Chapter 9

It would be a Norman Rockwell painting if it wasn't so damn funny. Jason Morgan at the wheel of a black SUV, Elizabeth Webber in the passenger seat trying to tell Jason which intersection to get off on and in the back, Cameron in his booster seat behind Elizabeth and Jake in his car seat behind Jason. In the middle with his laptop open, typing away in the realm of cyber-space was Spinelli. Spinelli didn't hesitate much about going on a trip with Stone Cold, the Maternal One and the progenies. The Fair Maximista was a different story, probably because the Jackal could not divulge his wherabouts for the next 48 hours at the request of Stone Cold.

"Spelli, want play game."

"It is Spinelli little dude. The Assasign of Cyber-Space, the Grasshopper to his mentor Stone Cold. Older Progeny, what do you want to play?"

"That." Cameron pointed to Spinelli's laptop.

"The Jackal must protest against the older progenies request to "play" on my laptop, my life force. No I must forbid it."

"Momma, Spelli won't share."

"Baby, you can't play with Spinelli's computer. How about we try to find you one that you can play with. Do you want to watch a Chuggin Charlie video?"

"Yeah. Chuggin Charlie. Spelli, watch Chugging Charlie?"

"Chuggin Charlie rules."

Spinelli, you watch Chuggin Charlie?" asked the mob enforcer.

"Oh certainly Stone Cold, Chuggin Charlie rules especially when you include a little of the earth's most perfect mood enhancer. It makes everything -"

"Spinelli! I hope you aren't talking about what I think you are, especially with a toddler and a baby sitting on either side of you. And there damn well better not be mood enhancer in my penthouse or I will string you up by your toes."

"Stone Cold – I'm appalled that you would think I would be so careless to leave such an item in your home, one that is frequented quite regularly by the Protectors of the Night and Uncle of Fair Maximista. I merely stated."

"I know what you stated, just stop it."

The rest of the car ride was fairly ineventful, what with the occasional giggle from Jake because he'd seen something outside that caught his attention and he was trying to let someone know. Or Cameron and Spinelli arguing over who was better Chuggin Charlie or Thomas the Train. It was a sight to see a four year old and an adult only based in age argue over one train cartoon vs. another. Of course can one call it an argument when all it involved was Cameron saying nuh-uh or Spinelli spittering and sputtering his cyber gibberish that only made the toddler stare at him in confusion and laugh.

"Momma, Spelli funny."

"I know baby, he sure is. Spinelli how are things going with Maxie?"

"The Fair Maximista still does not return the Jackal's much desired affections of the heart."

"Have you tried to tell Maxie that you like her?"

"Believe me, he tries, but it's never computed when he tries. I've told him to just say it."

"The Fair Maximista just views me as her companion and cyber nerd in the wings."

"What about when I found the two of you on my couch? That was more than a companion."

"Spinelli, you did laundry with Maxie?"

"Maternal One, did laundry? No we succumbed to our carnal .."

"SPINELLI." Jason and Elizabeth yelled together, well Jason yelled, Elizabeth just voiced. Spinelli would have jumped out of his seat had he not been secured. Cameron and Jake even got scared and they both started to cry.

"Oh- babies, it's ok. Jason can you pull over here so we can calm them down?"

Jason stopped his SUV on the side of a dirt road and jumped out of his driver's seat and Elizabeth did in her seat. Quieting Cameron was easy as he was older, but Jake was just too young. Jason unhooked him from his seat and picked him up to comfort him. He shut the car door and walked to clearing that overlooked a cliff. Jason was pointing out the different trees and birds that were flying across the sky. Jake had quieted down, but was now busy staring at the man he would learn was his father. His big blue eyes studing everything on this man's face.

"Uagg. Um ba ma."

"I assume that means you are ok now, right?" Jason asked staring at his son.

Jake soon grabbed Jason's face and gave his cheeks a squeeze. Then his fingers latched onto the collar of his leather jacket and he tried to put in his mouth.

"Baby, you can't eat daddy's jacket. Sorry, he is cutting teeth and he can't stop putting everything in his mouth to make the pain go away. It's cold out here. Why don't we get back in the car so that we can get to the hotel?"

"Ok buddy. You hear that? Mommy wants to get going. Did you talk to Spinelli?"

