A/N – I know fanfiction has been down for posting, but I can see the last chapter now, so we're back. In the future, don't forget you can read the story at my site on tapatalk which is drawntoyou.

Chapter 63

Just as dessert was about to be served, Emiliana arrived.

"Hi, I hope it's okay. I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving."

Maximus smiled. "You are always welcome here." He gave her a warm embrace.

They put in an extra chair next to Cam.

"You okay?"

She nodded. "I spent enough time with my family today. They argue a lot."

"Well, we tease a lot, but there's none of that. Gram is a great cook. You'll love her pies."

"I can't wait." They have forged a nice friendship and Emiliana is happy that they managed to do it despite everything that had happened.

Sarah watched all their interactions and instead of jealously, she felt relieved that after all her sister has been through, she finally found people to be on her side. There are a lot of things she regrets. After she had received her own karma, she finally got the importance of family and so wished she had been able to reach out to her sister for comfort, but that wasn't a possibility because she had burned that bridge. In fact, she had incinerated it, or so she thought. For Liz to let her in and share this day with her is almost overwhelming. She smiled as she watched her daughter snuggle against her brother and then got up to get some fresh air.

Liz saw her leave and eyed her grandmother who made a motion that Liz should follow. Taking a deep breath, she whispered her intentions to Jason and headed onto the porch.

Sarah noticed her presence, but her eyes remained focus on the backyard. "It's beautiful here."

"Maximus chose wisely."

"I'm glad you're happy."

"Really?"

Sarah turned with tears in her eyes. "Believe it or not, I have changed, and I am truly sorry. I understand"

"What happened to you, Sarah? It must have been something big." There is no way her sister would be here unless something very bad had happened.

"Do you mind if we sit?"

Liz motioned for her to sit and then waited as Sarah took a deep breath.

"After I left Port Charles, I went to California, but I wasn't happy there, so after several years, I moved to Virginia. I stayed there for a long time, but believe it or not, I ended up back in Colorado."

"Really?"

Sarah nodded. "It was the worst decision of my life."

When her sister began to tremble, Liz grabbed her hand. "What happened?"

"I was working and a blast from the past arrived. Do you remember Adam from high school?"

Liz's brow rose. "That stupid jock that you followed around." Her eyes widened. "Oh, my God, Madison's eyes."

Sarah wiped a tear away. "The first time he hit me, I was shocked. and he apologized and I was stupid and forgave him. I don't know what was wrong with me."

"You wanted to be loved or was lonely?"

"I guess that was it. I don't know. He had a few friends over and they got drunk. His best friend stayed around after everyone else left and Adam watched him rape me, Elizabeth."

"Oh, my God."

"I was a mess. I just wanted to make it all go away, but thankfully, someone stopped me from running and I went to the hospital. Eventually, they were convicted."

"Thank God."

"I—at first, I fell apart. People found out it was me and I ended up running. A few months later, I found out I was pregnant. and I went on the run, scared that his family would find out and take the baby from me. Believe it or not, I wanted it. Maybe it was my need to have some love me unconditionally. I just—I needed to protect it."

Elizabeth shuts her eyes, knowing that her sister had been through hell and now they are bonded by something horrible. "I wouldn't have wished what happened to me on anyone."

"I know. I get it now. I was a horrible sister back then. Can you forgive me?" Tears are pouring down Sarah's cheeks.

"I do. Are you still on the run?"

She shook her head. "They found me after the baby was born and threw money at me and told me to disappear and never tell anyone who the father was. They disowned Saul and wanted nothing to do with a child that would remind them of what a crappy child they had. I used the money to move again and ended up in Maine."

"Near Steven?"

"No. We eventually ran into each other and I told him what happened. He has watched over us."

Johnny is ready to kill someone. He had followed and stood at the door because he wanted to defend Liz if necessary.

"I'm glad you had him. We're about to move to Tuscany."

"The winery everyone was talking about?"

"Yes. There's plenty of room if you want to visit."

Sarah started to sob. "You should hate me."

"Maybe, but I've done things that I'm ashamed of too. We're survivors, all of us. Steven has turned his life around and you have done what you needed to protect your child."

Madison ran into the kitchen.

"Are you looking for your mommy?" Johnny said as he knelt.

The little girl nodded.

