Chapter Eleven
Dr. Lee arrived thirty minutes after Liz had been resituated in her room, wanting to check on both mommy and baby. Jason left the room, saying he had to make a phone call, when he left, the two women instantly fell into the comfortable conversation that good friends share.
"So Liz, I hear someone admitted to being in love with you? How was it, did you tell him too?" Kelly asked. Thrilled to say the least, that he friend had finally found happiness.
"He did and I did and then he said he plans on asking me to marry him! Can you believe it, all those months of worrying and making the wrong mistakes, and he loves me." Liz said, her eyes speaking volumes about her happiness.
"Okay all joking aside though, you had a very close call back there, you know how this goes, there could be complications." Dr. Lee stated.
"I know and I will do everything in my power to take it easy, as easy as I can with a toddler." Liz said honestly.
"That's good, lean on Jason, he will help you, let him take care of you, you are going to need some TLC for a couple of weeks." Kelly said as she squeezed Elizabeth's hand before rising and slowly stepping out of the room.
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Jason walked out into the chilly night, he flipped open his cell and made a very important call. All of a sudden, waiting to do what he wanted seemed stupid, so he was going to grasp his future and take necessary steps to insure said future were with Liz.
"Spinelli, I need you to do something for me, go into my lockbox, inside there is a small bag, and can you bring it to me here at the hospital, now?" Jason asked, hating to ask a favor of him, seeing as how he had a problem keeping his mouth shut, but he asked nonetheless.
"Not a problem Stonecold, I will be there momentarily." Spinelli said as he flipped his phone shut, going to the box and removing said package.
Jason stuffed his phone back into his pants pocket and made his way back into Elizabeth. A secretive smile playing across his beautiful face.
Tomorrow he could make arrangements for other things, tonight he planned to spend time with his son and Liz. Tonight he was just happy with the knowledge that his family was safe, even if they really weren't his family yet. Tomorrow he could also worry about Ric and Lorenzo.
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As he entered Elizabeth's room, he was once again taken aback by her beauty, the fact that she was feeding their son only heightened her beauty. Jason came and sat beside her, gently touching his son's head, awed at the downy softness that was his child.
"Should I leave while you do this, or is it alright if I stay?" Jason asked, not wanting to make Liz uncomfortable.
"You are more than welcome to stay, the time you were gone was agony, but while I slept and dreamt, I felt closer to you and could hold out hope of you making it back to us. Besides it wasn't all that long ago that you seen me completely naked." Liz replied, a smile resting upon her lips.
"I can't believe he's here, I thought about him often, but even in my mind, I could not have dreamt up the perfection that is personified in him. Those blue eyes are angelic, and his hands, well those are artist's hands." Jason babbled, completely taken by such a small creature, yet he knew as soon as he laid eyes upon him, that he occupied his heart completely.
"Have you had time to think of a name you might like?" Liz asked curiosity at the thought of what names he might put out there.
"I thought you were going to name him, isn't it customary for the mother to do that kind of thing?" Jason asked.
"Well I suppose it happens often enough, but I would like to think we are equal…" Liz said, but was interrupted when a knock sounded at her door.
"I'll be right back, this one's for me." Jason said and quickly left the room, not explaining how he knew it was for him.
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"Spinelli, did you get it?" Jason enquired.
"Yup, right here Stonecold, you do realize that there's a ring box in there, right?" Spinelli asked.
"What you looked inside, why?" Jason asked clearly annoyed.
"Well, I wanted to make sure I had the right bag, so I checked. How are mother and child?" Spinelli asked, but before he received and answer he understood now was not the time and quickly left, for Jason was already on his way back in.
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Liz watched their son feed, it was amazing how much she loved this little guy, she had to agree with Jason though, perfection personified is exactly what he is. This child was blessed to have a father like Jason, for no matter what happens in life, Jason will always be there, Liz thought to herself.
Liz was lost in thought when her door opened and Jason reappeared, a loving smile gracing his face. In all the years that she had known him, she had not seen him smile so much as he had in the last seven months or so, this baby had given him so much joy and she had almost destroyed it all by asking him to give up his rights to this child. How could she have been so dense, she had caused him so much pain, it was unbelievable he didn't hate her.
"Hey you, who was at the door, or was it business?" Liz asked, not wanting to pry.
"Well, business of a sort but more so just Spinelli being Spinelli." Jason said.
"I don't get the two of you, you are such polar opposite's of each other, but at crunch time, you trust and rely on him, if the need so arises. What's that in your hand?" Liz asked her curiosity all of a sudden peaked.
