A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you are enjoying it.

Chapter 25

Brenda notices their joined hands. "Switch," she said to Robin. She plopped next to Jason and tried to hold his hand and Jason kept moving it.

"You have to hold it," Hailey said.

Jason sighed. "Do I have to? Auntie Brenda has cooties."

Hailey cracked up. "That's so funny."

"Don't listen to him. He's the only one with cooties around here."

Hailey climbed onto Jason's lap and grabbed his hand long enough for Brenda to get it. "Stay."

With amusement in his eyes, he watched her move back and then purposely squeezed Brenda's hand really hard.

"Ow. You big lug," she said before smacking him on the arm.

"No hitting," Hailey said. "Mommy, does Auntie Brenda have to go on a time out?"

Robin grinned. "Yup."

Brenda groaned.

"For about two years," Jason quipped.

Hailey gasped. "That's forever. It's two minutes, silly."

"Oh."

Hailey got up and took Brenda's hand and led her over to the stairs. "You have to sit for two minutes. No talking."

"That might kill her," Jason muttered, making Robin chuckle.

Brenda sat with a huff and Hailey went back to the couch and took Jason's hand and Robin snapped a picture and sent it to him.

Jason hung out for a little longer and then they heard Anna call out. Mac went upstairs and then came back, motioning for Jason to follow him.

Anna watched him walk into the room. "I'm glad that you're okay."

"Thanks. I'm glad you are doing better."

"I wanted to tell you that I thought what you did was very brave." It had been odd to watch him in action. He is the only person she knows that can turn off their emotions so thoroughly.

"Elizabeth means a lot to me."

"I'm glad you found someone. I know you and Robin were in love at one point. She told me all about it.

"I did love her and she'll always be important to me. I met Hailey. She's beautiful."

Anna grinned. "Isn't she just perfect? I can't believe I'm a grandmother. It's kind of disconcerting."

Jason chuckled. "Enjoy it. Your daughter is happy and has someone to give her meaning in her life. That's a good, right?"

She nodded, glad that Jason is being more social.

"Enjoy your family," he said turning to go.

"Jason."

He slightly turned.

"Please be careful."

"I will."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Elizabeth scanned the room and grinned when her gazed locked with Jason's. "Hey."

He pointed to the office and she followed him inside.

"What's going on?"

He hugged her tightly. "Just needed a hug."

For a few minutes, they simply held each other until Jason finally retreated.

"Did something happen?"

He let out a puff of air. "Hurricane Brenda is what happened. I was at the Quartermaines and she stopped by and mentioned that Robin's daughter was in town."

Liz frowned. "I don't remember you mentioning that she had one." Her stomach dropped.

"I didn't know. I panicked and like an idiot, I showed up at the Mac's and confronted her."

"You thought it was yours?"

"The time period matched and Robin was being secretive."

She took a languid breath. "Is she?"

"No. Robin adopted her. She's really cute."

Liz let out a sigh of relief.

"That's exactly how I felt."

"You didn't want it to be yours for even a moment?"

Jason closed his eyes. "Honestly, I was in such shock and so mad and confused that I didn't stop to go there."

"And if you did?"

"I—I don't know. I mean I did love her and thought that maybe someday we'd have a family. If Hailey was mine, it would have been messy and I'm not really looking for that."

"Well, I guess it worked out the way it should."

"Definitely…"

"I can't wait for this weekend."

"Me either."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

When Friday came around, they couldn't pack fast enough. Jason made sure that he had the bag for Carole and Max helped them carry down the rest of their things. Milo has the weekend off, so Max is coming with them. They had rented a house across the street for him and he'll follow in another car.

Jason was surprised when Elizabeth fell asleep in the car. She had been so excited, but then again, she did have a long week. When he pulled into the driveway and parked, he quickly slipped out of the SUV and started to unpack. Max helped him and when they were finished, Jason carried Liz into the house and put her on the bed.

He found Max and asked if he needed any help.

"I'm good."

Jason went to the kitchen and put the groceries in the fridge and was surprised when he turned around and Liz was standing in the doorway in one of his t-shirts. "Hey."

"You really shouldn't leave a girl in bed by herself. She could get into trouble."

"Oh really?" he said as he peeled his shirt off.

