Chapter 16

Thank you to the guest reviewers. I'm glad you are enjoying the updates. There are still surprises coming. Thank you to Trini12180. I hope you like what I've written about Carly. Thank you to Notenoughlove. I'm glad Jason sees Carly in a different light too.

October 2006-January 2007

What if Elizabeth handled the results /differently each time she had the chance to tell Jason?

Jason calls Elizabeth to the PH. He asks her to marry him even if he's not the baby's father. Elizabeth knows that despite filing for divorce, she can't go from one marriage to the next without knowing who the father is. "Jason, are you in love with me? Would this be a marriage of convenience? Would we be roommates? Lovers? What if you and Sam get back together? Can you expect us to live happily together?"

"We get along; we can work it out. You are a good mother, and I can learn from you."

"And Sam? I won't share a home with you and her. And I'm not asking you to choose."

"Elizabeth, we can be happy together."

"Let's get answers first. Kelly has an appointment for you tomorrow at Mercy. I have one at GH this afternoon. Insurance won't cover it, and I don't want anyone to know yet."

"I'll cover the costs. How soon before we know?"

"About one week."

"If Lucky's not the father, I want to take an active role in their life, if you will let me. Can you accept having guards around?"

"Yes, if you agree to wait on future marriage proposals."

"Yes, I will think through the process next time." Jason thinks, "There will be a next time. I need to ask her for the right reasons and not have her think I'm only asking as an obligation."

Jason tells Sam Elizabeth is pregnant, and there's a possibility he could be the father. She says, "How could you do this to me? What about protection?"

"It wasn't on purpose. It was a bad batch. We didn't do this to you. I don't know why I brought it up until the results are in."

"You brought it up because if you are the father, I will be persona non gatta and dropped kicked for your baby mama. This is Elizabeth's fault. She will do anything to get her hooks into you."

"She wants to raise her kids herself regardless of who is the father."

"You believe her bullshit? If you are the father, you will want to be involved. She is counting on that. Don't let her do this to us, Jason." Sam cries.

Jason tells Sonny about Elizabeth and how he offered to marry her. At least Sonny understood Elizabeth's reasons for saying no but asked Jason why he asked Elizabeth. He says, "What if it was a stranger who got pregnant? Would you ask her to marry you?"

"No, of course not. I'd want to know, but I wouldn't marry the person."

"So why Elizabeth?"

"You know my history with her. It's more than us having sex; she's an important person in my life. I offered even if I'm not the father."

"And Sam?"

"She did not take it well. She thinks Elizabeth planned on it."

"Sam's hurting. Maybe you shouldn't have said something until you knew for sure."

Sam runs into Elizabeth on the docks. "I guess I should say congratulations; you won the lottery."

"You are not making sense."

"You are pregnant with Jason's baby."

"We don't know that yet."

"But it's what you want. You are hoping and praying he is the father. I should know. I wanted that, but you took that away from me. Jason could swoop down and clean up the mess Lucky made of your life."

"Like Jason did for you with Sonny? I'm not you, Sam."

"Maybe if you had talked to your husband instead of talking to Jason, this wouldn't have happened."

"This is not all on me. Jason and I knew what we were doing. You destroyed things when you slept with Ric."

"You jumped at the first opportunity to fuck Jason."

"We didn't plan it."

"You sure as hell didn't hesitate. You wanted it, and if you did hesitate, you wouldn't be in this mess."

"It takes two Sam. I was not the only one there."

Sam points her finger in Elizabeth's face, "I swear to god if you weren't pregnant. Aw, fuck it!" Sam slaps Elizabeth.

Jason intercedes. "Enough! Sam, you are pissed at me. Don't take it out on Elizabeth. How could you hit her?"

Sam later apologizes to Elizabeth at GH. Elizabeth accepts the apology, saying she understands and would feel the same if she were in her position. Cruz visits Elizabeth to warn her that Ric had Jason's PH bugged and heard that Jason could be the father of her baby. "Great! Just Fucking Great!" Elizabeth thinks. Elizabeth warns Jason that two more people know he might be the father.

Jason asks, "Who."

"Ric has your apartment bugged. He and Cruz overheard our conversation yesterday."

