A/N – Thanks for the comments and for taking this ride! Guest – thanks for the explanation. It's all good. * Guest re: the Webber dynamics – Bottom line both Caroline and Liz felt rejected, and now Sarah. I try to be very realistic and sometimes, it is based on my experiences, but having Carolyn feel rejected and then because Sarah accepted her and made Carolyn feel more loved, she focused on it seemed realistic to me and something someone who is a little messed up would do. It wasn't as nefarious as you are assuming. But again, the intention doesn't matter because, in the end, it hurt Liz. That's one of the themes of this story. We all want to be loved and accepted by our families for the most part. I never expected anyone to love Sarah or shed tears, but her situation with Jason sucked, so I thought some of the hostility was more than it should be and the not understanding her lashing out at Elizabeth kind of surprised me. Thanks for the comment. * Guest re: being a mom to teens and college kids – Yup, Liz is young. She's mature for her age too because of her life experiences. I was a very mature 18. Sometimes, life makes you grow up faster.

I'm going to take a break. I'm not sure for how long, but probably for January at least. Jan- through Mar is horrible at work. I'm not even sure what couple-dom I'll be posting when I return. I've started revising Moving Targets to correct grammar and sentence structure etc., so I'll probably keep updating that and will hopefully post a new Dirty Little Secret chapter on my site by Christmas. I hadn't planned on a Christmas Liason, so don't count on one. If something pops into my mind, I might pursue it, but don't plan on it.

Chapter 14

Caroline embraced her daughter. "Congratulations!"

Liz grinned. "Thank you."

Jeff took his turn. "We're very proud of you. You worked hard and graduated with honors."

Liz is beaming and Jason can't help but smile.

Lila is pushed forward. "Where is my hug?"

Liz ran to her and warmly embraced her. "Thank you for coming."

"We wouldn't have missed it," Monica said.

Edward handed her envelope. "I know you want to eventually be an RN and that is a scholarship to do so. It's from all of us."

Liz's jaw dropped.

"We have heard so many wonderful things about you from the hospital staff. You deserve it," Lila said.

"And if you need a babysitter so you can study…" Alan let his thought trail right before his arms are filled with Elizabeth.

"Thank you." She hugged everyone in the family.

Lila met Jason's gaze who is shifting a little uncomfortably. "I hope we didn't overstep."

He shook his head. "You made her happy. Thank you."

She smiled.

"I hope you'll come over to the house. There is lots of food and dessert—chocolate of course."

Liz clapped her hands together. "Last one there…"

Lila giggled. "It won't be me, my dear. Reginald drives very fast, but just in case, do save me a slice."

She is immediately kissed on the cheek.

"Deal."

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A few days later, Liz met her mom for breakfast. It was something they had started doing a few times a week.

"So, how are you feeling today?" Caroline asked.

"I'm good. I don't get morning sickness very often."

"That's good. You are glowing."

Liz smiled. "Thanks."

"I've been talking to Gail Baldwin."

Liz couldn't hide her surprised expression. "Really?"

"Yes. I have a lot to work through and I want to be a better mom moving forward. There are things I never dealt with in my childhood which greatly affected the kind of mom I was and if I want to do better, I need to deal with it." Her parents were functional alcoholics and rejected her which is why Carolyn is particularly ashamed that as a result of Liz's rejection, she put a wall when she should have tried to break one down.

Her mom's parents were never in the picture. All she knows is that they stopped speaking before her parents got married. "I'm proud of you."

Carolyn chuckled. "Thank you. I suppose I should be saying that to you."

Liz shrugged. "I know me being with Jason has been hard to reconcile."

"A little bit, but I do have to acknowledge that you fit together well."

"You probably felt that old Jason and Sarah did too."

"They did. They were both ambitious and he toned her down a little and I think her competitiveness helped him focus on what he wanted and he went for it. They were a good team, but that isn't who Jason is anymore. I mean, I think he still is competitive, but his priorities are a little different."

