would I do a stupid thing like that?!" he replied raising his voice yet again.  "You haven't told me the truth in 20 years...why start now?" he added as he rose in disgust of the conversation.  Julian reached for his arm as he passed behind him and Zander pulled away from him.  "No....don't.  I trusted you completely.  And you flat out lied to me about who I was...who my mother was.  You lied to Alexis...you lied, dad....and I don't know if I can ever forgive you for that. Ev-er!"  Zander quickly pulled the words he was going to say as Steph came and sat down once again.

The five of them sat what felt like eternity waiting for some news on what the doctor's thought was wrong with Alex.  Steph obviously upset with the situation, Zander disgusted with his father and worried and concerned for his daughter who lye in a hospital bed not knowing what was wrong with her. Emily sat and studied Steph's behavior since going to give her blood at the lab.  She looked worried, but not about Alex...but something else.  They waited some more as it startled all of them when they heard there was a code blue in room 3.  Zander thought a moment and quickly rushed to room 3 when he realized the code blue was his daughter.  He felt completely helpless while the doctors worked feverishly trying to breath life back into the little girl's lifeless body.  He pounded the glass that separated he and his daughter as he began to sob uncontrollably.  He couldn't fathom what he'd do with her.  "Oh God..no!...Please, God please let her be alright!...Please don't take her from now!  I just got her back....Oh please!" he pleaded as Steph and he consoled each other as the doctors shocked their daughter once more to try to bring her back.  Through his tears he heard the monitor beep in rhythm as they all sighed with relief....she came back to them.  He and Steph embraced as he placed his hand on the glass to get as close as possible to his daughter who still lay lifeless.  "Thank you....." he mouthed as he looked up towards the ceiling and cried a few more tears.

Emily stood behind them with Alexis as the doctors filtered out of the room removing their scrub caps and latex gloves relieved they saved yet another life.  As the last of the nurse's left the room she told Zander he could go in and sit with his daughter if he wanted to.  He accepted the invitation and pulled the stool next to the bed and sat down.  He took her little hand in his and laid his head on the edge of her bed and prayed.  He hadn't prayed a day in his life....but he certainly was thankful his daughter was spared.  He said a prayer as Steph approached him from behind and gently caressed the back of his neck with a comforting hand.  "We almost lost her....Alex...." she said as he rose from the swivel stool and embraced her.  "But we didn't.....we didn't." he replied as the warmest tears trickled down his face.  As they sat with Alex......Zander noticed Emily and Alexis standing outside peering in through the window.  "I'll be right back..." he said as he excused himself and headed out to his wife who stood waiting for him. Steph watched as Zander and Emily embraced outside of their daughter's room.  "Soon, Alex....real soon." she said to herself as she held her daughter's hand.

Emily noticed Dr. Jones approach them with a concerned look on his face. She knew something was wrong.  "Zander...Emily...." Tony said as he stood before them with a file in his hand.  "What's wrong...?" Emily questioned as Tony opened the file folder.  Steph stepped out of the room and listened as Tony glanced at her and began to explain the contents of the file.  "These are the test results from the blood samples the two of you gave us...and well, the results are quite perplexing..." he said as he glanced at those who were awaiting the results.  "What is....what's the problem?" Steph asked as she was so hoping what she suspected didn't show up.

"Well...according to the blood tests we did on Alex when she got here...she is an O+ blood type..." he began as Steph interrupted.  "Yeah so....she's O+.."  Zander looked concerned as Tony continued..."Well, from the samples we received in the lab .... there is no way these two blood sample came from her parents."  Zander in shock ... and Steph beside herself at the results.....hung her head as she covered her face with her hands.  "No!....that can't be!...Those results are wrong!..They're just wrong!" she exclaimed as anger overcame her.  "This cannot be happening...Alex was the father of her daughter..." she thought to herself.  Zander grabbed Steph by her upper arms as she hung her head and cried uncontrollably.  "Steph...look at me! Damn it!  How could you not know?  Tell me!  God...I can't believe this!!" he shouted as Steph sobbed.  "Alex...please!  I swear...I didn't know....you were the..." she began as Zander cut her off.  "What .... I was the only one you slept with!...Please Steph....you may lie to yourself about these things but God please don't lie to me!  That little girl in there, has been told all her life that I am her daddy!  And obviously I am not!  So now what, Steph...what are you going to do now?! Huh?!  I don't see any other guy standing around here hoping he was the father of that child?!" Zander spatted back at her as they stood outside Alex's room.  "Alex....I'm sorry!  Okay, I'm sorry." Steph said through her tears as she pulled away from his grip he had on her.  "Well, Steph...sorry doesn't cut it this time!  Not this time!  Damn you!  How could you do this to me!.....to Alex!" he shouted as Emily came up and gently tried to pull him away from the situation that had ensued.  "Come on...let's try to calm down and sort this out...." Emily said in a calming voice.  Zander heard the calming voice of his wife as she led him to sit in the chairs outside Alex's room.  He took a seat reluctantly as he was shaking with anger towards Steph who was in disbelief.  "God...I can't believe this.  I just can't.  So what, Steph you read in the papers about my relationship with Sonny Corinthos and figured what...I'd be your meal ticket!" he exclaimed as Emily held on to his one arm gently trying to restrain him to his seat.  Steph not saying anything to Zander's questions, just sobbing.  Thoughts of 3 years ago consumed her as her memory ran through the dates she could of conceived this child, trying to figure out who else she was with that could be the father of her child.  "Alex...I didn't know about your relationship with this...Sonny person...honest!" she answered finally after a few brief moments of silence.  "Okay...if you didn't know..than how did you find me...some little birdie tell you I was living in Port Charles?" Zander said sarcastically.  "Tell me Steph....explain this to me!" he added as she turned her back on him.  She quickly turned around and faced him and those sitting with him...."Alex..I don't have to explain anything to you...!" she lashed out and turned and walked away.  "Steph...don't you walk away from me!" he shouted as he pulled away from Emily's grip.  He looked back at her and with the look in his eyes she knew he had to do go after her.

Zander followed her into the coffee room that was adjacent to the nurse's lounge and found her sobbing as she sat at one of the tables alone.  "Steph....we need to talk about this.  And we need to talk about this now." he said as he approached her from behind.  "No we don't .... and we're not going to.  You hear me Alex...we are not gonna talk about this!" she said forcefully.  "Steph...what about Alex?  There is a sick little girl back there who needs her mommy and daddy....and well, since it seems I am not her daddy..don't you think you should think back and remember who could be?" he said as he sat down across from her.  "You're off the hook....what'da do you care?" she spatted as she turned away from him.  "Okay...fine.  You want to be like that...fine!  Do it on your own!  I was offering to help you, but since you don't seem to want my help....I won't offer it again!" he shouted as he got up from his seat and stormed out of the room.  She hung her head and covered her face in shame of not knowing who was the father of her child.

Zander stormed out of the lounge leaving Steph behind to wallow in her guilt and shame as she hung her head in her hands.  She watched unnoticeable to Zander as he left the room and a smile came over her face.  He returned to the ICU unit where his daughter was being watched carefully and embraced his wife as Steph lagged behind him.  Emily tried to calm Zander down as he held her tightly and Emily noticed Steph's look of cold heartedness towards her.  "That should be me holding him...not her!" Steph thought as she watched Emily console him.

As he got himself under control he sat down with Alexis and discussed what he and Emily should do next.  "So...Alexis, what are my options now?" he asked as she adjusted her glasses that drifted down her nose.  "Zander, legally you don't have any obligations to either of them.  DNA proves you are not Alex's father and since you are legally married to Emily....you are free to walk out of here and never look back.  If you choose to." she replied as she crossed her legs right over left.  Zander thought about his options he had to choose from....none of them any good.  Emily caressed his shoulders with her hands as it relieved some of the pressures that filled his mind.  Just to know he had her and his son was all that he needed.

Zander turned and glared at Steph who stood peering through the window at Alex who still lie lifeless in the hospital bed.  He rose from his seat and approached her from behind as she felt him coming towards her she turned and stared coldly into his eyes.  "I don't know what you did, but that little girl in there is mine....no doubt about it." he said with a blank stare.  Tears welled up in her eyes as he stepped back from her and went into the room to be with his daughter.  Emily in dismay about what her husband was doing as Steph approached her.  "May I speak with you...now." Steph asked as she stood before Emily and Alexis.  Emily glanced at Alexis as she nodded that it would be alright if she spoke with Steph.  They walked to the lounge and took a seat at an empty table.