Jason adds up all the people who know. "Stan swept the place this morning, but now it is Sam, Carly, Sonny, Ric, Cruz, and Kelly, who else knows?"

"Epiphany knows, too. She knows everything."

"Lucky asked to see me. He was up to the 5th step of his recovery program. He apologized and made amends for his actions toward me and for what he did to you. He even said I was a good friend to you. I wanted to tell him, but I knew he'd find a way to destroy one of us like Sam tried with you. I understand why you didn't want him to know."

"Jason, maybe we should tell him. The list keeps growing as to who knows. I don't know if I can trust Ric not to say something to Lucky."

10/23: What If Scenario #1

Elizabeth gets the results. She goes outside to read them when Sonny surprises her. He asks, "Are those the results?"

"Yes, I want to wait until Jason returns to town."

Carly arrives, "Are those the results?"

"Yes, Carly, they are."

"Well?" Sonny and Carly ask together.

"I'm not looking until I see Jason."

Carly tries to snatch it from Elizabeth.

"Carly, these are for my eyes only, not yours. When I tell Jason, you can stalk him all you want into telling you…or not!"

Elizabeth calls Jason and asks him to meet her by the Cilff roads. "Elizabeth, are you okay? Is it Lucky?"

"No, I have the results, and I thought we should open them together. Sonny was there when I got them, but I told him you should know before anyone else. Are you ready? Do you know what you want the results to be?"

"Elizabeth, I already told you, I don't care. I still want to marry you. I'll help you take care of Cameron and this baby."

"Jason, if this is your baby, this will tie us forever. After the way Sam treated me in the alley, she has severe issues with me. If you get together with her, will she move in and be your mistress? I don't want her vitriol around my children. Will you give her up?"

"Elizabeth, I want you. I have loved you for years. I never wanted to involve you in the dangers of my life, so I settled. I never should have done that and given you the option to decide if you can live with the extra security. Letting Sam go will not be a hardship. I will feel sorry I hurt her, but I want to keep you safe."

Let's open this first before we make promises to each other. I made the mistake of doing that with Lucky."

"Fair enough."

Elizabeth slowly opens the envelope and unfolds the results. Jason sits with her, both reading that with 99% accuracy; Jason Morgan is the father of Elizabeth Webber's unborn child.

"Are you happy, or did you want Lucky to be the father?"

"I'm happy. I told you it didn't matter, but we must tell Lucky now that the results are in. We can discuss the future later. How do you feel?"

"Relieved. I had a feeling. I agree; we need to tell Lucky before others find out. It would be best if you tell Sam, too."

"I will. If Lucky returns to drugs, I won't let him near you. I will also protect you from Sam."

"Thank you, Jason."

Jason pulls her into a kiss. "It will be okay."

Chance #2:

Carly runs to find Jason. She doesn't know the results, but she thinks if she can plant the seed of doubt to Jason, he can think about what he really wants and turn away from Elizabeth because he will realize he wants Sam.

"Carly, what are you doing here?"

"Elizabeth received the results. Lucky is the father."

Crestfallen, Jason says, "Are you sure?"

Carly hesitates, "Sonny was there when she opened them. He told me." She thinks, "It wasn't exactly a lie. Sonny assumed when Elizabeth said it was what she expected."

Jason says, "Thank you, but shouldn't Elizabeth be telling me?

"I thought I'd save her the trouble. Now you can focus on getting Sam back."

"Carly, I have not given you cart blanc to run my life. Even if Lucky is the father, I want to protect Elizabeth and her children. That does not change. Lucky must get clean, and Elizabeth needs to be in a safe environment."

"Jason, you are a sucker for children. Don't let her yank your chain by raising another man's child."

"Like I did with Michael?"

"It's not the same." Elizabeth knocks on the door, and Jason lets her in. "Carly, you need to leave. Elizabeth and I should talk."

Jason apologizes for Carly. "Is what Carly said is true? Is Lucky the father?"

"What do you want?"

"The truth. After that, I know what I want from you."

"Carly is wrong. Lucky is not the father. Do you want to move forward? I'm worried what Sam might do, and if Lucky goes back to using, he could turn abusive."

"My marriage proposal still stands, but I will wait until you are ready. I know you won't like it, but I'll have guards on you. I'll have them so you won't notice them."

