A/N – Thanks for the comments! – Guest – for my other site, I tried leaving a message for you in the reviews in chapter 51, but you must have missed it. Please go look in my fanfiction profile. You just need to click on my name. I can't post links so, it's there. It's in Tapatalk called Drawn To You. leasmom – Because I decided to use the same Latin she used for Lucky. Helena liked irony. In a way, it's good revenge because Lucky left them, and then he has the key. He took a chance and it paid off.

Sorry for the lateness. Work is kicking my ass. I was up until 3 am last night finishing labor spreadsheets. It's never-ending. This chapter is funny due to Steve's recalling of the horrible adventure he shared today on .

Chapter 53

The next morning, they gather the troops and head for the car.

"Where are we going?" Aidan asked.

"Are we there yet?" Cam said.

"I have to pee," Jake added.

Liz sighed. "They are your children."

Jason smiled. "You'll know when we get there."

They groaned as they piled into the car.

When they arrived at the train station, everyone was abuzz.

"Where are we going?" Liz asked.

"It's a long, almost four-hour train ride to Oban and then we're taking a plane to Islay and then a plane back to Glasgow."

The guide handed him a big basket.

"This is lunch."

Liz smiled. "Wow. You think of everything, don't you?"

He gave her a peck. "I try."

The boys are excited as everyone ventures onto the ScotRail train. Alana looks so cute in her little coat. It's partly cloudy, so they had gotten lucky because the weather could have been worse.

Once everyone was settled, Jason gave them some more details and they were all in awe once they got further into the beautiful countryside.

About two hours in, Alana is sleeping, and Jason figured the boys might be bored, so he broke out a surprise and fished out four Nintendo Switch consoles from his backpack and some games.

The boys were elated and immediately started to play.

Drew smirked. "Who knew you like to spoil people so much."

Jason chuckled. "Just want to make sure they are occupied."

Liz shook her head. "They are supposed to be watching nature. It's gorgeous."

"I don't think they appreciate it as much as you."

"True."

Another hour went by and the boys raided the food, and everyone munched on sandwiches.

When they got to Oban, they milled around town for a bit and did some shopping and then went to a small airport where they got on a plane and flew to Islay.

The flight was amazing due to the stunning views. Liz gripped Jason's hand the whole way. There are no words to express how thankful she is to him for spoiling them so much.

When they landed, two SUV's were there to meet them, and they were whisked away into the town where they walked around for a bit before stopping at a brewery so Drew and Jason could taste some whisky.

Once that was done, they headed into the countryside a bit and everyone is surprised when they spotted a bunch of horses and the car pulled in.

"We're going riding?" Cam asked.

"Yeah."

"Awesome," Aidan said.

Danny clapped making Drew smile.

"I'll stay with the baby. They have some ponies I can show her and maybe I can go on a short ride with her," Karissa said. Jason had made sure there was a place she could hang out since they'll be gone for a couple of hours.

"Thank you," Drew said.

They are given instructions and once everyone was safely on their horse, they waved to Karissa and Alana.

The riding was amazing. They got to go into the water with the horses and the views were incredible. When they returned, Liz is surprised by how quiet the boys are and approached them.

"You guys okay?"

Jake nodded.

"It was beautiful, mom. Jason went out of the way and we're just amazed at what a great trip this has been," Cam said.

She hugged her boys. "I wish it could have always been this way."

Jason joined them and is surprised when he got hugs too.

Drew took the baby from Karissa. "How was she?"

"We had fun. We played and she took a little nap and then I gave her a snack."

"Speaking of snacks…" His stomach is rumbling.

"Unfortunately, we have to be at the airport. The flight is under an hour and then we'll go straight to the restaurant," Jason said.

The boys snacked on some food they had bought in their backpacks and then they headed to the airport.

It was a beautiful flight and by the time they got to the restaurant, everyone was starving. Once they were done, the Webber boys decided to go explore while Danny will head back to the hotel with his dad.

"Alright, be good," Liz said.

Jason eyed them. "One beer…" It's so weird that they are drinking age.

Cam grinned. "That's fine."

The guide accompanied them and everyone else went back to the hotel.

