Chapter 14

"Lucky?" Elizabeth whispered, jumping onto shaky legs. As she stared into his concerned face, Elizabeth flinched and paled. If he and Luke were here at the saloon it could only mean one thing. The knew everything. They knew of her shameful behaviour of the other night...they must be horrified...

As Jason stood up, he nodded to Francis to indicate everything was fine. With an irritated glance at Luke, Francis made his way back through the double doors to resume his post outside the saloon.

A short silence followed his departure, as all three remaining men watched Elizabeth continue to stare wide-eyed at Lucky. Something in Jason's eyes flickered as he watched the emotions run across the girl's strained face.

Finally, it was Luke who spoke first, "Lizzie, darling are you alright?"

By now, Luke had made his way closer to Elizabeth. She tore her eyes away from Lucky and stared at his father with large red-rimmed eyes. Slowly she nodded, but no words would form on her trembling lips. She didn't think she could take Luke and Lucky's disappointment in her as well...

Placing a gentle hand on her chin, Luke tilted her head up to get a clearer look at the scarlet red hand mark on her face. "Damn that woman! I can't believe she would do this..." he muttered angrily, but then seeing the unshed tears in Elizabeth's eyes, he gentled his voice, "I'm sorry, Lizzie."

Elizabeth whispered in confusion, "Sorry?"

Nodding, Luke motioned her to sit back down. When she had taken her seat again, Luke glanced at Jason, who was watching him in turn carefully, before sitting down next to her. Leaning forward slightly, he explained, "When Lucky and I came into town a half hour ago, little Lucas and BJ came up to me crying up a storm. Apparently they had taken a bottle of rum from my cellar, and decided it would be entertainin' to add it to the punch at the dance. They told me that you had drank quite a bit of it and ended up at the saloon last night. And then I heard how you've been treated by the damn folks in this town. The kids were mighty upset 'bout getting you in all this trouble." He stopped for a moment for continuing, "Lizzie, I'm sorry, darling. I have to take part of the blame here. I should've fixed the lock to that cellar ages ago."

Despite all her problems, Elizabeth said urgently, "Please do not apologise, Mr. Spencer! And please tell the children not to blame themselves too harshly...they were just being children...and they need not have told you their part in this." Pausing for a moment, she murmured, "It was rather brave of them to admit to it."

Admiring the girl's kind heart, Luke took the her small hands in his to squeeze in comfort. "Well, those youngin's will be getting very well acquainted with my barn animals in the next few weeks...but that's not why I'm here, darling. I want to talk to you 'bout what you're going to do now..." Luke's eyes rested on Jason, and asked, "I heard you offered to marry Lizzie?"

Holding Luke's gaze, Jason nodded. "Yes."

Luke searched the man's glittering blue eyes for a moment, before turning back to Elizabeth. "I had a few words with your grandmother, Lizzie." Luke's jaw clenched. He had more than a few words with the unbending woman. How she could have even thought of abandoning her own flesh and blood like that, and a girl as sweet as Lizzie...and seeing the old woman's handiwork on Elizabeth's cheek made Luke's temper flare even more. Forcing his rage down, Luke said in an even voice, "She's told me she's still willing to take you home, if you leave this place now with me."

A part of Elizabeth wanted so desperately to just run home...but she couldn't help but remember Grams harsh disapproval. Could she take her grandmother's anger everyday? Did she even have a choice? She took a quick glance at Jason...no, that wasn't a real choice...was it?

Lucky's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Beth, I think that would be for the best."

Elizabeth turned to see he was now by her side. She had been so intent on Luke's words, she had momentarily forgotten Lucky was in the room. Forgotten Lucky? Elizabeth's brows lowered in confusion...it must be all the chaos in the day. Taking a deep breath, she asked quietly, "Do you think so, Lucky?"

Bending at the knees until the balls of his feet were supporting all his weight, and he was eye level with Elizabeth, Lucky nodded. "I know your grandmother's angry now Beth, but she and your sister love you. They'll soon see this was not your fault."

