Chapter 15

As soon as Jason had left the saloon, Carly sprung into action. Taking Elizabeth by the hand and guiding her toward a chair, she said with a conspiratorial smile, "Good, with all those troublesome menfolk gone, we can be gettin' to work!" Carly quickly reached around the smaller girl, and pulled loose the green ribbon holding her dark curls back. "Now let's see. I wish ya could have a bath, but we ain't got no time. But while we're waitin' for Chloe, we got to be decidin' what to do with your locks..."

Elizabeth glanced up nervously as she felt the older woman attempted to arrange her curls around Elizabeth's shoulders. "Lordy, honey! Ya sure got a mass of wild curls here! How do ya manage i'tall?" Without giving Elizabeth the chance to reply, Carly placed her hands on Elizabeth's shoulder. "Ya sit down, honey, and I'll get one of the gals to fetch a brush." She muttered to herself, "A big brush!"

Following Carly's orders, Elizabeth sat down and watched the blond whirl around and rush toward the stairs. Straining her neck, Elizabeth could barely make out the hem of Carly's red dress as she started up the stairs. And then she could hear the woman shout, "Hey y'all, I'm needin' some thin's!"

A number of feminine voices replied but Elizabeth couldn't make out exactly what they were saying. But soon Carly's distinctive voice could be heard again, "I'll be explainin' i'tall later, just brin' down some brushes, and while ya're at it, I'll be needin' some violet water, powder, and face paint!"

Elizabeth's eyes widened. Face paint? What was the woman planning to do to her? Before she could go through all the frightening possibilities in her head, Carly was once again before her with a large silver brush in hand.

Carly smiled down at the girl. "Alright, honey. The girls are comin' down with the rest of the thin's we'll be needin'. Now, let's see to that hair." Walking around Elizabeth, Carly took a section of the long curls, and began to attempt to untangle the mass. "Ya got lovely hair, honey, but when's the last time ya gave it a good brushin'?"

As she winced from a particularly rough tug on her scalp, Elizabeth replied softly, "This mornin'."

"This mornin'?! Lordy, and I thought straight hair was a problem, 'cause ya had to curl it and all. I'm mighty glad the Lord didn't bless me with thick curly hair like I was hankerin' for as a youngun."

Elizabeth was surprised. She had always thought all woman wanted the beautiful fine golden hair that Sarah and Carly had. But she was too shy to say this.

As she continued to work her way through the tangled curls, Carly noted, "Ya seem mighty quiet, honey. What's the matter?"

Elizabeth tried to shake her head, only to feel another sharp pain in her scalp, "Ow!"

"Did I hurt ya, honey?"

"No," Elizabeth replied with a slight catch in her voice even though her head did not really hurt all that much. She suddenly felt so lost...tears sprung to her eyes. Oh Lord...what was she doing sitting here getting ready to be married? Married?!

Hearing the tremble in the girl's voice, Carly quickly disentangled the brush, and placed it on the table before coming around to sit down next to her. At the sight of the tears in her eyes, Carly asked, "What's the matter honey?" When Elizabeth didn't reply, Carly guessed, "I know this must be mighty hard on ya, gettin' married to a man ya hardly know, but ya can't be marryin' a finer man than Jase, honey. He'll be treatin' ya like gold."

Elizabeth nodded, but the large tear drops were still forming on her eye lashes.

Carly immediately placed her arms around the girl's small frame. "It's alright honey. Ya cry, and let i'tall out."

At first Elizabeth struggle to keep the tears at bay, but her emotions were raw from the day's events, and from her fear of the future. And soon, she let her tears fall silently, as Carly's hands rubbed her back in comfort.

A few minutes later, a number of Carly's girls came down with the supplies she asked for in their arms, and over Elizabeth's trembling shoulders, she quietly indicated for them to place the things on the table and to leave. Her fierce expression told the ladies not to ask any questions.

After a long moment, Elizabeth finally composed herself, and pulled back. Embarrassed, she apologised, "I'm terribly sorry, ma-Carly."

