Standing in front of the mirror, Elizabeth takes a deep breath to steady her nerves as the long awaited grand opening is about begin. From the look of the parking lot, it was clear that it was going to be a busy night and she just couldn't wait to see everyone's faces as they walk into her world. With the guys overseeing crowd control, the night will hopefully go off without a hitch, keeping the focus on her artwork. With the sound of a knock on her office door, Elizabeth takes one last look at herself in the mirror, more than ready to see this night come to life.

"Ready?" Jason voices when she pulls the door open.

"More than I've ever been," Elizabeth says with a bright smile upon her lips. "You'll stay with me?"

"Always."

Linking arms with him, she takes in a breath as he places a gentle kiss upon her forehead, happier beyond words that he's there to share in this night with her. Making their way to the front door, they greet people as they walk in, giving her the perfect vantage point to see their expressions as they have their first looks at her artwork. The Quartermaines were a surprising addition to the night. She had received a decline response when she sent the invitation, but she wonders now if that was simply Emily's doing.

"Hey, sis," Sarah greets her with a warm hug. "Not to jump the gun, but you're already receiving bids."

"Already?" Elizabeth was beyond surprised at that tidbit. "I thought we weren't taking bids until later on in the evening."

"We weren't, but I put the bid box out in the meantime," Sarah explains. "Call it a hunch but it's definitely paying off."

"Thanks," Elizabeth says with a soft smile. "I appreciate that."

"Oh and I have one more surprise," Sarah says, handing her the sold list, a smile of anticipation on her lips. "The painting of our family has already sold."

"Don't tell me you bought it," Elizabeth says as she takes the list from her. "I purposely left that off the list."

"Yeah, well, it was sold and I wasn't the one that bought it," Sarah says simply. "Look at the list."

"Sarah, seriously," Elizabeth sighs. "That painting was for..."

"Would you look at the list already."

"Fine," Elizabeth shakes her head before looking at the list. "They bought the painting?"

"Yup."

"How?" Elizabeth questions in disbelief. "I didn't even tell them about the gallery."

"I sent them the brochure as soon as it was printed," Sarah explains. "They couldn't fly back in time, but they wanted to show their support."

"That's...I have no words," Elizabeth says as she hugs her tightly. "Thank you, Sarah."

"What are sisters for, right?" Sarah says, pulling away before the tears get the best of her. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have paintings that need purchasing. See you after."

Elizabeth had no words for the emotions she was feeling as she watches her sister flutter around the room talking to the guests. After all the years that they spent at each other's throats, never being able to see eye to eye on anything, it made her heart swell with love to see just how far they've come. Turning to her boyfriend, she smiles softly as his lips gently claims hers, simply melting into his embrace as he holds her close.

"I love you," she whispers as they lay their foreheads together. "Thank you for helping make this possible."

"Thank you for letting me," Jason whispers, placing a gentle kiss upon her forehead. "I love you."

"Mr. Morgan," a familiar voice to Jason catches their attention, pulling them out of the moment.

"Mr. Giambetti," Jason greets the man in surprise, having almost been certain that he wouldn't be in attendance. "Thank you for coming."

"I have always had a weakness for art," Maximus Giambetti says simply before turning to Elizabeth. "You must be Elizabeth Webber. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Maximus Giambetti, an art connoisseur of sorts."

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Giambetti," Elizabeth replies, allowing him to take her hand in his, smiling softly when he lifts her hand to his lips in greeting. "Thank you for taking the time to be here tonight."

"Seeing the piece on your invitation, I just had to see more of your work," Maximus says simply. "Could I bother you for a tour?"

"I'd love to," Elizabeth assures. "Jason?"

"Go ahead, I'll catch up," Jason says softly. "Sonny just walked in with Carly."

"Okay," Elizabeth replies. "Just make sure she doesn't break anything, please."

"I'm on it," Jason says softly before turning to Maximus with a harder tone in his voice, "Giambetti."

Accepting the warning, Maximus links arms with Elizabeth, walking around the gallery with her, taking in every word as she tells him all about the art pieces. Elizabeth wasn't entirely sure where this man fit into Jason's world, but she's certain that he does. Walking around with him, however, she can see that he's a good man at heart and that's enough for her. By the end of their tour, he ends up purchasing three of her higher priced pieces. Even going as far as to commission a painting from her.

"I'll be in touch soon," Maximus says to Elizabeth as they conclude the tour. "I appreciate the personal tour. Seeing art through the artist's eyes is always a more fulfilling experience than without the insight."

