I don't own ABC, I don't General Hospital. I don't own Under the Tuscan Sun, or anything else.

20.) Interesting Information

Tuesday, Cortona

Emily and Francis had returned the evening prior around 8:00 PM. Getting out had helped Emily to deal with her dad's death. Seeing life all around her had a way reminding her that she could go on, and now she had a life inside of her, so she was going to have to be more in-tune with her needs.

Francis had enjoyed the afternoon meeting with his cousin Vinny. It was both good to see his family and Vinny provided some interesting information regarding a competing interest that may be try to make a move in Port Charles in the future. Vinny was also naturally charmed why the beauty that was Francis' good friend Emily.

To say that Francis and Emily were surprised by the five large German Shepherds that were present when they arrived back at Il Mio Vento would've been an understatement. However, the real surprise was how well behaved they were. Francis felt that Elizabeth had indeed made a wise investment.

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Elizabeth was up with the Sun eager to let the dogs out for their morning potty and run around the property. The children had been so excited the afternoon prior when they each received their own trained puppy. Granted the dogs were nearly grown, but having them grow with the family was important.

Flashback: Monday Afternoon Cortona.

The pitter-patter of little feet could be heard just outside their bedroom door. Thankfully, they were already showered and dressed from their previous exertion. Jason and Elizabeth emerged from the bedroom utterly sated and completely preoccupied with each other.

"Mommy, Aurora and I wanna go outside and pway. Can we?"

"Actually, Cam there's something I want to show you and Aurora. When she comes out of the bathroom we'll make our way downstairs. Okay."

Jason bent down and picked up, Cameron. "Hey did my little buddy sleep alright?"

"I sure did. Don't tell Aurora, but she wiggles a lot," Cameron said whispering his big secret.

Jason just started laughing, "Maybe she's just trying to get comfortable."

"I dunno, but she sure wiggles."

Elizabeth walked up to the door of the bathroom, "Aurora, sweetie are you okay?"

"Yes, Aunt Lizzie," Aurora said through the door, "I just had a bad dweam bout the truck again."

"Can you open the door sweetheart? I have something that might cheer you up," Elizabeth said.

Aurora opened the door, and quietly exited the bathroom. Tears stained her precious little face.

Liz leaned down and welcomed Aurora into her waiting arms, "Sweetie next time, come and get me. You never have to sit around and cry by yourself. If it helps, I'll cry with you."

"Okay," Aurora said drying her tears.

"Would you like to see your surprise?" Liz asked.

"Yes, Aunt Lizzie," Aurora said beaming.

"Well come on dolly, no more tears," Elizabeth said.

Jason just observed for now. Elizabeth had a magic touch. Aurora really responded to her, which was great because the little girl needed her, and he had a feeling that Elizabeth needed Aurora too.

The family made their way downstairs, Jason carrying Cameron down. As they came down to the last step Jason set Cameron down but continued to hold his hand. He also grabbed Aurora's hand as she made it down the last step. She looked up and smiled, and Jason looked down at her and smiled.

"Okay, you two! Close your eyes and don't make any loud noises."

"Okay," both children said in unison.

Liz walked down the cellar steps and quietly called for Eos and Apollo.

Both dogs quietly walked up and sat waiting for their commands.

"Okay you two you can open your eyes now," Liz said as the children did what she had instructed them to do.

"Wow," said Aurora, "Puppy dogs! Yay."

"Eos. Come," Elizabeth said and the German shepherd came forward.

"Aurora this is Eos. Can you say that?"

"Eos," Aurora repeated perfectly.

"Aurora, you and Eos have the same name just in different cultures. Aurora means goddess of the Dawn in Roman mythology, and Eos means goddess of the Dawn in Greek mythology."

"So we both mean, dawn?" Aurora questioned.

"Yes!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"Apollo, come," Elizabeth called out to Apollo and the dog came forward, "Cameron this is your dog, Apollo."

Cameron slowly approached the dog, but held his hand out for the dog to smell. The dog already familiar with Cameron's scent sniffed at him and gave the boys hand a lick.

Aurora mimicked her cousin, and Eos responded the same way, "This is so cool."

"These are your dogs. They are trained to protect you, and you are going to work with them daily so they are used to you. Do you both understand?"

"Yes, Mommy!" Cameron said.

"Yes, Aunt Lizzie." Aurora said.

