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"Cuffs! Get in here!" he bellowed from his office, it echoed throughout the division.

Zander heard his name being called and rushed to the office. "Yes LT." he replied as he peeked his head in the opened doorway.

"Get your butt in here, Detective." Lieutenant Benson barked and Zander stepped in.

"Sir?" he questioned wanting to know what LT wanted from him this time.

"Close the door and take a seat." Benson motioned and Zander did as he was asked.

Zander still dressed in street clothes from his last undercover stake out, he hadn't had time to change. "I have a job for you, Detective."
Zander's ears perked up and he sat up straighter in the chair. Zander was always up for a challenging case, he was one of the best detectives in the Narcotic Division on the Miami-Dade County police force, they were glad to have him. He had been living in Miami for quite a few years, he came back home for his mother's funeral and never left, not much to go back to in Port Charles.

Lt. Benson, an older gentleman, 50ish, a distinguished Lieutenant in the police department had close to 30 years with the force and was just waiting to take his pension, sat behind his desk and reached for a folder in his inbox. "I found something very interesting when reading through our records from last night's bust. It seems our perp has connections to Port Charles, NY ... you lived there, right Lewis?"

Zander hadn't heard the name of Port Charles for a long time and wasn't too anxious to return either. "Yes, sir. I lived there a few years, why do you ask?" Zander had the awful feeling he knew what his Lt. wanted from him now.

"I need you and Detective Keys to go and check a few things out in this .. Port Charles. And since you know the area, you'd be the best choice for this case." Zander left out a heavy sigh.

Detective Keys was a few years older then him, a few more years under his belt, and just as aggressive. "You don't have a problem with this assignment, do you Detective?"

Zander shook his head no. "I'm up for it, sir." he replied as his Lt. passed him the case file. "Good. Your plane leaves in a few hours." Zander took the folder and tucked it under his arm, ready to walk out the door of the office, he heard his Lt. call him back. "Detective? Let's not get in trouble up there. M'kay." the Lt. smiled and chuckled.

"Me sir? No, never." Zander laughed to himself, his Lt. knew him too well.

"By the way, I called the PCPD and they're expecting you. Once you arrive in Port Charles, be sure to contact Commissioner Scorpio." Zander remembered that name well, and the face that went with it. Mac would sure be surprised to see him when he got there.

"Yes, sir." Zander turned and walked slowly out of the office while looking at the case file he was just handed. He walked to his desk and took his shield and gun from his desk drawer. He and Detective Keys had been partners for a while now, he was assigned to Keys when he was promoted to Detective last year, he felt it was a good move on his part, he was tired of writing parking tickets and chasing down peeping toms. The Narcotics Unit was just where he wanted to be
.
"Keys! Let's go!" Zander shouted to the other detective who was filing one of his closed cases in the file cabinet on the other side of the room.

"Where?!" Zander looked back and motioned for him to hurry along.

"I'll fill you in on the way!" Keys grabbed his jacket, his shield and his gun and rushed to catch up to his partner.

"Hey Lewis! Be careful, huh?" his Lt. shouted as they headed for the doorway. Zander gave him the thumbs up before disappearing out of sight.

The two detectives headed down the stairs to their car that was parked outside. "So you going to tell me where we're going, partner?" Keys said as he got into the new Crown Victoria.

"Port Charles, New York." Zander answered as he got in and started the car.

"New York!?" Keys exclaimed as he rolled his eyes and just knew they'd be getting into trouble yet again, the last adventure he and Zander had taken cost the department a few dollars, and the Lt. was not happy. Keys chuckled to himself as he remembered watching the car just engulfed in flames after it exploded in front of them. "Let's hope we don't find trouble this time." he remarked to his partner, who had pulled out of the parking space heading towards home.

"Trouble is my middle name, Keys. Don't you know that by now?" they both chuckled at the thought.

After stopping by the apartment and grabbing a few items, Zander drove his partner to his place so he could pack. "Who are we looking for this time?" Keys asked as he closed and locked the door to his apartment.

"Come on, I'll tell ya on the way to the airport." Zander said as Keys threw is bag in the trunk of the car and got in.

A few hours had past and the plane landed at the JFK airport. A rental car was waiting for them when they arrived. "Curbside service?" Keys smirked as Zander grabbed the keys from him.

"I know how to get there, I'll drive." His partner rolled his eyes and left him go. They drove out of the city heading north towards Port Charles.

"So how well do you know this town of Port Charles, Zander?" his partner asked as they turned onto the Interstate.

"Too well. I'm dreading going back there." By the tone in his voice, Keys got the impression his partner was not all happy about taking on this case and going home.

"May I ask why?" Keys asked, Zander hesitated and glanced over towards him.

"Let's just say I have some unfinished business once I get there, and I'm not happy about it." His partner dropped the conversation after that, he saw that this was not a topic Zander wanted to discuss.

The four hour drive was quiet most of the way, the radio kept them company as they drove towards Port Charles, not knowing what to expect once they got there. Soon they passed the city limits sign for Port Charles, Zander knew his way to the police department and wasted no time getting there. They pulled up in front of the PCPD and got out. A few officers came down the stairs and said hello to them as they passed by them. Zander opened the door for his partner and they entered the building together. This was Zander's first time back in Port Charles in almost 10 years, things certainly haven't changed as he looked around at his surroundings.

He and Keys walked into the squad room, not looking like police officers at all, both in street clothes, blue jeans, leather jackets and boots, not what one would expect from an officer of the law. His gun tight against him up under his arm, his shield tucked away in his inside jacket pocket ready to grab if he needed it. He noticed Commissioner Scorpio talking with the woman he once knew as Alexis Davis as they walked into the room. The room became silent and Mac turned around noticing the gentlemen. Alexis's eyes widened as she recognized Zander right away. She came forward and a little hesitant before she approached him.

"Can I help you?" Mac said as he stepped closer to the two officers. Keys and Zander both pulled their shields from their jacket pockets and showed them to the Commissioner.

"I believe you expecting us?" Keys said as Mac read their identifications.

"Zander, how you been? I heard you became an officer, but wasn't expecting a detective." Mac said as he read his I.D.

"Been doing fine, Mac. How bout yourself?" Zander replied as he tucked his shield back into his pocket.

"Can't complain. Come on, let's go to my office." he replied as he invited them to his office down the hall. Alexis stood in awe as Zander passed by her and said hello. "We'll talk in a bit." he commented as he and Keys followed Mac towards the hallway. She never dreamed that Zander would make it as far as he had. He's done good for himself, from an ex drug dealer to a police detective, she was so proud of him at that moment. It warmed her heart to know he'd made something of himself, despite his past.

"So what can I do for you gentlemen?" Mac asked as he invited them both in to his office.

Zander closed the door behind him and then took a seat in front of Mac's desk. "One of our suspects in a case Keys and I are working on is connected to someone here in Port Charles. We're here to investigate it further, hoping to bring him down and take custody of him." Zander explained.

"And who might this person be?"

Keys propped his leg up on the opposite leg and leaned his body forward. "The name is Lorenzo Alcazar." Mac raised his eyebrow at the mention of Alcazar's name.

"So you've heard of him?" Keys said when he noticed the look on Mac's face by the mere mention of the name.

