Note ---

I don't own GH or the characters, just my little story.

Making A Memory

Chapter 2

Elizabeth stood before the full length mirror and admired Emily's efforts. Her hair was up in an elaborate looking cascade of curls, with a few tendrils left down to frame her face. She didn't have on much makeup, just some pink lip gloss and a little mascara. Certain she would be blushing all day long, she didn't imagine she would need help there. There was a small four leaf clover pin, that her Gram had since nursing school, attached to the inside of her slip for good luck. Monica had lent her a diamond bracelet that had been a gift from her late husband Alan. A delicate blue and ivory lace garter rested at her thigh. Old, borrowed, and blue were covered.

The new, was her dress. Elizabeth was absolutely enamored of it. The dress was 40's inspired and almost touched the floor, with her strappy sandals on. It was made of silk crepe satin, which felt like liquid to the touch. The front had a slight cowl neck and was off one shoulder, with fabric draped over the other. The back was more dramatic, ending in a deep V. It fitted her to perfection, thanks to Monica and Emily's attention to detail, along with the excellent seamstress from the boutique it came from. Everything about it was more than she could have dreamed of, but her favorite part was the color. To call it gray or silver would do it an injustice. Elizabeth thought it was the color of moonlight shining on water. Everything that was happening seemed so surreal, that it was a fitting description.

The entire wedding had come together in a matter of weeks, and would not have been possible if not for Emily and Monica. Emily had been Elizabeth's best friend for so long, that she sometimes forgot she was a member of one of the most powerful families in New York. The Quartermaines had pretty much run Port Charles for decades. The amount of time in which the arrangements were made just reinforced that fact for Elizabeth.

She and Jason had been prepared to have a ceremony with just them and a minister. That was until Emily found out about their plans.

"You two can't just act like this is no big deal," she'd said. "There are people who love you who want to celebrate this with you. Let us be happy for you."

Once she'd told Monica her idea, there was no turning back.

----

The Quartermaines had been thrilled when they first learned that Jake was Jason's son. The family had just suffered a loss when the secret came out. Jason's father Alan had died of a heart attack as a result of the Metro Court hostage crisis. The grief was palpable throughout the entire town at the loss of such a prominent and beloved citizen. But the family was gutted by it. Edward, after losing his wife not that long ago, was stunned by the death of his only son. Alan's sister Tracy was uncharacteristically empathetic to her family's pain. Monica was simply inconsolable. She and Alan had almost thirty years together, and the void his absence left in her life was like a raw open wound. Emily, always caring for others, did everything she could to make sure they were all right, though her sorrow was just as deep.

The revelation that Jake was a member of the family, worked like a balm on their souls. It brought joy where before there was only pain. Edward was almost beside himself with the idea that there was a new "Quartermaine heir". Jason quickly, but gently, relieved him of any such notion. Of course, that hadn't stopped Edward from making plans for the baby's future anyway. Monica was renewed by being a grandmother again. She hadn't had any significant part in her grandson Michael's life, and was happy that Jason and Elizabeth wanted to change that with Jake.

Besides laying down the law with Edward, repeatedly, things had gone well with the blended Quartermaine/Morgan family. When Monica heard of the engagement, it made her even happier. Emily told her mother that they planned to have what amounted to a civil ceremony, and Monica wouldn't hear of it. Since she knew how stubborn her son could be about such things, Monica approached Elizabeth with her alternate plan. She offered to throw them a wedding at the Quartermaine Mansion.

Elizabeth was unsure in the beginning if everyone would be okay with the idea. The planning for what Monica had in mind also seemed impossible to pull of in a short amount of time.

"First of all, it's my house, so no one's say matters but mine." Monica had laughed at the idea of anyone objecting anyway.

The whole family was in favor of the marriage, for Jason's sake as well as Jake's. Edward had some crazy idea that being a family man would put Jason back on the straight and narrow, and on the road the rejoining the family fold. Everyone else tried to tell him how ridiculous the notion was, but he refused to give up hope.

Monica told Elizabeth that the arrangements would not be a problem. Knowing how busy she was with work, a small child, and a new baby, Monica insisted that Elizabeth let her and Emily handle all of the details.

Elizabeth told Jason about his mother's offer. "I know you aren't very close to your family," she'd said.

