The next five days were spent slowly traveling the Atlantic Ocean, the Jones girls had been excited to see Bermuda off the starboard side, not so thrilled to know that they couldn't be seen just yet. Instead Alexis and her sister Christina had spent the day shopping and returned with clothes and other items for them and Elizabeth.

Maxie slipped into Elizabeth's stateroom where the brunette was fast asleep and sat down pouting as the boat slowly edged away from the docks. "Maxie, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, I thought you were still asleep." said the younger girl who added "We just left Bermuda. I know I shouldn't be upset."

"You just wanted to see the men in the black socks and long shorts?" asked Elizabeth as she started to sit up. When Maxie looked fearfully at the door, scared the nurse would come in and yell, the artist said "Relax, I was given permission to actually sit up today."

"Is that why Jason wasn't here?" she asked shyly.

"He went into Hamilton and St. George's. We have a plan in case you don't make it back to town in time for school." said Elizabeth who heard the knock on her door and said "Come in."

"Elizabeth my dear, Jason asked the cook to make you up some soup, he said you requested it." she said a bit quizzically. "Are you not feeling okay, are you having issues with eating solids?"

The bruised up woman laughed then said "I am fine grandmother, but Jason thinks I need soup to get better. That's all. What kind did the cook make?"

"See, that is why I was concerned, he made up a whole pot of Cream of Broccoli." she stated as she walked back to the door. "Maxie, Christina is looking for you, something about helping you with your French for next year."

With a groan, Maxie said "Dad insisted I take a language, I had no idea French was that hard but if I don't get my grades up in it, my whole GPA is going to get me grounded next year."

Jason waited until Epiphany Johnson had helped Elizabeth shower and change after dinner before quietly entering her room just as Georgie and Alexis helped her put her hair in a braid.

When Jason's eyes kept going to her hair, Elizabeth explained. "It's only for the night, I want sit on deck and I can't enjoy that if my hair is in my face."

"Do you want me to carry you?" he asked as he moved in closer. Seeing her blush, he asked quietly "What is it?"

"Want you to, yes, need you to, unfortunately no." she said as he face now felt like it was on fire. Jason smirked then lifted her in his arms then stopped at the dresser next to the door. "Grab the bag there, we can start planning this trip."

"Yes sir." she said as she grabbed the bag with one hand and used the other to hug herself even closer to the man carrying her. "Upper deck please?"

Settling in on the top deck, Jason sat her down in the beige round seating area then went to get one of the dark green throws from the cabinet. Wrapping it around her, he sat down with a pen and paper and said "Where do we start?"

With a smirk, she said "Don't you think we should wait to find out if the girls will be with us, I am sure that a choice between museums and amusement parks, their choice would be clear."

As they heard footsteps, Jason saw the cook and relaxed but had a silent laugh when the man asked if she had enjoyed her soup. "Yes, thank you."

Looking sideways at Jason she added "I love soup, and yours was especially delicious."

"I just wanted to let you know, that Mr. Jacks requested I make some special brownies just for you, they are being placed in the small refrigerator in your stateroom." said the man with a smile as he bowed then left.

"Just how many people know about your chocolate fetish?" asked Jason jealous that the Australian seemed to know.

"Anyone who has ever seen Emily and I devour a whole baking pan of brownies." she said with a laugh that made his heart feel ten times lighter. "I think maybe, well no, I was going to say Taggert doesn't know, but he does."

Handing Elizabeth the Frommers USA guide, he said "Start planning while I check in with Sonny."

Sighing when Jason left, Elizabeth was daydreaming about kissing him when Alexis joined her. "Elizabeth? Elizabeth, is everything okay?"

"Did you ever wonder if a kiss was better than chocolate?" she asked absentmindedly. "And how do you get the kiss to test your theory."

Alexis gave a quick chuckle then said "Well, you could instigate the kiss?"

"What if he doesn't want to kiss you? What if he just wants to be friends, well more than friends." she replied then looked down at the book on her lap before saying "What is wrong with me? Shouldn't I be allowing time to mourn my past with Lucky?"

The lawyer looked at her and said "You already did that, I think it is time you moved on. Elizabeth this past year was about trying to go back to something that when it was taken away so harshly was made to feel more ideal than it really was. Do you still have feelings for Lucky?"

"Do anger, disgust and the need to kick him in the balls count as feelings?" she asked the woman. Her mind went to the day a week ago that she lay on the ground, no one noticing her as she felt herself bleeding out. "I just can't help feeling like this is all a dream. I was laying there, ready to give up, when I saw Jason, in my mind. It was what gave me the strength to hold on until help came."

In the privacy of the Captain's deck, Jason listened to Sonny as he told him all that had gone on the last few days.

"They found Taggert's sister dead, Gia Campbell was strangled on the docks, a white rose was found on top of her."

