A/N – Thanks for the comments! Leasmom – Lulu and Maxie are always sticking their noses into other people's business. Do you like the newer Lulu? I think the original actress was great, but Lulu pissed me off more back then lol.

I like having discussions with you guys, so no worries about comments. We're not always going to agree. I listen to what you have to say with an open mind. You're not making me angry. We all have reasons for our feelings and need to express them. Sometimes, I'm defending, and other times, I'm just sharing my viewpoint because I sometimes have a different perspective which is what guides my writing.

Chapter 36

Liz figured they might as well address living arrangements. "Yes. Are you staying with us when you return?"

"If you'll have me."

"Aidan will be here eventually. He's a good kid and likes to bake. Eventually, he wants his own show on the Food Network channel."

Jason smiled. "What's his specialty?"

"Well, for baking, he's very good at chocolate cake. I think he just learned that recipe to get what he wants."

"He takes after you then?"

"Very funny… Maximus has been teaching him how to cook Italian food and he's very good. I'm so proud of him, Jason. Out of the three, he's the goofiest. Are you ready for an annoying teenager?"

"It actually sounds very nice."

"He likes speed too. I hope you're good at Mario Carts."

"I don't know if I know that one, but I used to play video games with Michael."

"Things have changed a bit. The controller vibrates, but you'll get the hang of it."

"Maybe I can practice with Jake this week."

"He won't turn you down, but don't bet money. He is as bad as you were with pool."

Jason grinned proudly. "That's my boy."

She rolled her eyes.

"Elizabeth, are you really okay with our friendship and living together?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"Because we were always more than friends and suppose you want to date?"

She stutters and then gets it together. "I'm not. I've been focusing on the boys and I don't want Aidan to have to deal with it."

"You're scared of making another mistake."

"Aren't you?"

"Yes. I'm beginning to think that maybe I suck so much at love because it's not meant for me."

She averted her gaze. "Wait—since when are you so chatty?"

He grinned. "At least I don't ramble."

"That was close enough. You sure you want my complete honesty right now?"

"Yes."

"Having you here does affect me. I was devasted when you were killed. Knowing how much it means for Jake to have you in his life tears me up just thinking about it. So much has happened between us and I don't want it to turn into something toxic again. I'm scared you'll walk away."

"I deserve that. It goes both ways, but after missing out on so much, I don't want to limit myself or live in the past. I just want some peace." Coming to terms with losing seven years of his life is having more of a toll then he could have imagined.

"I can understand that."

"I just want to be in the moment and not have to censor myself. I want you to feel comfortable being honest around me and if there comes a time when you need your own space that you'll tell me and not pull away."

"I can do that."

"Good."

"I need you to know that I'm here to listen. I know you don't always want to talk about how you're feeling, but it's not good for your body to hold it in."

"I'm working on it. It's weird, but I feel like I can't hold it in as much since I returned and I'm not sure why."

She slightly smiled. "It's because you are a mere mortal like the rest of us. Your body can only hold in so much pain before it pushes back. Listen to it." Dealing with Sonny and Carly will hurt whether Jason wants to admit it or not. "This is nice. I miss the honesty."

"Me too." She is one person that he usually doesn't feel the need to censor himself.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Carly threw the remote on the other side of the couch. She had already shopped online and now, she's bored. Her packages should be delivered in a few hours and she's looking forward to it.

She wonders how Michael is and if he's happy. While she hates not being able to meddle in his life, knowing Jason will be here soon is the only thing keeping her going. He had been hurt, and she knows that's the only thing keeping him away. There is no way he'd turn his back on Sonny who needs him right now. God only knows the pain he must be in.

Paulie moved inside with several bags and a few boxes.

"I stopped by the house and there were a couple of packages there."

"Thanks!" She grinned, looking forward to taking her mind off her husband.

He sliced open the boxes for her as she eyed the clothes she had ordered. The woman can blow through money like a pro. "Why do you need a dress?"

She smiled. "Jason is coming, and I want to look my best."

He fought not to roll his eyes. There better be a big bonus coming for having to deal with her brand of craziness.

Carly saved the packages for last. One was from Sonny, which the guys planted, so she opened the box to find a diamond bracelet. "It's so beautiful. Can you help me put it on?"

He did the duty but bit back a laugh. One of the guy's girlfriends had bought it at Claire's accessory boutique in the mall. It was on sale for fifteen dollars and she was acting like it came from Tiffany's.

