A/N – Thanks for the comments! I get the warm and fuzzies because you guys have embraced Johnny/Claudia. Love them!

Chapter 27

Liz smiled as she watched Alfred grab her Gram's hand. "I can't believe you hid this from me."

"Well, we didn't want to be on Helena's radar, but I realized I can't hide our love because of that old bag."

Alfred grinned. "Well put."

"I'm happy for you. So, when is the wedding?"

Audrey's eyes went big.

"Do I have your permission?" Alfred asked.

"Yes, you do."

"Then, I won't make you wait too long if she'll have me."

"Oh, Alfred."

And to their shock, as Cam and Jason also observed, Alfred got down on one knee. "Audrey Hardy, you taught me what love is truly all about. I love you with every fiber of my being. Please agree to be my wife and let me dote on you forever."

Audrey's went from stunned to a blubbering mess in seconds. "Yes! I love you so much."

Alfred stood and they kissed and then he put up his finger. "Wait here."

Liz and Audrey embraced.

"Why was Alfred on the floor?" Cam asked.

"Remember how me and mommy just got married?"

"Uh huh."

"Well now Alfred and Grams are getting married."

Cam's eyes grew big and then he shoulder's sagged.

"Cam, aren't you happy?" Liz asked.

"Yeah, but that means I have to wear a suit."

They laughed and Jason tickled him.

"You look very handsome in a suit," Audrey said.

Cam's face bunched up and then Jason hung him upside down as he laughed.

Alfred held a box out. "I hope you like it."

Audrey opened the box and gasped. "Oh my…"

"I had them make it. I hope it's not too old fashioned."

She gazed at the round diamond that is surrounded by smaller ones. Ornate swirls at the top of the band completed the style. "It's absolutely perfect."

"Allow me," he said before taking it out of the box and slipping it on her left hand. "It's official."

They hugged and Liz glanced at her smiling husband before grabbing her phone and snapping a picture, which she sent to Emily. "Guess who's getting married?"

Emily's mouth dropped open and she showed Nikolas.

"Wow. Tell her we said congratulations."

Liz passed on the message. "We're going to go, but we're having a family dinner in a few days. Can you both come?"

"We would love to," Alfred said.

"Just call me with the details."

"I will."

They went to the car and got Cam buckled in and then headed to their home.

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Liz chuckled at a picture on her phone. The look on Cam's face when he saw his room was priceless and it still made her giggle.

She rocked on the porch swing as she watched Jason and Cam play. When she caught a movement to her right, she jumped and then smiled when Johnny comes into view. "Hey."

"Hey. How's the married life?"

She patted the space next to her and waited for him to sit. "I'm loving it. How's Claudia?"

"She's doing a lot better."

"Are you worried?"

"She has nightmares sometimes. I asked her about it and she finally told me that in her dream, she can't get Cam to the cabin in time."

She nods. "He's still a little clingy, but he did well on our wedding night."

"Are you guys going to going on a honeymoon?"

"Yes, but after the baby is born and we get into a routine."

"Are you taking them with you?"

"Probably, but we'll have a nanny or a family member with us so we can get some alone time."

Johnny watched his friend and Cam play. It always amazed him how different the man is when he's away from all the violence and madness. "Jason looks happy."

Liz smiled. "I've never seen him so content."

Cam squeals when Jason tosses him into the air.

"Cam loves him already."

"Jason always has a way of getting people to care about him."

"That's because as tough as we all know he is, there are times when he hurts and his compassion shows. He's very loyal."

"So are you."

Liz glanced at him and then jumped.

"What's wrong?"

"The flutters always catch me by surprise."

"Can I feel it?"

"I don't think you can yet," she said before taking his hand and placing it on her belly.

It was like Jason had Liz radar and his eyes locked on the scene across of him and he frowned and grabbed Cam and headed towards them. "Hey, you are not allowed to feel that baby move first."

Johnny laughed. "Too late."

Liz rolled her eyes. "The baby isn't moving."

"Shhh, don't tell him that."

Jason and Johnny hands smacked together and then Cam climbed in between his mother and Jason put his hand on her belly, trying to feel anything.

"Can't the baby play yet?"

"No, baby. He's too little."

Cam sighed. "I guess I will just have to play with Johnny."

Johnny chuckled. "Come on!"

He grabbed a giggling Cam and then ran to the soccer ball and Johnny explained where the goal was and chased after him. When he kicked the ball between the plants Johnny lifted him up and yelled, "Goal!"

Liz laughs at a celebrating Cam who is lifting his knees up and down like he's jumping on hot coals. Life is good and she really hopes it will stay that way.

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Carly's eyes followed Sonny as he moved around the bedroom. Things had been strained since she got out of the hospital and she isn't quite sure if he is going to be able to forgive her or not. She had briefly spoken to Jax who is aware that the baby could be his, but agreed to law low for a while.

The kids ran into the room.

"Slow down."

"Sorry dad," Michael said as he grabbed his little brother. "Leticia is taking us to the park."

