A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you liked the wedding.

Chapter 27

Audrey, Monica, and Francis slipped onto the boat and went into the dining area. Francis placed the food on a counter while Monica put some plates and utensils on the table.

"I can't believe Jason is still asleep."

Jason finished climbing the stairs. "I'm not."

Audrey smiled. "Good morning."

"How did you sleep?" Monica asked, smirking when Liz trudged up the stairs with crazy hair.

"Good."

"Don't look at my hair," she said before sniffing. "That smells so good."

"Pancakes, blueberries, and syrup," Audrey said.

"And bacon," Francis added.

They sat as Liz practically drooled.

"I figured you could use some sustenance," Audrey said making Liz roll her eyes.

"Nothing happened…"

"Oh, we are painfully aware of that."

Monica almost snorted as Francis freely laughed.

Jason shot them a look.

"Don't get all testy," Monica said. "She was referring to the long day you had yesterday."

"Sure…" Liz said before stuffing her mouth. "Oh, my God, I want to marry these pancakes, and have little round babies."

Jason grinned as Francis said, "Bigamist."

"We can live in Utah."

They happily ate until everything was gone.

Liz's eyes bulged. "What time is it?"

"Relax, you have an hour," Audrey said.

"Thank God. I need to shower."

"I can take you back," Francis said.

"Thanks."

They went outside and Liz got showered and dressed.

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Ric slammed his hand on his desk. Still no Jason or Elizabeth. Audrey Hardy is also missing, but her friends said something about a cruise which means Liz has to be okay or the older woman would have never left her.

He'd give it another day before he puts out an arrest warrant for her too.

Taggert's head cleared the doorway. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah."

"Are you okay?" he said before sitting across from him.

"Just frustrated about Jason."

Taggert smirked. "Did you think he'd re-appear on your timetable?"

Ric shrugged. "I guess you're right. I just feel like we finally have some decent evidence."

"Hopefully…"

"Are there any updates?"

"No. I came to ask a favor."

"What's that?" Taggert isn't one to chit chat usually, at least not with Ric.

"I want to be the one to arrest him."

"Why?"

Taggert can tell from his expression that he is disappointed. "I want this by the book, not only that, but I want your name out of it for now."

Ric frowned. "But I gave you a lot of evidence."

"I know, but I don't want any doubt to come into play. You are known to be out for revenge where they are concerned. I need this to look clean and the longer I can keep your name out of it, the better. The press will be on this. Don't gloat. Say as little as possible."

Ric struggled to keep his composure.

"Trust me. It's the way to go. I don't want Diane using you as an excuse for a mistrial or anything else."

Ric controlled his breathing. "Do you think he'll get bail?"

"I'm thinking he will because if he willingly came back here for vacation instead of easily fleeing, it shows he won't run."

A sigh left Ric's lips. "Fine…"

Taggert stood, not wanting to be in Ric's presence any longer than needed. "Thank you."

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Marty blinked a few times as she stared at Elizabeth's hand. "Congratulations?"

Liz laughed. "I know, it's crazy, right?"

"What happened?"

"Well, it was the best way to protect me given the circumstances. Ric is set on destroying Jason to get to me and he issued a warrant for my arrest for aiding and abetting."

"What!"

"He's obsessed."

Marty sipped from coffee as she processed. "How do you truly feel about the marriage?"

"Well, I think I just decided to stop fighting the inevitable. Jason and I are like magnets, and while we have a way to go before, we're a normal family, We would have never been able to stay just friends because we've never navigated that well. When we discussed it, he said eventually he'll want more because he doesn't want a loveless marriage. I couldn't argue with that. Frankly, I'm tired."

"Are you settling?"

"No. Jason is a good man and we've had feelings for each other for many years. We were just cowards. There is risk involved but since everyone thinks this baby is his, I'm already exposed."

"Do you wish it were his?"

Liz sighed. "In some ways, but I don't regret Zander necessarily because he gave me this gift. I was having such a hard time figuring out who I am and what I wanted out of life and Zander was always forceful in stating what he wanted and daring you to disagree. I was attracted to that. He was unapologetic which is a lot like Jason. Zander didn't push me away like Jason did. It was complicated. The only thing I regret is hurting Jason the first time I was with Zander. Like I said, our timing sucked."

Marty nodded.

"Anyway, would it be easier for it to be Jason's? Yes, but we don't tend to do easy."

Marty returned Elizabeth's smile. "I'm going to ask you to do something. Can I talk to Jason for a minute?" Not only is she curious about him, but she wants to talk about intentions Whether Liz realizes it or not, she's in a fragile place.