"You don't blame me?" Elizabeth asked anxiously.

Shaking his head, Lucky said firmly, "'Course not, Beth. I know you did nothing wrong. I just wished this whole thing never happened."

Searching his face, she saw no anger or blame, just concern. Elizabeth felt the tears of relief come to her eyes...both Lucky and Luke were not angry with her.

As Lucky glanced around the inside of the saloon, he continued, "I think you should go home now, Beth. You shouldn't be here." He reached out and wiped a lone tear that had fallen down her cheek. "Pa and I will take you." Standing up, he offered her his hand.

As she blinked in an attempt to clear her eyes, her hand moved ready to take his hand, but Luke's voice stopped her. "Or you can come home with us. You know our home is yours, Lizzie. Laura and Lulu adore you, and I couldn't care for you more if you were my own daughter."

Large blue eyes flew to meet the older man's gaze. "You-you would take me in, Mr. Spencer?" Elizabeth's voice was a mere whisper in her surprise. Her heart squeezed at the man's generosity and she let the tears now flow freely.

"'Course darling. But, whatever you decide to do, I'd support you." Luke then turned to Jason and said, "I'm glad you've proven to be the man I've always thought you were, Jason. Asking the girl to marry you was a mighty fine thing to do, but I don't know if that would be the best thing for her."

Jason had been silent watching the whole scene unfold in front of him. He could see that the two men were sincere in their concern for the girl. Well at least the girl had the Spencer clan behind her. He had to admit he was more than a little tempted to let them take the girl home...but there was one problem. "The thing is Luke, the girl's reputation is damaged because she spoke out for me. She's now vulnerable to all kinds of insults."

Lucky shook his head firmly. "No. Any man insulting Beth will have to deal with me."

Jason set pensive eyes on the younger man. He had to admire the boy's willingness to defend the girl, but he said, "I think you mean 'any man or woman' Lucky. Those ladies are mighty vicious, and I'd have to say from what I've seen Mrs. Hardy is the worst of the lot. You can't protect the girl from that."

"What are you saying, Jason?" Luke asked as he took off his hat and set it down on the table. Leaning forward he said, "Even if you married her, those old biddies could still be harsh to the girl."

Jason admitted, "Could be. But as a married woman, she would have the protection of my name. You know it makes a difference Luke. Especially to womenfolk. And then there's another problem. Someone out there murdered Edward Quartermaine, and they planted a note in my room to make it look like I had planned to meet him at that time. They wanted me to hang for killing him." His eyes met Elizabeth's. "Miss Webber's evidence freed me from most of the suspicion. Someone's not going to like that."

Luke's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying Lizzie's in danger, Jason? From who?"

Jason shrugged slightly. "It's a possibility. As for who, I have a few ideas...but I need time to look into it. With the girl's name connected to mine now, she could be a target of these people."

"If you marry her, she'll be even more of a target, Jason," Luke reasoned. "As your wife they'll try to use her to get to you. I won't let that happen."

Jason's eyes darkened. "If she's my wife, I won't let that happen, Luke."

Even Luke, a man afraid of little, felt a distinct chill in his bones at the deadly coldness in Jason's voice. He could see the man's reputation as a hired gun was well deserved. This man would stop at nothing to achieve his ends. And in this case, that meant protecting Lizzie. And it put Luke's mind somewhat at ease.

But he wondered at the wisdom of a marriage between two such different people. Lizzie was still very young...and innocent. Her tender heart was full of love, which she had had so little of in her short life. And thanks to his wife, Luke knew the girl fancied his son. To be honest Luke would have been very happy if Lucky had been able to see past Sarah's beauty and fallen for Lizzie, but one couldn't dictate the hearts of the young. He remembered how Laura had remarked she believed Lizzie's feelings for Lucky while real were still very young...in time, she suspected the girl would realise it was only a school girl's fancy, if she met the right man.

