Chap 1 Jason watched as Brenda slept beside him. Her breath blew the few strands of hair that fell across her face back and forth. He smiled softly as he brushed them away. His attention was caught by a sound from the baby monitor. He listened and then smiled. It was only Bailey talking to herself in her baby talk. He shifted his attention back to his wife. Wife. It still sounded a little funny. There was a time when he thought that word would never apply to anyone but Robin. But then Robin had met, fallen in love, and married someone else. The night he heard the news he’d gone out and got drunk as had Brenda when she heard Jax had died in a plane crash. They’d ended up in bed together and Bailey had been conceived. He’d convinced her to marry him saying that they could divorce after the baby was born. But when it had come time to sign the divorce papers neither one could do it and finally admitted what their friends and family had known for months. They had fallen in love with each other. Looking at her now he knew that this was where he was meant to be. With Brenda, their daughter and her son, Stone Devane Corinthos. Brenda had found out she was pregnant a month after Sonny split town. He still remembered her screaming at him to find Sonny. That he needed to know he was going to be a father. As much as Jason agreed with her he couldn’t help her. Sonny had severed all contact with him two weeks prior to Brenda’s announcement. Jason rolled onto his back and thought back to a few days ago. ''So what’s up Luke?'' ''I got a call yesterday from a friend of ours.'' ''Who?'' ''Sonny.'' ''What?'' ''Sonny Corinthos called me yesterday and the first thing he asked was if Brenda was still around.'' ''Did you tell him?'' ''No. I’m gonna save that little piece of info for you jr.'' ''Thanks Luke.'' ''No problem.'' Back in bed Jason sighed to himself. Sonny Corinthos was the one threat to his happiness. How was he going to tell his friend and mentor that he’d married the woman he loved? Ch.2 Brenda woke up and rolled over expecting to find Jason, but instead found a pillow. Then she heard his voice on the monitor. She put on her robe and wandered down the hall to the nursery. Jason was rocking Bailey and she was gurgling at him. ''Why do you like to wake up daddy so early on a Saturday? Huh, princess? That's OK, I don't mind. But your mommy needs to sleep so we have to be quiet.'' He kissed his little girl. She had dark hair and Jason's piercing blue eyes. Brenda could watch them forever. Jason was so gentle with Bailey and Stone. Stone. She loved that little boy so much, but sometimes it made her sad. He looked exactly like Sonny. Same black curly hair, same dark intense eyes, he even had his father's dimples. Jason had been great. He was the only father Stone had ever, and probably would ever know. Sonny. It still made her so angry what he had done. She was startled from her thoughts, when her 3 year old wrapped himself around her legs. ''Hey! How's my little man this morning?'' she asked as she picked him up and made her way into the nursery. Jason looked up and smiled at his wife and son. Son. that's what Stone was to him. Biology meant nothing. He had his family. A beautiful, successful wife that he adored and two incredibly beautiful children. No one was going o take that from him. Not even his best friend. Brenda bent down to kiss Jason. ''Morning baby. How long you been up with her?'' ''She woke up about an hour ago.'' ''Why didn't you wake me up?'' she asked as she picked up her daughter. ''I didn't want to wake you. Besides I figured you would need your rest after last night.'' ''Jason, there are children in the room.'' she giggled as he kissed her neck. ''Alright. So what are we doing today?'' ''Well, I have to check on some stuff for the show at the Outback tonight. Then I thought we could take the kids to the park.'' ''OK, I have to go see Luke, then I will pick you up at the Outback.'' ''Great. Well I have to meet Lois in half an hour so I better get the kids ready.'' she kissed him again and started her day. ~!!!