A/N – Thanks for all the reviews. Kikimoo – Define crazy lol. Claudia is not Anthony crazy. She's just her usual bold fierce self. * Starhine – Thank you! And Georgie/Johnny are cute. * Guest Glad you love the story! Thank you! * leasmom, Gabby1 – Very true! * Ilovedana53, Kelsey, lrobinson01, doralupin86, Virgy15 – Thank you! We haven't even made it to the actual party yet.

Chapter 27 – Mutual Admiration

John approached Georgie. "May I have this dance, milady?"

Georgie grinned. "Definitely." She grasped his hand.

Claudia watched them curiously. Seeing how pleased John is surprised her, so she made a mental note to find out some information on Georgie, who looked a little young. She may not be enough for John.

"You look very beautiful tonight," John said smiling. She radiates such a beautiful light that it is hard to look away.

Georgie loves his grin. It's mischievous and his eyes and whole face light up. People had always said that about her as well. She could get lost in his brown eyes forever. "Thank you, John. You look very handsome tonight." A blush eased onto her face.

He smiled even bigger knowing that she is feeling the same way. "So, you are quite the mystery to me. What do you like to do?"

"Well, normally I accompany Elizabeth everywhere. I love to learn things. She teaches me so much. Oh, I also love archery and riding."

John smiled. "Archery eh? I was not expecting that."

"Oh, I could split an apple off your head from over a hundred yards away. I'm quite accomplished."

John chuckled. She is getting more interesting by the second. "Do you have any more talents that I should be aware of?"

Georgie thought for a moment. "I can sing and I'm also quite good with a sword."

"Well, it's nice to know that you'd be able to defend my honor if need be."

Georgie laughed. "Oh, I would definitely have your back."

John is enjoying the mirth in her eyes and face. She is beautiful and he wants to get to know her even better.

"Will you go on a walk with me tomorrow?"

Georgie blushed. "I would love to."

"Good. I will very much look forward to it."

The song ended and they both reluctantly parted. Johnny kissed her hand. "Thank you for the dance and happy birthday."

"Dear God," Georgie muttered under her breath as she watched him saunter away.

Elizabeth rushed to her side. "So, I saw you dancing."

Georgie swallowed. "I have a date of sorts with him tomorrow. He is to die for." She is still staring in John's direction which made Elizabeth grin.

"Well then, we shall make sure you are dressed for the occasion. Come on, I want you to meet Courtney."

Liz took her over to the table and introduced her to AJ and Courtney.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Claudia ventured to the garden. She needs a break from dancing. It is cooler outside and the moon shone brightly above the trees.

"Taking a break?" a voice said from behind her.

She quickly turned around and focused on where Johnny is standing. His green eyes danced in the moonlight. "I am. I just wanted some fresh air. You may join me if it pleases you." She sat on a bench trying to be nonchalant.

Johnny stared at her for a moment before walking towards her and sitting next to her. "So, tell me about yourself, Claudia."

"I'm temperamental, demanding, and quite fierce when need be, but I am also loyal and passionate. I'm not always tough though, growing up with my father did me in on numerous occasions. Were you the one that took his life?"

He is fascinated by her. Even though she is tough, there is a vulnerability in her eyes that almost takes his breath away. "Yes."

She grabbed his face and moved her head closer to his. At first, she looked like she would cry but she pulled it together. "Thank you."

Their mouths were so close that Johnny was beyond tempted to kiss her. Claudia could tell she is affecting him which pleased her greatly. "I will make you mine, Johnny O'Brien," she said before starting to walk away.

Johnny chuckled and then quickly moved behind her. Spinning her around, he pushed her up against a wall taking her breath away. "Not if I don't make you mine first." His lips crushing hers as he delivered a searing kiss. Once she was kissed thoroughly, he broke away and left her standing there as her chest heaved.

Claudia grinned like a fool. Her entire body tingles and she knows that he'll be her equal in every way; the thought turning her on as nothing else could.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Back inside, AJ carefully maneuvered Courtney around the dance floor. "Are you hungry?" They had missed dinner because Courtney had pulled him into bed.

She smiled. "Maybe a little bit…"

"You look beautiful tonight," he said admiring her in the dress.

Courtney blushed. "Thank you."

Whatever changes AJ is making to please her is greatly appreciated. She's truly happy for the first time in ages. She had never thought that he would remotely be as tender with her as he has been lately.

