Who is Elizabeth?
Ch. 29
Disclaimer see Part 1
Corinthos Penthouse Christmas Day
Sonny and Jason stood together talking in hushed voices watching Elizabeth clean up the wrapping paper. "When did Carly and Elizabeth become friends?"
"Elizabeth never said anything to me."
"Who knew? However, this might be more difficult than we are imagining. Can you see what will happen now if they disagree with us?" Watching Jason smile as Elizabeth caught his eye Sonny knew their conversation was over. It was good to see Jason happy. Walking toward Elizabeth Sonny picked up some wrapping paper from behind the sofa. "Elizabeth, thank you for cleaning up, why don't I finish up and you two head off for your private Christmas celebration."
"Sonny, you know it's not that we don't want to have Christmas with you. I loved having a family Christmas for once. It's just that there are things…" As Sonny wrapped his arms around her Elizabeth sighed. "I am babbling. I just wanted to share something with Jason privately. Thank you for noticing and thanks for the great family Christmas."
Hugging Elizabeth tightly to him Sonny felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of Elizabeth not having family Christmas' until now. Well that wasn't going to happen again from now on Elizabeth's holidays would be surrounded by her family. "Are you going to spend some time with your Grandma today?"
Pulling a bit out of their hug Elizabeth looked into Sonny's eyes. "Of course, she just didn't want to intrude this morning. I thought we'd go over and have dinner with Gram this evening. I believe Gram has invited all the gang to spend Christmas dinner with us. So we will hopefully get to see Zander, Emily, Lucky, Summer, and little Jamie."
Seeing the happiness glow from Elizabeth's eyes Sonny's heartache eased and happiness for his daughter filled his soul. "I am glad you will have a wonderful Christmas dinner. Do you have time for one last Christmas present before you go?" At Elizabeth's surprised look Sonny smiled. He hoped that she was still happy after she saw what he'd done. Walking to his desk Sonny picked up a sheath of papers. Turning toward Elizabeth he walked over and handed them to her. "I hope this is still what you want."
Elizabeth looked down and saw the legal paperwork. A bit puzzled she started reading the first page. It was a name change document showing that she was now Elizabeth Imogene Corinthos. Turning the page she saw a new birth certificate with Maria and Sonny listed as her parents. Starting to tremble she tried to turn to the next page. Sonny covered her hand gently. "I did the right thing didn't I? I mean I know it's been awhile since we discussed that you were a Corinthos, but this is what you wanted right?"
"Yes." Joyously tearful Elizabeth jumped into her dad's arms. "Yes, I want to be a Corinthos. I just never thought you'd go to all this trouble."
Pulling back so he could see her face Sonny smiled flashing his famous dimples. "This was absolutely no trouble. I was thrilled to get to claim you as my daughter."
Smiling brightly at Sonny, Elizabeth's eyes shown with wonder and love. "Thanks dad!"
"There is a little bit more. The rest of the paperwork outlines some financial arrangements I've made for you. I know you never asked for anything of that kind, but I want you to have what I've given you."
"I don't know what to say. Accepting me as your daughter and giving me a family was all I wanted."
"I know which only made it easier to give you all I would have given you if I had known about you all along. Please feel free to do what you want with your finances. You know I will always be here if you need anything."
"I love you dad. I just…" Turning from his arms and looking toward Jason she saw him smiling at them. "I really have a family."
Jason and Sonny answered together. "Yes you do!"
Audrey's House Christmas Evening
"Where do you suppose Elizabeth is?"
"I don't know I am a little worried. I haven't heard from her all day. Have you guys?" Looking toward Lucky and Zander Emily saw Zander smile. "Zander you know something!"
Zander wondered how she always was the one who caught him. "I only know that your brother got home last night. So I am assuming he has something to do with Elizabeth's lateness tonight." Seeing everyone relax quite a bit Zander was glad he had told them.
Audrey walked out of the kitchen to check on her guests. Who would've imagined that she would have such a bunch at her house for Christmas dinner? She smiled to herself and thought about how Elizabeth had smiled when she had mentioned inviting her and all her friends for a Christmas celebration. Audrey hoped that this night went well for Elizabeth. Just then she heard footsteps on the porch. "Ah, I think our final two have arrived."
Audrey swung open the door to reveal Elizabeth and Jason wrapped around one another kissing. Clearing her throat she saw the two of them pull back and look at each other. Seeing Jason's sly smirk she knew that Elizabeth must look mortified. "Well, what do I have here?"
A bright red Elizabeth turned in Jason's arms to face her Gram. "I am…geez Gram…" Her left hand reaching to grasp Audrey's arm she didn't even realize how the rubies sparkled on her ring finger.
"What's this?" Audrey held Elizabeth's hand and stared at the beautiful ring on her finger. "This ring is beautiful Jason."
Elizabeth was caught between Jason and Audrey and didn't know what to do. Feeling Jason chuckle behind her she resigned herself to being the one to explain to everyone what happened this afternoon. "Can we come in and I will tell you about it?"
"Oh, yes, of course come in."
Seeing Zander, Emily, Lucky, and Summer standing staring at them Elizabeth knew they had heard her Gram's comments. "Hi guys, listen if you will just let Jason and I get our coats off I will tell you all about it." As they all took seats Elizabeth stood staring at Jason. "You want to explain?" Jason shrugged, but grinned at her. "Your version would get us more questions. I guess I better do it." Seeing only one chair left and the foursome grinning evilly at them Elizabeth smirked back at them and promptly led Jason to the seat.
