Chapter Seventy-Four

Lucky was informed that his case was to go before a judge that coming Monday. Three days from now, and while he was concerned with the outcome, he was more concerned with finding a way to get out, he needed to talk to Elizabeth, only she could truly understand what drove him to such drastic lengths to win her back.

It was not possible for her to give up on him entirely, they had a history, you couldn't just walk away from that. He had to make her see what Jason was doing to her and what she stood to lose by being with him.

Lucky had a psyche exam today, Mac claimed it was to determine his metal capacity and see if he was fit to stand trial for his actions. Lucky believed he could twist the exam to his liking. Besides he wasn't crazy or obsessed, he knew what he wanted and how he was going to go about getting it, that just proved he was determined.

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Cameron and Morgan had fallen asleep upstairs in front of the television, they had been watching Scooby-Doo. After running around the grounds of the large Q estate. Michael was having a hard time staying awake as well, after chasing them for hours on end, he was happy to sit and watch something with a little more depth. Scooby-Doo was great when he was younger but now, it lacked enough character to keep him interested.

Jason and Elizabeth were also exhausted, the night had been fun, but long. Most of the guests had left, the main group of friends had stayed as well as the family. Kelly and Lainey had grilled them about the secrets and why they had not been privy to them.

"You guys were at work and we couldn't interrupt you, besides we knew you would be here tonight, so…" Robin said, besides, I was terrified about what Patrick's reaction was going to be.

Patrick chose that moment to encircle her waist with his arms, pulling her tighter against him. "I am still a little shocked, but ultimately I am very happy. I just don't want to rush anything, I want us to take it slow. You still worry I am going to go back to being that playboy you met sometime ago, but I'm going to be a father, that is just… Fantastic."

"Kelly, it looks like you are going to have tons of work for the next year or so." Monica said, joining the group.

"Tell me about it, I am going to have to get pregnant just so I can get some time off." Kelly said with a laugh, but the group of friends didn't miss the sudden change in color in Stan or the way his knees began to wobble.

Epiphany had chosen that moment to join the conversation, "Stan, you can wipe that look off your face, you would make a great father and you can't get any better than Kelly, she is wonderful. Kelly thank you for being a part of his life, he needs a good woman."

Not exactly sure what to say, for neither of them had classified their relationship, if they had one. They enjoyed the bodily pleasure they took part in and they were both in like with one another, but were they dating with the long term possibility of getting married and having children. Stan paled even more, "Mom, I think when Kelly and I are ready to take our… Relationship to the next level, it will be between her and I!"

"Yes, yes, of course, but is it so wrong for a mother to hope that her son has seen the light and sees what an amazing woman he has. Look at Jason and Elizabeth, it took them long enough, now didn't it. Stanly, don't be stupid, you cannot allow her to get away, you will never find someone better."

Before anyone could comment or help the computer tech, Epiphany was walking away.

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Audrey was headed for court in the morning, Mac was not wasting any time on this, kidnapping is a big thing, and once upon a time he had respected this woman, but her actions of late, left him feeling nothing but disdain. She deserved what she got, he was relatively thankful that Jason hadn't taken care of the situation on his own terms, although, he hated to admit it, his way would have been as easy and as just, quicker too.

He understood the judge may go easy on her, due to her past a respectable past at that, nevertheless he planned on doing everything in his power to make sure she paid for her crimes.

It may not be much, but it could be enough to offer Elizabeth and Jason peace of mind, for the time being at least. Until the next threat came and wasn't so easily dealt with, because the next person would probably have ties to their organization.

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Alan slept soundly in his father's arms, completely oblivious to everything around him. It was amazing how good he was, he rarely fussed and when he did, he was easily calmed down. Elizabeth only hoped the new baby, when it arrived would be as well behaved.

Glancing at her watch, she knew it was getting to be that time, they needed to take their family hope, not only because it was past the boys bed time, but also because she was starting to tire as well.

Robin and Emily looked tired as well, Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder idly, how close each of them were, that thought brought about her next question.

"Kelly, when will you have a moment free, I wanted to come in, get checked out, perhaps see how far along I am, since I can't give you an accurate time." Elizabeth said with a blush.

"Yeah," Robin said, "Will you take me on as your patient?"