"Good. Let's take them outside and I'll teach you their commands. Follow me," Elizabeth said and everyone including the dogs did as instructed.

End of Flashback

Elizabeth opened the cellar door and the dogs came up as they were called, stopping when instructed. Elizabeth maneuvered herself to the door and gave the command for the dogs to go take care of their business. Liz had reviewed their training demo and had decided that she would invest in not only a playground for the kids, but one for the pups to keep them agile. She needed them vigilant and in shape.

From the window Jason observed her. There was something so special about Elizabeth. It wasn't just her innate beauty, although it often stole his breath. It was just the way she interacted with others. Right now she was tending to the dogs. She was watching how they moved and looking for ways to improve it. Thinking, Elizabeth was always thinking, and biting that gorgeous lower lip while she did it too!

She was throwing a few of the balls and watching them go after it one at a time; making sure only the dog named was going after the ball. It was clear that she would be taking the dangers they faced more seriously than any significant other he'd been previously involved with.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth lined the dogs back up and brought them into the house. Luckily, each dog had their own water wells and pre-programmable dog feeders. That way it wouldn't become a daily routine of having to refill, but more like a weekly occurrence. She would be busy with the new baby and the kids, but taking care of the dogs that would be taking care her family would be a top priority, and that meant proper nourishment. She would get the kids to help her of course, because having them help would teach them responsibility, but Elizabeth would see to their needs as was her duty.

It was Tuesday, and the construction workers were coming back to stucco the walls and start upgrading the fixtures. After the light fixtures were updated, the downstairs bathroom would be getting an overhaul, followed by the upstairs bathroom.

In the afternoon, the midwife, Gina Costellano was supposed to show up, take Elizabeth's measurements, review her medical chart and walk Liz and Jason through an at home water birth. Emily, agreed to be checked too while the midwife would be there in an effort to save time and keep anonymity.

After the dogs were stowed away in the cellar, Elizabeth set about making breakfast. She wasn't a magnificent chef, but she could make the basics. She wanted everyone up and fed before the construction workers appeared and started stuccoing the nearby wall.

As she finished whisking the eggs, her phone rang. It was Anna. "Hello," Elizabeth said in a British accent.

"Hello dearest, I see that the packages arrived yesterday. Are they to your liking?"

"They are. I was thinking of purchasing some training equipment for them so they could maintain their training."

"That's an excellent, idea. I can put you in touch with someone."

"That would be wonderful. Anything else to report?" Elizabeth asked.

"Well you know who, has reemerged in the town from whence you came. Claiming he wants to help you. Also, the small infestation that you suggested be in casket is all set to go. The funeral will be today so we should get some interesting information out of the deal."

"That's good to know," Elizabeth stated. "Do you have any info pertaining to the Acting D.A. of that wonderful town?"

"Well, we know he's into shady dealings, but he's not really on our radar why?" Anna asked.

"I don't know. Just a feeling. I think he's going to make trouble. He seldom disappoints in that arena."

"I'll keep an ear out," Anna said.

"Thanks, darling." Elizabeth said.

"You're welcome dearest." Anna replied before hanging up.

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Breakfast went off without a hitch, and the now the kids were getting dressed upstairs.

"So are you nervous about the midwife," Jason asked.

"Not really," Elizabeth replied, "I've had a long time to think about going in this direction."

"I'm just worried that something could go wrong," Jason said.

"You'd be a fool not too, but women have been giving birth since the beginning of time, and if they can do it in a cave or in their house then so can I. Also, water birthing is supposed to be a very relaxing experience meant to be calming both for the baby and mother, and it will keep my name off the grid, and our baby's. That's what's most important to me Jason."

"If you're sure about this then I will, of course, back you," Jason said while rubbing his hands along her back and abdomen.

"You're so good to me. I know you're worried. She's supposed to be bringing an ultrasound machine with her, so we should get to see how our little peanut is doing in there," Elizabeth said leaning into him.

"Why wouldn't I be good to you? You're everything I've ever wanted. I can't wait to see him."

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Port Charles- Tuesday 4:00 AM

He'd come to her in the middle of the night, under the cover of darkness, as was the nature of their relationship. Right now he was behind her sliding his rigid length in and out of her with relative ease. He had a strong hold on her hips as he rode her.

"Whose fucking you little slut?" Ric said, as his hands moved forward and clutched her dangling breasts.

"Daddy."

