A/N – Thanks for the comments!

Chapter 39

A pretty woman with dark blonde hair approached Emily as she cleared the doorway. "I'm Kaitlyn but you can call me Katie."

Johnny had told her about his sister.

They embraced warmly. "It's nice to meet you. I suppose you already know my name?"

Kaitlyn nodded as she checked Emily out. She's not Johnny's usual type, although, it has been a while since she has seen him.

Emily is doing the same. Katie is pretty and looks feisty. She wonders if all women are that way in Ireland. If so, she's going to enjoy her stay.

"Take her to the kitchen," Maggie said. "I'll be right there."

Once they moved away, Maggie focused her attention on her son.

"She looks tired."

"She's still recovering."

"That is what I'm afraid of. I'll have the doctor check on her tomorrow. It was a long trip and I'm sure it was stressful." Johnny had made it clear that Emily had been through a lot, and he'd pay whatever is necessary to ensure that she is taken care of. If Maggie hadn't already gotten the message that Johnny is in love, that would have done it.

"I'll arrange everything." They have a room that is equipped with the latest medical equipment.

"Thanks. I'll handle it from here." She'll feed Emily and then have her rest in Johnny's old room.

"Okay, I'm going home." They live on a huge compound which allows them to interact frequently and protect the family adequately.

She patted his arm. "Tell Siobhan I said good night."

"I will."

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Jason awoke because something jabbed him in the side. His eyes snapped open as a giggle left Liz's lips.

"Sorry, I think Alina is hungry." She hadn't thought about it before but likes the fact that the name she is growing fond of is a combination of Lila and Alan's names.

He blinked a few times as his eyes adjusted to the light in the room. "What time is it?"

"Late, for you." She went to roll on her back, but he held her against him.

"I like feeling her move."

"It's 9:00."

"Damn… I have a meeting at 10:00 with Johnny."

"You'll make it."

There is a knock on the door.

"Come in," Jason bellowed.

Alice entered carrying a tray. "I have never known Jason to sleep in this long. I thought maybe something suspicious happened like Edward snuck in."

Jason scoffed. "I would never sleep through that."

"The ninja baby would have handled Edward," Liz said making Alice smile. "Hold on. I'm gonna run to the bathroom." She quickly made it inside as fast as her size allowed.

"Are you eating?"

"No."

"I figured as much." Her head tilted. "You know, once the baby is here, you're going to have to be a better example. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

"They say a lot—doesn't mean it's right." He eyes the tray. "Is that coffee?"

"Maybe…"

He moved quickly, almost making her jump before he snagged the cup and took a sip. "Your reflexes are slipping."

"Aren't you just full of jokes? I could still put Johnny in a sleeper hold." Jason would probably be more of a challenge—too much pent-up frustration.

An amused Liz listened from the doorway.

"I would pay to see that."

Johnny appeared in the doorway. "I decided to come to you, slacker."

"You just wanted breakfast."

He smirked. "Maybe." He rarely gets to see a disheveled Jason. He'd kill to get a picture of him right now and is tempted to go there.

"Alice?" Jason asked.

"Yes."

"Five hundred dollars…"

Liz gasped. "Jason!"

Johnny frowned. "What am I missing?"

Alice grinned. "Hold my tray." She shoved it into Jason's hands and took off, making Johnny almost trip over his feet as he scrambled for the hallway.

She took advantage of it and launched herself and Liz and Jason's eyes grew wide as they heard a crash and a groan.

Jason set the tray on the bed and followed Liz who was already halfway there.

They stepped into the hallway at the same time as Edward.

"What the…" Edward is stunned.

Liz's hand went over her mouth as she watched a stunned Johnny try to escape Alice's grasp. Thankfully, she had on pants. That view would have been way too much information.

"I don't know what this is about, but I think a raise is in order."

"What is going on?" Lila asked as she directed her wheelchair to the door. "Alice!"

She grinned as she gripped Johnny. "Jason paid me $500.00. I'm going to use it for my vacation."

"Vacation? Who approved that?" Edward asked.

"I did," Lila said. "Alice, let him go."

Johnny is relieved when she finally does. He could have gotten away from her but didn't want to hurt her. "You suck as a friend."

"Is the bromance over?" Alan chirped as he headed towards them.

Jason's brow rose.

"Don't answer that," Johnny said.

Jason got his wallet and handed Alice the money.

