Smoothly the sleek black limousine pulled up in front of the driveway. The driver jumped out and hurried to open the rear door for his waiting passenger. "Here we are, sir."

"Thank you." Stefan stepped from the car and took a moment to observe his surroundings. The neighborhood was quiet and the street devoid of activity. He strode briskly up the walkway, taking in all the details before him.

Firmly he tapped on the solid wood door. Stefan listened carefully but could hear no sounds of movement from within. He raised his fist to knock once more but was halted by a soft click as the knob was turned.

The door swung open and the head of the Cassadine family was frozen in position. His gaze was drawn downward to the small beauty who stood watching him in wide-eyed wonder. About four years old, she was a gorgeous mix of creamy skin and dark curls.

"You must be Bonnie," Stefan crouched down and greeted the little one quietly. "Hello."

Bonnie began to back away just as Jessica's voice sounded behind her. "Bonnie Louise McKechnie, what did we agree about opening the door?"

Her chastened daughter hung her head and moved away from the door. Jessica led her to the nearby sofa and sat down beside her.

Stefan eased just inside the door and closed it softly behind him. He watched with interest as Jessica interacted with her small daughter.

"Do you remember," Jessica asked Bonnie, "how you promised not to open the door because a stranger might be waiting on the other side for a chance to get in our house?"

Shyly Bonnie nodded before raising her head. Jessica followed her gaze to the doorway, where Stefan Cassadine stood. She placed a finger beneath Bonnie's chin and turned the child's gaze back to her. "You were lucky this time. Mr. Cassadine is Mommy's . . . friend." Jessica's hesitation was brief.

Bonnie whispered something Stefan could not hear. "Yes, I know," Jessica responded firmly. "But that doesn't matter. From now on you don't open the door unless I give permission. Alright?"

Her mass of dark curls danced as Bonnie nodded in obedience.

"Good. Now give me a kiss." Dutifully the little one complied and presented her puckered lips to her mother.

"If you go to the kitchen now, I believe Mattie might be persuaded to give you one of the cookies she just took out of the oven."

Bonnie's eyes widened with excitement and she began to move toward the kitchen. After only a few steps, she turned back. "May I bring one for your friend?"

Jessica glanced quickly at Stefan who had not moved from his place near the door. "I don't think he-"

"I would love one. Thank you."

In silence the two adults watched the little girl rush happily toward the kitchen. As soon as Jessica was sure that Bonnie was out of earshot, she turned on Stefan angrily. "I don't appreciate you playing games with my daughter."

Stefan's jaw tightened. "I assure you, I would never use a child thus." He moved closer to where Jessica stood. "What would you have had me do, Jessica? Confuse your young daughter by rebuffing her innocent offer?"

Stymied by the truth of his argument, Jessica could only glare at the enfuriating man before her. The sudden ring of the telephone broke the stalemate. "Have a seat," she bit out, unable to overcome her innate kindness.

As she conversed, Jessica was distracted by the sight of her small daughter returning from the kitchen. Each hand clutched a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, and she moved unerringly to the sofa where Stefan Cassadine now sat.

Any attention Jessica had previously paid to the phone conversation was focused on the scene before her. Totally at ease, Bonnie sat upon Stefan Cassadine's lap and she stared up at him enrapt.

Jessica closed her eyes and sighed. "Like mother, like daughter . . . What? No," she spoke into the phone, suddenly remembering her conversation. "I'll have to call you back."

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