A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you're still enjoying this one.

Chapter 52

Elizabeth slowly walked down the hallway. It's very uncomfortable and she's tired.

"You're doing well," Epiphany said, who was just about to finish her shift.

"I don't feel like I am."

"If you can pee and walk, you can go home."

"It sounds so simple…"

Piph chuckled. "Milo was here earlier."

"He's okay, right?"

"Yup. He said he wants to help Jason once he can work out a bit."

"That's nice. I'm sure Jason will appreciate that." They like to work out together, and Milo understands good nutrition.

"I think they are going to do the surgery around 10:00 am tomorrow."

"Monica mentioned it to me. Everyone seems to think it's for the best, so I'm trying to be hopeful." She was able to go see him earlier and talk to him for a bit after she fed the baby. Alan said he's not in a coma, so he may hear her talking.

"You decide on a final name?"

Liz groaned. "Well, I'm going with Lily, but the middle name is between Abigail, Kayleigh, and I had forgotten about the names Alina and Mireya. Mireya means miracle."

"She certainly is."

"Which do you like?"

"Abigail flows, and I like Alina as well."

"Yeah, I'm leaning that way."

"Either way, she'll have her daddy wrapped just like you do."

Liz smiled. "I miss him so much."

"Hopefully, he'll be awake by tomorrow night."

"I hope so too." She can't wait for him to meet Lily.

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Emily watched as Johnny walked around the house with the nurse at his side. Occasionally, his balance is off, but for the most part, he's doing well.

"Another week?"

Emily nodded. "At least…"

"I don't mind having you here."

She appreciates that but her man is going stir-crazy. "It was nice getting away. I feel like I can breathe again." They still aren't sure if Helena has men elsewhere that will still do her bidding. Ryan is working with Sonny to put some feelers out, but after word spread that Ryan was backing the organization, his reputation pretty much stopped people from doing something stupid.

The nurse helped Johnny sit on a recliner and then they made him comfortable.

"It's nice being out of that bed."

"I'm sure it is."

"If I'm up to it before we head back, maybe we could at least go into town. You came all the way here. You should at least have a shopping trip and see more of the countryside."

Emily smiled. "I'd like that. The doctor looked me over today and said I'm doing fine."

"That is great news."

Maggie left so they could have some privacy.

A sly grin emerged on his face. "Another week, Emily."

She rolled her eyes. "Let's get your stamina back before we go there." As much as she'd like to jump his bones, his health is way more important.

"It just gives me some incentive."

She chuckled. "On a serious note…"

"I was being very serious."

She shook her head. "I have to tell you something."

"Go ahead." He squeezed her hand.

"I love you," she blurted. After Nikolas crushed her heart, she didn't think she'd say those words for a long time, but the more she is with Johnny, the more the love grows. The heart wants what it wants.

He grinned. "That is the best thing I've ever heard. Now, can you get me some water?"

His sister, who is now standing in the doorway laughed when Emily's jaw dropped. "You are insane."

Their eyes went to her momentarily.

"Give us five," Johnny said.

"I'm going."

He focused on his woman. "You are everything, Emily Quartermaine. I feel like I've loved you forever. It's about time you caught on."

She smiled as she shook her head. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Right now? Kiss me senseless."

"Are you sure that your big noggin can handle it?"

"Oh yeah…"

Their mouths moved closer as the intensity grew and then their lips brushed against each other twice before Johnny kissed her properly.

"I still got it!" he said after they broke apart.

"I don't think your lips stop working after you're bonked on the head."

"Thank God."

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Chloe smiled as she entered Stefan's room. They had kept him mostly sedated, but today, they decided to lessen the drugs. "Hey."

He is so happy to see her. "Hey."

She put her coffee down and then gave him a quick peck. "How are you feeling?"

"I don't know how, but I'm exhausted."

"Your body has been through a lot," she said as she sat on a chair.

"True. How is everyone else?" He's surprised that he's still alive.

"Elizabeth had the baby and she's beautiful and fine," Lila had texted her some pictures, "and Jason is sedated and having surgery tomorrow."

"What's wrong with him?"

"The torture was bad. They need to do a procedure on his ribs because it's compromising his breathing. Hopefully, he'll be stable afterward. We almost lost him."

Stefan is sickened by the amount of damage that Helena has done. "Nikolas?"

Chloe shrugged. "We think they are both gone."

Stefan's eyes pricked with tears.

"I know you loved him."

"I did, but I hated how much he has changed because of his her."

Chloe gripped his hand. "It's okay to let it out, Stefan."

It's hard because he's scared his ribs will hurt. "I know. I'm sure it will hit me all at once."

"We can have a service for him if you want."

"I'll leave that up to Laura. Do you know if she has been contacted?"

"No, I don't. I'll see what I can find out."

"Thank you."