"I highly doubt that, but I will try to accept their presence."

"With Carly's reaction, Sam's actions, and how Lucky may react, maybe we should keep this a secret for now."

"You are probably right, but this will come back to bite us in the ass, and I will be the one they blame. Everyone will say I forced you to stay quiet."

"I'm not saying we stay quiet forever, but until after your first trimester, and Lucky is out of rehab."

"Okay; I'll need your strength to maintain my resolve. What will you do about Sam? If she thinks Lucky is the father, she will try to get you back."

"I'll slowly ease her out of my life and convince her we have no future."

"Good luck."

"Do you need a ride to your grandmother's?"

"No, I'm good."

Jason kisses her, "I told you that you would be okay. I'll make sure of it."

Sam arrives, and Jason tells her that the baby is Lucky's.

11/6

Everyone still believes Lucky is the father. Ric arrested Sam on trumped-up charges, and the police shot her. Elizabeth, at the risk of her career, helped Sam escape police custody, and Sam questioned Elizabeth's motives. "You don't care about me. You barely know me and aren't the type to break the law. You only did this to be on Jason's good side."

"Sam, I was not the only one to help. Carly created a diversion, Epiphany gave herself up as a hostage, I got you out of GH, and Nikolas lied for us. Oh, and it's true, you don't know me. You don't know what I have done. I don't always follow the rules."

11/17

Ric is once again trying to stick it to Sam and Jason. They are trying again with the other. He has warrants out for their arrests. He announces it when he crashes a reception party at the Quartermaine Mansion. Lucky is clean and sober and working on getting Elizabeth back. Emily and Nikolas have reconnected. Patrick and Robin are dating. Upon hearing the news, Elizabeth faints, falling to the ground; her friends surround her. Ric tries to help, but Emily pushes him away. "God! I cannot stand the man and wish he'd leave Elizabeth alone."

Chance #3

11/20/06

Elizabeth is at the church praying that Jason is safe, not a causality of Ric's vendetta. An injured Jason makes it to the church and hears Elizabeth. He calls her name. Elizabeth rushes to Jason lying on the floor. She asks if he is hit. "Can you hear me? Please don't die. Please don't die. You have to stay alive for the baby. Lucky's not the father. You are."

Jason opens his eyes briefly. Elizabeth said something, but it's not registering in his brain. She takes him to her old studio. Her key still works, and she helps him up the stairs and inside.

Elizabeth calls Sonny, "I'm at my old studio. A friend of yours is here."

Sonny arrives and says that he can't get someone in to help Jason, and she has to take out the bullet. Elizabeth removes the bullet and sews him up. Before passing out, Jason says, "You saved my life again." Sonny leaves and promises to get antibiotics for Jason.

Elizabeth is relieved and thinks back to a time almost seven years ago when she had him on her couch in her studio, nursing his injuries. "There's so much I never told you. You are this baby's father, and I don't regret our making it. I love you."

A few hours later, Jason wakes up and asks about her. Elizabeth replies, "The baby and I are fine now that we know you are better."

"What did you say to me in the church? You were trying to tell me something. I knew it was important. Please tell me."

Elizabeth sighs, sits beside him, and replies, "For the past month, I've been trying to find a way and the right time to tell you. I lied about the paternity results; instead, I let you believe what Carly told you as the truth. You are the father, Jason. I'm sorry. I should have told you sooner."

"Is it because of my life and the danger? If you were with me tonight, you could have been hurt."

"No, it was about Sam and Lucky. Lucky is clean now and wants me back. Something is going on with Alcazar, and you and Sam are trying again. I want you to be happy."

"Do you think I can't be happy with you?"

"I don't know. Can you?"

Carly knocks on the door. "Elizabeth, it's Carly. Can you open the door?" Elizabeth glances at Jason, who shakes his head and shrugs. Carly brushes past Elizabeth. "You scared the hell out of me."

"Carly, you shouldn't be here."

Elizabeth adds, "The more people who show up at my door, especially you, the more suspicions will be raised if Ric or someone is watching."

Jason says, "I'm okay, thanks to Elizabeth."

Carly sighs and grits her teeth. She hates she has to be nice to the twit. "Thank you. You can go. I can take over it from here."

