Chapter 17
Elizabeth's eyes widened as she met the cold black eyes of a giant of a man. As he notice her attention turn to him, the man's fat lips broke out in a smirk. "Can't believe you'd go and have a weddin' and not invite us, Morgan. Not very neighbourly of you."
The only response Moreno was able to provoke out of Jason was the slight narrowing of his glittering blue eyes. But Sonny, Francis, Johnny, and Carly immediately moved to surround him and Elizabeth. In the pews, the crowd was unusually quiet in anticipation of the upcoming confrontation.
Everyone knew Moreno was not at the church to exchange pleasantries. Where he and his men went, there was bound to be trouble.
Seeing the folks from the saloon closing ranks around the bride and groom, Moreno turned to his men behind him and chuckled humourlessly. "Now boys, this ain't a very friendly greetin' for us, now is it? And all we were wantin' to do was congratulate Morgan and his bride." Moreno glanced slyly
at Elizabeth. "And such a lovely young wife you now have, Morgan."
Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat as she felt the man's eyes rake over her, lingering indecently on some of her features. She felt Jason tense next to her and lifted her eyes to see his face hardened. Oh dear! She did not know what the frightening man wanted but she had the feeling it wasn't to wish them well.
After a moment of tense silence, Jason finally asked softly, "What the hell do you want Moreno?"
Moreno chuckled again as he looked from Jason to the man of God. "I don't reckon the good Reverend here would condone such blasphemy in the Lord's house. Do you Reverend?"
A nervous Reverend Jones, who had been standing there wide-eyed clutching his Bible, cleared his throat uncomfortably, "Ahem. I am sure you have come to wish the bride and groom your felicitations, but I do not think your presence here is a sound idea, Mr. Moreno."
Moreno chuckled again, and said, "Now Reverend, you can't reckon we'd want to cause trouble in the Lord's house..."
The profusely perspiring Reverend Jones opened his mouth to reply but was cut off. "Ya must be reckonin' we're all fools, Moreno! Ya ain't here for a thin' but trouble!" shouted an angry Carly, "Get yore ugly face out of here before..."
Sonny placed a restraining hand on his wife's arm. "Carly." While her eyes flashed amber fire, Carly's cautious side thought of heeding her husband's warning, but her dominant fighting spirit shone through as she continued, "...before I have ya thrown out!"
"Well, well, the spirited Mrs. Corinthos," Moreno acknowledged Carly with a nod of his head, "It's always a pleasure to see such beauty." Then he smirked as his eyes locked on first Sonny and then Jason. "Well...I see you two gentlemen have become family men. And I hear Morgan that not only do you now possess a lovely new wife, but there's also a daughter." With a shake of his head, Moreno chided, "You really should tell your friends of your wonderful fortune. But, then, you must now be very busy. With such a lovely family to care for...to protect...'course you wouldn't want some harm to befall them..."
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the man's thinly veiled threat,and nervously glanced at Jason, whose full attention was still on Moreno. On the surface, he appeared calm, but she had the uneasy feeling it was a deceptive calm. For one thing, his eyes were blazing with anger and there was a slight twitch in his forehead. After a tense moment, Jason warned with
controlled rage, "Stay the hell away from my family, Moreno."
Moreno laid a mocking hand over his chest. "Is that any way to treat a well-wisher, Morgan?
Having had enough of the man, Sonny barked out, "Get the hell out of here, Moreno. Now! Before I throw you out!"
From behind his stocky boss, Sorel appeared, shouting angrily, "Ya go ahead and try, Corinthos! We ain't gotta go anywhere!"
With eyes trained on Sorel, Johnny spoke conversationally to Francis, "Ya reckon these idiots can't find the door without us escortin' them out, Francis?"
"Yep, reckon so, Johnny," said Francis as his eyes danced with anticipation.
And without another word, the two men moved threateningly toward Moreno and his men.
Luke, who had been watching this scene tensely beside his family, decided he had better take control of the situation before Elizabeth's wedding became a bloodbath. Stepping between Sonny's men and Moreno, he raised a hand and
ordered, "No. I won't have any violence at Lizzie's wedding, men." Then turning to Moreno and Sorel, he commanded, "You've had your say, Moreno. Now, get out of here."
Sorel's eyes narrowed in anger as he spat out, "Ya better stay out of this, Spencer, if ya know what's good for ya."
"Are you threatening me, Sorel?" Luke asked angrily.
Moreno smirked at Luke's anger. "Now, Spencer. We don't want any trouble. We'll be leavin' peacefully. Just wanted to wish Morgan joy in his new family situation. Perhaps it'll make him more agreeable in the feature."
"Don't ya be countin' on it, Moreno!" hissed Carly angrily.
Moreno only gave another chuckle before turning around and leading his men down the aisle. However, Sorel wasn't finished with the newly weds yet. His beady eyes ran over Elizabeth's small frame as he remarked snidely, "Well, well, Morgan, I see now why ya were so quick defendin' the gal.
From what all the folks are sayin', seems she been payin' ya nightly visits...Ya must've been showin' the lady a real fine time, if she's willin' to ruin herself to stop ya from hangin'."
Gasps escaped the crowd. Luke, Lucky and all the folks from the saloon stiffened in anger. But it was Jason who started to move toward the sneering Sorel. While not fully understanding the meaning behind the man's words, Elizabeth knew she had somehow been insulted. And Jason was not
taking it well. Without thinking, she reached out and placed a shaky hand on Jason's sleeve. "No..."
Ignoring the deadly glare directed his way, Sorel continued to
Elizabeth, "If I'd known ya were itchin' to warm a feller's bed, honey, I'd been much friendlier. I wager I could've shown ya a better time than Morgan. Wonder what ya would've done for me..." Sorel's eyes glinted with evil
amusement, "...I reckon I could've thought of something..."
As the man's sickening meaning sunk in, Elizabeth let out her own unwilling gasp of horror. And then the next thing she knew, Jason had Sorel by the neck. Screams of horror filled the hall. As the man's face turned a dark red, Jason said in a deadly calm manner, "You're going to apologise to my
wife, and you're then never going to speak to or come anywhere near her again. Do you understand me?"
Moreno and his men had by now turned around at the commotion. He barked out, "Get your hands off my man, Morgan."
Jason didn't answer as he kept his gaze on Sorel's now purple face.
As she watched the man cease to struggle in Jason's grasp, Elizabeth came to the horrible realisation that Jason could actually be choking the man to death! She quickly moved up to them. "Jason...please release him. I'm sure he didn't mean anything."
Jason kept his eyes steadily on Sorel's, as he continued to apply pressure on the man's thick neck muscles.
Sonny stepped forward, and placed a hand on his friend's arm. "Jason, she's right. You'd better let him go. We're in a church for heaven's sake."
After a long, tense moment, Jason reluctantly eased his grip, but as the other man gasped for air, Jason insisted, "He needs to apologise to Elizabeth before he goes anywhere."
"Just apologise to the girl, Sorel," barked Moreno impatiently.
Still gulping air and attempting to back away from Jason's imposing form, Sorel sputtered, "I...ain't...apologisin'..."
Losing all patience, Moreno shot his man a deadly glare. "Sorel!"
Eyes narrowing at his boss, Sorel finally mumbled, "Alright, I
apologise."
"I don't believe the lady heard you," Jason growled, taking a warning step toward Sorel.
Frightened and wanting the whole incident over with,Elizabeth shook her head and turned pleading eyes toward Jason, "No...no, I-I heard him. And I accept his apology. Just let him go, please."
Moreno chuckled at Elizabeth's plea. "Well...I think you'd better heed the li'l woman, Morgan. Wouldn't want to cause the bride any unease at her weddin'." He motioned to two of his men, who each grabbed Sorel by an arm. "We'll be seein' you 'round, Morgan."
As the group of men made their way down the aisle, Elizabeth glanced over at Jason to see he was standing with his fist clenched in rage by his side. The whole church was quiet until they heard the front door close. Then chaos broke out as the folks in the pews began talking to each other all at once.
Sonny placed a hand on Jason's shoulders and over the commotion, he said, "We'll deal with this, Jason."
Jason didn't respond as he kept his gaze trained down the aisle.
Carly walked in front of Elizabeth and seeing how the girl's shoulders shook, she asked gently, "Ya doin' alright, honey? Don't ya be worryin' 'bout those idiots." When the girl turned to look at her with wide eyes full of shock, Carly continued, "I reckon we'd better let ya go somewhere to rest your weary eyes, honey. Ya must be tired from such an eventful day."
Hearing Carly's words, Jason's eyes flew to Elizabeth's face. Her face had drained of all the rosy colour she had earlier. The anger inside him raged as he saw the fear in her blue eyes. Damn, Sorel!