"I don't get Spinelli most of the time, but he is fabulous with his computer, so I know I can trust him when I really need to. As for this, I'll tell you a little later, there is a story that goes with it. How about for now, we concentrate on trying to think of a name for our son!" Jason said, cleverly dodging her question, while also hiding the package that he had just brought in.
"Okay Mr. spill, I just gave birth to your son, but don't think I can't get out of this bed and take what's in your hand. Remember I am a very dedicated and determined person and I can tell you have something you are hiding." Liz said hoping that playing the son card wasn't to low a blow.
"It's nothing really, I'll tell you later. Let's work on a name for this little man." Jason said admiringly. "I have been thinking about a few names, what do you think of Liam or Connor, by the way what is his last name going to be?"
Liz handed Jason the baby, indicating him to look at the anklet. In bold print "Baby Boy Morgan" was written. Once again, his heart leaped, this woman had given him almost everything he wanted. "What made you decide to give this baby my last name, we aren't even married yet!" Jason exclaimed, hoping that she wanted to marry him as much as he wanted to marry her.
"I have known for a very long time that this baby should have your last name, I am so sorry I tried to logic you right out of this baby's life." Liz said as more tears began to fall.
"Let's agree from here on out, our past needs not to be apologized for, what is done is done, we have a chance at a future." Jason said as he placed his son in the hospital bassinet.
He went to sit in the chair next to her bed, but Liz scooted over and gently patted the spot she had just vacated. Jason carefully climbed onto the bed, not wanting to jar her or anything, she had been through much, now she needed someone to pamper her, and that was just what he was planning on doing.
"While I like the names you have thought of, did you ever consider naming the baby after yourself, or if that doesn't work for you, how about Alan?" Liz asked, noticing his tears right away. "Jason I have a favor to ask you, before we continue with this conversation?"
"Sure what is it?" Jason asked, happy to do anything for the love of his life.
"I love you, you are a wonderful man, but… you really need a shower!" Liz said with a laugh.
"Oh, is that your way of telling me I smell?" Jason asked while a smile played upon his lips.
"Well, yeah, you had been held captive for quite some time." Liz said as her eyes slowly began to feel heavy.
"Sleep, or rest, I will go shower. We have all the time in the world to discuss baby names." Jason said as he lifted himself off the bed. "I will be back in a few." Jason went into the adjoining bathroom, regulated the water's temperature and climbed in.
Liz eyes stayed open until he had left the main room, then finally feeling at peace, she allowed her eyes to close. Knowing Jason was close by.
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Jason quickly disrobed and climbed into the shower, relishing the warmth of the water and the fragrant soap, he had to admit, Liz was right, he had smelled rather bad. After the shower, he didn't want to put his dirty clothes back on, so he grabbed a pair of scrubs that were folded neatly on a shelf.
When he walked into the room, Liz was dosing peacefully. He quietly let himself out into the hall to talk to Johnny.
"Hey Johnny, would you mind going over to my penthouse and picking up some clothes for me, and if you go in the front closet, on the shelf in the back is a teddy bear, for the baby, could you bring that as well?" Jason asked.
"Sure boss, would you like me to pick up anything else?" Johnny asked.
"A dozen white lilies, they are Elizabeth's favorite!" Jason exclaimed.
"Not a problem, I'll be back later." Johnny said as he left the hospital.
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Jason quietly reentered the hospital room, but needn't have bothered; Liz was sitting up, watching their son sleep.
"I thought you were going to get some sleep?" Jason remarked.
"I rested some, but I'm not overly tired right now." Liz said honestly.
"Okay," Jason said as he went back to his position he had earlier vacated due to his smell, cuddling up to Elizabeth, while she rested her head upon his chest. Finally resuming the conversation that they had been having before. "So you want to name our son after my father, Liz do you know what that would have meant to him. I'm just sorry he never knew of him, but like you said the day of his funeral, I am sure he is looking down and ever so proud of his grandson."
"Our son would carry a proud name, being named after your father, he was a good and kind man, just how I would like our son to grow up and be. So our son has a name, a perfect name, little Alan Morgan." Liz said, smiling.
Liz turned slightly to get more comfortable with her head on Jason's firm chest, he was her safe haven, with him around, she could finally see the future and what it could hold.
As careful as possible, Jason removed the little box from the bag. While he fingered the soft material, he was momentarily cast back in time through his memories, to a time when he had purchased this object. He was in Italy, right around the same time that he had found the piece of glass that he ended up giving to Liz.
He was walking by a jewelry store when something caught his eye. A diamond ring inlaid with rubies, with garnets inlaid into the white gold, it was beautiful and he couldn't pass it up.
