/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you enjoyed the playfulness. This is it! What a journey. I made a mistake yesterday that I corrected re: the fabrication person in Jason's shop. Sorry, it's been a rough week. I had an unexpected death occur of someone close to me so I'm a little scattered.

Trying to get a feel for what you guys want to read. In the beginning seems like everyone is into it and then it just dwindles and sometimes picks up later. Are you okay with me trying unique plots or do you like more traditional stories? I'm just trying not to be redundant. Let me know what you like.

With that said, I'm taking a break for a while. The next fic is really complex and I need to focus on it. I write and post several fics at once and it's just taking up all of my time. I'll still finish posting Transitions and Sleepy Hollow, for those reading them. I'll be gone for at least a few weeks (possibly 3). I almost hesitate to post something major around the holiday season because people are so busy. We'll see. If I do the big one it will be posted here and HH for sure (not sure about RTN).

As always, thanks for reading my fics. If you have any constructive feedback for me, please PM me. As long as you're respectful, I'm good. It will help me become a better writer.

And yes I've been fast forwarding so that you can get a glimpse of how their relationship develops.

Chapter 53 - Epilogue

Jason graduated school and they threw a huge party to celebrate his accomplishment. The next morning, hungover, they went to Kelly's to eat.

Manny and Carly were in town for a few days and Liz was so happy to see them. The business was going well and Manny had won an award for the comic book. Hector was very proud and attended the ceremony. That had meant everything to Manny. Francis and Tracy were dating quite seriously. She had finally gotten her man and they were happy.

Nicole had gotten up to use the bathroom and on her way back, Jason saw her face pale and she started to collapse. John and him got up at the same time and caught her.

"Nicole," Jason said loudly.

Bobbie happened to be there, so she knelt down and checked her out. "Has she been sick?"

"No."

"Her pulse is racing."

They couldn't wake her up. Jason picked her up and ran to the car. He put her in and Liz sat with her as he drove as fast as he could.

"Hello?"

"Johnny, where are you?"

"About fifteen minutes away."

There had been a shipment that was stolen the previous night, so he had missed most of the party.

"I don't want you to panic."

"What happened?"

"Nicole just passed out at Kelly's. I'm taking her to the hospital to get checked out."

Johnny couldn't believe it. "How much did she have to drink last night?"

"Nothing. She said her stomach hurt."

"Can I talk to her?"

"She's still unconscious."

"How long?"

"Five minutes—I'm pulling in. Be careful Johnny and watch your speed. You know they'll use anything as an excuse to arrest you." Jason swore he had an office at the PCPD they harassed him so much.

Okay."

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Monica had met them with a gurney and Nicole was carted away.

The rest of the gang congregated in the waiting room. Ten minutes later, Johnny ran in looking frazzled. "Where is she?"

"They are still examining her."

Monica walked out. "Johnny, can you come with me please."

He swallowed hard and followed her. They went into an examine room where Nicole was a complete wreck.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't do it on purpose. I swear."

Johnny felt like he couldn't breathe. He had no idea why she was so distraught.

"Her blood pressure is through the roof. Please try to calm her down."

Johnny snapped out of it and walked over to the bed and grabbed her hand as he smoothed her hair. "Nicole, I love you. Whatever it is, we'll handle it together."

She tried to take some deep breaths. "I'm pregnant."

Johnny's head tilted and he blinked several times. His knees started to give and luckily, Steven had come into the room and was able to guide him into a chair.

Nicole was losing her mind. "If you don't say something, I'm going to have this baby right now."

Steven's mouth dropped open.

"It's—it's too early."

She looked at him like he was crazy.

"I'm going to be a dad?"

"Apparently your little swimmers are quite potent," Nicole quipped.

Johnny smirked. "I love you and for the record, I'm happy."

Steven patted him on the back. "Congratulations you crazy kids."

Nicole shook her head. "I'm scared shitless. Suppose I suck? It's not like I had the greatest role models."

Johnny kissed her hand. "We'll figure it out together."

"I guess we better tell the gang before they go crazy."

"We have a lot to talk about."

"Okay."

There was no way that she was having this baby without being his wife first.

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You could hear a pin drop in the waiting room after Johnny dropped the news. Everyone looked dazed.

Jason had called Sonny and he pushed into the center of the group and warmly embraced his enforcer. "Congratulations."

"Thanks."

One by one, they gave Johnny a hug. Liz was the last one.

"I'm so happy for you. You're going to be such a great dad."

"I think Nicole could use a pep talk."

Liz ran off to the room so she could talk to her best friend.

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Nicole watched Elizabeth walk into the room.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes and no. I guess I just needed a bag of saline, but I'm really scared."

Liz sat down next to the bed and took her hand. "We'll all help out. You won't be alone."

"I know. I'm just scared I'm going to suck at it."

"Nicole, you always knew the right thing to say to me and there is no way you'll be like your father. You know that right?"

"Yeah."

"This baby is going to be gorgeous and I'm going to spoil her rotten."

Nicole smiled. "You think it's a girl?"

"Uh huh."