Carly smiled warmly as she replied, "Ya ain't got nothin' to be sorry for, honey. Why after a day like you've had, anyone would be upset. But would ya like to be tellin' me what's the matter?"

The small girl was quiet for a moment, before asking in confusion, "Why are you being so kind to me?"

Carly stared at the girl. "Why?! 'Cause I like ya, honey. And more importantly, ya spoke up for my friend when he was in trouble. That counts for a lot in my books. And you're marryin' Jase to boot."

"But..." Elizabeth began, still bewildered "But why would you be happy that I'm trapping Mr. M-um, Jason into marriage?"

Despite the girl's earnest expression, Carly couldn't help but laugh. "Trap Jase?! Ya think ya trapped him into marriage? Lordy, honey! There ain't no one, even me, who can force Jase to do somethin' he ain't willin' to do. Sure, ya never would be gettin' hitched if thin's hadn't gone as they did, but ya ain't forcing him to marry ya. He's doin' it willingly."

"But-"

Shaking her head, Carly said, "Now stop frettin' 'bout it. You're goin' to make Jase a fine wife. If I weren't sure 'bout that, I wouldn't let ya marry him."

Elizabeth was highly doubtful about her suitability to be Jason's wife. And she still didn't understand this woman's desire to see her friend married in such a way or to her of all women! Didn't she want... "Do you not want your friend to be happy? To be loved?"

"'Course honey. Don't ya worry. Ya'll make him happy." Carly smiled confidently as she predicted, "And ya'll come to love him."

Her eyes widened at the other woman's certainty. How could the woman be so sure, when it seemed almost an impossibility to Elizabeth. To love someone other than Lucky? "How can you be so sure?"

As she looked over the girl's shoulders, Carly's eyes became soft. "Ya can't live with Jase, get to know him and not come to love him, honey. It don't seem so to outsiders, but he's got a heart of gold..."

Hearing the woman's voice become soft and gentle as she spoke of her friend, Elizabeth whispered, "You love him."

Carly turned her eyes to look directly at the girl and nodded, "'Course I do, honey." Seeing the shocked expression on Elizabeth's face, she continued, "But it ain't the way I love my husband. Well, there was a time, I thought that was the way I loved Jase..." She paused before continuing, "I think I better tell ya the whole story. I met Jase before I ever knew Sonny...Ya see, one night two years ago, Jase came into the saloon I was workin' for in Texas. He was in a bad way then...he looked like he hadn't slept for days and asked for a bottle of whiskey, takin' it to a table in the corner. He made it real clear that he didn't want anyone botherin' him. And I tell ya, the gun at his side and the coldness in his eyes kept all the folks away."

"But a few hours after he arrived, one of them mean drunks I was keepin' company began to get rough with me, and tried to drag me upstairs. I ain't no fool. I saw he was just itchin' to hurt someone, and I wasn't goin' to let him near me. So, I fought him, but he struck me. No one 'round us did a thing, as he kept on beatin' me. 'Til, Jase came and pulled him away. The man had a knife, and they fought. Jase got the upper hand 'gainst the bastard, but also got that scar on his cheek defendin' me, a whore he didn't even know."

Elizabeth, who had been listening to this whole story in fascination, flinched at Carly's description of herself.

Lost in her memories, Carly continued softly, "If it hadn't been for Jase, I don't know what would've happened. The man might've used that blade on me. It's happened to other girls I know and 'cause they ain't got a soul that's care 'bout them, the men that scar or kill them don't get punished...So, that's how Jase and I met. I got him help for his wound, and since he had no loot, I let him stay in my room, despite old Harry's complaints."

Touching the handle of the brush absentmindedly, Carly went on, "While Jase was there he saw how Harry and his boy's ran the saloon. Harry was the bastard who owned the place and once ya started workin' for him, he felt he owned ya body and soul. He beat his girls if they didn't bring in the local cowboys, and show them a real good time. None of his girls could leave, 'cause he would send his boys after ya and ya would be real sorry then. But when Jase saw how thin's were, he got me out of there and threatened Harry not to be sendin' any of his boys after me. Harry listened to the barrel of Jase's gun. So ya see, Jase saved me 'gain by gettin' me outta of that hell."