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~! Jason strolled into Luke's about an hour later with Bailey in his arms and Stone next to him. ''Uncle Luke!'' Stone ran up to Luke and climbed on the bar stool. ''Hey partner! What are ya up to?'' Luke loved this little boy. He was Stone's godfather. He and Brenda had become close in the last 3 years. She had grown and matured into a savvy business woman and an excellent wife and mother. He had finally realized that he had been wrong about her. He also understood why Sonny and Jason had fallen head over heels in love with her. ''Daddy and Mommy are taking me and Bailey to the park today. Daddy said we could fly a kite.'' ''Hey Stone why don't you go find Grampa and let daddy and uncle Luke talk?'' ''OK!'' The two men watched the little boy run in the back room and then Jason turned to Luke. ''OK so what's the deal with Sonny? Is he coming back?'' ''Jas man, I don't know. But from the way he was asking about Brenda, yeah I think he's planning to make an appearance.'' Jason looked down at his daughter. ''Luke, Sonny's my best and I love him, but he could ruin everything. I mean what happens when my wife finds out the real reason he left town was to protect her, and that I never told her the truth?'' Chap. 3 ''I don’t know man. I’m just really glad I’m not you.'' ''Gee thanks Luke.'' ''No problem Jr. You know that little girl of yours gets more beautiful each and every time I see her.'' ''She looks just like Bren.'' ''You lucked out there.'' ''I wouldn’t say that Luke.'' Bobbies voice came from the door way. ''What do you mean baby sister?'' ''I’m just saying that I seem to recall a certain niece of yours had a very large crush on Jason here.'' ''Yeah and if she knows what’s good for her shell stay with her Quatermaine and leave mine alone.'' ''Baby what’re you doing here?'' Jason handed Bailey to Bobbie and walked over to his wife. ''Well I wanted to talk to you.'' ''I thought you had a meeting with Lois.'' ''I did but I canceled after I finished my appointment with Alan.'' ''You’re not sick are you?'' ''Not exactly. What do you think of the name Jeremy?'' ''Its fine. Why?'' Realization started to dawn on him. ''Are you-? Are telling me-?'' ''I’m gonna have another baby.'' ''When?'' ''6 months.'' ''Are you serious?'' ''Yes.'' ''C’mere you.'' Jason took her in his arms and squeezed her tight. Sonny is not going to ruin this for me. He kissed the top of Brenda’s head. For us. >?>?>?>?>?>?>?> Sonny walked the beach. He kept thinking of Brenda. God he had missed her. But soon he’d have her back. Oh sure shed be mad but they were meant for each other. They’d be together if he had to spend the rest of his life begging for her forgiveness. A family walking along the beach caught his attention. Maybe that’d be them one day soon. They’d always wanted children together and now maybe they could have them. He just had to get back to her. Ch.4~by Julie Jason sat on a park bench and watched as Brenda played with Stone and Bailey. He loved her so much. And the news about the baby blew him away. They were going to tell Stone tonight. Jason made up his mind that friend or not Sonny Corinthos was NOT going to destroy his family. Brenda ran up to Jason and kissed him hard. ''What was that for?'' ''Oh, well if you’re gonna complain I won't do it any more'' Jason grabbed Brenda's face and kissed her more passionately than he ever had before. ''Don't ever stop kissing me. I love you more than my own life. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you.'' Brenda laughed. ''Jason, what's gotten into you today?'' He smiled and laughed. ''Nothing, baby. I'm just happy about the new baby.'' ''Really?'' ''Of course I am. So I guess were going to need a bigger place. How about we get a house?'' ''A real house? But what about the bodyguards?'' ''Brenda, I want you to be safe and happy. You've always wanted a house and now you’re going to get it.'' ''I love you so much, Jason.'' She kissed him again. !~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~~!~!~!~! ''Luke's'' ''Luke, my man!'' ''Corinthos! How's it going friend?'' ''Well, I was wondering if the old apartment above the club is free?'' ''Sure is. Why?'' ''Well, I'm gonna need a place to stay.'' ''You're coming back to Port Chuck?'' ''My plane lands in an hour. I should be at the club in 2 hours, max. See ya then buddy.'' ''See ya.'' Luke hung up the phone. ''Let the games begin and may the best man win.'' Chap 5~by Lori Sonny watched out the window of the taxi as it drove towards Luke’s. He couldn’t wait to see his best friend. Both of them. He frowned thinking of Jason. He hadn’t been able to get a hold of him yet. But from what Luke had told him he was still living at the penthouse. He’d drop by later and surprise him. !