It was a week before Christmas and a lot had happened since Jason returned home. He decided to retire and take up a couple of business classes at the university along with his sister and Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Jason were a couple that everyone tried to be like. There was so much love in their eyes it was like they never had been apart. Emily was still going out with Nik and Lucky was still trying to get back with Elizabeth but it was a losing battle. Jason had moved into the Towers and Emily had the penthouse across from him. Elizabeth moved in with Emily and when Nik came over she usually just stayed across the hall with Jason.
"I think that you should just move in here with me. You are here all the time anyway and I have an extra bedroom if you need your space. I love you and love having you here with me. We need to go get us a Christmas tree and get ourselves in the holiday spirit. Exams are over and we have a couple of weeks to ourselves. Emily is going away with mom to that spa in Hawaii. I thought we could spend Christmas here and then spend the New Year's Eve in New York City. Seeing the ball drop would be a great way to start out the New Year. Unless you have other plans." Jason knew that Elizabeth was feeling left out because of Emily going away with her mother and that her family had all but abandoned her.
"I would love to move in here and start a new life with you. Christmas will be great here but I think that we need some fun in the sun for our New Year's Eve. I was thinking maybe a nice beach in the Bahamas or Vegas. We could get married by an Elvis impersonator and then fly to the Bahamas for our honeymoon." Jason was looking to see if she was serious or just playing him. They had been talking about getting married but it was not for a few years. He wondered what could make her want to elope to Vegas instead of her dream wedding.
"Okay, I say we go for your suggestion. Are you sure about Las Vegas or are you playing with me. I am all for us getting married now. We love each other and we will have a great life. Now is a good enough time to start but what about our families. My grandmother will be so upset if she misses our wedding. We could go over and see her and ask her what we should do." Elizabeth pulled him down onto her and gave him a kiss that told him that she was serious and that they had plans to make. They got on his motorcycle and headed for the mansion to talk to his grandmother.
"The two of you both look like you have something on your minds. Spill! I am listening." Jason always loved how she got right down to it. She always a straight shooter and you knew exactly where she stood on anything.
"Elizabeth and I are going to Las Vegas to get married on New Year's Eve. I would love for you to be there if you can or maybe we can have a reception here after our honeymoon. We plan on going to the Bahamas for a few days of fun in the sun before heading back home and our new classes. How do you feel about that?" Lila looked at both Jason and Elizabeth and clapped her hands. She hugged both of them and told them not to worry about anything. She would take care of their wedding in Vegas and also their reception back at the mansion when they got home.
"You both have to promise me that you will be happy and that will make me happy. Your parents will want to know about wedding plans so stay here for dinner and we can tell them about it after we eat. I will call your parents, Elizabeth and have them be here for the reception. I also plan on calling your grandparents for dinner tonight. Emily is upstairs with your mother, Jason. I think we should let them in on it before your grandfather gets involved.
Alice went upstairs and got Emily and Monica to come downstairs for some exciting news. "Okay, what is going on with the two of you? You looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. Lila, please tell us what is going on,"
"Monica, Jason and I are getting married. We plan on going to Vegas for New Year's Eve and getting married. I love your son more than life itself. We have been talking about it for the last month but finally decided to go for it. Life is too short not to grab it while you can." Emily hugged her best friend and then her brother. Monica then hugged them too.
"Well, looks like this Christmas is going to be happy for everyone. Emily decided that she was going to spend her holiday in Greece with Nik. She is leaving the day after Christmas and coming back just before classes start. Alan has decided to go to the spa with me in Hawaii since Emily is not going with me. I think that this is just what the family needs. I am glad that you told us first instead of afterwards. This is much better."
The dinner was a great success and Lila had a few surprises in store for Jason and Elizabeth's trip to Las Vegas. She found the nicest chapel in Vegas for them to get married in and then the wedding started snowballing from there. She had secretly invited the family to Vegas for the wedding.
The first thing that Jason wanted to do was get a great Christmas tree. Elizabeth was shopping for last minute Christmas presents with Emily. He wanted to have the apartment looking festive for Elizabeth's first Christmas with him. He had some of his navy buddies and their wives help get the apartment looking like it came out of a Christmas card. The tree was set up and ready to be decorated. There was holly and garlands everywhere and even a wreath on his front door. The rooms were done up too even the bathrooms. It was a bit much for him but he knew that she would love it so that is why he did it. There were two more days till Christmas and then a few days later they were flying to Vegas to get married.
