ABC/DISNEY Owns GH. No copyright infringement intended.

A/N: I am not a lawyer, but in PC land, Diane makes the magic happen.

Chapter 19

Jason Morgan paced back and forth for what seemed like the 100th time in the last 15 minutes. If Diane didn't show up in the next 5, he was going to go out and retrieve her himself. He was livid.

After Elizabeth left for her night out with the girls, Jason started planning. He was furious. He was going to make that bitch pay if it was the last thing that he did. He wanted to put a bullet in her head but he promised Elizabeth he wouldn't resort to that. He was going to do it the legal way, and he was going to make sure that Sam ended up with nothing.

Diane arrived right at the 20 minute mark just like she told him. Jason was already waiting with the door open when she approached the house.

"Well hello Mr. Morgan. Looking good for a dead man." Diane said nonchalantly.

"Thanks. It feels good to be alive."

"So you want to explain to me what this is about? Why are you here in Elizabeth's house? It's apparent that I have missed some things since you've come back."

"Elizabeth and I are together. We are getting married, and we are going to be a family."

"Boy, you sure do work fast don't you. When I got your call about the business, I thought it was great you were making steps to get out of the life for your boys. I didn't know you were changing everything."

"Elizabeth and I have waited long enough. I don't think prolonging that is going to change how we feel. We've loved each other for the better half of our lives. We both want this."

"Oh dear Jason, I am not questioning your love for Elizabeth. I have always known how you felt about her. You were just too stupid to see it. It's nice to see you picking someone with class. You definitely upgraded, that's for sure."

"Thanks Diane. I will be sure to tell Elizabeth you said that. I am sure she will feel great knowing she was an upgrade."

"Don't you dare," Diane warned.

Jason just laughed.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Jason Morgan?"

"What are you babbling about Diane?"

"You, you are different."

"Well yeah, I should be. I almost died. Again. If I didn't change it would be a little strange don't you think? That's why I want out of the business. I want to make a life with Elizabeth and our sons. I have spent enough time being Sonny's errand boy. It's about time I take a stand and take what I want. Don't you think?"

"Good for you Jason, I am happy for you. Let's jump into this then."

Diane placed a pile of papers in front of him. "Here are the papers for Sonny to buy you out. I just need your John Hancock on this line, this line and initial here."

Then she turned a few more pages. "Here and here." Jason did this for the next 10 minutes, signing where he needed to as each page was presented.

"Alright that's it for those. "Now you mentioned getting Sam out of the penthouse. I have filed a petition to the court and expedited it. She should be getting the boot by tomorrow morning."

"Wow Diane! You work fast. How did you manage to pull that off at this late hour?"

"I had a judge that owed me a favor. When he heard who it was for, he was happy to oblige. Apparently Sam had played a con on his brother back in the day. He was never able to prove it. He was more than happy to push the eviction notice through. The sheriff should be arriving in the morning. She will be given 24 hours to get out."

'I always knew you were a shark, but this is amazing. I am impressed."

"You just keep paying me the big bucks, and you will continue to be impressed by my prowess."

"Lastly, here is the paperwork to remove you as the father from the birth certificate and to have Franco added. This one I won't file until the test comes back."

"I am confident they will come back showing that I am not Danny's father. She is good at what she does. She did this for maximum effect."

"I just cannot believe that she can be so cruel."

"I can. It's my own fault. We all knew she came to town to con Sonny and Jax out of money. We knew about her past, yet for some reason we all believed that she had changed. It was the scam of a lifetime. Took her years to complete it, but she finally did it."

"I have an appointment setup for Friday at the hospital for 10am. That's the soonest I could get."

"Good, thank you," Jason said appreciatively.

"Lastly, I want all of Sam's accounts drained. Take any money that belongs to Jackal and McCall and move it to a new account with just Spinelli's name on it. I also want you to put the penthouse in his name too. I will be giving it to him since Elizabeth and I will be living here. If he chooses to side with Sam, then all bets are off. I haven't spoken to him since I've been back. He's been out of town on an assignment. I will talk to him when he returns. I heard that should be at some point tomorrow. I will talk to him then. If anything changes, we can make adjustments."

"Do you want me to leave her with anything?"