"Come here. I'm Johnny," he said before lifting her.

She stared into his eyes. "Pretty."

Johnny grinned. "Thank you. The color of your eyes is pretty too."

Madison smiled.

He pushed open the door and Sarah wiped at her face.

"Hey, baby."

"Hi, Mommy. This is my friend, Johnny."

Johnny smiled. "She's cute."

"Yeah, she's a keeper."

Madison went to her mom who gently rocked her. "Thank you for bringing her to me."

"You're welcome."

"I'm thirsty," the little girl said.

"Alright, let's get you something."

Liz sucked in a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, but I heard part of your conversation. I was trying to have your back."

Liz's gaze shot to his. "You know?"

Johnny nodded and then averted his gaze. "I want to use my connections to make sure they'll never be able to hurt them again."

Sarah froze in the door and then her knees gave out and Johnny barely caught her; carrying her to a chair and sitting her on it.

"You okay?"

"You would do that for me?"

Johnny nodded. "Yes. Will you let me?" It disgusts him that either of them had to experience something so horrible.

Sarah slightly nodded and Johnny disappeared into the house and pulled Francis, Maximus, and Jason aside.

Sarah put her hands over her face. "Am I a horrible person?"

"No. If I've learned anything, sometimes, when you're too forgiving, people take advantage of you. How long will Saul and that other asshole be in jail?"

"This is Saul's last year. Adam is already out."

"Come on." After what happened with Sonny, she doesn't trust them to not try and take revenge on her sister.

They found the guys in the study. When they entered the room, the men stood.

"One is in his last year and the other is already out."

"We should wait until the one is released and then make them disappear," Johnny said. He would like to handle this personally.

"Will they have help?" Francis asked. Sarah and Elizabeth look so different. He remembers when Sarah was a terror, but the woman standing in front of him seems like she had been through hell and back.

"I don't think so. Both families want nothing to do with them." Steven had hired a private investigator.

"I need their full names," Johnny said before holding up a pen.

Sarah wrote them down and where they lived when they were younger.

Jason hugged Elizabeth.

"Thank you. I—I don't think I've had a good night's sleep in so long."

"Where are you staying?" Johnny asked.

"I don't know. Our suitcases are in the car. I came straight from the airport."

"I reserved some hotel rooms, but I'm sure they feel safer staying here or at the house, we can move things around," Jason said.

"Cam can stay with us," Johnny said. They have a pullout couch.

"Then it's settled. You can have Cam's room. The bed is big enough for both of you."

"I would like that."

"Sarah, may I speak with you alone?" Jason asked.

She nodded and everyone left.

She studied the man that used to be so intimidating to her. Back in the day, she could never understand what Liz saw in him, but after seeing him so laid back today and the love that shines when he gazes at her sister, she gets it.

"I need to make sure you won't hurt her."

"I understand. I'm not here for that. I just needed to see her and apologize."

"She has a big heart. I won't let anyone hurt her ever again. There's a lot you don't know, and Elizabeth has been through so much."

"So, have I. My daughter is everything to me and I want to be a better example for her. Thank you for loving her."

"She's easy to love. I'm sorry they hurt you."

Sarah nodded. "I won't put anyone here in danger, right?"

"No. It will be fine."

Francis knocked on the door. "He gets released January 15th." He had wasted no time getting that information.

"Sarah, I'm planning a wedding for Elizabeth for Christmas. You could stay on and then when Johnny and Francis finish, you can go home knowing your family is safe."

Her eyes pricked with tears. "Okay. I didn't pack a lot though."

"I'll take care of that. You can go shopping with Elizabeth."

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

"You seem sincere and we take care of family here."

"Thank you."

Jason left her in the room and soon, Johnny re-entered.

"Your daughter is singing karaoke with Danny. You're missing a classic performance of some song from Frozen."

Sarah giggled. "Well, I can't miss that, can I?"

"No. Come on."

She followed him to the other room and cracked up, but the best performance was Steven and Liz singing I've got you, babe. It was just like old times.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Liz and Steven took a walk.

"It's good to see you so happy."

"I hope I wear it well."

"You do."

"How are you really?"

"I'm good. The kids are so cute and my wife, she's great. She doesn't expect me to be perfect and tries to encourage me."

"I'm glad you she gave you a chance."

"It was probably more than I deserve. I thank God for her every day."

