Alright Guys! Here it is Happy New Year! Lots of new things. This chapter was a pain in my butt. I had writer's block over and over again. I even wound up watching video after video on YT trying to get inspiration when it hit me. I wasn't going to get inspiration from the past I had to look forward to what I wanted to see. All of your reviews are helping me. the more I read the sooner I want to get the next chapter up for you all to read. sashahailee, TerryGyimah, Mommyzilla, RHatch89 , Lizbeth2003, MackenzieH, EvilDuoMom, Reds86, and nemily, You guys have been with me from the beginning. And I love all of your reviews and advice. I am trying to make this story my own without losing the characters that have been so richly built. It is a fine line to walk the past with these characters. I am a purist at heart so I really don't want to change anything. If I did that then the characters wouldn't be what they are today. So I am not sugar-coating anything Elizabeth or AJ has done in the past but I am trying to deal with it in a judicious way.
I want to address a nasty review I removed from the last chapter. I realize that some of my readers are Liason fans. I am not now nor have I ever been one. If anything I was and L&L2 fan. I don't like Sam. I do like her with Jason. Or I did. They were perfect for each other. I liked her strong and assertive as opposed to mean vindictive and manipulative. I also want to say that yes Liz and Jason loved each other. but in my eyes it was never a great love. It was a friendship that became more. I am not trivializing anything about their love. I love a lot of my friends. I believe Elizabeth loved Ric romantically and She loved Lucky in the romantic way. The good thing about this being my story, is that I get to use my voice. I get to interpret the past as I saw it. I honestly don't think that Elizabeth could love AJ if she had a great romantic love for Jason even if he is presumed dead on the show. I think it is mean to write offensive reviews to people and call them names. I am going on record right now saying that if you don't like my story please do not read it. It really made me sad to come home and be excited to see a review only to find a hate filled nasty note about how I don't understand Liason and how their love was etc... the rest of you... I adore! It's makes my day to see how much you are enjoying AJ's Angel. Star-Lilac, welcome! I am so glad you are enjoying the story. And If that is you who is posting the playlist of AJ & Elizabeth on YT then thank you for that!
Now on with our story...
It was early in the afternoon on New Year's Eve, Elizabeth and Patrick stood at the nurses' station on ten going over charts when Felix came over with a huge bouquet of flowers. "For you, I believe, Nurse Webber. Shall I put them with the other ones?" Patrick laughed and Elizabeth was disgruntled. Lucky and AJ had both been sending her flowers everyday since Christmas.
"Just put them with the others, please, Felix."
"Well, Geeze don't you even wanna know who they're from?" Patrick teased from beside her.
"I know who they're from. They're Casablanca Lilies. AJ sends me lilies. Lucky sends me roses." Felix sighed and walked away with the flowers leaving the card with Elizabeth.
"So I guess they aren't making this any easier on you?"
"I told Lucky it was over with us. I guess he's not taking no for an answer."
"Well considering the break room looks like florist's shop, I'd say not." Patrick laughed. "Seriously though, are you okay?"
"I don't know. I love being with AJ. He's good for me. He's good for my boys."
"But…"
"But Lucky is their father. We have a history together."
"A history that involves him leaving you on Christmas. Of dealing with the past year alone. Of abandoning you and the boys right after you checked yourself into Shadybrooke after almost dying at the hands of a psychotic woman bent on revenge?" Patrick pointed out. "I'm sorry Elizabeth; he hurt you time and again. No one wants to see you get hurt again."
"You're right. And Matt's right. Lucky left me. He left the boys. He needed to find himself. I guess he thinks he did that."
"Elizabeth." Patrick said taking her by her shoulders. "You are one of my very favorite people. I don't want to see you throw away what you have with AJ for a man who broke your heart. AJ cares about you and the boys. He has been supportive."
"You're right. I know you're right. I just don't want to make another mistake."
"You're not making a mistake. You need to trust yourself. Just enjoy your night together."
"I will and thank you again for agreeing to watch the boys."
"Well it's no problem. Emma and I were going to stay home anyway. Matt has a date tonight so it will be just me and the kids. Eating too much and staying up until midnight or nine o'clock depending on how long they will make it."
"I think it's so sweet that he is taking Sabrina. You know I heard that Felix is taking her to see Lucy Coe after shift. He told her he won't allow her to go to a New Year's Eve Party in a cardigan."
"So what time is AJ picking you up?"