"Lucky had a real thing for white roses, Sonny, you might want to let Taggert know." stated Jason.

"Spencer is tearing the town apart, looking for Elizabeth. I had a run in with him, warned him to let it go but he had the nerve to remind me of my promise, then said keeping Liz away from Lucky was in violation on that. I told him that his son was an abusive sick kid who should be locked away and that there was no way I was putting Elizabeth in his path."

"I am worried about Emily, I thought about bringing her with us, but I am not completely certain she wouldn't tell Lucky on accident." replied Jason with a sigh. "What was worse, I knew that if Cassadine called, she wouldn't think of him as a danger."

"Something is up there, he was with his grandmother a lot this week." Sonny reported. "Laura and Lesley showed up at Lucas' funeral. It was ugly and that was before Laura blamed you for Elizabeth' abandoning Lucky. Carly went nuts, she received the divorce papers. She wants to move back in. I am thinking of letting her, to protect Michael until the court makes up it's mind."

With a sigh, Jason said "Be careful there, you have a habit of falling into bed with her Sonny, think about the consequences before hand this time."

Chuckling Sonny said "I promise, who knows maybe I will move next door to the spare penthouse while she lives here. That should put a stop to her scheming. Scorpio called, someone broke into the Hardy residence, but since we had everything important to the old lady moved, all that it will require is some paint and nails."

"What about the studio?" asked Jason.

"Nothing, at least yet. Do you want me to suggest that the Quartermaines send Emily out of town?"

Jason thought about it then said "Yes, it might be a good idea. Maybe you should do the same with Carly and Michael."

"She would only go if you came and got her."

"I don't want to believe she would endanger Michael like that, could you try, send her to the casino or if you need to send her to the Island. We are only planning on staying for a few days. I am putting my plan in play since Elizabeth is pretty much healing. Her ribs are still a little tender but most of the bruises are fading."

"So, have you told her?" asked Sonny to the amusement of Johnny and Francis who had entered the penthouse. "How long are you going to wait, I mean, if you wait too long, she is going to wonder why. I would just confess. It's really simple, just take a deep breath and say..."

"How rude." said Sonny as he placed the sat phone back down on the table with a laugh. "He hung up on me."

"Really, and you are surprised because?" asked Johnny as he stopped smiling. "We found the chemicals, replaced them, but she is up to something. There was a strange man, I saw him on the parapet and snapped a picture, are you sure you trust Scorpio?"

"Yeah, it's his family in danger too. And with Gia's death, we know they aren't taking prisoners." said Sonny. "I just wish I knew what she is up to, and what Lucky's got to do with it. Have you told the men?"

"Shoot to kill orders if he if found on Corinthos Morgan property. They know about the bonus as well. One of our more loyal men came to me, someone is offering big money to dockworkers. Ten thousand for one nights work, no questions asked. Problem is that a few of the freelancers have gone missing after taking the job."

"Talk to Jake, see what she had heard down there." replied Sonny who added "Be careful, this isn't our usual enemy."

Nodding, Francis was at the door then stopped before saying reluctantly "You might need to replace Max on Carly. He has a bit of a crush and she likes to play him for information regarding Jason. Now that she knows he was here and didn't visit her, she will put on a full court press."

"I am moving her back here temporarily but I am going to stay at either one of the safe houses or next door." he told the man. "If I pulled someone to take over Carly's security, who would you recommend?"

"Johnny or I, we don't take crap from her and frankly Mr. Corinthos, I don't trust her." he stated then saw the Cuban frown. "Do you want honestly or not?"

"I do, I just wish I could send her elsewhere for now."

"The Island, give her a few days, tell her they are making special preparations, then arrange something glittery and expensive for her."

Jason went looking for Alexis and Audrey Hardy instead of rejoining Elizabeth. Explaining his idea, the lawyer thought it through then said "I don't see any reason for it not to work. But you are going to have to talk to the girls, be very clear on what can and can't happen."

"And from a medical standpoint, as long as you wait until Elizabeth's bruises are gone, she should be okay to travel. At least if you take pit stops and rest a bit." stated Audrey as she bit her lip then said "I think it might be a good idea if I don't return either but after a few days on that Island no matter how beautiful, I would grow bored, Mr. Morgan."

"What about visiting with your family?" he asked.

"No, that won't work. Sarah would call Nik, the minute she suspected something, especially if she could make Elizabeth look bad in any way shape or form."

Audrey sat quietly then said "There is something, I can go and help my niece Annie, I doubt that any of the Spencers remember her and the Cassadines never met her."

"I wish you could come with us." said Jason who saw her give a slight laugh. "What?"

"Mr. Morgan, that was one of the biggest fibs you have ever told." she scolded while still laughing "But I appreciate the sentiment, and while you might not have me around to chaperone, you do have those two impressionable young teens."

Returning to where Elizabeth and Christina were talking, he sat down and said "Well do you have it all planned?"

