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Chapter 35

"That dress is amazing." Emily told Nadine who had just gotten into her gown.

"The scrubs do you a disservice because they hide all your curves. Of course you might just kill the patients if they knew." Georgie commented from her spot in the glam area. Her makeup was done and they were putting the last minute touches on her hair. Once that was done she would slip into her gown.

Liz moved to the other side of her friend and snapped a picture. Nadine didn't feel comfortable having the photographer they hired in the room while she was in her robe. So he was taking pictures of the guys. Liz volunteered to document what was happening in the bridal suite so that her friend would have these memories. The bonus was that Liz went through getting glammed first, so she could man the camera, and got it over with.

"What do you think Liz?" Nadine was loving how she looked. She had a bit of princess vibe going, but on the modern end of the spectrum. There was enough volume to the skirt to make it feel bridal, but not so much that she resembled a cake topper.

"I look calm on the outside, but inside I am seriously fangirling over this gown." Liz grinned behind the camera. "She is brilliant." Also very nice. The two designers had snagged a corner at the party after Liz's fashion week show, and talked for almost an hour. Luckily it was as the party was winding down so Liz wasn't ignoring anyone. They had a similar pow wow after Angel's show the next night.

The dropped waisted dress looked like it had been made specifically for Nadine. The bodice had a sprinkling of embellishments to catch the eye, but not enough to make the bride look like a sparkling nightmare. She had shared that the gown was made so that it could have straps or sleeves if the bride wanted, but she opted not to. If they were having a church service then she would have gone for more coverage. However they were having the ceremony in the ballroom of the Metro Court Hotel so Nadine had left her shoulders bare.

"I'm glad that you like your gown." Nadine stood still while the makeup artist did some touch ups.

"The green is stunning." Liz put her camera down for the moment so that Nadine could relax. The bridal party had worked hard to make sure their bride enjoyed the run up to the ceremony. So it was time to stop taking pictures for a bit. "I called Angel and raved about it for like an hour."

The dress was a deep rich forest green which was a wonderful contrast to the white of the bridal gown. The bridesmaids' gowns had sleeves which were fashioned from the chiffon that created the bodice, giving them another point of contrast. The sweetheart neckline and high waist ensured that it would look good on a variety of body types. Nadine had gifted the ladies pearl earrings, and the bridesmaids had gone out as a group to pick matching shoes. To tie the entire bridal party together they were all wearing the same pearl necklace.

"You guys are phone buddies now?" Emily teased her friend. She was happy that Liz got to meet her designer idol, and that the other woman was nice.

"We are." Liz really liked Angel. It was nice to have someone to talk to who understood the ups and downs of the industry. Angel was based in California so they didn't see each other that often, but they did talk a couple of times a month. They were going to meet up for dinner during spring/summer fashion week. They would also be going to one another's shows. The fact that Liz had gotten invited back to hold another show had almost made her pass out after the call.

"Looking good." Nadine commented as Georgie came out in her gown. "I think its selfie time." She got out her phone and snapped some pics. Her friends did the same. "Are you sending one to Carly?"

"Yeah." Liz had her phone in her hand. Their friend was in the hospital on bedrest because of blood pressure issues. Her due date was approaching and her doctor was worried about preeclampsia.

"I'll tell AJ to check her phone." Emily said with a smirk. "He took it from her because she was stressing over the wedding prep."

"Why? Nadine is probably the most laid back bride ever." Georgie pointed out.

"Carly is a perfectionist. We all know that." Liz said with a shrug. "With the wedding being for a friend of hers that kicked into overdrive."

"I'm sure everything is going to be perfect. As long as Cody and I get married I don't care if the roof caves in." Nadine just wanted to be Mrs. Cody Paul; that was all that mattered.

"You're the first one of us to get married." Liz smiled at her friend. Carly was a late comer to their group so Elizabeth was talking about the original four friends.

"I thought for sure it would be Em." Nadine looked over at her friend.

"We all did." Emily said laughing. Her last serious boyfriend turned out to be more toad than prince. "I think we can all agree that I dodged a bullet there. I'm kind of surprised that my brother and Liz aren't hitched yet." The business executive looked at her friend.

"True." Nadine nodded while she grinned. "I thought for sure they were going to show up at Christmas sporting bands."

"That was a hint in case you missed it." Emily was tired of waiting. So was her mother.

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" Liz asked with a bright smile. If nothing else this conversation let her know the family was not going to give them grief for eloping.

"Smartass." Emily said trying not to laugh. "The sooner you get married, the sooner you can start popping out kids."

"That wasn't at all subtle." Georgie said laughing.

