A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you liked the Brenda smack down and the family coming together. * Kikimoo - Jake was 9 when he was kidnapped. Remember, I changed his age.

I figured I'd give you a weekend chapter since this is winding down.

Chapter 52

Brenda knocked on the penthouse door and after a few seconds, Elizabeth opened it.

"What do you want Brenda?"

"I came to apologize. Maybe I was a little out of line."

Liz's eyebrow shot up. "A little?"

"May I come in?"

Liz pursed her lips and thought for a moment. "No." She slammed the door shut as a stunned Brenda stared at it. A few second later, Jason jerked it open and stepped into the hallway. "What do you want?"

She sputtered for a second. "Look, I'm sorry I yelled at you in a public."

"Are you? You never find out the whole story before you go off."

"It's just—Sonny called me and he was so upset. He asked me not to say anything, but I couldn't help it."

"And you don't think he didn't know that?"

She glared at him.

"Brenda, Sonny fucked up and I dealt with it without killing him. You should be happy."

"He just had you followed. It wasn't his fault that Richie was an idiot."

"He started the whole thing instead of just coming to me. I am trying to have a life with my family after sacrificing years of my life for Sonny and the business. I get to have that chance and if Sonny can't handle that, then it's too damn bad."

Brenda had watched Jason with Liz for a few minutes before she had yelled. She could tell that he was happy. It had actually shocked her that he was being playful. Jason hadn't been this passionate in a long time about anything besides avoiding her. "Okay. I'll back down. How is Jake?"

Jason didn't know if he should trust her or not. "He's surviving. Helena really messed him up, but he's a great man and I'm proud to be his dad."

His brows unfurrowed and his jaw unclenched. The Jason standing in front of her was not the same man that she had battled in the past and she was really not use to the changes. Retreating was probably her best option.

"I should go. Tell Liz that I truly am sorry."

"She's pissed, but as long as you don't repeat what you did, she a very forgiving person." Right now, his girl didn't want Brenda in her house and neither did he.

"And you?"

Jason gazed at her for a few seconds. "No offensive, but I don't give a shit what you or the rest of the town thinks of what I did to Sonny or how I live my life. I'm happy and I have the family I have always wanted. If anyone comes against us, then I will deal with them swiftly. That is how important they are to me."

Brenda swallowed languidly, pushing down her normal snarkiness towards him. "Be happy Jason. I'm sorry that I went off on you." She walked towards the elevator and pushed the button and Jason went back inside the penthouse.

"Is she gone?"

"Yes."

"Good." She wasn't going to apologize for slamming the door in Brenda's face. As far as Liz was concerned, she deserved it.

He kissed her gently. "I love you baby."

"I love you too. I just hate your trail of annoying banshees."

He chuckled. "Sorry."

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For the next month and a half, Jake continued to go through therapy. It was rough, but he was definitely making progress. Working helped give him an outlet and Nikolas was true to his word and they worked together seamlessly. Nikolas actually liked some of Jake's ideas and helped him make them even better. Cam liked his new job and he and Emma came back once to visit, but it was tough being away from the people they loved.

Aidan had stopped going to therapy and Danny was up to his neck in it, going twice a week. When it came down to it, Franco agreed to step back because Danny couldn't handle him being his dad after all the bad he had done. Sam had found a job and got a small apartment with the money she had gotten from selling the house. They were staying in the area because she didn't want to switch therapists. Danny spoke to Jason on the phone every week. The doctor said that was fine because it seemed to help him. Franco was partially paying for what he did by losing his son. Nothing he could say or do swayed Danny. Tumor or no tumor, Danny couldn't betray his mom by loving his father. It was a bad situation and now Danny was learning to cope with his decision.

Sonny was living on the island, acting like he owned it and Jason didn't care as long as he was gone. He ran the casino and it gave him something to focus on. He sent Carly divorce papers because he didn't think it was fair to drag the ending of their relationship out. She loved her job and Avery was in school and had family there. It would be too disruptive to make her move and besides, he really didn't think Carly would leave her kids anyway. Going back was not an option, but he had a computer and talked to the kids via face chat. It was a bleak way to live his life, but he was trying to make the best of it.

Jason was focused on getting John trained. The family had agreed that he work late nights so it would go faster. That meant that Elizabeth stayed up later so she could see him. She was really tired, but they thought it was due to lack of sleep more than anything else.

On Jason's birthday, everything changed.

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Monica welcomed the Morgan family into the mansion. Cam was back and she was happy to see him. Liz stalled Jason slightly, and then they went into the living room where all their friends and family were waiting.

"Surprise," everyone yelled.

Jason chuckled as he looked around at all the familiar faces. "Thanks."