He had bought it with the idea of giving it to Elizabeth, when he returned he was just waiting for the right time, it wasn't going to be a proposal but just something that he knew would look beautiful upon her finger.
But the time never was perfect and the ring was placed in his lockbox and forgotten for a time being. It now seemed like the right time had finally come. Liz was looking at him with a small smile, just drinking in the closeness that Jason offered without restraint.
"Liz, I need you to listen and not say anything until I am done. Does that work for you?"
"I can, I promise." Liz said, her interest piqued.
"This wasn't really what I had planned, but I have learned that things can happen and I realize now, if you love someone, you need to say it, as often as you can. Because it is without a doubt that I love you, I think I always have, I was just so concerned with keeping you safe, that I forgot that you get to have a say in your life. No one has ever been there for me like you have, it is because of you I am alive and it is also because of you that I now have a son. I am tired of following what everyone else wants, this time, I want to take what it is I have always wanted, and that is you." He paused to catch his breath.
"I live in a house, but it is not a home, I never understood the word until the night you and I spent together, you opened my eyes and now I cannot settle for less. Sorry this couldn't be more romantic, but I need to know, will you marry me?" Jason asked, all of a sudden terrified that she wouldn't want him. Jason brought the ring out from behind his back, holding it in front of her.
"Jason, yes, a million times Yes. There is nothing else I would rather do, you are my souls mate, and there is no way you are going to get rid of me now." Liz said, crying steadily now. "My God Jason, it's beautiful, how did you, when did you…"
"I bought it for you a long time ago, but never found the perfect time, until now. I promise when you are out of here and back on your feet, you and I will go to Italy and I will propose properly." Jason said with all sincerity. "And seeing as how I promised you the story about this ring, I will now tell you." Jason once again took a deep breath, wanting to take her back in time to when he had purchased the ring.
"First off, close your eyes, image you are there with me." Jason said as he watched her close her eyes.
"I was in Venice, walking around aimlessly, just looking and taking in everything. I had passed this shop a number of times but had never really seen anything that could have caught my attention. Until that is, my last day I was to be in Venice. I passed the shop again, on my way to this little eatery, but before I could walk completely by the store, this ring was in the display window. I know I am not an expert when it comes to rings, I know what I like and don't like, but this ring seemed to call to me." Jason paused momentarily, to draw out what he planned to tell her.
"I had every intention of just walking by, for it was a wedding ring, that was obvious, but something seemed to compel me to enter the shop. I talked with the owner of the store, I hadn't known it when I saw the ring, but it had once belonged to a couple who had fought for love, in the late 1800's. The man and woman were betrothed to others, but they couldn't fight what they felt for one another. According the story the owner was told, there families disowned them and disinherited. The owner never knew the names of this couple, but supposedly the young man gave his love all the money he had, which wasn't that much but he gave what he could and took a job with the local hoodlums, it was dangerous work and the woman feared for his safety, but the money he brought in was good." Jason stopped speaking for a moment, taking a drink of water from Liz's cup, he had also stopped because Liz was looking at him oddly.
"Please don't stop, continue!" Liz said excitedly, clearly enjoying the tale behind her ring.
"Anyway, after six months of working for the shadier side of society, he had saved up enough money to buy this ring, he had the ring engraved, on the inner band, declaring his love for her. They were to be wed the following spring, both understood that they needed money to make a stable life for a family, so they waited and he continued to work, his family heard what he was up to and that winter he mysteriously disappeared. The woman was heartbroken, someone, for she knew it wasn't the man she loved, had left her a note, telling her they could never have worked, that his life was too dangerous. She never saw him again, but they had spent many months in enjoying being in love, she refused to believe it was all a lie, but due to hard times, she was left with no other choice, so she came to that very shop and sold the ring to the shop owner's great grandfather. And according to the man I spoke to, the story had been handed down through each generation." Jason said as he noticed the tears shimmering in Liz's eyes.
"Take the ring off for a second, read what is on the band." Jason said.
Liz took the ring off and gazed at the inscription, the tears that had been waiting to fall, now did, inside it read, "Elizabeth, my heart and soul, I love you forever." The writing was very tiny, to accommodate the sentiments, but very clear. "Oh Jason, how, that is phenomenal, what are the odds?"
"I thought the same, but when I saw the ring, even before I seen the inscription, I knew it was something you had to have. So I bought it, and held on to it all this time. Perhaps when we go to Italy, I can show you the store, it was very beautiful, steeped in history." Jason said, placing a kiss to her lips. "And after everything that has happened with us, I thought this ring was fitting, but sleep now my darling, tomorrow we can talk more, now you need to think about yourself and getting healthy for our baby boy."