Liz rubbed her belly. "I guess that's because of me."

"Yes and no. After the accident, he had a lot to prove to himself. He was hell-bent on making it on his own. I think he's learning that help isn't a bad thing and that he can still provide for you and the baby and be a part of the family. He's growing and evolving and so are you."

Liz nodded.

"You are a nurse and fought hard to get there. That is a great accomplishment."

"I know."

"Are you feeling guilty about Sarah?"

"Sometimes I look around and see all I have and I think about her. Is she okay?"

"Yes. She is adapting. After the baby is born, she wants to continue her schooling so she can be a doctor there."

"She's really staying?"

"For now, but you never know. Things may change after the baby is born. They have a way of making you see things differently."

"Well, I do hope she's happy."

"Me too. When I spoke to her a few days ago, she did ask if you were okay. We didn't have a long conversation about it, but I would say it's a step in the right direction."

Liz slightly smiled. "Yeah." Someday, she truly hopes they'll speak again.

"I was thinking that maybe you could come to one of my sessions. You'll need to be honest with me. I can take it."

Liz placed her hand over her moms. "Okay. I would like that." It will help them both.

Carolyn smiled. "Progress…" she muttered before taking a sip of her coffee.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Four Months Later

Jason gazed at Elizabeth who is lying on her back after screaming his name and kissed his way to her swollen belly. It had taken a while, but she is finally showing a lot and her body is starting to change. He had gone through a month of intense training and had filled out a lot which his girl seems to love. Johnny and Francis had taught him about being a man. As a result, he had matured and is doing his best to take care of his family, learning how to save and prepare. While he does have a trust fund, he doesn't touch it and just lets the interest grow.

"What do you think?"

He gazes at the walls in the nursery which are covered with animals. They are having a boy and Elizabeth had decided that she wanted to paint them. For a while, they had considered finding another home but agreed that being next to the family had worked out well. The Quartermaines were thrilled that they decided to stay because they'll get to see the baby more.

"I like it."

"Are you scared?"

"Yeah."

When he shifted his attention away from her, she gently moved his chin, so he'd look at her. "Talk to me."

"I don't like to see you in pain."

Her body warmed as she gazed into his beautiful orbs. "When you say things like that, you make me melt."

"Why?"

"Words have the power to cause tremendous pain or quite the opposite."

"I don't know if I like having that kind of power."

She lovingly stroked the side of his face. "I can't imagine you trying to deliberately hurt me. You're going to be such a great father, Jason. I just know it, because if you love this baby as much as you love me, everything will be okay."

"I already love him."

"We still need to think of a name."

"Do you have any in mind?"

"Quartermaine is a mouthful."

He smirked.

"Jason Jr.?"

"I don't know if I like it. I want him to have his own identity."

"We could call him Jay as a nickname."

"I'll think about it."

"What about Matthew?"

"It's okay"

"Michael?"

Jason shrugged. "That's not bad."

"Jackson? We can call him Jack for short."

"You can add that one to the list."

"I like Brandon too."

"Brandon Quartermaine. It flows. Add that one too."

She smiled before kissing him soundly. "I think this is a great start."

He rubbed her belly. "We can try calling him the different names and see what we like."

"That's a great idea."

She put her hand over his. "Hi, Jackson."

"Jackson, your mommy is looking very hot right now."

She shook her head. "I don't think he knows what that means or he'd be grossed out."

"Why?"

"Do you want to think about your parents having sex?"

He made a face and then grinned. "Is that what we're about to do?"

"Get inside me, daddy."

"I can't say no to your mommy. Close your eyes and ears, Jack."

Liz laughed and then her man kissed her and everything else faded away.

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Baby Time

Kelly glanced at Jason who looks a little pale. "We're almost there, Elizabeth. You just need to push a few more times."

Liz whimpered as she gripped her legs.