"Okay...Steph, what do want?" Emily asked her in a forceful tone.  Steph's demeanor changed completely once she was alone with Zander's wife.  "What I want, Emily....is your husband." Steph replied harshly as Emily sat across from her.  "I think that is impossible since he loves me and is married to me..." she replied as she felt herself fill with hatred for this woman who was trying so desperately to take Zander from her.  "Oh not impossible at all, sweetie.  Didn't Alex tell you...I get what I want and he has a hard time refusing a beautiful woman." Steph replied as she cocked her one eyebrow.  "Listen...I don't know what game you are playing with Zander...but I tell you what...you manipulating bitch....you will get your claws into my husband over my dead body!" Emily spatted back at Steph who sat smirking at her.  "Well, that can be arranged..." she replied coldly with a stare that was piercing.  Emily sat calmly thinking of a reply to Steph's threat as she felt every emotion filter through her body.  "Are you threatening me?" Emily asked as her eyes became fixated on the woman sitting across from her.  "Honey....call it what you want...but I am going to have your husband in my bed yet again...and you can count on it!" Steph replied as she stood up from her chair.  As she passed Emily on her way out...Em replied under her breath..."Bitch!"  No sooner had she spoke her mind about Zander's ex.....Steph turned around and came back to the table with something on her mind.  "If you have something to say to me...Em....Just say it!" she snapped as she stood before Emily who sat with anger in her eyes.

Emily rose from her chair and stood before the ex-girlfriend as many thoughts came to mind.  "As a matter of fact there are quite a few things...." Emily replied as her words were interrupted by the presence of Zander who walked in on this heated conversation.  "Alright...that's enough!  God,  I can hear you guys down the hall....Steph please leave....now!" he said as he came between the two women.  He glanced back and forth between the women who he separated as Emily glared over his shoulder at Steph. "Fine....but Alex...you better keep a leash on this one.." she replied with a smirk as she walked out the door of the lounge.  "Oooh...that woman! She is such a bitch! And she is playing you like a fiddle, Zander." Emily said as he caressed her shoulders trying to calm her down.  "Now, Em...there is nothing to worry about with Steph.  She is filled with empty threats..." he replied as he drew her close to him.  She pulled away from him and tried to distance herself from him.  "Now Em, nothin'!  Zander, she threatened me right here no 10 minutes ago...and than she tells me she will have you in her bed yet again!  Tell me, what was I supposed to do...stand here and take her shit!  I hate to tell you, hun....but that is just not going to happen....I am not going to stand by and let some blonde bimbo talk to me like that...tellin' me she's gonna have you yet again...yeah right!  Never gonna happen!"  Emily was now as riled as ever and about ready to pounce on who ever came through the door.  "Okay..let's just calm down...Emily..think of the baby. Now come on sit down here with me..." Zander tried his damnedest to calm her down, but it just wasn't working.  Emily was getting fidgety as her hands started to clench.  "Em...listen to me.  Steph is not worth you getting all riled up like this....she's not worth it!" he continued as he himself now was getting angry at Steph for creating this situation.  Emily ran her fingers through her hair as she gathered them into a ponytail and then released them.  Zander could see she was frustrated, angry and hurt.  He just wasn't sure how to take the fears away and thought the only thing he could do was to reassure her of his feelings.

"Em..look at me..." he said as she looked into his dark eyes.  "There is nothing in this world that will ever change my feelings for you....nothing!  I love you with all my heart and I have since the first time I kissed you in the visitor's room of the PCPD.  You are my life and I don't know what I would do without you...." he explained as she hung her head.  He took her chin in his hand and gazed into her eyes as they filled with the warmest tears.  "Hey...I love you and only you.  Okay....only you, baby." he continued as he wiped a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb.  He rose from his seat as he took her hand...."Come here..."  he said as he pulled her from her chair and held her close to him.  The anger she once felt was now tears as she moistened the front of his shirt.  "Shhh...it's alright. Nothing is going to happen to us...we have come way too far together...way to far." he continued as she clung to him for dear life.  Realizing what she had put herself through, she finally was calmed down as she choked back the tears and said "I love you too...."

Oblivious to the presence of someone who came into the room while they re-connected...Zander looked up and saw Steph once again had come back for more.  "Awe...ain't that sweet?" she said taunting Emily again.  Zander released his embrace and put himself in between Steph and Emily as he urged her behind him.  "Don't you ever quit...?" he asked as Steph poured herself a cup of decaf coffee.  "Quit?  Alex you should no by now, I go after what I want and I always get it." she replied as she ran her hand down the front of his shirt pressing it to his chest.  "Well, not this time!  As of right now, you and Alex will be taken back to Virginia!" he exclaimed as she stood shocked hearing his words.  "But Alex....she is sick...she can't travel."  Steph debated as she tried to play on his heart.  "I'm sure Dr. Jones can provide ample care for her on your way back to Virginia Beach.  And I will be more than happy to supply you with transportation!"  he replied as Emily had her arms wrapped around his waist.  "Fine!  If Dr. Jones says it is okay for her to be transported than we will leave.  If not, we stay till she can....Deal." Zander stood and thought about her deal, and knew that this was the one way he could be rid of the problem.  Emily's blood pressure was rising as she watched Steph play her husband once again.  She came out from behind Zander and pointed directly at Steph who now was only a few feet from her.  "You know what....I am NOT risking another pregnancy to fight with you...stay...go...it doesn't really matter.  You know why?..." she exclaimed as she tried her best not to deck her.  Steph shrugged her shoulders as she glared over Em's shoulders at Zander who stood back and watched his wife take charge with his ex.  "Because...this baby that I am carrying and the sweet little boy at home are all the proof I need that my husband loves me.  He loves me....not you!  Zander and I were blessed with our little boy a year ago and now we are blessed yet again with another child.  Our child.  A child created from love....a love we have shared for a long time...and no one is going to take that away from us....no one!  So do what you want, but....if you EVER come near us or our family again...so help me God...you will pay.  And pay dearly."  Emily's eyes cold as ice as she voiced her last words to Zander's ex who looked shocked to hear this coming from such an innocent looking young lady.  Emily said her peace and stormed out of the hospital lounge as Zander and Steph were left standing there alone together.

Steph still with attitude "Ya think she's angry with me?" as Emily's words didn't seem to phase her one bit.  Zander shook his head and smirked at her questioning Emily's seriousness.  "Oh I don't doubt that she is angry with you, and I wouldn't take her words lightly, Steph.  Emily meant every word of it and if she wouldn't follow through with her promise..." he replied as he stepped closer and whispered in Steph's ear ... "I will....you can count on it."  Zander walked out of the room as Steph turned and watched him head back down the hall to the waiting area.  "This ain't over...not by a long shot!" she said to herself with a devilish grin.

Zander found Emily in the waiting area with Alexis in conversation.  "Let's go....come on, we are so outta here.." he said as he helped her up from her chair.  "Zander...what's wrong?" Alexis asked as Emily gathered their things.  "I'll explain later...back at your penthouse." he replied as the three of them headed home.  Steph waited till they were out of sight before she returned and sat next to Julian.  "What was that all about?" he asked as she sat down.  "Oh, that ... it seems that little miss perfect is carrying his child and she doesn't like me hanging around Port Charles." she replied as she crossed her legs left over right.  Julian just rolled his eyes at the thought of Steph making more trouble with Zander and Emily.  "Steph, you really must stop this.  It is not good for either you or Alex..." he continued as she sat in deep thought.  "If I wanted your opinion, Julian....I would of asked for it!" she snapped back and determined as ever to get what she has always wanted....Zander.

Julian stormed off and left Steph sitting alone in the waiting area and watching her daughter sleep peacefully in the room across the hall.  "That little bitch is not going to keep him from me....it'll be a cold day in Hell when I give up what is rightfully mine!" she said to herself as she thought more of the plan she was conjuring up.

After explaining what went on in the lounge at the hospital, Alexis tried to convince Zander to let her help.  The Cassadine influence can be used to their advantage now.  Still having to deal with the knowledge Alexis is his mother, he agrees to let her help he and Emily with the Steph problem.

"Good news...Dr. Meadows can see me this afternoon...she had a cancellation and he can see me at 2pm." Emily said as the three of them sat on the couch in Alexis's apartment.  "Great .. I'll go with you ...." Zander replied as he took her hand in his and guided her to sit next to him.  She smiled lovingly at her husband as she caressed his upper thigh with her hand.  "Okay..then, well...I got cases to work on and you two better go and pick up your son. He's probably wondering where you two are." Alexis said as she rose from her seat.  Zander led the way as he and Emily gathered their things and headed towards the door.  He stopped just shy of the door as he turned back around and looked at Alexis as she shuffled through some paperwork.  "Give me a minute...Okay?" he said as he gave Emily a kiss on the cheek and opened the door for her.  "Okay..but don't be long.  I'll wait for you over at Sonny's.." she replied as she walked out the door.  Zander closed the door behind her and approached his mother.