Nadine was cracking up as well. "Emily doesn't do subtle anymore. She's been corrupted by Carly. You could always get married and take the spotlight off of Liz." The bride looked over at her friend.

Emily had a very nice ring from John, but it wasn't an engagement ring. So Monica was not so patiently waiting for that. Nadine knew because she had scrubbed in for surgery with the Chief of Staff last week. At the sink the topic of talk was the upcoming wedding, and the lack of upcoming weddings.

"Georgie could get married and take the pressure off of me." Emily shot back.

"How is my getting married going to help you?" Georgie gave her fellow brunette a quizzical look. "I'm not a Quartermaine."

"Also the more weddings Monica attends the harder she glares at both of us. I swear that is where Jason gets it from." Liz said giving up and laughing. "Nadine is making us look bad."

"I'm the bride, you can't blame anything on me today." Nadine gave them her best diva look. "Talk about me badly tomorrow while I'm on the beach in Puerto Rico." Instead of having the bachelor and bachelorette parties in the tropical paradise the soon to be Pauls were honeymooning there. The entire crew had flown to Vegas for the parties, and Nadine did great on the plane.

"We'll meet up for breakfast and trash you." Liz told Nadine picking up the camera once more. It was time for more photos to help her friend remember the day.


"I'm so happy for them." Liz was watching their friends dance from Jason's arms. The ceremony had been beautiful, and now they were in hour three of the reception. Their friends had done all the special dances and cut the cake. Shortly they would finish up their duties and then leave for their honeymoon. They were taking the Corinthos/Morgan jet and were staying in Jason's private suite at the casino so they could enjoy the resort.

"Cody was practically floating before the ceremony he is so happy." Jason looked over at the newly married couple, and then looked back at his girl. He knew how his friend was feeling. "Did my dad bring up us getting married when you two danced?"

"Nope." Liz smiled up at her guy. "Edward did though. He didn't even beat around the bush, just came out and asked if we planned on making this legal anytime soon."

Jason laughed, he couldn't help it. "Monica did the same thing. Only she went the making an honest woman out of you route."

"How very last century of her." Liz just shook her head. "If it makes you feel any better your sister is getting the same treatment."

"I know, but she isn't as respectful as I am." Jason said with a wide smile. "Grandmother said Em told Edward off last week at dinner when he brought up her and John getting married sooner rather than later. I think my parents just want more grandchildren."

"So by not getting married we are making AJ look good?" Liz asked with a smirk.

"Never looked at it that way." Jason nodded his head. "For once I think he's the only one not in trouble." AJ's history in the family was a rough one. "I'm betting that he is hoping that we won't get married anytime soon. I'm guessing he is enjoying the view from the pedestal."

"I'm in no rush." Liz assured her guy. However if he asked her tomorrow she would say yes. The point was that she didn't need a wedding band to validate what they had. Their relationship spoke for itself. "I'm excited to go to Italy." They were leaving after the reception ended and taking the other Corinthos/Morgan jet.

"Will I have time to show you around?" Jason wanted to know.

"I'm going to make sure of it." Liz let him know. They were both going for business purposes. She had been invited to attend Milan's fashion week by several different designers. Angel and Kate would also be in attendance. This was another opportunity for Liz to sell her brand and to network with others in the industry. Unlike fashion week in New York she would be spending a good portion of her time alone. Since she wasn't showing anything her guy didn't need to go to the shows or parties.

"Good, there are some things that shouldn't be missed since we will be there." Jason was going for a series of meetings with allies, and with the Don. For the first three days of the trip they wouldn't even see one another because he would be flying to other regions within the country while she was at fashion week. Then she had another two days of shows and parties. He was attending the final party with her, and then they would have the weekend to sightsee. "We'll go for a longer stay later in the year."

"I like the sound of that." Liz said stepping back and clapping as the band finished their song.

The MC announced that it was time for the single ladies to gather for the throwing of the bouquet. Nadine insisted that her friends be in the group because they were all technically single. In relationships yes, married no. Since it was her day they didn't argue but all three of them were standing in the back of the good sized crowd. Which didn't do a bit of good as the bundle of flowers landed right in Elizabeth's arms.

"Better you than me." Emily said with a grin as she went to find her guy, and avoid her family members.

Liz moved off the floor to go stand beside Jason. "I think Nadine did that on purpose. She's the pitcher on the hospital softball team and her aim is legendary." The nurse held the league records for most strikes.

"We'll be fine as long as I don't catch the garter belt." Jason was laughing as something hit him square in the chest. Out of reflex he raised his hand to find he was holding the very item he was just talking about. Looking up he saw the wide grin on Cody's face and knew this was intentional. "I guess I don't have to worry about you dancing with anyone else now."

