A/N – Thanks for the comments! This fic ends with chapter 26. I'm trying to get ahead on the next one which is a request from a reader. I usually take a break, but I am trying to keep you busy on lockdown, so we'll see how much I get done since I'm still working. Of course, I took her idea and ran with it. It starts when Liz finds out Jake Doe is Jason and then I re-write that a little and then go off on a different tangent where Liz is concerned than the show went and that's all I'm gonna say. Lol. The working title is called Gone.
Chapter 21
Eva glanced at her mother who is beaming.
"Let me see that," Lisa said making her way around the table. "Oh, my God. It's gorgeous."
Everyone took turns to admire it and then Edward stood.
"May I have a hug?"
Eva nodded.
When he stepped back, she could see the emotion in his eyes.
"I just want to say that your father is so proud of you. I know he watches over you just like my Lila watches over this family. I hate that you have been through so much, but I'm proud of you too. You protected my family and I'll never forget that. You are officially an honorary Quartermaine. I know we're crazy sometimes, but we love hard. If you ever need anything, we are here for you."
Alan and Monica voiced their agreement as Eva hugged him again.
"Thank you. What you said means a lot to me. I'm struggling, but you have all been so wonderful. I can't thank you enough."
Monica and Alan got up and hugged her and then Liz did the same.
Jason stood. "Jake and I want a hug."
Eva grinned. "You just want to piss off Johnny."
Jason smiled. "Does he look pissed?"
She looked around him and spotted her man who is giving her a dopey grin. She chuckled. "No, he's all googly-eyed at the moment."
"I'm going to kiss you on the cheek too."
She laughed as she retreated and eyed Johnny. When Jason kissed her on the cheek her man growled, making Liz laugh.
"Why are you kissing on my man?" Piph asked.
Monica had texted her while Johnny was proposing and she since she was just ending her shift, she hustled over there.
"He was kissing on me."
Piph hugged her. "Let me see that ring?"
Eva held her hand up.
"That is gorgeous."
"Thanks."
Piph gave Johnny a thumbs up. "It's not as pretty as the one Jason gave me though."
Liz scoffed. "We are not moving to Utah."
Piph chuckled. "It was worth the try."
Alice got her a slice of cake.
"Oh, that looks good." She sat at the table and listen to all of them yell over each other. Not only is Jason looking better, but Eva is glowing for the first time since the accident.
Liz plopped next to her. "You sure you don't want to move to Italy?"
Piph grinned. "Are you sharing?"
"Um, poopy diaper duty—yes, Jason—no."
"You are going to have to seriously up the ante."
"You drive a hard bargain."
"Jason has plenty to go around. You're just being stingy."
"I can't even deny that. Italian men can be pretty hot too though."
Piph chuckled. "Well, I guess I will find out when I visit." She got up and hugged Eva before she and Johnny left. "I think they'll be back on track soon. It's just going to take some time."
"I agree. She's amazing. I'm not sure where my head would be at about now."
"You both have great families and men around you."
"True. It's something I'll never take for granted. You know, I think I can safely say that you are an honorary Morgan now."
Piph grinned. "I'll put in for the name change tomorrow."
Alan chuckled. Usually, at work, Piph is like a general, but sometimes he catches her sharing her wicked sense of humor and he always enjoys it.
They socialized for a while longer and then Liz saw Jason yawn and made him go to bed.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Johnny carried Eva to their bedroom and laid her on the bed. "I know you're not ready, and I'm fine with that, but can I kiss you, baby?"
She nodded, waiting patiently as he edged towards her. He did not disappoint, whipping up her hormones as she writhed beneath him.
It's impossible to put into words how much he feels for her. As her fingers skip along the back of his neck, he moans his encouragement as she sensuously kisses him back.
"Eva…"
"I love you."
"I love you so much, baby. You're everything."
She tugs him against her so she can feel his energy and while one hand rubs his back the other fingers her ring. "How long have you had the ring?"
He grinned. "Too long. I bought it before everything went south."
She is surprised. "Was it burning a hole in your pocket?"
"Yes."
"I didn't think I'd ever want to smile again, but you make me feel so happy. Thank you."
He kissed her on the forehead. "Are you tired, baby?"
"Tired, but very elated."
He gets up and pulls her to her feet. "Let's get ready for bed."
"Okay."
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Jason eyed Elizabeth as she moved towards the bed.
"You're going to make me forget that we're at my parent's house."
She smiled. "If you keep working out and getting your rest, we'll see what I can make happen on that island."
"You're going to torture me that long?"
"Uh-huh."
He pulled her against him.
"You're getting stronger."