"Alexis...." he said as he stood next to her.  "Yes, Zander..." she replied as she looked up from her work and removed her glasses.  "Well...I just wanted to say thank you for helping us out with the Steph situation...you really don't have to, you know." he said as Alexis stood before him studying his features to see herself in him.  She reached up with her hand and placed it under his chin with a loving touch.  "Zander...I am your mother.  I will do anything for you, get used to it." she replied with a smile.  She took his hand and led him back over to the sofa and sat down...patting the sofa cushion for him to sit.  "I don't know if I can..." he said as he leaned up against the arm of couch and faced her.  "Don't know if you can, what?  Get used to it?" she asked as she fidgeted with the glasses she held in her hands.   "Yeah, something like that..." he replied.  "I mean...come on, this has been a very long road for all three of us and now after 5 years of knowing you, Alexis....I find out that you are my mother.  You know as well as I do, my family has not been a favorite subject of mine, even with Emily.  She doesn't know anything beyond the fact that Julian is my father and that my sister died a few years ago...that's it.  I haven't told her anything about my childhood...nothing.  Alexis...you have be so good to me and Emily over the past few years and I'm not just talking about defending me to everyone you meet.  But just everything.  You gave me a home, you took me in when everyone around you told you that you were crazy for defending me, and you kept my sorry butt out of prison.  You, Alexis have given me so much that I don't even know how to begin to repay you." Zander finished with his little speech and noticed the motherly look coming from her.  She was getting choked up just by listening to her son speak of her so highly.

"Zander...there is no need for you to repay me...you have done that already.  You gave me a grandchild and another one on the way.  You have given me so much over the last few years and without me knowing who you were.  I took you in and defended you because I believed in you.  I believed that you could be someone if given the chance.  And you have.  You have a loving wife, a beautiful little boy and one on the way, and have provided a good life for them.  You have done good, Zander.  And that is all a mother could ask from her child.  You have done what you said you would.  You kept your promise to keep Emily safe and to protect her, to love her and to provide for her and your family.  Zander, you have repaid me many times over." she answered as her warm tears trickled down her cheekbones.  Zander reached and wiped the tears from his mother's cheek with his thumb, just like he has so many time with Emily.  She and Emily were the two most important women in his life and all he wanted was for them to be proud of him for what he has accomplished.

Alexis placed her hand on his has he wiped away the stray tear and pulled him into a motherly hug.  He returned the embrace much to her surprise.  "I am so sorry, Zander...so sorry I wasn't there." she said as cried on his shoulder.  He ran his hands along her back consoling his mother trying to comfort her somehow.  "I know..." he replied as he released the embrace and wiped away his own tears.  "I do want to know what this all means for us, though.  What this means to be a Cassadine...I mean, Nikolas is not going to be all to happy to find out that we are related.  Not too mention how this will effect Lucky and Stefan." he questioned as she reached for a kleenex that sat on the coffee table next to her.  "Whoa...slow down...all in good time Zander...all in good time." she replied as she rose from her seat and wiped the stray tears with the tissue.

"They don't know, do they?" he asked as he followed her with his eyes.  Alexis got a worried look on her face as she thought of the repercussions of her family finding out about another illegitimate child.  "No...they don't know.  Stefan is probably the only one who does and of course Helena who stole you away from me in the first place." she replied as she came back around the sofa and sat down again.  "And how does my father fit into all this..?" he questioned as the look of bewilderment came over him.  "Julian?..well, he was in on this but not as much as his family.  I guess I should start from the beginning..huh?" she replied as Zander ran his fingers through his hair.  "Yeah, well I guess you should..." he replied as she leaned back into the cushion of the sofa.

"Well, about 20 years ago...I was a young woman working my way through school and found myself attracted to this charming older man.  I was young, innocent and very naive.  I had been shut out of my family because I too was illegitimate and Helena didn't have no use for a child born of her husband who slept with the town tramp, as she called my mother.  Now because of this, I took it upon myself to fend for myself which means that I had to keep myself far from the Cassadines and away from Helena.  She would of killed me if given the chance and believe me she tried on many occasions.  When I met Julian, I really thought he loved me.  And he probably did but just not enough to leave his wife.  It was a short fling..a few months and he was traveling constantly back and forth between me and his home in Florida.  Business trips he called it.  Until I found out I was pregnant....with you.  Because of this, his family was very powerful then and still is, but they had plans for the child I was carrying and it didn't include me.  I was tossed aside yet again because of who I was.  Zander, I held you for a few minutes before your grandfather came in and snatched you right out of my arms.  All the tears, and the pleading with the family patriarch didn't change the fact that Julian had a child by someone other than his wife.  And so, Julian left me without a child to care for and to love.  But I did...I loved you from the moment I found out I was pregnant.  If I could of prevented what happened I would of.  From what I have been told...Julian's father and Helena had hatched this plan of theirs to keep me from you and to have Julian raise you with his wife as their own.  She none the wiser as to who the child really belonged to....evidently she was told Julian adopted the child from a family who had abandoned the responsibility of raising you.  I on the other hand had to stay away and keep my distance from the Cassadine family because Helena was still on her revengeful vendetta against me, beings of who I was .... a threat to her and the Cassadine name.  She knew she had me...and that I would never find out where you were.  I needed to keep you safe and to protect you from Helena and her poisonous ways.  Than about a week ago, Julian shows up at my door with a manilla envelope.  He knew that I had befriended you a few years ago and thought it was time you knew the truth.  The envelope contained pictures of you, me and Julian and of course your birth certificate.  And...well, you know the rest...." she explained as Zander sat and listened intently to her explanation.

"And this makes me a threat to Helena...because?" he questioned.  "Zander you are threat to Helena because of me.  She will do anything to remove me from this place.  And if that means going after you, then she will do it.  She doesn't need a reason to...Helena just does what she wants and she will hurt whomever she wants.  You need to stay clear of Helena...she is deadly and can strike at any moment without warning." she advised as he rose from his seat trying to absorb the information his mother was telling him.  "So, I guess this means that Emily is now in danger yet again..." he asked as he turned and faced his mother.  "Probably...well, yes.  Like I said...Helena doesn't care who gets hurt..she will go after the ones you love to get to you." she replied as she rose from her seat too.

Just than, there was a knock on the door as Zander being closer opened it to find Emily and Dante standing in the hallway.  Zander's face lit up when he set eyes on his son.  He grabbed him from Emily's arms and held him close to him wanting never to let him go.  He now can understand how his mother felt when he was snatched from her.  There was never going to come a time that Dante would be without his father.  He wasn't about to let anyone or anything take his son away from him.  "I got worried so I gathered Dante's things and came over to check on you two..." Emily said as she placed her hand on Dante's back as she passed by and entered the apartment.  She quickly rushed and embraced Alexis as they noticed Zander still holding Dante close.  "I'm sorry Emily...it's my fault...Zander and I were just trying to sort through the past." she explained as a smile came over Zander's face.  "Well, I thought you might want to spend some time with your grandson, so I figured we could spend just a little more time together here...if that's okay with you." Emily replied as she set down Dante's things next to the couch.  "Oooh that is just fine with me...." Alexis replied as she reached for her grandson and Zander passed him to her.

Alexis couldn't get enough of this beautiful little boy she was holding.  He was so precious and to think she was a grandmother.  As Alexis and Dante bonded, Emily approached Zander as he stood admiring his mother getting acquainted with Dante.  "I hope you don't mind I brought him back over here..." Emily said as Zander wrapped his arm around her.  "No, not at all.....look at those two.  She is so great with him." he said as he saw Alexis and Dante giggling together.  "Did you find out everything you wanted to?" she asked as he watched intently.  "Oh, yeah...we talked and....uh, I think we have come to terms with how things happened.  Alexis is my mom.  And now we can begin to rebuild the relationship we lost so many years ago, because of the family we wish we could forget." he replied as he looked down at her lovingly.

Zander and Emily spent a few hours with Alexis as she and Dante played the entire time.  He started getting cranky and Emily knew it was nap time for the little guy.  So, they decided to get going....she had the appointment to keep with Dr. Meadows and by the time they would get to the hospital Dante would be sleeping.  They gathered their things and headed towards the door to leave.  Zander lagged behind as he and Alexis embraced once more and she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.  She followed the to the door and watched as the family stepped onto the elevator.  She closed the door and leaned against it.  "Damn you Helena...."

Emily had made the hospital in time for her appointment as she and Zander along with Dante made their way to the 4th floor to where Dr. Meadows was waiting.  Everyone went ga-ga over Dante as they headed down the hall for the appointment.  Once inside the office, Zander sat down the carrier on the floor and removed his jacket as Emily adjusted the blanket that cover Dante.  She signed in as requested and took a seat.  She wasn't sitting to long before the technician came for her and led her to the examine room.  She closed the door behind them and gave Emily the hospital gown she was to wear.  Emily did as instructed and waited patiently for Dr. Meadows.  Emily waited only a few minutes till she saw the turning of the knob and noticed Dr. Meadows enter the room.