As she tried to wrap her mind around this incredible story, Elizabeth was beginning to see why Carly was so devoted to Jason.

"When we left Harry's, Jase told me to be gettin' on with my life, but I wouldn't leave him, and followed him to San Francisco, where we met up with Sonny. Lord, did that man and I fight like cats and dogs in the beginnin'! Sonny knew I thought myself to be in love with Jase, but he didn't think I was right for him. And I hated Sonny for it! But one night in one of our arguments, that man had the gumption to kiss the hell out of me...and well, a little after that Jase forced me to realise as much as I loved Jase, it wasn't the kind ya can build a life together on. And then Jase forced Sonny and I to see we loved each other. And that weren't easy, I tell ya, with two such ornery folks as Sonny and me. So, ya see, honey, Jase not only saved me from Harry, but he gave me Sonny." With the back of her hand, Carly wiped away a tear that had fallen down her cheek, "Honey, ya got yourself one mighty good man, and if I didn't think ya would come to love him and be good for him, I never would be helpin' ya."

Thinking back on the man's own actions on her behalf, Elizabeth was slightly surprised to realise that Jason Morgan was one of those rare breeds of men you usually only read about-a true hero. It seemed he was just one of those folks who couldn't stand around while others suffered. And she respected him for it. But to see him in the light of hero only made the idea of her marrying him all the more baffling. Elizabeth was as far removed from a heroine as a lady could get. She was scared of everything, and her actions resulted in disaster for everyone around here, not their rescue. But she was marrying this man none the less, and while she might not ever come to love him or be worthy of him, she could promise, "I will try my best to be a good wife to him, Carly."

Eyes still shining, Carly had just broken out in a wide, generous smile, when the swinging double doors of the saloon opened and Chloe Morgan flew in, followed by harried Johnny who was carrying a large pile of white flocks. Chloe's eyes wandered around the room, until they rested on Elizabeth. "Oh, Miss Webber! I hear congratulations are in order! You're marrying Jason this evening?!"

Carly stood up, and greeted the tall willowy blond, "Yes, she is, Chloe. So we're needin' a white gown. Ya got anythin' there for a weddin'?"

Pointing to one of the nearby tables, Chloe said to Johnny, "Please sir, put the dresses down over there."

Placing the dresses down none too gently, Johnny grumbled, "Ya wouldn't be thinkin' some damn flocks would be so heavy but they's are!"

Chloe laughed, while Carly frowned at him as she walked over to the table and then began going through the dresses. Holding up one dress at a time, she eyed it, frowned and then threw it to another table.

In the meantime, Chloe turned to study the bride to be. She had of course seen the girl around before, and had made a few simple dresses for her on her grandmother's orders. But she never had given the girl much thought. That is until today when she heard first from Lexie and then from every other lady that came by that afternoon about the girl's scandalous involvement with her cousin. She hadn't been very close to Jason in years, but she always liked him. He was a sight better than the rest of the Quartermaines, except Lila of course. But he'd left town under some mysterious circumstances, and when he came back, she had felt unsure how to approach him. She knew from the few times she had spoken to Carly on the street that he was back for personal reasons, but she couldn't find out anything more. And now he was getting married to this rather shy girl. It was very strange indeed.

"Aha!" cried Carly in delight, "This is it!"

Chloe saw she held out an elegant dove white dress with a bodice made of velvet. It was sleeveless, with silk straps that hung slightly off the shoulders, and a satin skirt with a short trail. It was designed for a lady to wear at a fancy cotillion dance and was rather simple with no ruffles of lace as was usual for a wedding dress, but it would do.

Smiling Chloe agreed, "Yes, I thought that would be the one you'd choose. But we'll have to make some adjustments. I made that one for a friend of mine in Topeka. She's taller than Miss Webber." Pulling out some of her pins and needles from her reticule, she turned to Johnny, and with a smile she asked politely, "Would you please leave sir?"