"You make me very happy, AJ." She stared into his beautiful blue eyes.

AJ leaned forward. "It is my pleasure." His whisper in her ear made her tremble. Feeling the shudder, AJ grinned and then kissed her cheek.

Courtney caught a movement and is shocked to see Jason walking towards them.

"May I cut in?"

AJ smiled. "Of course, my brother. Just be careful not to spin her too much."

Jason nodded. "I promise to keep her safe."

Courtney curtsied slightly and then Jason pulled her closer. "So, how is pregnancy agreeing with you?"

"Not too bad. You look very happy, Jason," she said noting his demeanor.

"I have to say that being in love really agrees with me."

Courtney smiled. "I know you probably have reservations about me making Elizabeth's dress."

Jason shook his head. "I trust you both. I'm sure that she will look beautiful as always."

"I will make sure of that. I can't wait for your wedding."

"Me either."

Courtney chuckled knowingly.

When the music ended, Jason led her back to AJ.

Elizabeth smiled. Jason had just made her very happy. She whispered something in Johnny's ear and then quickly left the room.

Johnny joined Jason and quietly gave him a message. He grinned and then left the room as well. He headed to the study where the love of his life awaits. When he spotted her near the bookshelf, he quickly closed the distance and kissed her passionately.

"I missed you, my love," he said huskily. His eyes roamed her face and then settled on her. He could stare at her for days on end and never tire of it.

Liz smiled. "I missed you too. What made you ask Courtney to dance?"

"I thought I'd be nice."

"It was very nice. I think you need to be rewarded."

Jason grinned. "And how do you intend on accomplishing that?"

Elizabeth poured every ounce of love from her body into kissing him soundly. When they retreated, Jason closed his eyes and tried to calm his body. She waited for him to open them and then he said, "That was some reward."

"I'll be out there when you're ready," she said wickedly.

He chuckled and waited for his body to return to normal before he ventured out again.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

AJ took Courtney upstairs as the crowd started to thin. The older adults had already gone to bed.

Jason watched how Johnny would completely ignore Claudia and then suddenly look at her with want and Claudia ate it up. He shook his head. Those two are going to be dangerous together. His focus traveled to the dance floor where Elizabeth is once again dancing with John. They are having a lot of fun. Jason smiled as she threw her head back and laughed loudly. His heart is so full of love for her that he felt like it would burst. Tomorrow night, they will announce their betrothal to everyone, and he can't wait. Snapping out of his haze, the object of his desire is walking towards him, and at the sight of her grin, he couldn't help but return it. By their frequent looks of devotion, everyone in the room is aware that they are together.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Lying in bed, Elizabeth tried to settle as she considered the changes her life had gone through since she had met Jason. Not only had she met the man of her dreams, but his family is now hers and she had made some amazing friendships. A tear ran down her face as she wished her mother was here for the celebration. She had already decided to do her hair like her mother wore in the painting that hung in their sitting room. She heard a light knock on the door.

"Are you awake?" Courtney whispered as she pushed the heavy door open.

"Yes," Elizabeth said sitting up as she wiped her face.

"What's wrong?" she said as she neared the bed.

"I was just thinking about my mother and got a little sad that she wasn't here."

Courtney slipped in the bed next to her and laid back. "Come here." She held out her arms.

Elizabeth laid her head on Courtney's shoulder and cried softly. Courtney tried to comfort her, the best that she could. She wasn't sure what to say, so she took a deep breath and thought for a moment and hoped she would say the right thing.

"Your mother will be watching from heaven. I don't think that she would miss something so important. So, before you walk down the aisle, look up and smile at her. It will be a way of acknowledging her so you'll have your own special moment with her."

Liz hugged Courtney. "Thank you. You're going to be a great mom," she said much to Courtney's delight.

They ended up falling asleep unaware of the mayhem it would cause. AJ woke up a few hours later and panicked when he saw she was not in the bed. He threw on some clothes and went downstairs to see if she was in the kitchen. Looking everywhere and not finding her, he sunk against the wall and ended up on the floor. All he could think of was that maybe she had left him; that he had not given her enough. He was confused by the rush of feelings he had for her. He could not lose his wife and child. Things were just starting to feel right. Milo had secretly rushed to Jason's room after watching AJ collapse. Jason woke up and ran downstairs to help him.