"Monica and I have been a little closer since Alan died. I know how much that hurt her. It seems to make her happy when she sees me. Since she found about Jake, I've seen her smile more. I don't have a problem with having the wedding there, as long as it's what you want. I'm glad that she has things to look forward to now, but I don't want you to do something you don't want to, just because it will make someone else happy. You've done that enough."

Elizabeth was lifted by what he said. It made her believe that she was making the right decision by marrying him. She knew he would always put their family first.

"I don't really have a preference one way or the other. We'll end up married either way. Having our families and friends there would be kind of nice though. As long as it doesn't get too out of control." Elizabeth laughed as she imagined what the Quartermaines might consider a "low key" wedding.

When she went to Monica and told her Jason had agreed, the woman looked like she was on Cloud 9. Emily came over, and the three women began making plans.

"Are you sure this won't be too much trouble for you?"

"Of course not," Monica insisted. "I've planned charity events and balls more complicated than this. And I wasn't looking forward to them half as much. Being a Quartermaine does have it's perks, so don't worry about everything being ready in time." She grabbed a pad and pen from the desk to make some notes. "Now, is there anything in particular you would like?"

Elizabeth thought for a second. "Well, considering that I hadn't planned on getting married, let alone organizing a wedding, I can't think of a thing." She took a breath and tried to imagine the scene. All she could see was Jason waiting for her at the end of an aisle. Nothing else would register in her mind, and so she was back to having no ideas.

"Considering how unconventional this entire thing is, I would like it to be sort of informal. Jason hates tuxes anyway." The other two women nodded in agreement with that, and Monica took notes.

"The only thing I would necessarily want any say in is my dress. As for the rest, I trust both of your judgment."

"I can certainly work with free reign." Emily looked at her mother a little worriedly. "Don't worry sweetheart, I can do informal and small. I may be excited, but I know the most important thing is that Elizabeth and Jason are happy with it, not me." Emily smiled in relief at the reassurance.

"Since you only want a say about the dress, why don't we start with the wedding party's clothes. Then Mom and I will take it from there."

Elizabeth felt relieved at their enthusiasm for this undertaking. With taking care of the boys and preparing the new house to move in, her plate was already full. And if all of the hectic activity kept her mind too occupied to think of the ramifications of what she was about to do, so much the better.

----

Things ended up coming together smoothly, and before she new it, the day had arrived. Elizabeth had spent the night at Windemere with Emily. She lived there with her boyfriend Nikolas Cassadine and his son Spencer. Nikolas was the half-brother of Elizabeth's ex-husband Lucky. She worried at first that it might be awkward for him if she stayed there. But he assured her that he understood what happened between her and his brother, and that he wanted to remain friends like they always had.

Elizabeth and Emily got to the Q Mansion around 1:30 the next day to make sure everything was ready. It was the first time Elizabeth had really been able to get the full effect of what Monica and Emily put together.

The entryway and living room, where the ceremony was to be held, were beautifully decorated with flowers and silver and blue fabric. The colors were decided based on what the bride and groom had chosen to wear. The chandelier in the hall gleamed in the light from the windows. On the grounds behind the house, a large tent was assembled to hold the reception. Groups of round tables were elegantly set with white china and silver chargers. Cut glass vases filled with different varieties of white flowers and one large blue hydrangea centered the tables. A dance floor was in the middle of everything, with a DJ table at it's edge.

"No chamber music?" Emily looked at Elizabeth in wonder at her question, and the two began to laugh.

"Are you kidding? Not on my watch." Emily took her arm and they headed back toward the house. "Don't worry, except for the song you picked for the first dance, I chose everything. So there won't be any elevator music today."

Elizabeth was pleased with all of the preparations. It was beautiful, yet not overdone, just like Monica promised. Only about thirty people were invited, some of them Elizabeth's friends from the hospital that weren't on duty. The rest had sent her their best wishes as well as gifts in their absence.

"We should get upstairs and start on your hair. Bobbie went to help Audrey get the boys ready when they get up from their naps, so they should be here in a couple hours." Emily started up the staircase giving a list of facts. When she glanced behind her, Elizabeth stood at the bottom staring at the place she would stand and say her vows in a few hours.

