Chapter Twenty-five

Jason hated being in the Quartermaine mansion. All it did was remind him of when he first woke up. Even now, he remembered their pleas and expectations. Over the years, he bonded with Emily and Lila. They had been so easy to care about. Monica had had been harder but eventually Jason believed that she saw him and not the son she lost. Alan took him by surprise. He never expected to think of Alan as his father. Over the years, the man had done thing that pushed Jason further and further away. Jason gave no thought to Alan unless he was forced to.

That all changed one February night. He had entered the lobby and saw Alan in the middle of a heart attack, something in him shifted. Simply knowing Alan might die without them working things out made him rethink. Then the lobby exploded and he ended up trapped in an elevator with Elizabeth.

He would always be grateful for that happening. He did not know if Elizabeth would have ever told him otherwise. Looking back, he could see all the times she tried to tell him but never quite did. He knew Elizabeth was struggling with something. He just never imagined this. When she told him about their baby Jason's whole outlook changed. For the first time in his life, he wanted to know about his family and his past.

It had been easier to get to know Alan than Jason thought. His father was different from the man Jason though he knew. It only proved to Jason how wrong he had been. Edward on the other hand he was not wrong about.

The old man was one of the main reasons he caved with Elizabeth. He didn't want Elizabeth and Cameron alone with the scheming old man. He also needed to speak with Edward about his visit to the penthouse. Apparently, Edward needed to be reminded of a few things.

Elizabeth was too willing to see the best in people. Jason knew she thought Edward was harmless but Jason knew better. Edward was determined to get Jason back in the Quartermaine family. Jason could finally sympathize with Edward but he had no interest in being mixed up in that drama. The life, the family he was slowly building was enough for him.

"Are you okay?" Elizabeth asked when Jason continued to stare at the door.

"Yeah. It's just still hard to be here."

"Thank you for doing this," Elizabeth said brushing a lock of hair from her face. She was wearing a dark blue dress that showed off her swollen stomach. Jason and Cameron were both in dress pants but without ties. Cam looked about as happy as Jason did about that fact.

"I want to be close with Alan and Monica but... I don't think I will ever see eye to eye with Edward," Jason said shaking his head.

"And you don't have to."

"Big House," Cam said looking around excitedly.

"It is Cameron," Jason agreed kneeling down to eye level. It was nice to see Cam this excited about something. He was sure of himself and his surroundings. Jason liked to think it was in part because of his influence. "This is where my mom and dad live. They're having a party."

"Cake?" Cam immediately asked.

"I'm sure there will be cake," Jason said smiling at the boy's excitement.

"Cam would you like to ring the bell?" Elizabeth asked knowing that Jason was stalling.

When Cameron nodded, Jason lifted the boys so he could reach the bell. He would have to remember that Elizabeth could be sneaky too. His fiancé knew exactly what he was doing. "Happy now?"

"Very," Elizabeth said as the door opened.

"Welcome Miss Webber. I see you convinced Mr. Jason to come as well. And who is this?" Alice said smiling when she saw Jason and his family. News of Jason's impending fatherhood was a shock. However, it seemed to be just the thing the Quartermaine family needed.

"This is our son Cameron," Jason said lifting him up. Cam smiled at Alice and laid his head on Jason's shoulder.

"Very nice to meet you Mr. Cameron. The family is gathered in the living room," Alice said showing them in and taking their jackets.

"Are you sure you want to be here? We still have time to run," Jason said only half kidding.

"Jason stop," Elizabeth giggled. It was almost cute the way he was acting. "It's going to be fine. Monica will make sure everyone is on their best behavior. Just try to relax and have a little fun."

'Not likely,' Jason mumbled to himself. When Alice opened the living room doors, the whole room went still. It was obvious no one expected Jason to show up.

"You're came. Alan will be so excited to see you."

"It's good that he's finally home. Where is he?" Jason asked awkwardly.

"Talking to Emily on the phone."

"I bet she and Nikolas are having a wonderful time in Greece."

"I'm sure they are. Although I wish, they could be here. I hope that they will be back in time for the baby. Have you decided on any names?"

"A few. I think we're going to wait until he or she is born," Elizabeth said rubbing her tummy. Jason's eyes immediately caught the movement and had to hold back a groan. Since they had gotten together, Jason could not keep his hands off Elizabeth. Even after being nearly caught by Cam did nothing to quell it. Maybe he could convince Elizabeth to cut the night short.

"Jason I'm so happy you decided to join us. Monica told me you and Elizabeth are getting married. Congratulations."

"Thank you," Jason said sincerely. Even though he hated being here, Jason wanted Alan to know he was trying.

"Hi," Cam said from Jason's arms.

"Well hello there."

"Cam this is my dad, Alan. He's your grandpa."

"Grandpa?" Cam asked slowly. He wasn't sure about all these new people. Jason was very nervous about being here. The man seemed nice however.

"Yeah," Jason affirmed softly. Jason put Cam down and he immediately headed for Elizabeth. He hated Lucky for the emotional damage he caused Cameron. The small boy was still so shy around people. "I hope that's okay. I didn't think."

"It's fine. I... thank you." Alan said trying not to cry. He never imagined being a part of Jason's family.

"I meant what I told you about changing things between us. That starts with Cameron and this baby. However I expect you to treat them the same though. I won't have a repeat of what you and Monica did with me and AJ."

"I understand Jason. I'm just grateful you're letting me in your life."

"Jason my boy I didn't think you would show up." Edward said slapping Jason on the back. He knew Elizabeth was just the woman to make Jason realize the importance of family.

"Can you excuse us Alan? I need to have a talk with Edward."