"So....we are back again, are we?" he said as he laid Emily's chart on the counter.  "Yes...we are.." she replied with a smile.  "Well....let's just have a look and see if we will have to set up more appointments for you..." he said as he pulled on his latex gloves.  Emily laid back on the bed as Dr. Meadows sat on the stool at her feet.  "Now, just relax....this should take only a minute.." he explained as Emily took in a deep breath.  A few minutes had passed before she heard the wheels of the stool pull away from her.  "Emily...you are indeed pregnant...I'd say the beginnings of the first trimester."  he said with a grin as he removed the gloves and threw them in the trash container by the door.  A relieved look came over her and then a smile.  She knew she was, she just need the confirmation from the doctor.  "I'll let a prescription with the nurse and you can pick it up on your way out.  Also be sure to set up an appointment for you to come back for an ultra sound...say in a few weeks." he grinned at her and she nodded in agreement.  Dr. Meadows left the room and Emily started to get dressed again.

Emily walked down the short hall way to the reception area of the office and noticed Zander sitting and waiting patiently for her.  She was all smiles as she stepped out into the waiting area and he knew right away that he was going to be a daddy again.  They celebrated together right there in the office as the nurses behind the counter were giving their congratulations.  Emily took the prescriptions from the nurse and made her next appointment as Zander picked up the carrier that held his son who was sleeping soundly.  He and Emily headed down the hall with smiles on their faces, laughing and enjoying the moment.  As they turned the corner towards the elevators, their laughing stopped abruptly as they ran into her parents who were standing at the nurses station.

"Well, we're gonna have to tell them sooner or later..." Zander said as they approached.  Alan and Monica admired their grandchild sleeping so peacefully in his carrier as they hugged their daughter.  "Zander...." Alan said trying to keep things civil.  "Mr. Quartermaine..." he replied trying so hard to do the same.  "So, what brings you two to the hospital?  You're alright aren't you?..." Monica asked as she looked over her daughter.  "Mom...I'm fine..just fine.  And before you ask..Dante's fine too." Emily replied as she held Zander's hand.  "So, you're fine...what are you doing here than?" she asked again.  "I came to see Dr. Meadows...." Emily replied as her parents faces became concerned.  "And..?" Alan asked in anticipation.  "And...we're pregnant!"

Alan and Monica were surprised to hear the news of Emily's pregnancy as they stood near the nurses' station on the 4th floor.  Those in ear shot of the news couldn't help but congratulate Zander and Emily...but her parents were yet to to say anything.

"Mom...dad...? Say something...." Emily said as she noticed the shocked look on their faces.  Her mother came forward and quickly embraced her daughter as the thought of a new grandchild filtered through her mind.  "I guess congratulations are in order here....but you do know that we are not the only ones who need to be told..." Alan said as Emily dreaded telling the rest of the family about a new baby.  They weren't supportive of the first and she highly doubts they will be supportive of this one.  "Why don't you two come for dinner tonight and we can celebrate this wonderful news..." Monica asked as Zander and Emily looked at each other with worry about facing the entire family.  "Don't worry we will keep father on a leash tonight.." Alan added as Zander chuckled at the image.  "So, you'll come..?" Monica asked again.  "Sure...why not.  We'll even bring Dante, I'm sure Grandmother would love to see him." Emily accepted the invitation to dinner as Zander picked up Dante who was still sleeping in his carrier. Zander didn't look all to thrilled to be spending the evening with the Quartermaines but he would grin and bear it for Emily.  "Okay...then..we'll see you around 6ish for dinner." Monica said as she was overjoyed with the fact they had agreed to come.

Zander and Emily caught the first elevator down as Monica and Alan looked on.  "Okay...that went well." Zander said as he glanced down at Dante who smiled up at him.  "It's just one dinner, Zander....you can grin and bear one night with my family, can't you?" Emily asked as the elevator began to descend to the lobby level.  "For you Em...I will be on my best behavior tonight...and I'll try not to let your grandfather get to me..." he replied with a make shif smile.  As the elevator doors opened, Dante was wide awake talkin' up a storm.

***********************************************

Monica quickly called home and spoke with Cook telling her she will need to set places for 2 more at dinner.  Alan needed to finish up some paperwork so he'd be a little late coming home but he certainly would make it for the main course of dinner.  She kissed him good bye and headed home to the mansion.  Alan headed back to his office to drown himself in the pile of files sitting on his desk.  He'd hope to have them filed before dark.

Monica heard Edward bellowing orders from the foyer as she walked in the front door and hung her coat on the rack.  She rolled her eyes as to the conversation he was having with AJ and Ned.  The same old song and dance about the two of them not living up to their potential and that they both should of stayed with ELQ.

She entered the living room and headed for the open bar for a glass of club soda.  After the day she had she could of used something a lot stronger than club soda.  "So...Monica how was your day at the hospital?" Edward asked as she fell onto the sofa and put her feet up on the coffee table.  "Lousy....2 surgeries and plenty of cranky patients...why do you ask?" she replied as she took a swallow of soda.  "Why I thought maybe you saw my favorite granddaughter sometime today....?" he replied as he replenished his drink.  "As a matter of fact I did see Emily today....and her and Zander are coming for dinner tonight..."  she answered as she unbuttoned her suit jacket.  "That hooligan is not stepping one foot in this house!" Edward ordered as he dropped a few ice cubes in his glass.  "Edward....Emily and Zander are coming for dinner and that is final.  Now I invited them and Emily so graciously accepted....and she is even bringing your great grandson along....so you better be on your best behavior." she answered as she rose from her seat on the couch.

"Evidently they have an announcement to make and would like the entire family to be here...." she added as she removed her suit jacket and laid it across the back of the sofa.  "Well, AJ and I will be here but right now I have to go back to L&B to get some work done...so if all of you will excuse me..." Ned replied as he headed for the front door.  "Yeah me too....I got some phone calls to return..." AJ said as he too headed for the front door.  "So what's this announcement our Emily is gonna spring on us tonight..."  Edward asked as he sipped his drink.  Monica wasn't about to tell him the news....she wanted Emily and Zander to surprise the family with good news about her pregnancy.  "Edward....I really don't know....she didn't tell me, she said she wanted to tell the family together." she replied as Reginald appeared at the doorway.  "Mrs. Quartermaine...Cook would like to see you in the kitchen..." he announced as he stood before them.  "Thank you Reginald...." Monica replied as she rose from her seat and followed him to the kitchen.

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Zander and Emily stepped off the elevator and headed down the hallway to their penthouse house while Dante was still jibber jabbering' the whole way.  "Well, someone seems to be wound up tonight...." Emily said with a giggle and a smile as Zander unlocked the front door.  He held the door open for Emily as he threw his keys on the desk and took Dante from her so she could remove her coat.  "Well, let's get him out of these clothes and give him a bath...." she said as she removed him from the carrier and headed for the stairs.  "Sounds like a plan....you need some help...." Zander replied as he followed.  "Ya, know I think I can handle it....but you can certainly tag along if you want..." she replied as she climbed the stairs.

Zander followed them into the nursery as Dante watched him over Emily's shoulder smiling and laughing at the goofy faces his daddy was making.  Emily giggled along with them as she placed Dante on the changing table and began unbuttoning his denim bib overalls she had put on him that morning.  She was actually surprised to see that the overalls were relatively clean...Dante is one for finding messes where ever he goes.  While she undressed him, daddy went and pulled water for Dante's bath and gathered all the items Emily would need.

"Is daddy ready in there....we's got a naked little boy out here catchin' cold, say..." Emily said to Dante but directed at Zander in the bathroom.  Zander came out from the bathroom as Emily scooped up Dante in her arms and headed towards him.  "Here...let me take him.  I'll give him a bath while you ...." his words drifted off as he took his little boy from Em's arms.  Emily laughed to herself as Zander turned and headed for the bathroom.  He turned and looked over his shoulder as he seen a smile come over her face.  "What?" he asked as he stopped just shy of the bathroom.  "Zander, hun...remember the last time you tried to give Dante a bath...." she was reminded of the only time daddy tried to do it alone....Dante and daddy ended up in the bathtub.  Zander remembered the time she spoke of and had to laugh to himself too.  "Yeah I remember...I remember mommy standing and laughing at me while I was practically drowning in the tub...." he laughed.  "Oh yeah....drowning.  Zander you weren't drowning..besides I rescued you two...didn't I?" she smirked.  "Yeah, oh rescued...who rescued who...you rescued Dante...while I, your faithful husband and father of your son fended for myself..." he replied with a laugh.   "Oh is that how that went...yeah I guess it was....but I handed you a towel, didn't I?...." she replied with a grin.  "Yeah...after I practically killed myself getting out of the stupid tub..." he replied as he walked into the bathroom.  "Okay....shall I come help you this time...or should I..." she began as he interrupted her thought.  "No...I got this all under control..." he replied as he placed Dante in the luke warm water.  Dante splashed and frolicked in the water as Zander had found himself all wet yet again.  Emily stood in the door way laughing under her breath as Dante was splashin' up a storm.  "Yeah...it looks like you have it all under control..." she said sacartiscally.  Zander glanced in her direction as he reached for the washcloth and soap.