"Emily, come on. We need to get back to our apartments so we can wrap up our presents. I don't want Jason walking in on me when I am trying to hide his gifts. I guess I could keep them at your place and get them on Christmas Eve. Are you staying here for Christmas or are you going home for Christmas Eve and day? Can you believe that in a little over a week I will be your sister? I am so happy. I know that you will be getting your wish when you go to Greece with Nik. This is going to go down in history as the best Christmas and New Years ever." Emily couldn't believe that her best friend was about to marry her brother. She had never seen her brother look as happy as when he was with her. She made him feel alive and that was all she wanted for the two of them.
"Okay. I am going. Just remember that we have to exchange presents before Christmas Eve? I am not going to have time to do it later because Nik and I will be spending Christmas at Windermere. Christmas Eve at the Quartermaines' will be crazy so it will have to be sooner or we will have to wait till after when I get back to the States. Let's get in my place and I will put your presents away. Did you see the wreath on your door? It is beautiful. Looks like my brother has been busy. Let's go check it out."
Emily and Elizabeth slipped inside the apartment and walked into a Christmas wonderland. Jason was sitting on his couch drinking a beer with a few of his buddies when they walked in. "How do you like our wonderland here? I thought that we could have some fun before going over to the craziness known as my family. I believe that your grandparents will be there too. Emily, do you think the prince could do any better?"
"I don't think that he could do it but he could definitely hire someone to do it. He has someone decorate every year at Windermere and at his island in Greece. It doesn't matter if he is there or not. He just likes the festive mood. I can't wait to see his island. I know that coming back to Port Charles will be hard after that. I have to be going. See you later Liz. Remember you have to come over before the craziness at the Quartermaines'." Liz gave Emily a hug and went to sit down next to Jason. Emily left her place and was about to be surprised herself.
Emily walked in the door when she noticed that things were a little misplaced. She then saw that Sam McCall was in her apartment trying to get Elizabeth's gifts for her family and friends. "Stay away Emily. I don't want any trouble from you and you don't want any from me. I just need to get back my boyfriend and your little friend is standing in the way."
Sam then pushed her way past Emily with the presents that Elizabeth had bought for Christmas. How she knew what presents were from Elizabeth and not her, made Emily feel worse than if she had stolen from both of them. As soon as Sam left she called the police and then Jason. When the police left, Jason walked over to find out what was going on.
"Sam broke in and took the gifts that Elizabeth had bought today. Why she did it, I am not sure. I think she is trying to get in between you and Elizabeth. The cops know who took it so that part should be easy once she is arrested but the thought that she broke in makes me nervous." Jason hugged his sister and brought her over to his apartment. When Elizabeth saw her, she knew something was really wrong. Elizabeth took her upstairs and let her use her bedroom.
"I know something more is going on than you are letting Jason know? Tell me. I can try to help you if you need it." Elizabeth hugged her best friend and when she saw the tears she wasn't really sure what her friend was going to tell her.
"Do you remember that girl, Sam that tried to get into Jason's party back in September? She was the one that broke in and stole the gifts. She only took your gifts that you had bought. I think that she was following us when we went shopping today. She also looks like she is pregnant. I am not sure if she is or if she is going to tell everyone that the baby is Jason's but I have a feeling that she is going to cause trouble. That is main reason that I am upset. She was waiting for us. I am surprised she didn't come out when we were both there. What are we going to do?" Elizabeth told her friend to hold on. She went downstairs and brought Jason up to be with them.
"Emily thinks that Sam stole the presents because she is still after you. Emily also said that she thinks that Sam is pregnant and that she is trying to trap you into marrying her." Jason looked at both of them and sighed.
"I had a feeling that she had been following us for a little while. I am sorry that she got that close. She has been trying to get in touch with me through friends of mine when we were on the ship together. They all think that she is either faking the pregnancy or she got knocked up by some loser and trying to pin the baby on me. It doesn't matter which because after a paternity test it will be all done. If the child does turn out to be mine then I will take care of the child but I will not have anything to do with his or her mother. A child is something that I could never push aside and I will want to know him or her. I just will have to deal with the lawyers because she is not part of the package. I know her type she will want both but that will not happen. Don't worry about Sam. She is about to find out that you don't mess with the Quartermaines. Let's all decorate the tree downstairs because tomorrow is Christmas Eve. In a week Elizabeth and I will be married."