"My legs are lagging, but something else down there could rise to the occasion."
She giggled. "You just keep him under control."
"I can't help it when you are around me."
Jake whimpered in his sleep and they both eyed the crib before cuddling again.
"Evangeline looked happy," Liz said.
"Yes. I was happy to see Piph too."
Liz grinned. "Should I be worried about you two?"
"She knows who has my heart."
"Now I have to compete with her and your Harley."
He groaned. "I miss my baby."
"I can take her out for a spin when we get home so you don't have to worry."
"Elizabeth…"
"I know, it's too big." She made a face and he chuckled.
"Your arms belong wrapped around me."
"I can't wait until things are back to normal."
"Me too."
"Sleep, they'll be up early."
His eyes fluttered shut. God, he can't wait until his stamina returns.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
The next few days they spent bonding with the family. The boys were always occupied, so they snuck some time to relax. Jason and Eva's therapy is going well.
Lisa placed her purse on her suitcase. Her daughter and Johnny need some alone time, so she decided it was time to go home.
Eva moved towards her mom who had taken such good care of her. "I love you, mom."
They embraced.
"I love you too, Cookie. Call me when you're settled on the island."
"I will. I'll take some pictures."
Lisa smiled. "I will like that. I'm going to go say goodbye to the family on my way out."
"You just want to cuddle with the boys."
"I can't help it that I have baby fever."
Eva shook her head.
Johnny kissed Lisa on the cheek. "Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome. I can't wait to spoil you when you visit again."
"I'll make sure it won't be a long time."
"I know where to find you, sort of."
Eva slightly smiled. "Come on, we'll go with you."
Liz shook her head. "You want to see them as much as I do."
"You got me."
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Cam squealed when he spots Johnny.
"Hey, squirt," Johnny said before scooping him up.
Lisa grabbed Jake, and she and Eva fawned over him.
"What's going on?" Jason asked.
"Lisa is about to go home."
"Aww," Liz said.
"Take care of my baby for me."
"We will."
She stayed for a half-hour before she finally went outside with Francis.
Liz squeezed Eva's hand. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay. I'll miss her though."
"I know you will. My stomach is going to miss her too."
Eva smiled. "That's for sure. Cook is no slouch, but I am partial to my mother's cooking."
Kristina ran into the room with Michael in tow, surprising everyone.
"Hello," he said softly.
Monica got over her shock quickly. "Hi. Come in."
Carly pulled Morgan along. "I hope it's okay that we stopped by."
Alan is so glad to see Michael. "It's fine."
Jax followed. "Hi, everyone."
Edward stood. "Well, hello there."
Monica shook her head. "Before he starts talking business, can I get you something to drink?"
"I'm fine."
Carly shook her head. "I'm okay too, thank you." She sat on the couch and watched as Jake crawled towards her and then she picked him up. "Hello, little man."
Michael perked up from his spot on Jason's lap. Kristina eyes are on Liz's phone as she shows her some pictures.
"When did you fly in?" Monica asked.
"We got here late last night," Jax said. He placed Morgan on the floor.
Jason and Jax locked gazes and then nodded. While Jason still isn't a fan, they are cordial.
"How are you doing?" Carly asked.
Jason shrugged. "I'm still slow, but getting stronger."
Michael slid down and grabbed Kristina before heading towards Alice who is carrying a tray of cookies.
Carly shook her head. "He's a chocolate addict."
"I am too. There's nothing wrong with that," Liz said.
Sonny sat next to Jason. "You haven't killed the physical therapist yet?"
Jason slightly smiled. "No, I'm trying to get better so we can go to the island."
Cam fell backward and started to cry, but Eva was right there and lifted him before rocking and singing softly.
"She sang to me in the hospital," Jason said.
Eva's eyes widened. "You remember?"
"Yes. It did the trick."
"Good." She resumed the song and soon Cam was trying to mimic her, so she made it a game.
"My baby is so smart," Liz said.
Frisco ran into the room. "We need to talk, now!"
Jason is taken aback by his tone. "What's your problem?"
Frisco tried to tame his temper. "Not in front of them."
Sonny stood. "I'll go with you."
Johnny moved towards them. "Me too…"
Frisco rolled his eyes as Alice told them to follow her to the study. Once inside, he shut the door and went off.
"Was it you?"
"What are you talking about?" Jason asked.
Frisco's eyes narrowed as he studied the men. "Someone broke James out of isolation."
Johnny stood. "What the fuck! How could you let that happen?"
"You think we did it on purpose?" Frisco started to pace. "They blew the wall down and it was chaos. Gas was piped in and it knocked us out. When the agents came to, he was gone."