Laughing, she hit him on the arm with the book then said "I have exactly two days planned. So help me, please?"

Seeing the plea, Christina fled the upper deck and walked down to where she saw Alexis talking to the Captain. "So, big sister, what now?"

"I like Jason's plan, all that we have to do is sail around, letting Helena keep a loose eye on us and she will never suspect anything."

Two days later, as they arrived on Sonny's private Island, Jason watched as Maxie and Georgie ran down the dock, slipped under the railing and after kicking off their shoes went straight for the water. Seeing Elizabeth's eyes as they followed the girls with longing, he said "We might not be able to run, but how about a walk."

Epiphany had given her patient the all clear that morning, warning her to take it easy on her bruised ribs but told her she could enjoy most of her usual activities again. Jason and she walked to the end of the dock, then around to where the teenagers were now kicking water up at one another as they shrieked and giggled.

Looking at them, Elizabeth turned to Jason and asked "Are you sure about this, I mean, they are going to be a handful."

"Yes, I am. Look at it as training for the future." he said with a teasing laugh.

"Jason, I have no intention of being a lion tamer some day." she replied with a straight face as she tried to ignore the blush creeping up as she got what he was inferring.

With a quick kiss to her cheek, he said regretfully "I have to check in with Sonny. Are you going to be okay?"

Talking to his partner, Jason grimaced at what he said then went back to where the three females were heading up to the house. "We have to head out tomorrow, something came up rather unexpectedly."

"Are we returning home?" asked Georgie her skin turning white.

"No, nothing like that, just are time here is going to be shorter than I had planned." he replied then after dinner and baths sent the two girls to bed before informing the rest of them that Carly had pissed off Sonny and was now being sent here the next day.

"Jason, what is it?" asked Elizabeth as the others split off to take care of moving up their own plans. "What did Carly do?"

Sitting down with her, he reached out for her hands then said regretfully "She went to Luke, offered to tell him where you were in exchange for making it look like she was in danger since she thought I would come home and rescue her like I have before."

"Why? I mean, Lucas was her brother. She knows what Lucky did." she said in shock. "Besides, she doesn't know where we are, does she?"

Jason told her he didn't know; keeping quiet on all the rest Sonny had told him. He was feeling sick that he had ever been friends with that woman let alone ever had sex with her. That she had openly accused Elizabeth of the stuff she had. It had helped him see that maybe Sonny's idea of the Quartermaines having custody of Michael wasn't a bad idea.

"So much for painting the ocean at dusk." said Elizabeth only for Jason to promise they would come back at some point. "For now, this of all the places we will see and all the things to do. They talked to Scorpio, he agreed with our assessment of the girls, Felicia did as well."

That night, Jason explained things to the housekeeper and canceled his plans for the next evening. He had been working up the courage to tell Elizabeth he was in love with her, but now, that would have to be put on hold. But only for now, he had no intention of returning to Port Charles without Elizabeth as his.

Elizabeth meanwhile was in her room, opening the present from Christina. Looking at the book, she said "What is this?"

"A journal of sorts. So you can write all those things you want to say to Jason, but can't just yet." she replied with a smirk. "Alexis and I are leaving to return to Port Charles via a trip to New Orleans. You have a very good man, there, but you are going to have to tell him first, he doesn't like to take chances from what I have seen."

Hearing the Jones girls coming down the hall, Elizabeth put the book in her luggage and listened to their questions about the surprises that Jason and she have planned for them. "Please?"

"Here." she said handing them a book on Florida. "You can each chose three places to see, however, Walt Disney World and the like are banned for now and we can't go on any government secured places just yet. Have you thought about names?"

"Millie and Anna if we end up needing to change them." replied Georgie "What about you?"

"We are using my real first name and Jason's real first name, but changing last names. We are now the Moores." she replied.

Maxie quickly put it together and said "OOOOHHH, are you going to be the very married Moores?"

Georgie hit her with the pillow nearest her then said "Oh course, how else are they going to explain having the same last name? Do you really think with the way they moon over each other, they can pass as brother and sister?"

Elizabeth flushed to the amusement of the girls who then threw themselves on her bed. "This is going to be so much fun. I only wish Lucas didn't have to die for it to happen."

Like that, the mood turned dark as they all thought about those they loved in Port Charles who were in danger as a result of all that was going on.

Spending the next day stretching and getting rid of excess energy the girls watched as Jason and Alexis talked on the terrace and Elizabeth slept nearly in the shade. Georgie would nudge Maxie and Epiphany would do the same to Audrey each time he moved the shady umbrella to keep the sleeping beauty covered.

When the nurse checked on her patient, Jason asked if it was really necessary for her to sleep that much. "Normally no, but with all you have planned, I thought it might be a very good idea. Now, I am going to check and make sure that housekeeper has everything packed for all of you."