"Enjoy it Nicole. Don't concentrate on what could go wrong. Focus on everything that is right."

Nicole brushed a tear away. "Thank you for being such a great friend."

"Anytime."

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The Wedding

Jason and Elizabeth swayed to the music. The ceremony had been beautiful. Violet looked gorgeous and Sonny was handsome as ever. Nicole had caught the bouquet and Johnny the garter.

"What would you do if you were pregnant right now?" Jason asked as he looked over at Nicole who was glowing.

"Oh my Lord. I'm so not ready for that. We're so busy and I can't imagine taking on that responsibility."

"Yeah. Our schedules are already pretty crazy."

"However, when I am ready, you better handle it."

Jason laughed. "That's how it is?"

"Uh huh. Cause someday I will be ready Jason."

'I'll look forward to it."

They kissed and then the music abruptly stopped.

"Nicole and Johnny, front and center please," the DJ said.

Johnny held out his hand and Nicole grabbed the bouquet.

"It's show time," she said following him to the center of the floor.

She sat down in a chair and Johnny knelt in front of her and started to pull the garter belt up as everyone cheered.

"Look away," Nicole said loudly as she laughed.

Jason brought a mic over Johnny.

"Nicole, you came out of nowhere and slayed me. I am so in love with you. I told you that I'm willing to give you it all and I meant it. Will you be my wife baby? Will you marry me?"

Nicole had not see that coming. "Well slap me silly."

Liz started laughing. "Nicole, dammit, say yes."

Everyone laughed.

"Yes Johnny. I will marry you because you are the best thing that has ever happened to me."

They kissed as everyone cheered.

Sonny kissed his bride. "Now we can get out of here."

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One Year Later

Jason rocked Caitlyn O'Brien, trying to get her to go to sleep. She smiled at him and he grinned. "You're not tired at all are you?"

Liz looked up from her sketch pad. "She just likes being held by you."

"I don't think she cares that it's me."

"Are you kidding me? She coos when you pick her up and when I do, she looks at me like why aren't you Jason."

Jason laughed and the baby smiled again.

"Between her father and mother, her flirting genes are in full force."

"True."

Liz got up and kissed Caitlyn on the head. "You know, you could give up the business and start a nanny service or a daycare."

The look on Jason's face was priceless. Liz laughed and headed towards the kitchen to get a bottle.

"Don't listen to her Caitlyn, I would never betray you like that. You are the only one I'm rocking to sleep."

Caitlyn made a gurgling sound and kicked her feet.

"We really need to work on your drooling. That is only for your daddy okay?"

Liz smiled and handed him the bottle. "You're going to make a great dad someday."

"And you're going to be a wonderful mom."

"We're having a boy. I can't compete with you and the girls."

He looked down. "Caitlyn, close your ears." Liz shook her head. He gave her a quick peck. "You are my only girl."

Caitlyn stopped sucking for a few seconds.

"I think she heard you. Did she just growl?"

Jason chuckled. "No, she didn't growl. At least I don't think she did."

There was a knock on the door and they both wondered who it was. Johnny and Nicole weren't due back for a few hours.

Liz opened it up and frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"I missed her," Nicole said as she pouted.

"You know that you are interrupting Jason-Caitlyn time."

She stepped back and they came inside.

"Did you at least have a good dinner?"

"Yeah."

Jason took the bottle out of Caitlyn's mouth. She had fallen asleep. Nicole took it from him and kissed her on the head.

"I don't want to move her yet. She could be faking," Nicole whispered.

They sat down and Nicole sat next to Jason and leaned her head on his arm so she could look her daughter.

Johnny looked over at Liz. "Do you ever feel like you've been replaced?"

"They do scare me from time to time."

Nicole rolled her eyes. "Caitlyn is not giving up her daddy, even for Jason."

Liz and Johnny looked skeptical.

"You two are crazy."

"What are you drawing?" Johnny asked.

She showed him and he smiled. It was a picture of Jason and Caitlyn.

"That's really good even though it has his ugly mug in it."

Jason was surprised. "You're drawing me?"

"Yup. I have been for the last hour or so. It's you and the baby."

"You'll have to show me later."

"Alright wife, I need to get my girls home," Johnny said.

Jason carefully handed Nicole the baby. Johnny and Nicole had gotten married in the spring. It was a small ceremony and very sweet. Jason was the best man and Liz was the maid of honor. They were married at a church and the reception was done in a tent at Audrey's house. For now, they were still in the apartment, but Sonny was trying to get Johnny to move into the penthouse. They were considering it, but he kind of wanted a house.

Liz got all of Caitlyn's things together and handed the bag to Johnny. They left and Jason hugged her.

"You smell like baby," Liz said.

"Is that bad?"

"No."

"Are you staying tonight?"

"Yes."

"Good answer."

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Two Years Later

Jason watched Liz get her diploma and clapped loudly. The rest of the gang was on their feet as they cheered Liz's accomplishment. Manny and Carly were engaged and were going to get married in Miami where his family resided. Tess and Johnny had slipped off to Vegas and were already married and expecting their first child, a little girl.