"Jitters?" Emily took her friend's hand and held it.

"I just want this to be right. I want this to be the best thing for all of us. Not just the boys, but for Jason too." Elizabeth turned back to Emily and received a compassionate look.

"What about you Elizabeth? Is it right for you?"

"So right it hurts."

"What did you say?" Elizabeth's response was so soft that Emily hadn't heard it.

"I said yes. This is absolutely the right thing. So we better go get ready."

----

All of the guests had arrived, and were being seated in preparation for the ceremony to start. Michael and Morgan sped past their father with a quick greeting. Carly came into the foyer behind them, and found Sonny waiting for Jason. He wore one of his perfectly tailored suits in a dark grey, with a black shirt and tie. Jason had asked Sonny to be his best man. It still irked her that he never thought to ask her to be his best person, like she had him at her wedding to Jax. But she imagined he wanted to avoid conflict for little Lizzie. The whole thing just made her head hurt.

"Are you really supporting this insanity? Your best friend is about to make a huge mistake, and you're not going to do anything to stop him?"

Sonny let out a breath and prepared for an argument. Carly looked as good as ever in her black cocktail dress. She was also as bossy as ever. He knew he'd better do damage control before she did something very Carly like, and ended up ruining things for Jason.

"Why bother, I'm sure you've already given him every possible reason you could think of."

She crossed her arms and looked indignant at his comment. He laughed at her standing there probably thinking of the injustice of it all, to her that is.

"Look Carly, I have no problem with Jason marrying Elizabeth. I happen to like her." She cringed very noticeably. "Alright now, stop that. Jason doesn't look like he's doing anything he doesn't want to do. He actually looks happy about it."

"That's because he's good and decent, and he loves those kids. You know how much Jason has always wanted a family since he gave up Michael to us. She is using that to trap him in this ridiculous marriage."

"Come on! First of all, he asked her. Second, it wasn't a necessity because Elizabeth was prepared to be a single mother. Both of them want this. They are both my friends, and I'm going to support their decision. I suggest you do the same."

Carly closed her eyes for a second. She then continued her point as if explaining something to a child who didn't understand. "But he doesn't love her. Jason deserves a real marriage with a woman who accepts him for who he is, and won't try to change him into what she wants him to be. Miss Perfect will never be that for him."

"The fact is, you don't know what they are to each other. No one does but them." Sonny heard the people in the living room begin to prepare for the ceremony to start.

"Okay, I'm going to give you some advice." Carly rolled her eyes at his nerve. "Ah, I think you'll want to take it. You have bulldozed your way through Jason's life," she hit him on the arm for that comment, "with the best of intentions, I know."

She relaxed a little at the acknowledgement.

"Up to this point, he's let you do it. Maybe because it didn't bother him that much or because you hadn't caused any permanent damage, yet." Sonny was certain that if looks could kill, he'd drop where he stood from the one she gave him then. He continued what he was saying anyway. Knowing how much she loved Jason and valued his friendship, he knew she needed to hear this, or risk losing it.

"Here's the thing, Jason has a family now. You don't get to be his top priority. He's your friend, and will always be there for you, you know that. But you can't just tell him how to run his life Carly. More importantly, you're going to have to learn to get along with Elizabeth."

She was flabbergasted at that statement. "But I …. "

He stopped her before she could finish. "Hold on, this is the deal breaker. Now, you don't have to like her."

"Well thank goodness for small favors."

"But, you can't go around bad mouthing her anymore, especially to Jason. She is going to be his wife." She stared at him darkly. "That's right, his wife. You better get used to it. From now on, she will be first in his life. So I'm telling you, do not back him into a corner and try to make him choose. Because, you won't like the choice he makes."

She seemed to get his point. But for the first time, in a long time, Sonny actually saw Carly look scared.

----

"You look pretty Mommy."

"Thank you baby. You look very handsome yourself." Elizabeth straightened Cam's jacket and kissed him on the cheek. Bobbie was holding him on her hip while Audrey held Jake. Both boys were brought to their Mom for a look at them in their outfits. Everyone commented on how adorable they were in the small gray suits. Jake wore only the shirt and pants, because a jacket was too restricting for a baby.