"Uh huh," she replied as she did the same.

"Damn," he muttered. In two steps, she is in his arms and pressed up against the wall.

He kissed her passionately and then walked to the bedroom, eager to worship her body.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

A few hours later they came up for air.

"So, you aren't going to tell me what our plans are for the evening?"

"Will it kill you if I don't?"

"I guess not."

She slightly smiled. "You'll like the surprise. I promise."

He kissed her and rubbed her back. "I like being here with you."

"Is this going to be our spot?"

"For now."

"I'm okay with that."

"Is it bad that I wish it was just us all the time?"

She studied him for a moment. "Really?"

"That's how much the people in my life drive me crazy."

She laughed.

"You're just more social than I am."

"I don't mind being secluded with you."

He kissed her languidly. "I think I could live off your kisses alone."

She smiled against her lips. "Your mouth is the one of the best things to ever happen to me."

He chuckled. "So, you're only with me for my mouth?"

"Do I have to answer that?"

He tickled her and her laughter filled the air.

"Uncle! I take it back. It's your love wand."

He frowned. "You can't call it something that girlie. You'll give him a complex."

She burst into giggles. After a minute, she calmed as his mood seemed to grow more serious. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing…"

"I can tell it's something."

"It's not what you think."

"Do I have to kiss it out of you?"

He laid his head on her chest. "You can try."

Her hands lightly scratched his scalp as he started to relax.

"I'm falling in love you, Elizabeth," he said softly. Her strokes stopped and she took a ragged breath.

"Don't ever be afraid to tell me that. I feel the same way."

"I thought that maybe it was too soon to say it."

"I think it's just right. There are degrees of love. Right now, everything is exciting and our senses are heightened. Later, it will just grow even deeper. I'm looking forward to it all."

"Me too."

They cuddle for a while longer and then got up and took a shower. It is almost time for the surprise.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Milo grabbed the bar of the weight machine and started a set of reps. He usually worked out early, but he had decided to sleep in on his day off. He finished and wiped his brow and turned. His eyes fixed on the beautiful woman standing close by and his heart skipped a beat as he walked towards her. "Georgie?"

"Hey. I just wanted to thank you for encouraging me and putting in a good word with Elizabeth."

"You didn't need it. She knows a winner when she sees it."

"You've always been so nice to me, and I wanted to give you something."

Milo was shocked. "Georgie—"

"No, you deserve it. I thought we could do something together if that's okay with you."

"I would love that." He took the package and opened it and found two movie tickets. "Is there anything you'd like to see?" He is very happy that she wants to go with him.

"Something scary would be fun."

"Perfect. May I pick you up at six?"

She nodded. Milo is such a gentleman and she has always appreciated how he treats her. "That will work." She turned awkwardly and almost tripped. Milo is by her side quickly, grabbing her around the waist and pulling her into him.

"Are you okay?"

She turned around as her face flushed bright red. "Just mortified."

"I don't think there's a person in this town that doesn't know you're a klutz."

Her mouth dropped open and she punched his arm. "Take that back."

"I'm sorry, but I cannot tell a lie."

She laughed as she scowled and chased him around a bench.

"You know it will be impossible for you to catch me, right?"

She put her hands on her hips. "You are really lucky that I like you."

Milo grinned. "You're cute when you're all flustered."

She shook her head.

"You can get me back later."

Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Count on it."

He watched her walk away. "Perfect," he said softly.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Julian placed some dinner on the table and then went to get the door. Michael ran past him and Carly followed. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Your driver took good care of me."

Carlos is carrying a bag that had Michael's toys in it and a few other things, so Julian takes it from her.

"Thank you," she said as she carefully sat in the dining room.

"Are you hungry, Michael?"

He nodded.

Julian had gotten a booster seat for him and it is already in place. He picked him up and placed him in it and then pushed him closer.

"Did you cook?"

He noted the look on her face and laughed. "Yes."

"I still have one good hand. I can dial a phone and make reservations."

"Have some faith."

He uncovered a plate that had some chicken nuggets and some mac and cheese on it.

"Wow. It's your favorite."

Michael smiled as Julian put the plate down.

"I have never had nuggets in my life," Julian said as he dished some salad onto Carly's plate and then his.