Carly watched it glitter in the light. "He always has the best taste in jewelry."

Paulie went back to the door so he could roll his eyes. He hadn't made it all the back when her scream filled the air and he whipped around.

In her hand is Sonny's middle finger. Carly dropped it and got up and ran to the toilet and threw up.

"Priceless…" he muttered. Pulling out his phone, he texted a message to Johnny who is probably asleep. "Middle finger—nice." He used some tissue paper from the other box to pick it up and put it back.

Carly stumbled from the bathroom with tears on her face. "You need to call Jason. He needs to know that Sonny is in trouble."

"He's sleeping and he needs his rest if he's going to get back here."

"How long?"

"It should take a week."

"Sonny may not have that long."

"It doesn't look like they are in a rush to kill him. I can't get Jason here faster."

She wiped a tear away. "I'm going to lie down."

He watched her go to the back of the house and then shook his head, feeling sorry that Jason must deal with such a hot mess. Their relationship is baffling considering Jason's usual lack of patience for stupidity. The only good thing is that he can tell the body parts are taking a toll on her. She has already been jumpy and having nightmares, and this will probably make it worse. The more sleep deprivation she has in the next week, the better. He'll have to find ways to make sure she is lacking in that area. It will help to make Jason's job easier.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The day had finally come for Jason to go home. He is moving slow, but due to the location of the wound, at least it didn't hurt as much as it would have if he had been shot in the stomach.

The nurse pushed him to the elevator, and they left using the employee back entrance where Francis is waiting.

"Looking good, slacker," Johnny said.

Jason stood and thanked the nurse before moving forward. "Better than you…"

Francis chuckled. "Come on, everyone is waiting."

He is surprised that Elizabeth isn't there, but when he slides into the car, he is met with a grin.

"Hey."

He smiled. "Hey."

The seatbelt wasn't happening, so Francis opted to go a little slower when he pulled off.

"How are you feeling?"

"It was good to breathe some fresh air."

"Well, we'll just have to make sure you sit on the porch later."

"That sounds nice. How are the boys?"

"They are good. I spoke to Aidan this morning. He's getting along with Lucky and they were going on a sightseeing trip today."

"That's good, right?"

Liz nodded. "It hurt him to not have his father in his life."

Jason sighed.

"I didn't say that to make you feel bad. Lucky didn't walk away for a noble reason."

"I know, but it still was the wrong decision on my part."

"Then you can make it up to Jake. Therapy was hard on him. We talked a little and for the most part, he just brought the therapist up to speed, but a lot of memories came flooding back. I don't think he's sleeping well."

"I'll talk to him."

"It's nice not having to do this alone."

His arm is in a sling or he would have held her hand.

"I hate having this on."

She shook her head. "You are the worst patient. It will make you not use it, so it stays."

"Again, bossy…"

"Get used to it. You know, you're pretty bossy too."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Johnny snickered which Jason ignored.

"By the way, just an update, Kristina is neck-deep in the cult and Sam has been going up against the leader," Francis said.

"Is he someone we know?"

"No, but he's the son of someone that Sam conned in the past. He's obsessed with her."

Liz bit her lip as she wondered how Drew is coping with this. Karma is a bitch and so is Sam.

"I'll check on my brother later."

"Do you want to step in?"

Everyone held their breath as they awaited his answer.

"No." Sam is no longer his responsibility and he's glad that he dodged a bullet and doesn't have to deal with that mess.

"Michael is focusing on ELQ."

"Good. It will hopefully keep him out of trouble."

They pulled into the driveway to go to the lake house. As soon as the car stopped, Jason had the door open and sucked in a gulp of fresh air.

Johnny smiled. "Come on, old man, let's get you inside."

"You're older than me."

"Yeah, but I'm still spry."

"There is nothing wrong with my trigger finger."

Liz chuckled at their banter. Johnny moved next to Jason when they got to the steps just in case he needs to steady him, but Jason handled it and then Liz opened the door and when he stepped inside, cheering erupted. He is surprised to see the Giambetti family along with the kids.

"Wow."

"Welcome home, Dad," Jake said with a smile.

"Thank you, son."

Maximus motioned to the couch and Jason sat as everyone chattered around him.

"Jason, this is my girl, Tess," Max said.

Tess smiled. He is more handsome than she had expected. Max had told her that Jason is Jake's father which is hard to miss due to their likeness but hadn't said much more. "Hello."

Jason shook her hand. She is not at all what he expected. She is younger than Max; probably just a few years older than Milo. "Hi."