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Lulu sat beside her brother's bedside, looking sadly lost. It was unnerving seeing him tied down to the bed, she couldn't honestly believe that he had tried to take his life, go back to pills yes, but purposely try to kill himself, that just didn't seem like her brother. When she looked up, she noticed that Lucky had awakened.
"Oh, Lucky, how are you doing?" Lulu asked, her worry evident.
"Just peachy sis, can't you tell?" Lucky said sarcastically.
"So you heard then, Liz had the baby, it's a boy." Lulu said, feeling sorry for her brother all over again. Right before her eyes it was like a change occurred in Lucky, perhaps she had let the cat out of the bag a little early.
"No, I had not heard, Jason must be ecstatic about it though." Lucky said, his words dripping in hatred. "Those two deserve each other and whatever comes their way."
"Lucky, you don't mean that, you love Liz, your just hurt. Don't do anything silly when you get out of here that you might later regret. It is simply time to move on, perhaps there is another woman out there who better fits you." Lulu exclaimed, hoping to move Lucky away from the topic about Jason and Liz and onto happy thoughts.
"I meant everything I said, Liz and I are done." Lucky retorted, hiding his pain as best as he could.
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It was rather late, but Luke was restless, Scotty Baldwin wouldn't leave him alone, and now that horses butt was planning on filing for guardianship of Laura, that man made Luke's blood boil. Not to mention the fact that his son was secured to the bed in which he lay, the child he thought was his wasn't and his wife, was soon going to be an ex, and who was finding happiness with someone else. His daughter had half of Port Charles chasing after her and on top of all of that, his wife was still carrying on conversations with inanimate furniture.
He wanted so badly to talk to Laura, she would know what to do with the kids, but she wasn't around, so now all the parental duties fell upon him. He didn't rightly know what he was going to do with Lucky though, he was throwing his life away for drugs, and while Luke might wish to be able to do something for him, he understood that this was Lucky's task to undertake, whatever the outcome. So he planned on standing by his son and helping him in away, he can.
Perhaps if he went to Shadybrook and just talked to Laura, then maybe things would work themselves out, it was a long shot, but he really did hope.
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Jason extracted himself from Liz's embrace to go to his son, Alan had started to fuss, not wanting to wake Liz just yet, Jason took a few moments just to look in wonder at the child he helped create. It was positively amazing how something so small could change all his ideas about life. By the time he changed Alan, Liz was awake and ready to feed their son.
Jason walked over to the bed, he handed her the baby and said, "I'll be right back, there is something I need to do."
Liz took her son in her arms, all of a sudden feeling guilty about not seeing Cameron, but knowing tomorrow, Cam would get to meet his little brother. Liz glanced quickly at the clock, hoping this little miracle didn't think 3am was a good time for all other feedings.
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"Is Dr. Lee around?" Jason asked the receptionist.
"Actually she just got out of another delivery, she should… Oh, there she is." The receptionist said, pointing down the left corridor.
"Dr. Lee, can I speak to you a moment?" Jason asked.
"Sure, what's on your mind?" Dr. Lee said.
"I was just curious if you knew how Liz was doing, physically. And if you had any idea when she would be released, I wanted to plan something very special for her." Jason said, somewhat shy at having to reveal to a practical stranger what he wanted to do.
"Well, tomorrow I am going to give Liz a checkup and from there I will then be able to discern when and if Liz is ready to go home, she has been through a lot today, but from what I can tell, she looks like she will pull through this without any complications. She is very strong willed." Dr. Lee said, knowing how much Liz would fight to be with Jason now that everything was working itself out.
"Thanks, I won't keep you any longer. I'll see you tomorrow." Jason said as he headed back to Liz's room.
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Liz was sitting up in bed, alternating gently patting Alan's back and rubbing circles. She was sing softly but sweetly to him.
Baby Mine, By Alison Krauss
Baby mine, don't
you cry.
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my
heart,
never to part,
baby of mine.
Little one when you
play,
don't you mind what they say.
Let those eyes sparkle and
shine,
never a tear,
baby of mine.
If they knew sweet
little you
they'd end up loving you too.
All of those people
who scold you
what they'd give just for the right to hold
you.
From your head down to your toes,
you're not much,
goodness knows.
But you're so precious to me,
sweet as can
be,
baby of mine.
If they knew sweet little you,
they'd
end up loving you too.
All those same people who scold you,
what
they'd give just for the right to hold you.
From your head
down to your toes
you're not much, goodness knows.
But you're
so precious to me,
sweet as can be,
baby of mine.