"No, drain it all. Don't even leave a penny to her name. Let Dante take care of her. Although I don't expect he will be sticking around once he finds out what a lying con-artist his roommate truly is."

"Alright, I will get on that. It's been nice doing business with you Mr. Morgan. Don't forget triple time."

"Yeah, yeah. You keep doing what you are doing I may even give you a bonus," Jason promised. "Destroy her."

"I plan on it. It will be my pleasure," Diane promised him.

Elizabeth arrived at The Floating Rib a few minutes past 8pm. They all agreed to meet at the bar at 8pm. When she walked in, the ladies had already started without her.

"What's this? Starting the lick it, slam it, suck it without me?" Elizabeth asked. "I thought we said 8? I know I am late but it's only been a few minutes."

"Hey Elizabeth!" All the ladies greeted her. "We couldn't wait. So we all came in about a half hour ago." Terry told her, then immediately noticed the rock on Elizabeth's finger.

"What the hell? Biz, are you holding out on us? Do you have something to tell us?"

A huge smile broke out on Elizabeth's face.

"What?" Epiphany asked. " What did I miss?"

"Take a gander at Elizabeth's left hand. See something?"

"Oh my God Elizabeth! What the heck? When did this happen? That rock is gorgeous!" Epiphany said enthusiastically.

"Earlier, after Jason picked me up from my shift. We went for a ride on his bike, and he took me to our special place. Before I knew what was happening, he was on bended knee asking me. It was quite shocking. I definitely did not expect it. So of course I said yes, or else I wouldn't be wearing this ring right now."

"Oh Elizabeth, I am so happy for you," Epiphany said sincerely. "You've been waiting most of your life for this. Your dream is finally coming true. My baby is growing up," Epiphany looked at her proudly.

Britt tried to be happy for Elizabeth, but she had to admit, hearing that bit of news stung a little. She knew that her and Jason weren't ever meant to be, still didn't mean she didn't feel things. She was still going to be gracious about it.

"Congrats Elizabeth. I am happy for you and Jason," Britt said convincingly.

Elizabeth sighed. She did feel bad, but not that bad. She had her man and she didn't care who was hurt over it.

"Sorry Britt, I am not trying to flaunt this in your face, I promise. I just love him so much. I've waited long enough."

"Don't be sorry. Jason is a great guy. Any woman in their right mind would be crazy not to want him back. I know you guys have a history. I promise I will never try to mess with that. I have moved on. Yeah it stings a little but we just broke up. That's expected."

"Okay, as long as you are okay. I am not about to censor myself around you. I am going to talk about Jason."

"No that's fine. As long as I can talk about Cody and all the ways he makes my body tingle."

"Now there's something I can get behind," Epiphany chimed in. "Do tell how he makes your body tingle Dr. Westbourne. Enquiring minds want to know."

"Well I don't like to kiss and tell, but let's just say there was a whole lot of kissing going on and some heaving petting."

"Aww, so no wham, bam, thank you ma'am?" Epiphany joked crudely. "I feel let down."

"No, that will be for the next time. I can't put out on the first date. Or is this our second? Maybe third? " Britt tried to figure out what was right. They kept getting interrupted so she wasn't sure if any of those situations could be considered a date. "Anyway, he's a little guarded, but I plan on getting him to open up to me."

"You got get him girl," Elizbeth shouted excitedly. "Ride that cowboy. He is a cowboy right?"

"He speaks to the horses," Britt told her, as if that explained it.

"Well then, saddle up partner. Get on it." Terry slapped Britt on the back.

"So when is the wedding Elizabeth?" Epiphany asked.

"Christmas and that reminds me. I want you two in my wedding. If you want to be that is."

"Aww Biz, I'd be honored to be in your wedding."

Elizabeth turned to Epiphany. "Epiphany, since I first got to know you all the way back in 2006, I thought, great here is this nasty and mean head nurse that is going to boss us around and make our lives a living hell. While all that still happened..." She got a chuckle out of Epiphany. "Stop interrupting," Elizabeth slapped her.

"While all that still happened, you also made your way into my life as one of my closest friends. I love you Epiphany. You have been there for me and Jason more times than I can count. You are a true gift and I would love for you to be my Maid of Honor."