"I do. He's our main problem here in Port Charles. He's been involved all sorts of criminal activity over the past 6 years he's resided here. We just haven't had enough to make a case stick." Mac reached around and grabbed one of the folders behind him. He laid the folder on his desk and opened it up. "Racketeering, gun trafficking, drug possession with intent to sell and distribute .... the list is endless." he passed the file to Zander and he began to read the charges that have been brought up against the biggest crime lord on the East Coast.

"You mind if I take this with me?" Zander asked as he read further and further into the stack of papers.

"I'll have one of the clerks make you a copy to take with you." Mac said as he got up from his desk and placed a call to the outer office. A young lady came into the room soon after, and took the file from Zander.

"I'll be right back with a copy." she said as she smiled at the good looking young detective.

"Thanks LuLu." Mac remarked as she headed towards the door.

Zander looked shocked and took another look at the pretty young lady. "That's not Luke Spencer's daughter is it?" he questioned as a smile came to Mac's face.

"Amazing isn't it? They grow up so fast. Yeah she's working here part time after school and weekends. Luke's not thrilled with the idea but it keeps her out of trouble."

Zander chuckled at the thought of Luke not being thrilled with his son and daughter working for the police department.

Mac made another phone call and shortly after there was a knock on the door. "Come in." he bellowed and the door opened. Zander and Keys both stood from their chairs and faced the door to see who was invited in.

Zander approached the young man with a handshake as if he knew him. "How you been?" he said as he shook Lucky's hand firmly.
"I'm doing well, and you?" Lucky replied as he shook hands with his friend.

"I've been good, long time no see." Zander replied as he shoved his hands in his jacket pockets.

"It has been. What are you doing here?" Lucky asked as Zander walked back towards his partner.

"Keys ... this is Lucky Spencer. He and I know each other from way back." Zander said as he introduced his partner to his friend.

"Lucky, this is my partner Jack Keys." Lucky shook hands with Keys and gave a confused look to Zander.

"Partner?" he questioned with a grin. "Oh, sorry. I'm a detective now with the Miami - Dade County police department. Jack's my partner."
Lucky chuckled. "Oh, okay. Nice to meet Jack." Keys shook hands with Lucky and smiled.

"Nice to meet you too. Boy, Zander you didn't tell me you knew everyone in this town." Zander smirked.

"Trust me, you haven't met everyone yet."

"So what are you doing back?" Lucky asked as LuLu came back in and handed Zander the file he needed.

"Keys and I are here investigating a case. Lorenzo Alcazar." he replied as he handed Keys the case file.

"Lucky was working on the case we had against Lorenzo, that's why I asked him in. I was hoping the three of you could work together on this." Mac explained as he turned around when he heard another knock at the door.

"Some things never change." Zander chuckled as he noticed who was standing in the doorway.

"Come on in Alexis." Mac said as he approached her.

"Sure come on in and join the reunion." Lucky said as he stepped out of the way of Alexis as she approached Zander. She embraced him lovingly and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "It's good to see you, Zander." she said as Keys stood next to him staring at the beautiful woman who graced his presence.

"And who is this lovely woman?" he asked as he took Alexis's hand.

"Keys, this is Alexis Davis." Zander said as his partner caressed her hand in his.

"Keys?" Alexis said as she glanced back to Zander.

"You call me Jack." Keys said as he stood admiring her.

"Nice to meet you .. Jack. I'm Alexis Davis." she said with a smile.

"This is our DA." Mac pointed out as he stood among them.

Alexis and Jack got acquainted as did Zander and Lucky, it had been a long time since Zander had been in Port Charles, there was alot of catching up to do.

"I hate to do this to you guys, but I'd like my office back." Mac chuckled as he tried to chase everyone out.

"Okay, we get the hint. As soon as we find anything, we'll let you know." Zander said as they all headed towards the door.

"I want updates on a daily basis." he said as he pointed to Zander and Lucky in particular.

"You got it boss." Lucky remarked with a smirk as they headed out the door.

"Have you guys eaten yet? I'm starved." Zander and Keys looked at each other and felt the hunger set in.

"Yeah, you know of a good place to eat around here?" Jack asked as they made their way back towards the squad room.

"Sure do, how's Kelly's sound?" he said as he slapped Zander on the back of his shoulder.

"I'll catch up with you later, Zander. Okay?" Alexis said as she headed down the other hallway. "I'll call you." Zander.

Jack and Lucky walked through the squad room and out the front door of the PCPD. "Kelly's?" Jack asked. "What is a Kelly's?"
Zander tugged at Jack's jacket. "Come on, you're about to find out."

I have decided to finish a few of my other fics before starting on Reckoning. The fics that I will be finishing are also posted at SON, but I will not be updating those blog entries. The stories will be re-posted here at SOS and all updates will be posted here.

I have several stories that are on going and have been for a few years. They include the following fics:

1. CUFFS
2. Safe From Harm
3. Barbed Wire and Roses
4. Shattered
5. Rescue Me
6. Over Ruled
7. Jack
8. Dangerous Curves


I'm not sure I will get to all of these but I'm going to try to finish them one by one. I very much welcome feedback and I hope you enjoy the above stories.

Thanks!

The Reckoning is the threquel to the three 'book' series that I have been writing since 2005. The first two 'books', The Storm and Wicked are complete and can be read at my fanfiction website.

This third 'book' will be a continuation of the story, it is strongly suggested that you read the first two 'books' before you begin reading The Reckoning. Summaries of the first two 'books' will be posted prior to the first chapter of the threquel.

Readers take note, that I am a chapter fic writer, not an episodic fic writer. This third 'book' will be written by the chapter, so be prepared for long chapters, and a lot of dialogue between characters.

The Reckoning begins soon ....

Thank You For Loving Me
by Bon Jovi


Jason & Elizabeth ficlette - NC17 Material


Their first night out after the baby, Jason wanted to do something special for his new bride. A nice dinner at No Name was going to be the start of a wonderful evening without the new baby. Elizabeth needed a night out and Jason had planned an evening she would not soon forget.

Arriving at No Name, Jason got out of the limo and assisted Elizabeth from the backseat as her momentum pushed her forward and he caught her in his arms. He loved to hear her laugh, as she threw back her head and just giggled at the moment. They walked hand in hand through the front door and were seated at a cozy table in the darkest corner of the room. Dinner by candlelight was just the beginning.

After an elaborate dinner accented with a bottle of red wine, Jason pulled a velvet box from his jacket pocket. Elizabeth wondering what Jason was up too, took a sip of her wine and dabbed her mouth with the white linen napkin. Her eyes widened when he presented her with the box. She not knowing what to say, as he smiled and coaxed her to open the gift. She did and smiled as she noticed what was inside. The floating heart pendant shimmered in the candlelight and she gently took the necklace out of the box and held it between her fingers to admire the gems that were floating inside the heart. Jason explained that the 3 gems were the birthstones for he, her, and their new son, Cody.

Touched with emotions, Elizabeth took the linen napkin and dabbed her eyes as they welled with tears of joy. She was overcome by emotions as Jason reached for the necklace and asked if he should help her put it on. She nodded as she lifted her hair and he clasped it closed around her neck. She touched the pendant to her chest with her hand as he leaned in and kissed her cheek gently. She thanked him for the gift, and told him she would cherish it forever. He smiled and told her that the gift was just the beginning of their evening and he called over the waiter and asked for the check.