Liz shrugged. "Let me ask. I'll be right back."

She found Jason on the porch. "Hi."

He turned and frowned. "Have you finished already?"

"No. Marty wants to talk to you for a minute. I'll wait here."

He nodded and then went to the other room and sat in front of the computer.

Jason is not what Marty had imagined.

"Hello."

"Hi."

"Sorry to interrupt you, but I just wanted to say a few things. First, congratulations."

A slight smile eased onto his face, replacing his worried expression. "Thank you."

"Elizabeth said that you told her that you want more in the future."

"Yes."

"Just hear me out."

He nodded.

"I think she's wanted that on and off for a long time and you finally said it. I don't think it has hit her yet. She's gone through so much in the last few months. You're the person she is leaning on, and with her abandonment issues, please tell me that you are all in."

Jason sighed. "We're complicated, but yes, I'm committed to her. I was so crazy about her and I'm not going to lie, she hurt me, and unfortunately, I hurt her too. I know it will take time, but I think we're not lacking in trust anymore."

She can tell from his expressions that he has many levels. He emanates strength and she can understand how Liz is attracted to that. "I'm going to be working with her to help heal from not only what happened to her recently, but the past as well. There will be times that I encourage her to talk with you about her feelings. Just listen and respond honestly. Even if it hurts, she needs the truth. Don't try to protect her from it."

It will be hard, but he nods his agreement.

"And one last thing."

His gaze locks on her.

"Have some fun with her if you can. You're on the water, right?"

"Yes."

"Take her for a boat road. She needs to feel that freedom and laughter never hurt anyone."

"Okay." That he can do.

"Alright, it was nice meeting you."

He nodded and left.

Liz returned. "He didn't look like he was in too much pain."

Marty chuckled. "He was fine." They make a handsome couple.

"He isn't one to speak much with people he doesn't know."

"But he loves you, Elizabeth. I have a feeling he'd do anything for you."

"Almost, I don't think he'll get me pizza again."

When she explained, Marty had tears in her eyes from laughing.

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Alan answered his phone. "Monica?"

"Hey."

He smiled. "Hold on." He put the phone on speaker.

"Is everything okay?" Edward asked.

"How are the newlyweds?" Lila asked.

"Boring."

Lila laughed. "Give them time."

"I'm not getting any younger."

"I'll say," Edward quipped.

"Don't make me come back there."

As Edward mumbled, Alan filled her in on some hospital gossip.

"Sounds like I'm missing a lot."

"You're missed."

"I miss you too."

"I'm worried about them."

Monica sighed heavily. "Me too. It's quiet here. It's like a false sense of security."

"Well, we'll do the best to support them."

"Definitely…"

"Call me soon."

"I will."

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Emily crashed right into Nikolas as she turned the corner.

His eyes softened for a moment, making her furious, but he quickly recovered. "Watch where you are going."

"Asshole," she muttered as she went around him.

"What was that?"

"You heard me."

Paulie is with her today because Johnny was needed elsewhere. Quickly, he moved to her side.

"I don't know what games you are playing, but I have had enough."

"What are you talking about?"

"You can't look at me like you care and then turn on me the next second."

"You need to get over me."

Surprising him, a smirk eased onto her face. "Oh, I have. Johnny is everything you are not. He is loyal, loving, attentive, can control his temper, and is not obsessed with power and money."

That stung more than he cares to admit.

"He has integrity. You lost that a long time ago, so just get back on Helena's broom and ride back to that dreary mausoleum you call home. It's big and empty, just like your heart."

She strode away as he sighed. This is harder than he thought, especially if she's moving on with another way, but he can't think of any other way to deal with this, so he'll see it through hoping that she is safe in the end.

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Jason joined Elizabeth in her room.

"I just want to change into a different pair of pants. Nothing is comfy anymore."

"The session?"

"It was good. I feel a lot better. The nightmares have stopped and I'm calm. We're working through some things, mainly about Ric." She sat on the bed and patted it, so he sat next to her.

"I need to go back soon."

She sighed. "I know."

"I thought that maybe we could go out on the boat today."

She perked up. "Really?"

"It's pretty calm out."

She quickly made it to her dresser to grab a sundress. "I'll go change."

He went to let Francis know.

"Do you want me to go with you?"

Jason shook his head. "The boat isn't that big. I can handle it."

"Up to you…"

"We'll be fine." When Francis's brow lifted, he chuckled. "I can handle the boat, Francis."

"I know. Maybe I just like being around to watch your back, but I'll trust you."