Baby of
mine
Liz looked up and saw Jason watching her, she flushed a bright red. She hadn't been aware of anyone watching her, she was so taken by her son that the song just flowed naturally. The look on Jason's face took her breath away. It was a simple look, but all the love he felt was now easy to see, because it was written on his face.
"Liz, that was amazing!" Jason said
"Jason, I didn't hear you come in." Liz said, slightly breathless, a shyness stealing her voice.
Jason could tell she was slightly uncomfortable, so he picked up his sleeping son and put him back in the bassinet, placing a tender kiss to his satiny brow. Liz moved over again to allow Jason room, once they were both covered, Jason took her face in his hands, slowly lowering his lips to hers.
This kiss was full of passion, but the desire was slightly tempered, for they both understood they had been through a lot the last few days and while she really did want to be with Jason, the thought of anything sexual was furthest from her mind, seeing as how she had just gone through a difficult labor.
There would be plenty of time to make love, right now they took comfort in knowing that tomorrow held a future that looked bright, a future that saw them together.
Liz was awoken once more that early morning, but she managed to feed Alan and get him changed and back to sleep without disturbing Jason. It was obvious he was exhausted, being held hostage for such a period of time was not conductive of good sleeping habits.
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Jason awoke at a little past 8am, he kissed Liz before getting up, he couldn't be sure, but he was almost was, that she had been watching him sleep and for sometime. "How are you feeling today?"
"I am feeling a lot better, still sore, but I am sure that will pass, don't worry Jase, I will be fine." Liz said. "Do you have anywhere to go today, I only ask because if after Kelly does my checkup and gives the go ahead that I can be released, I was kind of hoping you might drive me to my grams."
"I do have a few things I need to get done today, but I should be back shortly, sometime early afternoon, does that work for you." Jason asked, not really wanting to leave, but knowing he needed to take care of a few things.
"Not a problem really, you have been wonderful, take all the time you need." Liz said with a yawn. She understood that his being gone must have had many things backing up at work.
Jason leaned down once more, placing a kiss upon her lips then turned and placed a tender kiss upon his son's brow. "I'll see you later, take it easy, okay."
"I will, you take it easy as well, okay." Liz said.
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Jason arrived at his penthouse, he knew there was something he was going to need to do, but which he wasn't looking forward to. He unlocked the door and entered. The front door was partially blocked due to all the boxes sitting there. Jason wasn't sure how it happened, but was grateful that it looked to be almost done. He also noticed toys scattered over by his pool table, children's books on his coffee table so it wasn't hard to put two and two together and understand that Sonny had had Liz staying here, along with Cameron.
"Sam, how are you?" Jason asked, clearly disliking having to hurt her, but unable to stop, he was no longer in love with her.
"Me, oh, don't you worry, I'll be fine. I'm going to stay with Alexis, it seems like the smart idea anyway, seeing as how chemo has been taking so much out of her." Sam babbled, clearly trying to stave off her tears. "Sonny phoned me while I was up in New York, and I thought it rather odd that he was phoning to tell me that you were currently out of town and could not be contacted. instead of you phoning and telling me, but Jason why didn't you just tell me the truth, why did I have to hear it from Carly and Spinelli, or from the obviousness of all the children's toys laying about, I thought I meant more to you than that."
"You did, I mean... you do, but I have been trying to fight my attraction to Liz for so long now, and my son, he deserves a home with both his parents. You will always have a special place in my heart, but we are over." Jason said sadly, truly disliking hurting her.
"We can remain…" Jason began but was cut off. "Don't you dare say friends Jason that is like the kiss of death." Sam hissed at him.
But before she could say anything more, a knock sounded on the door. Jason answered it, surprised to see Max and Milo. "Hey, Sam asked us if we could help her move her stuff to Alexis's place, we thought it was a good idea." Max said.
"Not a problem, I need you to do something for me afterwards, if you don't mind." Jason said.
"Sure, do you want me to call you when we are done, or will you be here?" Max asked, knowing what Jason most likely wanted anyway.
"Give me a call, I am not sure where I will be." Jason said.
He walked up to Sam and gave her a brief hug, he whispered in her ear, "You are an amazing woman Sam, we just weren't so amazing together." With that said he turned and walked out of his home.
Sam watched his retreating back until he stepped into the elevator, a sob of regret and despair taking her to her knees.
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He arrived back at the hospital shortly after lunch. Liz was sitting up feeding their son, Jason had to marvel at his son's healthy appetite. The term still sent shivers up his spine, he figured it would be like that forever.
So many children had come into his life, only to have them taken before they arrived or like Michael, after a great bond had been made. It looked like things were finally making way for him to have a family and keep it.
"Hey there stranger, how are you?" Liz asked.