He helped her into the limo and he ran to the other side and got in. Johnny asked where to and Jason told him Vista Pointe. What he didn't tell his wife was that the motorcycle was waiting for them and that she was in for the ride of a lifetime.

As they reached the Pointe, he pulled out a duffle bag and told her she should change her clothes. She gave him a curious look but did as he asked. Johnny pulled up to the guard rail and stopped the limo. Jason got out and closed the door. He told Johnny he could go back to the Penthouse, he and Elizabeth would be fine.

Elizabeth emerged from the limo in her jeans and red sweater underneath her black leather jacket. She still wondering what her husband was up to, but she trusted him, and whatever was on his mind ... she was game!

He took her hand and reassured her to walk with him. She did and they walked a little ways only to find his Harley waiting for them. She shrieked with joy and ran to the bike. He could see it in her eyes, he had done good. He handed her one of the black helmets and she put it on, he straddled the bike and put on his too. He asked where to .. she replied she didn't care as long as it was with him. He smiled and turned the key.

Concerned for their son, she asked him to wait till she called home. Leticia had been asked to watch Cody while they were out and as any mom would be, she was just checking in on their little boy. After a few minutes on the phone with Leticia, Elizabeth felt better and was ready to take that ride now. Jason smiled as she straddled the bike and sat behind him. She wrapped her arms around him and he kicked back the stand.

They found themselves in a small little town only a few miles from Port Charles, but far enough away from the lives they lived there. It was getting late and they had decided to spend the night in a local bed and breakfast till morning. Calling home again to reassure Leticia, Jason paid for one room at the local inn.

Realizing she didn't have any other clothes to change into for bed, Elizabeth went into the cozy bathroom and removed her jeans and sweater. Underneath a matching set of pink panties and bra, she knew Jason wouldn't mind. She brushed through her hair with the bath accessories the inn made available and turned out the light. She walked into the bedroom and found Jason waiting for her underneath the sheets. She smiled as he turned down the lamp next to the bed.

He threw back the blankets on her side of the bed and invited her in. Without hesitation she climbed in next to him. He felt the warmth of her body next to him and took her into his arms. She nuzzled against him as she heard his heart beating against his chest. The rhythm soothing to her, she could only feel the love they shared and felt his hands caressing her as they lay in the silence of the night. She sighed and felt very relaxed and secure as he held her tight. He kissed the top of her head and brushed back a few stray strands of hair from her face. She looked up at him and reached for his lips. His mouth met hers with such tenderness, it turned passionate quickly as he rolled her onto her back. Him hovering over her, his hands exploring every inch of her bare form. His strong hands found the lace of her panties as she whimpered a sigh with every touch.

His fingers slid the panties down her smooth legs and she pushed them onto the floor. His hands roaming along her smooth skin, stopping on her inner thigh. His fingers exciting every inch of her, she shivered with his touch that was now closing in on her every pleasure. His mouth moving along her neckline and then down further to the valley between her soft mounds. She leaned her head back into the pillows and whimpered a moan of pleasure. He caressed her soft skin with his lips, his tongue leaving a trail behind as he tenderly kissed her all over.

Her fingers interlaced in his hair pulling him towards her with every caress, he enticed her with every kiss, and she felt every sensation within her explode as his fingers reached deep within her. Her legs fell open to him as she invited him in, he straddled her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He slowly entered her as she left out a moan of pleasure once more. He knew what she wanted, what she needed, and what would satisfy her every part. He began to move slowly within her as she gripped with her hands the cotton sheets with every stroke.

His rhythm within her quickened in pace as he became closer and closer to exploding inside her. He held his hands against her hips and moved them with his every stroke. He felt her inner walls contract as she felt an overwhelming sensation of release. His every thrust brought her closer to her point of ecstasy, as she could see him reaching his point of pleasure as well. With one long lasting stroke, his release within her was an eruption so powerful she could feel it with every inch of her body. He caressed her within till she reached her point of release as she tensed and was overcome with a tingling sensation. She moaned with pleasure as her eyes fluttered shut, her head fell back into the pillow as he pulled from her and laid beside her. Exhausted, she leaned into him and laid her head on his bare chest.

His heart racing, she could feel his heart beating faster and faster against her ear. She draped her arm across him and nuzzled closer. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her gently.

"Thank you...." she whisper breathlessly. He looked down at her and asked her what for. She looked up at him and replied .. "Thank you for loving me, Jason."

He smiled and pulled the blankets up over them as their legs intertwined beneath the sheets. They lay silent in the darkness, without a sound both fell asleep in each others arms.

Could I Have This Dance
by Ann Murray


Ric & Alexis


Alexis and Ric had been on rocky terms for the past few months because of his association with Sonny, but she still loved him and wanted him to be back with her and the children. As the afternoon of Liz and Lucky's wedding reception continued on, she sat at a table for one and across the room sat Ric, alone. She stared in his direction for some time just wanting so much to ask him to dance with her. A song was played that made her remember their first date at the Cellar. All that had happened in the last few months seemed in sequential now.

They had been through so much over the past year. He had been her rock during Kristina's medical crisis, she didn't know what she'd done without him by her side. They got married because of Kristina, but she soon fell in love him, and more than she could love anyone. As the song played on the memories of their life together came flooding back to her thoughts. She had kept them in a special place in her heart because they had meant so much to her. She knew one day Ric would come back to her, but he had family issues to deal with, and even though she understood his reasons, she would always wonder why her and the children came second on his list of priorities.

The song about half over, she thought it was now or never, she had to move if she wanted to have this dance with him. She got up from her seat, navy velvet dress clung to her shapely figure as she moved slowly across the dance floor towards him. He noticed her approaching and smiled at her.

"Hi." he simply said, feeling awkward.

"Hi ..." she replied, feeling like she was back in prep school asking a boy to dance, she was nervous.

"You look beautiful .." he managed to say as he was taken by her all over again.

"Thank you .... you look very handsome, yourself." she complimented him in return.

He felt she was wanting to ask him to dance but just couldn't say the words. As she stood there in front of him, she extended her hand. "Dance with me ...." she said and he took hers in his.

"I thought you'd never ask." he replied as he got up from his seat.

The two of them walked to the center of the dance floor and he took her into his arms. As the ballad continued to play, they moved lightly across the floor in unison. In his arms was where she wanted to be for tonight and always. Their eyes focused on each other, she soon felt like they were the only two in the room. He glided her across the floor and held her close to him. Her head rested gently on his shoulder as their bodies almost became one as they danced together for the first time in months. It felt as though they never had been apart.

"How have you been?" he asked trying to make small talk with his estranged wife.

"I'm fine ... busy with court cases lately." she replied not wanting him to know she had been missing him.

"Good .. that's good to hear...." he replied biting his lower lip wanting to tell her how much he missed having her near him.

"Uh .. how bout you?" she asked as she stumbled over her words.

"Fine ... just fine. The law practice is finally getting off the ground." he replied still feeling a bit awkward.

"Good ... that's good, I'm happy to hear that. You deserve to be happy, Ric." she said as she looked into his deep dark eyes.