Jason was about to say something to her when Lucky, who too had made his way to Elizabeth, asked anxiously, "Beth? Are you alright?"
Fighting to shake off the fear, Elizabeth turned to Lucky in surprise, remembering his presence for the first time since...she couldn't even remember since when. But seeing the concern in his face, she gave him a small smile.
"I am fine, Lucky. Thank you."
Lucky didn't smile in return as he looked away from her to Jason to demand, "What the hell is going on here, Jason? What does Moreno want with you?"
Before a surprised Jason could respond, Carly asked bluntly with narrowed eyes, "And what concern is it of yours?"
"Beth is my friend. If whatever is going on between you folks and Moreno means she's going to be hurt, that makes it my concern."
Elizabeth blinked. She had never heard Lucky speak in such a manner before. While it warmed her heart to know he cared for her safety, she could feel Jason go even more rigid by her side.
Jason replied quietly, "She won't be harmed, Lucky. I won't let that happen."
"You may not want it to but-"
Wanting to head off a confrontation for Elizabeth's sake, Luke cut off his son's remarks, "That's enough Lucky. We can discuss this all later. Lizzie needs to rest," he looked over to Jason, "You should take her home."
At this, Laura, who had been standing with a wide-eyed Lulu by her husband's side, asked, "And where exactly is home, Mr. Morgan?"
Carly's eyes turned to Laura in surprise, "What do ya mean? The saloon 'course!"
Another round of exclamations escaped from the crowd in the pews, who were all now leaning in to catch whatever snippets of conversation they could. Mrs. Collins whispered loudly to Miss Vining, "Did you hear that, Amy! They're thinking of taking Lizzie to live in that den of sin! Can you imagine what Audrey would say to that?!"
Glancing from Elizabeth and then back to Jason, Laura said gently, "While I am sure the saloon provides fine lodgings for a single man, it is not the place for a young lady with tender sensibilities, even one who is now married, Mr. Morgan."
"Now ya wait one minute!" growled an enraged Carly, "'Course a lady can live there! I live there."
Johnny chuckled at his blond's outrage. "While I'd shoot any man who'd say ya ain't a lady, Carly, we all know ya ain't got tender sensibilities."
Carly shot the dark haired bartender a glare, before saying to Jason, "'Course you're goin' back to the saloon. Ain't that right, Jase?! Where else would ya go?"
As all eyes turned to him, Jason felt his head begin to pound. Why the hell had he not consider this before? He had no idea where they were going to live, and hadn't even thought about the fact Elizabeth might not want to live at the saloon. Without answering Carly, he turned to the girl and admitted, "I hadn't really given where we would live much thought. If you don't want to go back to the saloon, we could probably find a room at the hotel." Jason almost cringed at the thought of living at the Quartermaine
luxurious hotel, but he felt compelled to ask, "What do you want to do, Elizabeth?"
As she felt all eyes swing towards her, Elizabeth struggled to think. But all she could feel was the overwhelming desire for this whole day to finally end. How had her life become so complicated so quickly? How she wished for the simple days when all she had to worry about was unrequited love, and
losing her home...the days when no one cared what she wanted-Wait a minute! Did Jason just ask her what she wanted to do? No one ever really asked her opinion about anything before...
With a slight shake of her head, Elizabeth set aside the strange feeling of having a say in her own life, and carefully considered her choices. Her grandmother would be enraged if she went to live at the saloon...but then again, her grandmother was already angry with her. And after everything that had happened in the last twenty four hours, the saloon did not seem all that frightening...well, not as frightening as it had. And Jason and his unusual group of friends would be there. It was hard to explain, but
despite the fact they were in reality strangers to her, she felt safe in their presence.
"Lizzie," Luke suggested kindly, "You and Jason are welcome to stay at our place."
Elizabeth shook her head as she caught Jason's eyes, "Thank you, Mr. Spencer, but I think it would be best if we stayed at the saloon."
This decision set off another round of shocked exclamations.
"What did she just say?!"
"What could she be thinking?!"
"Lizzie, darling, do you think that is wise?"
Flushed, Elizabeth attempted to ignore the ruckus she had just caused by her decision, and concentrated on what Jason was asking her, "Are you sure?"
She began to nod, but another thought occurred to her. With anxious eyes, she began hesitantly, "I...I do not mind living at the saloon...but I..."
"But?" Jason prompted as he leaned down to hear her voice as it dropped. Whatever Elizabeth was trying to say, Jason could see it was important to her, but her shyness was preventing her from getting it out.
Taking a deep breath and casting her eyes downward, Elizabeth finished in a soft whisper, "I...I don't think it may be the best place for Rebecca to live. All that smoke...and noise..."
While most of the folks in the church could not hear the exact
exchange, they could see surprise cross Jason Morgan's face, and then...then, to the shock of them all, a slight smile appeared on his lips!
While Jason agreed with Elizabeth that Rebecca couldn't live at the saloon, he was surprised she would think of his daughter at the moment. Features softening, hereplied, "You're right. When we get her, we'll have to
think of something...but I think we can discuss that later." He held out his hand before continuing, "For now, do you think we can go back to the saloon?"
Looking up shyly, Elizabeth tentatively placed her hand in his and nodded. She gave her quiet thanks and farewells to the Spencers and the Reverend, and then ignoring all the looks from the crowd, she let Jason start to lead her down the aisle.
Beaming after the couple, Carly quickly grabbed her husband's arm to follow them. With a warning glare to all the town folks to not follow them, she said to her husband, Johnny and Francis, "Let's get the newly weds home, boys!"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Unfortunately getting the newly weds home turned out not to be so simple a task. Once again wearing Carly's black cape, Elizabeth looked up at the darkening sky. There was a red glow over the town's main street, which, not surprisingly, still contained great number of folks. Some of them were
from the church, others, folks who had just heard of the marriage. Shouts of congratulations, and curious glances followed their short walk to the saloon.
Jason and Elizabeth had just stepped up onto the walkway leading to the saloon doors, when they heard a yell from a distance behind them.
"God damn it, stop the coach! What the hell is he doing out of jail?!"
Elizabeth's eyebrows rose in confusion. Why did that voice sound so familiar? She turned her head.
As she saw two figures descend from a fancy black coach, and cross the dirt street, Elizabeth put a name to that familiar voice-AJ Quartermaine! Oh heavens!
By the time he had heard Elizabeth's gasp of surprise, Jason had also turned around to watch AJ and Alan walk towards them. His piercing eyes also noted the white-haired man in the fancy duds still seated in the coach. But as he moved in front of Elizabeth, he turned his guarded eyes back to his
brother.
Soon the two brothers stood directly across from each other in the dim dusk light. The tense silence that followed was deafening, and it was Carly, who had been watching the brothers in uneasy suspense, who broke it. She asked
in her straight shooting manner, "Well, Quartermaine? What ya wantin'?"
AJ didn't even take his eyes off Jason as he replied, "I want to know how Jason here is allowed to roam free after murdering my grandfather."
"AJ!" Alan warned as he gave Jason a wary look. "We don't know what happened."
AJ grunted as he took a menacing step closer to Jason, "Sure we do. He killed Grandfather to get Rebecca. But he's not going to get her."
Alan shook his head as he turned to Jason. "AJ's upset over Father's death, Jason. You can understand that." He paused, waiting for a response that didn't come. Clearing his throat uncomfortably, Alan continued, "The last we heard, you got arrested. How did you get out, Jason?"
Moving toward the confrontation, Carly spat out, "Not with any help from y'all!"
AJ laughed harshly. "Help him out of jail? Have you lost your mind? I want to know what the hell he's doing out here." He spun around and grumbled, "I'm going to see that ass of a Sheriff about this. I'll have his badge for letting a murderer walk free!"
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the venom in the man's voice. Why did AJ hate his brother so much? There must be a reason...but whatever the reasonl, he shouldn't make such accusations against Jason. How could he not knowthat..."Jason's not a murderer..." Elizabeth let out a gasp as she realised she had spoken out loud!
AJ froze in midstep on his way in the direction of the jail. Spinning around, his narrowed brown eyes swept over Jason and his friends. What the hell? That soft voice belonged to a woman, but it certainly did not belong to Carly Corinthos! "Who the hell said that?"
Jason, who had also been surprised by Elizabeth's outburst, took a step toward AJ and growled, "Just go and see the Sheriff, AJ."
Unlike his son, who had been too caught up in his anger at Jason to notice anything else, Alan had caught sight of Elizabeth's tiny form standing behind Jason. Motioning his hand toward her, he asked curiously, "Who is that young woman standing behind you, Jason?"