"At seven-thirty. We're having dinner at the Metro Court and then heading over to the Haunted Star. Lulu asked us to come and Steve and Olivia will be there. Matt and Sabrina are supposed to meet us there as well."
"Just relax and have fun tonight. You told Lucky that it was over and AJ knows that you want to be with him."
"I wish it was as simple as that." Elizabeth sighed. The two of them got back to their charts and then covered rounds.
The Haunted Star's New Year's Eve Party was in full swing by the time Elizabeth and AJ arrived after a quiet dinner at the Metro Court. Practically everyone in town was there. Duke was sitting with Anna in a quiet corner. Luke and Tracey were at the bar but no one could tell if they were bickering or flirting. Michael and Starr were backstage getting ready for her big performance. Todd and Carly were with them. Dante and Lulu were cozied up together keeping an eye on the party. Maxie was sulking in a corner glaring daggers at Spinelli and Ellie. Steve and Olivia were dancing together. Felix was having a drink with the nurse from the fourth floor. Connie was irritating everyone she came across telling everyone that this was her husbands club, while Johnny stayed in his office watching everything on the monitors. Little did anyone know that he had placed cameras with microphones throughout the club.
Lucky couldn't take his eyes off of Elizabeth. She was wearing some little floaty number in beige with a sparkly pattern across the front. He burned with jealousy to see AJ by her side. He wanted her to be on his arm. He had sent her flowers everyday hoping maybe she would give him a chance and hear him out. They had talked the day after Christmas but she had been adamant that she was indeed with AJ now. He wanted to believe that AJ was bad for her. That he hadn't changed. It made it easier for him to try to break them up if AJ was still the louse he had been before he 'died'.
He just wanted Elizabeth to give him a chance to see that the love they had was eternal. He wanted to show her that she was the most important person in the world to him. He had traveled the world. He wanted to tell her all the things he had seen and done. He wanted to tell her that he had a new job that suited him perfectly. It was what made him come home. Every time he had gone someplace beautiful he thought of her. He had realized how much he loved her when she was the first person he wanted to see everyday when he woke up. He wanted to call her everyday that he was gone but he was afraid. He was scared he would ruin everything by coming home too quickly. He realized now that it had been a mistake to leave. He should have stayed. They could have worked everything out if he had just stayed together. He watched them cross the room to Steve and Olivia as the finished their dance. As a group they moved to the bar.
"Problems, Cowboy?" He hadn't noticed when Luke came over and sat beside him.
"I lost her, Dad" He said with a sigh of remorse. "I never should have left."
"Well, Cowboy, sometimes you have to leave to really see what matters most to you."
"What does she see in that guy anyway? With all the things he's done to people. What he did to Courtney, to Alan. Doesn't she remember any of that?"
"Look, son, I don't want to add to your misery but Elizabeth seems to be happy with AJ"
"But, Dad.-"
"I know you think you left for the right reasons. I know you had to go out in the world to have your adventure and see the world. You left her and the boys behind. Did you think that she wouldn't move on? When you left you said the two of you were toxic. If I am not mistaken you told her that yourself. Maybe it's time that you let the past go. Let her be happy. She went through a lot this past year. Robin died, that crazy doctor almost killed her and then Jason jumped into rescue the damsel before he dropped her like a hot potato."
"Yeah, I know, Dad." Lucky threw a longing look over to where Elizabeth sat. "If I could just get her to hear me out."
"She heard you out. The two of you talked. Look, Cowboy, I loved your mother. Laura was the most amazing person I have ever met in my life. We had a good life together, traveling the world and raising you and your sister. But it wasn't meant to be. I lost her. I know that if she came back to Port Charles I would do anything to get her back but I would be wrong. She has her own life now. Sometimes we need to move on from the past in order to see what lies ahead. Elizabeth has done that. She's moved passed all the hurt and heartache that have been heaped on her. She found something new. If you loved her you would respect that and let her be happy"
It wasn't often that Luke Spencer was sentimental but it hurt to see his son in so much pain. Ethan was off somewhere trying to stay one step ahead of Helena. Lulu was happy in her marriage to Dante. Lucky was lost. Luke knew that he was stuck on the dream of the past when everything in his life made sense. When he and Elizabeth were in love and had a magical wedding. Things changed. Luke didn't see how his son was going to move on with his life if he was still chasing the dame he rescued as a teenager.
