A/N – Thanks for the comments! I'm glad you liked the godparents part.

Chapter 49

The next day, Jason had a checkup.

Leo examined his leg. "Well, it's healing nicely. How have you been tolerating putting weight on it?"

"I'm using one crutch. It's kind of awkward with the boot, but I think my hesitation is partly mental. I'm expecting it to hurt."

"I want you to go to therapy with Dante the next couple of days. You'll need some comfortable sneakers. The swelling is still going to be a problem. With you working and not putting your foot up all day, the fluid is going to pool."

"So, no more boot?"

Leo slightly smiled. "Nope. Tomorrow, you can ditch it. You'll need to use the crutch a few days until you're used to walking and feel more confident. Of course, you'll need to continue your therapy and not over do it. Don't jar your leg, no running, jumping, and you can't walk far—and no heavy lifting. For the next three weeks, if you take it easy, you'll be in the clear."

Jason smiled. "I will." He had no intention of ruining his progress. "Can I ask you an embarrassing question?"

Leo chuckled. "Sex?"

"Yes."

"Well, there is no reason you can't. Your nerves and muscles are still healing, tensing could cause you some pain and of course, certain positions will be more comfortable than others. I wouldn't advise you getting on your knees. Let her do the work for a while. It won't be forever."

Jason nodded.

"Any other questions?"

"Nope." He already knew the score on everything else.

"Well, take care and I'll see you back in three weeks."

"Thanks."

He headed towards Elizabeth office to share the good news. When he arrived, she was just finishing up a phone call.

"Hey. How did it go?"

"I'm out of this evil contraption tomorrow."

She grinned and then got up and gave him a hug. "That's great news."

"I thought you'd like it." He kissed her languidly.

"Mmmmmm."

"I have to take it easy for three weeks and then I'm good to go."

Her eyes narrowed as they separated. "How good?"

Jason chuckled. "Not that good. For now, you'll have to do most of the work."

She pouted.

"Don't worry, I will make you very happy."

"I will have to take your word for it."

"What about the wedge?"

"I'll have to keep it up at night since I'm on it all day, but I can use it after I'm done having my way with you."

She smiled. "Good plan."

Brooklyn rushed in. "Oops, sorry."

"It's okay. I have to get back to work." He placed one last peck on her delicious lips before smiling at Brooklyn and then leaving.

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The next night, Liz finished placing the last bowl of chips on the table and then ran to answer the door.

"Hey guys," she said as she stepped back to let them in.

Johnny touched her arm as he went by and Danielle smiled. Kylie was too busy taking in her surroundings to say anything. "I love it," she said as she looked around the room.

"I'm glad that you like it."

"Where's Jason?"

Liz thought about what Amelia had told her. "He's in the bathroom. He'll be right out."

"Do you need help with anything?" Danielle asked.

"No, everything is set up and the pizza should be here any minute."

Kylie clapped her hands together.

"Why don't you sit down and I'll bring you something to drink?"

Kylie sat on the couch and that is when Jason walked towards her. When she saw he was no longer in the boot she was so excited. "How does it feel?"

"It's awkward, but it doesn't hurt." He was still getting used to it.

"Come sit," Kylie said patting the seat next to him.

Elizabeth had told him about Kylie's crush.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm a lot better."

Jason smiled. "It's nice to hear that."

Danielle hid her grin with her hand at her daughter's antics. She was now leaning her head against Jason's arm and he wasn't sure quite what to do about it.

Johnny decided to rescue him. "Kylie, would you like to see the balcony?"

"Yes!"

He picked her up and she held onto his neck. Liz opened the door for them and Johnny sat in a chair.

"She's not bothering you right?" Danielle asked.

Jason shook his head. "No. She's fine."

There was a knock on the door and Amelia, Steven, Patrick, and Epiphany came in.

Liz gave them hugs and they got comfortable.

"I'm glad that you could make it," Danielle said.

"I can always eat some pizza," Patrick said.

"Where's Emily?" Liz asked.

"She's at the hospital," Steven said before grabbing some chips. "I'm starving."

"The food will be here within the next few minutes."