Glancing at Jason, Luke wondered. Whatever had happened with Robin Scorpio had left him a hard man, no longer the gentle, innocent boy of his youth. Now he could see that boy with his Lizzie...but this man? Would he patient enough with Lizzie's penchant for trouble? Would he be careful with her fragile heart? Luke searched the man's eyes. He could see a deep core of honour there...Jason was not a man who would intentionally hurt an innocent girl.

Finally Luke asked, "Why are you willing to do this, Jason?"

Jason had waited patiently as the man had sized him up. He replied honestly, "She needs to be protected, Luke, and since I'm the reason she needs it, I should be the one who protects her."

"'Sides, Jase's been needin' a wife, Spencer," Carly said as she rushed into the room dragging Sonny along with her. As the two men at the table stood up, Jason glared at her, and she in turn, gave him a sweet smile. "And his li'l girl needs a mama."

Luke's eyebrows rose. "You have a daughter, Jason?"

"Yes." Jason replied.

When the younger man didn't elaborate, Luke asked, "Where is she?"

"She's out of town."

Luke ran his hand along the rim of his leather hat as he continued to stare at Jason's impassive face. Judging by how closed mouth Jason was about his daughter, Luke suspected there was a story there. Wait...hadn't there been a rumour about AJ Quartermaine's daughter...Damn, he really should pay more attention to his wife. She'd know the whole story. Was the little girl Jason's? Who was the mother? Shaking his head, Luke asked bluntly, "You want Lizzie to help you care for your girl?"

Not giving Jason any time to answer, Carly nodded her head and said, "Yep. Them getting' hitched seems the thing! Don't ya reckon?"

Luke's eyes widened as he turned to stare at Carly Corinthos. He knew that Jason and Sonny had been as thick as thieves in their youth, despite the difference in their ages and status. So it stood to reason that Sonny's wife would be close to Jason. But from what his wife said, the woman couldn't stand any of the ladies in town. And yet here she was actually promoting the marriage of little Lizzie to her husband's best friend.

"B-but," Lucky stuttered in his shock, "Lizzie knows nothing of caring for children!"

Luke turned to his son in surprise, "'Course she does, Lucky. Look at how good she's with your sister! And didn't you say all the youngin's at school adored her?"

Lucky nodded, but he couldn't speak through the utter shock of thinking of his Beth as a mother!

However, Carly was never one to be lost for words. Clasping her hands together in satisfaction, she said pointedly at her friend, "Ya see Jase! She's good with children!"

Sonny, who had not been able to get in a word with his wife all too eager to let her opinion be heard, asked, "What have ya decided, Jase?"

Jason didn't answer as he looked at Luke.

"I don't know, Jason...it's a lot to ask the girl. To get married...to help raise a child that's not hers."

"Her name's Rebecca."

All eyes turned downward toward the source of the softly spoken words. Elizabeth had been sitting quietly as they discussed the situation, but she had begun to feel a small sense of irritation. They were speaking about her life as if she wasn't even in the room. But it was the fact they were speaking of Jason's daughter as simply the "child" which caused her to speak. The little girl had a name. "Her name's Rebecca," repeated Elizabeth before continuing firmly, "And I'm sure she's a lovely child, Mr. Spencer."

Surprised at what from Lizzie would be considered an outburst, Luke said gently, "I'm sure she is, darling. But I was just saying this is all quite a lot for you to take in. I don't want you to feel you have to get married. If you don't want to go back to Audrey's farm, you can come home with us. I won't let anyone pressure you into anything you don't want to do."

Standing up, Elizabeth placed her hand on Luke's arm. "Thank you for all your care. But I cannot be a burden to you, Mr. Spencer." And she decided, she could not live with Lucky. It would be too difficult to watch his love for her sister so closely. And the more she thought about it, the more her stomach turned at the thought of returning to her grandmother's...the home which would be turned over shortly to Lucky and Sarah when they married in a few months.