Jason's shop was thriving. He was building bikes and had a waiting list for his designs. Cooper was working out well and Coleman was busy and happy. The space next to them was available for lease, so Jason was thinking of expanding and making it a show room where he could sell his creations.

Caitlyn clapped her hands when she saw Elizabeth. They were like a big family and tried to support each other as much as they could. Sonny and Violet are expecting a little boy. She is due in three months.

Audrey, Jeff, and Andrea were so excited to see Elizabeth fulfill her dreams. She had just had her first gallery showing and already had a teaching job in a private school. It was part-time, but she also was still working for ELQ part-time too.

She ran up to her crowd of friends and was immediately swallowed up and hugged. Caitlyn gave her a wet smack on the cheek and Liz laughed.

Jeff kissed his daughter on the forehead. "I'm so proud of you Elizabeth."

"Thank you daddy."

Jason gave her a kiss and hug. "I'm proud of you too baby."

Elizabeth was looking forward to whatever life offered as long as Jason was a part of the picture.

They headed to Audrey's. The Q's came over too. Lila had a special gift for Elizabeth that included Jason as well.

"Elizabeth, come here dear."

Liz put down her champagne and sat next to Lila. "I know you are going to think this is too much, but I am so very proud of you and Jason. I waited to give him a graduation present because I wanted to give you a gift you could enjoy together."

Elizabeth waved Jason over and she sat on his lap.

"I love you both. Elizabeth, you have been quite the good influence on my grandson and it's so nice to see how deeply you two love each other. I know it's been a struggle for you to find time, so I'm forcing you to enjoy some rest and relaxation."

Liz already couldn't stop smiling. Lila handed her an envelope. Jason had no idea what his wonderful grandmother had planned. Liz gasped. "Oh my God."

"Well?"

"I can't believe this. I'm so excited. We leave tomorrow for Italy."

"Wow!" Audrey said.

"Can we really pull this off?" she asked Jason.

"Coleman can handle the shop and I just delivered the bike I was working on, so it might be the perfect time."

"Then it's settled. You can go home and pack. You already have a passport, and I'm sure you can buy whatever you don't have when you get there."

They were going to Italy and Liz couldn't be more thrilled.

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Italy

Jason and Liz were sitting in a gondola in Venice. The sun had just sent and they were cuddled together.

"I think Italy is my favorite place in the world."

Jason smiled. It wasn't like she was well traveled. Jason nodded at the man paddling them around and he began to sing. Liz grinned and listened raptly. When he finished, she clapped.

"Thank you. Jason has something he'd like to ask you now."

Liz watched Jason get down on one knee.

"Elizabeth, you know you have my heart. I love you so much. You've help make me the man I am today. I was lost before I met you. Would you please marry me? I want you to be my wife."

A tear ran down her cheek. "Oh Jason, Yes. I would love to be your wife."

They kissed and the man began to sing again.

"You can be so romantic."

"I'm learning. I want you to be happy," he said before moving next to her.

"You make me so happy."

He pulled out a box and handed it to her. She opened it and gasped. "Jason, it's beautiful."

He took the princess cut diamond out and placed it on her finger. "The setting is from Lila's first ring. I just changed the main diamond."

Liz admired the swirl of diamonds that surrounded the focal diamond. "It's perfect."

He put it on her and she held her hand up. They pulled up to the docks and then hurried back to the hotel. Liz got out her computer and dialed Nicole.

She answered after a couple of rings.

"Hey, I didn't expect to hear from you."

"Is Johnny there?"

"Yup and Sonny."

"Perfect, call them over."

They waited and everyone said hi.

Liz held up her finger. "We're engaged."

They cheered.

"It's about freaking time," Nicole said.

"It was perfect timing. I'm so happy."

"Congratulations," Sonny said.

"Thank you. We still have a week to go, so we'll see you when we get back," Liz said. She needed Jason out of his clothes.

They said goodbye and she turned the computer off and rocked Jason's world. As they lay entwined, she thought about how far they had come. Against all odds, Jason was a successful businessman. And after all the horrible things she had went through with Tom, she was in a loving, healthy relationship. She felt like she had accomplished so much. "Two years."

"Hmmm?"

"I want to start trying to have a baby in two years. That will give us enough time for me to get into a routine."

That made him happy. He really wanted to have a family with her. "That sounds good. How many kids do you want?"

"I don't know. Did you have a number in mind?"

"Maybe three. I wouldn't mind more though."

"Three sounds really good."t

"Where do you want to get married?"

Liz thought for a moment. "I don't know. We could have it at the mansion. Lila's flowers are beautiful."

"That would be really nice."

That is what they did. They had the wedding and reception at the mansion with all the people who had supported them in attendance. It was festive and a true celebration of perseverance and love. True to Liz's word, they started trying to have a baby when the two years was up. They got pregnant shortly thereafter. In total, they had two boys and a girl and were very happy. Life was good for them and their friends. No matter what they faced, they supported each other and their friendship stood the test of time.

The End