Chapter 24

"Ummm Jason, what's going on?"

Nervously Jason smiled down at her and held both of her hands in his. "Remember a few minutes ago when you said you couldn't wait to be my wife?"

Unable to think much less speak Elizabeth jerkily bobbed her head.

"Well, I'm going to hold you to that." He smiled hopefully waiting for her response.

Elizabeth for the second time that night was stunned into silence. Her mouth opened a few times as if to say something, but nothing came out.

Jason lovingly brushed her hair away from her face. Patiently he waiting for her to adjust to the bomb he just dropped.

"I... um... What... I mean... How? " Her mind raced with a thousand different questions none of which seemed to coalesce into one coherent thought. How was it even possible?

Inhaling deeply, holding it just for a moment, Elizabeth slowly released her breath. When she opened her mouth this time a few of her jumbled thoughts blurted forth. "How can we? We don't have a license or anything, I mean technically I'm not even alive, can a dead person get married?"

"That is where 'I', your fairy god sister, once again rides in to perform a miracle." Diane smirked as she strolled into the foyer in her stylish Jimmy Choo's.

"Diane helped me to get everything together and took care of all the legal issues."

"Technically you're not dead, because the coroner's reports were inconclusive. So unless a family member comes forward and files paperwork having you declared legally dead then your still considered alive. I've already talked with your grandmother about this so you should be fine until it's safe for you guys to come home."

"As for the marriage license, I've had the paperwork ready since Jason's trial just waiting on you two to finally get your acts together." She finished smugly implying that it took them long enough.

Head still spinning, Elizabeth was starting to grasp it might actually be possible, that she could become Mrs. Jason Morgan by the end of the night. Her heart started to pound in excitement.

"Do- Don't you have to file with the court. Isn't it a risk, what if someone saw the records and figured out we're still alive." She hesitated, trying to keep a level head. Like that was even possible at this point. Who was she kidding she was about to jump out of her own skin.

"Max and I will be going to Manhattan from here, I have a friend who is a judge that will quietly file the paperwork and make sure it's buried."

Jason was impressed once again by his attorney's resourcefulness. "Thanks Diane, great work," he complemented patting her lightly on the back.

"Oh please, don't mention it" She gleamed. "Your generosity in picking up the tab for my weekend in the City, and the accompanying shopping spree as a bonus is thanks enough."

The red head needled, and hinted hopefully at the same time.

Jason was about to marry the woman of his dreams, and wasn't at all annoyed by his lawyer's audacity. Shocking the brilliant attorney he placed a light kiss on her cheek and whispered. "What ever you want Diane, enjoy it's on me."

Still struggling to believe this wasn't some kind of amazing dream, Elizabeth questioned, "so this is happening? We're really getting married, tonight?"

Turning back to his fiancée, Jason could tell that she was having a hard time processing everything that had happened. Not that he could blame her. He was the one setting all this up and yet he was having trouble believing it could really happen too. After all these years and everything they had been though, it seemed as if it was just too good to be true. "Well," he paused hopefully, "that's up to you. If you're ready we can be married tonight."

"Yes," she beamed excitedly, "I'm more than ready, let's do it." She exclaimed, throwing herself in Jason's arms.

He smiled down at her beautiful, animated face shining like a ray of sunshine. Kissing her softly he murmured huskily, "I'll meet you down front." Sealing the promise with one last kiss he left the lobby.

Elizabeth watched as her groom walked away down the hall. "My duty as your fairy god sister," pausing the redhead admitted reluctantly. "I know I'm probably old enough for the title 'fairy godmother' but I refuse to cop to it. So if you'll come with me, I've everything set up back here."

Diane led the eager young woman across the vestibule and down the hall to a newly furnished bride room.

They entered the room just in time to see an angry blond-headed two year old yank off his clip on tie and throw it to the ground. Francis patiently picked it up and tried to cajole toddler into wearing to the offending tie.

"See Jake, Cameron is a big boy and he's going to wear his tie for mommy, don't you want to be like your big brother?" The little boy, mutinously stared at the older man, silently crossed his arms over his chest.

Elizabeth and Diane both burst out laughing at the all to failure mannerism. Joyously surprised over her boys being here for this impromptu wedding, she momentarily forgot everything else, in her amusement.

Elizabeth amazed by everything Jason had done. He'd gone to great lengths, to make this night perfect for them as they finally became a family.

"Mommy"! Cameron exclaimed excitedly while Jake looked at her with his father pleading eyes hoping she would save him from having to wear the yucky tie.

Diane muttered, "like father like son, it astounds me you two were able to hide the truth of his paternity for so long."

Not one to stand on ceremony just for appearances sake, Elizabeth reassured her youngest son. "It OK Jake you don't have to wear it." The toddlers smiled at his reprieve and ran to greet his mother.

"Tank u's" he reached up for her to lift him in her arms. Complying with his unspoken request, she held him close lightly kissing his cheek.

"Mommy," Cameron jumped up on the sofa, vying for his mother attention. "If Jake doesn't have to wear his, can I take mine off too? That way we'll still match." he reasoned hopefully.

Francis had asked him to wear the tie for his mommy, and he didn't want to disappoint his new friend. He hoped he had found a loophole in getting out of wearing the stupid tie.

Knowing very well what is son was up to she let him slide. "That sounds like a very good idea. I mean we don't want Jake to feel left out now do we." She smiled down at her little boy.

Cameron solemnly shook his head from side to side. "No that might hurt his feelings."