It didn't take Zander long before he was calling for Emily to come help get him out of the tub yet again.  "Uh, baby....you wanna come in and rescue me again..." he laughed as Emily came to the doorway of the bathroom, only to find Zander half in and half out of the tub.  "What did I tell you..." she replied as she stood a few feet from him watching Dante laugin' and gigglin' at the position he had put his daddy in.  "Don't say it...just help me out..." he said as he extended his hand in her direction.  Emily knew somehow she would end up in the tub too if she helped him, so she walked over to the tub and scooped Dante up in her arms and grabbed the hooded towel from the counter, leaving Zander in the bath water.  "Hey...what about me....?" he asked as she turned and walked out the door.  She turned around and smirked at the sight of Zander fully clothed all wet and in the tub strugglin' to get himself out.  "What...I got my hands full...you won't drown till I get back..." she replied with a smile and turned back heading towards the changing table.  Zander struggled a little longer trying to wiggle himself out of the tub as Emily dried off Dante and got him dressed.  She placed him in his walker and went back to rescue Zander from the tub.  By the time she got there, Zander was just about out of the tub on his own.  She grabbed one of the towels from the closet and handed it to him as he came to his feet.  "See....I told you you wouldn't drown..." she giggled.  He shook his head as his wet hair sprayed her with the excess water.  Her job was done so she headed back into the nursery and gathered items to fill the diaper bag she had planned to take with them tonight.  Zander soaked from head to toe, appeared in the doorway, patting himself dry with the towel she had given to him.  "Ya know I had it all under control there for a while..." he said as she followed Dante in his walker out the door and down the hallway.  "Yeah...you sure did...." she laughed as she stepped into their bedroom.  "Come on Dante....get the tushy movin'...we gotta get to grandma and grandpa..." she said as she tried to hurry him along in his walker.  "Oh joy..." Zander replied as he headed for the closet.  "Zander...now you promised to be nice..." she replied as she took out her red dress.  Zander rolled his eyes at her and knew she had him.  "I will...as long as your parents keep your grandfather confined to his room tonight..." he replied with a smirk.  "Yeah right....like that'll ever happen..." she answered with a giggle.

Zander was first in the shower while Emily kept her eye on Dante and they played while he got ready.  She had Dante dressed in his little navy blue suit and tie her mom had gotten him for Christmas last year.  It was a little big for him, but now he had grown into it pretty well.  He was growing up so fast...a few more months and they would be planning his first birthday party.  She couldn't believe that her little boy was going to turn a year old.  Zander returned from the shower and she headed out the door leaving him with Dante.  She returned in no time in her red satin robe with her hair up in a bath towel.  Zander had gotten as far as having his pants and suspenders on over his white button up shirt.  She had untied her robe and slipped her red dress on over her head as the phone rang.  Zander noticed her hands were busy zipping herself up, so he grabbed the phone.

"Hello..." he said as he picked up the receiver.  "Zander...it's mom..." the voice said on the other end.  "Monica...what can I do for you..." he replied surprised that she would be calling.  "Why I just wanted to make sure the three of you were coming to dinner?" she asked as he played with Dante on the bed.  "We wouldn't miss it..." he replied as he rolled his eyes at the thought of being entertained at the Quartermaine mansion.  "Great...we'll see you in a little bit..." she replied as he could hear the excitement in her voice.  "We'll be there in about a half an hour..." he answered as he glanced at the digital clock that sat next to the bed.  "Okay...great...see ya then.." With that said he hung up the receiver and gawked at the vision that stood before him.  Emily wearing her red dress, spaghetti straps, low cut back and red pumps.  "Wow...you look amazing..." he said as he rose from the bed and approached her.  "Well, thank you.  Now...I'll take Dante downstairs and you finish getting dressed so we can go." she replied as she picked up Dante in her arms and headed for the door.  Zander watched her as she headed out the door and closed it behind her.  He couldn't believe he how much his life had changed since the first night he met her.  He had a good life now.  He had Emily, his son and a new baby on the way.  What more could he ask for.

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Monica made sure everything was perfect for tonight.  It's not every night Emily and Zander come for dinner and she wanted to make the night special for them.  She found the entire family in the living room as they waited for Alan to return home from the hospital.  It was getting close to sitting down for dinner and he still wasn't home yet.  He promised he'd be home in time and she knew he wouldn't miss seeing the expression on everyone's faces when Emily and Zander announced the pregnancy.

It wasn't long before Zander and Emily along with Dante arrived at the mansion.  Reginald greeted them at the front door and took their coats and the diaper bag and placed them in the cloak closet.  Dante was wide awake and no where near ready for bed.  He had a long nap that afternoon and was still wound up from his daddy playin with him on the way over.  Reginald led the way to the living room where the family had gathered as they followed in tow.  "Emily, my dear...so nice to see you...." Lila said as they appeared in the doorway.  "Hello grandmother....it's nice to see you too...and look who we brought with us..." she replied as she gave Lila a peck on the cheek and brought Dante around for her to see him.  "Oh my dear...what a darling little guy he has become..." she replied as Emily adjusted Dante's jacket and tie.  Emily hugged her mother who stood with open arms to greet her as Zander stood away from the family not knowing really what to do.  "It's good to see you again...Em." Monica replied as she released the embrace.  "You too, mom...Grandfather..." she replied as she glared at Edward who sat in the plush chair sipping his martini.  "My dear..it is always nice to see you..." he said as he extended his hand to her.  She took it and gave it a gentle squeeze as Alan made his appearance known as he came through the doorway.  "Emily....how nice of you guys to come for dinner..." he said as he quickly went to hug her.  "Aw...and look at this little guy all dressed in his suit...he is just to cute." Monica said with a grin as she went and scooped up Dante from his carrier.  Zander stood quietly by and watched the family awe over his son as he noticed Edward's glares coming from across the room.

"Zander, dear....." Lila said as she extended her hand to him.  He quickly went to her side and took her hand..."Yes, Ms. Quartermaine..." he replied as he knelt beside her.  "What's this big announcement the two of you have for us..?" she asked with a sparkle in her eye.  Zander knew she knew what the announcement was going to be just by the way she looked at him.  He didn't know how she did it....but Lila always knew.  "Emily...baby..you wanna tell 'em the news...?" he asked as Emily came and stood beside him.  She looked around the room to make sure all were present and accounted for as she took his hand and squeezed it lightly.  She took a deep breath as she noticed all of them were sitting on pins and needles waiting for her to say something.

"Okay...well as you all know Zander and I have some news to tell all of you....and I guess the best way to do is just to come right out and say it...." she began as she noticed Edward take another sip of his drink.  "Well, dear...what is it..." Lila asked as she sat next to her in her chair.  "I'm pregnant!" ... Emily announced as Edward spit out the liquor he had in this mouth clear across the room.  The family glared at Edward waiting for him to say something in protest.

"The family is going to hell in a hand basket!!" Edward bellowed as he wiped his lower lip with his hankie.  "Shut up Edward....." was said in unison by many of the family members as he gave them a glare in return.  There were congratulations and hugs given to Emily by her family as Edward gave them all the coldest shoulder he could.  He couldn't believe his very own granddaughter would bring another child into this world by a deviant, like Zander Smith.  Edward snubbed as he headed out to the terrace and closed the french doors behind him.  Emily looked disappointed as she really wanted him to approve of the life she built with the man she loved so much.  It had been a few years since Zander got arrested for kidnapping her and they had been through so much since then, she figured grandfather would be over it by now.  She excused herself and kissed Zander lightly as she headed for the terrace to have a heart to heart talk with her grandfather.

Edward stared out across the garden as Emily closed the doors behind her and walked towards him.  He heard the door close and turned and looked at his precious granddaughter in front of him.  Still with a scowl on his face, she knew this would be hard to convince him of anything.  He would always think of Zander as a deviant, a criminal, a hoodlum, someone who was not good enough for her, anything but her husband who she loved dearly.

