A/N – Thanks for the comments! Sorry for the delay. Only one posting this week. I'm just too busy. Guest - I just felt Journey was forced and didn't like Courtney. I won't say they had no chem at all. I think Steve has chem with most of the people on the show. I hated they had Jason fight, Sonny, over her too. I was so glad when they were over. Between Journey and Liric, it was hard to watch the show around that time.

Chapter 7

Jason took a swig of his beer as he stared into the night. It's spring, so there is a chill in the air as the weather figures out what it wants to do.

Elizabeth entered the penthouse and took off her jacket. As soon as the air from the balcony hit her, she shivered and grabbed the throw blanket draped on the couch and wrapped it around her.

As she slowly moved toward him, she studied his movements. Every time he lifted the bottle to his lips, his muscles flexed, and she wonders what had agitated him.

"You okay?" he said without turning around.

She smirked. "Do you have bionic hearing?"

"Maybe…"

"I'm fine."

He turned to face her and immediately frowned. "You're cold."

"Just a little…."

He drew her back inside and shut the door and then placed his beer down before leading her to the couch. They sat and he put his arm around her. "Emily says I'm a heater."

Liz smiled as she leaned against him. "You are."

"Then I'm glad I'm good for something."

"You're good for bike rides too."

He slightly smiled. "User…"

She chuckled.

"Where were you?"

"I was with Emily."

"Is she doing well?"

"Yeah. She's still working on her stamina, but she's in good spirits." There is something else going on, but she can't put her finger on it.

"I hate that I wasn't there for her."

"It was her choice."

He sighed.

"It sucks when someone throws your words back at ya, doesn't it?"

"I'm not sure I like Lizzie."

She laughed. "You love Lizzie, and you know it."

When she slightly jumped, his gaze snapped to hers. "What?"

She grabbed his hand and placed it on her belly, and after several seconds, Jason grinned.

"He's moving."

"He?"

"Maybe…"

"I won't be upset either way, but a little girl would be so cute. They have such cute little dresses."

"Yeah, I was just thinking that."

She smacked him on the arm. "Smartass…"

For a few minutes, they said nothing as the baby calmed.

"Jason?"

"Yes."

"I'm giving you your last out. I can leave and go out of town until after the baby is born and you won't have to do all of this."

He took a deep breath and shut his eyes as she held her breath. "Breathe, Elizabeth…"

When he felt her suck in some air, his hand rested on her belly again. "This baby is mine, okay?"

Her eyes welled with tears and then she nodded, and he pulled her onto his lap as she cried.

"Don't cry."

"I can't help it."

"I'll do the best I can by you both. You know that, right?"

"Yes."

There is a knock, and the door opens.

"Sonny is here."

Sonny paused in the doorway as Liz wiped her eyes. "Do you want me to come back?"

Liz stood and then smiled. "No—hormones." The baby kicked and she grabbed her stomach again.

Sonny understood and slightly smiled.

"You want to feel?"

He nodded and then reached her in a few strides. "It makes it more real."

She smiled. "Yeah. Bye…" She went upstairs.

"What's up?" Jason asked.

"Does she cry a lot?"

"Not as much, but she's doing better."

Sonny rubbed the back of his neck. "Jason, I need your help with Sam."

Jason groaned.

"Come on, man. You know how Carly is and I just don't want to hear it."

"What do you expect me to do?"

"Just—can't you let her stay here?"

"And then what? I won't disrespect Elizabeth by claiming your child."

Sonny gripped the back of the couch. "Elizabeth will be fine. You didn't give a shit about disrespecting Courtney."

"You're right, she will be fine because I will make sure of it."

"She's sucking you in already, man."

Jason ignored the comment. "Sonny, if it's not directly related to the business, I just don't want any part of it."

Sonny glared. "Since when?"

"Since now. I'm going to be a father. I can't be running all over the place because Carly does something stupid, or you can't keep it together. I'm tired of it."

Sonny's jaw clenched. "Dammit, Jason! This is going to break Michael's heart."

"I never thought you'd used him against me as Carly does. This conversation is over."

"Not by a longshot…" Sonny said as he left.

When Liz heard the door slam, she came back downstairs.

"That wasn't about me, was it?"

"He's still pissed I won't let Sam live here or claim the baby."

"I see."

"Don't worry about that. I'll handle it. I forgot to tell you that we've been summoned."

Her brow quirked. "By who?"

"My parents…"

Liz grinned. "Cook is the best. I'll call him tomorrow and see if I can talk him into making my faves." When Jason looked downright miserable, she questioned him. "What?"

"I may not survive this."

She laughed. "You are so dramatic."

"Said no one ever."

She snorted, making him grin. "Seriously, Jason. I think you can take Tracy and Edward. My money is on you."

He shuddered thinking of the sound of Tracy's voice making her laugh more.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Alice opened the door. "Come in…" She is so happy that Jason is spending time with the Qs. "Everyone is in the dining room."