Carly chuckled. "This looks so good."

"Taste it."

She dug in and moaned. "What dressing is this?"

"That is a family secret."

"It's delicious."

Michael was slightly humming as he munched on his nuggets and Julian couldn't help but smile.

"Is that good for your belly, little man?"

"Good," he said before eating some mac.

Julian took away Carly's plate and returned with some lasagna.

"Oh, come on. You are totally making me look bad. Just tell me that it's Stouffers."

Julian grimaced. "Uh, no."

He put down some garlic bread and handed one to Michael who immediately bit into it.

"Yummy, mommy."

"I'll bet."

She took a bite of the lasagna and then put her fork down and shot him a look.

"What? Is it bad?" he asked before taking a bite.

"You made this?"

"Yes. Is that so hard to believe?"

"I guess not," she said taking another bite. "It's the best lasagna I've ever had."

"You wouldn't be saying that because I have something equally spectacular planned for dessert."

She smirked and shook her head. "If you keep spoiling me like this, you'll never get rid of me."

"Maybe that is what I'm counting on."

"Smooth."

He winked and handed her a wine glass. "To new beginnings."

Their glasses met and Michael lifted his glass full of juice. They touched his and laughed when Michael rocked from side to side as he drank it. Carly hopes that this will be the start of something really good.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Liz positioned Jason in front of the couch. It is almost sunset and she doesn't want to miss a thing. "Stand there and don't move. You can't open your eyes no matter what."

Jason snapped had his eyes shut. "Okay."

She pulled the coffee table aside, peaking his curiosity and then ran to the door and slightly opened it. That was all it took. Chloe pushed past her and ran into a shocked Jason and he fell against the cushions as she licked his face.

Doreen shook her head. "She's such a hussy."

Liz laughed and gave her a hug. "It's so good to see you guys."

Jim embraced her and then put the beer Jason liked on the counter.

Jason had his hands full of fur. "This is a great surprise."

"I hope you don't mind us crashing your weekend."

Jason had been looking forward to having Elizabeth to himself, but he really liked spending time with them so he wasn't mad at all. "It's great to see you."

"Um Chloe, you really should play hard to get,"

The door burst open and Max ran inside. All he saw on the camera was a black ball of fur.

Chloe barked at the intruder.

"Jesus Christ, can that dog get any bigger? I thought it was a bear," Max said as he struggled to catch his breath.

"If it was, I'd be dead already," Jason deadpanned.

"It's okay, Chloe," Doreen said petting her. "Come here," she said to Max who looked at her warily.

Jim laughed. "She won't bite you."

"I'm kind of partial to my arm."

"Are you afraid of a dog?" Liz asked playfully.

Max rolled his eyes and pet Chloe for a second. "You could have warned me."

"I didn't know and even if I did, the look on your face was priceless," Jason said.

Jim handed Max a beer. "Take a load off."

Max looked at Jason who nodded. No one knew about the place and he really didn't think anyone was after. "Thanks."

Max sat and Jim went next door to get a few things.

"Are you staying here?"

"I rented them the house next to Max's," Liz said sitting next to him.

"You just thought of everything didn't you?"

"I had to top you somehow."

Jason smiled.

"The margarita mixer is under the sink," Max advised.

Doreen smiled. "Now you're talking."

Max got up to fish it out and help her get started.

Jim came back in with some snacks and placed them on the table. "Doreen made some salsa. It's really good."

Jason tasted it. "That is good."

Chloe lay at his feet and took a nap.

"You know, she's probably sleeping here tonight, right?" Jason said.

Jim chuckled. "I wouldn't do that to you. She'll live until the morning when she can see you again."

Chloe's head lifted for a second and they laughed.

"I bought some cards and poker chips for tomorrow night," Jim said.

"That sounds good."

"Can I play?" Max asked.

"That depends. Are you good?" Jim asked.

Jason made a funny sound.

"Alright, you're in."

Max shook his head. "Brutal."

"If you beat me, Chloe will eat you." Jim laughed. "Death by slobber."

Max's face scrunched up.

"Guys, we're going to miss the sunset." Liz went out on the back porch and they all got comfortable while Chloe explored the yard.

"Beautiful," Liz said.

"I know you are," Jason whispered making her smile.