Jason and Johnny's gaze met as they silently communicated.
"We need more protection," Jason said. He won't let anything happen to his family.
"I agree. When are you leaving?"
"In a few days, I have two more therapy sessions."
"I know you need them but Jason, you're taking a risk by staying here."
Jason sighed. "You want me to go?"
"Yes."
"That would leave my family vulnerable."
"You are not in any condition to fight. Let us take care of them."
"I don't know…"
"You can go with Eva, Liz, and the boys. Leave after your session tomorrow. Liz can tape it and make you do the exercises on the island," Johnny said. He has some business to finish, namely Nadine, so once James is contained he'll deal with her.
"I'll talk it over with Elizabeth."
"Call me when you're ready to leave. We'll take a plane and then a helicopter."
"Okay, but what about Georgie? James knows she was there and might use her for directions."
Frisco sighed. "I'll talk to her, but no Milo."
Jason smirked. "Milo stays because he's good at protecting my family. You'll just have to deal with it. Cody and Francis will also come along. I'm sure you'll have several people there as well?"
"He's a criminal."
"He's a good guy."
"Look, sometimes it takes a good woman to make you see what your life can be without all the violence. Maybe Georgie is my Elizabeth."
"When did you become Dr. Phil?"
Jason frowned. "I don't know who that is, but is he like Maury?"
Sonny's attention jerked to Jason. "How the hell do you know who Maury is? Were you watching it in the hospital?"
"Piph mentioned him."
Frisco shook his head. "I've already asked the caretaker if she wants to stay and she doesn't want to leave. There are several outhouses where guards can sleep."
When he left, Sonny grinned. "Tell me, why would Epiphany mention Maury?"
"What happens at General Hospital stays there."
Sonny shook his head. "I'll go get Elizabeth and Evangeline."
Johnny started pacing. "This is a shit show."
"When are you going to deal with Nadine?"
"I don't know. Maybe I'll just go do it after we get James contained."
Johnny stared Jason down, but didn't say anything right away. "Now, it makes sense. You knocked Piph up, didn't you?"
Liz growled. "He better not have."
"She's taking him on Maury, Elizabeth. This is serious."
Eva shook her head. "If you're joking right now, then you're just trying to change the subject."
"What's going on?" Liz asked.
"The bozos let James escape," Johnny said.
When Eva tensed, he moved beside her as Liz locked gazes with her husband.
"I won't let him get near you again."
"How can you stop him? Eva asked.
Jason cleared his throat. "We're going to the island. He still doesn't know where that is, so you'll be safe. Frisco will have guards and so will we. Georgie will probably join us."
Liz nodded. "When?"
"We'll leave after my therapy session tomorrow. You'll have to tape it so you can help me do it on the island."
"Okay."
"There are men surrounding the property tonight," Johnny said.
Eva is so mad. "I just want him dead."
"He will be."
She studied her fiance's face. "You're not coming with us, are you?"
He shook his head as his eyes shut. "No. I need to help hunt him down. It's also time to handle Nadine."
A tear ran down Eva's face. "I don't want to lose you. I'm so scared that something will happen and you'll get hurt."
"There is no way in hell that I'll miss marrying you."
"I want to do it now. Can we?"
He is shocked. "I guess it's a good thing that your mom hasn't left yet. Are you sure?"
Eva nodded. "Elizabeth, will be my matron of honor?" There is no way she is going to the island as a single woman. There is too much at stake.
Liz smiled. "Yes."
Johnny looked at Jason who nodded.
"How can we find someone to marry us on such short notice?" Johnny asked.
"We'll call around. As much money as Sonny and I give to the church, they should be able to accommodate us," Jason said. His attention went to his wife. "Are you okay with everything?"
"I trust you to keep us safe."
They went into the other room.
"James escaped," Jason said.
The room erupted until Alice finally whistled.
"We're going to leave tomorrow morning after my therapy session."
"Are we safe here?" Monica asked.
"The property is surrounded."
Edward is upset that once again, James is getting the upper hand.
"Should I stay?" Lisa asked.
"There's something else."
Monica sighed. "I'm scared to ask."
"Eva wants to get married tonight," Johnny said.
Chaos ensued as everyone started talking at once except for Lisa who moved in front of her daughter.
"Why the rush?"
"He's not going to stay with us. I need to be his wife before he goes."
Lisa hugged her. "You're scared something will happen?"
"Yes."
Alice whistled again.
"We need to find someone to marry us," Johnny said.
Piph smirked. "Well, you're in luck. I got my license online when my niece got married."
Liz gave her a big hug. "That would make be awesome."
