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

Chapter 26.) Regrets and the Games Others Play

Friday around noon- Florence, Italy – U.S. Consulate

Jason, Elizabeth, Aurora and Cameron arrived at the U.S. Consulate Office to present their papers and fill out the nulla osta form, which indicated that both of them were not married. For Jason he'd never been calmer. 'This is the most right I've ever felt. I can't believe my dreams… My DREAMS are coming true. How did I get so fortunate?'

Elizabeth, was never surer of Jason's love for her, but putting her name out there for Helena to find was nerve-wracking. She worked so hard for them to remain anonymous and here this government agency was asking her to give away her name and location.

"Jason," Elizabeth whispered.

"Yeah," he whispered back noticing how nervous she was.

"They want our real names and our address. Any advice?"

"It's fine. Use your real name since we want our marriage to be legal, but put down this address," Jason said pulling out a sheet of paper with a different address on it.

"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked.

"Absolutely. It's a decommissioned safe house that I purchased the other day from Maximus Giambetti," Jason replied.

"Okay. Gee, you've sure given this a lot of forethought. Thank God for that," Elizabeth replied.

"Of course I have. I've only been planning on marrying you since I left your studio back in '99." Jason explained.

"Really? And you said you have a hard time with your imagination."

"It's not hard for me to imagine a future when you're involved. You're every dream I've ever had."

"Oh you are good," Elizabeth replied as she finished filling out the paperwork with a huge smile on her face. As Elizabeth started to stand up, Jason stopped her and took the paperwork up. Then came back and sat back down, "Thanks for taking that up."

"Don't think I haven't noticed how swollen your little ankles have become. You need to put your legs up when we get back," Jason instructed.

"When did you get so bossy?" Elizabeth asked.

"Hey that's my line, for all the times that you've had to save me. You're carrying our child. If I have to tie you down, I will," Jason whispered.

"That sounds like it could be fun," Elizabeth answered back while wiggling her eyebrows and bursting out laughing. Jason just shook his head and smiled at her antics. After waiting for about 20 minutes, the couple was called back.

"Mr. Morgan, Ms. Spencer, Please come in and sit down. My name is Maria Gespova. I understand that the two of you wish to wed."

"That's right we do," Jason answered.

"You both attest to and have paperwork that shows you're divorced."

"Yes," Jason and Elizabeth answered in unison.

"Great, all of your paperwork checks out. So, congratulations. You've been approved. "

"Jason, we've been approved!"

"I know. I can't believe it myself, Elizabeth." Jason said as he reached over and grabbed her face for a kiss. When the couple finished kissing they stood and made their way over to the kids.

Cameron and Aurora were watching a newly downloaded movie from Disney.

"Ready to head back?" Jason asked

"I am. I can't wait to be Mrs. Jason Morgan."

"I can't wait for that either," Jason said. "Hey kiddos, ready to head back? We have a lot to do before tomorrow."

"Yes, Uncle Jason," Aurora replied slowly standing up.

"Yes, Daddy," Cameron carefully handing back the iPAD.

"Let's go then," taking the device from Cameron, and taking his hand while Aurora took Elizabeth's hand.

As Jason was driving back, he drove past the province where they lived taking the highway down to the coast. Elizabeth hadn't noticed because she was asleep, as were the munchkins in the back. Growing a baby seemed to be exhausting Jason observed to himself casually looking over at Elizabeth. 'How in the world did she think that she would have the energy to do all of this on her own? His Elizabeth was so desperate to keep the children (all of them) safe that she probably hadn't given any thought to how taxing having a baby while caring for two toddlers was going to be. Yet, she did an amazing job of it. She was so caring, gentle, imaginative, smart, sexy, beyond beautiful, fierce and tomorrow she would be all his, legally. He was one lucky bastard.'

