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Chapter 36

"I think we should stay in Italy next week." Jason said pulling his fiancée closer. They were still in bed, spooned up. Yesterday they had a great time sightseeing and just being together. He had caught her looking at her ring from time to time and each time it made him smile.

"We have to go home." Liz answered trying not to laugh. She knew what that was all about. "Carly is having the baby in three days. If we miss it because you are afraid of your mother, your sister in-law will kill you." Carly was having a C-section. The timing just happened to work out well. They would actually be home and Liz wanted to hold her niece or nephew. She also wanted to stop by and visit with her goddaughter Kristina. Alexis and Sonny's daughter was the cutest thing ever.

"I have every right to be afraid of Monica. She's a surgeon, she's knows where all the really painful points on the body are." Jason told Elizabeth.

"Grandmother will protect us." Liz said rolling over so she could face her fiancé. She loved saying that, and couldn't wait to say Jason was her husband. "I have no doubt about that."

"I don't want to drag her into the middle of this. I'm sure she got into trouble for covering our escape." Jason pointed out. He had no doubt that Emily and Alice made sure Lila didn't get too irritated.

Liz had to bite her lower lip to keep from laughing. He sounded like he was plotting how to thwart an attack. Life around the Quartermaines was always interesting. She was surprised that they didn't play chess. Then again why use plastic pieces when you had real people to maneuver. However if you came after one of them you found yourself facing them all. When it counted they stuck together. "We should just get married before we leave Italy." She said with a cheeky grin.

"We should." Jason nodded latching onto that idea with both hands. "I'd love for you to be my wife when we went back home, and that doesn't have anything to do with Monica or Edward." He was already impatient to be able to introduce her as his wife.

"We are Americans, which means we can't get married here without jumping through some major hoops." Liz hated to burst his bubble. "For the record I would love to return to the states as Mrs. Jason Morgan." She gave him a kiss. "What would you like to do today?"

"Get married." Jason said with a grin. Now that the idea had been planted in his brain it wasn't letting go. She was right about those hoops, and he was thinking he had a way around them. "I'm sure that Maximus can help us with any red tape." The Don had connections everywhere in Italy.

"I want our marriage recognized when we go home. I'm pretty sure that requires a massive amount of paperwork. That means telling Diane." Alexis was still on maternity leave. "While you fear your mother, I have a healthy fear of your lawyer. I seriously doubt Diane wants this sprung on her." Elizabeth pointed out. "It's also not fair to ask her to keep something like this from Francis. I would like for us to be the ones who make the announcement that we are married."

"I'm not going to spring a thing on her. If we need a lawyer, we can contact Justus. He'll love having one up on the family." Jason said smiling wider. "I need to make a phone call to see if this is even possible. If it is, will you marry me today?" He wanted to know. While they were in agreement about eloping, he wasn't sure what all she wanted at their wedding. With them being in another country familiar touches of home would be absent.

"If it's possible, yes, I will marry you today. Nothing would make me happier." Liz leaned forward and gave him a kiss. "While you are making your call, I need to make one of my own." She had no doubt Jason was going to find a way to make this come about. Which meant she needed a dress. Angel was still in Italy, so Liz was going to see what her friend had to offer. Not a gown, because that just wasn't her. When she saw the dress, she would know it.

Elizabeth smiled as Jason walked out onto the balcony in his robe to make his call. He was speaking Italian. She seriously got a case of the hots when he spoke the language. Yesterday had been wonderful, and yes frustrating because he did a lot of talking so that they could navigate the city. A voice on the other end of the line brought her out of her day dream. "Hi Angel."

"Liz, how is the sightseeing going?" Angel wanted to know. Now that she was established in Italy, being a tourist rarely happened. She sometimes missed that.

"Amazing. Milan is a wonderful city. I know you are busy, but I was wondering if you had time for a favor." Liz was done with fashion week, but Angel was not. She still had several shows to attend, and later today was leaving for the start of Paris's fashion week.

"For the woman who made my website crash because people are already looking for that red dress, absolutely." Angel said laughing. Her site and the site of the brand she was working with both went down briefly as the pre-orders rolled in.

"Well there you go." Liz said laughing. "Glad I could help get your name out there." She said laughing a little harder. "I have a last minute wedding." Phrasing it that way made it sound like they were going to a wedding and not getting married. Liz trusted Angel to stay quiet. It was just until she was sure it was happening Elizabeth didn't want to say anything.