"I'm fine, Sam is moving out of the penthouse, to be closer to Alexis, Sam knows it's over between her and myself, I never told her we were getting married, I figured that could come later, no need riling everyone up separately." Jason said with a wink.
"You think that many people will dislike the fact that we are in love and getting married?" Liz asked, a slight frown marring her face.
"You know as well as I do that most people will not welcome our impending wedding with anything but disdain, Carly will be livid. But I honestly don't care what people say, I do love you and want to be with you, so everyone else is just a technicality." Jason said. "But I did have a few questions for you, will you live with me before the wedding, so I can protect you and our children, should other people like Ric and Lorenzo take it upon themselves to strike out against Sonny and myself. and would you prefer us to look for a house, I can understand if you don't want to live in the penthouse, there are many bad memories there, along with quite a few good one's, for us at least.
"I think living with you is a good idea, I don't think your son should be away from you. as for where we live, I will be honest, living at the penthouse could be slightly awkward, you have made it a home with other people, other women, if we could find a house that was perfect for us and the children, without causing problems for security, I think that would be wonderful. but it is really something that needs to be decided by you, because your comfort matters as well." Liz said sincerely.
"At the time, I suppose I thought the penthouse was a home with Courtney and Sam, but it was a house that other's inhabited, I just existed while there. it wasn't until our lives melded together that I truly felt hope for a home, because it is in you that my home resides, your heart, soul, mind and body and those of our children. I think finding a house is the perfect idea, and together we can show our kids what the word home really means." Jason said honestly.
"So we stay at the penthouse until we can find the perfect place, sounds good to me. Just one question, where do we plan on putting Cameron and Alan while we are there? I know there is the nursery that you and Sam made for Lila, but I wouldn't presume to expect for our child to be in that room, it holds many memories for you, I don't want to take that away from you." Liz said.
"For starters, until we can find a place the penthouse seems like the logical place to stay. As for Lila's thing's, I will call Sam and find out if she wants the furniture. However, if you want I can talk to Sonny about any idea's he might have, perhaps he knows of a house that is available sooner rather than later, and if that is the case perhaps we can get moved in before you even leave the hospital." Jason said, suddenly excited about getting into a new place and starting his life with Elizabeth the right way, except for the whole baby before marriage, but who ever said he was a saint or did things in the right order.
"Do you really think you can get all of this done in one day, because there is a good chance that I will be released today." Liz said with a laugh.
"Well not in one day, but if we need to we can stay at the penthouse, although when we do find the perfect place, we are going to need to get all new furniture, all the stuff at the penthouse came with it." Jason said with a small smile.
"Okay, give Sonny a call, see what he can do, but you know Jason, you don't have to do all of this."
"I know, surprisingly I want to, it just feels right, you know what I mean?"
"I know exactly what you mean, a fresh start for our family, sounds perfect." Liz said, feeling better than she had in days.
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Jason stepped out into the hallway and headed to the nurse's station to use the phone, being at the hospital for so long, the battery on his cell phone had died.
"Hey Sonny, I need a favor, what real estate agent did you use when you bought your place? Liz and I have decided to look for house and I was hoping you might be able to help." Jason said, hope tinting his voice.
"Wow, you two sure move fast, what's the rush, you getting married?" Sonny said jokingly.
"Actually, yeah, we are. And we both agree a fresh start is exactly what we need." Jason said.
"Was there a specific area in Port Charles that you wanted to live in?" Sonny asked, the wheels in his head already going a hundred miles an hour.
"Not really, we just want to make sure we are safe, that is the most important requirement."
"How would you feel having me as a neighbor again? The house next door, that beautiful colonial is up for sale right now, I was contemplating getting the place myself, if for no other reason that extra protection, because making a compound of the two places would be very simple. but if you are interested and don't think Liz would be totally against me as a neighbor and living within a compound, then let me know, I can get you the phone number and then we can get Diane to place an opening bid or a final bid for that matter. Talk to Liz and get back to me." Sonny said as he hung up his phone.
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"Has Dr. Lee been by yet?" Jason asked.
"No, she had an emergency C-section, so she had to push my exam back to a later time, I was told I could have another OBGYN check me out, but I would much prefer to wait for Kelly, seeing as she has been my doctor for so long. No worries, she will get here as soon as she can." Liz explained. "Did you talk to Sonny, did you get in contact with his agent?"
