Chapter 9
The new trial went better than the first. Ric seemed off his game and was petulant when questioning Elizabeth. While they agreed he was going to try something, Jason and Elizabeth weren't overly worried. Instead they were taking advantage of Jason's less stringent visitation to spend time together every day. Those few moments in the holding room during lunch and dinner were filled with plans for a new home and a vacation with their sons.
Elizabeth spent her evenings with Max and a real estate agent. By the end of the week, she had two homes to show Jason. Max preferred the style of the second and Elizabeth thought Jason might too but the first had a sunroom which let in lots of light. She could see her easel sitting there. There was also a large, walled-in backyard for the boys.
Jason spent his evenings much as he had before - thinking of taking her to bed and loving her in every way possible.
-gh-
Ric dropped his bombshell on the fourth day. He tried to get Martino's autopsy report admitted into evidence on the grounds that it showed what Jason was capable of. Diane's objection was founded on the fact that, despite Jake's kidnapping, there was no evidence that Jason was in any way tied to Martino's death. The judge sided with her.
That was the moment Elizabeth really believed. For all her hoping and dreaming, those few words from the judge assured her that this verdict would be very different. She didn't care if it was Diane's prowess or Sonny's money; Jason was going to be free.
-gh-
Ric hid his insecurity as well as he could but it gnawed at him. He hated the way he had treated Elizabeth during the first trial and knew it was the seal of death for any hope he held out for them. Her loyalty to Jason hadn't been shaken in the least by the verdict or even the kidnapping. Without her, Port Charles held only his daughter and his vendetta against Sonny and Jason. He started thinking of ways to see Molly if he moved.
Jason had won too many rounds in their war. This one might not be the last but it had the potential to be. The mayor was running out of patience and would look for a new district attorney if Ric lost this case. Ric felt cornered and that wasn't altogether bad. He always came out fighting. Tossing aside his thoughts of leaving, he threw himself into reviewing his case. He couldn't afford a mistake.
The lawyers presented their best arguments to the jury and then sat back to wait.
Diane knew she had wowed the jury and, while they deliberated, she shopped online for shoes. She was anticipating a rather large gratuity check from Jason. Ric paced in his office.
-gh-
The verdict came in two days later and this time Jason was expecting Elizabeth to be in place behind him. She didn't disappoint. She even remembered to wink. The same promise was in her eyes and he couldn't wait for her to deliver on it.
The judge began the proceedings and Jason concentrated on everything that was being said. Each moment mattered because it brought him closer to freedom and Elizabeth. When the foreman announced the not guilty verdict, Jason exhaled loudly, shook Diane's hand, and then reached across the divider to kiss Elizabeth.
The judge called the court back into order and wrapped things up quickly. Jason's leg bounced as he waited for the moment he could walk out with Elizabeth at his side.
Ric never looked up from his table. His career here was over and that offer in Los Angeles was looking pretty good. He hated giving up his vendetta but he hated being made a fool even more. Courtesy demanded he congratulate Diane. He ignored her instead and left to pack up his office. Little did he know that in the not too distant future a jealous husband would burst into his office and fatally shoot him.
Jason's release was processed swiftly. He stepped outside to the expected flash of cameras and made his way over to the SUV where Elizabeth waited. Losing their paparazzi tails, he drove straight to her surprise.
"Jason, what? I mean, how did you…?" Elizabeth was speechless. This was the house she wanted, the one with the sunroom.
He got out and walked around to open her door. "Max could tell which one you liked. So I bought it."
"You bought a house just because I like it?" she asked incredulously.
Jason pulled her close for a closed-mouth kiss. "Yes." When she tried to get more serious, he walked off.
"Jason!"
"I'm not entertaining the neighbors, Elizabeth," he tossed over his shoulder. "Not when our bed is upstairs waiting."
She couldn't argue with that and ran past him into the house and up the steps.
-gh-
Jason held her the next morning thinking that the night had definitely surpassed his expectations. While he would have enjoyed spending the next week or so trying to top it, he missed the boys. He wanted Jake and Cam here with them even if it meant Elizabeth would have to spend hours in clothes each day.
"How long?" she asked.
"Until what?"
"Cameron and Jake get here." She couldn't help smirking at his expression. "You've missed them almost as much as you missed me."
Jason ran a finger down her arm. "You're awfully sure of yourself."
Elizabeth shifted her leg and rubbed against him. "I'm sure of you. So how long?"
Jason flipped her onto her back. "Long enough."
-gh-
Elizabeth was looking forward to Christmas. She usually did but this year would be the first of many with Jason and their family. Jake was too young to be affected much by the summer but Cameron still had occasional nightmares. When he did, he wanted Jason and she understood. Jason was their protector and their hero. When fear choked her, she wanted Jason too.
Milo and Spinelli were helping Cameron make a snowman and Jake was in Jason's arms watching the whole thing with interest. Elizabeth settled onto the porch swing with a quilt and counted her blessings. Audrey came outside to announce the hot chocolate was ready and Cameron ran to her with a gleeful yelp. Milo and Spinelli were discussing whether to use a carrot or cheese puff for the snowman's nose. Jason handed Jake off to her and helped Cam out of his snowsuit.
Elizabeth and Jake followed the gang to the kitchen and both laughed at Cameron's silly dance as he thanked Gram for the treat. She met Jason's eyes and mouthed 'I love you.' He walked over and kissed her. Jake grabbed his shirt and Jason took the baby back.
-gh-
Christmas morning found Port Charles' most feared mobster nervously pacing the den. The boys and Elizabeth would be up soon and his plans were ready. She hadn't asked for the most important things under the tree but he thought she wanted them. He hoped so at least.
Cameron's loud chatter and Spinelli's equally loud responses signaled his family's entrance. With great flourish, the computer geek passed out the gifts and heartily thanked Elizabeth for those he received. Cameron couldn't decide what to play with first and ran from toy to toy in ecstasy. Jake seemed to like the boxes best.
Digging deep behind the tree, Jason brought out two that Spinelli had missed and set the first on Elizabeth's lap. He pocketed the second one. He had already given her some clothes Emily helped pick out and art supplies so she was surprised to get more. "Jason, you're spoiling me."
He sank onto the sofa beside her. "That's the plan."
She opened the package and pulled out the legal forms. "You want to adopt Cameron?" she asked.
"If it's what you want. If not, we can throw them away."
She jumped into his lap. "It's what I want," she affirmed before kissing him.
Spinelli and Cameron started making gagging noises so she broke off. "All right, you two! How about some cinnamon rolls?"
