A/N – Thanks for reading this one. I'm going to skip ahead after this chapter and try to finish this one.

Chapter 55

Jason is taken in through the garage and when he's wheeled into the sitting room everyone is standing with big smiles on their faces.

"Welcome home, Jason," Monica said. Just the words make her almost giddy. She can't even express how much it means to her that he is staying with his family.

"Thank you."

Sonny and Sam are there too as well as Ned, Bobby, and the kids.

"Uncle Jason," Michael said rushing toward him.

"Michael," Bobbie's voice warned making him abruptly stop.

"Hey, Michael."

The little boy moved next to him, and Jason hugged him the best he could.

Bobby gently hugged Jason. "I'm glad that you are okay."

"Thank you."

She wonders how he feels about Carly being dead but won't say anything. From what she understands, Carly had burnt that bridge and Bobby isn't surprised. Her daughter had always been her own worst enemy.

Elizabeth, who was sitting next to Lila, came into view and his eyes teared as he spotted the baby.

"It's good to see you," Lila said. She is so happy to get to see him every day.

"It's good to see you too."

Alan and Ned moved to Liz's side and helped her stand, so she wouldn't jostle the baby.

She moved toward him. "She's sleeping, so she shouldn't kick.

Carefully, she placed the baby on his lap.

"Wow. She's perfect." He is overwhelmed with emotion.

Lila got everyone's attention and told them to go to the dining room. Soon, just she, Elizabeth, Jason, and Monica were left.

A tear ran down his face.

"Are you okay?" Liz asked.

"I'm happy." The baby gripped his finger filling him with pride. "I think she'll have your curls."

"God help her."

He grinned. "I love your curls."

"They can have a mind of their own sometimes."

He gasped when her eyes flickered open and she stared. "Hi, Lila. I'm your dad."

Monica watched the staring contest until Lily gave up and went back to sleep.

"Take her. I need a minute."

They understand. Monica carefully lifted her and then she and Liz slowly went to the dining room.

"They take your breath away, don't they?" Lila said.

"Yes."

"Talk to me."

"I don't want to ruin her. She's so tiny." This is different than Michael. That had been such a stressful situation and yes he had adapted, but in the end, he feels like his decisions weren't the best for the little boy.

"You won't. You know how to be gentle. You're going to be a great father, Jason."

"I hope so. I'm not sure I did Michael any favors spoiling him."

She moved closer. "You didn't, but you've learned. That's all we can do. Give them love and discipline so they have a firm foundation. We can only guide them. At some point, they'll do what they want to do."

He nodded. "I would do anything for her."

Lila smiled. "And I feel that way about all my children and grandchildren. I've watched you grow from a child to a man. It wasn't always pretty, but you did it your way. I can't argue with that. I may not always agree with your choices, but I love you so much that I can let you be."

He can't imagine life without her.

Seeing the flash of pain go across his face, she reached out to touch him. "I'm healthy and not planning on going anywhere. I think I have a few good years left in me and I can't wait to see your family grow."

"You're everything."

"I'm not, because you found someone that will love you as I love you. That's all I've ever wanted—that and for you to be happy."

"I am."

"You are my miracle. My love will always be a part of you." She wiped a tear that had fallen down his face. "I'm going to cherish all the time I left with my family."

"Me too."

She patted his cheek. "Cook made your favorites, and also threw in Elizabeth's favorite dessert."

"Chocolate?"

"Yes. It's fabulous. I snuck a taste."

He grinned. "Let's go."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

For the next few days, Jason mostly slept with the baby and Elizabeth tried to do the same but is getting restless.

When Sam appeared in the doorway. She smiled.

"Where is he?" Sam asked.

"He's doing some physical therapy in the den."

The baby made a noise, so Sam peeked.

"You can pick her up," Liz said.

Sam carefully lifted her. "The more time I spend holding her, the more I think I want to try again."

"When is it safe?"

"Probably in about three weeks, but I just want to be more secure in my relationship with Sonny." She sat on the bed with Lily. It's a lot of adjustment living with the boys full-time again. Morgan is still young, so she's not sure she wants to go there right now anyway. While she has been intimate with Sonny, they haven't had sex. They still need to wait a bit.

"Are you getting along?"