Elizabeth and AJ were oblivious to the eyes that burned into them from all sides. Lucky wasn't the only one upset at the newest couple in Port Charles. Sonny sat quietly in the corner. He had already been angry watching Connie make an idiot out of herself and Kate. He burned with anger over AJ being back in Port Charles. He had wanted so many times to order the hit and end this feud once and for all. Michael stood in the way. Sonny knew that in order to take revenge on AJ he would have to do it in a way that couldn't be linked to him. AJ had caused him too much trouble already. He had turned Michael against him. Michael was barely speaking to him. He had told Sonny that he owed it to AJ to give him the chance that Sonny never had. He had told him that he still considered Sonny his father but that AJ deserved his time and consideration. Sonny was sick with the thought that the man who had terrorized his family was now happy himself.
He watched as Elizabeth laughed at something her brother said. Sonny didn't understand the girl. She had aligned herself with so many of his enemies and yet had borne his best friend a son. Sonny thought back to when Elizabeth was with Ric and how she defended him throughout their marriage. She had said cruel things to him. In the end though she saw reason and lied to protect Jason on the stand but here she was on AJ's arm. The brother of her former lover. Sonny knew he couldn't get at AJ through Michael. He knew it would have to be through someone close to him. As he watched the two of them head backstage where Michael was with Starr, he felt bad about using Elizabeth but she was his only option. He would make AJ pay. Starting tonight.
AJ and Elizabeth were having a great time. They held hands as they opened the backstage door. "Starr you look beautiful!" Elizabeth gushed walking over to the younger woman. The two immediately began talking about dresses and all things girly.
"Congratulations on tonight!" AJ said. He shook Michael's hand and smiled.
"Thank you, AJ" Michael Said beaming with pride.
"It looks like anyone who's anyone is outside."
"Yeah the place is really packed."
"You seem more nervous than Starr does."
"Yeah well, she's done this before and it's still relatively new for me." The two talked some more before the ladies joined them.
"How long until you go on?" AJ asked Starr as he pulled Elizabeth into his side with a smile.
"Not too much longer. Lulu thought it would be a good idea to have me perform closer to midnight so in about twenty minutes I think." Starr leaned against Michael who couldn't stop smiling at her. Elizabeth thought they were adorable. They were so young. They had their whole lives ahead of them. She remembered when she was that young. By the time she was Starr's age she had already been married twice to Ric and had Cameron. She was on her way to the altar with Lucky. The group continued to converse around her but her thoughts were elsewhere. She remembered her first wedding to Lucky. How Nikolas and Emily had surprised them with their fairytale wedding. How wonderful it was. How happy they were. It had been a dream come true. That had turned into a nightmare when she caught him in bed with Maxie.
She remembered how Lucky had climbed through a burning hospital to get to her. How he had stayed by her side when she was hospitalized at Mercy from the poison Spheres that had almost killed the entire operating team including Monica and Matt. Their relationship had been toxic but it had been good too. They had always stood by each other. She was so lost in her thoughts that she missed AJ asking her if she was ready to get back out to the main room. She nodded her assent and gave Starr a quick hug telling her to break a leg and the two returned to the main room shutting the door behind them.
Felix ran right over to them. "Thank God you guys are finally out here! Dr. Tightpants and Brina just pulled up they will be here any second." He grabbed Elizabeth's hand and dragged them over to where Steve, Olivia and Adam, the nurse from four, were waiting.
"I can't wait to see them!" Felix really was excited. "Lucy and I took her all over the place."
"Felix," said Elizabeth accepting a glass of champagne from Olivia. "She's the same person she was before. "Sabrina has always been beautiful."
"On the inside. And on the outside" AJ said.
"I agree." Steve said throwing his arm around his sister. "Granted she may not have dressed in the latest fashions, but…"
"But she was always kind and considerate. Hey isn't that Doctor Westbourne, the one you guys call Britch over there?"
The group looked over to the bar where Britt was indeed standing and glaring at all of them. She had no need to be part of their little group. She hated every single one of them. She had been prom queen, and homecoming queen. She had been president of her sorority and the most popular girl all her life. She didn't need that rag tag little group over there to define herself. Collectively, they were beneath her notice. She had Maxie working on Patrick for her. She knew it was working too. Patrick had talked to her just the other day. She apologized again and he had said to put it behind them. Since then, she had been spending as much time as she could wherever he happened to be. She had thought he was coming here. Maxie had assured her that was the case. Instead, he had stayed at home so his little brother could squire around the little mouse. She made a point to remind herself to have a little chat with Maxie since it was her ex-husband dating the little twit. She would just have to exert a stronger influence. Her eyes ran to Elizabeth Webber and the man on her arm. Maxie had been specific. All Brit had to do was seduce the guy Elizabeth was dating. Brit decided that wouldn't be too much of a hardship. The guy was gorgeous and she hated Elizabeth anyway. It would be too easy to seduce him. All she'd had to do with Patrick was take her clothes off. She knew men found her irresistible all she needed was a little bit of doubt and her plan would come together.