"It would be my honor and pleasure Elizabeth and I love you too. You are my best friend and sister." The ladies hugged and there were tears all around.

"Let's all do a round. Bartender, bring us over your best bottle of tequila and 4 shot glasses."

"Put it on Jason Morgan's tab," yelled Epiphany. "The bartender quirked his brow. "He's good for it."

The bartender shook his head and went off to place a phone call to be sure the ladies were telling the truth. Sure enough, Jason had told him that whatever they wanted, he would pay for and to keep an eye on them.

"So what's the verdict Garcon?"

"Ma'am?"

"You know, did you call to clear it with Jason? I saw you on your little phone over there."

"Oh yeah, how'd you know?"

"Well I knew you weren't going to take my word for it. Figured you were smart enough to know that nobody would lie about Jason Morgan."

"Let's just say, I value my life and I was told to always check."

Once the ladies had their drinks in hand. "To Elizabeth and Jason," shouted Epiphany. "To Elizabeth and Jason and they all clanked their glasses.

Later on that evening, Jason just finished cleaning up the kitchen and was ready for baking cookies with Aiden. He wasn't sure if he'd ever picture himself baking cookies, but here he was about to do just that. Things definitely do change when you shift your priorities.

"Hey Jason, Can I talk to you?" Cam asked nervously. He wasn't sure if he should be ruffling feathers, but he felt he had to say something.

"Sure Cam, what's on your mind?"

"You and my mom."

"Okay, what about me and your mom?" Jason asked curiously. He had a feeling that he was about to get a talking-to from the man of the house.

"I am not sure if I trust you," Cam told him straightforwardly.

Jason's heart sank. "I guess there's no beating around the bush with you huh? Straight for the Juggler," Jason joked. Although deep down he was crushed. Just when he thought he was making some progress.

Cam saw Jason's deflated look and he instantly felt bad.

"No, please don't feel bad. See I wasn't even going to say anything but Joss said I should. Look, I know you love my mom Jason. That's not in question. You just have a messed up set of priorities, and I don't want to see my mom hurt again. Cause let's face it, this family is usually last on your list of priorities."

"Cam, your mom and I made promises. No contact. She didn't want you boys hurt."

"That's a crock of shit and you know it. You fight for everyone else. You never once fought for us and I will never understand. I loved you Jason. You were there. I remember. You got me my Chuggin' Charlie. At the time I thought it was Santa, but later on I found out it was you. Then you just disappeared. It hurt. A lot. I am not even your son, so I can only imagine what it did to Jake."

"Cam, I know I've made mistakes. More than my share. Believe me I know. Your mother and I are trying to move past all of that and towards our future."

"Jason do you know what you walking away from us did to our mother? To my brother?"

"I heard..."

"Yeah Jason, you heard. You heard things. You never once checked on her. You just walked away and claimed your new little family. The hell with us right?" Cam didn't mean to raise his voice, but he was getting emotional and he wasn't sure if he wanted to cry or rage. Maybe both.

Jason was taken aback by Cam's outburst. He had yelled at him in the past about killing Franco, but Jason knew that he wasn't guilty of that. No this was different. Cam was laying out all of Jason's mistakes, and all the ways he betrayed Elizabeth and their family.

"We agreed..."

"You agreed? Or did my mom dictate, and you bobbed your head up and down, not saying a damn word. You were free to be around every other kid in town except your own. How do you justify that Jason? How to you expect me to believe that the slightest sign of danger you won't go running away again?"

Jason didn't even comment. He just let Cam unload on him. He owed the kid that much at the very least.

"My brother thinks you walk on water for some reason. Says he understands you like nobody else. Only you never saw him crying himself to sleep at night, wondering why his father didn't care about him. Why his father was always with Danny, but never there for him. I watched it all. Lucky abandoned us, you abandoned us, Drew abandoned us, and even Franco did although I can't really blame him for that. Death is a pretty good excuse. I guess the vows stuck. Until death do they part. He was probably the best father we had."

That last statement was like a knife to the heart. Especially now knowing that Danny was Franco's. It killed him that out of all the people in town, Franco had to be the one that gave his family the love and stability that they always craved. It was his punishment. He would have to live with that for the rest of his life. It really was eye-opening.