"Yes, and things are going well with the kids." They had told Michael the prior day and he took it hard and had been a little clingy. "Morgan is still young, so I do have my hands full. I can't help but feel a little guilty because of Carly."

"It's complicated."

"Very… There's always a chance that they'll find out someday and hate me, but I don't regret what I did even if it took their mother away." It's a bad situation, but Carly had done an insane amount of damage and had to be stopped.

"The only thing you can do is treat them the best you can. They are young and will love you, Sam."

She nodded. Eventually, the little guilt she has will lessen. Right now, her emotions are all over the place. Her phone rang, so she handed the baby to Liz.

"Alright, I'll be right there." She ended the call. "Sorry, mommy duty. Michael has a tummy ache and wants either me or Sonny and he is in a meeting."

"You know you can come over whenever you want. Bring the boys, they will get spoiled around here."

"I'll try to visit in a few days."

"Later."

She disappeared and about ten minutes later, Jason entered the room.

"How did it go?"

"I'm exhausted, but I'm going to take a quick shower."

They had put a seat in the shower, so that helped them a lot. When he was finished, she told him not to put on his shirt and to lie down.

Once he was settled, she laid a pillow against his chest.

"Alright, I'm going to lay Lily on your chest to the side. The pillow should protect you if she kicks."

Jason smiled. "Okay." He had read about skin-to-skin contact.

The baby just has a diaper on and is awake.

"Alright, here you go," she said before positioning her.

Lily moved around a bit before her eyes locked on Jason's.

"Hey, baby girl," he said softly. "Daddy loves you so much."

He began to tell her about Africa and soon, his voice lulled her to sleep.

Liz loves watching them. "She can stay there for a few and then I'll put her in the bassinet."

"I think I could hold her forever."

"You might wish you could have once she's a teen."

Jason smirked. "She's never dating."

"Jason…"

"It's okay to dream."

"You don't dream."

"I know."

Her eyes narrowed.

"You can't hit me while I'm holding the baby."

"You have to put her down eventually."

Monica grinned. "Is it safe to come in?"

Jason glanced at her. "Yes."

"Don't be mad."

"What?"

He looked up and Monica snapped a picture.

"I'll send it to you. You'll always want to remember these little moments."

"True."

"Any special requests for dinner?"

Liz shrugged. "I'm good with whatever."

"Me too."

She eyed her son. "You're getting a nice big steak. Milo said he needs to get some meat back on your bones."

Jason smiled. "I won't argue with that."

"Monica, can you put the baby down?" Liz asked.

"Sure…"

She carefully removed the baby and put her in the bassinet. "I can never get enough of her."

"She is addicting."

Once she was gone, Liz held his hand.

"Did they change your bandage?"

"Yes. Monica did it downstairs."

"How did it look?"

"Irritated, but she said it will be fine."

"You're gonna scar."

He shut his eyes. "Does that bother you?"

"It's a reminder, so a little bit."

"Kisses should help that."

She grinned. "You think so?"

"Uh-huh."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

A week later, Johnny grinned when the doctor gave him the go-ahead to travel.

Emily shot him a look.

He realized his mom didn't look happy, so he quickly squelched his joy. They are going to have to talk.

Ryan leaned closer. "Nice going, mom mood killer."

Johnny rolled his eyes. "Don't you have something to do?"

"Nope."

Siobhan tried not to laugh. "I have a shift at the hospital. Congrats," she said before leaving.

Emily could feel the tension in the room build. "I'll walk the doctor out."

They left as Johnny glared at his brother.

"Oh, do you want me to leave?"

"Yes, captain obvious," he said borrowing one of Em's terms.

"Fine, be that way."

He left as Maggie and Johnny's gaze locked.

"Please don't cry."

She sighed. "I feel like I just got you back."

When she sucked in a sob, he got up and hugged her.

"I'm sorry."

She gripped his shirt as she had a good cry.

"I promise I'll come back. Why don't you come with me? You can boss Jason around."

It took a few more minutes before she pulled away and wiped her face. "You mean it?"

"Yes."

"Where would I stay?"

"I can see if Sonny will let you stay in his cottage. That's where Ryan stayed."

She thought for a moment. "Okay. I'll come."

He smiled. "Good. Ryan will cry because he missed your cooking."