"That's one way to look at it. I'm not going to another meal at the mansion any time soon." Liz smiled as the photographer came over to take their picture. "Come on, let's do this and then go hide." She said as the music started.


Jason twirled her around the dance floor to the number selected by the newlyweds. He expected something slow because that was all he had been dancing to all night. Since he wasn't in the groom's party he didn't have to dance to the upbeat number that played when the entire bridal party took to the floor. Cody clearly had other ideas as Ray LaMontagne's You Are the Best Thing came on. It wasn't exactly a quick tempo, but it was faster than what Jason would have picked. The fact that Jason Quartermaine had taken years of ballroom dancing lessons was certainly paying off now.

Liz was trying not to laugh at the look on her boyfriend's face. He was doing fine with the song, it was just not the hold your girl tight and sway style he liked. The lyrics however were a perfect fit. From this point forward she would always think of him whenever she heard it. "We survived." They moved to the side of the dance floor as everyone applauded.

"Yeah." Jason didn't like being the center of attention, but the smile on Elizabeth's face made it worth it. He was going to get Cody, when his friend got back because the MC just announced that the bride and groom had snuck off. "Alice is flagging us down." Together they walked over to where Lila's companion was waiting. "Yes."

"Mrs. Lila would like to see you." Alice said before walking out of the ballroom, silently saying they should follow.


"Hello." Jason kissed her check before Liz did. "Enjoy your dance?" They were in the open reception space outside the ballroom, where hors d'oeuvres were served earlier in the evening.

"It was fun." Liz answered for them. "Have you been enjoying the night?" They weren't sitting near the family, but had checked in a few times.

"I am. I asked you to meet me out here to give you the chance to run." Lila said with an unrepentant grin. "If you stay in there Monica or Edward is going to bring up the fact that according to tradition you should be the next to marry. Since Cody and Nadine are gone, you two can also leave without being rude."

A wide smile split Jason's face. "You are the perfect partner in crime."

"I know." Lila said looking angelic. "Bring me some lemon sweets from Italy."

"Done." Liz wanted to be just like Lila when she grew up. "Shall we love?" She asked Jason.

"Yup." He kissed his girl's friend and headed for the elevator. "I'll text the guys and tell them to meet us at the plane." Which was how everyone else would learn they had left.


"So can you have a show here, or is this just for Italian designers?" Jason wanted to know. They had arrived in Milan last night and this morning Elizabeth was heading off to the first of the shows she was invited to. He was heading off to the first of his meetings.

"Any designer can show anywhere in the world. It's just a matter of getting an invitation. There are four big shows each year, and each one has a different vibe and feel to it." Liz explained over breakfast. "Milan is considered to be the commercial heart of the fashion industry. The really big names often show here. Paris is known more for its couture looks. The stuff you think is weird." She added laughing. "London tends to have a more edgy feel. Looks geared more toward a younger demographic. New York tends more toward everyday looks, real world fashion. I would probably go to London if I had a show outside of the states. But I'm not in a rush for that." She was doing fine with New York.

"Your friend Angel is showing here in Milan." Jason hadn't realized that.

"Yeah. Not her wedding gowns though. They are strictly New York. She did a collaboration with another brand and that is what I will see this week. I have a front row seat to that show and I can't wait." Liz knew the looks would be amazing. She was sitting next to Kate for that one.

The closer you sat to the front the more important a guest you were. Jason knew that. When he went over security with Max, who was going to the shows, Jason learned his girl only had first and second row seats. Even when she wasn't with Kate people wanted Elizabeth seen at their shows. That showed that his girlfriend's star was definitely still rising. So did the numerous garment bags that were waiting in the suite. For each day of shows a different designer was dressing her. On Friday night when they went to the wrap party for the last of the shows she was visiting she would be wearing two different looks from one fashion house.

"Did you pick the clothes you are wearing?" Jason wanted to know. In New York she wore what she wanted when they went to the venues. Generally something from her own line, but if she owned something from the designer they were watching she wore that.

"Yeah." Liz finished her tea, it was almost time to get dressed. "When the labels reached out with offers to dress me I was given a link to peruse the looks they wanted to see me in. Then I just picked. They sent them over, and I tailored them to fit if it was needed." Without changing the design. "The shoes were the only reason I agreed to come over." Liz said laughing. One of the biggest names in footwear would be on her feet all week.

Jason looked up at the clock. "I need to get going." His meeting today was in Palermo. He wouldn't be back until late, which was fine because she had a cocktail party this evening. "I love you." He said dropping a kiss on her lips.

"I love you too. See you tonight." Liz watched him go, enjoying him in his suit. She put her dishes on the room service cart and pushed it out into the hall. It was time to get dressed and go see some pretty clothes.