Jason walked over to Audrey and said "There is a jet waiting to take you to Texas, are you sure, Mrs. Hardy?"

"Yes, I am too old to be running around like you all will be doing and I would rather not run into Carly. I am very unhappy with that young woman." she said with a frown. "Are you okay with her being here with Michael?"

He gave a quick grimace then said "It is the best solution, I am afraid if she is back in Port Charles, she is going to bring the wrath of the Cassadines down on him. Francis will be here and he will keep Michael safe. Carly is only coming along because Sonny had no choice at this point."

"He should take a page out of her book and do like what she did to you." said Audrey then seeing his face added "Tell the police she kidnapped him."

With a cunning expression on his face, Jason let Alexis know what the woman had said then watched as the attorney went to her every present computer and looked up if that was possible. "She might be on to something there."

While Epiphany took over the job as hotel nurse for Sonny so that she had cover, Audrey was telling her granddaughter that she would see her as soon as the nightmare was over. "Now, pick me up lots of postcards and be sure to paint everything well, not everything, but paint, Lizzie."

"I love you." Elizabeth whispered as she hugged the elderly woman. "I am so sorry about this."

Audrey pulled back and looked her in the eyes before saying. "You, you are not at fault in this, Mr. Morgan isn't at fault. The fault like strictly with both sides of that war, not the innocents like you caught in the crossfire."

That evening

Watching from the aft deck of the Jacks yacht, Maxie and Georgie saw the private island paradise disappear as a jet landed. When Jason joined them, they asked and he said with a grimace that it looks like they had a close call.

Walking up the stairs, he joined Elizabeth as she played Chinese checkers by herself. "What is the purpose of playing against yourself?"

"It's fun." she said then after checking to make sure no one else was near, she moved closer to where he was sitting on the bench next to her and lifted her hands to pull him closer. "Can we just watch the sunset, enjoying the peace."

Kissing her forehead, Jason held her close and moved them until Elizabeth was almost in his lap. When he heard her breathing even out, he just pulled the throw from the back of the seat over them, slowly drifting off to sleep with the setting sun.

At the Villa, Carly was plotting on how to remain in her marriage to Sonny, taking the way he had offered to let her redecorate as his way of apologizing for not telling her Jason was in town. She had listened to what Luke had said then walked away from the man. He had no idea what he was talking about. Luke had tried to claim that she couldn't trust Sonny, that he was setting her up for trying to help Lucky find Elizabeth, but she knew better.

Even Sonny had to know that Elizabeth being around Jason was dangerous, he had to know that. But Sonny had said Jason being in town had nothing to do with Elizabeth and everything to do with Sorrell. And Sonny wouldn't lie to her, not about Jason.

Before talking to him, she had been willing to help, her jealousy at an all time high, but she had come to realize that if Elizabeth was no where near Jason. Jason would come back to Port Charles, but she really doubted it would be because of that muffin faced whey bitch.

When she heard the sound of Leticia putting Michael to bed, she went in to check on her son, kissing him good night and reading him the bed time story about Africa not noticing he wasn't paying any attention to her or it as he drifted off to sleep.

Standing, Carly checked where everyone was then went to the room she had discovered Jason used when he stayed there. Checking the closets and the drawers for the clothes he kept there, she frowned when all she found was a pair of socks.

Walking downstairs, she stopped the leaving maid and asked "What did you do with Jason Morgan's stuff?"

"Mr. Morgan took it all with him the last time he was here. He said he would be staying at his new place down the beach." she stated not adding that last time had been mere hours ago.

"What new place?" Carly demanded all but shaking the maid. "Tell me."

"Mr. Morgan said he was getting his own place, but didn't tell me where, Mrs. Corinthos. Just that he was doing so." she said as she slipped past her bosses tetchy wife.

It was dawn two days later when the yacht slipped into port and Jason quietly woke up Elizabeth and the girls telling them to grab their packs. "It's time to go."

Once on speedboat, he waited until the yacht had docked down near where the cruise ships disembarked then pushed the throttle to take them in. Landing he tossed the man waiting the keys then told him to tell Jax he said thank you. "Okay, we have to stay for the day, so what are the plans?"

Georgie laughed then said "We have two and Elizabeth has one but can we stay for the sun to set, they have a party on the beach every single day."

"Sorry, girls, but too many people will be around." replied Jason as he looked at their list then thought about the travel guide. As they wandered through the Mel Fisher museum, Georgie finally having to be dragged away from translating the Spanish words on various pieces of treasure.

At the lighthouse, Jason waited with Elizabeth as the younger two ran up the 88 steps to the top. Seeing them waving from there, Elizabeth waved back enjoying the way they had thrown themselves into this adventure.

When they came down, Georgie asked eagerly if they could do to the Hemingway museum next. She was disappointed at how small the gray house was, in spite of visiting with all the cats and liking the pretty wrought iron terrace on the upper part of the house.