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Alice is surprised to see Laura at the door.

"I was going to go see Sonny, but I was hoping that the family could give me some answers." Hearing that Nikolas could be dead had thrown her for a loop. Lulu had called her in tears.

"Come in." Alice waited for her to move inside. "Let me go to tell the family you are here."

Edward had come home for lunch, so he was just finishing. She quickly went to the dining room.

"Laura is here. She's wants answers."

He cursed under his breath. "I'll handle it."

"Not without me," Lila said.

Alice quickly moved behind her and maneuvered the chair.

Edward headed there. "Laura…" He can't help but notice how frazzled she seems.

"Hello, Edward. I was hoping that you could help me. I heard what happened on the island." The fires have finally died out and the helicopter footage is devasting. It looks like a bomb flattened it and a lot of the land is covered in water. They are still recovering bodies that have surfaced. She got on a list, and they promised to call if there is any news.

"I know about as much as you. There was heavy fighting and Helena threatened to blow everything up. We're not sure if something went wrong or what." Francis had confided in him, but they must remain silent, so the police don't focus on Ryan, who in Edward's opinion, is a hero. He doubts Sonny could have pulled all of that off.

Tears welled in Laura's eyes. "I feel like I've failed Nikolas."

"He is a grown man. While I hate how he ended up treating my granddaughter, it is sad he had to die due to Helen's machinations."

She wiped a tear away. "How is Emily?" She will always be fond of her.

"Safe and healing. It will take a while before her stamina is back."

"Please give her my love."

"I will."

"I'm sorry about Jason and Elizabeth as well. She is family to me."

"She's had a rough time—they both have. Hopefully, everything will be fine."

The door swung open and Laura is surprised to see Audrey but greeted her.

"Elizabeth will be here soon."

Laura is surprised. "She's staying here?"

"We thought it was best. They'll both need to recover with supervision."

Audrey showed her a picture of the baby.

"She's gorgeous. Well, I should go, but thanks again."

"You're welcome," Edward said.

Laura headed to the hospital to see Stefan.

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A few hours later, the door to the mansion is opened and Elizabeth slowly moved forward. Sonny is carrying the baby because he insisted on picking her up at the hospital. To her surprise, Sam came as well.

"Surprise!" everyone whispered as she entered the sitting room.

Liz smiled. "Wow."

Alan helps her sit and the baby is immediately rescued from the carrier by Monica who hands her to Edward.

"Meet Lily Alina Morgan," Liz said.

"Alina is different," Tracy said as she eyed the cute baby over Edward's shoulder.

"It's a combination of Alan and Lila and means bright or beautiful. Jason liked it."

Lila and Alan grinned.

"It's beautiful," Audrey said.

They didn't invite anyone else and just kept it to the immediate family except for Sonny and Sam.

Sam moved to Edward's side. While it hurts that she lost her child, she can't help but be happy that Elizabeth's baby survived.

"You want to hold her?" Edward asked.

Sam fights back tears. "Yes."

"Sit over there." He points to the couch because Sam looks a little fragile.

She gets comfortable and he puts the baby in her arms and Lily's eyes flicker open. "Hi," she whispered. "She's so beautiful."

The baby stared into her eyes.

"She likes you," Liz said.

A tear ran down Sam's face.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded. "Sorry. I'm just so happy for you. I was scared, but she's perfect.

Liz smiled. "Yeah. It was scary. I need to thank you for everything you did."

When Sam's brow rose, Liz chuckled.

"That too…" She's very happy Carly is gone.

The baby yawned making Sam and Liz sigh.

"My turn," Lila said making everyone smile.

Sam got up and carefully placed the baby in Lila's arms.

"I'm in love with her already."

Liz is so happy that the baby will have a big family. They are crazy but full of love.

Alan sat next to her and grabbed her hand. "I'm proud of you."

Liz smiled. "What did I do?"

"Your strength is amazing, and you give my son hope. He's fighting for you and Lily."

"I can't wait to see his baby blues again."

"I can't take credit for that, unfortunately."

"You would have been a nightmare if you had those eyes," Monica said. "You already thought you were God's gift back then."

Tracy snickered.

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Alan said.

When Monica gave him a look, Liz giggled.

"You were a playa," Tracy said.

"That word just sounds wrong coming out of your mouth."

She rolled her eyes as Sonny fought a grin.

For the next hour, the baby was passed around and loved on until she got hungry and Liz went to feed her.

"She looks exhausted," Lily said.

"I'll help her tonight," Monica said. The baby will probably wake up a few times. She doesn't want Liz to get up, so she'll retrieve the baby for her.

"I'll do it tomorrow night," Audrey said. She is next door to the room.

"Deal."

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The next day, they prepped Jason for surgery. Elizabeth chose not to go and will save her energy until he starts to regain consciousness. It had been a rough night with the feedings, and getting used to her limitations.