But the alternative was to marry this man. A man who she didn't really know let alone love. But what did it matter if she didn't love him? The man she loved was in love with her sister. And then there was Jason's little girl...the girl who had no mother. Her heart ached for little Rebecca. She knew how it felt not to know your mother. While Gabrielle Webber had been alive for eight years of her daughter's life, Elizabeth didn't remember much about her except the brief visits on holidays. The Webbers had travelled all over the world, leaving their children in the care of the nanny. And while she knew she owed her grandmother for many things, love and understanding were not part of the old woman's regiment of raising children. Elizabeth wanted this little girl, who she only knew by name, to have those precious things.

Slowly, Elizabeth turned to Jason and asked quietly, "May I speak to you alone, sir?" What she wanted to know...needed to know...couldn't be asked in front of everyone...

Jason nodded. Sensing the girl was close to agreeing to the marriage, Carly eagerly suggested, "Why don't ya go out back, Jase? Ya can visit with your hog, Elizabeth."

For the first time in what seemed to be years, a brief smile passed over Elizabeth's face at the thought of seeing Burt, and she started to walk toward the rear of the saloon with Jason following closely behind. But a worried Lucky soon went after her and said, "No Beth, I don't think-"

Luke took hold of his son's arm and said, "Let them talk, Lucky."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Leaning against the stall housing his horse, Jason kept his blue gaze on the peculiar scene in front of him...well, what would be peculiar for anyone but this girl. With little regard for her dress, Elizabeth was on her knees in the dirt just outside of the temporary fencing that Johnny had put up to hold her hog. Her hand was rubbing the plump pig's head, and the animal seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the attention as he continued his snorts of delight. If Jason didn't know better, he would have sworn the animal had known exactly who she was when they had come out as he had immediately run excitedly toward his mistress.

As the girl continued to murmur gently to the pig, Jason shook his head slightly in befuddlement. This tiny girl was the strangest thing he had ever met. He remembered how she had risked the wrath of her grandmother and the town for that hog...just like she had for him. Great, now he was comparing himself to the damn hog! Shaking his head slightly, he had to admire that kind of courage...yes, she was very timid and completely impulsive, but she also had a strong sense of loyalty and honour. He could trust her. He could trust her with Rebecca. And that was all that mattered.

As the girl placed a kiss on the top of the hog's head, Jason shifted uncomfortably on his feet. The heartfelt gesture of affection to the hog...it made something stir inside of him.

Feeling more at ease than she had all day, Elizabeth stood up, and slowly looked away from Burt and up toward the tall imposing figure beside her. As his unreadable blue eyes met hers, that feeling of ease soon vanished. They hadn't spoken since they had come out here, as she had been so eager to see Burt again. But now, she couldn't avoid talking to him. She stood there waiting for him to speak.

"Well, Miss Webber?" Jason asked with a raised eyebrow. He knew that she was close to agreeing to marry him but something was bothering her.

Elizabeth blinked. Oh! She had almost forgotten she had been the one to ask to speak to him privately! She began hesitantly, "Uh...about this marriage, sir..."

"Yes?" Jason prompted noticing her uneasiness. What was she trying to get out?

"Before I-I agree to...um...marry you, there's something I need to ask of you." Elizabeth nervously clasped and unclasped her hands in front of her as she spoke. Her eyes had wandered back toward the fencing, and her face flushed almost making the red hand mark on her cheek disappear. When Jason didn't say anything, Elizabeth swallowed hard and stuttered, "I-I know that...um...married...ah...couples...have...uh ..." She almost choked out the next word, "inti-intimate relations..." Elizabeth couldn't say anything further as the her face became even hotter in embarrassment. Lord...she couldn't even believe she was bringing up such a scandalous subject.

Jason's eyes widened slightly as he finally understood what was bothering the girl. The intimacies of the marriage bed! Damn, he should have thought about this sooner. But it hadn't crossed his mind. Not surprising really, considering the girl was little more than a child...Images of her in his bed in her white shift with those unruly curls flowing wildly over her creamy shoulders and the feeling of her soft body on top of him when she had attacked him ran through his mind, mocking the school girl image he was trying to force on her. No...she wasn't a child. But she was an innocent. He asked carefully, "Miss Webber, are you worried that I would demand you consummate the marriage?"