Elizabeth finally suggested they eat and watched as the girls looked at one another then giggling suggested a restaurant. Jason hid his smile when he recalled the guide book had described that building as a former bordello and had to laugh at their enthusiasm at being told yes.

Maxie was talking to Elizabeth quietly while Georgie was off chasing the cats that were wandering the restaurant on the hard packed dirt floor as they waited for their fish dinners. Jason let them pick up their post cards before slowly easing them to the other end of town where the vehicle would be waiting.

With their new sandals and t-shirts, they soon looked like any other tourist as they got in the waiting SUV and drove towards Homestead. Looking out the windows, snapping photos, Georgie wished they could explore every single one of the islands but knew that was impossible as the three hours in the seat were taking a toll on Elizabeth.

As they exited one of the worlds longest bridges, she saw the sign for Homestead and was more than a little tired herself Jason found the ramp for the street to their hotel. Checking into the nondescript Holiday Inn Express, he sighed when he saw the so-called suite. There were two beds but in the same room. Hearing Maxie's giggling, he said "I will take the sofa."

"That is crazy, Jason. You and I can share a bed." said Elizabeth firmly then felt flush all over as she imagined curled up next to Jason, wearing the short set she had brought to sleep in. When he started to say no, she just said "Don't argue with me, remember we are supposed to be married."

Feeding the girls, then listening as Georgie was plotting out their next day; Elizabeth finally asked Jason to help her wrap her still bruised ribs while Maxie took her anti-rejection drugs. As bed time drew closer, Jason was certain it would feel a bit awkward but as soon as his head hit the pillow and he heard the other threes even breathing, he was fast asleep, tired out by walking the line between enjoying themselves and being worried about those left behind.

During breakfast when Georgie and Maxie almost came to blows over the last chocolate eclair, Jason resigned himself to visiting every single candy shop they drove by during their trip. Seeing Elizabeth finishing off the only other eclair, he felt his body react as her tongue darted out to lick the side of her lip where some of the frosting had ended up.

Covering his hungry groan with a cough, he asked where they wanted to go that day. Visiting the Coral Castle, he felt bad disappointing them by saying they couldn't go to Miami. He was worried the Ruiz brothers or even the Lopez family might think he was coming into their territory if they were to accidentally see them.

Looking at the map, he suggested they head up the west coast, asking if anyplace there was on their list. When Georgie and Elizabeth consulted, then frowned he took a look at the list then said if they left now they would reach Naples by noon. Maxie scrambled to pick up their post cards while Elizabeth drew Jason off to the side and offered to drive for a while.

"When we switch cars, I will ask for a jeep or a lighter SUV but for now, this one might be hard for you to handle with your bruised ribs." he said then leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. It was instinctual, he hadn't even planned it, but he saw her surprise then welcoming smile and blushed as he said "It just felt right."

Standing on her tip toes, she reached up and kissed his jawline whispering "I liked it."

"Maxie, are you sure you want to go to the Teddy Bear Museum." Jason asked when they pulled off in Naples for lunch.

When the fifteen year old nodded excitedly, Jason could only hope that no one especially Det. Taggert ever heard about this as they got out of the truck in front of the round building. Entering, he had to admit that some of the exhibits were amusing but only with the commentary added by his travel companions.

Elizabeth stopped in front of an exhibit labeled beard of directors and he listened as she compared the large bear in charge with Edward Quartermaine and he couldn't resist buying a copy of said bear in the gift shop and making plans to send the grumpy looking bear to his grandfather anonymously.

Finally arriving at their destination of Sarasota, Jason read where they had made the reservations in amusement. When the girls rushed into the log cabin he asked Elizabeth "Whose idea was this place?"

"Georgie's, so expect complaints out of Maxie." she warned with a laugh as they followed the girls into the cabin with the two double beds and one sofa bed. Hearing Maxie complaining about being grossed out at how small the bathroom was, Jason tossed his bag on the sofa and went to get the groceries they had insisted on getting.

"Hey, it's only 3:30." said Maxie as she rushed to grab their ever present book of things they want to see. He was amused by her bargaining skills when she got Elizabeth to agree to going to the Outlet Mall after visiting the Botanical gardens that evening.

Walking down the winding paths, Jason saw Elizabeth's attention captured by a bunch of dark purple flowers and handing her the sketch book said he would keep the two girls occupied. At five o'clock, he reluctantly told her they had to go. "The gardens close at five."

"Almost finished." she said then used a ink pen to shade her sketch as she caught up with the rest of them. "Now, since Maxie has been so patient."

"SHOPPING!" shouted the blond as she dragged them to the vehicle. Pulling into the already full parking lot Jason handed her a fistful of money that had the blond's eyes widening as she said "That is way too much. I just wanted to window shop."