Amelia saw Johnny on the balcony and joined them. "Hello."

"Hi Amelia," Kylie said.

"I bought you something."

Kylie sat up. "What?"

Amelia handed her a box and Kylie quickly tore the paper off and then gasped.

"It's beautiful."

"Want to put it on?"

She nodded.

Amelia helped her put on the tiara and then Kylie slid off Johnny's lap and went inside to show her mom.

"That was very nice of you."

"A little girl needs girlie things. She is a princess after all."

"That is true."

"How did she sleep last night?"

"She cried when she saw some of Katherine's things and then she was out like a light."

Amelia sat next to him. "I had the same nightmare again last night. I'm hoping they'll go away soon."

"They will. It's just going to take time." He was having the same problem and it was reminding him of the fact that he hadn't been able to save her.

"Are you having them?"

He hadn't admitted that to anyone.

She watched as he nodded and then reached over and squeezed his hand. "It will be okay. I promise."

"It's going to be rough next week, but I'll just try to keep myself busy at work."

"I tell you what, I love to eat and I'm sure that you do too. Why don't we have dinner in the evenings that way we both won't have to be alone?"

He looked over at her. "Really?"

"Yeah. It will help us avoid our relentless feeling of being a failure."

"Alright, I'm game."

"Maybe we can throw in a Jake's night."

"That sounds even better."

Liz appeared in the doorway. "Pizza is here."

Amelia jumped up. "You don't have to tell me twice."

"Don't they feed you at the hospital?" Johnny asked as he walked behind her.

"We don't always have time. It was busy today."

They went into the dining room and everyone loaded up their plates.

Kylie was in heaven when she bit into a slice. The hospital food had no flavor, so she was happy to get to eat good food.

They all happily ate and then Elizabeth started scooping ice cream and Johnny offered his help.

"Grab a scooper."

"Thanks again for doing this," he said as he put some ice cream in a bowl.

"I'm having fun and I like spending time with her."

"Well, now that you're a godmother you have responsibilities."

"That's true. I have to act all godmotherly and stuff."

He grinned. "It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it."

"Godmother?"

Liz turned to look at Epiphany. "You rang."

"Your goddaughter is requesting mint chocolate chip with sprinkles, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup."

"You think you can handle that?" Liz asked Johnny.

"You handle the whipped cream and I'll do the rest."

"Slacker…"

Piph chuckled, glad to see that the awkwardness was disappearing.

"What do you want, Piph?" Johnny asked.

"Chocolate with whipped cream."

"I'm on it." They finished up with the specialty orders and then Amelia helped place the condiments on the table with the bowls.

Patrick sighed as he sat back in his chair. "That was delicious."

"That definitely hit the spot," Steven said.

"It was good," Kylie said.

"I'm going to be in a carb coma in about five minutes," Amelia added.

"Make that two," Piph said.

"Amateurs," Patrick said. "I'll be ready for round two in about fifteen minutes."

"Please. You'll probably be passed out in the recliner."

Liz chuckled.

"I called a friend of mine who works at a hospital near you. He'll keep tabs on Kylie for you," Patrick said. "I'll give you the information later."

"Thank you," Danielle said.

"Jason, will you color with me?" Kylie asked.

"Okay."

They went into the living room.

"When are you actually leaving?"

"Well, probably in three days. Kylie is doing well and I want to get back to a routine before school starts. Johnny called a friend and I'm going to be a receptionist for his company."

"That's great!

Danielle's eyes started to tear. "You have all been so wonderful. I don't know what we would have done without you."

Amelia rubbed her arm.

Steven held up his glass. "To friendship."

They all did the same and took a sip.

"Can you roll me to the door?" Steven asked.

"Do you have a shift?" Liz asked.

"Yeah."

"Poor baby. Take a couple of slices for Emily. I need to get rid of some of this pizza. I already saved a couple of slices for Kylie."

"Okay."

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Jeff walked into the house. Andrea was on the couch sipping some wine. "Hey."

"How was your day?"

"Busy, but I like it that way. What did you do?"

Andrea had a rare day off. "I had a mani/pedi and went shopping."