Brit was distracted when the couple came into the main room, but Maxie wasn't. She saw Matt and the beautiful woman on his arm. She thought he was coming with the girl who had no fashion sense whatsoever. When Brit told what to do, she believed she would have no problems. When Patrick had told her Matt was coming with Sabrina she was furious. She had thought after their conversation that they would all be here. It wasn't until the last minute that she found out Patrick was staying home with Emma and Elizabitch Webber's boys. She was frustrated. She had a job to do and she couldn't do it if Sabrina wasn't there. They moved closer to go to the smiling self-satisfied group in the corner. It was then she realized the beautiful woman in the plum couture cocktail dress was indeed Sabrina. She had ditched the glasses and had someone with fashion sense dress her and a miracle of a stylist work on her hair, but it was her. Maxie's anger only grew. She would follow through with the plan but now she didn't give a crap about Dr. Westbourne. It was about her now.
"I can't believe how amazing you look" Elizabeth said giving Sabrina a hug.
"You look beautiful." Olivia said from beside her.
"I feel weird" Sabrina admitted.
"That's because everyone else is trying to figure out who you are." Felix said.
"No, it's because everyone is staring at me." Sabrina said uncomfortably. "I look strange. I have too much make-up on and my hair doesn't look right…"
Matt shushed her with a quick kiss. "No, it's because they are all kicking themselves for not seeing what I saw right away. How incredibly beautiful you truly are."
"Awww" Elizabeth, Olivia, Adam and Felix all breathed a collective sigh. They were happy for their friend.
"Now, If you are all done gushing," Matt said. "I would like to dance with my gorgeous date." With that he took Sabrina by the hand and pulled her to the dance floor. The couples all looked on happy for their friends. Steve not to be out done by Matt spun Olivia into his arms and onto the dance floor. Felix and Adam followed after. AJ looked at Elizabeth. "Shall we?" She took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. They were all having such a good time. After their dance, Felix and Adam headed to the bar for a round of drinks. The rest headed back to the alcove Steve had rented for the evening so they would all be able to have a good time and not have to sit scattered around the club or crammed onto a tiny table. They had almost reached their destination when Sonny came out of the shadows and crossed in front to stop in front of AJ and Elizabeth.
"Having fun?" He asked.
"Sonny." AJ said from behind Elizabeth. Her hand reached back and held onto his. "You know this really isn't a good time for this. Why don't we just ignore each other and try to have a good evening."
"So I see you still associate with con men." Sonny ignored AJ.
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth said.
"Con men." Sonny replied with a tight smile. "What was it ten years ago; you had the misfortune of falling for my brother? If I recall correctly you have a bad habit of falling for men who just use you and hurt you in their quest to get back at me."
"Hey, don't you talk like that to her" Steve was ever protective of Elizabeth. Olivia was protective of Steve and she knew better than most Sonny's capacity for violence and put a restraining hand on Steve's shoulder as he stood beside his sister. Matt stood on AJ's other side bristling.
"No, Steve, it's okay." She crossed her arms over her chest. AJ and Steve standing on either side of her gave her courage. "You want to bring up the past, Sonny? Fine. I loved Ric. He was my husband and yes he was very flawed. But you? You are no saint. You forget I have known you a very long time. We even used to be friends. But the thing is, Sonny, your friends get hurt."
"Look, I just don't want to see you get taken in again. As I recall, Ric had you pretty snowed with all his pretty words and gestures."
"Well, thanks for looking out from me but as you can see I am fine. I don't need any help from you."
"You know, I have heard you say that before." Sonny said. "I'm just letting you know that when AJ turns out to be exactly what I am telling you he is. And he will. That you were warned. People around AJ get hurt."
"Really, Sonny?" Elizabeth said unimpressed. "People around you die. At least AJ is trying to be a better person. He is trying to make amends for all the people he's hurt. What have you done for all the people you've had killed?" With That Elizabeth walked away Olivia and Sabrina went with her. Olivia shaking her head at Sonny as she walked by. She immediately sat by Elizabeth's side. "You know I always knew you were a brave one. But, sister, that took guts." She whispered to Elizabeth.