As he continued to drive up to the coast his mind wandered in thought. Eventually, he rolled up to the villa that he rented for the ceremony tomorrow. He parked the car and looked at the sleeping beauty next to him, then checked his children in the back through his rearview mirror. He'd taken the liberty of organizing the wedding on a gazebo, at sunset for the following day. He had Emily help him find beautiful dresses for her, Elizabeth, and Aurora. He wanted Elizabeth pampered, and to know that she was loved. Not because of the baby but because she was literally his everything. In his basest form, she was his woman, and his woman would want for nothing and never have to suffer. Well at least not anymore if he could help it. There was no woman that came and left his life that compared to how he felt for her. It took her fleeing in terror to make him realize what he almost lost and what he'd been willing to settle for in tying himself to Sonny's sloppy seconds, to coin Lucky's phrase and use it on a more appropriate example. He'd come home and left many times, sometimes declaring that he wouldn't be back, but Elizabeth was a constant in his life, even in the background. A world without Elizabeth in it would be an awful experience, a nightmare if he were able to truly have any. Sam was just a fill-in for what he couldn't have, or at least that's what he'd been thinking. 'Sam, what a waste of time.' Looking over at Elizabeth, he couldn't figure out what he ever saw in Sam. Bonding over the death of child, was one thing. 'How could I push Elizabeth to the periphery of my life? I should've fought for her, like the princess she is. Elizabeth had always been generous with him. Protecting him when he couldn't protect himself, nurturing him back to health, listening without judgement, loving him without expectation. Why had it taken me so long to see it? She's always loved me, and I was too foolish to see it. If I had just found the words I could've been in her life years ago, and there it was: regret. It appeared he suffered from it too where she was concerned. I guess, when you grow up as neglected as she's been you learn not to expect too much from others, that way you can't get hurt too badly, and yet Elizabeth wasn't hardened. She was gentle and kind to those around her, even those who least deserved it, even him. Looking over at her sleeping form he thought, 'I swear to you Elizabeth you're everything I have ever wanted, my ideal, and my angel. I will spend every day of our lives proving it to you.' He gently reached over and stroked her face.

"Elizabeth, wake up. Sweetie, we're here."

Shifting her head into his palm, she was started to emerge from her slumber, "Hmmmm…we're here?"

"Yeah babe. We are," Jason said.

Slowly Elizabeth opened her eyes, "I'm sorry Jason. Some help I am, here I am supposed to be keeping you company on the ride home and I fall asleep on you."

"Elizabeth, you being in my general vicinity is an automatic comfort and company, and like I've told you before you're always helpful. You have our baby growing inside of you. That's exhausting work."

"You're so good to me, Jason. How'd I get so lucky?"

"I feel like the lucky one, that what I was just thinking to myself the entire drive here," Jason replied.

Elizabeth was looking around outside and happened to notice that they weren't at home, "Jason, where are we?" she said with a slight smile.

"This is my wedding surprise. We aren't getting married at Il Mio Vento, we're getting married on the beach tomorrow. I thought you'd appreciate being away from home and since I know how worried you are about Helena's stupid A-S-S. I thought we'd have the ceremony away from the house. In case any of her people were lurking around."

"Oh Jason, you really do think of everything. You make me feel so free, and safe. Thank you…just thank you," she said as tears started to pool in her eyes, "And cue the hormonal tears."

"I like the hormonal tears. I just don't like the tears that come from pain," Jason said, wiping them from her face, "Are you ready to explore?"

"Boy am I ever, but first I need to…"

Jason interrupted her and said, "Pee."

Elizabeth burst out laughing, "You really do know me so well. We're a real couple now for sure. We're talkin' bodily functions."

"Baby, I will talk over anything you want to talk about."

"I'm a lady. I won't kiss and tell everything."

"Yes, you're a lady. My lady. So let's get you and the kids inside, and we can all explore our bodily functions separately together."

Elizabeth burst out laughing.

"Cameron, Aurora, come on you two we're here."

The children slowly opened their eyes.

Aurora let out a giant yawn as she sleepily rubbed her tired eyes, "Where are we, Uncle Jason?"

"We're at the beach, little Angel," Jason answered as he helped her get her shoes back on.

"That's so cool!" Cameron replied with enthusiasm, "Come on Rora let's go see the new house on the beach."

Aurora followed him up the walkway almost running.

"No running, Aurora!" Elizabeth reminded hating to even have to say it.

Noticing this as they walked to the door, "Hey, only a couple of more weeks and she'll get the all clear, and she'll be dancing and running in no time."

"I know. I just hate to even have to remind her of that. As if the scars aren't enough."

"The scars?" Jason questioned in a whisper.

"Oh yeah, Jase. Noah Drake, did his best to minimize it, but if they go in the water while we're here, you'll see. She has an elongated scar along her thoracic cavity."

"I don't ever help change her. I thought that might feel like a violation of her trust. Unless she really needed me to help of course."

"Oh I know that. It's just that here comes that mean old Aunt Lizzie again telling me I can't do something."

"She knows how much you love her. Maybe when she gets older if the scar really upsets her we'll get it removed. I'll do anything to help her you know that."

"That's why you're my hero…Now hero, hurry to that door because I really have to pee."

"Yes, Ma'am," Jason replied with a laugh.

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Port Charles 7 am Friday Morning.

Sonny had just sent his sons off with the guard so they could get to school. Michael was school age, but Morgan was in pre-school.

His phone started ringing and he answered on the second ring.

"Ah, Mr. Corinthos, This is Cody we have a serious problem."

"What is it?"

"I came into the security office at the towers and when I walked in Ritchie was passed out on the job, the coffee burner was on and the coffee was scorched."

"Ritchie, was sleeping on the job?" Sonny asked.

"Yeah, we could've had a major security breach and we wouldn't even know it," Cody replied.