"Carly, it's my studio, and Jason needs medical attention."

"You need medical attention too. You took a nasty fall at the Quartermaines."

A concerned Jason says, "What do you mean? You fell?"

"I'm okay. I got light-headed."

"No, it's a big deal. Carly is right. You should get yourself checked out. You need to make sure …(Jason stops himself before saying 'our.')...your baby is okay."

Elizabeth relents and tries to inform Carly about the care Jason needs.

"You can go. Jason is in good hands now. Thanks."

Elizabeth raises her hands in defeat. "I'm really glad you are alright. I'll return later to check on you."

"Thanks again for everything."

Carly sneers as Elizabeth leaves. "What was that for? She saved my life."

"Listen, it's easy to get caught up in a crazy situation and fall for the poor pregnant waif who saves your life. You belong with Sam. Remember that. You are not the father of Elizabeth's baby. Thank god for that. I'd hate to have to be nice to her the rest of my life because of an unwanted baby."

Still comprehending what Elizabeth revealed, Jason thinks, "What is wrong with Carly? How can she be this vindictive and hateful toward Elizabeth?"

Chance #4

11/29/06

Jason is recovering in Elizabeth's studio after being shot by the police. A computer kid named Spinelli has been working for Alcazar but may be able to help clear Jason and Sam. Sam is currently being held in the PCPD lockup. Ric gives Lucky his job back, and his first assignment is Jason. Ric secretly hopes Lucky or Jason will take the other out and Elizabeth will hate that person, so he can swoop in and pick up the pieces of Elizabeth's heart. Elizabeth warns Jason. Jason discovers news about Spinelli and leaves with Stan Johnson, an associate of Sonny's, and Jason, also a computer whiz. Jason returns empty-handed but re-opened his wound.

As Elizabeth re-wraps his leg, he apologizes for the trouble he's put her through. She says, "Just be grateful you are too old to be put in a time-out."

"You mean like what kids get?"

"Like when Cameron does something he knows he's not supposed to do but does it anyway. He says, 'I'm sorry, Mommy,' but he suffers the consequences. In your case, I should call an ambulance and let the police find you. That's a natural consequence."

"Or you could know a fantastic nurse who takes of you." They both smile.

Jason chuckles and says, "You know there's no way I could live up to your standards of discipline. I guess it's a good thing I didn't turn out to be the father of your baby." Jason pauses as he sees the hurt on Elizabeth's face.

Elizabeth bristles. She counts to ten. "Do you mean that? Do you have regrets about not being the father?"

"What do you mean? Are you telling me I am the baby's father?"

Elizabeth raises her eyes. "Yes, I know we should talk. Will it be enough to keep you here and not go running after Sam?"

Chance # 5

12/18

Things are looking up for Jason. He found Spinelli, and the charges were dropped. Sam is out on bail, and the case against her is weak. Jason speaks with Elizabeth privately. "I want to ask your opinion. If I'd been your baby's father, would you let me be involved with its life?"

Elizabeth's stomach drops. "Why are you asking?"

"Because when we didn't know the results, you planned to raise your child alone."

"We didn't intend on this. I never wanted to be an obligation to you or Lucky."

"You didn't answer the question."

"The reason I'm hesitating is yes, I would want you involved in its life. Do you want to be in it's life?"

"Wait? Are you telling me I am the father?"

"Yes."

12/27

Chance # 6

Thanks to Santa, with help from Jason, Cam gets a Chuggin Charlie train. Elizabeth takes Cam and "Charlie" to the pier, and Jason joins in to help. Elizabeth thanks Jason and watches him play with Cam and the train. Elizabeth gets emotional and wipes a tear away from her eyes. She tries explaining it away due to pregnancy hormones. Jason asks if she is okay.

Elizabeth replies, "You are so good with kids. Watching you with Cameron, he's going to need a dad, and this baby will need one too. I love the idea of proving to everyone I can do this myself and be this incredible single mother, but I wonder if it is fair to deprive my children of having a father. There is something I've wanted to tell you for a long time. I kept coming up with excuses, and they were all for the wrong reasons. Jason, Lucky is not this baby's father. You are. You have the right to know your child, and it should know you."

"Elizabeth, you are emotional over the holidays and Lucky not being there."