"We don't have to stay for the entire party." Liz let him know as they rode down to the limo that was waiting in the garage. Fashion week, at least for her, was done. She had attended her last show a few hours ago and retreated to their hotel suite for some quiet. After a week of socializing she just needed some silence. Her guy was reading so she had stretched out on the couch with her head on his lap and relaxed. Then she took a soak before getting ready to go out again.

"Who is this party for?" Jason wanted to know. While he knew a lot more about fashion now, he still hadn't heard of all the brands being shown this week.

"This is the brand that Angel was working with. I'm wearing something from that collection." Liz pointed to her dress. The garment was the only thing that she hadn't picked out. Angel had sent it over, and requested that Elizabeth wear it to the party.

The red sleeveless sheath dress with an intricate lace overlay, was stunning. However what made this dress amazing was that it wasn't about the fabric that was draped on your body, but about the woman who was wearing it. For Elizabeth it epitomized why Angel was at the top of their industry. Liz had almost passed out when the other designer said that it was inspired from a conversation the two of them had. This very look had come down the runway at tonight's show.

"I like you in red." Jason had smiled when she walked out of the bedroom.

"I like you in that suit." Liz said with a slow smile. He was a muted charcoal grey with a striped tie. He had gotten very good in picking looks that complemented whatever she was wearing. Sonny had joked that Jason going to end up on the best dressed list at this rate. She had to agree, the man did a fantastic job of advertising a fitted suit. "So from here we go home for a week and then back to New York." He knew the schedule but talking would help her stay calm. She still got nervous going to these events.

"Yeah." Liz was excited for her second show.

"After that we wait to hear that you won the Women's Collection category for two years in a row." He thought she had it in the bag. He was also thinking she would be up for the Young Designer award again next year. You couldn't win it two years in a row. They should look into an award's case for the house.

Liz leaned over and kissed him. He was her biggest cheerleader, and her greatest supporter. Dropping him a kiss she walked out of the elevator heading for the open door of the limo. Tomorrow they were sightseeing and she was looking forward to that.


"I am not wearing heels for the next week." Liz said as she took off her shoes and let the cold from the marble floor soothe her feet. The party had been fun. Kate and Angel had introduced her to the heads of several iconic Italian fashion houses one of whom was already a fan of her designs. So professionally it had been a win. Personally not so much as she hardly got to spend any time with Jason.

As he locked the door Jason chuckled. He removed his jacket before leaning forward and kissing the back of her neck. Wrapping her up in his arms he enjoyed the silence of their hotel suite. The party had not been as bad as he thought. That had a lot to do with the fact that he knew several people there. Including Maximus. Jason also got the chance to sit back and watch his girl work the room. "You were sexy tonight."

"This dress does bring it." Liz couldn't wait to wear it again.

"It wasn't the dress. It was you. Confidence is sexy." He said kissing the side of her neck this time. "Watching you talk with other designers and editors is a turn on. You light up." He explained what he meant. "A couple of guys said I was lucky when they learned I was with you, and they are correct."

Liz turned in his arms and smiled up at him. "I got the same reaction from a few ladies. One said she was going to try to get your attention anyway, but then she saw how you looked at me and decided it wouldn't work." Liz liked that Jason didn't hide how much she meant to him.

"Come with me." He could just say that no other woman would ever measure up to her, but he had something else in mind. He led her out onto the balcony. It ran the length of the room and offered them a stunning view. Turning to face her he took both of her hands in his. "I love you." He needed to start there and when she went to speak he shook his head to stop her. "I love everything about you. The longer I know you, the more about you I discover to love. I'm not saying you are perfect. That expectation is unfair to put on you. I see your flaws and your edges but they don't diminish the amazing feelings you inspire. Just like I know you love me despite my many, many, many shortcomings." He said laughing which made her laugh despite the fact that she was crying. "I want to spend the rest of my life being amazing by you. Will you, Elizabeth Webber, marry me so that I can do just that?"

"Yes." Liz didn't even need to think about her answer. She also knew that this wasn't the time to tell him how what he just said made her feel. He wanted to give her the words as a gift. One she accepted with a full heart. "I love you." She had to tell him that though. This was the best moment of her life.

"Will you wait here?" Jason asked her. He had been planning to propose before they left Italy, so he came prepared.

"Okay." Liz watched him walk back into their suite. He wasn't gone long and when he returned he took her left hand in his so that he could remove the sapphire she wore. She felt him put another ring on her finger and when he moved his hand she was looking at the most beautiful yellow diamond. Leaning up she kissed him softly.

When they parted he rested his forehead on hers just letting the knowledge that she was his, and he was hers, for the rest of their lives. Without a word he scooped her into his arms and carried her into the suite.


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