"Yeah .. you do too."

As the song continued, she thought to herself how could this song go on forever, as she started feeling anxious about being so close to him. He felt her become nervous and held her closer hoping to soothe her fears away.

"It was a lovely wedding .... " she commented trying to continue on the conversation hoping to get up enough nerve to tell him what she wanted to tell him all this time.

"Yeah it was ... Lucky and Elizabeth deserve happiness .. they've been through so much." he replied as he drew back from her and their eyes met. He could see it in her eyes, there was something she wanted to tell him. "Is there something you want to tell me, Alexis?"

"No ... uh .. I mean ...no" she stammered.

"You know you can tell me anything." he replied hoping to reassure her.

"I know .. I just ... well .. I miss you." managed to escape her lips.

He drew her to him and held her tight in his arms. "I miss you too, Alexis ..." he whispered to her. A smile came over her face as they swayed together to the rhythm of the ballad still playing.

"I wish we could dance like this forever?" she asking knowing that this was the only place she wanted to be.

"I don't know, I think my dance card is free for the next 40 years." he smiled softly as their eyes met once more.

As the song came to an end, and the other couples began to leave the dance floor, they were the only two still left swaying together to the music that no longer played. She looked into his deep dark eyes and fell in love with him all over again.

Jason/Zander/Faith ficlette


At the Cellar


Zander froze. His hand clenched tightly around the 9mm hand gun as he held it to the back of Jason's neck. Jason's hand still snuggly wrapped around Faith's throat, Zander could see it was hard for her to breathe as Jason squeezed tighter.

"Jason, don't make me shoot you." Zander managed to get out as he swallowed hard, trying to not let Jason see him sweat.

"Zander, if you pull that trigger it will be the last thing you ever do."

Faith watched as Zander got a better grip on the gun and held to Jason's neck ... "Just shoot him already!" she cried out as Jason's hand fit snugly underneath her chin. Zander's mind was racing, his heart was pounding so fast, if he pulled the trigger, it would be because the adrenalin that pumped through his veins gave him the courage to do it.

Neither Jason nor Zander flinched as the situation became more intense, the feeling in the room made it hard to breathe.

"Let her go, Jason! Now! Or I swear ...." Jason's eyes were cold, they were hard, as they stared through Faith, who was helpless and depending on Zander to save her life.

"Or what? Go ahead, Zander .. shoot me! Prove me wrong!" Jason left go of his hold on Faith and turned his attention to Zander, who was still holding his gun pointed directly at Jason. Jason pulled his gun from his waist band and held it on Zander. Faith fell back in the chair behind her as she rubbed her throat where Jason's hold was.

"I should of shot you when I had the chance, Zander." Jason said without feeling. Zander's stare became cold, his eyes held no feeling for the man who stood before him. He felt his hands were moist as he adjusted his grip on his weapon.

"Are you guys gonna kiss now or shoot each other?" Faith said as she stood beside them. Jason glanced at her with his cold eyes.

"Zander's not worth the bullet." Jason replied as his eyes focused back on Zander.

"I may not be but you are!" Zander said as he cocked his weapon. Jason's face showed no fear as he stared down the barrel of the gun.

Faith stood beside Zander feeling the power as he held his weapon and took a solid stance up against Jason.

"Any last words, Morgan?" Faith purred as her hand brushed against Zander's shoulders from one side to the other, keeping her eyes focused on Jason.

"He doesn't have the guts to pull the trigger." Jason was confident that Zander couldn't kill anyone, it wasn't in him to do it. The gleem in Zander's eyes was gone, the coldness had already over taken him, his mind was clear, his attention focused on the trigger.

Faith leaned in and whispered in his ear. "Shoot him." Zander's eyes drifted to Jason's stare as he felt his finger slowly add pressure to the trigger. Jason still holding his weapon up in defense, he saw Zander make the move to shoot and he did the same.

"Don't do it Zander. Cause once you pull that trigger, it's all over, for you and me both." Jason replied.

Faith stepped away from the stand off and walked towards the bar. She poured the liquor into a shot glass, she didn't flinch as shots rang out. She looked towards the doorway to see Zander standing over Jason. She walked over with the shot glass in her one hand, and the bottle in the other. Zander put his gun back in his waistband as she approached.

"Drink?" He glanced down at the glass, and then the bottle, and then back at her.

His hand reached for the bottle ... without saying a word he took a swallow, he could feel the coldness of the liquor all the way down. He wiped the excess liquor from his mouth with his hand and looked down at Jason's lifeless body lying on the floor. Faith stood in the doorway with a smile on her face, she had finally found someone with enough guts to do what others have only thought of doing.

Zander stepped over Jason's body without a second thought about what he had done. He walked to the bar and sat down on the stool, he glanced back over to Jason, the coldness in his eyes became a permanent part of his demeanor, the transformation was now complete. He could now say he was a cold blooded killer, and the man who took out Jason Morgan.

Crashed
by Chris Daughtry


Ric & Skye ficlette


He was out late again, another business meeting he attended while she sat at home alone. While she waited for him, she had stumbled upon information she wasn't suppose to, information that he was keeping from her. She had discovered the truth, the truth that she should of been told about, months ago. By the time he returned home, she had a few hours to gain her courage to confront him about the deceit and lies. She was ready for him when he walked into the living room.

"Lorenzo ...." she stood up from her seat on the couch.

"Sorry I'm late, the meeting ran over. We had a lot of business to discuss tonight." he replied as he went to the wet bar and poured himself a drink. He could see there was something wrong and questioned her. "Something wrong?"

"You could say that. I guess I will just get to the point." She reached for the files she hand found and threw them at him. Papers scattered everywhere. "Why the hell have you been lying to me?! Lying for months!" she shouted as a shocked look came over his face.

"Lying about what?" he played coy as he took a sip from his glass.

"Don't do that, Lorenzo! You know damn well what I'm talking about! You have been lying to me about your recovery and going behind my back to go up against Sonny, all the while I'm sticking my neck out for you and covering *your* ass, thinking you are not capable of handling the business by yourself!"

He knew he'd been busted, there was no denying it now. She knew all of it and there was no way he was going to talk his way out of this one. "Okay, yes I've been hiding my recovery from you."

"And ? ... dammit Lorenzo!" she shouted as she headed for the stairs.

"Where are you going? We're not done here, Skye!" he called after her.

"Yes, yes we are! We are done, completely done. I am leaving this house, and I am leaving you Lorenzo. You can have this business if you love it so much. Apparently so much more than me or Lila Rae!" she snapped back. She headed up the stairs to pack an overnight bag.

Lorenzo took the quickly drank the alcohol that was left in his glass and slammed it down on the wet bar. Obviously upset that Skye was leaving him and leaving with his child. She came downstairs shortly after that and he asked her where she was going.

"I don't know where I'm staying tonight. I know I'll be far away from you!" she stormed out of the house.

She threw her overnight bag on the back seat and got in the drivers seat of her car. As she drove away from the house, it had started to rain. Lightning lit up the sky as she drove down main street. The rain pounded hard against the windshield as she pulled into the parking garage of the Metro Court hotel. Her eyes welled with tears as she couldn't help but think of all the lies she had been told, for months she believed him and believed whatever he told her. What a fool she felt like. She parked the car and took her bag from the backseat. She took the elevator up to the 21st floor and stepped off into the hallway. She followed the hall to Room #2132. She stood outside the door and hesitated. She knocked on the door.