Jason didn't answer his father's question as he continued to glare at AJ. After a stretched out silent moment, Elizabeth came to the conclusion she would have to be the one to introduce herself to Jason's estranged family. Taking a deep breath, she slowly moved from behind Jason. Squeezing her way between his sturdy frame and Sonny's equally immovable one, Elizabeth looked up tentatively at Alan. She tried to explain, "My-my name is Elizabeth sir. I'm...ah...I'm-" Oh dear! How was she to just blurt out that she was now his
daughter-in-law?
Taking a few intimidating steps toward her, AJ asked impatiently, "You're who?! And what the hell are you doing with my brother?!"
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the man's harsh tone, and took a few steps back only to find herself bumping into Jason. She tried again to speak, but before the words could form, Jason growled, "Back off, AJ. She doesn't have to explain anything to you." He placed his hand gently on her shoulder and
turned her around. "Come on. We're going inside."
Elizabeth looked up into Jason's tense expression in confusion, but allowed him to guide her toward the swinging doors, into the dark and empty saloon.
"You're not going anywhere 'til you explain what the hell is going on here, Jason!"
As AJ attempted to follow them, Sonny stepped in his way. "We've all had a long day, Quartermaine. But if you continue to make a nuisance of yourself, I'm sure my boys here will only be too happy to explain to you how to
back off."
Francis and Johnny moved toward AJ with decidedly eager glints in their eyes. AJ didn't have enough sense to back down. But before any punches could be thrown, an angry Carly stalked towards AJ. "I don't know why ya hate Jase, or how ya could think he'd kill that snake of a grandfather
of yours. But I tell ya, if ya try to hurt Jase or his wife, yore goin' to have to answer to me, ya understand?!"
As Sonny groaned at his wife's outburst, AJ's eyes widened in shock as he latched onto one word. "Wife?! Did you just say his wife? You mean Jason's married to that girl?! Who the hell is she?!"
With a similar look of shock on his face, Alan asked, "When did Jason get married?!"
Not even blinking an eye at their confusion, Carly said, "It's none of yore business. Just know that if ya say Jase's a murderer one more time, ya'll have reason to say I'm one."
"Do you know to whom you're speaking?!" AJ sputtered angrily as his rage at the blond's impertinence made him momentarily forget his shock.
Carly laughed angrily. "Yep, I know. Yore a good for nothin'
Quartermaine, who ain't got the gumption to visit his own brother in jail to find out what really happened last night! And that be remindin' me," she continued in curiosity, "How is it that ya know nothin' of what happened in town today?
Where were ya?"
At this question, a strange transformation came over AJ's countenance. He took a step back, seeming to regain his composure. His eyes flew to the fancy coach behind him, and then momentarily met his father's. Turning back to the saloon folks, he muttered, "I don't have any more time to waste
with you riffraff. I may not know what's going on here, but I'll find out." With that, AJ and Alan made their way back to the coach, which they entered and with a bark to the driver, they were off.
Watching the coach head down the street toward the direction of the hotel, Carly exchanged a questioning glance with her husband. "What the hell do ya think that was 'bout?"
"Don't know, but I'd reckon it had somethin' to do with what those two were up to today." After a moment lost in thought, Sonny said, "Well, let's go in and make sure Jase and Elizabeth get somethin' to eat before they retire."
Carly nodded eagerly as she followed her husband into the saloon. Her thoughts had already turned to more important matters than the Quartermaines. She wondered wickedly exactly what the sleeping arrangements would be once the wedded couple retired. Hmmm....
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Oh heavens...this was so...oh there were no words for such pleasure. Surely it was wicked to want something so much...just one more taste of pure bliss. She licked her lips in anticipation. Oh...hmmm...oh heavens! Elizabeth closed
her eyes and let out a deeply satisfied sigh.
"Elizabeth?"
Attempting to savour the contentment for just a few more moments, Elizabeth kept her eyes closed as she whispered, "Yes?"
A deep throaty laughter filled the room. "Lord, Sonny! I've never seen anyone react that way to yore cookin' before!"
"Yep, she sure do look pleased with yore grub."
Elizabeth opened her eyes, to find five pairs of amused eyes watching her. Blushing, she realised how carried away she had gotten with her meal...but she had never tasted anything like Sonny's cooking before. Those strawberry tarts were indescribable...
Sonny flashed her his dimples. "I'm glad you liked my cooking,
Elizabeth."
Smiling shyly, Elizabeth nodded her head. "That was simply wonderful, Sonny. I do believe your cooking is better than even Sarah's..."
Carly snorted. "Honey, don't ya be comparin' my husband to that haughty sister of yores."
"Oh," Elizabeth tried to explain, "But Sarah's the best cook in the county. Every year she wins prizes at the fair for her baked goods."
Carly easily shrugged this off. "That's only 'cause Sonny don't enter any of them contests. He'd surely win."
Sonny chuckled. "Thank you for defendin' my honour, love. But I don't need the town's praises. But I have to say it's good to see someone simply enjoyin' my cookin' without makin' a fuss 'bout other thin's..." He gave his wife a pointed look.
Carly's amber eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't have to make a fuss if ya'd just let me cook up somethin' once."
Johnny and Francis both groaned, and even Jason grimaced. Elizabeth glanced at Carly in confusion.
Carly gave the three men a warning glare. Then she turned to Elizabeth and explained, "These men have no taste,honey. Someday, I'll fix one of my meals for ya."
Sonny shook his head in horror. "No, Carly, don't even suggest such a thing."
"Sonny!"
Jason had to smile as the married couple engaged in their long-running argument. He turned to glance down at Elizabeth and said, "They'll be at this all night. You look tired. Why don't you go up."
At this suggestion, Elizabeth swallowed hard. She couldn't even move as she stared intently down at her now clasped hands. Now that it was time to retire...she felt decidedly nervous. She knew everyone expected them to sleep in the same room...but what if she asked...
"Elizabeth?"
She realised Jason was calling her name again. When his hand lightly touched hers, Elizabeth shot right out of her chair. She felt all five pairs of eyes on her once again. Going bright red, Elizabeth glanced frantically down at the table at all the now dirty dishes. Quickly she grabbed her plate, and piled on top of it her utensils and glass. "I-I'll just take these to the kitchen and wash them..."
Carly stood up and started to take the dishes out of the girl's hands. "No honey. Ya must be tired out. The boys and I can handle it. Ya go up to Jase's room and go to bed. Jase'll follow ya."
If possible, Elizabeth's face turned an even darker shade of red. Oh Lord...she knew that Jason had promised nothing would happen without her wanting it to, but how was she going to share a room with him?!
Carly saw Elizabeth's hands start to shake, and didn't have to search too deeply to figure out what was bothering her. Poor thing, it would be hard for her to have to stay in a strange place...and there was the fact she had a husband all of a sudden. A husband she would be sharing a bed with for the
first time.
But if Carly knew anything about Jason, she knew he wouldn't pressure his young bride into anything. He was too honourable for that. He'd leave the girl untouched if that's what he thought she wanted and Carly wagered he'd
fool himself into thinking that was what he wanted as well. But the blond had seen the way he'd looked at Elizabeth as she walked down that aisle. He may not know it yet, but he felt something for his new wife. He wanted her.
And Carly had seen how skittish Elizabeth was around him. The girl was attracted to him too. But Carly had serious doubts about the two of them figuring this out on their own. Well, it was a good thing then that she was around! She'd just have to make sure that things progressed between
the newly weds...
Sonny exchanged a look with Jason, and suggested to his wife, "Carly, why don't you go up with Elizabeth and help get her settled?"
Carly's eyes narrowed in suspicion. She had seen the exchanged glances, and suspected the men wanted to talk about what had happened with Moreno earlier. They had carefully avoided the topic during the meal, but she knew
the confrontation had worried them...She was certainly not pleased with her husband's attempt to get rid of her, but she knew she'd be able to get everything out of him later. Besides, Elizabeth looked like she was on the verge of fleeing any moment. So, with a kind smile, Carly said to the girl,
"Alright, why don't we go up and I'll get ya a night gown?"
At Carly's offer, Elizabeth nodded in some relief. At least she could get Carly to help her out of this tortuous corset. Then with any luck she could be asleep by the time Jason came up...or at least pretend she was asleep.
Handing the dishes in her hand to an unsuspecting Francis, Carly said dryly, "Well, boys, that means while yore talkin' 'bout what to do with Moreno, ya can get to the cleanin'." And without another word to the four men, she
grabbed Elizabeth by the hand, and took her toward the stairs.
A few minutes later, Carly had borrowed a night gown from one of her girls and the two women made their way to Jason's room. Closing the door behind them, Carly began to help Elizabeth out of her dress.
As she stood still under Carly's ministrations, Elizabeth wanted to ask her about Moreno. What did Moreno want from Jason?