AJ was left standing in front of Sonny. Steve asked him if he wanted him to stay and AJ shook his head. Steve walked over to the table where the women sat. But he never took his eyes off of Sonny. AJ looked over at Matt who still stood beside him. He told him everything was okay but Matt still refused to move. AJ shrugged and turned back to Sonny.
"Why are you doing this?"
"You know why"
"If you have a problem with me, you bring it to me. Leave Elizabeth out of this. She hasn't done anything wrong."
"She's seeing you."
"And that's a crime to you isn't it? That someone could give a damn about me. Well let me tell you something, Sonny. You weren't wrong about me. I have done terrible things. I hurt people who didn't deserve it. I want to be a better person." He looked over at Elizabeth who was watching him. "I want to be a better person for her, for myself, and for my son."
"MY SON"
"There is enough room in Michael's life for both of us. For his sake, why don't you and I just call a truce?"
"Because it's not in Sonny to call a truce." The men turned surprised to see Carly and Todd standing there. "You should know that, AJ." She imparted as she stood beside Sonny, Todd on her other side.
"Oh great!" AJ said throwing up his hands. "I don't know why I am surprised you've always taken his-"
"But it is in me" Carly interrupted. "I know we have done horrible things to each other. I know we have made mistakes. But the most important thing right now is Michael. Who is backstage right now with Starr."
"Who is about to perform" Todd said casually. "Not that this show isn't amusing but I'd rather see my daughter."
"This needs to stop. For Michael. AJ, I am sorry for a lot of the things I have done in my life. If it wasn't for you we wouldn't have Michael. I forgot that. I am not saying I forgive you or that I want forgiveness. But for the sake of Michael, I am willing to play nice" She held out her hand. It seemed like everyone in the club was watching, waiting to see if AJ would accept.
"You know, Carly. I am surprised. But you are right," He said taking her hand. "This is about Michael."
"We are all different people now" She said looking into his eyes. "Don't prove me wrong" She turned to Sonny. "Go home, Sonny. Unless you can be civil for Michael, go home. Not everything is about you."
"Thank you." AJ said to Carly. He and Matt moved to return to their table.
"AJ" Sonny called after him. "This thing with us? It's not over." With that he walked out of the club.
The party at The Haunted Star was going to be the talk of the town after Sonny's confrontation with AJ and the truce called between Carly and AJ. Lulu and Dante were keeping watch over everything. Lulu had asked him if he wanted to intervene and Dante had shook his head saying this was Sonny's fight and if it got out of hand he would step in. He had been relieved that he hadn't needed to. After Sonny's departure, the two headed over to talk to everyone. Starr's performance was amazing. She had gone on shortly after Sonny's grandstanding warning to Elizabeth and AJ. She had been wonderful. After her performance, they stopped by the table to say hello before heading over to Carly and Todd in their alcove. Dante and Lulu decided to stick around with the hospital crowd a bit longer. They were all having a great time when Steve stood up and pulled Olivia with him getting everyone's attention.
"As you all know, Olivia and I have been together for a while now. She's been kind enough to put up with me and all of the things my- Heather put us through." He exchanged a knowing glance with Elizabeth. "But we've made it past all of that." He turned to Olivia. "You are the most amazing person I know. When I thought I might lose you, I realized how important you are to me. How necessary you are in my life." Steve knelt down on the ground at Olivia's feet. "It would make me the happiest man alive if you would consider being my wife" Everyone held their breath waiting for Olivia's answer.
"Well let me think about it. Of course, you idiot. Now get off of the floor!" Steve stood up and kissed Olivia soundly. Everyone cheered and all was right in the world. Elizabeth got up to hug her brother and Olivia and handshakes were exchanged by all the men. Dante told Steve to make sure she was happy. And all the women took turns gazing at the rock Steven had bought for Olivia. AJ glanced over at Elizabeth. He knew that she had been upset since Lucky came home. He knew she was torn. It was good to see her happy. He wanted her to be happy with him. It was close to midnight now and they all headed out to the dance floor. AJ looked into Elizabeth's eyes. The eyes that had saved him, that had gotten him through years of rigorous physical therapy. He thought about all the time they were spending together. How she had let him into her life without reservation, not just her life but her boys as well. He knew that she had been through a lot. Emily had told him about what had happened with Ric and Lucky and Jason. He had to show her that he wouldn't leave like they did. He didn't know how other than to stay by her side. It was her life. It was her decision.