"Take it, share with Georgie and don't leave the shopping center." he commanded then pulled Elizabeth off to the side. Handing her a list he talked her into shopping for the two of them, by using the explanation that they would soon have to change clothes and cars. When she went off with a list of sizes, Jason went to the truck and called Sonny.

"How are things?" he asked watching as Maxie couldn't seem to make up her mind as to what store to enter first.

Sonny sat down on the sofa then looked at Max who had just entered. "Quiet."

"What are the Spencers up to?" asked Jason gritting his teeth as he thought about all the damage they had done to Elizabeth emotionally.

"Laura went to London on business like there was nothing wrong." said a disgusted Sonny. "Luke is searching for Lucky who he can't find but that I know is hiding out in the tunnels. They shipped Lulu and Lesley out of town, getting their own family to safety."

"Yet determined to force Elizabeth to help." said Max as he was put on the speakerphone. "Spoon Island is a virtual fortress, armed guards are all around the property. Mac called the government and it looks like they are saying it is a WSB problem."

"Jason, Emily was sent out of town with that daughter of Alan's who just turned up. They went underground, the Quartermaines are keeping quiet as to her location. Roy DeLuca is dead by the way. We aren't certain it's connected but he was shot two days ago."

"Thanks Sonny. Will you get a message to Mac that the girls are okay." he said watching as Maxie rushed over and tossed some shopping bags in the back seat before hugging him spontaneously.

All Sonny could hear was the sound of something that sounded like an altercation and was shouting into the phone only to hear the embarrassment in Jason's voice as he explained about the teenage whirling dervish. "Where is Elizabeth and how are things?"

"She is picking up what she and I need. We are taking it slow, Sonny. She is still healing from what Spencer did to her. What about Helena, is she searching for us?"

"No, not yet. As long as Lucky is under her control, I think that she will leave you alone. Luke is the one who needs Elizabeth, he might be right, at least according to Mac. Kevin Collins thinks that whatever they used to control the kid is tied to Elizabeth."

"I am not telling her." Jason said firmly.

"They don't want you to. Mac said if it comes down to a choice, Elizabeth's well being or Spencers mind he is all for sacrificing the scrambled egg. His words not mine." said Sonny his dimples flashing as he recalled the discussion.

"Has Taggert started anything with you?"

"No, he has been quiet too, at least on our end. Kelly's was closed yesterday after he paid a visit and he has been riding Luke, he also made a visit to Pentonville. Turns out Luke went there too."

Swearing, Jason said "Tom is there."

"The man who photographed Emily and attacked Elizabeth?" asked Max who then said "I have to let Johnny know, he is using a studio in Elizabeth's building to keep an eye on things."

When the man had left, Sonny hesitated then said "Carly knows you were on the Island but not who was with you. Grisella told her about your new place. She drove there in the middle of the night, Francis was following her. She found out you were already gone."

Jason thought about it then said "I am going to call Francis, I have an idea of how to keep Carly in line and do some good for Michael while they are there."

Calling Johnny at first, Jason told him what he needed then waited while the women started to gather in front of the store they were parked in front of. Wondering why they were still there, he went to walk to them when they entered what looked like a men's store named Harry and David's.

"Morgan."

"Francis, thanks. Listen then say what Johnny told you." he stated then talked to Francis making it sound like he was going to be coming and going from the island but told him to keep it a secret.

When Francis hung up, sure enough he saw Carly's sleeve around the corner of the villa and knew she had been listening in. Shaking his head but glad that for at least the next month Michael would have his mother's attention, Francis went to help set up the props to keep her in line.

In Sarasota, Jason was amused to discover that Harry and David's wasn't a mens clothing store but a candy shop as all three soon joined him each with there own bags of treats. Back at the cabin, he saw the girls looking expectantly at Elizabeth and him then groaned as Georgie asked "What's for dinner?"

Flushing Elizabeth laughed and said "All I know how to do is make toast and brownies."

"How about I make omelets?" said a resigned Jason as Elizabeth went to make toast and Maxie cut up some of the fruit they had gotten at the supermarket.

When Jason and Elizabeth had changed into their sleepwear, Georgie pretended to be a sleep then smiled as the two adults just curled up around one another and fell asleep. "Maxie."

"Go to sleep, Georgie." groaned the blond wishing they weren't sharing a bed.

"I can't, I just had a thought."

"Why is that such a shock, you are always thinking." grumbled the blond then turning over whispered "What?"

"You know how we HATE Carly." she whispered When Maxie nodded, Georgie moved her hand over her sister's ear and whispered "We should really piss her off and get Jason and Elizabeth married before we return home."

Astonished at first, Jason just stayed as still as possible not wanting them to know they had been overheard. Deciding that their idea had merit, he made plans to work on easing Elizabeth's fear of abandonment and rejection first but he had been wondering what marriage to Elizabeth would be like since the day he had seen the beautiful ruby ring in Rome.