"I can help you there." Angel was in her hotel room, and what she had brought with her was running through her mind. So were the contents of her store here in Milan. There were items from her personal brand that no one had seen yet, because she had opted not to include them in either show. "I will send you a few things, send back what you don't want. Should I send a seamstress?" Liz could adjust anything herself, but if she was pressed for time another set of hands might be nice.

"That would be great thank you." Liz was going to need time to put her look together. Even if she didn't wear the dress today, she could wear it when they got married back home. Or somewhere else. "I'm paying for this one." That was non-negotiable.

"Okay." Angel had gifted Liz the red dress, so she wouldn't argue. "In about an hour okay?"

"Perfect." Liz would hop in the shower when this call was completed. "Thanks."

"No worries. Now I have to go." Angel was looking at her assistant who was motioning that the car was here. "I'm looking forward lunch in New York."

"Me too." Liz was guessing Summer would have the details by they time they returned. With her business done, Elizabeth headed to the bathroom so that she didn't jump her guy.


Even though the conversation started in Italian they quickly switched to English. The Don liked keeping his language skills sharp so an opportunity to converse in anything other than Italian was always taken advantage of. "What can I do for you Jason?"

"I would like to marry Elizabeth before we return home. As Americans that will take some work." Jason got right to the point of the call.

"Congratulations on your engagement. My Margareta said that your young lady was a delight to speak with." Maximus had been introduced, but didn't spend a lot of time talking with the young designer. "I would love to be of assistance in helping you get married. Italy is a lovely back drop for a wedding."

"I think so." Jason was smiling as he looked over the city. This was one of his favorite places in the world, and he would love to get married here. "Elizabeth does as well."

Having been to Italy so many times, and yes once for a wedding, he knew what the biggest issue was. In Italy it was required that a notification of your intention to marry, called a banns, was hung. It didn't just apply to foreigners, citizens were required to follow these guidelines as well. This let the public know that a couple wished to join their lives together. For a religious ceremony the banns had to hang for two consecutive Sundays before the wedding could take place. For a civil ceremony nothing could take place until the fourth day after the second Sunday had passed. Clearly that was more time than they had. What would work in their favor was that Milan was one of the places that those visiting the country could go to get permission to marry. So no travel would be needed to get the necessary paperwork.

"Would you like a religious or civil ceremony?" Maximus could make either one happen with a minimum of fuss. The Corinthos/Morgan organization had been good to his boys, both Max and Milo had high ranking assignment which meant they were respected. As much as Jason loved Elizabeth he wouldn't place Max there just to make a good impression on this trip. His son would have had to earn that spot.

"Religious would be preferred." Jason replied, they both wanted the union blessed.

"It's a lovely day, an outdoor ceremony could be arranged. With a member of the clergy." Maximus was taking notes. "I will try to find someone who speaks English." Which could be a tall order. Generally priests in Italy spoke Italian and Latin.

"Thank you. I'm sure Elizabeth will not mind it if the ceremony is conducted in Italian." Jason knew that Maximus would do his best.

"I need to make some calls." The Don said already thinking of who could perform the ceremony. "I will be in touch when I have everything arranged."

"Grazie Don Giambetti." Jason made sure to show the proper respect.

"Bring Elizabeth to Palermo when you can. My wife would love to have a longer visit." Maximus said naming his price. He understood that Jason's soon to be wife had a career, so they would need to find a time that worked for them both. "Send pictures as well." He loved weddings.

"I will do both." Jason assured the Don as the called ended. He needed to go find Elizabeth and then head out to do some shopping.


"You wanted to see us." Max took the lead since he had the most seniority. That their boss wanted to see them all wasn't surprising. There would probably be more sightseeing today before they left.

Jason nodded as he faced the guys. "Elizabeth and I are getting married today." He couldn't help but smile as he said that.

"Congratulations." Max extended his hands and the rest of the crew followed. The new ring on Liz's hand had been noted, but there hadn't been any announcement made so the guys wasn't sure what it meant.

"Do I have to protect you from your mom?" Milo wanted to know.

"Are you scared?" Jason wanted to know.

"Yes." Milo didn't hesitate to say. "I have a healthy fear of moms in general. Mainly because I have one." That made the guys laugh, but a few of them were also nodding. "I am also afraid of Diane. Since I'm being honest."

"We are all afraid of Diane." Jason commented. "My mother is going to be happy. So don't worry about that."

"Did you need something from us?" Max wanted to know. The fact that both Jason and Liz were American shouldn't be an issue. "I can call my dad to help if necessary."