"Yes, I explained to him being creative with your words when speaking around little kids. Which is almost laughable considering I can't understand half the things he says to begin with. But Jason, you have to learn not to yell so much. Jake and Cam have never really been exposed to that. They don't understand, it just scares them."

"I'm sorry baby. I didn't mean to scare you. You forgive me?"

"Ba."

"Is that a yes or no?"

"That's a bottle. He is hungry. Come on lets get going."

Jason and Elizabeth loaded the kids – all of the kids in the car, gave Jake a bottle and started another video. This time they stuck with a Disney movie. Before long, Jake had passed out from having a full belly and Cameron was slowly being lulled to sleep by the vibration of the drive and sure enough he fell asleep. And Spinelli was stretched out on the bench seat behind them hugging his laptop and snoring. While the drive to Niagara Falls was a just a few hours drive, Elizabeth enjoyed the scenery, something to paint maybe. The quiet and serenity of it all made her the most relaxed and comfortable she had been a long time.

"Penny for your thoughts."

"It would take a lot of pennys, cause I have a lot going through my head."

"What's going on it that head of yours? Are you having second thoughts about us?"

"Would you stop. How many different ways do I have to say this, your stuck with me Morgan. I'm just trying to figure out how we make all this work. Our jobs, the boys, Lucky, Grams, the Quartermaines."

"Wait, what do they have to do with this?"

"Him" She said matter of factly pointing to a sleeping Jake. "Whether you want to admit it or not, Jake is apart of their family, if by blood only. Besides, you were the one that wanted to tell Monica. Have you changed your mind?"

"No I haven't changed my mind, I just never thought about how many people are in our lives that we would have to tell that Jake is my son. But let's make a deal, this weekend, we don't worry about all of that mess at home. Besides, everything will fall into place with us and that's all that matters"

"Your right. I love you."

"Love you back."

Jason pulled into the entrance of the Embassy Suites Niagara and they were greeted by the valet driver waiting at the at the stand in front of the hotel.

"Good Afternoon and welcome to the Embassy Suites Niagara. I hope you enjoy your stay. Let us get your things. Would you like us to park your car?"

"Yes please. Do you have a secure parking area that this vehicle will be concealed from view?"

"Well, yes sir, but those spots are for our more how do I say, celebrity guests."

Jason walks up to the valet and pulls out a stack of bills and counts out $1000.00 and stuffs it neatly in his front jacket pocket.

"Are we "celebrity" enough for you to park the car?"

"Yes sir. Name sir."

"Jason Quartermaine."

"Quarter -, oh sir, please forgive me. I did not know. We will park your car immediately sir."

"I want complete annonimity while my family and I are here this weekend, do you understand me."

The valet understood completely. He had a thousand dollars in his pocket. He wouldn't breath a word to anyone.

They entered the lobby of the hotel and stepped up to the concierge desk.

"Welcome to the Embassy Suite Niagara. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, it is under Webber."

"Yes sir. I have one suite. The three room Presidential Suite. Excellent choice sir. Will there be anything else sir."

"No that will do."

Jason and Elizabeth where given their keys and entered the elevator while the bellhop entered the service elevator with their luggage.

"Ok. I have to ask, you gave the valet drive the name Jason Quartermaine and the consierge my name. What gives?"

"Just being safe. Not that we are in any danger. If anyone came by and asked for the name Jason Morgan, they won't find it. I doubt my enemies would think to look for me here, but I have no intentions of taking chances where you and the boys are concerned."

"Sounds logical. But Jason, this hotel is too much. I mean the three room Presidential Suite . That sounds so expensive."

"Just another safety precaution. Our room, is on the 42nd floor. Anyone with a room on that floor has to have a special password to access the elevator."

"You thought of everything didn't you?"

"I want you and the boys to enjoy this weekend."

"And what about you? Don't you deserve to enjoy some of this too?"

"I will show you how much I'm enjoying myself later when we – what did you say – fold laundry."

Elizabeth blushed and Spinelli gasped as he quickly figured out what Stone Cold was talking about.

The elevator dinged, signaling that they had reached their floor. As they stepped off the elevator, they were greated by the bellhop with their luggage. Jason opened the door to the three room Presidential Suite and Elizabeth was speechless. Jason paid the bellhop a modest tip and gave him the same speech about annonimity. He watched as Elizabeth walked towards the floor to ceiling window that opened up to the full view of the falls. Jason took Cameron and Jake to the family sitting room along with Spinelli. Jason knew that they would be just fine as the room was stocked with a Nintendo 64 and a large variety of games. Cameron was instanltly squealing with glee and threw his arms around Jason's neck in a fit of giggles.