"It was definitely a unique experience," Elizabeth smiles softly. "We'll talk soon."

"Elizabeth," Nikolas voices once she's alone, a hopeful look on his face when she turns to him. "You got a minute?"

"What are you doing here, Nikolas?"

"Sarah gave me an invitation."

"Yeah, I know that," Elizabeth sighs, shaking her head. "I'm asking why you're here. I was sure I was clear when I told you to stay away from me."

"Please, Elizabeth," Nikolas says softly. "Give me a minute, please."

"Fine," Elizabeth says after a moment. "My office."

She wasn't sure why she was even entertaining him in the slightest, but she owed it to their past to give him one chance to plead his case. While they take a moment to talk it out, Maximus finds Jason standing with Sonny and Carly, clearly the blonde was in no mood from the looks of them. From the moment that Jason approached him with the idea of creating his organization, he questioned his motives in it all, wondering just what he could possibly gain by creating such an organization. It's no longer a question now.

"Giambetti," Sonny turns to the man in somewhat shock, not having heard any chatter that he'd be in town. "What brings you by?"

"I think that's quite clear," Maximus gestures around them. "The art, of course."

"Of course," Sonny says, though he doesn't see how that can be clear, it's not like this is the gallery of a world renowned artist. "Stupid question."

"Well, Morgan, I thank you for extending the invitation," Maximus says, shaking his hand before handing him an envelope. "It has been quite an enlightening experience to say the least."

"What's that?" Carly asks Jason once they're alone, putting her own frustrations with him on the back burner. "Jason?"

"Business," Jason says, turning to look at Sonny with a knowing glance. "Can we talk?"

"Yeah," Sonny shakes his head. "Got somewhere private?"

"Liz's office," Jason suggests before turning to Carly. "Behave."

"Seriously?" Carly looks at him in disbelief before letting out a groan. "Fine, Jason, fine!"

Carly couldn't explain why, but she had a clear feeling that something was off with the two of them. Crying business always seems to be their way of getting her out of the conversation, but she knows that they're hiding something from her. Accepting that she wasn't going to figure it out tonight, she decides to salvage her night by spending time with her mother, choosing to ignore the fact that she's among the muffin's artwork.

"Hey," Jason says softly when he opens the door to Elizabeth's office. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Elizabeth assures, walking over to him. "Did you need the office?"

"It's okay," Jason replies with a shake of his head. "We can go to the basement if you're using it."

"No, no, it's okay," Elizabeth waves away his suggestion. "I have to get back out there anyway."

"You sure?" Jason questions as they stand in front of each other.

"Of course," Elizabeth smiles softly. "Wet bar was just installed this morning if you guys get thirsty."

"I don't see a wet bar," Sonny chimes in after he takes a glance around the room.

"There's more to it than meets the eye," Elizabeth says when she takes the painting off the wall before turning to Jason. "Will you be long?"

"No," Jason assures. "I just need a minute. I'll catch up with you soon."

"Okay," Elizabeth smiles softly, before walking to the door. "Remember to hang the painting when you're done, please."

Jason holds the door open for her, watching as she walks out to rejoin the gallery, a small smile on his face as he watches her for a moment. Seeing her flutter about, the excitement on her face, the happiness clearly displayed in her features, he couldn't be more thankful that this night was able to come together for her. Taking a deep breath, he shuts the door before turning to Sonny, almost certain about what the envelope holds. With one look, it was clear that Sonny knew as well, the man pouring himself a drink and downing it quickly.

"He approved it, didn't he?" Sonny questions as he pours himself another drinking, handing one off to Jason.

"I think so, but I'm not sure," Jason replies honestly. "Not until I open the envelope."

"Open it then."

"Sonny..."

"It's fine, Jason," Sonny replies with a sigh. "Just open it."

Opening the envelope, Jason reads it over before letting out the breath that he had been holding, feeling as if the weight was finally lifting off his shoulders. After all the work he had put into putting this together, Jason couldn't believe that the decision was finally made. Handing the letter off to Sonny, he watches as understanding fills his friend's features, seeing that his plans were approved by the five families, personally endorsed by Giambetti himself.

"You got what you wanted," Sonny says after a long moment, handing the letter back to him. "I'm happy for you, Jason. I hope that this really is the step that you needed."

"Thanks," Jason says as he tucks the letter into his jacket. "It is."

"Just know that if you ever change your mind, I'm not saying you will..."

"I appreciate it," Jason says as he shakes his hand, allowing Sonny to pull him into a hug. "Your support means more than you know."