"You like it when daddy fucks you don't you, pretty whore?"

"Mmmm…Y-yes." Sam said as Ric started to pick up speed.

"Still, thinking about Jason while you fuck me?" Ric said as watched his cock disappear into Sam's body.

"Are you still thinking about Elizabeth?" Sam countered.

Ric started to swivel his hips as the end was near for him. Sam bucked in return and together they came.

"Do you have any information for me, Samantha?"

"Actually, I do. What do you know about the father Elizabeth's unborn child?" Sam questioned.

"Lucky…He's a fuck up? Why?"

"Lucky isn't the father, Ric…Jason is. I heard Nurse Johnson and Lucky discussing it earlier. Though Lucky doesn't believe it."

"Jason's the father of Elizabeth's baby? Well, now it's starting to make sense. Good work, Samantha."

"I'm not sure how this is going to help me get Jason back?" Sam replied.

"Now I just need to find Elizabeth, and convince her that I'm the only man worthy of her. Jason will never love her like I do."

"Oh, please. You think the town Saint is going to want you when she can have Jason. Weren't they almost an item years ago? I seem to remember Carly warning me about her."

"Jason's in love with her. For obvious reasons. He's just not good enough for her. Hardly anyone is, with possible exception of myself."

"What's that supposed to mean, Ric? What do you mean by the statement 'For obvious reasons? I'm more woman than she'll ever be.' She's not even tough."

"She's tougher than you think, Samantha, and what I mean by that statement is that Elizabeth is all things ethereal in her beauty. You can't just find her type of beauty anywhere. It literally radiates from her. Emily's very similar in that vein of beauty too. As for a woman like you, you're a dime a dozen Sam. You'll spread your legs for anything, as you've proven here yet again tonight."

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Port Charles 8:00 AM – Tuesday

"What could you possibly want? You said you had important information for me," said the mysterious woman.

"I needed to meet up with you to discuss our plans regarding the fate of Elizabeth. I've become aware some information that may alter things as we know them."

"Do you know where my Dear Elizabeth is hiding, she seems to have completely disappeared."

"No, but you may be interested to know about the father of her unborn child."

"Yes, well…while Lucky is a complete imbecile, it will be good to get access to Luke's grandchild."

"That's just it. The baby isn't Lucky's," said Ric in reply.

"What do you mean the baby isn't Lucky's? Well if not Lucky's then whose the father?"

"What if I were to tell you that Jason Morgan is about to become a father… again… as in the second time and he doesn't even know about it yet. Of course, Elizabeth doesn't know about Jason being Cameron's father either."

"Oh this is delicious. So she and the hoodlum finally came together. There is something appealing about him. That must really ruffle your feathers Mr. Lansing, that your ex prefers, Mr. Morgan's company to your own. Are you sure he still knows nothing about his oldest child, what was his name? Cameroon?"

"Cameron," Ric corrected.

"Yes, Cameron, that's it. While I'm glad that she's dead for having trifled with my grandson, Nikolas, I do miss the duplicitous nature of your late wife, Courtney. She was a tremendous asset, if not a bit loose. 2003 was a good year. The way you two played Elizabeth and Jason against one another was masterful, and managed to cause chaos in the Corinthos organization was quite beneficial for me. Sonny's half-sister and half-brother, secretly married and working against him."

"Yes, well. Courtney was tremendous at what she did, but I still prefer Elizabeth to her," Ric asked.

"Having Elizabeth artificially inseminated with Jason's progeny was the best idea you ever had. It was too bad that your secret marriage to Courtney didn't last, that way you two could have left with the child as the ultimate payback for how Sonny chose Jason over you," said Helena.

"Yes, well I guess she set her sights on Jax and Nik's money and wanted to change the plans," Ric replied from the shadows, "I had plans to help Elizabeth raise Cameron, but she ultimately rejected me."

"Did she say why? That young woman is unusually forgiving," Helena stated more as an observation.

"She couldn't get over what I did to Carly, by holding her hostage, which is crazy because Carly has always treated Elizabeth like garbage. I suspect out of jealousy."

"Ah Caroline…I was going to go after her, but Mr. Corinthos recently upped his security. They must've been warned."

"Why Carly? Bobbie Spencer hasn't exactly done anything to you? I mean don't get me wrong I hate Carly, but why her?"

"To create animosity between Luke and his sister. I like creating problems for Luke."