The three of them went downstairs and started decorating the Christmas tree. Emily put on some Christmas Carols while Elizabeth made some brownies and eggnog. The three of them had a great time getting drunk on the nog and decorating the tree. When the tree was almost done, Elizabeth started making chains of popcorn and cranberries. It was a tradition that Elizabeth loved. She had been doing that since she was a child with her parents. No matter what country they were in they would always have a tree and the garland was always made with popcorn and cranberries. The three of them just stared at the beautifully lit Christmas tree. Emily and Elizabeth cleaned up the kitchen before they turned off the lights and headed upstairs.
The next day was Christmas Eve and there was a lot of work to be done before going over to the Quartermaine Mansion. Jason got a call from the police station that they had found Sam and that she would only talk to Jason. "Elizabeth, stay here with Emily while I go to the police station. They have Sam and she will only speak to me. I am going to take care of this situation once and for all. When I get back, we can finish up a couple of loose ends for tonight. Emily, I know that you want to go back to your apartment but if you do, take Elizabeth with you. Tell Nik what is going on so he can protect you when you are in Greece. She may have other people helping her out. I will be back as quickly as I can. I love you both." Jason took his keys and headed out the door.
"Well, I am glad that she is caught but I hate that he is going to confront her. This is something that we should all be doing. I know he will take care of her but it makes me feel weird that she would follow us like that and then scare you, Emily. She must have had some help here in this building. She couldn't have gotten up to this floor without someone who lives in this building." Elizabeth made a quick breakfast for her best friend and herself. She wanted to be in top form for what was going to happen later on.
Nik called Emily and headed over to the apartment. He had just recently found out that Sam McCall was his cousin. He was not happy with what Emily had told him about Sam sneaking into her apartment. He planned on getting some new locks for the door and maybe having a guard posted by her door so this would not happen again.
Jason walked into the police station and was questioned by Mac. Mac wanted to know why Sam would break into his sister's apartment and steal only Elizabeth's packages and then leave. "I have the packages that Sam stole from your sister's apartment. I believe they belong to your girlfriend, Elizabeth. She wants to speak to you about why she did it and what she wants from you. Do you want to speak to her or should I have her brought back to her cell?"
"I will talk to her but for only a few minutes. I need to get back to my fiancée and it is Christmas Eve. I have a lot to do in the next few days. Thanks, Mac." Mac led Jason into a room where he could talk to Sam.
Sam was sitting patiently waiting for Jason to show up. She heard Jason mention to Mac that he was engaged to Elizabeth. She was very upset by the time Jason actually sat down across from her. "I am not sorry for scaring your sister. It was not about her anyway. I wanted your attention and so I have been following you for the past month or so. I know your habits and that bitch of a girlfriend too. I am going to have your baby soon and this is how you treat me. I love you and you shove me away for Elizabeth. She is your sister's best friend and you just met her a few months ago. How can the two of you be engaged? I would do anything for you include have your baby and you treat me like I am nothing." Jason took one look at Sam and knew that she wasn't having his baby. The timeline did not add up because she would have been further along than she seemed to be.
"I am looking at you and you are like a complete stranger. The Sam that I knew would never terrorize my sister and she wouldn't break into her apartment. You also look like someone who is three, maybe four months along but the last time we were together was over six months ago. It was also the only time that I was with you. I will have my lawyer get in touch with you about a paternity test but it will be after the first of the year. I am planning on going away for a few days after Christmas. I hope you get everything that you deserve Samantha." Jason than turned away from Sam and walked out the door. Mac gave Jason the packages that Sam had stolen and he headed back to his apartment.
"I have your packages and I was good. I didn't even try to peek. I told Sam that I knew she was lying about the baby and that I would have my lawyer get in touch with her after the first of the year. We have too much to celebrate this week. Where is Emily?"
"She just left with Nik. Nik told us that Sam is his cousin. His Aunt Alexis just found out that Samantha was the daughter she gave up for adoption. I have a feeling that Sam will be getting bailed out at any time. She will use her mother to try to get you back with her. Nik is unsure about what to expect but he did say that he plans on getting a guard to watch over her when she comes back from Greece. She is staying at the mansion tonight and I think that we should too. It will make it easier for all of us if we stay in one spot. When dinner is over tomorrow, we can come back here and get packed for our wedding." Jason knew that Sam was trouble but hearing this new news it made him believe that staying at the mansion was in the best interest for all of them. Especially for Elizabeth until they got married on New Year's Eve. Once they were married, Sam couldn't hurt them.