Jason and Elizabeth strode into the room.

Monica smiled. "Elizabeth, you are glowing."

"Thank you."

They took a seat just as Edward barreled through the doorway muttering to himself.

Alice pushed Lila into the room.

Jason got up and hugged her. When Elizabeth stood in front of her, Lila slightly clapped her hands.

"You look beautiful."

Liz kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you."

"May I?"

When Liz nodded, Lila reached out and touched her stomach.

"You don't know how happy I am to have another grandchild to love."

"If she wakes up…"

"He," Jason said making Lila laugh.

"Are you going to find out?"

Liz sighed. "I went back and forth, but I decided it would be more practical, so I'll find out at my appointment tomorrow."

"What time?" Jason asked.

"It's a 2:00. Can you come?"

"Yes."

Liz smiled. "Good."

Lila can't quite figure out their dynamic. Monica and Alan had filled in the rest of the family, but something just seems a little off. She decided that she'll pull Jason aside later.

When everyone was seated, Cook arrived with two plates first. One was Liz's favorite pasta and the other was a steak for Jason.

Edward frowned. "Since when do you make special orders?"

Cook shrugged and left.

"Now Edward, we want our guests to be happy."

He made a noise and then took a sip of his drink before eyeing his daughter. "What is wrong with you?"

"What? I didn't even say anything," Tracy said.

"Exactly…"

"You do always have something to say," Monica said making Tracy roll her eyes.

"Fine, I'll say what everyone is thinking. Are you going to marry her?"

Liz tensed as Jason glared at his aunt.

"Call me old-fashioned, but you kids do everything backward," Edward said.

"That's between me and Elizabeth," Jason said before taking a sip of water.

He can tell Jason is one comment away from bolting. "Don't get all defensive and walk out. I don't know how a Quartermaine is so sensitive."

"I'm a Morgan."

"You are a Quartermaine no matter what you call yourself. It doesn't mean you're him. We are still your family."

Jason sighed. "Leave it be—old man."

Lila watched Liz's reaction and can tell she wants to hide under the table.

Liz shook it off and tried to enjoy the rest of her pasta.

"Elizabeth, are you still painting?" Lila asked.

"Yes, whenever I get a chance. Once the baby comes, I might not have as much time."

"You know, if you get tired of working at the diner, I can find a place for you at my foundation."

"That's very nice of you."

Tracy eyed her warily. "You should take her up on the offer. Childcare is expensive."

"Good thing I can afford to pay for it," Jason said.

"Jason…" Liz said.

"You're getting a new car too." He might as well go for broke.

Liz's fork hit the plate.

"Before you argue, your car isn't safe, and it breaks down all the time. Do you want to be stuck outside when it's cold with the baby?"

"No—but."

"Please, Elizabeth, I want to contribute."

Lila smiled. "It's best not to argue with a Quartermaine or Morgan, they are pig-headed."

"So, I am."

"Let him be a father and contribute. There is no harm in that and it doesn't mean you can't do it on your own. It's a guy thing. We can't carry the baby for you or go through labor, but we can make sure you're safe and cared for," Alan said.

Liz chewed on her bottom lip for a minute. "Okay."

Jason is pleased. Unfortunately, she was quiet the rest of the meal. Monica can tell Liz is probably upset, so she talked about work, and then eventually everyone argued as usual.

"Jason, will you push me to the elevator. I'm rather tired tonight."

Edward stopped bickering with Tracy and eyed her. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, dear. I'm fine. I think I overdid it in the sun today."

"Did you wear your hat?" Jason asked.

Lila grinned. "Yes, dear."

He touched Liz's shoulder as he walked by and then pushed Lila forward. After getting her upstairs to her room, she motioned for Alice, who had followed, to give them a moment.

"Is that child really yours, Jason?"

Jason sighed and averted his gaze.

"You know, that is why she is finding it so hard to accept your help."

"She would have fought me regardless."

She giggled due to his exasperated expression. "I can tell you both care about each other. Will it be bad if it turns into more?"

He shrugged. "I just want our friendship back. If something happens beyond that, then I won't fight it." Most people don't get their connection and it's hard for him to put it into words.

"Jason, this is a huge responsibility. That baby is going to think you are their father."

"I know."

"And what does that tell you."

"That I'm a sucker for punishment."

She shook her head. "Elizabeth isn't Carly."

"Maybe not, but what happens when something goes wrong? It's a lot of pressure."

"I guess you will have to decide if it's worth it, but you need to do it quickly or it will hurt more in the end."

"I have to protect her."

"Why is that your job? Do you think you owe her?" She wants Jason to think and be sure because that child doesn't need someone to walk out on them when the going gets tough.

"I hurt her badly, but it's not all about that. I missed her."

"You are drawn to each other. Maybe you should take the hint."

"I'm trying to have faith. Maybe if we didn't keep second-guessing everything, this would be easier."