Liz stretched out on the bed. "What a day."

"You tired?"

"Yes, but so thankful. Jason, that was a wonderful day."

"I'm glad you liked it. I've never planned a trip like this before."

"Well, you are an expert and now, I'll just have to make you plan them all."

He smiled. "I'll look forward to it." They kissed languidly, enjoying the company.

To her surprise, she nodded off and Jason took a quick catnap too. When they woke up, they went down to the bar and hung out while they waited for the boys to return.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

When everyone else had left, Jake took a deep breath and decided to let his dad in.

"I never thought I'd need Lucky, but I think I want him to talk to my therapist."

"It's probably a good idea."

"I struggle with my feelings for him."

"You loved him at one point. I get it and it's up to you if you decide to forgive him, but we all made mistakes. Lucky is hard for me to deal with too but that's because of my feelings for your mother and how he treated me and her. I think he does see where he screwed up and is trying to make amends. If he was totally bad, he wouldn't be reaching out to his son right now."

"I know that it's complicated. It's hard for Aidan too, but I think this trip made Aidan see his dad in a different light. Even after I attacked Lucky, he tried to help me. Aidan said that he wants what I have with you with his dad, and I want him to be happy."

"Don't feel like you are forced to forgive because of Aidan's feelings. He gets it." It's kind of interesting that now, he's being a father figure to Aidan and Lucky is envious. The tides have turned.

"I know. I just don't want to carry around this hate anymore."

"Then don't. Figure out a way to let it go and focus on the present. Sophie is great and your family is doing well. That has to feel good."

"It does. I think that's the only thing getting me through this. In the end, we'll be better off for it. I just feel a bit lost—maybe like you do. I'm worried about what comes next. Do I stay with my job or not? It's a hard choice because danger can affect all of you. Mom was a wreck when you were shot and that hurt everyone. It's not just about me. It's hard because I did like it."

"Well, let's talk about your options." It's clear that his son has been seriously mulling over this and he wants to help.

"I could go to school. I just don't know what for."

"The first couple of years are electives. You can figure it out along the way. What else?"

"I could start my own business."

"That's true. Who knows, I might be interested in that too." He had spoken to Maximus a bit to get some ideas. When the returned from Post Charles, he had filed an entrance visa to remain in Italy for more than three months to gain resident status. That paperwork should be waiting for him at home and then he already has applied for residency.

"It would be cool if we worked together."

"I don't know if I'm interested in full-time though."

"You deserve a break." His father had been through a lot and needs some time to breathe. "Cam and I still want to buy some property."

"Well, you both have trusts from me. If you need to dip into that money, it won't be a problem."

"Maybe I should take some business classes." He loves that his father treats Cam so well.

"We're not going anywhere right now, so you could take some classes in the fall semester. Give it a try and if you don't like it, then you can entertain your other options. Maximus isn't going anywhere, Jake. He'll never shut that door on you, but you're young and you've spent most of your teen years fighting Helena in your head and trying to be me. Maybe it's time that you do you."

Jake let out a puff of air. "I feel better."

"Good. No matter what you decide we all love you. It's going to be okay."

Jake slightly smiled. "I think you might be right."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The plane ride home was quiet. No one wanted to leave. Elizabeth closed her eyes as she leaned her head on Jason's arm. She is falling so hard for him again. His heart is so beautiful, and she felt like a fool for throwing that away in the past. This time, no one will be able to tear them apart. She won't let anything come between them.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The next few weeks had its ups and downs. Jake struggled through his sessions and the family and Sophie did their best to support him.

Drew had his highs and lows too with the surgery pending. Larissa had left, and Liz had to admit, she missed her. It was nice having her around. Gia is nice too, but Liz gets along better with Larissa.

Jake was able to enroll in some classes. The semester starts on Jason's birthday. Aidan goes back to school on the same day.

Elizabeth had located Jason's present and purchased it and it's hidden at Francis's house.

Johnny and Francis had agreed to continue guarding the family, so Maximus will no longer use their services when needed.

Monica is due to arrive in a week for the birthday celebration. She is going to stay in Danny's room and then Danny is going to bunk with Aidan.