She slightly smiled. "He'll live. That is what he has a wife for."

"Now you know Red can't cook."

Maggie groaned. "I've tried to teach her."

"It's hopeless."

"Alright, when are we leaving?" She hadn't been on a proper trip in ages.

"Is tomorrow too soon?"

"I suppose not."

"Great. I'll let Emily know."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Jason moved around the room. He's doing a lot better. Breathing is much easier and he's tolerating exercise better. While he has a long way to go, it feels good to make some progress.

He sat in a chair by the window and shut his eyes, waiting for Elizabeth to return.

Hearing a noise, his eyes snapped open, and he is stunned. "Maggie?"

She grinned. "You are a sight for sore eyes."

He started to get up, but she held up her hand.

"Don't move." She closed the distance and sat on the arm of the chair and then hugged him. "I'm so happy you're okay."

"Me too. You look good."

She pulled back. "You are still handsome, but you look tired. Are you resting?"

"As much as I can with a baby. I'm not complaining though. I enjoy every minute of it."

"I can't believe you're finally a dad."

"Johnny is next."

"Aye. If Emily doesn't kick him out first."

"I heard that."

She stood and let them do battle as they perused each other.

"I know you missed me," Johnny said.

Jason shook his head. "You make no sense."

"Just admit it. You'll feel better." When Jason's brow rose, Johnny chuckled. "Should we hug it out?"

Emily pushed past him. "Don't pay any attention to him." She stopped in front of her brother. "Can I have a hug?"

"Of course…"

She gently hugged him. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," he said before kissing the side of her head.

She pulled back. "Where is Liz?"

"She was in the den. They should be back—"

He stops talking when she appears in the doorway.

"Em!"

Emily runs and hugs her gently. "I missed you so much."

"What am I—chopped liver?" Johnny said.

They separate and she eyes him.

"I'm fine."

They hugged.

"I'm so happy to see you."

When they broke apart, Liz smiled at Maggie. "It's nice to meet you in person."

Maggie smiled and hugged her. "I'm glad you are okay."

The baby yawned as Alan moved inside.

"Oh, my goodness," Maggie said as she and Emily moved toward him.

"She's so perfect," Emily said.

"She's beautiful," Maggie said.

"You want to hold her?"

Maggie nodded. "Yes, but let Emily go first."

Alan placed the baby in Emily's arms.

"I'm already in love."

Liz is so happy she is back and looks better than she did when she left.

Jason had noticed too. Emily is healing well.

Maggie got to hold the baby for a while and was in heaven. Everyone left when Liz needed to feed the baby.

"It's so good to have them back," Liz said as she watched Lily.

"Yeah." They had almost lost so much, but he's thankful that everyone he loves is safe.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Johnny slowly moved into the bedroom. Emily is in the bathroom. Tonight, he's going to be with his girl, and he can't wait.

He pulled off his shirt and tossed it on a chair and then kicked off his shoes and socks.

When the door swung open, her eyes slowly traced his muscular chest, and he couldn't believe how sexy she looked in her nightie.

"God, you're beautiful," he said softly, making her shudder.

She slightly smiled. "Is it bad I want to jump on you?"

He laughed. "Only if I don't get to jump you first."

"Bring it."

They closed the distance quickly and he lifted her as their lips collided. He gripped her ass as his legs wrapped around him, and when she sucked on his tongue, he knew going slow was out the window.

They bumped into the bed as he stumbled forward and quickly lowered her and climbed between her legs. The negligee is practically torn away and she's the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. For the next hour, he ravished her body, making her come several times before he finally couldn't hold back. After collapsing next to her, he heard a sound and realized she is crying.

"Emily? What's wrong?"

She laughed and cried at the same time. "Nothing. I—it was beautiful and so different."

"What do you mean?"

"Things with Nikolas seemed more desperate. I don't know how to explain it. It was just perfect and not toxic in any way. Thank you."

He kissed her reverently. "It was everything I hoped for. I love you, Emily. I can't imagine not loving you. Just promise me something."

"What?"

"If I ever do something stupid or you're not happy, can you talk to me about it before doing something drastic?"

"Okay."

"If we agree to be respectful and considerate, then I think we'll be just fine."

She smiled. "I'm looking forward to every minute."

"Me too."