Nik brought Emily back to her apartment so she could gather up her belongings and presents to take to the mansion. Elizabeth and Jason had just left a few minutes before them and they all arrived about the same time. The presents were put under the tree and the girls headed upstairs to put their things away. Nik pulled Jason into an empty room to have a private talk.
"I know by now that Emily has told you that Samantha and I are related. She is my cousin but I know nothing about her. I really don't even want to be associated with her but my Aunt Alexis will not let that happen. I promise that I will not tell her about your wedding plans. I am not sure about my aunt. She may know already so just be sure to keep an eye on Elizabeth the whole time that you are there. I don't want to worry you but Samantha is not that stable. Okay, I have said my peace. If you want to ask me anything, go ahead?"
"I just need to know that you will keep my sister safe. Emily is a great sister and I want to make sure that she stays safe. Sam has already scared her and I am not sure what will happen if she tries to hurt Emily or Elizabeth. She says that she is carrying my baby but the timing does not work. I haven't been with her for over six months and it was one time. I was drunk and she was there. I am not proud of what I had done but if the child is mine than I will take care of him or her. I don't believe that she is telling the truth. Thank you for being honest with me."
Jason headed upstairs to his and Elizabeth's room. Nik headed up to Emily's room. They only had a few hours before dinner and presents. "Em, I want to know if you can leave tomorrow afternoon. It will be after the Christmas dinner. I want us to get to Greece a little sooner so there will be no meetings with my cousin. Especially since we are cutting our time to come back for Jason and Elizabeth's wedding. I don't know how you haven't told her about the surprise because I know you can't keep a secret." Emily smacked Nik when he teased her about the surprise. She was not really known for keeping secrets except the ones she had with Elizabeth and Nik.
"I can to keep a secret. I kept our dating a secret for a very long time. Of course, Elizabeth knew but she was the one that was helping me with our clandestine meetings. She will be very happy when she finds out that we will all be there for her wedding. I just hope that there are no unexpected surprises at the wedding. Help me get ready for dinner tonight. I have a feeling that Elizabeth is about to get her ring." Nik helped Emily with her dress. It was made of silk and in a dark emerald green. She put on some makeup and added a few pieces of jewelry and then was all set for dinner. She was a true vision when she walked down the stairs being escorted by her Prince.
Elizabeth had sent Jason out of the room while she figured out how to get her present for him downstairs without him seeing. The main present was outside and she knew that he would love it. She had been saving for a while but she knew that buying him this new motorcycle would be worth it. Elizabeth knew that this would be his dream bike. She got help from her family to get it for him. She just wanted him to be happy.
(Flashback). Jason had talked to his grandmother, Lila about the perfect ring to give to Elizabeth. His grandmother gave Jason the ring that his grandfather gave her for when they were engaged. The ring was absolutely beautiful and it was perfect for her. He thanked his grandmother and knew he had the perfect gift for Elizabeth.
Jason had gone downstairs to make sure that the ring box was on the tree where he left it. When he was about to go upstairs, the doorbell rang. Alice went to the door and saw Alexis and Samantha. Alexis seemed rather nervous and out of place but Sam was rearing to go inside and show off her pregnant belly. She wanted everyone to know that she was having Jason's baby and that he was hers. "Jason, come here. We seem to have a problem." Jason walked into the foyer after collecting his thoughts. He knew that Sam was out there because he could hear her voice in the family room.
Elizabeth could also hear what was going on but she knew to stay out of it. Emily and Nik were already downstairs and they went into the foyer to help Jason. "Jason, there you are. I knew that you would be here tonight for Christmas Eve. I just want everyone to know that once we get married that we will all be family." Jason pulled Sam into the living room, he didn't realize that Lila was in there at the time.
"Sam, I will never marry you. I don't love you and if this child is mine than I will take care of him or her. I will do what is right and be a part of the child's life but not yours. You were a drunken one night stand that won't go away. I will not have you ruin Christmas. You need to leave or I will call the police to have you escorted off the property." Sam slapped Jason in the face. She started hitting him and that is when she realized that there was someone else in the room.