"Nice doing business with you."

He smiled. "Anytime…"

Johnny muttered under his breath.

"If you're done beating up our guest, I need to go to my office."

Alice hurried to her side. "Don't worry, I didn't hurt your boyfriend."

A string of words left Edward's mouth that made Liz blush.

"Edward!"

Johnny motioned to Jason and slipped down the stairs.

"Wus," Jason muttered as he walked into the room to find Liz eating her eggs.

"So good…"

He smirked. "You move as fast as me now."

"You're a bad influence."

She practically inhaled the food which he found very amusing.

"I'm going to take a shower."

She nodded her approval and continued to eat some fruit. There is never a dull moment in the Q household.

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Taggert smiled. He couldn't help it. When his men located the gun, it was one of the happiest moments of his life. That might sound odd, but sometimes, taking someone dangerous out who thought they were untouchable, is highly satisfying.

Bryan chuckled as he sat across from him. "No prints on the gun, but we have video proof."

"Want to go arrest him with me?"

"Hell yeah."

Taggert made the call. "Jason, it's Taggert."

Jason held up his hand for Johnny to wait. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Everything, for once, is all right. I'm about to go arrest Ric."

"Seriously?"

"I wouldn't lie about it. We have evidence that he was the shooter."

"Okay."

Taggert rolled his eyes. He is sure that the normally over-composed Jason probably wants to do a cartwheel.

"Alright then… I just wanted Liz to know she's safe."

"Thanks." Taggert doesn't have all the details, which is probably a good thing.

Jason ended the call. "They are going to arrest Ric."

Johnny grinned, "Good because it will make it easier to get to him once he's convicted."

"I agree."

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A few hours later, Jason hurried into an exam room and froze when he spotted Elizabeth and her new doctor grinning.

"What?"

"Nothing," Liz said. She is grateful that Jason arrived because Kelly had been teasing her relentlessly about Jason.

"Hi, I'm Kelly."

"I'm Jason."

"I know."

Jason's eyes narrowed when he heard a snicker leave Liz's lips.

"Come on, we were just about to get started."

He made his way to the gurney and gripped Elizabeth's hand. "Sorry, I'm late."

"You're just in time."

The heartbeat filled the room making everyone smile.

"Your weight is fine, but your blood pressure is a little high."

"I'm working on it."

"Work harder because I don't want to have to put you on bed rest."

Jason perked up. "Do I need to do anything?"

Kelly grinned as Liz blushed. "Keep her happy and well-fed. Sex is fine too."

Now, it was Jason's turn to look like a tomato.

Kelly laughed as grabbed the wand and moved it over Liz's belly until she paused when the baby clearly came into view. "There's your little girl."

Liz smiled. "Point out the features to him." She had explained Jason's probably with making out drawings beforehand so that he wouldn't be embarrassed.

Kelly quickly pointed everything out, and Jason smiled when he can finally see his little girl.

"I'll print out some pictures for you."

"Thanks."

Once she was done cleaning off Elizabeth, she left them alone.

"It's hard to imagine she's in there," Jason said touching her belly.

"Oh trust, me, she's in there. I think she's going to be feisty."

"I wonder where she got that from?"

"I think it's obvious that it was you," she said as she smiled.

"No way. We'll just blame Edward."

"Deal…"

"He's been good to me," Liz said. Usually, Edward is very pushy, but one thing that she realizes is that he's a sucker for kids.

Jason sighed.

"Are you angry with him still?"

Jason shrugged. "I honestly don't think about it much. When I'm there—I don't know. It's complicated."

"I understand."

"You always do."

She smiled. "Glad you think that, because I can guarantee there will be times I don't, but feel free to think so highly of me."

He grinned. "Elizabeth?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

He looked away shyly which made her grin grow wider.

"Thank you. I love you too."

Their eyes locked in a heated stare.

"Kiss me. You know you want to."

He chuckled. "Is that right?"

"Uh-huh. I can see it in your eyes. You kind of get all googly-eyed."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that I've never been called that before."

"Deal with it."

His lips were on her so fast, she could barely catch her breath.

"You guys are so sweet, it's almost sickening."

They broke apart and eyed the doctor who is standing in the hallway.

'Tough room…" She moved forward. "We're having a child birthing class next week if you're interested."

Liz took the pamphlet she held out. "Okay."

Kelly focused on Jason. "You'll be there, right?"