Wanting to hide in mortification, Elizabeth stared down hard at the fence and cautiously nodded her head. While she may be willing to marry him, she was afraid...of those acts that were whispered about in such hushed tones among women...those acts which were described simply as sinful by her grandmother.

For a moment Jason was at a loss for words. What the hell was he suppose to say? His bed partners for last few years had been experienced women, completely clear that he wanted only a physical relationship. It had always been about physical need pure and simple. They never asked for more...well, there had been...but that was different. But this girl before him was going to be his wife. That in itself made their relationship more complicated. And though they were marrying for convenience, it was possible their relationship might become physical...For some reason he didn't want to delve too closely into the idea.

"Look at me...Elizabeth."

At his firm command, Elizabeth reluctantly lifted her eyes to meet his.

"If you agree to marry me, I give you my word that nothing will happen in that regards without your complete agreement." As his blue eyes continued to hold hers, his hand rose slowly until a long forefinger lightly touched her unharmed cheek.

Elizabeth felt her breath catch in her throat as she shivered in the late afternoon air. His touch was feather-light but she felt it run through her whole body...

"I've never forced myself on a woman...and I would not start with my own wife. It will only happen if we both want it." As he spoke, he kept his finger on her soft skin.

At the deep rumbling of his voice, she wondered how her heart was staying in her chest. Surely, with it's wild beating it should have flown away by now?! What was wrong with her? When his hand finally left her face, Elizabeth felt something close to disappointment? Shock at the feeling caused her to take a quick step back from the man's large form. Unfortunately, the heel of her boot caught on some straw, and she soon found herself falling backwards.

But Jason's quick reaction saved her from a hard landing. Soon his hands were on her waist, steadying her. "Are you alright?"

Blushing, Elizabeth nodded her head. Lord...while her whole world was changing right before her eyes, her tendency for disaster seemed to be the one constant in her life!

When she seemed able to stand safely, Jason slowly removed his hands and asked, "Was that all that was bothering you?"

Elizabeth, wanting this conversation over with, was about to nod her head again, but instead blurted out, "But what if I never want to-to..."

After a moment of silence, Jason said solemnly, "Then it won't happen."

"Oh." Elizabeth gasped in relief.

"I give you my word, that as my wife, you will be treated respectfully. As I said before, all I expect is loyalty and honesty from you, and that you treat my daughter kindly." Jason was quiet for a moment. There was one more thing he hadn't said, but remembering the way she had looked at Lucky Spencer, Jason felt it had to be said, "There's one more thing. If you develop feelings for another man, you'd better inform me, and I'll give you a divorce. But as my wife, you will remain faithful."

The sudden coldness in his voice made her flinch. The idea of somehow betraying marriage vows, even vows based on such a situation as theirs, was completely foreign to her.

Seeing the wounded look on her face, Jason felt something almost like guilt for bringing the matter up, but it was better if they knew exactly where they stood. Gentling his tone, he asked, "So, are we getting married, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth took a deep breath. Could she give up her dream of Lucky? Could she trust this man enough to tie her life to his? Could she be brave or foolish enough to? Slowly, Elizabeth nodded her head. "Yes, Mr. Morgan."

At her nod, Jason gave her a half smile, softening his features considerably. "Good. But don't you think you could call me by my given name, now?"

Elizabeth blinked at his request. It was hard to explain but she was reluctant to agree to it...she felt that if she addressed him so informally, it would make their agreement more real...and there would be no going back. Softly she whispered, "Yes...Jason."

He could see she was struggling to come to terms with their agreement..."Thank you, Elizabeth." For a moment, his tone contained none of its usual harshness but soon his face once again became completely blank and he continued curtly, "We'd better go tell them all in there before Carly loses her patience and comes barrelling out here."