Johnny continued to stare at the pretty blond, not seeming to hear her request. Carly's voice, however, could not be ignored, "Johnny?! Did ya not hear the woman, we be needin' ya to leave. I don't think Jase wants ya to see his bride in her undergarments!" Blushing, Johnny scurried toward the doors about to leave. As she went to close the lush red drapes over the front widows, Carly continued, "And keep the rest of the men out, ya hear?!"

Pushing his way through the doors, Johnny muttered, "Everyone who ain't deaf can hear ya!"

Carly glared after him for a moment before placing the dress over a chair's back, and going around Elizabeth to help her unbutton her shirtwaist. Stopping suddenly, she asked, "Honey, do ya like the gown?"

Elizabeth had been staring at the dress. She had never had a dress like this one before. It was..."It's beautiful."

At the girl's words, Carly smiled in delight, and began to quickly undo her buttons. In the next hour, Chloe and Carly worked at a frantic pace. They came upon their first problem when they realised Elizabeth was not wearing a corset! Much to Carly's horror, it was revealed Elizabeth had never worn one before. Carly quickly went in search of one in her size among the girls. Fortunately, little Dee was almost as petite as Elizabeth. After getting Elizabeth all tied tight into what she soon discovered was some horrible torture device, and wearing some of Dee's silk petticoats and stockings, they placed the gown on her. Then as Chloe set about hemming up the skirt, and stitching in the bodice, Carly with the help of her girls set about transforming Elizabeth's hair, and face.

In all the activity, no one noticed that Gia Campbell, whose exotic eyes had narrowed upon learning of the girl's upcoming nuptials to Jason, had slipped out of the back of the saloon.

While Elizabeth hadn't protested when they placed...no caged...her in the corset, or when they brushed, and twisted her hair this way and that, or when they sprayed her with violet water, she couldn't remain silent when Carly held up some face powder and paint. "Please no, Carly."

Carly looked over the girl's recently washed face. She was a pretty girl and under normal circumstances wouldn't need any paint, but the dark red mark on her face stood out vividly against her cream complexion. She said gently, "I won't be puttin' on much, but it'll help to hide the redness, honey."

Remembering her grandmother's lectures on the sin of painting your face, Elizabeth began to shake her head again, when Carly said, "Ya don't want the ugliness of earlier to mar the weddin' ceremony, do ya?"

Elizabeth's expressive blue eyes turned to Carly. There was such kindness shining back at her. She then glanced down to find Chloe regarding her with a gentle smile. "You shouldn't be worried about what the old biddies will say, Lizzie. They won't even be able to tell. And besides you're going to be a married lady soon, and you don't have to be worrying about anyone's opinion but your husband's."

After a long moment, Elizabeth slowly nodded her head. The side of her face still ached and she could imagine it was still unsightly. So Carly applied the paint, and Chloe finished with her last stitch. It was only then that Carly realised Elizabeth's feet were clad only in bare stockings!

As she ordered all the girls to search for a pair of white shoes, Francis's distinct bellow rang out from outside, "I've got the damn flowers, Carly. Can I be comin' in?" They all turned to see the bunch of daisies and sunflowers he held up over the top of the swinging doors.

Instead of answering, Carly quickly walked over and grabbed the flowers out of his hand. "I'm just needin' the flowers, Francis. Ya stay out!"

"Aw, Carly, can't I git in there?! I be needin' a bit of oh be joyful, I tell ya. I've been all over the place lookin' for them damn daisies! And ya wouldn't believe the number of bees that chased me. I was goin' to come back with just those sunflowers, but for the gal, I braved an army of angry bugs to git those white ones."

With little sympathy, Carly repeated her command that he stay out and then walked over to Elizabeth. She separated out the daisies from the bundle of flowers and held them out to the girl. "Let's see what they look like as a bouquet." But as the girl held them in her small hands, Carly frowned. The small white flowers were lost against the white dress. Picking up the bright yellow sunflowers, she held them out to Elizabeth. "Try these honey." And this time as the girl held up the four large blossoms, Carly smiled. "Perfect. I know ya like the daisies honey, but those sunflowers look much better. They're much more lively, I be thinkin'."