Jason knew what Elizabeth was up to and decided that Audrey probably knew how spirited Elizabeth could be when challenged. Sitting down he pulled Elizabeth onto his lap. Looking at Emily's expression he smirked. "What Emily?"
"Nothing I just…ow…Summer was that…"
Summer had her hand over Emily's mouth and was trying to keep her from fighting back. "If Emily is done taunting Jason, why don't you answer your Gram's question?" Feeling Emily back off Summer pulled her hand from Emily's mouth and gave her a look of apology.
Cracking up at the antics of the other girls Elizabeth looked over at her Gram smiling happily at the group. "Well, Gram I guess the answer would be this is," holding up her left hand and flashing her ring "an engagement ring." As questions poured from the foursomes' mouths she watched her Gram. Noticing complete happiness shine her way Elizabeth's last shred of anxiousness dissolved. "If you all can stop talking," watching all of their mouths snap shut Elizabeth started to tell them about the engagement ring.
FLASHBACK
"Wanna go for a ride?"
Looking at Jason Elizabeth smiled. "It's snowing!"
"I know, so we will have to improvise."
"I know you are up to something."
"Wanna find out what?"
"Of course, let me put on some warmer clothes."
As she came down the stairs redressed for the cold weather Elizabeth saw Jason standing looking at her. "Do I look okay?"
"You are beautiful." Holding her coat for her Jason wrapped her in his arms. "Merry Christmas Elizabeth."
Turning in his arms Elizabeth reached up and caressed Jason's cheek. "Merry Christmas Jason." Leaning in and pulling his head down to her Elizabeth's lips claimed Jason's.
It seemed like ages before Jason was able to even think about releasing Elizabeth's kiss. "Umm…you know I could stay here and do this all day." Seeing Elizabeth's clouded eyes and happy smile Jason reached down and gave her a short sweet kiss. "But I am taking you on a drive."
Laughing Elizabeth was pulled behind Jason out of the penthouse.
As they sat in theTahoe staring at the snow covered hills Elizabeth wondered what Jason was up to. "What…"
Jason put his fingers against Elizabeth's lips. "One more minute." Smiling at her pout Jason leaned over and kissed her. Their kiss was interrupted by a motor coming from the snow covered hill. Pulling back he looked at Elizabeth. "Ready for a ride?"
Looking out the windshield she noticed a figure dismounting a snowmobile. Excitedly Elizabeth bounced in her seat. "REALLY?"
"I take it you would like a ride."
"Let's go!" As Elizabeth opened the door she turned and smiled at Jason. "And you just got yourself mega points for the Christmas present."
Watching Elizabeth step from theTahoe Jason reached into his jacket pocket and patted the velvet bag resting there. "I hope you like the real present as much."
Stepping from the vehicle he walked over to where Elizabeth was hugging Francis and watched Francis try to keep from laughing at her. "If you put the helmet on we can go for a ride."
"Only if you wear one, too."
Looking at Elizabeth and seeing her sly little smirk Jason shook his head. "Fine." Reaching for the helmet Francis was handing him he tried not to smile. "Francis, there is some coffee in the Tahoe." Watching Francis head for the Tahoe Jason turned and saw Elizabeth checking out the snowmobile. Walking over to it and sliding on Jason held his hand out to Elizabeth. "Ready?"
"But I want to drive."
Chuckling at her pout Jason shook his head. "Elizabeth, I drive you hold on." Seeing her smile right before she slid on behind him Jason smiled in return.
For about a half an hour the cruised around the hills enjoy the ride. Jason stopped on top of a hill and stood up to turn and face Elizabeth. "Are you too cold?" As Elizabeth slid a touch closer and wrapped her arms around his neck Jason smiled. "I guess that is a no." Leaning in Jason kissed Elizabeth and pulled her into his body.
As they sat making out on the snowmobile Elizabeth was filled with more love and happiness than she had ever imagined. When Jason released the latest kiss and pulled back to look at her Elizabeth could only grin. "I love you Jason Morgan. You have given me the best Christmas present ever."
Jason smiled and breathed a deep breath before pulling back a touch more. Seeing her confusion Jason unzipped his coat a little and reached in to pull the velvet bag from his pocket. "Elizabeth Corinthos, I love you forever." Pulling the ring from the bag Jason locked his eyes onto Elizabeth's. "Will you marry me?"
Elizabeth's shocked face looked between Jason's smiling one and the ring in his hand. "Jason?" Seeing his smile grow wider Elizabeth tried to pull her hand from her glove. Feeling Jason's hand pull the glove from her hand she shakily held her hand out to him. "Yes," Elizabeth sobbed happily.
After Jason slid the ring onto her finger he pulled Elizabeth's hand to his heart. "This is yours always."
As Elizabeth pulled his head toward her with her other hand Jason smiled and then leaned in to kiss her. Neither of them knew how long they had sat there kissing, but Elizabeth knew it was getting colder. Pulling back a bit in Jason arms she took her first look at her engagement ring. It was beautiful ruby eternity band. Nothing that would get in the way while painting Jason knew her so well. "It's beautiful Jason."
Jason smiled at Elizabeth and caressed her hand. "It reminded me of the glass from Italy."
"It's perfect."
Reaching for Elizabeth's glove Jason tucked a curl behind her ear. "We better go."
"I guess your right. Plus, we still have to go to Gram's for dinner." Leaning up to kiss Jason Elizabeth knew she was finally home.