Meanwhile Carly was pondering Elizabeth's lack of clothing. Hands quickly undoing buttons, she murmured, "Ya can wear tomorrow what ya wore today, but I reckon we'll have to go to Chloe's to get ya some new thin's. Hmm, let's see...yore goin' to need...underthin's, dresses, shoes, stockin's...oh...and a few dashing bonnets!"
As she stepped out of the dress, Elizabeth shook her head, "I don't need new things, Carly. My garments at ho-" Elizabeth's eyes widened as she realised the farm was no longer her home, she continued quietly, "I have things at the farm. Perhaps I can get them tomorrow."
As she began to undo the strings of the corset, Carly answered absently, "Sure honey. We can go get yore thin's tomorrow. But you'll still be needin' new outfits. From what I've seen, yore wardrobe needs some additions."
Elizabeth protested, "No. New clothing would be much too expensive..."
Carly laughed, "Honey, ya ain't got to worry 'bout that! Jase can afford it. 'Sides yore a married woman now. And ya be needin' some other outfits now."
Elizabeth frowned, but decided not to argue any further. She hadn't known Carly long, but she knew her well enough now to know she wasn't someone you could win an argument against. As the corset was finally unlaced, Elizabeth let out a large sigh of relief.
Carly laughed at the sound. "Yep those thin's are pure torture, but they sure do make our figures look good!"
As she started to reach for the white night gown laying on the bureau in front of her, Elizabeth replied softly, "I don't believe anything's worth that kind of torture..."
"Oh, I don't know..." Carly began with a wicked grin as she caught Elizabeth's eyes in the mirror of the bureau. "The look on Jase's face when he saw you in the church might have been worth it."
Elizabeth's hand froze on the night gown. What did Carly mean? How had Jason looked at her? Had he thought she looked nice? Perhaps even pretty? She thought of the all too brief touch of his lips on her cheek. Two bright
red spots coloured her cheeks. What was she thinking?
With a wide smile now firmly in place, Carly turned around and walked to the door. "Well, I don't reckon ya need me anymore. See ya in the mornin', honey." Without waiting for a reply, she quickly made her way out the door, smiling to herself. Well, she sure gave the gal something to think about. Now, onto Jason...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
When Carly had left, Elizabeth had removed the corset, her chemise and stockings and put on the white night gown. She stared at herself in the mirror. Oh dear...she had not realised when Carly had given it to her, that the silk gown was so sheer. It was nothing like the prim night linen gown she wore at home. Elizabeth bit her lower lip but decided it would
simply have to do.
She had just finished taking the pins and daisies out of her hair, when she heard a knock on the door. She jumped at the sound and whirled around. With an unsteady voice, she answered hesitantly, "Yes?"
"It's me, Jason."
Her eyes widened in horror. Oh no! Quick as lightning she lifted the covers of the bed, and slipped underneath them. Pulling up the sheets to her chin, she replied breathlessly, "Come in."
Slowly Jason opened the door and after taking a step in, he closed it behind him. His eyes glanced over the room, and took in the neatly folded dress and feminine undergarments on the bureau. The dainty shoes on the floor seemed just as out of place in the small, plain room. His gaze moved up from the floor and landed on the bed to see a pair of large blue eyes
staring warily at him beneath a mop of wild curls.
Noting the way the edges of the bedcovers were clutched tightly in her small hands to keep the sheets just beneath her chin, Jason asked curiously, "What are you doing?"
Elizabeth's eyes widened as she shook her head. "I don't know what you mean...I'm going to sleep."
His eyes rested on her face for a moment, before giving a curt nod. "I can see that." As he came to a stop directly by the bed, he remembered some of the endless prattle Carly had subjected him to when she had come downstairs.
She had warned him Elizabeth was a little skittish. Trying to put the girl at ease, Jason said gently, "You don't have to be afraid, Elizabeth."
Swallowing hard, Elizabeth tried to deny her fear, but couldn't quite get the words out.
Jason walked over to the bureau, and taking off his black hat, and dropping it down next to a pile of hair pins and daisies, he continued, "I made you a promise, and I keep my promises."
As she slowly raised her eyes to meet his, Elizabeth felt his words lessen her uneasiness. Jason was a man of his word...she felt it somewhere deep inside of her.
Taking his eyes momentarily off hers, he began to take of his black jacket. "You can have the bed. I'll sleep in the chair." The jacket was draped over the back of the ornamental wooden chair.
Glancing quickly at the uncomfortable piece of furniture, Elizabeth abruptly sat up on the bed and shook her head. "No. This is your bed. I'll sleep in the chair." Keeping the bedcovers in front of her, she swung her feet over the edge of the bed. Nervously licking her lips, she was just
starting to rise, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Stiffening in surprise, she looked up.
When her eyes met his, Jason said firmly, "No. You're sleeping on the bed."
She was about to protest again, when she saw the glint of resolve in his eyes. His look left no room for argument. But glancing again at the small wooden chair, she knew he couldn't sleep on that thing. So what could they do? Letting her eyes wander over to the bed, she saw that it was rather
large...oh dear Lord...she wasn't really thinking of...
"It's late. I'll douse the lantern. Go to sleep, Elizabeth."
By the time Elizabeth had lifted her head, Jason had moved toward the lantern on the small table and soon it was dimmed, leaving the room completely dark except for the small stream of moonlight flowing through the part in the lush red drapes. Elizabeth laid back down on the bed...the
soft bed, and heard the creek of wooden chair...the hard wooden chair... "Jason?"
A moment passed of silence passed before he replied, "What?"
"I-I don't think that chair must be very comfortable..." she began nervously, "Is it?"
"It'll do," was his curt reply.
"Oh..." Elizabeth nibbled on her lower lip, before continuing, "But you'll probably get a sore back sleeping in that thing. Perhaps...perhaps you can..."
He replied in a slightly irritated tone, "I'm fine. Go to sleep,
Elizabeth."
Elizabeth tried to close her eyes, but she couldn't. She simply couldn't just let him sleep on that thing. "Jason...perhaps we can..." Taking a deep breath, finished in a rush, "...we can share the bed."
Against his will a small smile formed on Jason's lips. Considering how nervous his presence made her, it must've been very difficult for her to make the offer to him. And it showed she trusted him on some level. "No, I'm fine. Go to sleep, Elizabeth."
As silence followed, Jason folded his arms across his chest, and leaned back In the hard chair, resting his head against the wall. Over the years he'd learned to sleep almost anywhere, in almost any position, but he had to admit it was damn uncomfortable on this wooden thing. As he closed his
eyes, he made a note to himself to ask Carly for some extra blankets in the morning so he could sleep on the floor in the future.
"Jason?"
Eyes still closed, Jason sighed. "What now?"
"I-I can't sleep..." Elizabeth squinted her eyes trying to make out his face In the dark shadows of the night, "I can't sleep with you in that chair." She felt a tremendous sense of guilt for forcing him out of his bed. "Please, sleep on the bed."
Jason groaned. "Elizabeth go to sleep."
Sitting up straight now, Elizabeth shook her head in the darkness. "No. I-I can't. I insist you sleep in your own bed. I'll sleep on the floor."
At the sound of feet landing on the floor, Jason opened his eyes and stood up. Stalking over to the other side of the bed, he growled, "Alright, if it means you'll go to sleep, we'll both sleep on the damn bed."
Despite the harshness in his voice, Elizabeth let out a small sigh of relief, and laid back down on the bed, pulling the sheets once again over her. But when she felt the weight on the other side of the mattress, she tensed. Staring up at the ceiling in perfect stillness, she waited for him to say or do anything. As the silence stretched out, she could have
sworn she felt the heat coming from his large frame. How could she have ever thought this bed was anything but very tiny?!
Jason finished taking off his boots, placed the gun he'd removed from his jacket pocket underneath the bed easily within reach, and laid down on top of the bedcovers. He could just make out the sound of quick, short breaths.
"Go to sleep Elizabeth."
Inching as close as she could to the edge of the bed without being in danger of falling off, Elizabeth squeaked without thought, "I am a sleep."
A moment of silence passed before Jason chuckled softly. "My mistake then." He closed his eyes, attempting to ignore the soft scent of violet and roses that teased his nose. But harder to ignore was the memory of the softness
of her skin against his lips...or the way she had closed her eyes as if in invitation for him to kiss her...He still found it hard to believe that the timid girl he'd come to know and the vision coming down that aisle were one and the same. She was sure full of surprises, this tiny little female laying next to him. Closing his left hand, the pad of his thumb brushed
against the cold metal on his fourth finger, reminding him that this wasn't just any female lying in his bed; she was his wife! Eyes flying open, he turned his head in her direction. He could just make out her outline and listening carefully, he heard the sound of slow steady breaths.