Sophie slightly blushed as she held her hand out. Jake had made his dad seem larger than life, so she felt a little intimidated, but then Jason smiled, and it took her jitters away. "Hello, Mr. Morgan." While she had been in the room at the hospital a few times, Jason was mostly unconscious for her visits.

"It's Jason. It's good to see you again." She is pretty and seems nice. He's sure that Maximus or the guys have already run a check on her.

Elizabeth handed Jason some water which he sipped before placing it on the coffee table, the movement making his face contort a bit, and everyone freeze.

"I'm fine."

"I made some rigatoni. I hope you're hungry," Maximus said trying to break the awkwardness.

Jason's eyes widened. "I'm starving."

Maximus chuckled as the chatter in the room began again. "Good. I made enough to feed an army."

Cam plopped next to him. "So, after you're better, I need you to teach me how to play pool. Mom put a table in the basement and Johnny cheats."

Jason grinned. "You got it. He's all talk anyway."

"Thanks!"

"So, what year did you get over Chuggin Charlie?"

Jake laughed.

"Hold that thought." Cam ran upstairs and came back with one. "I always kept it. Mom said you gave it to me, and it made me think of Jake when he was gone."

"I always kept an eye on you. I was the first one beside your mom to feel you kick."

"Really?"

Liz nodded.

"Your mom is a Christmas freak."

The boys laughed.

"I'll never forget that hideous tree she brought home."

"Don't talk badly about Herman."

Jason's brow rose before he continued. "Anyway, I always remembered that. Word got back to me that she couldn't find a Chuggin Charlie for you, so I sent one of the guards to the city, and he finally located one just in time for Christmas. I snuck into your mom's house and put it under the tree."

"Wow." Cam had no idea that Jason cared so much. That guard must have sweating bullets.

"I'm glad it meant a lot to you."

"He would sleep with it," Liz said, making Cam slightly blush. "You had the cutest curly hair."

"Mom!"

Jason chuckled. He is going to enjoy this family. Cam is going to stay with them for a bit before moving into an apartment with one of the younger guards he had befriended. Jake will eventually move into a small cottage on the property so he can stay close to his mother and little brother but have some privacy. It's closer to the lake and has a private access road. Francis had schooled him on saving his money, so he hasn't spent much. Cam is making enough that he wants to buy some property next year and rent it out. Jake agreed to go in with him. It is a good investment for their future, they just need to decide on the location. Liz is so proud of them.

"Dinner is ready," Maximus said. Tess and Milo had helped him set everything up in the dining room.

Everyone moved to the table and got settled.

Maximus held up his glass as did everyone else. "To Jason's recovery and family and friends. May we all be blessed and happy."

Everyone tipped their glasses and then took a sip.

"Let's eat!" Max said.

As the din rose around the table, Jason just took it all in. For the first time since he returned, he felt confident about his future.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Clad in sweatpants and a t-shirt, Jake laid on the other side of the king-sized bed Jason is occupying. Liz insisted he stay in her bedroom and she is in Aidan's room.

"What's up?" Jason said putting his travel book aside. It had been a long day, so everyone had petered out.

"I can't believe you're here."

Jason smiled. "It feels good. I like Sophie."

Jake grinned. "She's great."

"Is Cam dating?"

"Not at the moment. To be honest, I think he still likes Emiliana but is too stubborn to admit it."

"Well, if it's meant to be, their paths will cross again."

"Yeah. That was cool what you did for Cam. I still have the toy motorcycle you got me, by the way."

Jason smiled. "I sent you something every Christmas. Elizabeth would just say it was from Santa. Cam should have been mine."

Jake is surprised to hear him say that. "Why wasn't he?"

"Your mom and I had crappy timing. She turned to Zander instead of me. I just didn't get there in time."

"You two are the worse."

Jason nodded. "True. I hope you learn from our mistakes."

"I hope that someday you'll get it right. I just want you to be happy."

"We will be no matter what. Just being here with you and getting to be your dad makes me happy. Whatever else happens is a bonus."

Jake yawned. "Can I stay here tonight?"

Jason is almost overwhelmed. He had sounded so young. "Yes."

Jake gets under the covers and Jason turned off the light. He must be slightly elevated, and Liz told him to keep on the sling just for a few more days so it will restrict his movement and he won't hurt himself while he's sleeping. Once Jake's breathing evened out, Jason fell asleep with a smile on his face.