"Grandmother Lila, I am so sorry that you witnessed me hitting your grandson. I apologize for letting my temper get away from me. I have to go. Jason, remember that you owe me." Sam grabbed a hold of her mother and took off. Jason looked at his grandmother and knew that they hadn't seen the last of Ms. McCall.
"Jason, before you leave here. I think that you should take Elizabeth tomorrow and just see California maybe for a day and then drive to Vegas. Your room will be ready for you on the 27th after 3. I know of a great place to stay on the beach and maybe you can go shopping in Beverly Hills. I will see what I can do for you." Jason knew that she was right but she didn't want her to go out of her way to help. She had always been there for him and he loved her for that.
When Sam and Alexis left, Elizabeth made her way downstairs looking beautiful in her dark blue dress. She looked like a princess and that is how Jason made her feel every day. She saw the look of love in his eyes whenever they were together. Jason met her at the bottom of the stairs. They walked into the dining room where everyone was waiting for them.
The talk at the dinner table was about everyone's plans for their Christmas. Jason and Elizabeth were leaving the next day going to stay a villa on Malibu Beach. Alan and Monica were going to Hawaii for their spa treatments. Nik and Emily were leaving the next afternoon going to Greece a few days ahead of time. Lila and Edward just took it all in because they knew their family was happy.
"I am glad that harpy, Sam left. I can't believe how loud and obnoxious she was. I am sorry, Nik. I hear that she is your cousin now. It must be hard to find out that your aunt had given up a child for adoption and it turned out to be Samantha." Nik laughed because there was nothing that could be done about it. He did think that it was too easy how Alexis found her. He might have to look further into it.
"Edward, you are right about her. She may be family but she is my aunt's problem and not mine. If she pulls another stunt like she did a few days ago then she will be my problem and I will certainly take care of it. I am sorry for all the trouble she is causing. She must give my aunt fits the way she acts. Sam is nothing like Kristina or Molly. They are two sweet girls considering who their dads are."
The dinner went on without any problems then the fun began. The family headed into the family room with the Christmas tree and all the presents. Edward and Lila gave their gifts out first because Lila was getting tired. They received some beautiful gifts from Alan and Monica. Emily and Nik bought them first class tickets on a cruise to Greece to see where Nik grew up. Elizabeth gave them a painting that she made of Lila's garden. It was truly a masterpiece. Jason had bought them season tickets to the opera. Alan and Monica gave out their presents and they received some wonderful presents from Emily and Nic. They also got season tickets to the Opera from Jason. Elizabeth had created a painting of the children from a photograph that Monica had showed Elizabeth before she even met Jason. Monica was truly amazed by how Elizabeth could turn a photograph into a painting the way she did.
Nik and Emily exchanged gifts. Nik was going to give Em her engagement ring in Greece but decided that now was the time. The engagement ring was truly one of a kind. It was the engagement ring that his great grandfather gave his great grandmother. It had been passed down thru the generations and now was Nik's turn with Emily. It had emeralds and rubies surrounding the main diamond. Nik had gotten down on one knee and asked Em to marry him. She said yes and he put the ring on her finger. Nik had Elizabeth find out Emily's ring size so it would fit perfectly. They kissed and then it was Emily's turn to give Nik his present. I wanted to tell you this while we were alone but there is going to be a new heir for the Cassadines'. I am three months along. Nik had opened his present and saw a pair of booties. I hope you are happy. There was so much love in the room that no one could ever put a damper on it.
Jason went to the tree and got his present for Elizabeth. This ring is from my grandmother. She received this ring from Edward when they were engaged. I can't think of a better couple to receive this ring. Elizabeth held out her hand and Jason put the ring on her finger. Now she felt officially engaged. She gave Jason a small box. He opened it up and found a key. He looked at her a little funny. "Your present is outside. I have been trying to find a place to hide for about a month now. Alice, said you know all the good hiding spots." She grabbed a hold of his hand and took him outside. The snow had just started to lightly fall onto the ground. When Jason saw the motorcycle in the driveway, he was so happy.
"How did you know that I wanted this bike? I didn't even think that you liked motorcycles?"
"I know you, Jason Quartermaine. I love you and I have known about this bike before I truly knew you. I just knew that you had to have it. I think that our connection is so great that we don't even have to say it we just know." Jason took Elizabeth into his arms and spun her around with the snow falling down on them.
They all started to hug and say good night to each other because tomorrow was going to be the start of a new adventure for all of them.