"Cam, I promise you I am not going anywhere. I am out of the business. I am sorry it took me so long to realize what I have known all along. You guys are my home. I am here for all of you. I cannot apologize enough. I know I don't deserve another chance, but I am hoping you will give me one anyway."

"Jason, I look to you as a father figure, but you still have a lot to prove to me. I know you can be a great guy. You were so good to me when I was little. I just don't understand why everyone leaves us. My mom tries so hard. I always thought the guys ran because of us. So I did my absolute best to be a good boy so Lucky wouldn't run away. I didn't want him to have an excuse to leave. Same with you. But you both left. Everybody leaves us. I don't understand why nobody wants to stay."

Cam couldn't keep the tears from flowing. He couldn't stop if he tried. He felt so abandoned and alone sometimes. He always had to be the strong one for the family. He was always looking out for his little brothers, but who was looking out for him? His mom was a mess half the time. In and out of psych wards. They had to catch a break sooner or later.

"I am sorry Jason. This really isn't your fault. I have some serious abandonment issues. I am working on it with Dr. Collins. It's just I never knew my real dad. Lucky abandoned us. My mom was always so happy when you were around, and then you weren't. She ended up in Shadybrook more than once. After you left, she was never the same. She has just been floating through life. Numb to everything and everyone around her."

Jason wanted to die. He really wanted to just shoot himself with his own gun. Knowing that he was the cause of most of the pain she was suffering, that they were suffering. It was just too much to bear.

"Then you came back and suddenly that light was back in her eyes. That is the main reason why I am willing to allow you into this home. Because nothing else has worked. Only you. I want my mother back Jason. I want my happy mother back. You give that to me, and I will forgive you and give you my full blessing. Deal?"

That gave Jason some hope. "That's a deal Cam." Then they shook on it.

"I really didn't mean to unload on you like that. I had only intended on letting you know I was keeping my eye on you. Then I just started and couldn't stop."

"It's okay Cam. Really. You can't help how you feel. Some of the things you told me have been extremely eye-opening. I know I should have checked in on her. I just thought I was doing what she asked and was staying away like we agreed. I was trying to honor her request. I never wanted her to hurt."

"Sometimes being noble is just taking the easy way out. Sometimes you have to fight for what you want. I don't think my mom has ever seen you fight for her. In the end, you are the one that has walked away every time. Stay and fight this time. Even if she pushes you away. Fight for her. Fight for us. That's all I want Jason. You do that and we are good."

"You're a pretty smart kid. Your mom really raised some good boys. She should be proud. All 3 of you are amazing. I just hope Aiden warms up to me sooner or later. I am supposed to bake cookies with him. Well really just watch him. I have no idea what I am doing."

"Give it time. He doesn't know you like Jake and I do. It took him time to warm up to Franco too. Just do things he likes to do. He's shy so he won't tell you. You'll have to find out for yourself. I am sure my mom told you his favorite thing to do is to bake. So you are off to a good start if you are going to watch him bake."

Jason pulled Cam into a hug. "Thank you Cam. For the information, for the talk and for being the best future step-son a guy can ask for. You are amazing just like your mother. You wear your heart on your sleeve. Don't ever change."

"You're welcome Jason. I will go get Aiden and Danny for you. I might even get my video camera. I don't think Joss is going to believe this. I am going to have to show her video evidence."

"Don't you dare," Jason threatened, but was laughing when he said it.

"Too bad Jason. You already agreed to make my mom happy and seeing this on video will make her week."

"I see how it is, playing the guilt trip I see," Jason said smirking. "Well played."

"I thought so," Cam agreed triumphantly. "This won't be the first time that you are scammed. It's okay, your new at this. You'll learn."

Jason just shook his head smiling. He hoped to God he did. He didn't want to lose this family ever again. They were his world. He would do everything within his power to keep them too.

Back at the bar, the girls were getting hammered pretty quickly. They all had a few rounds after Elizabeth's news.

"Terry, come to the little girl's room with me," exclaimed a drunk Britt. "You know the rules."

"What rules are those?" Terry asked. "Not sure she believed her.

"The buddy system. You are my drinking buddy. Therefore you must accompany me to the bathroom." Then Britt pointed at Elizabeth and Epiphany. "See, they are buddies. You can't break the law."