The door opened revealing him standing in his black silk robe covering his black pajama bottoms. "Skye? ..." he said as he didn't bother to adjust his robe to hid his bare chest, "What are you doing here? It's really late."

She rushed into the apartment and closed the door, Ric unaware of what was about to happen, but he knew whatever it was, she would be in control. She dropped the overnight bag on the floor at her feet and pulled him to her. Her lips met his, a hunger drove her as all she wanted was to numb the pain she was feeling. She wanted to be with someone tonight, she needed someone to hold her, to love her, to make her feel like the beautiful woman she knew she was.

It was all happening so fast, she had whisked up into a whirlwind as soon as she walked into the apartment. Soon their half naked bodies were caressing each other on the couch, then to the floor in front of the fireplace. She needed for the pain to go away, and like a drug, Ric was the one to make it all go away, at least for tonight.

The passion intensified as they explored every inch of each other, lightning lit up the sky and illuminated the living room as their bodies intertwined and they became one. He thrust against her hard, moans of pleasure could be heard with every rhythmic stroke. She had to have him, she couldn't resist his touch, his scent, the taste of him only made her wanting him more. He was hungry for her, wanting her, needing her to be one with him, their passion ignited and intensified.

As they lie in each other's arms, the amber glow of the fireplace warmed them. He saw she had drifted off to sleep and he got up and slipped on his black pajama bottoms, being quiet so not to wake her. He went to the wet bar and poured himself a drink. As he stood pouring the alcohol into the glass, he felt her hands come from behind him and wrap around his waist. "Offer a lady a drink?" she purred.

He did so and handed her a glass. "Care to tell me what happened tonight?" he asked as he took a sip from his glass.

"Well, the short version? I found out Lorenzo has been lying to me for months and I left him. I needed someone to dull the pain and that was you."

"I'm glad I could help." he replied as he took the last sip of alcohol from his glass.

"I need something more from you ..." she proposed

"And what might that be?" he asked, his interested piqued.

"I want you to help me take down Lorenzo and take over his territory."

Ric grinned a devilish grin. "With pleasure."

Whiskey Lullabye
by Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss


Zander & Emily ficlette


The cold rain poured down as he stood outside the window of the cottage she and he had shared for a few months they were happiest. He peered through the rain streaked window to see the glow of the fireplace and two shadowy figures cuddling close. He had followed her from Kelly's, where she had met Elizabeth for one of their girl talks, he knew something was going on but had no idea he would find her with someone else.

His fists clenched, the rage inside him burned as he stepped onto the front porch and pushed open the front door. The lightning flashed as the rain poured down, both startled to see a dark figure standing in the doorway, she jumped up from the floor, covering up her nakedness with the blanket. He drenched from the rain, stepped inside approaching her with out a word to say. He couldn't believe what he had witnessed. He stood in front of her as she pleaded with him it wasn't what it looked like. But he knew better then to take her word for anything. He turned around to leave as she followed him to the door and reach for his arm. He pulled from her and walked out into the storm, she left standing on the porch in the rain, the thunder could be heard in the distance as she felt her heart sink.

He had lost everything in a few brief moments, his body shivering from the cold rain that soaked his clothes, but the rage in him still burned hot. He drove to the nearest tavern and stepped inside out of the storm. He shook off his jacket and took a seat at the bar. He ordered up a bottle of Jack and paid the bartender. He drank every last drop in the bottle in the hopes of getting the images of his wife and another man out of his mind, though one bottle didn't seem to be enough as he went back for another. He stumbled up the stairs to an empty room he had just paid for and went to drink away his pain.

She quickly got dressed and went looking for him, never to find him that night. The guilt of what she had done to him that stormy night overwhelmed her. She sat alone in her car parked along the dim lit street and sobbed. It wasn't something she wanted to happen, it just did. She tried to explain, but all he saw was rage and she couldn't blame him, it wasn't his fault, it was hers. She would never forgive herself if something happened to him, she loved him still.

Months went by, and he just couldn't get her off his mind. The images never left him, the pain never faded away. No matter how much he drank, it didn't drown what he was feeling inside. His body wasn't strong enough to take the punishment he was inflicting on it and it soon became apparent to him, his life was over and without her, he was left with nothing.

She found him on the floor, laying lifeless one morning. She had hoped after some time, she could explain and he'd be able to forgive her for her indiscretion, but it was too late. His pain and anger consumed him as she read the note he had left on the night stand. All he ever wanted was to live a life of happiness, with her. She was his life, and she took all that away that night.

She crumbled to her knees next to him and sobbed as he lay before her, an empty bottle next to him. She called for help but it was too late ... he was gone. Gone to a better place, where he could get the peace and happiness he deserved. He certainly didn't deserve the pain she had caused him and she was so sorry for all that she had put him through.

She found herself sitting by his grave more times then she'd care to count, just saying she was sorry. That's all she could say, he was gone and there was no bringing him home to her. The guilt and the sorrow ate away at her every minute of every day and soon she was reaching for ways to curb the hurt....or at least she thought it did. She tried to hide it the best she could, but those around her saw what his death was doing to her. Some tried to help her but she just turned away and drowned herself in the bottom of a bottle, just like he had. It was the only way she knew how to take the pain away of losing him. She didn't know how much she loved him till he was gone and there was nothing she could do about it now, but try to escape the world she didn't want to live in without him.

She went to visit him one last time, with a bottle in her hand, she fell to her knees and took a drink. She laid down beside him, her eyes fluttered closed and she was to never feel the hurt or pain again. A feeling of peace came over her as she slipped into a world she had been wanting to enter for a long time. He stood waiting for her in the distance as he reached for her hand and smiled.

She took a few steps towards him and took his hand in hers, she smiled and all felt right between them. The laughing, the happiness they both had wanted was back and all she could think of was how good it felt to be back in his arms once more. There were no more apologies, no more hurt, no more pain and anger .. it was just gone from inside and all that was left were two people in love.

Drive
performed by Alan Jackson


Zander & Emily ficlette

"Daddy, Daddy!" a 5 year old little girl called out as she saw her daddy pull the car into the driveway. Emily came to the window and stood behind Amelia as she stood on the sofa cushions peering out the window watching as Zander got out of the car.

"Daddy's early today." Emily said as she went to the front door and opened it for him. Amelia jumped off the sofa and rushed to her daddy as he set down his briefcase by the door.

"Hey there munchkin!" he replied as she grabbed onto his leg.

"I missed you, daddy." she cooed as he picked her up in his arms.

"I missed you too, peanut." he gave her a kiss on her cheek and twirled her around. Her giggles filled the house as Emily peered from the kitchen and smiled at what she saw.

"Hey you two, dinner will be ready in about an hour." Zander set Amelia down as he removed his coat and then took her little hand.

"Come with me sweetheart, daddy has something to show you."

He and Amelia walked hand and hand out to the garage, as they passed through the kitchen, Emily wondered what he was up to now. She stirred the pot and turned down the heat so it wouldn't boil over. She took off her oven mitt and followed them out to the garage.