>!>!>!>!>!>!>!>!>!>!> ''Jason?'' ''Hmmm?'' ''Did you hear that?'' ''The creak from Stones room?'' ''Yeah.'' ''Yeah I heard it. I was hoping it was a figment of my imagination.'' Brenda giggled as Jason nuzzled her neck. They were lying on the couch in each others arms, just relaxing while the kids were upstairs napping. They had been home for two hours and so far Stone and Bailey had been sleeping peacefully but it sounded like that was about to change. Sure enough a few minutes later Stone appeared at the top of the stairs rubbing his eyes. ''Mama?'' ''What is it honey?'' ''I cant sleep anymore.'' ''Okay. But you have to be quiet because Baileys still sleeping. Come here and well find a video for you to watch.'' Stone obeyed his mother and ran over to her and Jason. ''Hey you know what? Mommy and I have something to tell you.'' ''Now?'' Brenda looked at him. ''Yeah why not?'' ''Okay.'' ''What? What?'' ''You are gonna get another little sister or brother soon.'' ''Really?'' Stone smiled and his whole face lit up. ''Uh-huh. What do you think of that?'' ''Cool.'' ''Very cool.'' Brenda smiled at Jason over Stones head and he took her hand. He mouthed ''I love you.'' She smiled and mouthed it back. Their exchange was noticed by Stone. ''Are you two gonna be mushy now?'' ''What do you know about mushy?'' ''Grandpa and Grandma are always mushy when they talk about babies. Especially Aunt Karen and Uncle Joe’s.'' ''We wont get mushy on ya, promise.'' Jason said pulling Stone into his lap and tickling him. !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Sonny walked into Luke’s and the first person he saw was Luke. ''Hey man.'' ''Corinthos! Its great to see ya.'' He gave his friend a hug after he set his bags down. ''So what’s up?'' He asked as they sat down. ''Nothing much. I just came here straight from the airport but I was hoping you could help me.'' ''With what?'' ''Brenda.'' Ch.6 by me ''Brenda? What about her?'' Luke was getting a little uncomfortable. ''Well, for starters where is she living and is she involved with anyone?'' ''Uh, Sonny, maybe you should just go up and take a shower relax.'' ''Luke, I've wasted to much time with her already. I don't plan on wasting anymore.'' ''Look, when Brenda sees you the you know what is really gonna hit the fan so I suggest that you rest up.'' ''Luke...fine. But I still want to know what she's been doing for the past 4 years. Can you at least do that?'' ''Sure.'' Sonny took his bag and went upstairs. Luke waited for Sonny to leave and picked up the phone. There was no answer at the Morgan household. ''Damn.'' Luke looked towards the stairs that lead to the apartment above the club. ''This is not going to be fun.'' !~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~! The Morgan family got back from the video store and Stone ran to his room. ''Are you sure you want to go out tonight?'' ''Jason, I'm fine. Really. Now Maxie will be here to sit in about an hour, which means I have to get ready. Now, make sure you call everybody and invite them to Luke's. I want all our loved ones around, when we announce our newest addition.'' She kissed him and ran up the stairs. Jason stared after her, she was so happy. They both were. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He shrugged it off and went upstairs to change. !!~!~!!~!~!~!~!~!~! Brenda and Jason strolled into Luke's that night looking like the totally in love couple they were. Brenda was wearing a short black dress and looked stunning. Mike and Mary waved them over to the table. Dinner went along as planned. Everyone was having a great time. No one knew what was about to happen. Would change lives forever. Chap 7 Sonny listened to the noise of the crowd from the back room. He couldn’t stop thinking about Brenda. The minute he’d stepped foot inside their old apartment memories engulfed him. Them making love, fighting, making up, taking showers together, making meals together. He couldn’t wait to see her. !)!)!)!)!)!)!)!)!)!)!)!)