"I talked to him before I called this meeting." Jason told Max. "Thank you though. Shopping needs to happen. I need a new suit, and a wedding band for Elizabeth. I'm not sure what she will need."

"I will ask when she comes out." Max told his boss. He and Rory would take her to get whatever was needed. Just then a knock sounded on the closed bedroom door.

Jason walked over. "Hey."

"Hey. I didn't want to disrupt a meeting." Liz let him know why she knocked from inside the bedroom. "Do you have a second?"

"Sure." Jason told her.

"First, can you please let Max know that some dresses and a seamstress will be here in about forty-five minutes? Second I'm making a list of what I will need to run out and get. Would you like a wedding band? If you'd rather not that's fine." Liz let him know. The only jewelry he normally wore was his watch.

"I would very much like a wedding band. I have no idea what size my finger is though." Jason said with a grin.

"I can make a ring out of cardboard to get the correct size." Liz smiled at him. "I just needed to know for my list. That's it." She went to step back but Jason's hand on her hip stopped her.

He leaned down and kissed her. "When I'm done with the guys I'll come find you. After you make the cardboard ring I need to go out."

"Okay." She said smiling and closing the door when he walked away.

"Max, Elizabeth asked me to tell you that dresses and a seamstress are coming here in less than an hour." Jason passed along. "So you don't have to shop for that. She is going to go get me a wedding band though."

"Probably accessories as well." Max added to the list looking over at Rory. "Not a problem."

"Milo, Hank." Jason looked at his security detail. "We can head out shortly." He went into the bedroom to let Elizabeth measure his finger.

"I'll call and let you know when we leave." Max told his boss. When Jason left Max took a seat on the couch to have a quick meeting with the crew.


Elizabeth looked in the jeweler's case. Wedding bands weren't something that she ever really gave much attention to. However someone had because there were countless varieties for her to choose from. Even after she ruled out the more ornate rings she still had a lot to pick from. He had to wear this for the rest of their lives and she didn't want to screw it up. Of course he loved her, and he would love whatever she picked for him. She knew him better than anyone else, so she could do this. "I'd like to see this one please."

The associate removed the plain platinum band for inspection.

"I'll take it." Liz said nodding. Looking over her shoulder she spoke to Max. "Would you please ask about engraving?"

"She said its fine." Max looked at Elizabeth.

"Ti amo, is I love you. Right?" Liz asked her friend.

"Yup." Max said smiling. "It's one of many ways we express that sentiment here in Italy. Being the most romantic people in the world we have a lot of phrases to express love." He couldn't help but brag on his country a little.

"How would I say that Jason is the love of my life?" Elizabeth wanted to know.

"Sei l'amore della mia vita." Max gave her the translation.

Liz looked at the ring. "I don't think that will fit."

Max spoke to the sales clerk. "She said it will be tight. You should try something shorter."

"What about my heart is yours?" Liz was trying to sum up what she was feeling.

"Il mio cuore e tua." Max translated before looking at the clerk. Liz would want the feminine adjective since the message was from her. "That will fit." He was guessing it was a common inscription on rings.

"Will an E fit after that?" Liz wanted to know.

Again Max did the translation. "Yup." He said with a smile. "We have been invited to have coffee while they do the engraving. I'll check it when she brings it out to make sure it's correct."

"Thank you Max. I hope this doesn't make you feel awkward." Liz didn't want him uncomfortable.

"Not in the least." He nodded to Rory who had been standing further back so that he could watch the rest of the store. "I'm glad I could help." Max had quickly come to think of Liz like the sister he never had. "Where to after this?" The dress was waiting back in the suite. He hadn't seen it because Liz and the seamstress had been in the bedroom.

"I need heels." Liz said with a wry grin. Her promise to not wear them for a week went right out the window. "Then it's back to the hotel until it's time to get ready." Jason was still waiting to hear back from Maximus.

"My dad will come through." Max promised her.

"I don't doubt that." Liz trusted the older man, because Jason did.

"Once the ring is ready, I'll take you to get shoes." Max said escorting her to the sitting area where they would wait.


"Has Jason left?" Liz cracked open the door to the bedroom.

"About five minutes ago." Max responded from his spot on the couch. He picked up the remote and turned the television off. If Liz was asking that, it meant she was ready to come out of the bedroom.

"Okay." Elizabeth opened the door and stepped out into the main portion of the suite. They had decided not to see one another until they were at the church. Or more precisely the private garden behind the church. Since it was such a glorious day they were having an outdoor ceremony and that meant she didn't need to bring her sweater.