"I talked to Sonny and he had an interesting solution to our minor problem. There is this beautiful old colonial style house beside Sonny's place, the backyard is huge, a perfect place for kids to play. Sonny himself had thought about buying it because he could surround both places in a compound like structure, for safety reasons of course. But he wasn't sure you would want him as a neighbor or like living in a compound, what do you think?" Jason asked,
"The house sounds beautiful, and while living on a compound may not sound overly wonderful, I think I could agree to it, the safety of our family must come first. How long do you think it would take to close on the place, before we could move in." Liz said smiling.
"Really, you wouldn't mind living there, you do realize that you would end up seeing Carly more, right? For some reason or another she always seems to be around. But if you are serious, I can go call Diane right now and get her to make a bid, and if it is a generous enough one, I am sure we can close the bidding with one simple bid." Jason said.
"That sounds great, when you are done that, you think you could pick Cameron up from Grams and bring him here, I want us to introduce him to his baby brother and to tell him all our exciting news, he has been away from me for long enough already." Liz said, feeling slightly bad, that she herself couldn't do it.
"Sure, I think that would be great." Jason said as he walked over to her bed, placing a tender kiss to the crown of Alan's head and paying more special attention to Liz's lips, he devoured them until neither could breathe. "I love you"
"I love you too, now hurry back." Liz said as she watched Jason leave the room.
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It was rather amazing how things had turned out, her life had taken a complete 360 degree turn, but for once, everything felt right, like the previous years were her just waiting in the wings for her real life to begin with Jason and her two precious boys. Liz was broken out of her thoughts by a knock on the door. "Come in."
"Mrs. Webber?"
"Yes, that's me! What can I do for you?" Liz asked.
The man handed her a manila envelope and answered, "You've just been served." He turned on his heel and walked out of her room, not bothering to shut the door.
"I'm served" she said to no one in particular, okay, what is going on now? She thought to herself.
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"Thanks Diane for seeing me so quickly, I know you must be busy, but Liz and I are very excited about getting into a new house, especially since the baby arrived sooner than expected." Jason said.
"Don't mention it, I am happy to help. Although the last time I checked you were with Sam and no baby was on the way, you do move fast Mr. Morgan." Diane said with a laugh.
"Let's just call it a long story and leave it at that for now." Jason said with a laugh of his own. It was almost as if his entire being was lighter and freer now, his son had brought such a change over him, and for that he was truly grateful, it is because of his son that he saw Elizabeth as something more, it finally opened his eyes and his heart, allowing himself to take a chance.
"Understood! Now was there a price limit you wanted to state? Because the house sits on four acres of land, it is fully landscaped and the house has just had all new appliances installed, so the asking price is higher than most places around Port Charles." Diane said, ready to take care of business.
"Elizabeth and I have discussed this somewhat, and while she probably doesn't know how much the place is worth, I am willing to add a $50,000 dollar bonus if they will end bidding and allow us to move in to the place by this weekend or even earlier. Sonny said the place is empty so that shouldn't be a problem, I hope." Jason said, ready to wheel and deal, the thought of getting Liz, Cameron and Alan home sounded heavenly.
"Let me give the owners a call, I think you just might have a home when this is done, your bonus is very generous, more than most people ever offer for such a request. I will give you a call and let you know how it goes, if they take the deal, I'll push to get you in right away, that way when Liz is released from the hospital you can go there." Diane said as she excused herself to make the necessary arrangements.
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Liz slowly opened the envelope, not sure who it could be from. Inside were legal documents, divorce papers. "Wow, he sure moves fast" she thought to herself. Surprisingly relieved that she wouldn't have to fight him for the divorce. Beneath the divorce papers were another set of documents, these one's caused her hands to tremble and her heart felt as if it had turned to ice. "No, you can't do this!" Liz yelled, inadvertently awakening Alan, tears falling unbidden as she through both documents across the room, they hit the door and fluttered to the floor.
There was a knock at the door, and then Emily peered into the room, not wanting to bother mother and child, should they be sleeping. "Liz, what's wrong?" Emily asked, looking down at the papers on the floor, she picked them up, placing them on the bedside dresser, she scooped the baby up, cradling him in her arms, trying to calm him.
"Oh Emily, how could he, what does he possibly hope to gain from this?" Liz said, her agony palpable in the small room.
"Who Liz, what's going on, did Jason do something wrong?" Emily asked, clearly confused and worried.
"No, Jason is wonderful Emily." Liz said as she flashed her hand to her soon to be sister-in-law. "He asked me to marry him, I've said yes, it's what I have wanted all along."
Emily couldn't help the tears that fell, her best friend was going to be her sister, which was wonderful. "Liz, I am so happy for you two, congrats, then what's wrong?"
"Lucky, he's asked for a divorce, which I am more than happy with, it means I don't have to fight him on it, but how could he be so cold and calculating, vindictive and insensitive. With the divorce papers were another set of legal documents, he's filing for sole custody of Cameron, he's claiming I am an unfit mother." Liz said as she broke down entirely.