"Thank you both for brining them up. I think if I'd seen them for the first time downstairs, I might have started crying." They all laughed.

"Bobbie, I'm so glad you could be here. I appreciate you helping Gram with the boys."

Bobbie gave Elizabeth a one armed hug. "It's my pleasure honey. I love you and Jason, and I want you both to be happy."

Audrey came over, and Elizabeth rubbed the sleeping baby's cheek with her finger.

"Are you happy darling?"

She looked up at her grandmother's question. The concern was apparent in her eyes. Though she knew her grandmother loved and supported her, no matter what decision she made, Elizabeth was also aware of how apprehensive she was about Jason's lifestyle.

"Yes Gram, I am happy. This is what I want, for myself and the boys." She did her best to hide the speck of doubt that wouldn't let her have complete peace with her decision. Her feelings were her problem, and she didn't want her grandmother to have anything else to worry about.

"Then I'm happy for you. You look just beautiful." Audrey kissed her lightly on the cheek. "We're going to go downstairs now and take our seats. Good luck."

"Thank you Gram."

The two women left with the children and greeted the Quartermaine contingent as they passed in the hallway. Monica, Emily, and Edward came into the room with Elizabeth.

"You look absolutely stunning my dear," Edward remarked. "Just like a young Rita Hayworth. But you're probably too young to know who that is."

"Oh no. I've seen some of her movies on the classic film channel. She was very beautiful, so I thank you for the lovely compliment."

Edward came toward her and handed her a bouquet of flowers. It was a gorgeous cluster of roses with the stems wrapped in silver ribbon. The flower was a blend of various shades of pink, and had a wonderful light fragrance.

"These roses were some of Lila's favorites. They're called Silver Lining. She told me it was a wonderful name for something so beautiful, because it sounded, hopeful. I'm sure she'd be amazed to know that I was listening when she talked about her beloved roses." Everyone laughed at his, most likely correct, assumption. "These roses represent what you and those little boys have been for this family, since we lost Alan. You've brought hope back into this house. For that we are very grateful. I'm sure Lila would be pleased if you would carry these down the aisle."

Elizabeth tried her best to hold the tears that wanted to fall. "It would be an honor. Thank you so much." She gave him a hug, and he surprised her by hugging her back.

Most people thought Edward Quartermaine was a mean, ruthless old man, and he could be. But there was no doubt in anyone's mind that he loved his wife dearly. Elizabeth imagined that at times like this, when the family was gathered together, he must miss her terribly. If this wedding gave any of them even a little happiness after such great losses, then it made it that much more worthwhile.

"Alright, no crying, this is supposed to be a happy occasion." Monica contradictorily dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. She came over to Elizabeth and gave her a hug as well. "You do look stunning. I am so glad that you are going to be my daughter-in-law. I know that you and my son will be very happy together."

"Thank you."

"I hope you won't listen to anyone who tries to tell you otherwise." Monica raised an eyebrow.

For a moment Elizabeth wondered what she meant. Then it dawned on her. "Can I assume you're talking about Carly?"

Monica gave an exasperated sigh. "Of course. Everyone else has the decency to wish you both well. I just passed her in the foyer on the way up here, wearing black no less, and scowling all the while. I just wanted to give you a heads up. One never knows what that woman is capable of. If you'd like, when we get to the "speak now or forever hold your peace" part of the ceremony, I could have Alice put her in one of those Reverse Chicken Wing thingies she's always talking about."

"Mom!" Emily attempted a look of shock, but couldn't keep herself from laughing. It was contagious, and they all joined in. After a minute composure returned to the group.

"As interesting as that might be, I don't think it'll be necessary," Elizabeth replied.

"She's right Mom. Carly may not be …. enthusiastic, about this wedding," Emily paused when everyone looked at her strangely. "Alright, she hates it. But she's smart enough to not do anything to stop it. She knows Jason would never forgive her." No one could argue with that logic.

The music that signaled they were ready downstairs started to play. Emily grabbed her bouquet that she had placed on a side table, and turned to her best friend. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

Edward offered Elizabeth his arm; he had been touched when she asked him weeks ago to walk her down the aisle. "Shall we?"

"We shall." They followed Monica and Emily out the door and to the top of the staircase, to await their cue.