!) Brenda giggled as Jason whispered in her ear. Mike looked at them both with fondness. He loved Brenda and Jason like they were his own. Brenda noticed his smile then. ''What are you so happy about Mike?'' ''Why shouldn’t I be happy? I have a beautiful wife, three beautiful daughters and four handsome sons. Not to mention all my grandchildren.'' ''Speaking of grandchildren, you’re gonna have another one soon Mike.'' ''You’re kidding?'' ''Nope I found out today.'' ''Congratulations. Hey Babe lets get a bottle of sparkling cider over here.'' Luke walked over to their table, smiling. ''What’s the occasion?'' ''A new Morgan’s on the way.'' ''Well congratulations and dinner is on me tonight.'' ''Thanks Luke. Maybe I should get pregnant more often.'' Brenda joked. ''No complaints here.'' ''You just like what’s involved with me getting pregnant.'' ''Damn straight.'' The table laughed ''Hey Jason can I talk to you for a minute?'' ''Sure. Ill be back in a minute, okay?'' ''Okay.'' Jason kissed her cheek and went with Luke into the office. ''What’s up Luke?'' ''Sonny’s here.'' Ch.8 Jason felt the breath stop in his chest. ''sonny's in PC?'' ''Nope. He's upstairs. He wants her back.'' !~!~~!~~!~~!~~!~~! Everyone had been congratulating Brenda on the news of her pregnancy. Mike came up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. ''I'm so happy for you, sweetie. I know how happy Jason and the kids make you.'' ''thanks Mike. They do make me happy. They're my life. Ya know it's funny. I always believed that the only person that could make me happy was Sonny. But now. Now, I know who the real love of my life is. My Husband.'' mike smiled. He still couldn't understand what had happened 4 years ago. The day Brenda should have officially become a member of his family, became the day she was officially exiled from it. But he had Stone and Bailey and now a new baby on the way to spoil. It helped fill the void that Michael had left in his heart. ''I know. So when are you due?'' ''In about 6 1/2 months.'' Brenda was beaming. ''who would have ever thought that I would become such a maternal person?'' ''I did. I saw the way you were with Stone and sonny. I'm sorry Brenda I didn't mean to bring him up. Not when your so happy.'' ''Mike don't apologize. Sonny can't hurt me anymore. He has no effect on my life. listen I'm going to go find my husband.'' she kissed mike on the cheek and went back to the office. !~!~!~~!~!~!~!~~! Sonny heard the noise from the club. It felt like old times. He decided to go take a look around for any familiar faces. He started down the steps when he heard Luke and a familiar voice from the office. !!~~!~~!~!!~~!~~!~~! ''what? Luke he is not going to destroy my family. He left her, he has no right to destroy my wife's happiness now!!!'' ''Your wife? Jason you got married?'' Luke and Jason turned around to find Sonny smiling at his two closest friends. Before either could speak the office door opened up. ''Honey, what's taking so long?'' All eyes turned to Brenda. Ch 9 ''Honey? Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.'' Brenda hadn’t seen Sonny yet. He was standing out of her eye sight. ''I’m fine baby. Why don’t you go call Maxie and check on the kids?'' ''Okay. Don’t take to long.'' ''I wont.'' Brenda smiled at him and walked back into the club. Jason looked at Sonny. ''What kids?'' ''Ours.'' ''As yours and Brenda’s?'' ''Yeah.'' ''I’m gonna go out front and distract Brenda.'' Luke left and Sonny and Jason faced each other. ''I’m waiting.'' ''For what?'' ''An explanation would be nice.'' ''For what?'' ''Lets see. You were MY best friend and you go and marry the woman I love. Id say that requires an explanation. Boy I ask you to take care of her, watch out for her, and protect her and you take it to mean I want you to marry her?'' ''I didn’t marry her because you asked me to protect her I married her because I got her pregnant!'' (!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!) ''Luke where is my husband?'' ''Taking care of some business darlin.'' ''Well I wish he’d hurry up. I want to go home, get rid of Maxie, and take my husband to bed.'' ''Id like to do that with Laura.'' ''Has she called lately?'' ''Not since last month.'' ''I’m sorry Luke.'' ''Thanks.'' Joe Scanlon came over to them. ''Hi Bren.'' ''Hi Joe. Where’s Karen?'' ''She had an emergency in pre-op. So I’m single tonight and I was wondering if my beautiful sister wants to dance.'' ''Shed love to. Later Luke.'' Luke raised a glass in farewell and looked at the back room. Damn he wished he’d left that tape recorder on. (!