Emily quickly placed Alan back in his bassinet now that he had calmed down. She went to her friend, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
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"And what's going on here might I ask?" Jason said as he walked in carrying Cameron.
"Mommy, I've missed you!" Cameron said, obviously warned not to wake the sleeping baby.
"I missed you too big guy, hey, do you want to go with Emily and get some Jell-O and then you and her can come back, and you can meet your little brother, does that sound okay?" Liz asked, pleading with Emily with a look to take her son for a few moments.
"That sounds great mommy!" Cameron said, as he rushed over and indicated for Emily to pick him up.
"Okay, we'll be back in a few." Emily said as her and Cameron left the room.
"Liz what's wrong, why are you crying?" Jason asked clearly worried. "Did I miss your exam, is something wrong with you or the baby?"
"No Jason, nothing like that." Liz said as she handed him the papers, indicating for him to read them.
He had barely been able to remove them from the envelope before she said in a defeated voice, "He wants my baby Jason, he wants to take Cameron away from me, from us, he has filed a custody case and has claimed I am an unfit mother." Liz said as she collapsed against his chest, exhausted and emotionally drained.
Jason placed a kiss to the top of her head, then gently lifted her chin to place a kiss on her forehead, and slowly moved to place his lips upon hers. After a moment he broke the kiss, but still held her chin firmly in his hand. "Liz, there is no way I will let him take your son, I will do everything in my power to make sure you never lose him. Besides Lucky is going to look like an idiot in court, the judge will take one look at you and know what a wonderful mother you are. And to prove that point, we will have everyone who knows you, telling the judge that. I promise your little boy will remain with us, no matter what. Do you believe me?"
"Yes…" Liz said, a little hesitantly, "I believe you, I trust you."
Jason nodded his head as if that was exactly what he had expected. "Good, now did you want the news I bring? I promise it is much better news."
"Yes, please tell me." Liz said, still slightly numb.
"On my way over to pick up Cameron, Diane phoned me, she says the owners of the house were more than satisfied with my opening offer, which was technically a closing offer as well. But never mind that, the house it's ours! Diane even worked so well as to have the place ready for us to move in as early as tomorrow, of course, with you on bed rest for now, that means we will have to do furniture shopping from catalogs, does that sound okay?" Jason asked, hoping to unburden her of some of her worries.
"That is fantastic Jason, but are you sure you want us picking our furniture from a catalog? I don't know how you do it, but you are my light in the darkness, you have a way of making things seem okay, with you by my side, I think we can take on the world and still have time for other pleasantries." Liz said, finally taking hope in Jason's calm assertions that everything was going to be okay.
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Ric and Lorenzo had decided to leave the small motel that they were staying at, it just seemed like a bad idea to stay in the same place for to long, the plan was to be gone for a few days, and then to come back to exact their revenge, but as it turned out, they made another fatal mistake.
Lorenzo's business partners got wind of what he was up to, and while they wanted to see Sonny and Jason pay with their lives, they couldn't excuse the vendetta that Lorenzo was taking, he was jeopardizing everything that they had worked for heretofore.
When Lorenzo got wind that his contacts were unhappy with the way things were going, he had to leave, there was no choice, he hadn't even been able to see or say goodbye to his family. He knew it was only a matter of time, considering that then men he worked for didn't like lose ends.
Thanks to the loyalty of one man on his partner's payroll, Lorenzo had been given a heads up. now Ric and he were stuck in a rundown motel that had probably not seen clean sheets in months, the motel was over six hours away from Port Charles, so with any luck, Sonny and Jason, and the men Lorenzo worked for, would not be able to find them.
Skye was in danger thanks to his latest antics, but he valued his life more than hers. She may be the mother of his child, but it was his child that mattered, and even if his enemy's were completely ruthless, they would not hurt a child, they may take her, but not kill her.
"You know Lorenzo this is all your fault, ever since Sonny put a bullet in your head, you have been rather slow on the uptake. Now the plan that I had sacrificed my professional life for is completely pooched. You better hope Morgan died in that crypt, otherwise, we're going to be in for a war that even you will tremble at, because once again, the ball is in Sonny's court." Ric said vehemently.
"You are terribly melodramatic Ric, the plan has just had a small hitch, that is all, I will make things right, and eliminate both Jason and Sonny. Not to mention I will now be going up against those I work for, if they think ordering a hit on me is going to go over well, they are sorely mistaken. But you are right about one thing, Port Charles will rue the day they decided to make me an enemy." Lorenzo Said.
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