He tentatively nodded, making her smile.

"Good. I doubt you're squeamish, so you should be fine."

His brow rose.

"Don't scare him."

She grinned and then winked. "I have a patient to see. Make an appt with the nurse for the class. I'll see you in two weeks."

"Alright."

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Emily woke up and stretched. She doesn't feel too well and isn't sure why. Slowly, she eased out of bed and then gasped when the room spun, and she fell to the floor.

Ryan looked up and before his mother could ask if he heard it, he took off with Cody following.

After throwing open the door, a pathetic-looking Emily said, "I've fallen, and I can't get up."

Cody wanted to smile, but then Jason's face appeared in his head and a serious expression won out.

Ryan knelt next to her. "What happened?"

"I honestly don't know. I feel off."

He touched her forehead. "Come on," he said before helping her up, and when she wobbled again, he easily lifted her.

"I'm fine."

He moved toward the door.

"Wait!"

"What?"

"Bathroom…"

His sister appeared in the doorway. "Take her in. I'll help her if she needs it."

He quickly sat her down in the bathroom and then stood next to Cody. "The doctor will be here in a snap."

"Good."

"My brother is going to have a cow."

Katie snickered. "You can tell him. I'm not going there. He might cry."

Cody grinned.

When Emily came out, Ryan picked her up and headed downstairs.

"You know, it's a good thing your last name isn't O'Brien."

"Why?"

Her voice rose and fell as she said, "Ryan O'Brien. You would have been teased endlessly."

He scoffed. "No one has the—"

"Please tell me that you weren't going to say what I think you were," Maggie said as she waited at the bottom of the staircase."

Ryan smiled. "I have no idea what you're on about."

"Take her into the triage room."

Emily groaned. "I'm just jet-lagged."

"Sure you are…"

A guard moved forward. "The doctor is parking."

"Bring him in then," Ryan said before moving into the special room.

Emily is impressed. It has a lot of equipment. After she is placed on the bed, a short dark-haired man appeared.

"You must be Emily?"

"Yes."

"I'm Dr. McLauren."

"I'm fine. They are overreacting."

"Well, I will look at you first and then let you know."

Everyone but Maggie left the room. After several minutes, he started an IV. "You're dehydrated. Did you drink on your flight?"

"Yes, but I probably cried it all out."

Maggie smirked. "Johnny?"

She nodded. "I swear he put a spell on me or something."

Maggie laughed. "That's my boy."

"Are you telling him?"

"I'll make Ryan do the honors."

Her phone rang. "Hello?"

"What happened?" Johnny asked. Cody had notified Jason who then called him.

"She's dehydrated."

"Is he sure that is all it is?"

"Yes."

"I want a second opinion."

She shook her head. "You are insane. She already looks much better."

Emily and the doctor's heads tilted.

Maggie squished her fingers together to imply it was a little lie.

"Let me talk to her."

She moved toward the bed. "It's for you."

"Thank you." Emily took the phone. "Hi."

"You've been there like five minutes, and you fell?"

"Don't get snippy. They are taking care of me."

He muttered under his breath. "When they said you fell…" His voice trailed off making her eyes prick with tears.

"I'll be okay. I'm sorry I made you worry."

He leaned against the wall. "I hate that I'm here. I want to be the one that catches you."

That set off more tears and Maggie took the phone back.

"Are you yelling at her?"

"No, Mah."

"Then why is she crying?"

"She's crying?"

Emily wiped her face. "He was being sweet."

"Oh, dear lord," Maggie bellowed making the doctor chuckle. He has been with the family since before the kids were born, so he knows Johnny well.

"Please watch her today and make sure she doesn't do too much."

"You know I will. I have eyes in the back of me head."

"That's so gross."

"Yeah, well, how do you think I always caught ya?"

"I thought Ryan told on me."

"Well, that too."

Johnny grinned. "Tell her to rest and I'll sneak in a call tonight."

"Love ya."

"Love you too."

She shoved the phone into her pocket. "He said you have to listen to everything I say."

Emily laughed. "Is that right?"

"Yup. I'm going to fix you some breakfast."

"Thank you."

The doctor drew some blood. "Alright, I'll let you know what I find. Is there a chance that you're pregnant?"

"No."

"Okay, then. I'm going to go get some coffee and when that bag is done, I'll see if you need anything else." One of the guards can deliver the vials.

"Thank you."

"You're quite welcome."