"Play with me Jaysun."

"I will buddy. Why don't you ask Spinelli to play with you while I go finish getting our things set up and find out what your mom wants to do about dinner. Ok."

"OK. Spelli, play."

"Ok little dude."

"Keep an eye on them, especially Jake."

Jake heard his name and turned in the direction of his dad. "Audh bufh siflen" was all that came out of the one year olds mouth.

"Is that right buddy? Have fun with Cam and Spinelli and you mommy and I will be right back."

Mental note, learn Jake speak from Elizabeth. Speaking of Elizabeth. Jason walked back out into the parlor and she hadn't left her spot. She was still staring out across the span of the falls. She had tears in her eyes.

'Hey, what's the matter? Why are you crying?"

Elizabeth turned at Jason's question and threw her arms around Jason's neck and planted a firm but tender kiss to his lips. They began roaming each others bodies with their hands before Jason pulled away.

"So I take it your ok."

"Jason, I'm wonderful. Thank you so much for bringing us here. This is absolutely breath taking. I have to take plenty of pictures cause I can't wait to paint this."

"That over there is the Horseshoe Falls and that is the American Falls. Hey what do you want to do for dinner?"

"I don't know but you obviously have something in mind."

"Did you bring anything nice for you and the boys to wear?"

"Yeah, why?"

"We have reservations at the Skylon Tower. You, me and the boys – all of them."

"Ok."

"How about I give the boys a bath, they have a bathroom at the other end of the suite and you go into our bathroom in our room. I'll get them dressed and you can just relax."

"Jason, if I relax anymore, I might melt like butter and then what will you do with me."

"Have my way with you, love you, cherish you. You know normal things. Go."

"Yes sir. Boys you be good for Jason while he gives you a bath. Cameron don't get soap in your little brothers eyes."

Elizabeth grabbed her bag and entered her room. She couldn't get over the view. Every single room had floor to ceiling windows to were open to full view of the falls. In their room was a huge king size bed that she was sure would sleep five or six people. Or just a lot of room for her and Jason to explore each other's bodies. She entered the executive bathroom to find that the bathtub was a two person in floor whirlpool. She and Jason might have to try that out later tonight.

An hour or so later, Elizabeth found herself stretched out on the king size bed in the softest and coziest bathrobe that she had ever had the pleasure to lounge in. Since January in the Falls is about thirty seven degrees, she settled on bringing a pair of black low slung dress pants and white button up dress shirt with french cuffs and women's cut black velvet three button vest and a pair of simple black stilleto boots. She decided to let her curls dry naturally and wear them messy and loose. Very simple make-up. She dusted her face with powder and a light blush and opted for just mascara and a rose colored lip gloss. She grabbed her purse and her coat and scarf to meet the boys in the livingroom. When she entered as if on command, the three boys stood and Jason had Jake in his hands. Jason was in a suit, well almost. He was wearing a charcoal gray suit with a black dress shirt, unbuttoned, no tie. Figures – he can't stay away from black. Spinelli was in a pair of khakis and nice shirt looking ever the displaced from his long sleeved shirts and plaid shorts. Cameron was in a black pair of slack and a red sweater. Jake wore something similar only his sweater was blue. Her little family – even Spinelli.

"You look amazing tonight. Did you enjoy your bath?"

"Yes I did thank you. I've never been in a whirlpool before, let alone one that keeps the water warm. Might come in handy when a lot of laundry is involved."

"Eew. Can we not discuss the motions of laundry when I am in the room. The progenies may not know what that means. But eew, I wish to not visualize my mentor in such a – eew, can we stop please."

"Sorry Spinelli, your right."

"Let's go. I think you are going to enjoy this."

Jason led them out their room and into the elevator and down to the lobby. A car was waiting for them when they exited the hotel lobby.

"Jason, where is are car?"

"I called a car for us. I thought it would make things easier. Go on, get in. There is a booster for Cameron and a car seat for Jake."

After everyone was settled the driver pulled out of the valet area and onto the road. There wasn't much for sightseeing as within minutes the car was stopped and Jason was stepping out of the car. Elizabeth stepped out with the boys in tow.