They sang happy birthday and Jason took it all in stride. There were lots of hugs and slaps on the back. He was surprised to see Danny and gave him a big hug. Carly, Michael, Morgan, and Avery were there as well.

Patrick gave him a giant fake bottle of Geritol which made Tracy crack up.

"Jason, open this next," Aidan said handing him a box.

"Okay." Jason slid the paper off and smiled when he saw the box with new work boots. "Thanks! I needed them."

Cam handed him another one and when he opened it and saw the jacket, Jason didn't think he could smile any wider.

"Looking good," Epiphany said.

"You always think he looks good," Liz said.

"True."

"Epiphany is good for my ego." He couldn't believe how much stuff he was getting. Spinelli had gotten him a new attachment for his bike to hold a bigger bag. John, the guys at the warehouse, and Michael and Morgan had pitched in and got the felt on his pool table re-done and the legs re-finished. It looked brand new. Monica and Tracy got him a weekend away where you go to this company and make your own beer. It was a motorcycle ride away, so he was looking forward to taking Liz with him. Patrick and Maya got him some tools for his bike and Vicky got him this crazy helmet that had music and a phone connection. Supposedly, it was the best headgear on the market. Carly had taken a picture of his family and friends at the park and framed it. Everyone looked so happy.

"One more," Aidan said.

"You guys are spoiling me."

"Get used to it," Liz said.

He couldn't stop smiling. When he opened the box, he laughed. "This is from all my boys," he said looking at each one, Danny included. It was a number one dad t-shirt. "I will wear it proudly."

Monica wiped a tear away. Seeing Jason so happy and loved was just incredible. He had come such a long way.

"Now you can open mine," Liz said.

Jason grabbed the box and wondered what it could be. He had everything he needed. When he lifted the top, he quickly closed it and looked up at Elizabeth with his eyes full of tears. "Really?"

"Yes. I'm over two months along already."

Nobody moved. She hadn't told anyone. Elizabeth had managed to command complete silence in the Q mansion, a feat that had never happened before.

Jason stood and pulled her into his arms and laid a kiss on her that Liz wouldn't soon forget as everyone cheered wildly. Pulling back, he tuned it out and looked at her happily. "How long have you know?"

"Two days. I swore Sabrina to secrecy."

Monica approached them and gave them a hug. "I'm so happy for you."

"I feel so different this time. I was really tired, but I thought it was from staying up late. Then I was sick a few times in the morning and felt dizzy and decided to get checked out. They ran a test, so it's official." Normally, she'd wait to share the good news, but the timing with Jason's birthday was too perfect.

"Finally, I was starting to lose faith in your abilities," Patrick said.

"Someday you will learn to stop doubting me."

Epiphany gave him a hug. "I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks! You're going to be the godmother right?"

"I better be."

Liz chuckled.

"Who's the godfather? Maya asked.

Jason looked around the room like he was trying to decide. "Hmmmmm. Even though he's a pain in my butt, I chose Patrick because he watched over my family, making sure they were taken care of. He loved them and was there when they needed him. I can't thank him enough."

Patrick grinned and hugged him. "I knew you loved me."

Jason gave him a look and everyone laughed.

"We are going to be the best god parents ever," Patrick said before embracing Piph.

Liz laughed.

"Alright everyone, let's go into the party room," Monica said.

They headed to a large room that Lila used for entertainment back in the day. Jake had casino tables moved in and Jason's eyes lit up when he saw the poker tables.

"I'm on Jason's team," Max said.

The guys went over to the table and Jason kissed Elizabeth one more time before following them. The girls went towards the roulette table and she was the center of attention.

"I can't believe mom is having a baby," Aidan said.

"She looks really happy," Cam added.

Jake smiled. "I'm surprised, but I feel excited. It's like a new beginning."

Danny looked over at them. "We're lucky to have him in our lives." That was painfully apparent as he dealt with Franco. In the end, he wanted nothing to do with it.

Liz glanced over at them and waved and they smiled back.

"Aidan, if there's something you really want, now is probably a good time to ask," Jake said.

Aidan laughed. "I'll have to think about that." Georgie smiled at him and Cam chuckled.

"Is that your girl now?"

Aidan rolled his eyes. "We're just friends."

"That's how me and Emma started out."

"I'm going to marry Avery someday," Danny said. She stuck by him no matter what. That was important.

"She's a great girl," Cam said. Considering both her mother and father were on the crazy side, that said a lot.

Dillon was taking video and had taped the whole conversation. It would be interesting to play that back in a few years. Ned won and cheered as he told Tracy to pay up. Max looked up and totally lost his focus. "Who is that?"

"That is Alexis's real daughter, Lena," Spinelli said as they watched the Jerome family walk into the room.

