A/N – Thanks for the comments!

Chapter 62

Isabella grabbed Liz's hand and they went for a walk in the garden next to the house while the men chatted.

"This farm was passed down to me. I remember running around here like I didn't have a care in the world when I was just a little girl."

"It's a beautiful place to grow up."

"Yes, it is. I hope that someday your grandchildren will love it here as well."

Liz smiled. "That's a nice thought."

"Perhaps you and Jason can visit before you take over so I can show you all my secret hiding places."

"We would love that. You know, if you are feeling homesick, just call or stop by. This was your dream."

"And now, it's yours."

"I'm looking forward to it. There was a lot of pain getting to this part of my life. Jason experienced the same and since he has come back into my life, I've never been happier. We finally got our timing right and now, the family we have always wanted. My heart is so full of love, it could burst."

"That would be messy."

Liz chuckled. "Seriously, we would love to keep in touch. Jason's brother Drew has the cutest little girl, Alana. You would gush over her. I might even be willing to share some baby time with you."

Isabella laughed. "I would absolutely love that."

"Then it's settled. If you want a slightly used family, we are available." She is blessed with a warm embrace for her comments.

"Thank you. It means a lot to me."

"Good. Are you going far?"

"We're moving to the coast, so not too far. We inherited a small cottage from his parents and kept it. I love it there. We won't have room for you to stay, but if you are in the area, we'd love to see you. The views are spectacular."

"I bet they are. Maybe I could sketch and paint it someday."

"You're an artist?"

"I used to be, but I'm a bit out of practice. I've been doing it more and more though. Jason always encouraged me."

"Well, I would love to see your work. One of my oldest friend's daughter has a gallery in Rome. If you ever decide to put it on display, I can make that happen."

Liz smiled. "That would be excellent. We'll see how it goes."

Jason moved closer. "Am I interrupting?"

Isabella shook her head. "Your fiancé has made me an honorary member of the family and invited us back."

"That sounds like her. Sometimes, it's hard to walk away from something you've loved so much, but that love will draw you back. The door is always open."

Isabella touched his arm. "Thank you."

"James sent me for some refreshments."

She chuckled. "That sounds like him. Will you help me?"

"Sure…"

They followed her inside and she got two pitchers out of the fridge and stacked some glasses. Liz grabbed them and took them out and when Jason went to grab the pitchers, she stopped him.

"She's special."

He smiled. "I know."

"That means you must be special too because she trusts you with her heart. I see how you look at her and I know you get it. Don't mess up. Life only gives you so many chances."

"I'm a lucky man and trust me, I'll cherish her forever."

Isabella beamed. "Good. Now, let's get out there. James is a flirt and before you know it, he might steal her away."

When Jason's eyes narrowed, she let out the loud laughter she had been holding in. "You can't kill my husband, Jason."

He almost pouted which send her into another fit of giggles. The one thing Jason hates about Italy is that the men are too damn flirtatious.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Sophie opened her door to let Jake inside. "How was the trip?"

"It was good. The house is nice and there's a huge pool that I can dunk Aidan in."

She smiled.

He moved past her. For some reason, he doesn't have a good feeling in the pit of his stomach. She sounded different over the phone and he wonders if it's bad news.

"Have a seat. We're alone."

He sat on the couch and waited for her to settle.

"What's going on?"

"You know I'm finished school at the end of December, right?"

Jake nodded.

"Well, the plan has always been for me to return to Tuscany. My mother got me a job at a local hospital. I'll start mid-January."

"So, you're moving back there?"

She nodded. "It's about fifteen minutes from the winery."

"I know we haven't been able to see each other as much but knowing you're farther away will be hard."

She sighed as she joined their hands. "I—we'll figure it out, Jake."

He stood and then started to pace. "I don't want to leave them."

"I won't be for long. You get out at the beginning of July, right?"

"Yes. I'll probably have to join everyone later."

"I know we're young and are just starting, but what we have is special. I don't want to give it up, so we'll just have to call each other."

His eyes clamp shut. He hates that the spring semester will be spent without her. "I'm scared."

Sophie rushed into his arms. "It's just for seven months and I'm willing to visit when I can. Please don't give up on us."