Chloe nodded, "Carly's right, Lizzie. The sunflowers are just right." She picked up a few daisies and suggested, "But these would look lovely in your hair."

And so Elizabeth soon found her upswept curls decked in daisies, and a pair of white slippers, slightly too large but just right with paper tucked in the toe, were placed on her feet. Chloe, Carly and her girls stepped back to look at their handiwork. They smiled.

With barely contained excitement, Carly and Chloe guided Elizabeth toward the back of the saloon, behind the stage where a large mirror hung. As soon as Elizabeth saw herself in the mirror, her mouth stood agape and her eyes widened. That couldn't be her in the mirror, could it?!

As Carly took in the astonished expression of the transformed girl, no woman, in front of her, she couldn't help but smile proudly. Ain't Jase going to be surprised when he sees his bride!?

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Jason's ride to the Quartermaines had surprisingly gone without incident. As Jason waited on the porch of the ranch house for Lila under the intense scrutiny of a number of wary Quartermaine hands, for the first time, he allowed himself to think about the fact Edward Quartermaine would never again walk along this porch or on the land for which he had been willing to sacrifice everything. Even his grandson's happiness.

"Jason, are you alright, dear?"

He looked up and saw his grandmother at the door. While her almost ethereal beauty still shone through, Jason could see that her light was dimmer than he had ever seen it. And it wasn't only due to the unrelenting black she was clad in. For the first time, despite her advancing years, she appeared so frail to him. As her thin arms came around his waist, he replied gently, "I'm fine, Lila. How are you faring?"

After a long moment of silence in the warm embrace, Lila stepped back to look at her youngest grandson. In her eyes, he saw the same grief as he had in many of the folks who'd hire him to hunt down men who had killed their loved ones. But to see it in eyes so gentle and usually filled with such love was painful. Searching his face, she said, "When I heard that foolish sheriff had arrested you, I had wanted to go to see you, myself. But Alan and AJ promised they would see what was going on and get you free."

Jason was not all too surprised that he hadn't seen hide or hair of the two men, but he said, "I'm fine, Lila. It should be me asking you how you are faring." He noticed the dark rings under her eyes. "You look tired."

Walking towards the bench on the porch, Lila sat down and said softly, "Yes, I'm tired, Jason dear. So tired...it's hard to believe he's gone..."

Sitting down next to her, Jason took her small, wrinkled hand in his. She squeezed his hand in return, and with tears in her eyes, she continued, "Who would do this, Jason? I know Edward had his faults, many of them. And he treated many people poorly...he could be so ruthless...But who would murder him in cold blood like this?"

As her crystal blue eyes bore into his, Jason shook his head, "I don't know, Lila, but I have my suspicions." Then with clenched jaw and eyes hardened, he promised, "And I promise they'll pay."

Lila sighed sadly, "I know you would do this for me, Jason. But vengeance is not what I want, and it's not what I want for you. I just want the family to be safe."

Looking out toward the ranch gates, and to the land beyond, Jason nodded. "I promise they will be."

They were silent for a moment, lost in their own thoughts, before Lila asked, "How did you get the sheriff to release you? He seemed bound and determined to blame all this on you when he heard that..." she paused a moment before finishing, "...that Edward's last word was your name."

Turning to her, Jason asked gently, "Lila, can you tell me everything that happened last night?"

She slowly went through the events as she knew them, but to Jason's disappointment she could provide no further information besides what he had already known. And that left him with many questions. One in particular bothered him. Why had Edward said his name? Why had he not said the name of his wife? Or even his son? It had to mean something...

After finishing her story and seeing Jason had nothing to add, Lila asked again, "Why did the sheriff let you go, Jason?"

After a moment's pause, Jason told his grandmother the story of his meetings with young Miss Elizabeth Webber, and how the girl had spoke up on his behalf. For the first time since he had seen her, Jason saw some of the usual light dance to life in the old woman's eyes. "Miss Webber sounds like an interesting young woman, Jason. To be so loyal to a pig...she must be very lonely living with that Mrs. Hardy...I remember she was very unyielding even as a young lady. And it must have been very difficult for Miss Webber to stand up to everyone in town in that manner."