"Thank you."

Liz appeared dressed in a sundress and carrying a bag she had filled with towels, sunblock, and backup clothing.

He smirked at how her big sunglasses covered a lot of her face.

She rolled her eyes and handed him a pair. "Ready?"

"Let me go change." He ran to his bedroom and put on a t-shirt and some swimming trunks before slipping on some sneakers.

She smiled when he returned. "You look good in shorts."

He shrugged. "Let me carry that."

She handed the bag over and they headed to the boat. Francis followed them with some grocery items and after helping Liz get on, he put them away and then handed her a bottle of water.

"Thank you, Francis."

"You're welcome."

He left and Jason pulled her along until he had her sit near him as he started the boat. When Jason gave him a signal, Francis hopped off and untied them, watching as they moved away.

Liz grinned when Jason picked up speed.

"You okay?"

"Yes!"

They traveled for a while and then Jason stopped and anchored the boat. After holding out his hand, she gripped it and let him lead her outside.

"It's beautiful," she said as she looked around, sucking in the ocean breeze.

After a few minutes, he made her sit and he joined her.

"Could you live on a yacht?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I guess it wouldn't be too bad. You?"

"Maybe for short periods, I could."

They took it all in for a half hour as they watched a few boats going by and saw some dolphins. He checked on her to make sure she isn't too hot or thirsty.

Glancing to the right, he noticed a boat from further away which is headed in their direction.

"I would like to parasail one day," Liz said.

"Really?"

"Uh-huh. Would you do that?"

"I don't know…"

He looked to the right again. "Shit."

The boat is heading right for them.

"Go inside, to the front," he yelled as Liz quickly made her way inside.

Jason waved his arms, but they didn't slow and realized they will probably have to bale.

He darted into the doorway and ran toward Liz to pull her outside to the front and at the last minute, the other boat turned violently and pitched to one side, just missing them.

"Stay here," he said before running outside. The boat had tipped but had managed not to capsize. However, there is someone in the water. He grabbed a long rope that has a floater ring at the end and tossed it toward a woman. She grabbed it and Jason tugged her forward.

"My husband! Help him, please. I think he had a heart attack."

Liz moves forward as Jason ties the end of the rope to the boat and kicks off his shoes.

"I'll be back," he said before jumping in.

He swam past the woman who is making her way to their boat. He's lucky that it's a calm day and the boat hadn't drifted too far.

The woman hauled herself up the stairs on the back and Liz handed her a towel. "Please, sit."

"I need to call for help."

They went inside and she found the phone and called it in.

Liz texted Francis. She barely had a bar and prayed it went through.

Francis stood abruptly.

"What's wrong?" Audrey asked.

"Liz just texted me. She said accident, need help."

He let Cody know to take care of it. They know where Jason is headed, so he'll let the authorities know.

Francis tried to contact Liz and Jason too, but nothing goes through.

Monica said a quick prayer. "If she texted, then she may be in a safe place at least."

Audrey teared up. "I hope so."

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Jason boarded the boat and then anchored it and then knelt next to the unconscious man lying on the deck. After finding a faint pulse, he began CPR.

"I'm Liz."

"I'm Debi. I hope he's okay."

Liz felt so bad for her. "Me too…"

"How far along are you?"

"I'm almost seven months."

"I hope it didn't scare you too much."

"I'm fine." It did scare the crap out of her, but they are okay and that is all that matters.

The radio pipes up stating that a helicopter was dispatched.

She runs out and yells to Jason who pops up.

"Okay. He's still alive."

She tears up. "Thank you!"

Jason gets back to work.

About five minutes later, the helicopter hovers nearby and two responders jump into the water as the women point to where they need to go.

The responders took over and stabilized the patient and put prepared him to be lifted.

Liz and Debi watched in awe as her husband is lifted into the air and then pulled inside. The rescue workers were lifted and then they left around the same time Cody arrived with two other guards on a smaller boat.

"You okay," he yelled.

"Yeah! Can someone drive this one to shore?"

Cody nodded and then circled before moving the boat closer as the man jumped on.

Jason got on Cody's boat and then switched with Debi.

Elizabeth hugged Jason so tight.

"I can't breathe," he muttered sarcastically.

She didn't care. "You'll figure it out."

"She's on board."

Liz peeked around him and waved as the boat is turned on and quickly pulled away.

"You think he'll be okay?"

"I don't know. It doesn't look good."

"You did the best you could."

"Let's go home."

Cody, per Francis's instructions, didn't let them out of his sight as he followed them home.