The fall leaves blew in the light breeze as Zander opened up the garage door. He helped Amelia down the two steps in to the double car garage. She stood there with her hands at her side, her foot twisted back and forth as she waited for her daddy to show her the surprise. Zander walked over to the corner of the garage and lifted the blanket off the bicycle he had hidden. As he removed the blanket, Amelia's face lit up. She raced to the bicycle with her eyes wide.

"Is it mine Daddy?" she asked as Emily watched from afar.

"It's all yours peanut." She hugged him with all her might.

"Thank you daddy." she said as she tried to get on the smallest bicycle he had found.

"Whatcha got there?" Emily asked Amelia as she stepped out from the doorway. Zander smiled as he felt a warmth come over him.

"It's a bicycle ... my daddy got it for me." Emily giggled.

"Oh he did, did he? Don't you think that's a bit big for you, sweetheart?" Amelia glanced back at her mom and then tried again to get on her new bike.

"I can ride it ... see?" she said as Zander helped her into the seat. Her feet barely touched the pedals but the smile that was on her face was enough for Zander.

"How bout I help you with that?" Zander said as she tried to ride it by herself.

"Okay daddy."

Zander held on to the back of the bike as Amelia pushed with her legs to make it go. "See daddy, I got it." she replied as she turned to drive the bicycle out the opened door.

"I see, munchkin. I see."

Emily stood back and watched Zander and Amelia go down the driveway with the bicycle. Amelia's laugh could be heard from inside the garage as Emily smiled warmly. She found complete happiness in that moment. "Oh, dinner!" She ran quick back into the kitchen to take the pot off the stove before it burned fast.

Zander was glad that the driveway was so long, Amelia would have them in Poughkeepsie before he'd know it. He pulled back on the bicycle to slow it down so they could turn around and head back to the house.

"You can let go now, Daddy." she said as she made the turn.

"I don't think quite yet, you're still getting the hang of this." he said as he saw she wobble with it.

"I'm okay now Daddy. See?" she balanced out the bicycle and Zander let go ever so slowly. He kept his hands close to the bicycle in case she lost control, but she seemed to be doing fine.

As they reached the garage, Zander grabbed hold of the bicycle again to slow her down.

"I can do it Daddy." she said as they entered the garage and she came to a stop.

"See, told you." she remarked as he chuckled knowing she didn't do it all by herself, he helped a little. She hopped off the bicycle as Emily came back and stood in the doorway.

"I did it Daddy!" she hugged him tightly.

"Yes you did my little munchkin!" he exclaimed as he picked her up, the smile on her face made all the driving around to find the bicycle worth while.

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

"Don't forget, Amelia's birthday party is tonight, so be sure you're home early." Emily said as she talked to Zander on the telephone.

"I know, I have one stop before I come home. I'll be there in time. Don't worry." he replied as Emily bit her bottom lip and held her hand against her stomach trying to comfort the anxiousness that dwelled within her.

"Zander, this is Amelia's sixteenth birthday ... I want to be perfect." Zander sighed, he knew how much this party meant to Amelia and to Emily.

"Sweetheart, it will be perfect. I promise."

"Okay, I have to go, Alexis is knocking at our door." Emily said her goodbyes to her husband and went to the front door to invite Alexis in.

"You guys are early. I wasn't expecting the two of you till ..." Cameron and Alexis both kissed Emily on her cheek and stepped into the cottage.

"Oh my! It's 5 o'clock! I am not at all ready!" Emily looked down at herself and noticed what she was wearing.

"Alexander home yet?" Cameron asked as Emily started up the stairs.

"No he's not, he should be here soon though!" she shouted as she reached the top of the stairs. Cameron and Alexis made themselves comfortable on the couch.

"Hey Grandpa!" Amelia rushed Cameron and gave him a big hug. She kissed him on the cheek and giggled. His beard tickled her since she was a little girl.

"Hi sweetheart! Are you ready for your party tonight?" he asked as she squeezed herself between he and Alexis.

"Hi Alexis" she said as she hugged her. She didn't dare call Alexis grandma, that was a no no. Even when Alexis and Cameron married a few years ago, she had always known Alexis as a big part of the family, but calling her grandma was out of the question.

"I'm sorry, grandpa ... what did you ask?" Amelia asked again as she looked towards him.

"I asked if you were ready for your big party tonight?" Amelia's face lit up.

"Of course I am! It's not every day I turn sixteen!" Cameron reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a black velvet box.

"I wanted to give you this before your guests arrived." Emily walked down the stairs slowly, it had been a while since she could wear heals and she tried to steady herself against the banister.

"Oh grandpa!" Amelia threw her arms around Cameron. "I'm sure it's beautiful." she remarked before opening the box.

"Well, open it." he said as she caressed the box in her hands. She lifted the lid on the box and peered in side. Emily approached to see the gift her daughter received from her Grandpa. Amelia's eyes widened as the bracelet glistened.

"It was my mother's. I wanted you to have it." he replied as he noticed Amelia's eyes well up with tears. She sniffled back the tears as Emily placed her hands on Cameron's shoulders and gently squeezed to let him know she thought it was thoughtful of him to give such a gift.

"I love it Grandpa! Thank you!" Amelia embraced Cameron once more before heading up stairs to get ready for her party.

Just then, Zander walked through the front door. "Am I late?" he said as he looked down at his watch. He stood in awe at the door as he noticed Emily standing in front of him. "You, look beautiful." he replied as he set down his briefcase, not letting his eyes off of her.

Emily approached him and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you. You have exactly a half hour before company starts to arrive." she giggled as he nuzzled her neck.

"Before I go upstairs .. Is everything all set?" he asked hoping the present was delivered as promised.

Emily pulled back "Yes, it's all ready to go."

Zander waved a hello to his dad and Alexis who sat on the couch before he made his way up the stairs.

Guests started to arrive right on time. Zander came down stairs and Amelia followed in her brand new dress. Cameron noticed she wore the bracelet he had given her and a smile came to his face. The family gathered in the kitchen and waited for the guest of honor. Emily had the birthday cake displayed on the kitchen table, the candles were lit as the guests gathered round. They sang happy birthday to Amelia and she pulled back her brunette curls as she blew out the sixteen candles that were on the cake. Zander took hold of Amelia's arm and pulled her towards the garage.

"Sweetheart, your mom and I have a surprise for you." he said as he reached for the door knob.

She got excited at the thought, cause the last time she got a surprise in the garage it was a new bicycle, she was hoping for something a lot bigger this time. Zander placed his hands over Amelia's eyes as she stepped down into the garage, it was dark and smelled musty but she didn't care, she just wanted to see her surprise. Emily opened the garage door and turned on the light. The guests awed as they saw the gift before the birthday girl did. She knew by the sounds behind her, it was something really good. She began to get anxious as Zander walked his daughter over to her surprise gift. Cameron pulled the blanket from the present and revealed to her a brand new convertible. Amelia jumped into her father's arms filled with happiness and enthusiasm.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Daddy!" No matter how old she got, he loved to hear the word "daddy" and he loved to see her smile. She climbed into the drivers seat and closed the door. She explored every inch of the car before asking for the keys.