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!) ''You did what?'' ''We got drunk one night and it just happened.'' ''Congratulations. So why are you still married?'' ''We love each other.'' ''What?'' ''Brenda and I fell in love. Do you need me to draw you a picture?'' Before Sonny could answer Mike came into the office. ''Hey Jason, Brenda wants to know'' He trailed off at the sight of Sonny. He whispered. ''Michael?'' Ch. 10 "Michael? Is that really you?" "Heya pops!" Mike hugged his son. "Where have you been? Why did you leave?" Mike had a lot of questions for his son. But then he saw Jason. He did not look happy. "I guess we can talk later. Luke has my number. I'm glad your back son. I've missed you." He gave Sonny a weak smile and left the room. Sonny turned back to meet Jason's gaze. "So you and Brenda are in love. Well isn't that just great? I leave to protect the woman I love and you knock her up. Well if that's not a true sign of friendship than I don't know what is." "Look, Sonny. I am your friend and I still love you, but Brenda is my wife. She means everything to me. We have a family and she's happy." "She was HAPPY with ME!!! I didn't have to get her drunk to sleep with me and I sure as hell didn't have to get her knocked up to marry me!!!" "No, you just do it and leave." "What?" "Never mind. Sonny, it took her a long time after you left to pull herself together. I don't want anything or anyone to ever make her that unhappy again." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Joe thanks for the dance, but I think I'm going to go grab my hubby, now." "Jason's a lucky guy." "Yeah, well, I'm pretty lucky too! Say hi to Karen for me and tell her to call me." "Will do." She smiled and headed back for the office once again. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Sonny I'm asking you, don't destroy her life. Not again." Before Sonny could answer Brenda opened the door. "Jas, baby, let's go celebrate!" She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Sonny. "Celebrate what?" He couldn't believe how beautiful she was. She looked the same. Her hair was a bit longer, but she was still the way he remembered her. She was glowing. Brenda regained her composure quickly. She wasn't going to let Sonny Corinthos hurt her again. But now she had the ammunition to hurt him. "My husband and I are celebrating that fact that I am about to have our third child." She saw the hurt in his eyes for a moment before they went cold. That was how he protected himself from her. Sonny was shocked. Third. They already had 2 kids and she was pregnant with their third. "Well, you sure didn't waste anytime jumping into Jason's bed after I left. What didn't Jax want my leftovers?" "Sonny, you have no right to speak to my wife like that!" "Well, I call 'em like I see 'em. Don't worry Jason. She'll betray you soon enough. She does that to every man she beds. And believe you me there are plenty of them." Jason couldn't hold his anger anymore. He punched Sonny. The two started to go at it when Luke broke it up. He grabbed Sonny. "Jason I suggest you take your wife home." He looked at Brenda who was crying. "Kiss the munchkins for me babe. I'm sorry about the celebration." Brenda nodded and grabbed Jason's arm and they left the office. Luke turned to Sonny. "What the hell do you think you're doing Corinthos?" Ch 11 ''Defending myself. He punched me first.'' Sonny said sitting on the couch. ''After you antagonized him I’m sure.'' ''Who’s side are you on?'' ''For once I’m on Jason and Brenda’s. Especially Brenda. You leave her. You break her heart and then you waltz back into town and think you can just pick up where you left off. Man you’re a piece of work. I thought I was selfish.'' ()!()!()!()!()!()!() ''Thanks for sitting Maxie. Say hi to Felicia and Mac for me.'' ''Sure Bren. Bye Jason.'' ''Bye Maxie.'' After Brenda shut the door behind her she turned back around to face Jason. ''So what now?'' ''Good question. I wish I had an answer.'' ''Me too.'' ''Why does he do this? Every time I have my life together he waltzes back into it and tears it apart.'' ''C’mere.'' Jason reached out his arms and Brenda walked into them. ''He wont tear it apart this time Bren. I wont let him.'' !()!()!()!()!()! ''Selfish? Where do you get off calling me selfish?'' Sonny glared at Luke. ''I think I’m pretty justified in thinking you’re selfish. You think you can just snap your fingers and get Brenda back and to hell with the fact that she’s happy with Jason.'' ''When did you become her biggest supporter?'' ''When I realized she wasn’t the spoiled brat YOU always made her out to be.'' !()!