In Port Charles, Helena was a bit upset when Lucky didn't show up on time, when the brainwashed son of her worst enemy did turn up, he was dirty and acting confused. Sending Andres with him, she ordered Lucky to deal with his father. "Stop playing in the shadows. Do what you are programmed to do."

"Yes, my queen." he said bowing as he left. When Helena heard her favorite son entering, she said harshly "What are you doing, you know Nicolas isn't ready to see you yet."

Stavros walked over to the window and looked across the harbor at the lights of Port Charles and asked "Have you done as I requested?"

"No, and I can't, as long as your brother and Luke Spencer are alive. You need to take care of your part in this deal." she snapped, her well coiffed hair starting to come down as her son grabbed her arm and spun her around.

"You do not talk to me that way, I am the rightful heir of the Cassadine name, you show me respect above all others." he snapped then let her go. Stalking to the hidden passage, he said "I let you get away with killing my little playmate Gia, I won't let you get in the way of my retrieving my wayward wife."

When he had left, Helena narrowed her eyes as she glared at the closing passage and snarled "And you forget the respect I deserve as your mother."

In Virginia Beach, Alexis and Christina walked off the yacht and greeted Jax who told them that Sonny was looking for a few answers from his attorney. "He has seen some new faces on Spoon Island."

"Jax, would you please take my sister to safety. She wouldn't stay with Jason and didn't want to remain on the island in spite of the fact Carly doesn't know who she is." said the attorney annoyed with the danger she was putting herself in.

"I can't let you walk into the middle of this mess without me. Helena is my enemy just as much as yours." said the red head. "Maybe more because when she finds out I am alive, she is going to be truly pissed."

"That is why you shouldn't return." said her sister frustrated with her attitude. "Please, for my sake."

"Then come with me." replied her sister, when she saw Alexis shaking her head no, she said "Why not?"

"Because I am worried about all of those I care for back home and for Stefan. He hasn't returned a single call and when we did talk, I got the feeling there was more he wasn't saying. Like he was trying to protect me like he did when we were kids."

In Sarasota, early the next morning as they all woke up, Georgie was plotting where they would head out to for the day. Jason had decided they would spent two nights here, not wanting to overtax Elizabeth and because they were expecting a new car to be delivered the following morning to continue on their trip.

"Where to?" Jason asked then was amused as all three announced they wanted to visit the circus museum. As they approached the Venetian mansion, Jason heard Elizabeth gasp at how beautiful it was even before they had stopped, she had been pulling out her sketch book. Jason slipped into the gift store, he had seen a vase in the window he wanted to get for Elizabeth.

Walking through, Elizabeth would stop and explain the various paintings to Jason as they explored the more serious side of the collection but when they got to the circus side, he found himself following the girls as they went through the decorative arts collections and finally the circus posters.

Eating lunch, they saw the farmers market and Elizabeth insisted on getting them some fruit and a few other healthy snacks for the drive they were going to take the next day. Georgie however had seen the large bouquet of flowers and was desperately trying to find a way to tell Jason to buy Elizabeth some but found she had nothing to worry about as he found some large fluffy red flowers and bought some.

But she groaned when instead of giving them to her as a romantic gesture, he suggested she draw them in the vase he had purchased back at the museum. A bit annoyed, she wandered off a bit and saw the store with some of the items she thought they needed.

"Jason, look!" she said excitedly showing him the Global Navigator store. When she dragged him inside he found himself with maps, a GPS unit ans even some items he had requested she grab. When they had paid, he laughed as Elizabeth had quickly drawn a picture of a very excited Georgie dragging him off.

"Where to next?" he asked only to be sure that he wasn't going to like the answer when they all looked at each other then said "Er, it's a surprise."

After putting their purchases in the rear of the truck, Jason was lead down the street to the Classic car museum. By the time they left, Jason felt like his brain was ready to collapse as he soon found out that Georgie had an interest in the various cars and that Maxie was now longing to be drove around in one of the rather elaborate carriages.

Picking up pizza, they ate a salad as well then the two younger girls asked permission to go for a walk through the forest near the cabin. Jason quickly drew Elizabeth outside onto the small porch and they sat there, quietly enjoying the peace and quiet.

"No wonder Mac arrests you so much." she laughed. "It's probably the only time he gets to speak without being interrupted."

Laughing quietly, he soon had her sitting across his lap and her head resting on his shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit tired but this has been good for me, this extra day of rest. Tomorrow we are back on the road. Did Sonny know what Helena is up to yet?"

"No, but he thinks as long as we stay gone, she won't come looking for us. Luke on the other hand, is who I am worried about." Hesitating but not wanting to lie to her, he explained what Kevin Collins said.