"Have fun guys," Carly said.

"We will," Morgan said before tearing out of the room.

Michael rolled his eyes and gave chase as Sonny shook his head and pulled his missing shoe out of the closet.

"I need to go into the office since Jason is still taking it easy."

The mention of his name made her tear up and he looked away uncomfortably.

"If you need me, call."

She wiped a tear away. "Thanks."

After he left, she wonders if they have anything left to go back to. Maybe she should just cut her losses and leave because the baby couldn't save them.

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Elizabeth dialed Sonny's number and is surprise when he picks up. "Hi Sonny."

"Elizabeth?"

"Yes. We're having a dinner the day after tomorrow, and I was hoping you could come and bring the boys with you."

He noted that she hadn't mentioned Carly. "Sure. The boys will love that."

"Great, then I'll see you 6:00."

"Do you need me to bring anything?"

"Just your dimples."

He chuckled. "Alright, we'll see you then."

She ticked off his name and then made the next call. "Hey girl, this is your official invite to my new home."

Emily grinned. "Just tell when and we'll be there."

She rattled off the details.

"Can we bring anything?"

"No. Everything is taken care of. I was going to cook, but Grams decided that wasn't gonna happen, so she's coming over that morning to prep."

Emily's mouth watered. "Oh, I am so there."

"What are you saying?"

"I love you, but Audrey's cooking rocks."

Liz chuckled. "I'll remember that when it's time for dessert."

Emily choked on her water. "Are you making brownies?"

Nik's head jerked up and Emily snorted.

"What?"

"Let's just say that Nikolas is very excited now."

"Ha! At least someone appreciates me."

When Emily didn't reply, she wondered what is going on. "Emily?"

"Oh sorry, I was trying to think if I have yoga pants or something with an elastic band."

Liz shook her head at her friend's antics.

"I still can't believe Alfred and Audrey are getting married.

Liz froze. "I just realized that I don't know Alfred's last name."

Emily frowned. "Me either. Nikolas, what is Alfred's last name?"

Nik grinned. "If I tell you, I'd have to kill you."

She playfully glared at her. "He won't tell."

"Does he want a brownie?"

Emily laughed at the sauciness in her voice. "She said if you want a brownie, you need to spill."

Nikolas groaned. "I really, really want a brownie, but Alfred seriously doesn't want it exposed."

Emily went into the next room. "Alright, we need help finding out Alfred's last name."

Liz tapped on her lips. "Well, you could wait until Nikolas is sleeping and see if you can find it at his desk."

Emily popped a grape into her mouth. "That won't work. If it's that secret, it would probably be in the safe and I checked that two days ago."

"Emily!"

"What? He told me he had a surprise for me and you know I have to know."

Liz shook her head. "I'm surprised he hasn't had some kind of vault installed."

"He threatened me last Christmas, but I don't think he made it happen yet."

"You two are crazy. We could kidnap him and make him talk."

Emily grinned. "You want to kidnap Nikolas?"

Jason head tilted. He had been standing in the doorway, watching her as she glanced out the window.

"Not him, the other one."

"Claudia would probably help us."

Liz grinned. "I'm on it." She spun around and jumped. "Jason! Jesus you scared the crap out of me."

Emily laughed. "Did he hear you?" She was glad Elizabeth was having some fun, even it will be at poor Alfred's expense.

"I don't know. I'll call you back."

Jason folded his arms across his chest. "What was that about?"

"Nothing."

"Uh-huh."

She moved closer and then ran her hand down his chest, trying to distract him.

Jason smirked. "I know what you're trying to do."

Elizabeth batted her eyes. "What?"

"You are trying to distract me."

Her hand stopped at his belt and the tips of her fingers dipped in it slightly. "Are you feeling okay? Why did you come back?"

He kissed her on the top of his head. "I forgot my phone."

"Oh, it's over there," she pointed. Considering he hated it, she didn't think he'd miss it.

He retrieved it and then pulled her into him as he rubbed her growing belly. "You know, kidnapping is against the law."

She frowned. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Just be careful. I really don't want to have to bail you out of jail and that goes for Emily too."

"Why would you think I was talking to Emily?"

"Because, besides Claudia, I can't think of anyone else you would be plotting with."

Her eyes narrowed. "I don't plot."

"Keep telling yourself that. I have to go."

They kissed languidly.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you more."

"I seriously doubt that."

He left and made a call to Francis. "Keep an eye on my wife. She's up to something."

Francis groaned. "I'm on my way."

Jason nodded at the other guards and then pulled out of the driveway with a smile on his face.

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Claudia listened to Elizabeth's plan and laughed. "You guys are crazy."

"I even called Grams and she said that she can't tell me either. I mean, what is the big secret? Is he a super spy?"

Claudia couldn't wipe the grin off of her face. "That would be so cool. Wait! Maybe your grandmother is a spy too."

Liz cracked up. "Yeah, she's transporting weapons in her soufflés."