()!()!()!()! ''Jas, what if he tries to take Stone away?'' ''He doesn’t even know about him.'' ''This is a small town without a lot of gossipy people in it. Anyone of them could slip and try and then he could try and take away our son.'' ''That’s right. He’s our son. Sonny has no claim to him emotional or otherwise.'' ''Thanks I needed that.'' ''I love you. Don’t ever forget that.'' ''Never.'' ''Bren, I have something to tell you and I want to be the one to tell you because its my responsibility.'' ''Jason what’s wrong?'' ''Lets sit down.'' They sat on the couch. ''Honey you’re scaring me. What’s the matter?'' ''I lied to you about why Sonny left.'' Ch 12 ''What do you mean you lied to me? Jason there has never been a lie between us.'' ''No there hasn't, but this wasn't my decision.'' He got up and started pacing. He wasn't sure how he was going to tell her, or what she would do when she found out. ''Jason just tell me.'' ''Baby, first you have to know how much I love you.'' !~!~!~~!!~!~!~!~! ''Luke what are you talking about, I made her out to be selfish. She was selfish!'' ''No, partner that's where you're wrong. You never really understood her. You still don't. Take my advice Corinthos, leave her alone. She has a husband and a family, she's happy. Let her be.'' Sonny stared at Luke. ''Luke, tell me about her. What's she like now? What happened after I left?'' !~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~~!~! ''Jason, honey, I know you love me. And I love you. Look I'm tired and I really don't want to talk about Sonny. Can't we just go to bed and make love? And just forget that Sonny Corinthos ever existed.'' ''Bren, I would love to do that, but I can't. You need to know the real reason that Sonny left you at the altar. And you need to know my part in it.'' Ch 13 ''What do you mean your part in it?'' ''Before I came to you at the church Sonny gave me instructions about what to tell you. He wanted me to help you hate him.'' ''I didn’t need any help there.'' ''Just listen to me. He didn’t leave because he didn’t love you. He left because there was a contract on his head and he wanted to protect you. He wanted to make sure you were safe.'' @&@&@&@&@&@ ''What she was like after you left? Okay. It took months for her to pull herself together. Jax, Lois, and Julia tried to help and so did Robin.'' ''Julia? Her sister?'' ''Yeah. Anyway after months of moping around she just snapped out of it one day. She started coming to the club for dinner, going out with Lois and Robin. That sort of thing.'' ''You forgot to mention sleeping with Jason.'' Sonny said bitterly. ''That didn’t happen until a couple of years ago.'' ''And they already have two kids? They must be busy.'' Luke got a look on his face. ''What?'' ''What what?'' ''What’s that look for?'' ''What look?'' ''Don’t play dumb Spencer. What aren’t you telling me?'' @&@&@&@&@&@ ''To protect me? He left me and broke my heart to protect me?'' ''Bren-'' ''No you know what? I don’t care anymore. That excuse got old real fast. Every time he’s done something to hurt me he’s said it was to protect me. When we first got together and he lied to me about what he did it was to protect me. He married Lily to protect me and he stayed with her for the same reason. Now you’re telling me he left me at the altar to protect me. Well he can take his protection and shove it. I don’t need that kind of protection or that kind of love. Not anymore. You want to know why?'' ''Why?'' ''Because I already have the best kind of love in the world. I have yours and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.'' ''That mean you’re not mad at me?'' ''Nice try but I’m ticked as hell. But I kinda understand why you did it. You were loyal to him at the time not me and even though you should have told me I guess its okay that you waited until now. At least you told me before he did. This way he cant use it to hurt us.'' Jason walked over to her and kneeled down in front of her. She took his face in her hands. ''I love you Jason. So much.'' ''I love you more than you will ever know. Now what did you say about going to bed?'' Brenda giggled as Jason’s lips met hers. Then they rose and Jason led her upstairs. @#@#@#@#@#@ ''I’m not telling you anything.'' ''Luke you know you’re not a good liar. Come on spit it out.'' ''Its not my place to tell you.'' ''Who’s place is it?'' ''Jason’s and Brenda’s.'' ''Why? What are they hiding?''