Jason feels like he's useless. Elizabeth doesn't want him to touch her, so his hands are shoved into his pockets.

"Okay, I see the head."

Liz sucks in a sob as exhaustion sets in.

Jason holds his breath as Liz lets out a loud cry as she bears down.

"Almost there, one more push, Elizabeth, you can do it."

Liz grits her teeth as her body shakes and then the baby slips from her body.

Kelly cleared its passageways and then laid him on Liz's stomach.

Jason's eyes are wide as he peruses his son.

"He's beautiful," Liz said as tears flow down her cheek.

"I'm scared to touch him."

"It's okay," Liz said. "I'm sorry I yelled."

"It's fine, I just wish that I could have done more." He reached over and touched his son's fingers. "He's so tiny."

"We need to get him cleaned up and weighed," a nurse said.

"Okay."

She watched as the baby is taken away and then turned her attention to Jason. "Kelly needs to finish up. Why don't you give everyone the good news that Brandon is here."

"I'll be back."

He left and then headed to the waiting room and when he arrived, everyone stood.

"Is she okay?" Epiphany asked.

"Yes, and Brandon Jackson is here."

Monica grinned as she hugged him.

"Congratulations, son," Alan said.

"Thanks."

Johnny and Francis patted him on the back and then Carolyn moved closer.

"She's fine?"

"Yes. It was hard on her, but she is recovering. I'm so proud of her."

Jeff smiled. "So are we."

"Alright, I'll let you know when you can come in."

Emily hugged him and then he went back in.

"I'm going to call Lila," she said before leaving the room.

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Three Months Later

Jason patted Brandon's back as he let out a big burp. "That was a good one."

Elizabeth had been tired, so he had offered to get the baby back to sleep.

"Now, it's time to sleep." That statement elicited a big yawn. Brandon is a little miracle. Jason still can't fathom how he had fit inside Elizabeth's belly. At first, he had been scared to touch him, but now, he feels more comfortable and doesn't mind being alone with him if Liz has to go on an errand. They had decided that she is going to take some courses over the summer and then go back to school full time to be an RN. Jason can work the night shift and then sleep a bit before watching Brandon. Everyone offered babysitting services as well. He likes his job with Johnny and Francis and discovered he's good with numbers. It makes him feel less brain-damaged and more productive. A smile lights up his face when he realizes that Brandon has nodded off, so he carefully lays him down before returning to cuddle his girl.

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One Year Later

Jason grinned as he watches Brandon toddle towards him.

"Go to daddy," Emily said.

Brandon squealed and after a few falls, he finally makes it to his father.

"You are extra slobbery today."

Brandon grinned and patted his dad's face.

Emily took the baby and handed him to Monica.

The music swelled and when Elizabeth came into view, Jason's jaw dropped. She looks gorgeous. Six months prior, they had taken a bike ride to Vista Point and he had asked her to marry him and was relieved when she said yes.

His eyes well when she finally nears and her grin lights up his world.

"Beautiful," he mutters as she holds his hand.

The service is a blur as they state their vows and when it is finally time to kiss, Jason leans forward with relief, kissing his new wife reverently.

They headed for the reception and Liz is stunned to see Sarah and the baby.

"Hi."

"Hello." Liz's eyes flit to the baby. "He's beautiful."

"Thanks. His name is Spencer."

"Hi, Spencer."

He grinned.

"Brandon is a cutie."

"He's going to be a heartbreaker. I can already tell."

Nikolas moved towards them. "I'll take him. Hello, Elizabeth."

"Hi."

Sarah directed her towards some chairs. "When Gram told me about the wedding, I decided that it's time to bury the hatchet. I'm in love with Nikolas and we're happy. We're with who we were meant to be with."

"You mean that?"

Jason will always be one of the loves of her life, but she is not in love with him anymore. "Yes. Are you truly happy?"

Liz smiled. "I am and I'm glad you are too."