"Well, in any case, I would need more to go on than Alfred the Butler if I'm going to uncover his secret identity."

"I'll try to ask him some questions at the party."

"Sounds good, but no kidnapping yet."

Liz rolled her eyes. "Fine."

"Later."

"Bye."

Liz gnawed on her lip and then made the next call. "Monica, this is Elizabeth."

She stepped into her office. "Elizabeth? Is everything okay?"

"Yes. We're having a dinner party in a couple of days and would like it if you, Alan, Edward, and Tracy could attend."

Monica's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure you want Tracy and Edward?"

Liz laughed. "I'm sure. I'll stock up on duct tape just in case."

Monica giggled. "Alright, name the date and time." She quickly jotted it down. "Well, we'll see you then."

Liz smiled. This is going great. She called Epiphany and Diane and they were happy to attend as well.

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Bobbie sat next to Carly on the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Exhausted and pitiful."

"That good?"

"I blew my life apart again. I'm sure you're not surprised."

"Carly, let's just say that I hoped that you were happy and wouldn't do this again. What happened?"

Carly's lip quivered. "First, I blackmailed Elizabeth so that she would stay away from Jason. I know it was wrong and I shouldn't have taken advantage of Cam's kidnapping, but I told myself it was for Jason."

"And he walked away?"

"Yeah. I tried to make it up for him when I overheard some men on the docks talking about Cam. You know, when I almost lost the baby."

Bobbie thought about their prior conversation. Now things were getting clearer. "And Jason didn't forgive you?"

"No."

"Go on."

"Before all of that, Sonny and I got in an epic fight. He told me that Brenda is his true love and I was only a place card."

Bobbie grimaced. "Oh Carly." She grabbed her daughter's hand, knowing that Brenda is her biggest insecurity.

"I freaked out and got drunk and Jax found me."

Bobbie closed her eyes, knowing what is coming next.

"I slept with him."

"What is wrong with Jax? He knew you were drunk."

"In all fairness, I was very convincing."

Bobbie rolled her eyes. "Did you ever stop to think that he was getting payback because of Sonny and Brenda?"

Carly started to cry. "No. Oh God! I'm such a fool."

Bobbie hugged her. "What are you going to do?"

"Sonny looks at me like I'm the last person in the world he wants to see. He said I could stay here, but it hurts."

"There are consequences for your actions, maybe you need to suck it up to see what will happen until we can get a DNA sample."

"Maybe you're right. I deserve it and I don't want to upset the boys."

"Carly, if Sonny is it for you, then fight for him, but I would be remiss if I didn't say that you two are on a seesaw of dysfunction. If it's not you doing something ridiculous, it's him. Is that how you want to live your life? Don't you think you and the boys deserve more? Your actions affect them. Take this time to figure out if you want to fight and if you don't, then end this once and for all and move on. And if you turn to Jax, then my suggestion is to make him really work for it and prove that this isn't about his ex."

"Okay. I'll try."

"You need to figure out what it is that makes you do all these crazy things. What are you missing and why do you believe that all men are going to throw you to the curb? Jason has done nothing but fix your messes and be there for you, but it's like you don't want him to be happy or something—that you think his whole world revolves around you. I'm not trying to hurt you, but Jason gets to have his own life and love who he wants to. He allows you to do that even when he thinks you're crazy for it. That's love, Carly. This possessive controlling thing you do with him is toxic and you let Sonny do the same thing. As long as that part of you is broken, you'll never get Jason back. It might be too late for that anyway and I doubt that you can play nice with Elizabeth until you're willing to admit that she isn't Satan."

Carly started to laugh because Bobbie had made devil ears and Bobbie joined her and then kissed her daughter on the forehead when they finally calmed down.

"I love you enough to tell you when you're being a bitch and you are regarding her. She doesn't think she's perfect, but for some reason you need to believe that so you can attack her and break her down. She has been through so much in her short life and the fact that you just want to be another person who rips another piece of her heart out is very selfish and petty."

"Ouch."

"I will always love you, but I won't always agree with your choices. Stop the madness regarding Elizabeth because it only makes you look like a mental patient."

Carly sighed. "Okay. I'll deal with it."

"I need to get back to work. Call me if you need me and if you can't take it here, you're welcome to come stay with me until you get yourself back on your feet."

"Thank you, momma."

"You're welcome." As she left, she really hoped that Carly had taken what she said to heart. They were things she should have confronted her with a long time ago instead of enabling Carly's madness. There were times that she stood up to her daughter, but not enough. Those kids deserve a lot better. As she came to the bottom of the staircase, she was surprised to see Jason standing there. "Jason. Hi."

"Hi. Is she up there?"

"Yeah. I just gave her a lot to think about. Take it easy on her okay?"

Jason nodded. "Should I come back?"

"No. I think she heard me and maybe this is a good time to test that." She patted his arm. "Take care and enjoy your family."

"I will."

He took a deep breath and headed to the room.