She was asleep. Even with her anxiety of sharing a bed with a man, the turmoil of the very long day had finally caught up to her. With the comforting even rhythm of her breathing surrounding him, Jason closed his eyes, and let sleep claim him.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Elizabeth's eyes widened as she met the cold black eyes of a giant of a man. As he notice her attention turn to him, the man's fat lips broke out in a smirk. "Can't believe you'd go and have a weddin' and not invite us, Morgan. Not very neighbourly of you."
The only response Moreno was able to provoke out of Jason was the slight narrowing of his glittering blue eyes. But Sonny, Francis, Johnny, and Carly immediately moved to surround him and Elizabeth. In the pews, the crowd was unusually quiet in anticipation of the upcoming confrontation.
Everyone knew Moreno was not at the church to exchange pleasantries. Where he and his men went, there was bound to be trouble.
Seeing the folks from the saloon closing ranks around the bride and groom, Moreno turned to his men behind him and chuckled humourlessly. "Now boys, this ain't a very friendly greetin' for us, now is it? And all we were wantin' to do was congratulate Morgan and his bride." Moreno glanced slyly
at Elizabeth. "And such a lovely young wife you now have, Morgan."
Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat as she felt the man's eyes rake over her, lingering indecently on some of her features. She felt Jason tense next to her and lifted her eyes to see his face hardened. Oh dear! She did not know what the frightening man wanted but she had the feeling it wasn't to wish them well.
After a moment of tense silence, Jason finally asked softly, "What the hell do you want Moreno?"
Moreno chuckled again as he looked from Jason to the man of God. "I don't reckon the good Reverend here would condone such blasphemy in the Lord's house. Do you Reverend?"
A nervous Reverend Jones, who had been standing there wide-eyed clutching his Bible, cleared his throat uncomfortably, "Ahem. I am sure you have come to wish the bride and groom your felicitations, but I do not think your presence here is a sound idea, Mr. Moreno."
Moreno chuckled again, and said, "Now Reverend, you can't reckon we'd want to cause trouble in the Lord's house..."
The profusely perspiring Reverend Jones opened his mouth to reply but was cut off. "Ya must be reckonin' we're all fools, Moreno! Ya ain't here for a thin' but trouble!" shouted an angry Carly, "Get yore ugly face out of here before..."
Sonny placed a restraining hand on his wife's arm. "Carly." While her eyes flashed amber fire, Carly's cautious side thought of heeding her husband's warning, but her dominant fighting spirit shone through as she continued, "...before I have ya thrown out!"
"Well, well, the spirited Mrs. Corinthos," Moreno acknowledged Carly with a nod of his head, "It's always a pleasure to see such beauty." Then he smirked as his eyes locked on first Sonny and then Jason. "Well...I see you two gentlemen have become family men. And I hear Morgan that not only do you now possess a lovely new wife, but there's also a daughter." With a shake of his head, Moreno chided, "You really should tell your friends of your wonderful fortune. But, then, you must now be very busy. With such a lovely family to care for...to protect...'course you wouldn't want some harm to befall them..."
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the man's thinly veiled threat,and nervously glanced at Jason, whose full attention was still on Moreno. On the surface, he appeared calm, but she had the uneasy feeling it was a deceptive calm. For one thing, his eyes were blazing with anger and there was a slight twitch in his forehead. After a tense moment, Jason warned with
controlled rage, "Stay the hell away from my family, Moreno."
Moreno laid a mocking hand over his chest. "Is that any way to treat a well-wisher, Morgan?
Having had enough of the man, Sonny barked out, "Get the hell out of here, Moreno. Now! Before I throw you out!"
From behind his stocky boss, Sorel appeared, shouting angrily, "Ya go ahead and try, Corinthos! We ain't gotta go anywhere!"
With eyes trained on Sorel, Johnny spoke conversationally to Francis, "Ya reckon these idiots can't find the door without us escortin' them out, Francis?"
"Yep, reckon so, Johnny," said Francis as his eyes danced with anticipation.
And without another word, the two men moved threateningly toward Moreno and his men.
Luke, who had been watching this scene tensely beside his family, decided he had better take control of the situation before Elizabeth's wedding became a bloodbath. Stepping between Sonny's men and Moreno, he raised a hand and
ordered, "No. I won't have any violence at Lizzie's wedding, men." Then turning to Moreno and Sorel, he commanded, "You've had your say, Moreno. Now, get out of here."
Sorel's eyes narrowed in anger as he spat out, "Ya better stay out of this, Spencer, if ya know what's good for ya."
"Are you threatening me, Sorel?" Luke asked angrily.
Moreno smirked at Luke's anger. "Now, Spencer. We don't want any trouble. We'll be leavin' peacefully. Just wanted to wish Morgan joy in his new family situation. Perhaps it'll make him more agreeable in the feature."
"Don't ya be countin' on it, Moreno!" hissed Carly angrily.
Moreno only gave another chuckle before turning around and leading his men down the aisle. However, Sorel wasn't finished with the newly weds yet. His beady eyes ran over Elizabeth's small frame as he remarked snidely, "Well, well, Morgan, I see now why ya were so quick defendin' the gal.
From what all the folks are sayin', seems she been payin' ya nightly visits...Ya must've been showin' the lady a real fine time, if she's willin' to ruin herself to stop ya from hangin'."
Gasps escaped the crowd. Luke, Lucky and all the folks from the saloon stiffened in anger. But it was Jason who started to move toward the sneering Sorel. While not fully understanding the meaning behind the man's words, Elizabeth knew she had somehow been insulted. And Jason was not
taking it well. Without thinking, she reached out and placed a shaky hand on Jason's sleeve. "No..."
Ignoring the deadly glare directed his way, Sorel continued to
Elizabeth, "If I'd known ya were itchin' to warm a feller's bed, honey, I'd been much friendlier. I wager I could've shown ya a better time than Morgan. Wonder what ya would've done for me..." Sorel's eyes glinted with evil
amusement, "...I reckon I could've thought of something..."
As the man's sickening meaning sunk in, Elizabeth let out her own unwilling gasp of horror. And then the next thing she knew, Jason had Sorel by the neck. Screams of horror filled the hall. As the man's face turned a dark red, Jason said in a deadly calm manner, "You're going to apologise to my
wife, and you're then never going to speak to or come anywhere near her again. Do you understand me?"
Moreno and his men had by now turned around at the commotion. He barked out, "Get your hands off my man, Morgan."
Jason didn't answer as he kept his gaze on Sorel's now purple face.
As she watched the man cease to struggle in Jason's grasp, Elizabeth came to the horrible realisation that Jason could actually be choking the man to death! She quickly moved up to them. "Jason...please release him. I'm sure he didn't mean anything."
Jason kept his eyes steadily on Sorel's, as he continued to apply pressure on the man's thick neck muscles.
Sonny stepped forward, and placed a hand on his friend's arm. "Jason, she's right. You'd better let him go. We're in a church for heaven's sake."
After a long, tense moment, Jason reluctantly eased his grip, but as the other man gasped for air, Jason insisted, "He needs to apologise to Elizabeth before he goes anywhere."
"Just apologise to the girl, Sorel," barked Moreno impatiently.
Still gulping air and attempting to back away from Jason's imposing form, Sorel sputtered, "I...ain't...apologisin'..."
Losing all patience, Moreno shot his man a deadly glare. "Sorel!"
Eyes narrowing at his boss, Sorel finally mumbled, "Alright, I
apologise."
"I don't believe the lady heard you," Jason growled, taking a warning step toward Sorel.
Frightened and wanting the whole incident over with,Elizabeth shook her head and turned pleading eyes toward Jason, "No...no, I-I heard him. And I accept his apology. Just let him go, please."
Moreno chuckled at Elizabeth's plea. "Well...I think you'd better heed the li'l woman, Morgan. Wouldn't want to cause the bride any unease at her weddin'." He motioned to two of his men, who each grabbed Sorel by an arm. "We'll be seein' you 'round, Morgan."
As the group of men made their way down the aisle, Elizabeth glanced over at Jason to see he was standing with his fist clenched in rage by his side. The whole church was quiet until they heard the front door close. Then chaos broke out as the folks in the pews began talking to each other all at once.
Sonny placed a hand on Jason's shoulders and over the commotion, he said, "We'll deal with this, Jason."
Jason didn't respond as he kept his gaze trained down the aisle.
Carly walked in front of Elizabeth and seeing how the girl's shoulders shook, she asked gently, "Ya doin' alright, honey? Don't ya be worryin' 'bout those idiots." When the girl turned to look at her with wide eyes full of shock, Carly continued, "I reckon we'd better let ya go somewhere to rest your weary eyes, honey. Ya must be tired from such an eventful day."
Hearing Carly's words, Jason's eyes flew to Elizabeth's face. Her face had drained of all the rosy colour she had earlier. The anger inside him raged as he saw the fear in her blue eyes. Damn, Sorel!