"I'll be over shortly. Keep Ritchie there. Who was working the Tower Security yesterday?"

"During the day shift it was Milo, Ritchie took over at 7:00 PM ," answered Cody.

"I'll be over in the next 20 minutes. Do me a favor and call Milo in."

"Will do, Boss."

"Thanks Cody."

Cody called Milo down to the security office. Thankfully it wouldn't take him long to commute since he lived in the building.

After 20 minutes, Sonny, Milo, Cody were all standing around Ritchie questioning him.

"Did you get enough sleep before you came on your shift, yesterday Ritchie?"

"I did. I was as well rested as always."

"What's the last thing that you remember?" Cody asked.

"I was monitoring the cameras and drinking my coffee like always. I put on the game on the radio so I could have the Yanks on in the background. Helps keep me focused."

"Not this time it didn't," Sonny added.

"I swear, all I did was sit down and drink the coffee while I watched the monitors, which by the way was very bitter."

"That's bull man. I know how to work a coffee machine," Milo said in defense.

"I'm telling you as I was drinking it I kept thinking that maybe you forgot to change the filter or something."

Sonny walked over to it and poured a small amount in the cup, taking a small swig. It was burned alright, but Ritchie wasn't wrong the taste was bitter, "Cody you were a marine. Take a swig of this, and while I know it's burned tell me what else you taste."

Cody walked over and poured himself a small amount. Swishing it around lightly, "There's something in that coffee, like a med or something. That coffee is definitely dosed with something."

"I swear, I didn't put anything other than grounds in the coffee machine," Milo said in defense.

"I'm not saying that you did," Sonny replied. He knew the Giambetti's and they were honest boys. There was no way that Milo would do something to sabotage them.

"Milo, didn't you say there was something wrong with door yesterday?" Cody asked, "I called the locksmith to upgrade the locks. Did they ever make it?"

"Not on my shift," Milo said.

"They never came while I was awake," said Ritchie.

"Okay, I'm going to put another call to change the locks," Cody said, "Then I know a friend from the core that left and became a toxicologist. Maybe we have him test it to be safe?"

Sonny shook his head in agreement, "I want the footage from the stationary camera footage and the stationary camera's behind the mirrors reviewed. Start with Jason's floor and this floor. I'm calling Stan and Spinelli to work on it."

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Friday late afternoon, Beach Villa, Undisclosed location, Italy

"Uncle Jason, look it. There's a dolphin fin!" Aurora exclaimed from the shore.

Jason looked out over the water, "I believe you're right Aurora."

"Lemme-see," said Cameron.

Jason picked him and pointed out the fin, "See, Cam. See the fin. That's a dolphin fin."

"Wow. That's so cool, Daddy. I wanna be a dolphin," said Cameron as Jason set him down and Cameron ran around pretending he was a dolphin.

Aurora broke out in giggles watching her cousin and his dolphin moves.

"You two want to build a sand castle?"

"Yeah, let's do it," said Cameron.

"I want to too!" said Aurora.

"Alright let's get started. Hand me that bucket please Cameron."

"Okay, Daddy."

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Inside the Villa

"Em, Francis, Johnny, you made great time," Elizabeth greeted them at the door, "Dinner's on the patio. Jason's down on the beach with kids."

"Oh, I can't wait, I famished," said Emily she walked up to Elizabeth giving her big hug.

"How were things back at the house Francis?" Elizabeth asked as they made their way through the villa.

"Fine, the security detail that we've hired are doing great, and the guard we picked to handle the dogs in your absence is working out nicely."

"That's great to know," Elizabeth said turning around as she escorted the three guests to the patio.

"So Johnny, how long do we get to be in your excellent company?" Elizabeth asked her favorite Irish guard.

"I will be in this area for a few more days, Lizbits."

"I'm so glad to hear it. It hasn't been the same without both you and Francis around. Jason ordered a little bit of everything from the menu, so get whatever you like. We've already eaten, and I was just putting my feet up for a bit. Jason's down on the beach, building a sand castle with the munchkins."

"Gosh Liz, you're soaking it up aren't you?" Emily asked.

"I am, Emily. I really am. I just…I've never been so happy. I've been walking through this life dreaming of this day for so long, thinking I've missed my chance with Jason, and to get to live this dream, is more than I ever thought possible."

"Hey everyone," Jason asked, as he knelt down and gave Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I've been up here eating, resting, and expanding my waistline in your absence," Elizabeth answered.

"Good," Jason replied with a laugh.

Elizabeth and the children walked inside and turned on the T.V. where they had a movie set up earlier.

"Em, how are you feeling?" Jason asked looking at his sister with concern.

"I'm alright Jase. Just a little tired," she said folding up her napkin having finished her meal.

"I got you another disposable phone. Tomorrow after the wedding why don't you give Nik a call?"