She nodded her head and turned away from him toward the direction of the saloon. Elizabeth closed her eyes in a silent prayer before heading back, feeling his imposing form following closely behind her. Please Lord let me be doing the right thing.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

As soon as Jason and Elizabeth walked back into the saloon, Carly descended on them. Without any pretence, she asked, "Well?"

Jason couldn't help but smirk at his friend's curiosity, but he replied, "We're getting married."

"What?!" Lucky asked in shock as he approached Elizabeth. He never imagined Elizabeth would actually agree to marry Jason. Taking her hands in his, he asked, "Beth, you can't really be thinking of..."

Cringing inside at his incredulous tone, Elizabeth nodded slowly and gently pulled away her hands. "Yes, Lucky. I am going to marry Mr.-Jason."

"But what about your grandmother and sister?"

She felt her eyes water, but she said firmly, "I think this is for the best, Lucky. For everyone."

"But you can come home with us..." Lucky's voice was desperate. He was worried about Elizabeth. She was so sweet and innocent...how could she marry Jason?

Seeing Elizabeth's growing distress, Luke interrupted his son. "Lucky, it's Lizzie's decision." Luke then turned to Jason, "When were you planning on getting married?"

"Today if possible."

Elizabeth let out a small gasp. Today? That wasn't possible, was it?

"Today?!" Luke asked in shock. "Why the rush?"

Jason wanted to make sure the girl was safe so he could concentrate on finding Rebecca. "She'll be safer when we're married."

"But you'll have to get the Reverend to agree to perform the ceremony this late in the day."

Carly, who had also been surprised by Jason's announcement, shouted out, "Well, that preacher damn well better perform the ceremony! He's the fella that was suggestin' they get hitched a while ago!"

Luke continued, "But even if he agrees, there's plenty to do for a wedding. Why, don't women want finery and all that? And what about her grandmother and sister and her friends? A woman only gets married once."

Jason frowned. He hadn't really thought of all that. He assumed all that was needed was the preacher. Turning to Elizabeth, he asked, "Did you want to wait?"

She was quiet for a moment. What difference did it make if they married today or tomorrow? By agreeing to marry him, she had given up her dream wedding..."No."

He heard the sad resignation in her voice, it caused him to regret the need for the hasty wedding. But he couldn't worry about that now. There was still too many things that had to be dealt with. Jason turned to Sonny and asked, "Can you go find the preacher?"

Sonny nodded but asked, "When did ya want the ceremony to be performed?"

It was Carly who answered, "We're goin' to be needin' two hours, Sonny. Tell him to be meetin' us in that church then."

Jason gave the blond a questioning glance.

She laughed as she walked up beside Elizabeth and took her hand. "Elizabeth and I are goin' to mighty busy, Jase! We need to get her a dress, flowers, and..."

Elizabeth blinked in surprise. "A dress?!"

"Sure honey! I ain't seein' ya get hitched in anythin' but a pretty white flock, and I know just where we can be gettin' one!"

Sonny chuckled. "I know your wardrobe is quite extensive, honey, but I don't think ya have a single white flock."

"'Course not!" Carly laughed at the ridiculous notion. Her in white?! God, she hadn't even worn it at her own weddin'. But she knew that all young girls dreamed of marrying in a beautiful white gown. "But Chloe Morgan is sure to have one, and she's not like the rest of those womenfolk. I'll wager she'll want to help out Jase!"

Jason only nodded. While he didn't understand the need for all this, he knew once Carly set her mind on something, she usually got her way, but he warned, "I don't think it would be a good idea for Elizabeth and you to visit Chloe. There's bound to be curious folks out there just waiting for her to go out. I'll get Johnny to ask her to come here."

Carly absently agreed with this plan as her thoughts turned to other matters. Flowers. They'd be needing a bouquet. "Sonny, on your way out get Francis to pick some flowers." She looked down at Elizabeth and asked, "What's ya favorite flower, honey?"