"Okay, let's go," Terry said, convinced that what Britt said was true. "I don't want to break any laws. I am too cute to go to the slammer."

"You're not going to slammer Terry," Britt told her.

"Although I wouldn't mind being frisked by Dante," Terry said, then putting her hand over her mouth. "Oops."

"Too late, cat's out of the bag," Britt exclaimed. "Those are like toothpaste words."

"Toothpaste words?"

"Yeah, you know how you squeeze too much toothpaste out? Well once it's out of the tube, you can't put it back. Same as what you just said. We know you have a crush on Dante. Oh but he's with Sam. That's not good."

"Sam is a whore," yelled Elizabeth, causing everyone to stare at her.

"What?" Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. "I was just saying. Dante's free game. If you want him, you go and get him Terry. Screw Sam and screw Yuri." Elizabeth lifted her glass and saluted.

Terry eyed Elizabeth warily, but before she could question her, Britt dragged her off to the bathroom. "Come on I have to pee."

Once the ladies sauntered off, Epiphany jumped into the questioning. "Alright spill it Webber. What's going on?"

"Nothing why?"

"You've been playing with that lime wedge for the past 20 minutes, and you've barely touched your drink. I know when something is wrong with my favorite nurse. Now spill it woman."

"Did you ever feel vindicated about something that you knew all along was true, but when the truth came out it was more devastating that you could imagine? I can't even celebrate the fact that I was right. Zero satisfaction. Such a let down."

"No, I cannot say that I have," Epiphany admitted. "Why don't you stop speaking in riddles and tell me what's on your mind before Frick and Frack come back."

"Who knew that those two would be the ones that let loose," Elizabeth joked. "I don't think I've ever seen Terry that drunk. She's always held her liquor well. So this is surprising to me."

"Yeah, no kidding. They are both usually so serious. When Terry and Britt started dancing on the tables, I started to worry that they were going to fall. Now stop deflecting Elizabeth. I know you are trying to change the subject. Well I am not having any of that. Spill it. Don't make me put you in a headlock."

Elizabeth looked at Epiphany incredulously. "Have you been hanging around Alice? Don't make me pull my Dominator moves on you," Elizabeth warned Epiphany. "I don't care if you have a size advantage over me. I'm scrappy," Elizabeth stated, proud of herself.

"Little girl, I will destroy you. Now tell your damn maid of honor what's on your mind?"

"Okay, okay," Elizabeth surrendered. "Samantha McCall."

Epiphany cringed. She didn't like that woman one bit. "What about her?"

"She's a lying trash bag ho," Elizabeth stated plainly. Then she downed the shot she had been playing with.

"Please elaborate," Epiphany pushed her to continue.

"Well you know how everyone kept saying over and over again how Sam has changed? Well that is so NOT true," Elizabeth emphasized. "She is still the same lying scheming con-artist that she was when she came to town."

"What did she lie about this time?" Epiphany asked curiously.

Elizabeth glanced around the bar to make sure nobody was listening. "Danny is not Jason's," Elizabeth whispered it so quietly that Epiphany almost didn't hear her.

"What?" Epiphany was shocked to say the least. "Seriously?"

"Yeah, she just dropped that bomb before I got here earlier. That's why I was late. I didn't want to leave Jason, but he insisted. Now I can't stop thinking about what he is doing at home, and how he's feeling. I love you girls but the last place I want to be is here," Elizabeth admitted. "I need to go back home and be with Jason."

"Aww sweetie, I know you want to get back to him to help, but the alone time might be good for him. He needs to reflect. I am sure the boys are going to keep his mind occupied too I am sure."

"Yeah, Jason is supposed to bake with Aiden."

"Get the heck out of town." Epiphany smacked her.

"What?"

"Jason Morgan baking? I can't picture it."

"Between you and me, he makes a hell of a breakfast too," Elizabeth said smiling, thinking back to that morning after their first time together. Their relationships were falling apart but somehow they found each other and helped each other heal. She would never regret that night. That was the night they created Jake.

The look on Elizabeth's face told Epiphany everything she needed to know. She knew Elizabeth was remembering a special night with Jason.

"I just feel so bad for him Epiphany. He loves Danny so much and now to find this out?"

"Who is the father?" Epiphany asked curiously. She just couldn't help but ask. She had to know.