"I'm sorry I missed it."

She laughed. "Sure you are. There's some lasagna in the microwave."

"Yum. Did you eat already?"

"No, I was waiting for you."

"Let's go woman, I'm starving."

"Hold your horses." She followed him into the kitchen. "I was thinking that maybe we could go to Colorado in about a week. I made reservations. There's a hotel nearby. I refuse to sleep in that house." She pulled her phone out of her pocket. "I'll forward you the details."

"Okay. What about the demolition team?" He turned on the microwave and then grabbed a couple of plates.

"It's already arranged. Francis helped me."

"They are out to dinner right now."

Andrea smiled. She was so happy for Sarah. "I can't wait to hear about it. Thank you for calling her. It was just what I needed."

"I'm glad I made the right choice." He leaned over and kissed her. "Are you my dessert?"

His eyes darkened. "Do you want me to be?"

"Always."

"Then I can't help but say yes."

He laid a lingering kiss on her as she snaked her arms around him. "I'm almost ready to ditch dinner."

"Oh no you're not. You need to eat. I know you probably haven't stopped."

"You're right."

He sat and she dished some out and joined him. Jeff couldn't remember when he had been so happy.

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Francis opened the passenger side door and Sarah got out. She was so excited to be on their first date. He took her hand and led her to the door. "Ladies first," he said as he opened it.

"Thank you."

They went inside and a rather robust Italian woman walked towards them. Her eyes narrowed and a slew of Italian flew out of her mouth as she chided Francis and then hugged him. Sarah bit her lip so she wouldn't laugh.

"Sarah, this is my Aunt Rosie."

"Let me look at you," she said are her eyes perused Sarah's body. "You are beautiful, but a little on the skinny side. Let Aunt Rosie fatten you up."

Sarah chuckled. "Thanks."

"It's no trouble," she said as she walked away.

"Are we supposed to follow her?"

Francis grinned. "No."

His uncle appeared and he rattled off some Italian as the men hugged. "It's so good to see you. It's been too long."

Francis's mother had passed away several years ago, so he always checked in on her brother and his wife.

"I'll try to do better."

"I know you're busy, but if you don't visit more often, Rosemary will make my life hell."

"We wouldn't want that," Francis said as he placed his hand on Sarah's back. "This is my girlfriend, Sarah."

"It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Anthony. It's a pleasure to meet you too," he said before kissing her hand. "I hope you don't have any allergies."

"Nope."

Anthony smiled. "That is music to my ears. Come!" He led them to a table and then held out Sarah's chair. "May I bring you some wine?"

"That sounds perfect."

"I will not steer you wrong."

He disappeared and Francis took her hand.

"They are wonderful," Sarah said as she perused the small restaurant.

"That is my mom's brother. He has always looked after me."

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"I have a sister. She lives in Scotland."

Sarah made a face.

"Don't ask." His sister was married to husband number three and he really hoped this one stuck. "She's a wild one."

Sarah chuckled. "Is that why my personality didn't bother you?"

"You have nothing on her. I love her, but she is more than a handful."

Anthony came back with the glasses and poured. "Enjoy. I'll bring you some bruschetta."

Francis grabbed his glass. "To us."

"To us."

They sipped their wine and then he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. Francis was falling for her and she felt the same way.

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Liz shut the door after the last person left and found herself pushed up against it. "Mmmmm."

Jason was already making her feel dizzy and she was matching his tongue stroke for stroke. Breaking away, she pushed up his shirt and then kissed a path up to his mouth.

"Bedroom," he growled.

She grinned. "I was just showing you that there is nothing wrong with my mouth."

"I already knew that."

They made their way upstairs. Jason ripped off his shirt and then sat on the bed.

She saw the boot at the foot of the bed. "I was thinking, if you want to burn that thing we can."

"That would be some hot foreplay."

"I'll show you hot."

Slowly, she eased off her shirt as he licked his lips. He hadn't expected it to go like this, but nothing about them was conventional. Besides, he wanted her in the worst way. It was all he could think about. The things he wanted to do to her would make her blush and he couldn't wait to get started.