"Jason, where is the restaurant?"

"Up there."

"Up where?"

Up .. there. 775 feet up and overlooking the falls."

"Seven -seven. Seven hundred and seventy-five feet. Ah, I can't go up there Stone Cold. I'm scared of heights."

"I thought you were scared of clowns."

"Stone Cold. I told you that in confidence. But yes, not only is the Jackal scared of hideous people that call themselves clowns, but heights as well. I prefer to keep my feet firmly planted to the ground."

"Start walking, now."

"Jason, he doesn't have to go, it's ok. Spinelli here, take the car and head back to the hotel."

"That's not necessary Maternal One. The Jackal will man up and go to the restaurant up near the Eternal One."

"How do we get up there?"

"Do you see that yellow bug looking elevator. That's how."

"Bug – mommy."

"Come on, you'll be fine. Close your eyes if you must."

The five of them huddled into the yellow elevator and rode up the outside of the restaurant towards their destination. Most of the sounds were from Cameron who just thought it was the coolest thing he had ever seen. He wanted to keep going up and down. Spinelli just sat in the corner whimpering.

"Oh and Spinelli, did I mention that the restaurant rotates."

"Ugh. Grammy."

The dinner went without much commotion. Jake was becoming increasingly infatuated with Jason. Trying so hard to get his attention during dinner and showing off. Jason didn't mind. He loved watching this little boy interact with him. It told him that everything would be ok. Cameron was just so excited about the restaurant spinning. The maitre d' took him to one of the observation areas and was pointing out the different sights. Elizabeth just kept gazing at Jason. This was right and she knew they would be ok. Despite what anyone had to say, she intended to hold onto this man for the rest of her life. Spinelli actually calmed down. While Jason had told him the restaurant rotates, it wasn't enough for one to really notice unless you looked out the window. And Elizabeth told him to just imagine he was in the hotel, it had the same view.

Once everyone was done, the clan piled back in the car towards the hotel. It didn't take long for the boys to pass out once they got upstairs to the hotel. Jason and Elizabeth changed them into their pajamas. Cameron slept in one of the fold out sofas in the main living room and they put Jake in the middle of the other fold out sofa next to it. Jason had asked earlier for the belhop to provide bed barriers so that Jake couldn't role out in the middle of the night. Spinelli set up in the sitting room with the other sofa bed. He assured that he would keep an eye on the boys if they woke up during the night. Just to be on the safe side, Elizabeth set up a monitor and the receiver was in their room.

After Jason made sure everything was secured and the room was locked and the lights were off, he joined Elizabeth in their room. She had already changed into one of Jason's shirts and crawled into bed. She looked so tiny in this mammoth bed.

"Hi there. Is the bed comfy?"

"Mmh-hmm. Care to join me?"

"I think that is an easy request."

With that, Jason changed out of his clothes and threw on a pair of sweatpants and climbed into bed next to Elizabeth. They both slid down in the covers and scooted into each other. There was soft kissing and cuddling. In the middle of everything, Elizabeth yawned.

"Am I boring you."

"Oh, Jason I'm so sorry. I just don't think I realized how tired I was. I mean I started off the day very hungover and then had to go into defense mode and then the argument with Lucky, the packing for the trip, the drive, the dinner. I'm sorry, I just sleepy."

"It's ok. We have all had a long day. We don't have to make love every night we go to bed. I further enjoy just laying in bed together with you in my arms. Listening to you breath while you are sleeping, the slight snore and the little pool of drool on the pool."

"I don't drool and I don't snore. You take that back."

"I'm just kidding. But seriously, I love just being with you like this. I really thought after everything with the Russians and Jake, I was never going to feel like this, this happy. I mean, I've got a lot of things to sort out business wise when we get back home, but just spending time with you and the boys makes everything less stressfull. And I thank you. I thank you for convincing me that it was ok for us to feel this way and that we deserved to be happy and in a relationship."

"Oh Jason, being with you these last few days have just felt like this big puzzle of our life was finally put together. As long as we are together and there are no secrets between us, we are stronger together than apart. I love you."

"I love you too Elizabeth."

They turned the lights off and curled next to each other and drifted off to sleep. As Jason started to get deeper in sleep, he smiled. "Tomorrow will be perfect. Tomorrow she will be mine."