Jason was about to say something to her when Lucky, who too had made his way to Elizabeth, asked anxiously, "Beth? Are you alright?"
Fighting to shake off the fear, Elizabeth turned to Lucky in surprise, remembering his presence for the first time since...she couldn't even remember since when. But seeing the concern in his face, she gave him a small smile.
"I am fine, Lucky. Thank you."
Lucky didn't smile in return as he looked away from her to Jason to demand, "What the hell is going on here, Jason? What does Moreno want with you?"
Before a surprised Jason could respond, Carly asked bluntly with narrowed eyes, "And what concern is it of yours?"
"Beth is my friend. If whatever is going on between you folks and Moreno means she's going to be hurt, that makes it my concern."
Elizabeth blinked. She had never heard Lucky speak in such a manner before. While it warmed her heart to know he cared for her safety, she could feel Jason go even more rigid by her side.
Jason replied quietly, "She won't be harmed, Lucky. I won't let that happen."
"You may not want it to but-"
Wanting to head off a confrontation for Elizabeth's sake, Luke cut off his son's remarks, "That's enough Lucky. We can discuss this all later. Lizzie needs to rest," he looked over to Jason, "You should take her home."
At this, Laura, who had been standing with a wide-eyed Lulu by her husband's side, asked, "And where exactly is home, Mr. Morgan?"
Carly's eyes turned to Laura in surprise, "What do ya mean? The saloon 'course!"
Another round of exclamations escaped from the crowd in the pews, who were all now leaning in to catch whatever snippets of conversation they could. Mrs. Collins whispered loudly to Miss Vining, "Did you hear that, Amy! They're thinking of taking Lizzie to live in that den of sin! Can you imagine what Audrey would say to that?!"
Glancing from Elizabeth and then back to Jason, Laura said gently, "While I am sure the saloon provides fine lodgings for a single man, it is not the place for a young lady with tender sensibilities, even one who is now married, Mr. Morgan."
"Now ya wait one minute!" growled an enraged Carly, "'Course a lady can live there! I live there."
Johnny chuckled at his blond's outrage. "While I'd shoot any man who'd say ya ain't a lady, Carly, we all know ya ain't got tender sensibilities."
Carly shot the dark haired bartender a glare, before saying to Jason, "'Course you're goin' back to the saloon. Ain't that right, Jase?! Where else would ya go?"
As all eyes turned to him, Jason felt his head begin to pound. Why the hell had he not consider this before? He had no idea where they were going to live, and hadn't even thought about the fact Elizabeth might not want to live at the saloon. Without answering Carly, he turned to the girl and admitted, "I hadn't really given where we would live much thought. If you don't want to go back to the saloon, we could probably find a room at the hotel." Jason almost cringed at the thought of living at the Quartermaine
luxurious hotel, but he felt compelled to ask, "What do you want to do, Elizabeth?"
As she felt all eyes swing towards her, Elizabeth struggled to think. But all she could feel was the overwhelming desire for this whole day to finally end. How had her life become so complicated so quickly? How she wished for the simple days when all she had to worry about was unrequited love, and
losing her home...the days when no one cared what she wanted-Wait a minute! Did Jason just ask her what she wanted to do? No one ever really asked her opinion about anything before...
With a slight shake of her head, Elizabeth set aside the strange feeling of having a say in her own life, and carefully considered her choices. Her grandmother would be enraged if she went to live at the saloon...but then again, her grandmother was already angry with her. And after everything that had happened in the last twenty four hours, the saloon did not seem all that frightening...well, not as frightening as it had. And Jason and his unusual group of friends would be there. It was hard to explain, but
despite the fact they were in reality strangers to her, she felt safe in their presence.
"Lizzie," Luke suggested kindly, "You and Jason are welcome to stay at our place."
Elizabeth shook her head as she caught Jason's eyes, "Thank you, Mr. Spencer, but I think it would be best if we stayed at the saloon."
This decision set off another round of shocked exclamations.
"What did she just say?!"
"What could she be thinking?!"
"Lizzie, darling, do you think that is wise?"
Flushed, Elizabeth attempted to ignore the ruckus she had just caused by her decision, and concentrated on what Jason was asking her, "Are you sure?"
She began to nod, but another thought occurred to her. With anxious eyes, she began hesitantly, "I...I do not mind living at the saloon...but I..."
"But?" Jason prompted as he leaned down to hear her voice as it dropped. Whatever Elizabeth was trying to say, Jason could see it was important to her, but her shyness was preventing her from getting it out.
Taking a deep breath and casting her eyes downward, Elizabeth finished in a soft whisper, "I...I don't think it may be the best place for Rebecca to live. All that smoke...and noise..."
While most of the folks in the church could not hear the exact
exchange, they could see surprise cross Jason Morgan's face, and then...then, to the shock of them all, a slight smile appeared on his lips!
While Jason agreed with Elizabeth that Rebecca couldn't live at the saloon, he was surprised she would think of his daughter at the moment. Features softening, hereplied, "You're right. When we get her, we'll have to
think of something...but I think we can discuss that later." He held out his hand before continuing, "For now, do you think we can go back to the saloon?"
Looking up shyly, Elizabeth tentatively placed her hand in his and nodded. She gave her quiet thanks and farewells to the Spencers and the Reverend, and then ignoring all the looks from the crowd, she let Jason start to lead her down the aisle.
Beaming after the couple, Carly quickly grabbed her husband's arm to follow them. With a warning glare to all the town folks to not follow them, she said to her husband, Johnny and Francis, "Let's get the newly weds home, boys!"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Unfortunately getting the newly weds home turned out not to be so simple a task. Once again wearing Carly's black cape, Elizabeth looked up at the darkening sky. There was a red glow over the town's main street, which, not surprisingly, still contained great number of folks. Some of them were
from the church, others, folks who had just heard of the marriage. Shouts of congratulations, and curious glances followed their short walk to the saloon.
Jason and Elizabeth had just stepped up onto the walkway leading to the saloon doors, when they heard a yell from a distance behind them.
"God damn it, stop the coach! What the hell is he doing out of jail?!"
Elizabeth's eyebrows rose in confusion. Why did that voice sound so familiar? She turned her head.
As she saw two figures descend from a fancy black coach, and cross the dirt street, Elizabeth put a name to that familiar voice-AJ Quartermaine! Oh heavens!
By the time he had heard Elizabeth's gasp of surprise, Jason had also turned around to watch AJ and Alan walk towards them. His piercing eyes also noted the white-haired man in the fancy duds still seated in the coach. But as he moved in front of Elizabeth, he turned his guarded eyes back to his
brother.
Soon the two brothers stood directly across from each other in the dim dusk light. The tense silence that followed was deafening, and it was Carly, who had been watching the brothers in uneasy suspense, who broke it. She asked
in her straight shooting manner, "Well, Quartermaine? What ya wantin'?"
AJ didn't even take his eyes off Jason as he replied, "I want to know how Jason here is allowed to roam free after murdering my grandfather."
"AJ!" Alan warned as he gave Jason a wary look. "We don't know what happened."
AJ grunted as he took a menacing step closer to Jason, "Sure we do. He killed Grandfather to get Rebecca. But he's not going to get her."
Alan shook his head as he turned to Jason. "AJ's upset over Father's death, Jason. You can understand that." He paused, waiting for a response that didn't come. Clearing his throat uncomfortably, Alan continued, "The last we heard, you got arrested. How did you get out, Jason?"
Moving toward the confrontation, Carly spat out, "Not with any help from y'all!"
AJ laughed harshly. "Help him out of jail? Have you lost your mind? I want to know what the hell he's doing out here." He spun around and grumbled, "I'm going to see that ass of a Sheriff about this. I'll have his badge for letting a murderer walk free!"
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the venom in the man's voice. Why did AJ hate his brother so much? There must be a reason...but whatever the reasonl, he shouldn't make such accusations against Jason. How could he not knowthat..."Jason's not a murderer..." Elizabeth let out a gasp as she realised she had spoken out loud!
AJ froze in midstep on his way in the direction of the jail. Spinning around, his narrowed brown eyes swept over Jason and his friends. What the hell? That soft voice belonged to a woman, but it certainly did not belong to Carly Corinthos! "Who the hell said that?"
Jason, who had also been surprised by Elizabeth's outburst, took a step toward AJ and growled, "Just go and see the Sheriff, AJ."
Unlike his son, who had been too caught up in his anger at Jason to notice anything else, Alan had caught sight of Elizabeth's tiny form standing behind Jason. Motioning his hand toward her, he asked curiously, "Who is that young woman standing behind you, Jason?"