"Franco," Elizabeth choked out, still not believing it.

Her husband had impregnated her worst enemy, and never said a word about it. He had to have known or at least suspected. I mean they weren't together then, but that would be some information that she would have liked to know. Was he lying to her the whole time? Was he part of a bigger plan to keep her and Jason apart? The more she thought about it, the sicker she felt. Was their marriage even real?

Epiphany noticed the freaked out look on Elizabeth's face. "What's wrong Elizabeth?"

"What if.."

"What? Tell me woman."

"What if Franco, all of it was a lie?"

"You don't mean..."

"Yeah, I do. A huge scam between Franco and Sam to keep me and Jason apart. Yeah, that's exactly what I mean. It makes sense."

"Yeah but you can't prove that now and I doubt Sam would admit to it."

"I have to tell Jason. It just makes things so much worse. All of this time I thought that Franco was the one guy that put me first. The one guy who wanted me for me. What if I find out it was all a big lie? Another con from Sam. That will mean that nobody has ever wanted me."

"That's not true Elizabeth and you know it. Jason Morgan loves you. I have always known that about him. The way he looks at you when he thinks nobody is looking. Trust me, that boy has always been head over heels in love with you. You were just too stupid to see it and too far up Lucky's ass to take that chance."

"Hey!" Elizabeth said offended.

"Oh are you offended? Good! Maybe next time it won't take you 23 years to claim your man."

Elizabeth knew it was true so she let the comment slide. So instead, she changed the subject. "Do you think we should call a search party for those two?"

"Nah, with any luck they are both passed out on the couch in there sobering up. I do not want to be responsible for those two tonight," Epiphany said laughing. "I have never seen two women get so drunk so fast."

"You know what they say about those all work and no play people?"

"Yeah, they are boring," Epiphany downed her shot and called the bartender over. "Another round please." The bartender nodded and poured another shot for Epiphany and Elizabeth.

Epiphany raised her shot glass. Elizabeth followed suit. "Elizabeth, you are my best friend. I don't know how it happened but you wormed your way into my heart. You are like a daughter to me and I want you to know I will always be there for you. I hope that you and Jason will find the happiness that you both have always craved together. I think you are going to make it this time. To you and Jason." They both clanked their glasses together and downed the shot.

Just then the ladies finally stumbled back over to the bar.

"We thought you two got lost." Epiphany told her drunk friends.

"No, we decided to call Yuri and Cody."

"This was supposed to be a girl's night out, not a call your boyfriend in the bathroom night out," Elizabeth said matter-of-factly. "Cause if that's the case then I want my one phone call too."

"You're not in prison Biz, and there are no rules that we can't call our guys," Terry told her.

"Hey, the rules state that we can talk about our men, but we cannot call our men until the end of the night. It's not my fault you don't know the rules. If Em and Robin were here they'd tell you."

"Who's Em," Britt asked.

"Emily was Jason's sister and my best friend. She died a long time ago. Strangled to death by a psychopath," Elizabeth said sobering. "I miss her so much."

"Oh sorry for your loss," Britt said, not sure what else to say.

"Thanks, but it was a long time ago. Before you came to town. She was a kind and loving person. She was married to Nikolas Cassadine at one point and they were working their way back towards one another when she was killed." Elizabeth sighed. "Anyway, sorry I didn't mean to put a damper on things. Let's get another round."

The girls all agreed. It was going to be an early night.

Meanwhile, in the corner of the bar, Rebecca sat watching the 4 women. She could feel her blood boiling as she listened to Elizabeth talk about how great Saint Emily was. She wasn't sure why it bothered her so much. She had all of Emily's memories. There was nothing special about any of these people that Emily called family.

She wasn't sure why Emily and Elizabeth were even friends with all the betrayals between them. She guessed that Elizabeth was just that much of a sap. She would have to play on that. It's too bad she had to pretend to be Jason's brother, cause she would like to get on top of that. Now there was a man she could get into, or under. Whatever he preferred. Oh well, she would just have to deal.

Rebecca couldn't wait for Zander to show up. She hoped the ladies left before he did. They couldn't afford to draw attention to themselves too soon. They had to reveal themselves at the right moment. When everyone in town was present. It wouldn't be much longer.