"I can't. We've been doing everything right. Instead of rushing to sleep together, we've taken our time and I love you, Sophie. If we can't survive a few months apart, then maybe our relationship isn't as strong as we think."

"We are strong, and I know we can."

"We don't get to see each other as much as I'd like now." With them, both studying and her working, it has been hard.

She sighed. "Then we'll try harder and make sure that we communicate."

"Okay."

A sweet kiss ended up turning passionate before they separated.

"I missed kissing you."

She smiled. "Ditto."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Elizabeth's birthday was celebrated well. Not only did Alessa throw her a party, but the boys and Maximus did as well. Monica gave her another piece of Lila's jewelry which was a beautiful ruby cocktail ring.

Jason had taken her for a ride on the bike which he and Jake had restored and she loved it. As she sat outside thinking about what her life has become, she can't help but feel grateful and smile at how happy her family is.

"That's some smile."

Liz jumped up and spun around. "Gram."

Audrey smiled. "Hello. I'm your belated birthday present. I'm sorry I'm late."

Liz rushed into her arms. "I miss you so much."

"And I miss you too."

Liz retreated. "Come, sit with me."

Audrey is guided to the bench and then closed her eyes as she inhaled the fresh air. "It's beautiful here, but Monica said you are moving." She had briefly chatted with her when she had returned from her cruise where Monica had given her Jason's number since he wanted to speak to her.

"We are. Is she why you are here?"

"No, that would be your fiance's doing."

Liz smiled. "He's wonderful. You are the best present."

Audrey grabbed her hand. "You look content."

"I am. Jake is doing great. He's going to school and will help run the winery we bought."

"That sounds like a great adventure."

"Oh, it will be. It's beautiful and I do hope you visit us there."

"I plan on it."

"How long can you stay?"

"If you are asking if I'll stay until after Thanksgiving, then the answer is yes."

"You can stay until after Christmas if you want."

"We'll see."

Aidan ran towards them. "Gram?"

Audrey stood. "Oh, my goodness. You grew." She is swallowed up by her youngest grandson who is bigger than her."

"I missed you."

"Oh, I'll always miss you."

"How long are you staying," Aidan said as he pulled back so he could peruse her.

"Well, I'll be here through Thanksgiving and we'll play it by ear after that."

"That's awesome. I have so much to tell you."

Audrey giggled. "What have you learned to make lately?"

"Wait until you taste my chocolate cake. It's mom's favorite now."

"I can't wait. If it has Elizabeth's seal of approval, it must be delicious."

They are soon joined by Cam who warmly greeted his great-grandmother. Jake will be home within the hour.

Audrey loves hearing about their adventures. Before long, Drew spotted them and invited them inside for some iced tea. She is handed Alana and immediately falls in love.

"She's beautiful."

"Thank you," Drew said.

Liz sipped on some iced tea. "This is good."

"Gia made it. I gave her the rest of the day off."

"That was nice."

Danny joined them and Audrey made a fuss over him to which he liked.

"I think I need to be made an honorary great-grandmother."

Drew smiled. "That would be welcome."

Danny nodded. "I'm good with that."

"You just think you'll get more presents," Cam said.

Danny looked affronted and then burst into laughter when Cam tickled him.

"I do have some gifts at the house. Monica told me what you like. Aidan, can you go get the two shopping bags?"

He took off and returned with Jake who had gotten out early.

Audrey grips him tightly. "I love you and missed you so much."

Jake smiled. "Me too. I'm glad you're here."

"She's going to be my grandma too," Danny said.

"Can't I have anything to myself? First, mom, then Jason, and now, Gram?"

Danny giggled. "Too bad."

Jake grabbed him. "I'm running away with you and then I'll have you all to myself."

Danny yelled, "No," as Jake ran outside with him and tickled him until he almost cried. They returned and listened to Gram tell them about her cruise.

Jason joined them. "It's crowded in here. Why don't you come back to the house?"

Drew stood. "I'll change the baby and be there in a minute."

Audrey hugged Jason. "It's good to see you. Thank you for bringing me."

"You're welcome."

She followed the boys out and then Liz gave him a torrid kiss.

"What's that for?"

"I love my gift. It's so good to have her here."