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Hiding in the shadows was a dumbstruck Carly. 'Oh my God, I have to get to Sonny.' Carly slowly made her way to Sonny's office.

Carly made it to Sonny's office, as she walked in she noticed Max. "Is he in?" Carly asked.

"Yeah, Ms. C." Max replied. He could tell something was up by her demeanor.

Carly walked in without preamble as usual.

"Still don't know how to knock do you, Carly."

Carly shut the door behind her, "Look I know you're probably crunched for time, but we've got an issue and you need to hear it."

"What have you gotten yourself into now?" Sonny asked.

"Nothing, but I found out some information that you may want to get checked out as soon as possible. Let me preface this by saying that I didn't start off eavesdropping on this conversation on purpose, but once I saw the players I knew I had to hide."

"Who were these players?" Sonny asked.

"Ric and Helena Cassadine," Carly stated emphatically.

"Ric and Helena?" Sonny Repeated.

"Yeah, so Ric met with Helena on the Docs, and I heard her say to him that he was married to Courtney, and they were in an arrangement together to separate Elizabeth and Jason in 2003. Ric acknowledged what Helena said."

"Are you sure you heard this right?" Sonny questioned.

"Yeah, but it gets more bizarre from there," Carly said.

"How so?"

Carly then added, "Well, Courtney and Ric artificially inseminated Elizabeth, with Jason's sperm."

"What? Have you taken to drinking in the morning, Carly?"

"No, Sonny. This is what they were saying on the docks. Please hear me out. They played all of us. Courtney and Ric were in it together from the start! They meant to steal Jason and Elizabeth's child, Cameron as an ultimate form of revenge against Jason, because you chose Jason over him. I'm not making this up. Cameron needs to be tested, he could be in real danger. I think that's why Ric is still so obsessed with Elizabeth. I mean he's infatuated with her, but it's more than that. He wants to raise Jason's children as his own, and now he knows about the new baby."

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Cortona, Italy 2:00 PM

It was the afternoon, and Gina Costellano, a middle-aged woman had just left the villa. She had been quite impressed with how much Elizabeth knew about the at home birthing process, and how attentive her partner seemed.

Elizabeth had of course explained that she was recently divorced and her ex-husband wasn't the father, but was a violent man. Once this was explained Gina seemed more receptive to the secrecy.

Elizabeth had decided on setting up a water birth, and was having the proper equipment shipped under her alias, Imogene Cerio.

"That was amazing," Jason said, "I forgot how fast their heartbeats are in utero."

"I know right. I just makes it all the more real," Elizabeth said, "You okay over there, Emily."

"Yeah, it was just amazing to hear that heartbeat and realize that that's my baby in there."

"It was wonderful to hear. I'm so glad you let her check you out, she'll be here every other week until April, and then she'll start weekly visits. I want you to get checked at least two more times, before our baby comes. You need proper care too!"

"I'll need to go get my prenatal vitamins," Emily said.

"We'll go in a little bit. How are you feeling, Em?" Jason asked.

"I'm fine. Ecstatic actually! I'm going to be someone's mommy."

"They don't even know how lucky they are!" Elizabeth said in reply.

"I hope I'm half the mom you and Monica have been, Liz. I mean it."

"You'll do it better! You always do you, brat," Liz said in return.

Jason walked over to Emily and said, "Anything that you need, I'm here. I love you both, Emily. I agree you're going to be an amazing mother."

"This calls for a celebration. I say we all go out for dinner. I'm going to let the dogs out for a bit, work with Ares and Athena some more, and then we should all go to town and celebrate all of our good fortune. We are healthy, with healthy babies on the way. The kids are doing well. Protection is set up, I love Jason, and he seems to love me…I say we celebrate."

"Seems to love you?" Jason said, "You…I'm crazy in love with you," Jason said grabbing Elizabeth firmly, but gently before kissing her sweet lips.

They broke the kiss and extended their arms outward to Emily, and Elizabeth said, "And we both love you, Em. Get over here and let us hug you and that niece or nephew of ours!"

Emily walked over and was given a big hug by her brother and her best friend.

It was at that moment that Jason's disposable phone began to ring.

"It's Sonny," Jason said before answering, "Morgan."

"I'm just going to head downstairs," Elizabeth whispered to Jason while Emily followed her down.

"Slow down Sonny, say that again the phone's breaking up…What about Cameron?"