Zander dangled them in front of her ..."I will give you these, only if I'm the first one to take it for a spin with you."

She jumped up and down in the seat anxious to get her hands on the keys. "Yes! Get in!" she took the keys from Zander and stuck them into the ignition.

Her guests stood back as she started up the car. It was a little too cool for the top down, but neither cared. His daughter turned sixteen today, and she was happy. He didn't care about much else in that moment, Amelia was all that mattered.

She slowly drove it down the driveway, being very careful. Zander sat in the passenger seat watching every move she made, making sure she looked in her mirrors, watching her speed, and being sure she stayed towards the center of the drive.

"You seem to have the hang of this." he remarked as they made their way down to the end of the drive.

"I do Daddy .. I really do." She slowed down the car so she could turn it around.

"Now remember to look both ways and remember to always use the mirrors ...." Amelia made the turn and headed back towards the house.

"I know Daddy. Don't worry, I can do this .. I'm not a little girl anymore." Zander looked at his daughter and in that moment, realized she had grown up before his eyes.

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

"Are you ready, sweetheart?" Zander asked as he took his daughter by the arm.

"I'm as ready as I'm ever gonna be I guess." she smiled at him with a tear in her eye.

"Before we do this, I wanted to tell you something." Amelia looked into her father's eyes, the love he had for her was apparent and brought more tears. He wiped away the tears with his thumb and caressed her cheek.

"Your mother and I love you so much, and we have always wanted you to be happy, above anything else." Amelia sniffled back and bit her bottom lip. Zander smiled as he noticed her do the one of the things she got from her mother, it always reminded him of her.

"I love you too, Daddy." she smiled. She was practically glowing and it warmed his heart to know she found someone to spend the rest of her life with, someone that made her happy, someone she could share her dreams with, someone who would believe in her and someone who loved her the way she should be loved. He embraced her lovingly as the music began to play. That was their cue. He took her arm in his and began to stroll down the aisle. He was so proud of her, she was his little girl, and now she was all grown up.

They reached the alter, she kissed him on the cheek as the tears began to fall again. He took his daughter's hand and gave it to the man who was about to promise her his life. Zander turned and sat down in the first pew with Emily. She took his hand in hers and squeezed it gently.

"She's going to be just fine, sweetheart. Don't worry, she's not a little girl anymore." her words rang through his mind as he remembered all the other times he had heard them before.

"I know, but she'll always be mine."

There Goes My Life
performed by Kenny Chesney


Zander & Emily ficlette - three parts

Part 1

Emily stood in the bathroom looking down at the stick she laid on the vanity 5 minutes ago, she held her breath as she opened her eyes and read the results. She didn't want it to be true, she was too young, she had her whole life ahead of her, this would just complicate things. Her and Zander only slept together once, they were careful and used protection, it has to be the flu, it's not possible. Her hand quivered as she picked up the stick and took a second look at the little window with the 2 blue lines. She quickly went to the instructions that were included in the box, and read them again, thinking she made a mistake in reading it. No mistake. She sighed heavily and laid the stick back down on the counter. She backed away from it and fell against the wall behind her. Her knees buckled and she slid down the wall to the floor. She pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them as she could feel the warm tears welling up in her eyes. She sniffled back the emotion she felt as she took her hand and wiped the moistness from her cheeks. She was stunned, she couldn't be pregnant. They were so careful. She sat on the floor of the bathroom, her mind racing with her future passing her by in flashes of what she could of had. She was unsure how Zander would take this news, he's always wanted a baby, but not this soon. They had wanted to wait till they were married, she was barely out of high school. She tried to compose herself enough to make a phone call to tell Zander about the results. She picked herself up off the floor and dried her eyes. She splashed some cold water on her face and grabbed the hand towel from the rack. She took a third look at the stick and saw the same results. She held onto the stick tightly in one hand and reached for the doorknob with the other.

She walked out into her bedroom and reached for the phone. She hesitated as her index finger quivered as she slowly dialed Zander's phone number. He didn't answer right away, enough time for her to have second thoughts of telling him, but she stayed strong and waited to hear his voice. "Zander ... I need to see you." she said when he answered. She hung up the phone, she knew he'd be at the mansion in a few minutes. She tried to collect her thoughts and wondered how she was going to tell him they were going to be parents. All the dreams they had, were gone. The life they wanted to live was gone, things have changed.

She heard his soft tap at her bedroom window as she turned her head and saw him waving to her from outside in the old oak tree. She quickly went to open the window so he could climb in, like always. She walked away from the window as he climbed in, like so many times before. He came up behind her as she held the stick in her hand just in awe of the results. "Emily, what's wrong?" he asked as he noticed in her demeanor something was bothering her. She turned into him and fell into his arms. "I'm sorry, Zander. I'm so sorry." she cried into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her to comfort her. "Emily, whatever it is, we'll get through it ... together." he reassured her. She sniffled back the tears as she looked up at him. He took his thumbs and wiped the tears from her cheeks and returned a little smile.

He looked down and noticed the stick in her hand. He reached for it and she handed it to him. "Zander, I'm .... I'm pregnant." she could barely get out the words, they seemed to be caught in her throat. He took the stick, turned and walked away from her. "Emily, are you sure?" he asked as he turned back around and faced her. The look in her eyes told him it was true. She hung her head and then looked up at him. "Two blue lines, don't lie." she said as she sat down in the chair as she felt her knees go weak. He rushed to her and knelt beside her. He took her hands in his and caressed them. She noticed his eyes welled with tears as she entangled her fingers in his coal black hair. "We'll get through this, we will .. I promise." She stood up from the chair and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I don't know what to do, Zander. I had my life planned, and now this .... I wanted to go to college, get a good job, get married, then start a family. Zander, what are we gonna do?" she sobbed as her tears moistened his tee shirt. He held her tight against him and tried to comfort her fears away. "I don't know Em, we'll figure it out." He reached down and cupped her face in his hands. "I love you and I'm not leaving. We're gonna do this together, okay?" He could feel her arms around him tighten as she buried her face into his chest. "I love you too Zander.

He spent a few more minutes with her trying to calm her. These results were shocking to both and he just needed to be alone to process it all. He climbed back out the window and into the old oak tree, she watched him go and walked back towards her bed. She fell back on the bed and closed her eyes, hoping that maybe all this would go away, but it didn't. Her mind was filled with thoughts of what was yet to come for her, and it certainly wasn't what she had planned.

Zander's legs felt like jelly as he landed on the ground below. He could barely walk back to his bike he had parked outside the black iron gates of the Quartermaine estate. He grabbed his helmet and straddled his bike. He couldn't hold in the emotions any longer, as he released all that was building up inside him. He left it all go and began to feel the warm tears trickle down his cheeks. He felt his heart sink to the pit of his stomach, the news was not what he expected or was it wanted. He slipped on his helmet and turned the ignition.
The bike roared as he rode down the one lane driveway back into town. He rode through town and past the city limit sign, he needed time to think and he couldn't do that in his room at Jake's.