"Okay, thank you, Jase. That was so thoughtful of you."

"Of course anything for you, you know that. Hey, did you have a problem getting the dresses?"

"No they will be delivered here tomorrow at 10:00 am."

"Perfect, thank you so much Emily. I know it was a lot to ask,"

"Nah, it was really fun actually," Emily replied with mirth.

"I'm glad you had fun then!" Jason replied as he stood and gave her a kiss on the forehead before going inside.

Jason, noticed Elizabeth get up and head with Aurora up the stairs, "Are you heading up for the night?" Jason asked.

"Soon. I'm going to get the kids down. I was going to get Aurora washed up and come back down for Cam, and get him cleaned up."

"I'll take care of Cameron, just promise me you won't go to sleep without saying goodnight to me. I have to kiss you since I'll be deprived of your company tonight. Hopefully, for the last time."

"God, that sounds so good, Jason," Elizabeth said with a smile as Jason pecked her lips. Jason then looked over at his niece, "Aurora can I get a hug?"

"Oh I'm sorry Uncle Jason," she said as she held out her arms for a hug.

Jason bent down and picked up the little girl, "I love you, Aurora. Don't you ever doubt that," Jason said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek and a tight hug.

"Night Uncle Jason," Aurora said with a wave as she walked behind her Aunt Lizzie up the stairs. Liz thought their relationship was sweet.

"Night sweet Aurora," Jason said

After Jason and Elizabeth got the kids down in separate beds, they met up in the middle of the upstairs hallway. Their rooms were at opposite ends, "I love you Jason. I can't wait for tomorrow. I can't wait to be your wife. I'm not sure I deserve you but I endeavor to try."

"I think you've got this all backwards. I will work every to keep your heart, since you're entrusting it to me. I love you so much. You're essential to my life. I don't think I'll ever have the right words to tell you how I feel."

"You just did, but truthfully, I don't need words. All I have to do is look at your wonderful, soulful eyes and they tell me all I need to know, Jason," Elizabeth said as Jason dipped his head down for a kiss.

Breaking apart for air Jason said, "I love you my beautiful Elizabeth. Get some rest, tomorrow the rest of our lives start, as one."

"As one," she whispered back.

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Port Charles – Greystone Manor.

"Sonny, I think I've got something," Stan said.

"Whatcha got man?" Sonny replied.

"Someone came in during the shift change, and hid in the security room. I can't tell who it is from the angle. I'm gonna watch for the next hour or so and see if I can't figure out who it is. This person is smaller than the guards though. I know that much."

"Good work, keep on it," Sonny replied, "Spinelli where are you with it?"

"Nothing so far Mr. Sir. If someone were to have traversed up to Stone Cold's penthouse they used their nefarious skills to avoid detection from the camera's that scan, though I've not yet checked the stationary one at the end of the hall, hidden behind the mirror," Spinelli explained.

Perplexed with the way Spinelli spoke Sonny just said, "Just keep looking."

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Port Charles- Friday Night- Room above Kelly's

Her breasts were bouncing in the air, as she rode her stepfather, or soon to be ex-stepfather.

"That's right. Take my dick," Ric said as he grabbed her hips and grinded up into with all his strength.

"Ugh…right there," Sam said imagining it was Jason.

"Are you still thinking about him?" asked Ric as he continued to plow upward into Sam. He leaned forward and kissed the spot in between her breasts.

"Uh…what….do…you…think?" Sam replied.

"That's okay, I'm imagining fucking Elizabeth too."

With that Sam slapped him, and continued fucking him through her rage, "What is it with men and her? She just a simpering goody two shoes." she screamed never breaking her rhythm, "I bet she's boring as hell in bed."

"Not-not on your life Sam. Bar none she was the best lay to date that I've ever had."

"Where do I rate on this ridiculous scale of yours?" Sam panted out.

"You're a- You're a five at best," Ric replied.

"Jerk-Mmmmm," Sam replied as she slapped him again, "If I'm so lousy why are you here?"

"Lousy sex, is still better than no sex, Sam," Ric replied as he finished.

"You're so evil, Ric. Why do you feel the need to cut me down?"

"I'm paying you a compliment. You scored two points higher in my book than the late Faith Roscoe. Thanks for planting the evidence by the way."

"Wasn't too hard," Sam replied.

"It's nice to know that you're good for something other than an occasional fuck, and the ability to convert oxygen to carbon dioxide…Look I know that you enjoy having my dick in you, but could you please get off of me so I could go home and scour my body of your grime."

"Gladly," Sam said completely hurt by Ric's callous remarks.

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Saturday Morning, Villa on the Beach, Italy – Undisclosed location

"Aunt Lizzie wake up! Wake up. We're getting married today!"

"I know baby, let's get Emily up and get some breakfast."