Tess joined Liz at the bakery. They embraced and then got to work on the party before talking about some wedding plans.

"I have lunch with Maximus tomorrow." He had been very busy, so this was his first opening.

Tess grinned. "You're going to tell him?"

"Yup."

"You don't seem nervous."

Liz smirked. "I'm not scared of him." Maximus is a big marshmallow and he's all bark.

"Where are you meeting?"

"He arranged to meet at a restaurant where he knows the owners."

"Well, I hope he takes it well."

"He will. I'm very convincing."

"I just want everything to be perfect."

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just trust that you'll have a great day because you are going to be Mrs. Max Giambetti."

Tess grinned. "I like the sound of that."

"Are you going to invite more of your family to the reception?"

Tess groaned. "I don't want to. I think we may have to go back to Pennsylvania and just have a party there."

"Good luck with that."

"Family…"

"You don't even have to go there. I only talk to my Gram at this point and she is on a cruise right now. I swear, she travels endlessly." Liz misses her.

"Well, maybe she'll be able to visit over the holidays."

"That would be nice. The boys would love to see her."

"How is my Cam?"

Liz chuckled. "He's so funny. Lately, he's been trying to date, and I don't think he's happy with the pickings."

"It's hard out there."

"He'll find his way." She doesn't think his relationship with Emiliana is over, but that is something he needs to figure out.

Cam suddenly bursts into the room and Liz can tell he is upset.

"Why don't I take a walk. I'll give you guys a while. Just text me," Tess said before leaving.

"Come here," Liz said holding out her arms.

Cam hugged his mother and then they sat.

"What happened?"

"I know I don't have a right to be upset, but Emiliana is engaged."

"What?"

"I think her mom is forcing her to secure her financially."

Liz rolled her eyes. "I know for a fact that Maximus made sure they have plenty of money when he sold off the businesses."

"Her mom is kind of old school and thinks this is the right thing to do."

"What do you want?"

"Is it wrong that I want to kidnap her?"

Liz smirked. "Have you spoken to her?"

"She called me crying and I just listened and then eventually got her to calm."

"Cam, you need to make up your mind."

"She told me she loves me."

Liz observed as he lowered his gaze and then buried his face in his hands.

"You have to be true to yourself. Do you miss her?"

"I do, but is that enough?

"Do you love her?"

"I—I was falling in love with her when we were together but I kind of disconnected myself."

"Sometimes, we have to let pride go. Do you feel bad for shutting yourself off?"

He nodded.

"Did you apologize to her?"

"Yeah."

"Then let it go. What is stopping you with her?"

"I guess I just didn't want to get serious so young and I don't like that she lets her family bully her." She always went along with whatever Cam wanted and that always gave him pause.

"Do you think you can just be friends?" She's afraid that maybe after watching her let everyone bully her, he's judging Emiliana too harshly.

He shrugged. "That might be hard, but it's better than nothing."

"Well, if she lets her mom boss her around… Wait, does this have something to do with me?"

Cam didn't answer.

"Oh, Cam. You can't judge Emiliana for my sins."

"Mom…"

"It's okay that you didn't like seeing me hurt and that you were disappointed in my choices. I get it."

"You're different now."

"Well, Emiliana can change too. Maybe it's all she knows."

"Her dad just dismissed her, and her mom had let her dad dictate everything."

"So, it sounds like being bullied is all she knows."

"Maybe I'm just lazy and don't want to have to rescue her. I want her to rescue herself."

Liz sighed. "That's not always easy to do, but maybe knowing that you are on her side will give her strength. If she ever wants to talk to me, I'm willing to have that conversation."

He put his hand over hers. "Thank you. I guess I have a lot to think about it."

"You see her potential and that is partly what made you fall in love with her. Don't give up on her, Cam. Be her friend right now and just support her and see what she does. Not everyone wants to change or even understands how. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way." She always wonders if things would have been different if she had more neutral people around her who helped her instead of insisting on toxic co-dependence.

"Thanks for the talk."

"I love you and want you to be happy."

"Me too."

They embraced again and then he went on his way as Tess returned.