Jason didn't answer his father's question as he continued to glare at AJ. After a stretched out silent moment, Elizabeth came to the conclusion she would have to be the one to introduce herself to Jason's estranged family. Taking a deep breath, she slowly moved from behind Jason. Squeezing her way between his sturdy frame and Sonny's equally immovable one, Elizabeth looked up tentatively at Alan. She tried to explain, "My-my name is Elizabeth sir. I'm...ah...I'm-" Oh dear! How was she to just blurt out that she was now his
daughter-in-law?
Taking a few intimidating steps toward her, AJ asked impatiently, "You're who?! And what the hell are you doing with my brother?!"
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the man's harsh tone, and took a few steps back only to find herself bumping into Jason. She tried again to speak, but before the words could form, Jason growled, "Back off, AJ. She doesn't have to explain anything to you." He placed his hand gently on her shoulder and
turned her around. "Come on. We're going inside."
Elizabeth looked up into Jason's tense expression in confusion, but allowed him to guide her toward the swinging doors, into the dark and empty saloon.
"You're not going anywhere 'til you explain what the hell is going on here, Jason!"
As AJ attempted to follow them, Sonny stepped in his way. "We've all had a long day, Quartermaine. But if you continue to make a nuisance of yourself, I'm sure my boys here will only be too happy to explain to you how to
back off."
Francis and Johnny moved toward AJ with decidedly eager glints in their eyes. AJ didn't have enough sense to back down. But before any punches could be thrown, an angry Carly stalked towards AJ. "I don't know why ya hate Jase, or how ya could think he'd kill that snake of a grandfather
of yours. But I tell ya, if ya try to hurt Jase or his wife, yore goin' to have to answer to me, ya understand?!"
As Sonny groaned at his wife's outburst, AJ's eyes widened in shock as he latched onto one word. "Wife?! Did you just say his wife? You mean Jason's married to that girl?! Who the hell is she?!"
With a similar look of shock on his face, Alan asked, "When did Jason get married?!"
Not even blinking an eye at their confusion, Carly said, "It's none of yore business. Just know that if ya say Jase's a murderer one more time, ya'll have reason to say I'm one."
"Do you know to whom you're speaking?!" AJ sputtered angrily as his rage at the blond's impertinence made him momentarily forget his shock.
Carly laughed angrily. "Yep, I know. Yore a good for nothin'
Quartermaine, who ain't got the gumption to visit his own brother in jail to find out what really happened last night! And that be remindin' me," she continued in curiosity, "How is it that ya know nothin' of what happened in town today?
Where were ya?"
At this question, a strange transformation came over AJ's countenance. He took a step back, seeming to regain his composure. His eyes flew to the fancy coach behind him, and then momentarily met his father's. Turning back to the saloon folks, he muttered, "I don't have any more time to waste
with you riffraff. I may not know what's going on here, but I'll find out." With that, AJ and Alan made their way back to the coach, which they entered and with a bark to the driver, they were off.
Watching the coach head down the street toward the direction of the hotel, Carly exchanged a questioning glance with her husband. "What the hell do ya think that was 'bout?"
"Don't know, but I'd reckon it had somethin' to do with what those two were up to today." After a moment lost in thought, Sonny said, "Well, let's go in and make sure Jase and Elizabeth get somethin' to eat before they retire."
Carly nodded eagerly as she followed her husband into the saloon. Her thoughts had already turned to more important matters than the Quartermaines. She wondered wickedly exactly what the sleeping arrangements would be once the wedded couple retired. Hmmm....
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Oh heavens...this was so...oh there were no words for such pleasure. Surely it was wicked to want something so much...just one more taste of pure bliss. She licked her lips in anticipation. Oh...hmmm...oh heavens! Elizabeth closed
her eyes and let out a deeply satisfied sigh.
"Elizabeth?"
Attempting to savour the contentment for just a few more moments, Elizabeth kept her eyes closed as she whispered, "Yes?"
A deep throaty laughter filled the room. "Lord, Sonny! I've never seen anyone react that way to yore cookin' before!"
"Yep, she sure do look pleased with yore grub."
Elizabeth opened her eyes, to find five pairs of amused eyes watching her. Blushing, she realised how carried away she had gotten with her meal...but she had never tasted anything like Sonny's cooking before. Those strawberry tarts were indescribable...
Sonny flashed her his dimples. "I'm glad you liked my cooking,
Elizabeth."
Smiling shyly, Elizabeth nodded her head. "That was simply wonderful, Sonny. I do believe your cooking is better than even Sarah's..."
Carly snorted. "Honey, don't ya be comparin' my husband to that haughty sister of yores."
"Oh," Elizabeth tried to explain, "But Sarah's the best cook in the county. Every year she wins prizes at the fair for her baked goods."
Carly easily shrugged this off. "That's only 'cause Sonny don't enter any of them contests. He'd surely win."
Sonny chuckled. "Thank you for defendin' my honour, love. But I don't need the town's praises. But I have to say it's good to see someone simply enjoyin' my cookin' without makin' a fuss 'bout other thin's..." He gave his wife a pointed look.
Carly's amber eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't have to make a fuss if ya'd just let me cook up somethin' once."
Johnny and Francis both groaned, and even Jason grimaced. Elizabeth glanced at Carly in confusion.
Carly gave the three men a warning glare. Then she turned to Elizabeth and explained, "These men have no taste,honey. Someday, I'll fix one of my meals for ya."
Sonny shook his head in horror. "No, Carly, don't even suggest such a thing."
"Sonny!"
Jason had to smile as the married couple engaged in their long-running argument. He turned to glance down at Elizabeth and said, "They'll be at this all night. You look tired. Why don't you go up."
At this suggestion, Elizabeth swallowed hard. She couldn't even move as she stared intently down at her now clasped hands. Now that it was time to retire...she felt decidedly nervous. She knew everyone expected them to sleep in the same room...but what if she asked...
"Elizabeth?"
She realised Jason was calling her name again. When his hand lightly touched hers, Elizabeth shot right out of her chair. She felt all five pairs of eyes on her once again. Going bright red, Elizabeth glanced frantically down at the table at all the now dirty dishes. Quickly she grabbed her plate, and piled on top of it her utensils and glass. "I-I'll just take these to the kitchen and wash them..."
Carly stood up and started to take the dishes out of the girl's hands. "No honey. Ya must be tired out. The boys and I can handle it. Ya go up to Jase's room and go to bed. Jase'll follow ya."
If possible, Elizabeth's face turned an even darker shade of red. Oh Lord...she knew that Jason had promised nothing would happen without her wanting it to, but how was she going to share a room with him?!
Carly saw Elizabeth's hands start to shake, and didn't have to search too deeply to figure out what was bothering her. Poor thing, it would be hard for her to have to stay in a strange place...and there was the fact she had a husband all of a sudden. A husband she would be sharing a bed with for the
first time.
But if Carly knew anything about Jason, she knew he wouldn't pressure his young bride into anything. He was too honourable for that. He'd leave the girl untouched if that's what he thought she wanted and Carly wagered he'd
fool himself into thinking that was what he wanted as well. But the blond had seen the way he'd looked at Elizabeth as she walked down that aisle. He may not know it yet, but he felt something for his new wife. He wanted her.
And Carly had seen how skittish Elizabeth was around him. The girl was attracted to him too. But Carly had serious doubts about the two of them figuring this out on their own. Well, it was a good thing then that she was around! She'd just have to make sure that things progressed between
the newly weds...
Sonny exchanged a look with Jason, and suggested to his wife, "Carly, why don't you go up with Elizabeth and help get her settled?"
Carly's eyes narrowed in suspicion. She had seen the exchanged glances, and suspected the men wanted to talk about what had happened with Moreno earlier. They had carefully avoided the topic during the meal, but she knew
the confrontation had worried them...She was certainly not pleased with her husband's attempt to get rid of her, but she knew she'd be able to get everything out of him later. Besides, Elizabeth looked like she was on the verge of fleeing any moment. So, with a kind smile, Carly said to the girl,
"Alright, why don't we go up and I'll get ya a night gown?"
At Carly's offer, Elizabeth nodded in some relief. At least she could get Carly to help her out of this tortuous corset. Then with any luck she could be asleep by the time Jason came up...or at least pretend she was asleep.
Handing the dishes in her hand to an unsuspecting Francis, Carly said dryly, "Well, boys, that means while yore talkin' 'bout what to do with Moreno, ya can get to the cleanin'." And without another word to the four men, she
grabbed Elizabeth by the hand, and took her toward the stairs.
A few minutes later, Carly had borrowed a night gown from one of her girls and the two women made their way to Jason's room. Closing the door behind them, Carly began to help Elizabeth out of her dress.
As she stood still under Carly's ministrations, Elizabeth wanted to ask her about Moreno. What did Moreno want from Jason?
Meanwhile Carly was pondering Elizabeth's lack of clothing. Hands quickly undoing buttons, she murmured, "Ya can wear tomorrow what ya wore today, but I reckon we'll have to go to Chloe's to get ya some new thin's. Hmm, let's see...yore goin' to need...underthin's, dresses, shoes, stockin's...oh...and a few dashing bonnets!"