"I can't do it, not even to help him. Jason, Lucky terrified me the last few months. If things had gone differently, if I had left with you maybe I would have gone back to help him out of obligation, but not any longer. He was, it was..." she didn't know how to explain how Lucky had been suddenly pressuring her to sleep with him, how he had made her feel as scared as she had that night in the park.

Holding her close, Jason knew what she couldn't say. He had suspected it, but wouldn't push, knowing Elizabeth would talk about it when she was ready, until then, he would just give her the support she needed. Kissing her on the top of her head, he said "We aren't going back, not until this mess is over. Not only for us, but we have those two girls to protect."

"God help the guy that marries Maxie, he won't have any room in the closet." joked Elizabeth. The blond had seen an item of clothing she liked in every single shop they had gone in. When Jason had tried to give her the money to buy them all, Elizabeth could tell that it was only with hard fought regret the blond had turned him down.

The next morning, Jason shook them awake and whispered "The car is here and we have to go. I know I said we would stop in St. Petersburg but I think we need to move on."

Elizabeth quickly packed up the remaining food as Jason promised to stop at the first fast food place and get take out while Georgie tossed the ice into the cooler they had bought. Maxie was walking out the door and saw the car and said to herself cool, a convertible.

"What is it?" Elizabeth asked Jason as they loaded the jeep. "What is going on?"

"The man that delivered the car sent me a message from Sonny. Stefan Cassadine was killed last night. Luke went nuts because a tape was delivered to the police. Lucky was the one who killed him."

"Where are we going?" she asked as soon as Jason put the Jeep Wrangler in gear.

"North then west, while our old SUV goes to Atlanta. I hope that wasn't on any of your lists." he said regretfully.

Maxie saw the pillows on the back of the jeep and was soon fast asleep since it wasn't daylight yet. Stopping for coffee and tea, Jason and Elizabeth talked quietly as they drove. Stopping in Gainsville for lunch, Jason let Elizabeth take over driving while he navigated them west.

It was almost one o'clock when they arrived in Panama City. Making hotel reservations, he asked Elizabeth how she felt about doing some more shopping. "We have two hours until we can check into the Sandpiper."

Getting the swim suits, Elizabeth picked up some more sunscreen and then listened as Georgie and Maxie giggled while holding up a pair of speedos. "Here, Elizabeth, Jason needs these."

"I don't think so." she said grabbing the dark blue board shorts. "No man, not even Jason would look good in those."

"Okay." said Maxie pouting as she got a sly grin on her face. "So how far have you two gone?"

"None of your business." said a blushing Elizabeth as she lifted a hat from a nearby rack. "What do you think is it me?"

"Nope." said Georgie lifting one with a floppy brim, "This is the one."


Jason quickly called Sonny before tossing his cell phone and picking up another one at the Verizon store. Seeing Elizabeth's smile as she walked back to where he was parked, he asked "Do you feel up to a day at an amusement park, I thought the girls deserved a treat since they didn't get to go to Orlando."

Thinking on the plot by the two girls to put Jason in dark green speedos, Elizabeth nodded as her eyes danced while in her mind she could picture him in those tight shorts and sighing asked "Is there a beach nearby?"

When the girls saw the roller coaster as they got out of the car and entered the Miracle Amusement Park, Jason was happy to give them some place to run around and work off some of the excess energy they were full of.

The girls were excited as they rushed to the big abominable snowman and were soon riding the spinning ride that had them being pushed from one side of the seat to the other depending on which way they were moving.

As they moved along the rides, Elizabeth would ride what didn't hurt her ribs including the car going through the Haunted House. When they left the dark ride, Maxie and Georgie saw the swollen lips and knew that Jason had to have stolen a kiss inside. Stopping to play each of the games along the midway, Jason refused to play in spite of Maxie's pointing out she really, really, really wanted that large bear that was the prize of the watergun game.

As they rode the rest of the old fashioned rides, Georgie kept an eagle eye on Jason and Elizabeth so that Maxie and she could find a way to help them move their romance along.

"What if we grab Jason's phone?" suggested Maxie while riding the roller coaster.

"No, that is dumb, what if something happens?" asked Georgie.

"Fine, but seriously, for two people who like each other they sure are taking their time." replied the blond.

"At least tonight they will have a room to themselves, maybe something will happen then." said Georgie as she rushed to where Jason and Elizabeth were waiting at the ferris wheel for them. Georgie listened to Maxie's shout of yes when Jason leaned down and kissed Elizabeth in the swinging car below them, drawing the attention of the couple before Georgie pulled her back and said "Falling off the ride won't do anyone any good. Stop leaning forward so much."

Once at the hotel, the two girls high tailed it to the pool, with Jason's permission as Elizabeth made dinner plans for them. Afterwords, Jason and she quietly talked while they watched them from the terrace in their room. "Jason, why are you here?"

Turning he looked at her and saw her worry. Standing he moved to the front of her patio chair and knelt down "Because there is no place I would rather be then here with you."