----

The wedding processional music began to play, and Jason took his place next to the minister. Beside him, Sonny checked his pocket for the ring. Both men then turned to the foyer as the wedding party began to enter.

Ned escorted Monica down the aisle, and they sat to the right side. Next Emily appeared and made her way to the front. She was wearing a strapless blue dress and silver heels. After a smile and wink at her brother, she took her place on the other side of the minister. The preamble sounded, and the guests stood for the bride's entrance. Edward and Elizabeth came through the doors and headed slowly toward the altar.

Jason's breath hitched at the sight of her. Never had he seen anything as beautiful as the woman walking his way. Elizabeth seemed to be radiating light from within, and he couldn't pull his eyes away from hers.

Elizabeth thought her knees might buckle when she saw Jason, and was grateful that Edward was there to keep her steady. He looked like a dream that she was having, but while awake. His eyes had locked with hers and wouldn't release their hold. Then he smiled, and her heart stuttered a beat. Her lips answered it automatically. It was impossible not to smile when he smiled at her.

They reached him and Edward placed her hand in Jason's. Elizabeth was able to take her eyes from his long enough to hand her bouquet to Emily. When she turned again he leaned toward her and whispered, "You look beautiful."

In her flustered state, she whispered back, "So do you." They looked at each other and laughed softly. The moment calmed her a little. She was able to remember that, although she was head over heels in love with the man, he was still her good friend Jason.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

The minister began the ceremony, but most of what he said went by Elizabeth in a rush. She registered for a moment when he asked if anyone objected. Though she had turned Jason down before, and even considered at one point not marrying him now, she didn't really know what she would do if someone stopped them. There was a tense moment when a few people stared at Carly, which Elizabeth saw from the corner of her vision, but the minister continued uninterrupted.

The vows were next, and Jason went first.

"I, Jason Morgan, take you Elizabeth Webber Spencer, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward. For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. I will love, honor, and protect you, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow." Jason held Elizabeth's hands firmly in his, as a way of letting her know that he meant every word he said. He wanted her to feel safe and secure with him, always.

"I, Elizabeth Webber Spencer, take you Jason Morgan, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward. For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. I will love, honor, and protect you, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow." When the word love passed her lips, she blinked for a long second, afraid that her eyes would betray her feelings. She knew how good at reading people Jason was, and that he would feel guilty for not returning them.

"May I have the rings please?" Sonny and Emily handed their small charges to the minister. "May the Lord bless these rings and those that wear them. And may the union they symbolize, last a lifetime." He handed the smaller ring to Jason. "Jason, place this ring on the third finger of Elizabeth's left hand."

Jason gently put the ring on her finger. He once again looked deeply into her eyes, and recited the words the minister spoke. "With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship. And with all my worldly goods, I thee endow." He lifted her hand to his lips, without dropping her gaze, and kissed her hand where he'd placed the ring.

A collective sigh rippled through the female guests. Elizabeth knew exactly where they were coming from. How she hadn't fainted on the spot, she wasn't really sure.

"Elizabeth, place this ring on the third finger of Jason's left hand." When she had the ring, she put it on his finger, and repeated the words recited to her. "With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship. And with all my worldly goods, I thee endow."

"Now, you have recited your vows, one to the other, and sealed your pledge with the giving and receiving of rings. By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jason, you may kiss your bride."

Jason touched her cheek, then slid his fingers to the nape of her neck. He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her lightly. The feeling behind it changed after a second. Her soft mouth tempted him to more. The kiss became insistent on both of their parts, and lasted a few moments longer than either intended. The sound of applause broke the spell, and made them release each other. Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes. They held each others' gaze, and attempted to figure out what had just happened. She unknowingly licked her lips, and the action left him wanting to pull her back to him.

"It is my pleasure to present to you all, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Morgan."

The minister's voice brought Elizabeth out of her fog. She turned to the standing guests and smiled, praying the whole time that her wobbly legs would carry her out of the room. Emily handed her the bouquet, and Jason hooked her other arm in his. She looked straight ahead, so that she could focus on her steps.

Within a matter of minutes, her life was forever changed. Her children had a father that they could depend on, that was what mattered most to her. As for the husband part, as Scarlett once said, she'd think about that tomorrow.

To be continued ….