He rode for what seemed like hours, till he reached the old footbridge quite a few miles out of town. He and Emily used to go there alot, he had some fond memories of their time spent together. He pulled the bike to the side of the road and kicked the stand. He removed the helmet and hung it on the handle bar as he turned off the roar of the engine. He breathed in the fresh air deeply as he slid off the seat. He stuffed his hands in his jean pockets and walked to the middle of the bridge. He leaned on the railing and the emotions once again overwhelmed him. His mind racing with the news Emily had just told him, and all the things he had planned for his future had just gone up in smoke. "Well, there goes my life. There goes my future, my everything, might as well, kiss it all goodbye."


Part 2

Emily heard the roar of Zander's bike pull in the drive way and she wiped her hands clean on the apron she had wrapped around her waist. She reached for Katie who sat quietly in her high chair watching her every move. "Daddy's home." Emily said as she and Katie walked towards the front door and waited for Zander. The door opened and Katie smiled brightly when she saw Zander walk in. She reached for him and he took her in his arms. "Hi sweetness." he said as he kissed Emily on the cheek hello. "Long day?" she ask as she noticed his greasy shirt. "Yeah and I'm exhausted." he replied as he walked towards the couch with Katie in his arms. "Dinner is almost ready. I'll leave her here with you while I set the table." Emily hoping that Zander didn't fall asleep before he had something to eat, he looked worn out. He had taken a job at the local bike shop fixing and rebuilding motorcycles, it was something that paid the bills and it was it legal, unlike the other jobs that were offered to him. She could hear he and Katie playing as she set the kitchen table and filled the glasses with water.

She soon called him to come in and sit down to eat. Katie was put in her high chair and her eyes widened at the plate Emily had made for her. Her fingers soon found the mashed potatoes and as usual most ended up on the floor or on her then in her mouth. Zander smiled as he watched his daughter enjoy her dinner. Emily got up from her chair and went for a napkin to clean up the mess that Katie was leaving everywhere. Zander laid down his napkin and went to refill his glass with water from the pitcher in the refrigerator. He stopped and looked at the refrigerator door covered with pictures of Katie. He smiled as he took one of the pictures in his hand and held it to his chest. His heart filled with so much love for his little girl, the mistake they thought they had made, was a mistake no longer. She was his little girl, she was his heart, she was his life now. He put the picture back on the refrigerator door, Emily noticed his private moment as she smiled cause she had the same thoughts every time she saw them too.

After dinner, Emily took Katie upstairs for her nightly bath and to get her ready for bed. Zander watched Emily climb the stairs as Katie followed not so close behind. Zander sat on the bottom step watching Katie fumble up the stairs, she looked back at him as she held onto her teddy bear that dragged along the steps. He smiled and thought to himself...."there goes my life, my everything..." she looked back once more and said .."I love you daddy.." He felt a sense of pride as his future reached the top of the staircase. "I love you too, sweetheart." he mumbled to himself as she disappeared from sight. He could hear her giggling as Emily picked her up and then the bathroom door closed shut.

Zander ran his hands through his hair and sighed. He was exhausted and he knew he had to do it all over again tomorrow. All he needed was a peaceful nights sleep, which he hadn't gotten since Katie was born. Midnight feedings, up all night rocking her to sleep, late nights were something that became a habit for him, but he wouldn't change a thing. Katie was his world, his life.

He turned out the lights and locked the front door before climbing the stairs to the bedroom. He could hear Katie laughing and playing while Emily gave her bath. He stood outside the bathroom door and listened. Emily surprised him as she opened up the door and he almost fell into her. She and Katie laughed as Zander had a startled look on his face. He recovered by taking Katie in his arms and held her up in front of him, he blew a raspberry on her tummy and she giggled. "I love you..." he said as Katie's little fingers entangled themselves in his coal black hair. "I love you too Daddy." Those words warmed his heart every time he heard them, he smiled at her.

"Time for bed." Emily said as she walked into Katie's room and turned on the light. Zander held Katie in his arms and put her down in her bed. She didn't want to let go as her arms were wrapped tightly around his neck. He pried her from him and covered her up with the blankets. He brushed back the curls from her face and kissed her lightly on her cheek. "Goodnight sweetness." he said and walked towards the doorway. "Night daddy." she replied as he turned off the lights, only a dim nightlight was left on as he closed the door.

Emily watched him from across the hall as he peeked in at Katie one more time before going to bed himself. She noticed emotion overwhelm him as his hand wiped the moistness from his cheek. "Amazing isn't she?" she said as she came up from behind him wrapping her arms around his waist. "Yeah she is. Thank you." he replied as he turned into her. "Thank you for what?" she asked as Zander wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Thank you for bringing Katie into my life."


Part 3

Zander stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs for the next suitcase to take out to the car, as he could hear Katie dragging out of her bedroom and to the top of the stairs. "Hey Dad? How much room do I have left in the car?" she shouted from her bedroom. Zander glanced out the door at the car sitting in the drive way, all he could see were boxes smashed against the passenger side windows. "Not alot, sweetheart. Why?" Katie came to the top of the stairs with a very large laundry bag in her arms. "Will this fit?" Zander chuckled. "Uh, no. Not unless you want to tie to the roof." She raised an eyebrow at him and Zander immediately shook his head in disagreement.

Katie began to lug the heavy suitcase down the stairs one step at a time. As she reached the last step, Zander took it from her and carried it out to the car. Emily came from the kitchen with a paper bag in her hand. "Mom." Katie whined with a smile. "Now look, it's a long drive to Stanford, you're going to need nourishment. So I packed some snacks." Katie kissed her mom on the cheek and took the paper bag from her as Zander walked in the front door dragging his feet. "I hope that's the last to go in the car, cause I don't think anything else will fit." he chuckled as Katie approached him. "Yes, Daddy. That's the last bag, I swear." she held up her two forefingers and crossed her heart.

"So, you're going to call when you get there, right?" Zander asked as he pulled his daughter tight against him. "I will." she replied as she buried her face into his chest. "I'm gonna miss you, sweetness." he whispered, barely getting the words out as his emotions overcame him. "I'm gonna miss you too, Dad." Emily came up behind them and caressed the back of Katie's head with her hand. "Now you be careful, drive safely. It's no race to get there. Stanford will be there, so take your time." Katie rolled her eyes at their concern. She knew they loved her, but their worry was overwhelming at times.

Katie grabbed her jacket from the coat rack and held the paper bag in her hand as Emily escorted her out the door and to the car. She gave her one last hug before Katie got in the car. Zander stood in the open doorway watching his daughter back out of the driveway for the last time. She was all grown up, going off to college, something both he and Emily always wanted for her, but his heart was heavy with sadness. He felt his eyes well with tears as the car disappeared from sight. Emily turned and walked back into the house as Zander just stood in the doorway looking out towards the street. He was in deep thought when he heard the phone ring.

He went quickly to answer it and heard a familiar voice on the other end. "I forgot to tell you something before I left." Katie sniffled back the tears as she stopped the car only a few blocks from the house. "Yeah what was that?" Zander asked as a tear trickled down his cheek. "I just wanted to tell you that I love you Daddy." He never got tired of hearing those words and they brought an overwhelming warmth of emotion, he wiped the tears from his eyes with his hand as he replied ..."I love you too, sweetheart." He hung up the phone and walked into the kitchen, he noticed the pictures on the refrigerator door still hung, they've changed over the years, but the feeling he got was the same. Katie grew up, but she'd always be Daddy's little girl.