"Thank you" he said looking into those beautiful eyes.
"For what?" Elizabeth asked.
"For giving me a chance. For sticking up for me with Sonny. For not shutting me out. For believing in me."
"AJ, I-"
"Can I cut in?" AJ felt the tap on his shoulder and turned to see Lucky standing there.
"AJ and I are dancing, Lucky"
"No, it's okay." AJ knew he had to be fair to her. If she was going to choose him, he wanted it to be for the right reasons. If she wanted to be with Lucky he wouldn't stand in her way. But it had to be her decision. She had to know that he cared about her. He had already pleaded his case. It was up to her now. He walked away and headed for the bar. Ordering another club soda. He watched the two of them dance.
"Problems?" The brunette said from beside him. She ran her hand down his sleeve. There was no mistaking the look in her hollow eyes. He recognized her as the woman who had tormented Patrick's daughter.
"Not that I am going to discuss with you." He said as he picked her hand off his coat and walked away.
Elizabeth felt trapped. Dancing with AJ was fun and relaxed. Lucky held on to her. And they awkwardly moved about the room. "Elizabeth, I love you. Please hear me out."
"Lucky, we've been through this."
"Elizabeth, don't you remember the good times? Our wedding, the box car, moving to New York, the four Musketeers?" He stood and took her hands in his. AJ watched with an agonized expression. "Do you remember that Valentine's Day in our church? The vows we said to each other as teenagers? I love you Elizabeth please don't throw us away." He put her hand over his heart. "It's a permanent lock" Elizabeth had tears in her eyes. She couldn't do this why was he doing this to her. She was so torn.
"Lucky. I'd like to dance with my sister if you don't mind" Steve nudged Lucky away from Elizabeth and led her to the other side of the room.
"Are you okay?" He asked her. He had seen the tears in her eyes. He saw AJ across the room looking miserable.
"No, no can we go get some air?"
"Sure." Steve nodded to Olivia as he and Elizabeth headed out on to the deck. He stood behind Elizabeth rubbing the cold from her shoulders as the snow came down around them. "You know, Sis, you have to make a choice." Elizabeth nodded. "I know you have been through a lot this year with Ewan and Jason and all they put you through. I know what you had with Lucky was real. He loved you and you loved him. He saved you when you were a teenager. He was there for you when you needed him but that changed over the years. When you lost Jake, you were so alone. Neither Lucky nor Nikolas showed up to help you through it. You did it on your own. You grew stronger from that. This isn't the first time Lucky has come home and stirred up your emotions. I understand that you two had a great love.
AJ is different. He has done terrible, horrible, unspeakable things. He was part of children being kidnapped. He shares a son with Carly; and Sonny would like nothing better than to shoot him in the back I suspect. He admits all of this freely. He hasn't tried to hide anything since coming home. He's shown genuine interest and care for you and your boys. He's made an effort to change. I believe he has.
But this choice isn't mine to make it's yours and yours alone. Know this." He finally turned her to face him. "Whatever you choose. Whatever you decide. I will stand by you. I love you. You're my little sister and I will always love you." He pulled her into a tight embrace before checking his watch. "It's almost midnight." He squeezed her shoulders and headed back in. He went right to Olivia who asked if everything was alright. He glance back at the door and shook his head. "I don't know"
Elizabeth stood in the cold. Tears flowed down her cheeks. Memories flashed though her mind. Of her and Lucky as teenagers, of their wedding, of the good times they'd had together. Of AJ and Thanksgiving, of their brief kiss in the park, of him playing with her boys, of Christmas when he talked to Cameron. She thought about both men and what they asked of her. What they wanted from her. She realized there was no choice to make. She turned to go back in and saw him there. He was holding her jacket. They could hear the countdown to midnight coming through the open door behind him.
10...9…8,
Elizabeth walked over to him. Glad that it was him who had come outside to find her.
7…6…5
She threw her arms around his shoulders and looked deeply into his eyes, knowing this was right that it had been right all along…
4…3…2…
His arms held her tightly and they moved closer until she could feel his breath against her lips…
1! Happy New Year!
Elizabeth pressed her lips to his in the sweetest kiss she had ever had. He wrapped her coat around her shoulders. She smiled at him. "Take me home"