As she stepped out of the dress, Elizabeth shook her head, "I don't need new things, Carly. My garments at ho-" Elizabeth's eyes widened as she realised the farm was no longer her home, she continued quietly, "I have things at the farm. Perhaps I can get them tomorrow."
As she began to undo the strings of the corset, Carly answered absently, "Sure honey. We can go get yore thin's tomorrow. But you'll still be needin' new outfits. From what I've seen, yore wardrobe needs some additions."
Elizabeth protested, "No. New clothing would be much too expensive..."
Carly laughed, "Honey, ya ain't got to worry 'bout that! Jase can afford it. 'Sides yore a married woman now. And ya be needin' some other outfits now."
Elizabeth frowned, but decided not to argue any further. She hadn't known Carly long, but she knew her well enough now to know she wasn't someone you could win an argument against. As the corset was finally unlaced, Elizabeth let out a large sigh of relief.
Carly laughed at the sound. "Yep those thin's are pure torture, but they sure do make our figures look good!"
As she started to reach for the white night gown laying on the bureau in front of her, Elizabeth replied softly, "I don't believe anything's worth that kind of torture..."
"Oh, I don't know..." Carly began with a wicked grin as she caught Elizabeth's eyes in the mirror of the bureau. "The look on Jase's face when he saw you in the church might have been worth it."
Elizabeth's hand froze on the night gown. What did Carly mean? How had Jason looked at her? Had he thought she looked nice? Perhaps even pretty? She thought of the all too brief touch of his lips on her cheek. Two bright
red spots coloured her cheeks. What was she thinking?
With a wide smile now firmly in place, Carly turned around and walked to the door. "Well, I don't reckon ya need me anymore. See ya in the mornin', honey." Without waiting for a reply, she quickly made her way out the door, smiling to herself. Well, she sure gave the gal something to think about. Now, onto Jason...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
When Carly had left, Elizabeth had removed the corset, her chemise and stockings and put on the white night gown. She stared at herself in the mirror. Oh dear...she had not realised when Carly had given it to her, that the silk gown was so sheer. It was nothing like the prim night linen gown she wore at home. Elizabeth bit her lower lip but decided it would
simply have to do.
She had just finished taking the pins and daisies out of her hair, when she heard a knock on the door. She jumped at the sound and whirled around. With an unsteady voice, she answered hesitantly, "Yes?"
"It's me, Jason."
Her eyes widened in horror. Oh no! Quick as lightning she lifted the covers of the bed, and slipped underneath them. Pulling up the sheets to her chin, she replied breathlessly, "Come in."
Slowly Jason opened the door and after taking a step in, he closed it behind him. His eyes glanced over the room, and took in the neatly folded dress and feminine undergarments on the bureau. The dainty shoes on the floor seemed just as out of place in the small, plain room. His gaze moved up from the floor and landed on the bed to see a pair of large blue eyes
staring warily at him beneath a mop of wild curls.
Noting the way the edges of the bedcovers were clutched tightly in her small hands to keep the sheets just beneath her chin, Jason asked curiously, "What are you doing?"
Elizabeth's eyes widened as she shook her head. "I don't know what you mean...I'm going to sleep."
His eyes rested on her face for a moment, before giving a curt nod. "I can see that." As he came to a stop directly by the bed, he remembered some of the endless prattle Carly had subjected him to when she had come downstairs.
She had warned him Elizabeth was a little skittish. Trying to put the girl at ease, Jason said gently, "You don't have to be afraid, Elizabeth."
Swallowing hard, Elizabeth tried to deny her fear, but couldn't quite get the words out.
Jason walked over to the bureau, and taking off his black hat, and dropping it down next to a pile of hair pins and daisies, he continued, "I made you a promise, and I keep my promises."
As she slowly raised her eyes to meet his, Elizabeth felt his words lessen her uneasiness. Jason was a man of his word...she felt it somewhere deep inside of her.
Taking his eyes momentarily off hers, he began to take of his black jacket. "You can have the bed. I'll sleep in the chair." The jacket was draped over the back of the ornamental wooden chair.
Glancing quickly at the uncomfortable piece of furniture, Elizabeth abruptly sat up on the bed and shook her head. "No. This is your bed. I'll sleep in the chair." Keeping the bedcovers in front of her, she swung her feet over the edge of the bed. Nervously licking her lips, she was just
starting to rise, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Stiffening in surprise, she looked up.
When her eyes met his, Jason said firmly, "No. You're sleeping on the bed."
She was about to protest again, when she saw the glint of resolve in his eyes. His look left no room for argument. But glancing again at the small wooden chair, she knew he couldn't sleep on that thing. So what could they do? Letting her eyes wander over to the bed, she saw that it was rather
large...oh dear Lord...she wasn't really thinking of...
"It's late. I'll douse the lantern. Go to sleep, Elizabeth."
By the time Elizabeth had lifted her head, Jason had moved toward the lantern on the small table and soon it was dimmed, leaving the room completely dark except for the small stream of moonlight flowing through the part in the lush red drapes. Elizabeth laid back down on the bed...the
soft bed, and heard the creek of wooden chair...the hard wooden chair... "Jason?"
A moment passed of silence passed before he replied, "What?"
"I-I don't think that chair must be very comfortable..." she began nervously, "Is it?"
"It'll do," was his curt reply.
"Oh..." Elizabeth nibbled on her lower lip, before continuing, "But you'll probably get a sore back sleeping in that thing. Perhaps...perhaps you can..."
He replied in a slightly irritated tone, "I'm fine. Go to sleep,
Elizabeth."
Elizabeth tried to close her eyes, but she couldn't. She simply couldn't just let him sleep on that thing. "Jason...perhaps we can..." Taking a deep breath, finished in a rush, "...we can share the bed."
Against his will a small smile formed on Jason's lips. Considering how nervous his presence made her, it must've been very difficult for her to make the offer to him. And it showed she trusted him on some level. "No, I'm fine. Go to sleep, Elizabeth."
As silence followed, Jason folded his arms across his chest, and leaned back In the hard chair, resting his head against the wall. Over the years he'd learned to sleep almost anywhere, in almost any position, but he had to admit it was damn uncomfortable on this wooden thing. As he closed his
eyes, he made a note to himself to ask Carly for some extra blankets in the morning so he could sleep on the floor in the future.
"Jason?"
Eyes still closed, Jason sighed. "What now?"
"I-I can't sleep..." Elizabeth squinted her eyes trying to make out his face In the dark shadows of the night, "I can't sleep with you in that chair." She felt a tremendous sense of guilt for forcing him out of his bed. "Please, sleep on the bed."
Jason groaned. "Elizabeth go to sleep."
Sitting up straight now, Elizabeth shook her head in the darkness. "No. I-I can't. I insist you sleep in your own bed. I'll sleep on the floor."
At the sound of feet landing on the floor, Jason opened his eyes and stood up. Stalking over to the other side of the bed, he growled, "Alright, if it means you'll go to sleep, we'll both sleep on the damn bed."
Despite the harshness in his voice, Elizabeth let out a small sigh of relief, and laid back down on the bed, pulling the sheets once again over her. But when she felt the weight on the other side of the mattress, she tensed. Staring up at the ceiling in perfect stillness, she waited for him to say or do anything. As the silence stretched out, she could have
sworn she felt the heat coming from his large frame. How could she have ever thought this bed was anything but very tiny?!
Jason finished taking off his boots, placed the gun he'd removed from his jacket pocket underneath the bed easily within reach, and laid down on top of the bedcovers. He could just make out the sound of quick, short breaths.
"Go to sleep Elizabeth."
Inching as close as she could to the edge of the bed without being in danger of falling off, Elizabeth squeaked without thought, "I am a sleep."
A moment of silence passed before Jason chuckled softly. "My mistake then." He closed his eyes, attempting to ignore the soft scent of violet and roses that teased his nose. But harder to ignore was the memory of the softness
of her skin against his lips...or the way she had closed her eyes as if in invitation for him to kiss her...He still found it hard to believe that the timid girl he'd come to know and the vision coming down that aisle were one and the same. She was sure full of surprises, this tiny little female laying next to him. Closing his left hand, the pad of his thumb brushed
against the cold metal on his fourth finger, reminding him that this wasn't just any female lying in his bed; she was his wife! Eyes flying open, he turned his head in her direction. He could just make out her outline and listening carefully, he heard the sound of slow steady breaths.
She was asleep. Even with her anxiety of sharing a bed with a man, the turmoil of the very long day had finally caught up to her. With the comforting even rhythm of her breathing surrounding him, Jason closed his eyes, and let sleep claim him.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