Jason nodded, and finished his story, explaining her grandmother's reactions to Elizabeth's confession, the Reverend's surprising suggestion, and the upcoming marriage this evening.

Lila's eyes grew large in surprise and shone with concern. "Do you think this is wise, dear? Miss Webber sounds like a lovely young lady and will likely be a wonderful mother to Rebecca, but marriage is such a serious commitment. Even with love it is very difficult."

"She's in danger, Lila. And I do believe this is for the best." Jason's voice was firm.

Searching her grandson's sombre handsome face, Lila thought sadly of another time when he had told her he was planning on getting married. His beautiful blue eyes had shone then in joy, and anticipation. He had been so looking forward to starting a new life with Robin...it had only been three years ago...but it seemed like a lifetime. But remembering his description of this young woman he was to marry, and the way his voice had softened even though he, himself, was likely unaware of it, made Lila hope. Perhaps...perhaps this Elizabeth was just what Jason and his daughter needed. She knew how fiercely loyal her grandson was, and if this young lady would sacrifice her own reputation to keep him from harm...she might just be his match. Lila said warmly, "I hope you both all happiness, Jason. I have always wanted you and Rebecca to be a family, and to know she will have a woman to care for and love her is very comforting."

Even though he had known this would be the kind of response he would receive from his always kind and understanding grandmother, Jason still felt relief. He wanted to have her blessing. "Thank you, Lila." His mind then turned as it always had since he had known of her existence, to his daughter. "Lila, have you heard anything about Rebecca?"

Lila shook her head. "No, I have not, Jason. Eve and Rebecca are still missing. Before Edward's death, I was pressuring him to tell me where they were, but neither he nor AJ would say. I'm sorry, Jason. I know you want your daughter."

"Don't worry, Lila." Jason said determinedly, "I'll get it out of AJ."

Lila was quiet for a moment before saying, "I have been giving it some thought, and I believe I can help you, dear. AJ and Alan believe that while the ranch house was left to me, the surrounding lands were left to Alan. But Edward did not believe either AJ or Alan were capable of running the place. I think he told you this himself. So a few weeks ago he also changed his will to leave the lands to me. I told him not to, but he was convinced that this way, you would take control of managing the place again because of your feelings for me. I won't ask that of you, dear. I know that isn't what you want. But I believe AJ wants the lands. It breaks my heart it has come to this, but I will ask him to hand over Rebecca to you for the lands."

Jason was shocked at Lila's words. In essence, she was willing to blackmail AJ to help him. "I can't ask this of you, Lila. I will find-"

"No, dear," she interrupted firmly, "You and Rebecca have suffered enough at the hands of this family. I will not stand for it any longer. Please let me set things to right."

He gave her offer some thought. She was right that he wanted nothing to do with the Quartermaine lands. But he also knew that with AJ in charge, there was no way Moreno wouldn't get his hands on the lands. AJ was no match for the man. And to leave his grandmother that vulnerable went against the grain. But she was offering him a chance to get his daughter back without violence. And he knew that AJ would turn her over if it came down to an exchange over the land. The thought of having to barter for his own daughter made him sick, but he couldn't decline Lila's offer. Finally, he replied, "I will agree to this Lila, but I promise you, I will find a way to protect the Quartermaine land from Moreno."

Lila placed her hand on his arm as she said, "I wish I could be strong enough to decline your offer, Jason. But I believe we will need you against that man. Does this mean you will be staying in Heaven?"

After a moment's hesitation, he nodded his head. "'Til everything's settled at least."

"Good." Lila said with a small smile. "Now, Jason, dear, I believe you have a wedding to prepare for. I wish I could be there, but with Edward's death..."

Jason nodded, "I understand, Lila. You are in mourning. I will come by and visit you tomorrow."

She shook her head, "Tomorrow will be the funeral, dear. Please do not come. I wish for you to concentrate on the beginning of your marriage." Seeing the concern in his eyes, she continued, "I will be fine, Jason. But please do bring your wife by the next day. I am most anxious to meet her. And by then I shall have spoken to AJ about Rebecca."