"Me too?" Carly asked.

"Me three?" Emily inquired.

"Well, tomorrow was suppose to be my day off, but if we work you guys in on my days off, it won't really feel like work, seeing as how we are all friends, and that way, we don't have to worry about trying to get together, your appointments can be for that. And if Lainey can swing it, she can schedule her days off with mine, and Brenda can come with one of you, then it will be a girls day instead of night, obviously no liquor will be drank, but just think of the things we are going to have to do. If you guys keep this up, I could retire in two to three years." Kelly said, relishing in her minds quick thinking.

"Kelly, we wouldn't want to take away your day off, I am sure you have better things to be doing." Carly said, sounding frighteningly like one of the gang. She quirked her eyebrow, eyeing the young man stand behind Kelly, "Besides, what would Stan think about your absence all the time.

"For starters, we would do it in the mornings and then spend a little time in the afternoon together. But after that, Stan will have all my attention, should he so desire it." Kelly said with a laugh. She hadn't intended to put Stan on the spot, but she would make it up to him later, a guarantee that she whispered into his ear.

"Kelly, you are amazing!" Elizabeth said, hugging her. "However, my friends, it is late and I am beat, how about we discuss this further, sometime tomorrow?"

A unanimous agreement from the women, spurred the men into action. Jason handed Alan back to Elizabeth, and went in search of their oldest son, while Jax went in search of his step-children.

More congratulations were offered, hugs were in abundance as well, and every so slowly the group began to dwindle in size. Sonny and Brenda were the only ones left in the room when Jason reappeared, carrying a very sleepy Cameron.

"May I?" Sonny asked.

"Of course Sonny, you don't have to ask!" Elizabeth exclaimed, handing Alan to him. She wasn't sure, but something passed over his eyes as he looked down at Alan. She couldn't be positive, but it looked like longing and deep contentment.

Jason, Sonny and Jax carried the boys to the car and got the younger ones situated in their carseats, Jax put the boys in his car, and then was looking around for his wife, to no avail. Brenda and her hung back a little, Elizabeth was dying to talk to her, and thus far had not had an opportunity to be alone.

"So, how are you feeling, did you know Sonny was going to ask you to marry him?" Elizabeth asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

"I feel wonderful, Sonny is a changed man, I don't know who or what exactly is responsible for that, but I truly believe we have a really shot at happiness this time. Before, there was always something standing in our way, this time, we have no walls or secrets, we just are. I had an inkling about the proposal, but didn't expect it so soon. I love him, I always have and always will. Don't think I didn't see the longing look he bestowed on your sons either, he wants a large family, that is obvious, and perhaps we can get started on a family sometime soon, I think the first thing we need to worry about is us, we just found one another, family will come when the time is right." Brenda said, her own longing for a family inflicting her words.

Carly came strolling out of the Q mansion, looking positively gleeful. "Do I even want to know?" Jax asked, his brows drawn together in worry.

"It was nothing bad, I just needed to speak to Monica for a moment. It is time she got to know her grandchildren, and just because this child isn't related to her, I still think it would be in our child's best interest to know her, she is an amazing woman." Carly said, smiling.

"I am going to believe you and not over analyze what you just said, even though every thought that is flying through my mind is warning me that you are setting someone up for a fall." Jax said, looking a little perplexed.

"Get over it Jax, I have had more than enough time lately to reevaluate what I have done and where we are going, Monica deserves a chance to know her grandson. I am working on being a better person, but don't go thinking I will ever be as squeaky clean as Elizabeth, that girl is just to pure." Carly said, taking Jax's face in her hands and slowly drawing his lips to hers. When the kiss broke she spoke, "I love you, I hope you know that."

"I love you too, and thank you for this amazing gift." Jax said as his hands slipped down her arms, his hands resting fully on her still flat stomach.

Goodbye's were exchanged, then the couples left and went their own directions. Elizabeth and Jason were glad just to be going home, they were really looking forward to some relative calm. A silence descended upon the car, but it wasn't an awkward silence, it was not pregnant with tension, it was simply calming, a silence that was complete, but almost nonexistent, because it seemed even when they were not speaking out loud, their hearts and bodies continued to speak to one another.

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