"Daisies..." Lucky answered absently. He could not believe these people were all standing around calmly planning Beth's wedding! Little Beth!

Elizabeth looked at Lucky in surprise. How did he know...oh, she had told him once when they had were collecting flowers for school. She smiled slightly as her heart warmed...

Carly frowned as she looked at Lucky and then Elizabeth. She did not like this. Not at all. Glancing at Jason, she noticed he was now in conversation with Sonny. She interrupted them, "Sonny, tell Francis to try to find some daisies."

Sonny nodded, and with one last glance at Jason, he left through the double, swinging doors.

As soon as he was gone, Luke walked up to Elizabeth. "Darling, is there anyone you want at the wedding?"

Elizabeth looked down at her hands and asked quietly, "Will you be there?"

"'Course, darling. I'll bring Laura and Lulu, if that will be alright with you?"

She nodded. Then looking up at the man who had always treated with so much kindness, she asked tentatively, "Mr. Spencer...will you...will you give me away?"

Luke felt a lump form in his throat. "Oh darling. It would be my honour. Thank you." He took her small frame in his arms to comfort her. After a moment, her arms went around him, and she held onto the older man tightly. Her emotions were running wild, but the fatherly embrace made her feel safe...

Finally, Luke stepped back and asked gently, "Lizzie, do you want me to ask your grandmother and sister to be there?"

Elizabeth doubted if they would come, but they were her family...and despite everything, she loved them...and hoped they cared for her. She nodded.

Luke sighed. He didn't think having Audrey at the church would be a good idea but he knew Lizzie needed her support. He'd have to try to keep the old battleaxe in line. Turning to Lucky, Luke said, "We'd better go and tell them." Then looking back at Elizabeth he asked, "Will you be fine here, darling?"

"Yes."

Carly placed her arm around the girl's shoulders and said, "'Course she will!" It had taken all her will power not to tell Luke to keep the old witch away from the wedding, but she didn't want to upset the girl. Wouldn't Sonny be proud if he could see her restraint?!

Luke indicated to Lucky they should leave, but before he turned to walk out the doors, Lucky asked Elizabeth, "Are you sure this is what you want, Beth? It's not too late..."

Carly's eyes narrowed. She once again noticed the boy's nickname for Elizabeth...and the adoration in the girl's eyes when she looked at him. Perhaps this marriage wasn't such a dandy idea...but wasn't he marrying her dim-witted golden sister? Any man willing to tie his life to that haughty piece of goods had to be completely idiotic! So why was this boy so intent on stopping her from marrying Jason? He'd chosen the other sister. Well...he'd better just leave Elizabeth alone from now on!

With only a brief pause, Elizabeth nodded her head. "This is what I want, Lucky."

Then with a final sad glance her way, Lucky followed Luke out of the saloon. A silence followed their exit. Finally, Carly spoke out, "Alright, now there's only one man left to get rid of!" Turning to look at Jason, she ordered, "Get out of here, Jase. We'll be seein' ya at the church."

Before Jason could even ask her what she meant, Carly said to Elizabeth, "Can't have the groom seein' the bride in her weddin' gown, now can we, honey?"

Jason was about to say something about her audacity, when he thought of something he needed to do. "Alright, Carly. I'll go. But don't take her to the church without Sonny and his men with you."

Carly nodded, but her eyes were wandering over Elizabeth's long dark curly hair, which was at the moment tied simply back with a green ribbon. Hmmm...

Thinking he had better just warn the men in front not to let the women leave or anyone but Chloe Morgan in, Jason turned away from the blond to Elizabeth. "Will you be alright here with Carly?"

"She'll be fine, Jase! Won't ya honey?" At Elizabeth's nod, Carly smiled and pushed Jason toward the back of the saloon, "Now out!"

With one last glance at the small girl, Jason left through the back. As he walked toward his horse, he wondered whether leaving the girl with Carly was such a good idea...in fact, it could be mighty dangerous! But soon his thoughts turned toward his destination. The Quartermaine ranch.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~