Liz squeezed his hand. "I missed you."

He smiled fondly. "I missed you too. I was shocked at first when Gram told me about you and Jason, but I probably shouldn't be. You always navigated toward each other."

"We're finally getting it right."

"I can't believe how big the boys are and they are so smart. Cam's wit is just over the top."

Liz chuckled. "He made us smile when we didn't think we ever would."

"I hate that you had to go through so much, but in the end, it bought you to this place and you're finally where you want to be."

"You'd love the winery. Maybe someday, you can bring everyone to visit."

"I'm down for that."

It feels good to have him back in her life.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The next few weeks were full of love and laughter. Sarah was sleeping better and looking more like herself. She had even let Maddie have a sleepover with Audrey who is staying at a hotel. Elizabeth had asked if she'd be a bridesmaid at the wedding and she accepted.

"I can't believe Christmas is almost here," Liz said while gazing in the mirror.

Tess smiled. "It has always been my favorite time of the year. You look so beautiful."

This is Liz's final fitting. She had found the dress a few weeks ago and It's perfect for her. She didn't want anything overly ornate.

Tess can't wait to see Elizabeth's reaction when she sees the inside of the tent.

"We're meeting for dinner tonight, right?"

Liz nodded. "I'll come to the apartment first and then we'll go."

Tess smiled. She is in for a big surprise. Christmas is in three days and tonight will be her bachelorette party. Everyone had been flown in and will be there.

Liz has been on pins and needles. She knows Jason is up to something but thinks that he has something planned for New Year's Eve. After taking one more look at the dress, she changed with a big smile on her face knowing that soon, she'll be Mrs. Jason Morgan.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Tess shushed everyone and pushed them into the bedroom before opening the door.

"Hey," Liz said smiling. Her eyes bulged at the sight of Tess's sexy black dress.

"Hi."

"Was I supposed to dress up?"

Tess chuckled. "I took the liberty of getting you something. It's in the bedroom. Go try it on."

Liz's eyes narrowed and then she opened the door to Tess's bedroom and is met with a loud, "Surprise!"

"Oh my God!" She squealed as she hugged Epiphany, and then Robin, Kelly, and Larissa.

Tess grinned as she watched Liz practically jump up and down. "Hold on," she said before dialing and then handing her a phone.

Liz smiled when she saw Jason. "Hey."

"Hi. I guess you can know why they are here."

"We're getting married?"

Jason grinned. "Elizabeth Webber, will you marry me on Christmas evening?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Epiphany chuckled.

"Thank you. Everything is ready. You just have to show up."

"Oh, I'll be there."

"Go have fun. I'll talk to you in the morning."

Liz's brow rose.

"Give it up, you're not seeing him tonight," Robin said. "We have plans."

"What about you?" Liz asked him.

"I have no idea."

"There better not be strippers."

Jason made a face making her laugh. "I love you."

"I love you more."

She handed the phone back and then they headed into the living room and did a shot of tequila and then Liz got changed.

When she stepped back into the living room everyone clapped.

"Are you seriously making me wear this?"

Kelly cracked up. "You look hot."

Liz is wearing a short white dress with heels and The Bride sash along with a tiara. "I am too old for this."

"You are never too old to have fun," Robin said.

"Let's go celebrate!" Tess said before everyone cheered, and they headed to the limo.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Jason is dragged to a limo and Johnny, Francis, Jake, Cam, Max, Milo, Drew, joined him, while Carlos, Vincenzo, Patrick, Michael, and Steven, met them at the bar they had rented. Alexis hadn't come on Thanksgiving so she could attend the wedding, so Aidan, who had opted to stay with her and the kids since he is underaged stayed at the cottage with the kids.

When they arrived at the bar, a loud cheer is heard, and he was patted on the back.

"The strippers will be here any minute," Johnny said.

Jason glared making everyone laugh.

"Just kidding… We have cigars, all the alcohol we can drink, and lots of stories to tell," Johnny said.

"And there are pool tables," Francis added.

"Thank you." It was perfect.

Cam gripped his shoulder. "What happens at the bar stays at the bar."

Jason just shook his head as he is handed a shot glass.

"To Jason, the luckiest SOB on earth," Max said.

"Don't you dare mention anything about an ex-wife," Jason said making everyone laugh.