"You always have it," Sonny assures wholeheartedly. "No question."

Hanging up the painting, the two make their way out of the office and over to their respective others. Jason was thankful that Carly had kept her distance from Elizabeth, hoping that with the changes that he made to his life the animosity between the two will die out. Walking over to Elizabeth, he pulls her into his arms, kissing her soundly as his future opens up to him. He'll have time to tell her all about his plans once the night is over, but not now. Now is about her art and helping her share it with the world.

"It's official," Sarah says to Elizabeth excitedly at the end of the night. "Every last painting has sold."

"Wha...are you serious?" Elizabeth takes the list from her clearly elated sister, looking it over before looking at her sister. "I can't believe it. Every single painting has sold."

"And you thought you wouldn't sale even half of it," Sarah replies as she takes the list. "When you're ready, we'll pack them up and have them delivered to the buyers."

"Thank you, sis, really," Elizabeth says as she hugs her sister. "You've really outdone yourself tonight. It means more than you know."

"What are sisters for?" Sarah smiles softly. "I'm gonna call it a night, but we'll talk tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay," Elizabeth says, turning back to Jason once her sister's gone. "This night has surpassed my wildest dreams. I still can't believe this is really my life."

"I know what you mean," Jason says, reaching up one hand to caress her cheek. "You tired?"

"Why?" Elizabeth counters with ease. "What do you have in mind?"

"There's something I want to show you," Jason admits. "But it can wait for morning if you're tired."

"For you, I'm never tired," Elizabeth counters with a playful smirk. "I'm ready when you are."

Locking up the gallery, the two straddle Jason's bike before taking off through the town, Elizabeth more than excited to see what he seemed so eager to show her. She tries to get a hint by the roads they take, but this is one part of the town that she hardly ever sees, a part that she didn't know he even ventured into. Dismounting the bike once he parks outside a skyscraper, Elizabeth looks at him curiously, but doesn't question as they walk into the building. Taking the elevator up to the top floor, Jason takes her to stand in the middle of the room, turning her to face him.

"As you know, I have been making a lot of changes in my life," Jason explains carefully. "This is the one change that I have been fighting to put into effect. Not only because it's what I want for myself, but because it's what I want for us. For our future. Tonight, the final piece fell into place."

"Mr. Giambetti."

"Yeah," Jason admits. "He's a major player in my world and I needed his approval for what I had planned."

"And what's that exactly?" Elizabeth questions, unsure of what was happening right now, but seeing that it clearly meant a lot to him.

"This life I chose, this job, I can never get out completely, no one can," Jason explains. "However, this place, this business that I'm starting, will be the closest that anyone in my world will get. The danger level will be minimal. I'll be running a private security firm giving others in my world a chance to retire in a sense."

"I...I have no words," Elizabeth tries to wrap her head around all that he's telling her. "And you're sure this is what you want?"

"It is," Jason assures wholeheartedly. "I want more for my future, Elizabeth. I want more for us. But I have one request."

"Okay," Elizabeth looks at him with so much love in her heart. Seeing just how much thought and care he's put into their future together. Her heart caught in her throat as he bends down on one knee. "Jason..."

"Elizabeth, you are my ever after," Jason says as he pulls a ring from his pocket. "Will you marry me?"

"I..." Elizabeth takes in a shaky breath, tears welling up in her eyes as she stares into his. "Yes, Jason! Yes! I'll marry you."

Sliding the ring onto her finger, Jason rises to his feet before pulling her into his arms, kissing her with all the passion and love burning vibrantly through his entire being. He has been planning to pop the question for weeks now, but the moment just never seemed right. Standing there with her, both their dreams for the future finally falling into place, Jason knew that this would be the moment, the moment their lives will forever be tied into each others. Ever after may not be a real thing, it may not even truly exist, but he knows that in this moment, as they hold each other, this is as close to it as anyone will ever get. This is ever after to him and he can't wait to live it out with her. Now and forever.

"I love you, Elizabeth," Jason whispers, pulling away to stare deep into her beautifully blue eyes. "God, you're beautiful."

"I love you, Jason," she whispers, swearing that this moment will be engraved into her very soul for the rest of her existence. "I can't wait to build our future together. To build our forever."

A/N: Thank you all for sticking by me for as long as you all have. Your words truly are my inspiration. There are a few of my stories that I just can't figure out how to continue it, but I am trying to finish as many as I can. I thank you all for your support and I can't wait to hear what you all thought of this chapter. Thank you all.