Elizabeth bit her lip to keep from laughing at her son's obvious manipulations.

"You're a good big brother Cam." She complimented. "Go ahead and take it off." she prompted.

He hesitated just slightly looking to make sure it was OK with Francis too. At the older man's reassuring smile and quick nod he ripped off the hated tie.

"Mommy, Francis helped us with our suits," the little boy tried to sound happy about the stiff clothes. "He said we looked handsome," Holding out his arm's he looked down at his attire.

Giving Jake a little tickle she crouched down to Cam's level, propping the toddler on her thigh. "Oh yes, you both look very spiffy." she gushed.

Cameron preened at his mothers praise, and continued excitedly. He also said we get to walk with you down the isle, are we marrying Jason?"

"How would you feel about that?" she asked cautiously wanting to make sure her boys were ok with all the changes that were happening in their lives. As her boys would always be her first priority.

Grinning widely her eldest replied. "Jason, love's us he said so, and we love him too." The little boy giggled. If we marry him will he be our second daddy?"

Hugging both her little boys close, "If that's what you want then, yes" she grinned leaning back so she could see their faces.

"Yea, that would be so cool. My friend Bobby has two daddy's too, I can't wait to tell him." Rubbing his hands together, Cameron thought about being able to brag to his friends. "Plus Francis said after you and Jason get married we can have cake."

Laughing down to her little boy, amazed at how adaptable they were. "I'm glad you want Jason to be a part of our family as much as I do." She said giving them both one last kiss and stood.

Looking up at her old friend, she glowed. "It means so much to me that you and Brian are here to see Jason and I get married. I know you were pulling for us, even when we were being so stupid. I would be honored if you both would stand up with us."

Moved by the tiny woman he had often thought of as a kid sister he stammered. "You are one of the most amazing women I know. I am the one who would be honored." He hugged her close for a moment before uncomfortably pulling away. "Umhum why don't I take the boy's so you can get ready? I'm sure Jason is itching to finally get you up to that altar."

Returning her earlier kiss on the cheek, Francis grabbed Jake and left with the boys.

"This is amazing Diane. Thank you so much. You thought of everything." The bride gushed excitedly.

Jason paced anxiously while he waited for his bride. He had already changed into his suit. Brian, Cody and even Johnny Zacchara had come back to offer their congratulations.

It had only been a few minutes since he had left his bride but it already felt like hours. Now that he was so close to getting everything he'd ever wanted, Jason was afraid something would go wrong and keep them from getting married.

He stopped mid pace when Max entered the small office next to the sanctuary. "Hey Jason, Cody and Joh- I mean Brian are out setting up those new monitors Cody brought, we'll be able to secure a perimeter for at least a mile. Not that we need to worry about any problems, but I guess it's always best to be prepared just in case. He's really good boss, diligent and the things he's picked up from Iraq have been indispensable since there are so few of us working with you on this."

"Yeah, I'm glad he's on our side." Jason was trying to focus on what Max was saying but all he could think about was that before this night was over Elizabeth would be his wife. "Umm... how'd everything go with Sonny today?"

"Not good. He's really starting to lose it Jason." Taking a deep breath Max gave him a full report of what had occurred earlier that day.

"Damn it!" Jason muttered, running his hands over his face. "I knew Spinelli was going to eventually be a problem. I should have known Carly would go to him to try and find me. Why is it every time my 'friends' try and help me they end up making everything worse?"

"Sorry man. I think I muzzled him pretty well, at least for now. I'm just going to have to keep a closer eye on him." Taking a deep breath he pressed on. "What about Sonny, he's not going to wait much longer and I'm afraid of what his next move will be, especially with Claudia whispering in his ear."

"It'll be ok; I knew we wouldn't be able to stay at the safe house for more than a week or two. Did you get everything set up for the alternate location?"

"Yes the security upgrades are all in place and our guys finished everything up last night. Elizabeth is going to be shocked when she sees it."

"That's great. Hopefully we will be able to stay at the safe house for a few more days, but if we can't I'm glad our backups in place."

The guard noticed his boss kept restlessly watching the clock. He was still trying to get used to this new Jason, one that would laugh, be impatient, and indecisive; basically behave like a normal human being. While it was disconcerting for him on a business level, as a friend he couldn't be more happy for him.

"Hey Jason, I just wanted to congratulate you! Elizabeth is a wonderful woman. You're one lucky man." He said, taking his bosses hand in a firm grasp.

"Thanks Max, I'm just so thankful she loves me and wants to be family with me."

"Well I wish you both the best." Giving his friend an uncomfortable one arm manly hug, before muttering he needed to check on Cody and Brian to see if the sensors were in place.

Elizabeth looked at her reflection amazed by what she saw. "This dress it's amazing. Where did you find it? It looks like something I-" The dress was a simple off the shoulder sleeveless v-neck sheath with delicate beading stitched under the breast line and the wispy fabric billowed softly down to the floor.

"Jason told me, he remembered some sketches you had in your studio. I took them to Kate and she recommended a designer with a similar style. When I saw this I knew it was the one. You look incredible."

With tears in her eyes she hugged the older woman. "It is perfect, thank you so much for everything."

Touched, the redhead cleared her throat. "It's been my great honor to be a part of this very special wedding. It's so obvious that you and Jason belong together." Diane tucked a stray curl in place, and picked up the bouquet of lilacs. "Now, Jason is going to flip when he sees you. Are you ready?"

"Oh God Yes. I feel like I've been waiting for this day for forever. Let's go."