"Emily, dear...." he began as she stepped forward to stand her ground on what he was about to say. "Grandfather, look before you start in on Zander and how much you despise him for taking me away from you, I have a few things that I would like to say." she replied as a blank look came over his face.  "Sure..go ahead my dear...what is that you have to say...." he replied as he crossed his arms in front of him.  "I know that you have not liked Zander from the word go, and you haven't even taken notice of what kind of man he really is.  He is a kind, gentle, compassionate and generous man, grandfather.  And I love him with all of my heart.  We are married and we are raising our son in a loving and caring home.  We are having another baby and we are very happy.  I wish you could see what I see and what the other members of this family see.  A man who loves me, a man who makes me deliriously happy and a man who will protect and provide for me." she finished her little speech that she hoped would give her grandfather something to think about.  "Emily, dear....I do love you, you know that.  And I have done everything to protect you and I have tried to do what was best for you.  I do not agree with the decisions you have made for yourself, and though I may not like them..." he hesitated and cleared his throat.."I do love that little boy of yours, and just because he came from you, my dear....not that..that...criminal of a husband you have." he continued as he pointed in the direction of Zander who stood inside talking with the family.  "I knew it would be to good to be true...Grandfather, you will never change and I always try time and time again.  But you know what, I love you, grandfather...and if it means keeping me and your great grandchildren close to you...can you at least try to be civil.  Please. " she responded as he glared over her shoulder to the goings on beyond the french doors.  He hesitated and thought about what Emily had said.  "I guess I could do that much for you Emily dear.  But that doesn't mean that I approve of this...this...this life you have chosen with that..." she glared at him knowing exactly what he was going to say.  "Alright.  Fine, I'll be civil.  Can we go back in now, I'd like to spend some time with my great grandson before dinner..." he added as he headed for the door to go back in.  "Sure..." she said as a grin came over her face.

Zander and the rest of the family enjoyed some conversation and played with Dante who was still wide awake and now more riled up than ever.  Emily reached for Dante and he reached for her in return as she took him from her mother and walked over to her grandfather who poured himself another drink at the bar.  Edward looked up and smiled as he glanced at the others in the room.  He stood before Emily as she held Dante in front of her as Edward looked into the deepest brown eyes of his great grandchild.  Dante laughed and giggled as he starting blowing bubbles from his mouth.  "And who taught him how to do that?" Edward questioned as he peered at Emily who was giggling herself.  "That grandfather, is his father's fault." she replied as she looked in Zander's direction.  "Moi..." Zander replied with a grin as he knew it was one of the first things he and Dante practiced so often.  And actually he didn't teach Dante anything, cause his son started blowing the bubbles with the strained peas and carrots.  Dante reached for his great grand pa as Edward took him from Emily and smiled at the little boy he now was holding.  Something changes in a person when they come near a child, cause Edward completely changed when he took Dante in his arms.  Emily knew that this hard knox old coot turned into a big ole' softy when Dante was around.  He couldn't help himself.

Reginald appeared a short time later and announced dinner was about to be served in the dining room.  Edward carried Dante to the dining room and sat him in his high chair as Emily and Zander along with the rest of the family followed one by one into the elegant dining room.  Each took their appropriate seat at the table as Reginald brought Dante's bag to Emily.  She rummaged through the bag in search of the bib and some things for him to play with while everyone ate dinner.  Dante began attracting attention to himself by banging his fists on the hard plastic tray of the high chair.  "I'm gettin' it...baby..Mommy's gettin' it.." Emily replied as she took the bottle of juice out of the bag.  Dante laid his eyes on the bottle and took it in his two hands.  It didn't take him long before he began waving the bottle about in the air vigorously.  The staff brought the first course of dinner as everyone enjoyed the show Dante was putting on for them.  Emily took out a few little jars of baby food and removed the caps as Reginald entered the room with the pitchers of water.  "Reginald, would you be a dear and heat these for me..." she asked as she handed him the jars.  "Sure...." he replied as he took them from her and headed for the kitchen.

The family had gotten through the first three courses of dinner as the staff brought the dessert to the table.  Zander heard his the pocket in his jacket ringing as he excused himself from the table.  "I thought I told you to turn that damn thing off tonight, Zander..." Emily said as he rose from his seat.  "I thought I did...I'll be right back.." he replied and headed for the hallway to take his call.  He flipped open the phone as it rang the third ring.

"Zander Smith....." he answered as he turned his back on the dining room.  "Zander, it's Alexis.  We have a problem." the voice on the other said as Zander placed his hand on his forehead and looked down at the floor.  "Don't tell me this, Alexis. Why tonight of all nights?"  he replied as he started to pace in the hall.  "It's important, if it wasn't I wouldn't be calling, Zander..." she replied as he ran his fingers through his black hair.  "Okay, I'll meet you there...Damn!" he replied as he flipped closed the phone and shoved it back into this jacket pocket.  He walked back into the dining room as everyone stared, evidently hearing the ending of the conversation.  Looking disgusted at leaving dinner like he was about to, Emily looked up at him as she fed Dante the last spoonful of his dinner.  "Don't tell me...." she began as she saw the answer come across his face.  He shrugged and mouthed to her "I gotta.." as she now got disgusted.  "Sonny....or Alexis...." she added as she wiped her little boy's mouth with the wet cloth Reginald had brought her.  "Alexis...and she says it's important.." he replied as Ned looked up in concern.  "Go...I'll have Reginald bring me home..." she replied as he leaned in for a kiss good bye.  "You're not leaving us, Zander...are you?" Monica asked as she set her water glass back down on the table.  "Yeah, sorry to say...I am...business calls." Zander replied as he buttoned his dinner jacket and then hovered his son who sat playing with the plastic keys Emily gave him.  "Bye baby...I'll see you and mommy at home in a little bit.." he said as he kissed his little boy good bye.  "Thanks for dinner, it was excellent as always...and I will see you at home.  It won't be too late, I promise." he added as he gave his wife a light kiss.  Dante watched as his daddy disappeared into the hallway as he left to attend to the new crisis Alexis called about.

They finished dessert and retired into the living room yet again as they all gathered with their glasses in hand.  On her way back into the living room, Emily made arrangements with Reginald for him to take her back to the penthouse later.  Emily spent another hour or so with her family before she and Dante were driven back to the penthouse and waited for Zander to return home.

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Zander arrived at Alexis's penthouse only to find her and Julian in deep conversation.  "Okay, so what is so damn important it couldn't wait till tomorrow." he said as he passed Alexis once she opened the door to invite him in.  "Hello to you too..." she replied as he stood disgusted from being summoned to this meeting.  "You don't have to get snippy with your mother, Alex..." Julian answered as he stepped closer to his son.  "Okay, I'm sorry Alexis...I just don't like getting phone calls in the middle of dinner telling me there's a problem.  Which brings to why I am here...why am I here?" he replied as he glanced at his father and then Alexis.  He still wasn't used to the fact that Alexis was his mother.  It had been some time now since he found out the truth, and it still wasn't sitting well with him enough to call her mom.

"We have a problem with your ex - tramp of a girlfriend...." Julian replied to his son's question.  "Now what, what could she possible do to make the situation worse...." Zander replied as he thought of something worse than leading him to think he had a daughter.  "Well the little gold digging tramp, decided to re test the DNA samples from you and Alex.  And well, I guess she found out that you were now part Cassadine and well...."Alexis began as she saw the anger built up in her son.  "And what, she wants money! Of course she does...if she can't have me, why not have my money....what ever Steph wants, Steph gets.  Damn her!  She takes my daughter from me and now she wants to claim that it was a mistake!..." he replied as he raised his voice with his parents.  "Zander, calm down.  She's not getting a red cent from you...not yet anyways."  Alexis replied as she dropped her glasses from her head to her nose.  "What do you mean not yet?...." he replied as she shuffled through some of the papers on her desk.  "Well, she has to prove that there was a mistake made with the DNA test Dr. Jones performed at GH.  And we know that Dr. Jones doesn't make mistakes like that..." she replied as she looked over the black brim of her glasses.  "So, now what?  She cannot get away with this....you know as well as I do, dad...she is not gonna give up on this..." Zander replied as he glared at his father.  "Yes, I know she is a manipulative little bitch, but we cannot give her the ammunition, Alex.  We all need to keep calm and rational about this.  We cannot give her the satisfaction of knowing we are rilled up about this." Julian replied as the three began to discuss what to do next.

"So what do you suggest, we just let her do this..." Zander replied to his father's argument.  "We keep our eye on her and find out what her next move is..." Julian suggested as Zander paced the floor in disgust.  "That's your solution...keep an eye on her!" he replied with anger and disappointment.  "The ball's in her court, son.  We have to wait till she makes her next move....so we can be a step ahead of her with the next one." he replied as his son paced. "Well, I can't just stand around and wait for her to pounce..." Zander began as he headed for the door.  "Zander, wait....you can't go off half cocked..." Alexis replied as she quickly blocked him from the door.  "Half cocked...Alexis you haven't seen nothing yet....." he said as he side stepped her and headed out the door.  She through her hands in the air as the door slammed shut behind him.  "That's our boy, always doing before he thinks..." Julian replied as Alexis nodded in agreement.  "That comes from your side of the family..." they replied in unison.  They looked at each other and knew they had to go after him before he does something he will regret.  They grabbed their coats and headed out the door.