She gripped his hand. "Think about what's in your heart, Jason. I think you need each other, and that baby deserves to be loved through thick or thin. Would it help protect her if you were married?"

Jason froze.

"Don't answer that, just think about it. How long will it take for the divorce to go through?"

"Diane said six weeks if Ric doesn't end up contesting anything."

"Good. You have a lot of work to do in six weeks if you go that route."

He smirked, and she couldn't help it and laughed.

"Is it bad that I want you to be happy?"

"No."

"Then I will root for you and Elizabeth to find your way. You're going to be a family."

"Yeah."

Alice returned. "Alright, let's get you into bed."

"I can lift her."

Alice nodded and got everything set up and then Jason gently placed Lila onto the bed.

"You're so light."

"I'm tiny."

He kissed her on the cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too. If you ever need to talk, I'm here."

"Thank you." He nodded at Alice and went downstairs. Everyone is in the sitting room.

When Jason walked in, Monica put her finger up to her mouth and he followed her gaze. Elizabeth is out cold.

He smiled. "Let me get her home."

"Thank you for coming, Jason," Alan said.

"I hope it wasn't that bad," Monica said. "Maybe I should have drowned Tracy in the lake before you got here."

"Do I need to assign a cleanup crew?"

"Hmm. I never thought of that. It might be a good idea."

Alan shook his head.

Jason picked Liz up and her eyes flickered open. "Go back to sleep, I've got you."

"Carb coma," she mumbled before drifting off again.

"It's probably the pregnancy," Monica said. "She needs her rest."

Alan opened the door and they followed him to the car. He laid her on the back seat and then headed to the driver's side, pausing to nod at his parents before slipping inside. Lila had given him a lot to think about.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The next morning, Jason entered the kitchen and isn't surprised that Elizabeth is a little frosty.

"Coffee?" she said.

"Yes, please."

She poured him a cup and handed it over.

"Just say what's on your mind."

"I'm trying to get myself under control first." Just seeing him had made her anger rise.

"Are you that mad?"

She threw up her hands. "You are buying me a freaking car and talking about you're the father and should support me and I felt like the biggest fraud on earth. What are we doing, Jason?" She plopped onto a chair.

"I thought we talked this out."

"We did, but then someone says something and I'm back to square one."

"What will it take to make you not feel so guilty?"

"I don't know, maybe the truth?"

"You know we can't do that and is that honestly what you want? Ric will never back down."

"He still might not."

He sat across from her. "We can't keep doing this or this secret will eat us alive."

"I know. I'm trying."

"Give me your hands."

She tentatively held them out and he gripped them before taking her pulse.

"It's high. Let's talk about this after the appointment, okay?"

She nodded.

"Relax, Elizabeth. Close your eyes."

She let out a deep breath and then he started talking about Italy and after several minutes, she smiled. "I missed you telling me about your adventures."

"Maybe we can take the baby there someday."

"We would like that."

He glanced at his watch. "It's time to go."

"Okay."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Emily sat at a table at Kelly's eating some breakfast. Usually, she eats at Windemere, but Alfred had a doctor's appointment, so she decided to tag along on the launch. They had a long talk and she's still not sure how she feels.

Johnny grabbed his coffee and then noticed Emily, so he sat across from her.

She slightly smiled. "Hey."

"Hey." His head tilted. "What's the problem?"

"Do you seriously want to know?"

"Why not? Unless your life is in danger, I won't tell Jason anything."

She sighed heavily. "Maybe I'm overthinking things. I went back and forth between Zander and Nikolas, and now Zander is gone. I was sick and was all over the place. Now that I'm getting healthier, I'm questioning my choices. If I hadn't been so crazy about pushing Zander away by pretending to be with Nikolas, he would have never been with Elizabeth and maybe she wouldn't be in as much of a mess."

"You can play what if's all day long, but there is no way to know for sure how things would have played out."

"True."

"Do you love Nikolas?"

"Yes, but it's complicated."

"How so?"

"Helena sucks."

He tensed. "Is she coming after you?" His attention went to Emily's guard who nodded.

"She hates we are together, so who knows. So far, she hasn't said much. Unfortunately, she makes Nikolas more moody than usual."

He smirked. "Give me your phone."

She did so and then observes as Johnny typed in his number.

"Promise me that you'll call me if things go south. Jason doesn't always answer his phone."

She rolled her eyes. "That's an understatement."

"Take your time with Nikolas. I know you probably think that time is short after what you've been through, but I think you should slow down. Besides, you might like Irish better."

She laughed.

He grinned. "Made you smile." She wears it well and he's happy she's doing better health-wise.

"Yes, you did."

"I have to go because your brother is being a slacker this morning."

"If he tries to push Liz away, hit him upside his head."

Johnny laughed. "Will do, but I'll run afterward. He can be scary."

She chuckled and then finished reading her article, never noticing that Stefan had heard the whole exchange.