While the doctors were trying to fix some of the damage done to Jason, Ryan decided to wrap things up. Hopefully, he can leave in a few days.

Harry nervously entered Jason's office after being summoned.

"Sit," Ryan said with a stern face. "Explain."

Harry felt like crossing himself. "Everything was going fine. Some of Helena's men approached us, but they were satisfied that we meant no harm. When I mentioned that I was going to call for backup because she wanted to move in, she snatched the phone out of my hand and chucked it into the water."

"You should have found another way."

"I thought you'd want me to help her, so I stayed put."

Ryan sighed. "She's ridiculously stubborn. I almost feel sorry for Sonny. I think she's a lot like my wife."

Harry fought a grin. "She's pretty amazing…both of them."

He ignored the sentiment. "I'm not happy with you, but I get it. You should have taken an extra satellite phone."

Harry nodded.

"The only thing saving you from pain is that she didn't die. When I think of everything she did—"

"She's a strong woman."

"Aye." Ryan sighed. "At least look pathetic around the other men."

Harry gave up and smirked. "I can do that."

"Get out of here."

He didn't have to be told twice and hustled out the door.

Sonny appeared. "Hey. I'm biding my time while Jason is in surgery."

"I'm just wrapping some things up."

"When are you planning on leaving?"

"I think it can be done in a few days. I'd like to make sure Jason is okay first. Johnny won't forgive me if I don't make sure no one is left standing." Things are quiet, but he still has some feelers out for anyone affiliated with Helena.

Sonny nodded. "He texted me and is doing a lot better."

They are interrupted by a knock.

"Boss, Taggert is here."

Sonny sighed as he stood, and they headed into the restaurant area.

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Taggert shifted as he watched the men approach. Ryan looks cocky and rubs him the wrong way. It's like Jason has a twin with a funny accent.

"Taggert…"

"I have some news. Mac is breaking it to Laura right now."

"What's going on?" Sonny asked like he didn't know.

"They pulled Nikolas and Helena out of the water. Both look like they fell from a high height."

Sonny nodded.

"I know you probably had something to do with it, but we're not going to pursue it."

Sonny's brow rose.

"Take it as a gift. Trust me, if I could prove it, I'd be on your ass."

Ryan can't stand Taggert and wonders how Jason doesn't rip his head off.

"How's anger boy?"

"Don't call him that?"

Taggert shrugged. "Habit…"

"Jason is in surgery."

"Good luck with that," he said before leaving.

"I can take him out before I go," Ryan offered.

Sonny grinned. "And risk the wrath of Jason?"

"He should have done it a long time. The man is a blight," Ryan said as he headed back to the office. "Anger boy—what a dick."

Sonny chuckled. Ryan is one of a kind.

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Jason's surgery took around two hours. When it was finished, the doctor pulled Monica, Alan, Sonny, Sam, and Edward into a room.

"He's stable. There was some serious damage, but the surgery went very well. It will take at least a day to wean him off the vent which he will hate. It will be difficult to breathe at first, and we'll make sure he has pain management, so the vent is essential for a bit. We'll watch out to make sure that the chest wall is moving properly and monitor the drainage. Hopefully, after a few days, he's moving, eating, and going to the bathroom, so that he can go home, but he'll be under heavy restriction. It will take at least 6 weeks to heal. He has two three-inch incisions. A therapist will work with him before he leaves. Any questions?"

It's silent in the room until Edward speaks.

"What can go wrong?"

"Infection and pneumonia are the worst. The faster he gets off the vent, the better. The pain usually gets better within three days of the surgery."

"Thank you," Monica said. They just need to make it through a couple of days, and hopefully, Jason will truly be on the road to recovery."

"Can he hold the baby?" Sam asked. Elizabeth is listening via the phone.

The doctor is aware of what is going on. "Maybe if you lay the baby next to him. I'm worried about kicking."

Liz visualized how it could work and has a plan. "How much is he allowed to be out of bed once he's home?"

"He can do some walking, but it's best not to overdo it at first. The therapist will work with him."

"Eating restrictions?"

"He should be on a cleaner diet at first, because of the trauma to his body. I'll make sure that I give you as much information as possible."

"Thank you."

"If you think of anything else, Monica will have my number and email."

He left and Monica cleared her throat.

"How did that make you feel, Elizabeth?"

"Scared, but hopeful. Jason has always been a fast healer. We both have a six-week healing time."

"Well, you know we will help as much as you let us. Jason is not a good patient."

Liz grinned. "I can't wait to feed him soup."

Sonny chuckled and when Sam looked confused. "Jason hates soup as much as he hated getting that pizza for you."

Liz chuckled. "That is very true. I'm gonna miss that pizza."

When Sonny's brow furrowed, making huge smiles appear on their faces.

"Evil…"