Zander headed to the only place he knew where Steph would be...he had heard that Alex was out of the hospital and back with her mother so he headed for their apartment and the closer he got to confronting his trampy ex, the angrier he got.  He knew she was conniving, but to use her own child to get what she wanted was just down right cruel and hurtful.  The way Zander figured it was that Steph wasn't expecting the results to come out like they did.  Someone made the mistake and it certainly wasn't the hospital lab.  She must of hired someone to do the switch and they botched the job.  That's why she was floored when the results came back that he wasn't the father of Alex.  The driver pulled up to Steph's building as Zander got out of the car and told him to wait he wouldn't be long.  Zander entered the building and headed for the elevator as Alexis and Julian pulled up outside and parked behind the limo.  They followed Zander into the building hoping to catch him before he went up to the apartment.

"Zander, wait!...." Alexis called out as he stepped onto the elevator.  Zander heard her calling for him as he held the doors of the elevator open.  Her and Julian quickened the pace and stepped onto the elevator with their son.  "What are you doing?" Alexis asked as he pushed the correct floor button.  "What does it look like I'm doing...I'm going to have a talk with my ex about a child that is supposedly mine!" he snapped back.  "I'm tellin' you now, Zander this is a bad idea..." she replied as the elevator slowed to a stop at the floor the apartment was located on.  "Alexis...mom...I know you are concerned, but I can handle this.  I'll call you later with the details....okay." he replied calmly and gave her a kiss on the cheek before he stepped off the elevator.  Alexis sighed as the doors of the elevator closed as she and Julian headed back down to the car.

Zander wandered the hallway till he found Steph's apartment.  He stood and pounded on the door till she opened it up.  "Alex?!  Wha...wha...what are you doing here?" Steph asked as he pushed his way into the apartment.  "Daddy!..." his little girl called out as she came running from the bedroom.  "Hey sweetheart...how's daddy's girl?!" he asked as she jumped into his arms.  "I'm fine, daddy...why didn't you come see me?" she asked as he held her close to him.  Zander not knowing what to say, but how could he resist the brown eyes of his little girl.  "Daddy did visit with you at the hospital, but you were sleeping the times I had come by.." he replied as he glanced up at Steph who stood close by.  "Is that true, mommy?" Alex asked as she looked at Steph for re assurance.  "Yes sweet heart that is true.  Daddy did come to visit you while you were sick....he was being such a good daddy, wasn't he?" Steph replied as she glanced at Zander.  "Yeah, you stayin' Daddy?" Alex asked as she wiggled in his arms.  "No sweetie I can't stay...I just came to talk to mommy about something.  So why don't I tuck you into bed and you try to get some sleep?" he said as he bent down and released her from his embrace.  Alex grabbed his hand and led him into the bedroom and she climbed into bed as Zander followed covered her up with the top quilt and tucked it along her sides.  "Good night sweet heart..." he said softly as he gave her a kiss on her forehead and proceeded to turn off the light.  He closed the door behind him and made his way into the living room where Steph waited anxiously.

As Zander walked into the living room, he noticed his ex sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine she had laying on the coffee table.  He approached her from behind and leaned in close to her as she could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck.  "What kind of game are you playing?" he whispered as she turned around and their lips were closer than they had been in years.  She slowly moved closer as her lips found his for a brief moment as he quickly pulled away from her advances.  "Alex...I missed you so much...." she replied as she rose quickly from her seat and rushed into his arms.  Zander backed off once again and grabbed onto the top part of her arms with a little force.  "Steph, stop it!" he replied with force as he pushed her away.  "Why do you have to be like this, Alex?  There's no need to pretend with me....I know you want me, I can see it in your eyes." she answered as she stepped towards him again.  "Steph, all you see in my eyes is anger...and believe me you are the last person I would want!"

Chapter 14 

The argument ensued as they tried to keep the noise down to a dull roar as Alex slept in the next room.  "Alex, please!  Now calm down and I'll explain...." Steph replied as Zander paced.  "Explain....explain what?  Why I was kept from my daughter for almost 4 years then you come back into my life and now all of a sudden the little girl in the next room is not my daughter!  Steph what kind of game are you playin?!" he replied as he approached her.  "All I want Alex is you.....I want us to be a family, the way it is supposed to be..." she answered as he tried to calm himself down.  "A family...well, Steph you should of thought of that 4 years ago before you decided to keep me from my child!  Dammit Steph, I am with Emily now and I love her more than you or anyone else will ever know.  I am not and will not leave her....ever." he added as he stepped closer to her.  Steph made more advances as he stood now knowing he was not getting through to her what so ever.  He backed up from her and tried to distance himself from her glares.  "So, who switched the samples, Steph....huh?  Who?...." he asked as he came right up close to her.  "Alex what are you talking about, switching samples?  Do you think I would really do such a thing?" she asked as he glared back at her.  "Do you really want me to answer that?" he added.  She avoided the question he asked of her as he knew he wasn't getting anywhere and wandered towards the door.

"I am going to tell you one time Steph, and one time only....I am not coming back to you, if Alex is mine than I will take responsibility for her and I do want visitation.  I am not leaving my wife and I hope you will do the right thing and provide Alex with a father who loves her." he said as he headed for the door.  "Alex!...." she screamed as he left the apartment and closed the door behind him.  Steph dropped to the floor and cried uncontrollably as she heard the door slam shut.  "Alex...I need you Alex!" she said quietly to herself as he left her alone in the living room thinking about what he had said.  She got her composure and the tears had faded as anger and hurt set in.  "Damn you Alex!"

Zander left Steph sobbing as he slammed the door closed and headed for the elevator.  He needed to get home to Emily and his family...he needed her the most right now for comfort and support.

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Steph's plan had backfired on her and now she had to find out why.  She made a phone call to the hospital lab where an old high school friend worked nights.  She had recruited Mary Beth for this job because she thought Mary Beth knew what she was doing and would be able to help her get Alex back.

"General Hospital Lab..." the voice said after the third ring.  "Mary Beth? What the hell happened?!" Steph replied as she glanced back at the bedroom door.  "Steph? ... I-I couldn't get the samples switched in time..." hesitant to reply to the friend she promised to help.  "What do you mean you couldn't switch them in time....why not?!" Steph asked as her mind raced as to what she should do next.  "Just what I said, Steph...there was no time....I wasn't left alone with the samples long enough to switch Alex's sample with Jonathan's." Beth answered quickly knowing if she'd ever be found out....she'd lose her job for sure.  "Now what? I have Alex believing he is not Alex's father...you're mistake...you fixed this! Mary Beth!  Fixed it!" Steph shouted into the phone as her blood pressure just went up a notch or two.  "But Steph...Alex is not Alex's father..." Beth began as Steph cut her off.  "Beth..I know this already...but I want Alex to think that he is..." she replied as she sat on the couch hoping this plan of hers works.  "I know we have gone over this already...but why?"  Beth asked.  "Gee for a lab tech you certainly ain't that smart...money, Beth....money." she replied as a devilish grin came over her face.  "Oh...yeah money.." Beth replied still confused but just agreed.  "You still have Jonathan's sample, right?" Steph asked as she thought back to the night she had to retrieve the blood sample from her ex.  Beth searched the viles she had in front of her..."Yeah right here...why?" Steph thought a moment..."Cause this is what I want you to do with it...."

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Zander returned home to find Emily asleep on the sofa, she obviously tried to wait up for him.  He crept quietly across the floor trying not to wake her.  He knelt by her side as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.  She stirred when she felt his lips on her cheek as her eyes fluttered open.  Trying to focus on who was kneeling beside her, she was startled by the presence of a man in the apartment.

"Oh, baby.....I'm sorry I woke you...." he smiled.  "I waited up for you....where were you all this time?" she questioned as he thought quickly of his answer.  "Well.....I went to see Steph....and before you get all crazy on me...listen." he began as her eyes widened.  "Well, you know Alexis called me at dinner, so I went to the penthouse to find out what was so important.  I find my father there with Alexis discussing the Steph problem.  Evidently she is trying to get her hands on Cassadine money.  Money that is rightfully mine.  So going off half-cocked I went to Steph's apartment to ask her what she thought she was gonna gain by doing this.  Needless to say I got no answers from her and came away more angry with her." he continued as a blank look came over Emily's face.  "Come here..." she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.  "We're gonna get to the bottom of this...together." she replied as he leaned into her.  "Your m-Alexis will help us figure this out...I promise...." she added as he held her tighter.

Just then there was a knock on the door. "Who could that be this time of night..." he asked as he rose from the floor and wandered towards the door.  Emily shrugged as a response as they exchanged looks from across the room.  He looked through the peek hole in the door and noticed Alexis and Julian standing in the hall.  He quickly opened the door and invited them in.