"Thank you, Grandmother."

She smiled slightly at his formal address to her, but as a thought struck her, it turn into a frown, "Jason, dear. I know this wedding is rather sudden. Have you a ring for your bride?"

Jason also frowned. Damn, he hadn't even thought about a wedding ring!

Lila nodded, "I thought not, dear." She paused giving the matter some thought before saying, "But I do believe I have just the thing." Turning around, she headed inside the large building.

Following her, Jason began, "No, Lila. I can't-"

"It is not something belonging to the Quartermaines, Jason." At the bottom of the stairs, Lila turned around and looked him over. "Were you planning to go as you are to the church?"

Jason's frown increased as he nodded.

Lila said gently, "I believe your young bride would appreciate it if you perhaps shaved and changed into some clean clothing for your wedding. Why do you not go to your old room to shave and find something nice to wear, while I go to my room."

Only Lila could make an order sound like an invitation. Jason was about to decline, the thought of going to his old room not appealing in the least, but he realised that he must look rather dishevelled in the same clothes from yesterday. So, for Lila...and for Elizabeth, he agreed. The two made their way up the stairs, with Lila going to her bedchambers and Jason to his old room.

As his hand turned the doorknob and opened the door, he was surprised by the sight that greeted him. The room was aired out, without a speck of dust anywhere. The bed was made with clean linens. A washbowl, clean towels and a razor blade were set out on the oak table beside the bed as it had always been when he had lived in the house. When he went to the large dressing closet, he saw even his clothes had been recently washed. It seemed they had asked the servants to keep the room as if he were still living there.

With that strange thought to ponder, Jason quickly shaved, and changed into a white shirt, and black pants and a matching jacket. It wasn't evening attire, but something he would have worn for a business meeting in that other lifetime. Looking at himself in the mirror, he had to admit, he was a damn sight more presentable now. It was strange...he couldn't remember the last time he had thought about his appearance...the image of a younger version of himself in this very room flew into his mind. He had spent many a time before this mirror, preparing to see her. Robin.

He shook his head. No. He wouldn't go there again. She was part of a past that he had worked damn hard to let go of...and now, he needed to concentrate on his daughter. 'And what about your new bride?', the voice inside his head seemed to taunt him. As he left the room, he told that voice firmly, he would protect her and be kind to her. Perhaps in time, they might even be comfortable around each other. She would be that comfortable companion Sonny had described. But as the image of her face came before his eyes, an uneasy feeling came over him. But he shook it off, as he met Lila at the bottom of the stairs.

Looking him over, Lila gave him a slight smile. "You look as handsome as ever, Jason. Miss Webber is a very fortunate young woman." She reached into her pocket and held out a small velvet case. Opening it, she revealed two golden bands. One large and one small. "These belonged to my mother and father, John and Emily Morgan." She took out the large ring and revealed the engraving on the inside, 'JM'. "He had their initials inscribed in each ring. The same initials as you and your future wife have. My father had them made from the first gold in the mines he and my mother discovered together. They had years of hardship, leaving the poverty of England, and coming to America to find their dreams, but in the end the struggle was worth it. Not because of the gold, but because of all they had built together. The respect, the love, the understanding...and the family. I want you to have these bands, Jason. I hope you and your bride all the happiness and love they represent." She closed the small case, and placed it in his palm.

Moved that she would give something so valuable to him, Jason didn't have the heart to turn down her gift, and could only close his hand tightly around the case. "Thank you, Lila."

After a farewell embrace, and a promise to bring Elizabeth by in two days, Jason left the Quartermaine ranch and lands. He took out his watch, and noted he would just make it to the church in time. As he placed the watch back inside his jacket beside the velvet box, he wondered why he wasn't feeling any apprehension about the upcoming ceremony. He was marrying a girl he hardly knew. No that wasn't true. He knew she had a strange knack for landing into trouble. And yet, he wasn't feeling trapped.

Urging his horse faster, he shook off his thoughts, and concentrated on getting to town. He had a wedding to get to after all.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~