"The last time mom visited, she told me about her therapy and why she did what she did. It was an eye-opener. It got me thinking about my part and I figured that if you could forgive me and want a truce, then I could work on forgiving you regarding Jason and the past."

"Thank you."

"Look at us getting along," Sarah said with a smile. "Who would have thunk it?" Life had changed for her in so many ways. Falling in love with Nikolas had been a journey and she loves her new family.

"Well, I think we should hug just to freak everyone out."

Sarah laughed. "Let's do it!"

Caroline glanced at her husband. "Well, I didn't expect that."

Jeff is happy. "It's beautiful."

Caroline nodded as she wiped away a tear. "They need each other."

"I think you're right. It's a burden they don't have to bear anymore."

Audrey sighed. "How long is she in town for?"

"They'll be here for two weeks. Sorry, we kept it from you, but she wanted it to be a surprise."

"I'm not happy you did, but I'm excited to get to know Spencer." Now, she'll have to go shopping to get him a few things so she can spoil him rotten.

"He's a doll."

Sarah retreated. "Go dance with your husband."

Liz looked up to find him walking towards them.

"Hello, Sarah."

"Hi. It's good seeing you."

"Thanks!"

Liz grabbed his hand. "We're delaying our honeymoon maybe we can all have dinner at Grams tomorrow night. She's watching Brandon for us, so we'll just come over to get him."

"That sounds like a plan. Go enjoy your dance and by the way, Steven sends his love." Their older brother works for doctors without borders and rarely gets back to the states.

Jason led Elizabeth to the dance floor. "Everything okay?"

"Yes, it's perfect. We're good."

He gave her a quick peck. As long as she's happy, he's happy too.

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Three Years Later

Elizabeth steps into the cottage and yells for Jason as she steps into the living room.

"Surprise!"

She covers her mouth as she spots everyone she cares about. "I can't believe this."

"Happy Birthday, Elizabeth," Epiphany said. "You are not only one fine nurse, but you've grown into a beautiful woman too."

Her eyes prick with tears. "Thank you."

"Happy Birthday, mommy. Can we have cake now?"

Liz laughs at her son. "I'll make sure that you get the first piece and you can help me blow out the candle."

Brandon clapped his hands.

Jason stole a kiss. "Happy Birthday, baby."

She smiled. "You can give me your gift later." Her brows lift up and down making him smile.

They are swarmed with well-wishers and after the presents are opened and the cake is served, she pulled Jason into the kitchen.

"What's going on?"

Liz grabbed his hands. "I know we didn't plan this, but Jason, I'm pregnant."

"Wow."

She bit her lip. "Are you okay with it?"

He nodded. "We'll be fine. Are you happy?"

"Yes. I was scared at first, but I'm excited. We're three months along."

"When do we see the doctor for an ultrasound?"

"We have an appointment in a week."

"I'll be there. Should we tell everyone?"

"Yes."

They go back into the room and Jason whistles.

"Sorry. Um, we have something to tell you."

Epiphany's head tilts. "Did he knock you up again?"

"Epiphany!" Monica said.

Liz started to giggle.

Jason shook his head. "Yes."

Lila clapped. "Oh, I'm so happy for you."

Liz kissed her. "I'm hoping that this one is a little girl."

"I'm sure the baby will be perfect no matter what you have."

Elizabeth's attention goes to her husband. Never in a million years did she think she'd be this happy. Life is good.

Six months later, Lila Audrey Quartermaine was born to much fanfare. Jason and Elizabeth would go on to have one more boy that they named Matthew Edward. Life wasn't always easy, but they rode the waves and matured together as they raised their family not letting anyone come between them. Sarah eventually married Nikolas and they had a little girl named Olivia and moved back to Port Charles. The sisters became close friends, as did their children.

The End

A/N- leasmom re: your feedback for Missing Identity – I've already established that she is Liz going by Bella.