Jason made a mental note to introduce them. Kristina ran over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck before handing him a present. She was a ball of energy and quickly went to find Elizabeth. Brooklyn walked in with her little girl Stella, who had just turned two, and she was quickly picked up by Elizabeth and doted on.

Liz found and chair and just took everything in. Jason had handled the surprise well and she was happy he was having a great night. She caught his gaze and he walked over to her.

"I missed you," he said picking her up and then placing her in his lap.

She leaned against his shoulder. "We're getting everything we ever wanted."

"I know. It's almost scary, but I'm so happy that I try to just focus on that. I wish Lila was still here."

"Me too."

"I love you Elizabeth. Thank you for giving me the best gift ever."

They kissed. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"Well you could of, but I hope it wouldn't have been as much fun."

She laughed.

Epiphany watched them kiss and smile and looked over at Maya. "They are beautiful aren't they?"

"Yeah. I love the way he looks at her."

"I can't wait for their wedding. I've waited a long time."

Maya chuckled. "So have they."

"Are you sleepy baby?" Jason asked.

"A little bit."

He kissed the tip of her nose. "You want to go?"

She lifted her head. "No. Everyone is having so much fun and they want to spend time with you. I'll go lay down if I have too."

"You're more important than this party."

She stroked his face. "I need to know one thing?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you going carry me everywhere for the next seven months?"

He grinned. "I was thinking about it. You can't be too careful." He placed his hand on her stomach. "I always felt you were so beautiful when you were pregnant."

"Trust me, I didn't feel beautiful."

"Elizabeth, no one in this room can hold a candle to you. You always took my breath away."

Her eyes began to tear. "I can't wait to see you with our baby." She snuggled into him more. "You looked really hot when you would hold Jake."

His eyes filled with lust. "I so want to take you home and—"

"And what?" Patrick asked as he crossed his arms.

Jason glared at Patrick. "You might not keep your godfather status by the time this baby is born."

He grinned. "Hold that thought. Aidan and Cam are sleeping over at our house and Jake is going to Abbie's. Sam and Danny are across the hall. So, you have the whole house to yourself. You can thank me later," he said before walking away.

Jason looked at his girl. "We can get a restraining order."

She laughed. "In one hour, you are going to take me home and make me scream your name over and over."

"Deal."

Jason did just that and as Liz softly slept, her breath tickling his chest, he looked up and said, "Thank you." He felt truly blessed.

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The next morning, Jason met Danny at Kelly's so he could see him before they went back. They embraced warmly.

"Did you have a good time?" Danny asked.

"Yes. It was great. How about you?"

"The guys are nice to me and Monica always has been."

Jason ordered and then focused on Danny. "How is therapy?"

"It's hard, but I think I'm doing better. Franco stays away and that's helping."

"I'm sorry. I tried not to sway you too far in either direction because I wanted you to make up your own mind. For the record, I respect your decision." It was a lot of pressure to put on a sixteen year old. While he had no feelings for Sam, he knew that she needed to find her own way too. If he had rescued her from the situation, she would have never stood on her own two feet.

"I know. At first, I thought you wanted me to be with him, but I get it now. If you told me to hate him, I would have and you didn't want to interfere."

"It was tempting to make the decision for you, but you're a young man and you're really strong Danny. You've been through a lot and you're still standing. I'm really proud of you."

Danny slightly smiled. "That means a lot to me—that you're proud."

The waitress put down their meal.

"I really appreciate that, but I also want you to follow your heart. I think everyone has someone in the back of their mind they don't want to disappoint, but you can't live your life in that space. Even if I don't like some of your decisions in the future, I will still love you."

Danny couldn't help it and smiled. It meant so much that Jason still thought of him like a son. "Dad."

"Yeah."

"I love you too."

Jason smiled. "Thanks."

The doors to the café opened and Jake, Cam, and Aidan walked in. "Did you really think you could escape us?" Jake asked.

Jason turned to look at them. "Who are you?"

Danny laughed. They sat down and the waitress took their orders and a great meal.

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Elizabeth's Birthday

By the time Elizabeth's birthday rolled around, she was already showing. The morning sickness had taken a toll on her body, but it was calming down a little. Mostly, she was just really tired. She felt like she was sleeping all day. Her doctor said to just listen to her body and nap when she needed too. Jason made sure she stayed hydrated and ate well. They were both surprised by how fast she showed, but the doctor said that it's not uncommon since this wasn't her first pregnancy. They had an appointment a few weeks later, and she hoped she could find out if she was having a girl.

Jason helped her get out of the car. Patrick had invited them over for dinner for her birthday. They planned to spend the weekend with the kids at the house and that was where they were going to have their celebration. At least that is what Elizabeth thought.