"What are you guys doing here so late?" he asked as they wandered towards the living room area.  "Your mother and I were worried about you..." Julian replied as they took seats on the larger sofa.  "How did things go...." Alexis asked as Zander came around the sofa and sat next to Emily.  He took her hand in his and glanced at her briefly before answering his mother.  "Well...I got no where.  She still is dead set on getting me back and the three of us being a family...." he replied as Alexis rose from her seat.  "Yeah, and living high on Cassadine money..." she replied as she peered out the window into the midnight sky.  "Yeah I guess that too..." he replied with a chuckle.  "Well she has another thing comin' if she thinks I'm just gonna hand her Cassadine money...." she added as she glared in her son's direction.  "Mom....no one is gonna get their hands on anything....we're gonna figure a way to stop her before she does more damage." he said as he rose and approached her.  "Zander...it's not the money...it's..it's..the more people involved here the worse it is gonna be to protect everyone from Helena's wrath.  And I am sure she will go straight to your weakest point.  And right now that is Emily, Dante, and Alex.  I cannot put another child's life in danger.  I can't." she replied as she embraced her son.

Emily rose from the sofa and headed into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee...it looked like a long night of strategizing ahead.  Julian followed and left Alexis and Zander alone to discuss family business.  "How are you holding up in all this, my dear.." Julian asked as he entered the kitchen area.  Emily peered over her shoulder as she filled the coffee pot with water.  "Do I have to answer that?" she asked as he took a seat on the stool at the counter.  "Not if you don't want to...but it would be good for you talk about it..." he replied as she reached for the coffee mugs hanging above her head.  "Okay..if I may be blunt...I want that bitch out of our lives and away from my family!" she said forcefully.  "You and me both, Emily....you and me both..."

"Do I smell coffee?" Alexis shouted from the living room.  "Yeah you want a cup?" Emily asked as she peered around the corner.  "Would love some...thanks!" she answered as Zander requested one for himself.  Zander and his mom returned to conversation about what to do next with the Steph situation as well as the Cassadine problem.  "We need to trek carefully here, Zander.  I don't want anything to happen to my new found family...." she said as he held his mom's hand.  "Mom...nothing's going to happen to us.  I have guards watching all the doors to this building and the apartment, drivers, bodyguards...there is no way Helena can get within 10 feet of us..." Zander replied trying to calm his mother's concerns.  "Zander, hun...you don't know Helena very well than.  She will find a way to get to you without you even knowing she is within arms length.  I know....trust me..I know." she replied as she noticed Emily approaching with their coffee in hand.  "Thanks sweetie.." she added as she took the mug from Emily.  Emily sat Zander's cup on the coffee table and returned to the kitchen with Julian.

"Look, I know you want all of this to be over....but there is more to this Steph problem than we realize.  Like who could she have helping her?" Alexis asked as Zander thought of possibilities.  He knew she had a brother but he would be no help....not with DNA samples.  He racked his brain trying to think of friends and family members who could help her pull this off and would want to.

"Dad!...come in here please..." he shouted from the living room as Julian and Emily came out from the kitchen area.  "Son...what's the matter?" Julian replied as he quickly approached them sitting on the sofa.  "Do you remember Mary Beth Reynolds?  She was one of Steph's closest friends in high school...they always bumped around together." he asked.  "Yeah, so..." his dad replied he became confused by the name.  "So....would she have knowledge..." he began as Julian interrupted.  "Sure she does...she went to college and became some kind of technician...she worked in some hospital in Florida for a spell.  I don't know if she is still working there....but it's a place to start." he said as he noticed his son's demeanor change upon mentioning a hospital.  "Mom..." he started as he noticed she was already on the phone.

If anyone can find out the sorta past of one Mary Beth Reynolds....it's his mother, Alexis Davis.

Chapter 15 

After much consideration for her family, Alexis didn't have to convince Zander to press charges against Steph and her accomplice Mary Beth.  Both were arrested and charged with a variety of charges ranging from extortion to sexual harassment.  The court date had been set within 6 weeks of the charges being filed and Zander was finally going to be rid of his ex for good.

It had been known for only a short time that Zander was Alexis's son and a Cassadine.  Helena had gotten an earful from her eavesdropping around town and was not happy with the information she quickly finding out.  Alexis had forewarned Zander and Emily of the horrific wrath Helena could put forth.

Emily had begun having contractions that morning and decided it would be best for her if she went to the hospital being it was early for her to go into labor.  The pains were fairly far apart, but Zander wasn't taking any chances.  Emily descended down the stairs as Zander and Alexis gathered the things that were needed for the short drive to the hospital.  Alexis had offered to stay with Dante while Emily and Zander were at the hospital.

Emily's contractions were still quite a few minutes apart as they drove up to the entrance of the ER.  She was hoping her parents were on duty, as Zander assisted her out of the car and into the waiting area of the ER.  The duty nurse rushed over to them and brought Emily a wheelchair.  Emily cautiously sat down in the chair as Zander took the clipboard from the nurse at the desk.

The nurse asked Emily how she was feeling and how far apart the contractions were as she led them down the hallway towards a delivery room.  As they turned the corner Zander heard footsteps coming up from behind and quickly turned towards whomever was following.

"Zander, how's Emily?" Monica asked as her and Alan caught up to him.  "She doing alright...the contractions about 10 minutes apart and they are getting strong by the minute." he replied quickly as he watched the nurse wheel Emily into an empty delivery room.  Zander looking anxious as he turned and headed down the hall towards the room with Emily's parents in tow.

Emily was already in a hospital gown and had the baby monitor already hooked up to her, the duty nurse gave Zander scrubs to wear as he approached the room.  He handed the paperwork off to her parents as he headed down the hall to change.  Her parents worried and hoping Emily would deliver a healthy baby at 7 and half months.  She was too far along to stop the contractions...this baby was coming whether they wanted him to or not.

Zander quickly returned to the screams from Emily and rushed into the room where he found her mother holding her hand.  "I'm right here, baby..." he said to her trying to soothe her fears.  Emily feeling the pressure from inside squeezed his hand tightly as he winced.  Alan left the room and went to talk with Emily's doctor who was conveniently on call that night.

The contractions were coming more quickly as Zander noticed the scratch marks on the machine next to him.  In a few brief seconds, Emily's reaction to the pain was obvious.  The nurse returned to the room as Emily asked about an epidural.  The nurse refused her saying that it was too far into labor and they didn't want to bring harm to the baby she would be delivering.

Zander sat with her and spoke to her encouraging words, trying to keep her calm and relaxed.

Labor was becoming unbearable for Emily as time drew closer for her to deliver this baby.  Her doctor had been called and was waiting till she was dilated a few more centimeters.  Zander had asked Monica and Alan to call Alexis and keep her posted on Emily's progress.

A few hours had passed and still Emily was in the last stages of her labor.  Alan and Monica had called the family as well as Alexis to give them updates.  Emily's doctor had been watching her carefully since she was delivering early, she didn't want any surprises.

Contractions coming more quickly and stronger than before, Emily was told to push on the next contraction she was about to feel.  Zander watched the monitor closely as Emily beared down on his hand while the doctor told her push as hard as she could.  It didn't take long before the baby's head crowned and with one more push the head emerged.  Emily exhausted from her labor so far, was losing the motivation and strength to push on.  Zander by her side motivated her to deliver their baby as the doctor cupped his hands around the baby's head to guide him/her out.

"One more push, Emily.  You can do it!" the doctor said trying to convince her she could do it.  With that, the nurse and Zander sat her up and helped her push out the shoulders.  The push caused a momentum that pushed the body of the baby into her hands.  "Congratulations....it's a girl!"

The doctor held their tiny baby in his hands as the nurse cleared the nose and mouth making it easier for the baby to breath as a loud cry was heard.  Tears filled the eyes of Emily and Zander as they looked on.  "Want to do the honors?" the doctor asked as he extended the scissors towards Zander to cut the cord.  Without hesitation, he took the scissors and cut the cord at the appropriate spot.

Once free from the umbilical cord, the doctor laid the baby atop of Emily and left her hold her for a few short minutes.

"She's beautiful, Zander."  Emily sobbed with joy.  "Just like her mother." he replied as he leaned in and gave her a kiss.

The two shared a few moments with their daughter before the nurse took her to the nursery for measurements.  "Have you thought of a name?" the nurse asked as she was passed the baby girl.  "Name?  Huh, no we haven't..." Emily replied still teary eyed.  "Well, you think about it and I'll be back." the nurse answered as she headed towards the door.

"I am so proud of you...." Zander said as he sat on the edge of the bed with Emily.  Exhausted from the delivery she reached up and brushed the side of his face with her finger.  "I love you so much, Zander." she replied breathless.  "I love you too."

Alyssa Paige Smith was born at Port Charles General Hospital on October 23 at 2:45pm.
6lbs. 10 0z.
20 inches long