"I think she felt a little left behind. I'm glad that she agreed."

Drew approached them carrying Alana. "Should I come back?"

"Jay, Jay," the baby said making Jason smile.

"Come here, beautiful."

She reached out her arms and Jason took her.

"You are so whipped," Drew said.

"Like you aren't?"

Drew smiled as he followed them outside. "You did a good thing."

"I'm just glad she said yes."

"Me too," Liz said.

They headed to the house, stopping at the lake so Alana can see the ducks.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Thanksgiving

Audrey placed the last side dish on the table and then sat. "I would like to say grace, if I may."

Jason nodded.

"I am so thankful for this family. I call all of you family because you've all earned it by your loyalty and love to Elizabeth and the boys and Jason as well. I won't always be here, so it warms my heart that I know they are safe and cared for. Never put anything above this family, because nothing is as important as your bond." She closed her eyes. "Dear God, thank you for this family and this food we're about to receive. Thank you for bringing us together and for blessing us with happiness and love. Amen."

"Amen," Liz said smiling as everyone else echoed the sentiment.

Maximus poured Audrey some wine.

"I think you'll like this blend."

"Thank you." She had spent a little time with Maximus and although he is a little gruff at times, he clearly loves Elizabeth, so Audrey accepted his place in her granddaughter's life. She is also aware of the wedding that Jason is planning. While she hadn't initially planned on staying through Christmas, she had decided to do so to help Jason with his tasks.

"Why are there still three seats open?" Liz asked curiously.

"Well, there is one more surprise before we pass the food around."

Steven appeared in the doorway. "I hope you have room for one more."

Tears prick Liz's eyes. "Oh, my God."

"I know you were disappointed in me, but I've paid for what I did, and I miss you, Lizzie."

Liz jumped up and hugged her brother. "I forgive you. How are you?"

"I'm okay."

"Are you married?"

He smiled. "Yes, but they couldn't come."

"They?"

"I have a little girl and boy. Elizabeth is two and Steven is one."

"I didn't know."

"I'm sorry, but I swore Gram to secrecy." He had thought it best to lay low and didn't want to be a burden to everyone.

"All that matters is that you are here. Come join us."

He hugged her again and then she introduced him to everyone before he sat next to Gram.

"Alright, two more."

"Good, cause Alana is gnawing on her hand," Danny said making everyone laugh.

Sarah moved into the doorway, making Liz gasp.

"I know I've done some bad things to you, but I'm not the same person. I'm sorry. Something happened that changed me. I found real love." She pulled her little girl forward, "I had Madison Audrey Webber and my life changed."

Liz eyes the cute blue-eyed little girl who is shyly staring.

"You're my Aunt. I'm Maddie." Her mommy had shown her lots of pictures.

Liz nodded as she wiped a tear away. "How old are you?"

She held up four fingers.

"Wow, you are a big girl."

Alana banged on the table to get Maddie's attention, making the girl smile.

"Do you think I can join you and making we can talk later?"

Liz nodded. "Okay." Even though Sarah had hurt her greatly, she seemed different and Elizabeth hopes she's being sincere. If not, she'll have to go and there will be no more chances.

Maddie ran forward, and Liz hugged her.

"It's nice to meet you. Are you hungry?"

She nodded vigorously.

Jason retreived a cushion for her to sit on and she sat in between Liz and Sarah. The food was passed around and everyone began to dig in.

Cam smirked at Tess. "You look beautiful today."

Max's eyes narrowed.

Liz shook her head as she explained to the Webber family what was going on.

Steven chuckled. He has missed the boys. When he had finally gotten the courage to contact his family, he found out from Audrey that Elizabeth had gone missing. It was only recently that Audrey had shared that Elizabeth is fine and that she had seen her in Port Charles before she left the country again. When Jason had found out of his existence, after asking Audrey about Elizabeth's siblings, Steven had been shocked when he got the call but grateful. He wanted to make sure Liz was okay with it before he flew his family all the way to Italy from Maine where he now resides.

Jason couldn't help but notice that Sarah is a little edgy and didn't look any of the men in the eyes. Liz had wondered about that too. Something had happened, and she has a feeling it's not good.