"You look lovely Elizabeth." Max had expected a gown, but that wasn't what she went with.

"Thank you Max." Liz had taken one look at this dress and fallen in love. It was yellow, which wouldn't surprise her soon to be husband. The jacquard fit and flare dress was made from ivory silk and was festooned with a yellow floral print. It had princess seams on the bodice that lined up with the pleats on the skirt. A cutout bared her upper back to give it an unexpected punch of sex appeal. It was the perfect wedding outfit for her.

Max was thinking his boss was going to be struck speechless. "Ready to head out?"

"I am." Liz stopped in the foyer to give her face and hair one more look. Her makeup was light, this was an afternoon wedding after all. Her hair was in a curly chignon with wispy pieces framing her face. Satisfied she walked out of the suite ready to get married. In the garage she had expected a limo but instead there was a Rolls Royce waiting. "Is this a rental?"

"Jason will tell you about the car." Max said holding open the door. He would let his boss explain. With Elizabeth in the back seat he got behind the wheel because Rory refused to drive. They didn't go far. The wedding was going to be held in the rose garden of the Duomo di Milano, which had the distinction of being the second largest cathedral in all of Italy. After parking Max escorted Elizabeth to the side garden. "Wait here for second." He went further down the path and looked around the building.

Milo saw his brother and nudged Jason. The blonde mob boss nodded that they were ready. It seemed like he had been standing her for the entire day which wasn't the case at all. Maximus had told Jason that everything was ready and all they had to do was show up at the appropriate time. Jason had been here maybe ten minutes simply waiting for the love of his life to join him.

Hank hit the button on the Ipod and soft music floated into the air. He checked the camera that Elizabeth gave him earlier in the day to make sure it was ready to go. He liked to take pictures back home so he got drafted into being the official photographer.

Beside the cathedral Elizabeth took the bouquet that Max handed her. Bright blooms in a riot of colors greeted her. She would need to press some when she made a wedding album. Taking a deep breath she stepped into view as a sunny smile lit up her face. Jason looked impossibly handsome in his grey suit as he waited for her to join him. The yellow tie he was wearing made her smile wider. "Hi." She said when after what felt like forever she was standing in front of him.

"Hi. You look beautiful." Jason said taking her in. Even if he could imagine he wouldn't have been able to come close to how she looked in this moment. He turned to the priest. "Siamo pronti." We are ready.

The priest nodded turning to the appropriate page in his bible. Maximus couldn't find a priest who was fluent in English on such short notice. So Jason requested a Latin ceremony. Elizabeth would know that one because AJ and Carly had a full Catholic mass during their wedding, and it was done in Latin. So even though they wouldn't know the words, it would still be familiar.

The priest invited them to pray as the ceremony began. They listened to the words while keeping their eyes on one another. While her ears didn't understand the language her heart did. During the words spoken after the prayer she head amore, and cuore. Love and heart. The basis of all strong marriages.

"Sposo." The priest looked at Jason.

From his pocket Jason extracted his wedding vows. While reading them from a piece of paper might not be the most romantic, what really mattered was that he intended to honor these words for the rest of his life.

"I, Jason take you Elizabeth to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold so I give you my life to keep."

The priest smiled before turning to Elizabeth. "Sposa."

"I, Elizabeth take you Jason to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold so I give you my life to keep."

She gave him the vows back so that he could put them in his pocket. They would also go into the wedding album.

"Rings?" The priest looked between the young couple who were so clearly in love.

Elizabeth placed the ring she had been holding in her hand on the bible and watched as Jason did the same. It made her smile to see that the rings matched. Without even discussing it they had created a set. It seemed like a good omen for their marriage. The priest nodded to Jason.

"I had your ring engraved." While waiting Jason had told the priest he wanted a moment to do this. "It says il mio cuore e solo tuo."

Liz smiled wide. Another good sign. "Your ring has the same phrase only I used tua. I wanted you to carry that message with you no matter where you are." She said squeezing the hand that was joined to hers.

"Me too." Jason couldn't help but think that was a sign they were truly meant to be. He turned to the priest and nodded that the ceremony could continue.

With vows and rings exchanged the priest did a short reading from the bible before closing with a prayer of blessing. With a nod and a smile he indicated that they should kiss.

"I love you." Jason said before gently kissing her.

"I love you too." Liz wanted him to know. Their lives were joined and she was excited about what would come next.


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Wedding Vows from Great Officiants