She shakes her head. "No, I never should have tried to pretend Lucky was the father or kept up the lie to keep him from going back to using drugs."

"Elizabeth."

"No, Jason, I'm sorry. You were getting back with Sam, Lucky was getting better, and I wanted to pretend things were better. They aren't. You deserve the truth."

Chance # 7

1/17/2007

Jason watches Corothinos/Morgan Ships from the Overlook, and Elizabeth says hello but doesn't want to distract him. He said he's seen enough. "What are you doing out here?"

"Just thinking. "It's sad that they tore that old bridge down."

"Yes, the city said it was some safety hazard. Originally, it was a private estate."

"I remember you telling me about the statues there. I liked how it was in the middle of nowhere."

"Me too. Do you remember the boxing lessons?" They both laugh.

"The ones you taught me in case I needed to blow off steam by getting into a bar fight at Jake's?"

"Yeah."

"Too bad that's not an option now."

"You want to get into a bar fight at Jake's? Why?"

"It's more that I feel trapped. I'm trapped by the lies I've told and the situation I've created since our night together. I know it's not my fault Lucky got addicted to pills, but all the choices I've made since then are my responsibility. The choice to turn to you. The choice to not tell Lucky about our night. The choice to end my marriage. Lucky and I have been together for so many years, and he can't let go of it."

"Do you feel it is your responsibility to save Lucky?"

The one thing I could say to make it happen, I can't bring myself to say. I also made a choice not to tell you the truth. I'm sorry, Jason. The paternity results came back with you as the father."

What if the Metro Court and revelations

2023

The next few days

While Elizabeth is in the shower, Jason calls Francis. "Elizabeth will be ready in about ten minutes." Jason toasts a bagel and sets out cream cheese and jam. He pours coffee in a travel mug. Elizabeth emerges from the bathroom, buttoning her shirt and finger-combing her short, damp hair. Jason smiles and kisses her. "Francis will be here shortly. There's a bagel and toppings for you. I'm taking a new guard, with whom Johnny has worked. I'll be at GH this afternoon for a check-up. Will you be there today?"

Elizabeth spreads the cheese and jam on her bagel and takes a bite. "Today's the day to reveal you are alive? Are you sure you are ready for the onslaught? Is GH the best place to do that?"

"I'd prefer to do it where most people will see me. If the gossip mill hasn't changed, word will spread. All the necessary people already know. I'm sure Carly has told Joss. Sam is telling Danny. The Q's know. I can't think of others worthy of knowing."

After I get to the house, I'll tell Aiden. He's the only one who doesn't know. Cam will be at GH after visiting Spencer. Patrick will give Cam and Emma a ride to the airport. If you want to see him again to say goodbye before they leave, be there by three. If you think it will be safe, stop at the house later for dinner with Jake and Aiden."

"I'll see you at GH later." Francis helps Elizabeth into the car, and they drive off. Elizabeth tells Aiden that Jason is alive and he's the patient she's been caring for recently. Cam spends the morning with his brothers. Jake drops Cam off at GH and returns home to help Aiden with his internet orders.

Jason texts Johnny he is on his way and wants Marco and Mario to meet them. Jason greets the trio at the entrance. "First, I want to have dossiers on the new guards. Johnny, you can vouch for one, and Marco, what can you tell me about the others?" Jason gets his update.

"Johnny, how is the progress on the construction? Do you think it will be complete by November?"

"It's on track. Are you sure she will like it?"

"I'm hoping she will love it."

"She doesn't suspect?"

"She saw the skeleton before the work started. I want to show it to her before Thanksgiving."

Marco says, "It is farther away from GH, and we still need to discuss security."

Jason replies, "Produce the plans and get it done."

Jason meets one of the new guards at the safehouse. Mario follows Jason and his new driver, 'Jack' to GH.

Elizabeth greets her son as he exits the elevator. "Are you packed and ready to return to Stanford?"

"Yes, I left my bags downstairs. Emma should be here soon. Jason sneaks into GH and walks up the back stairs, finding Elizabeth, Cam, Emma, Patrick, and Robin in a small conference room. Jason closes the blinds, hugs Elizabeth, and asks how she is.

"I'm going to miss my son, but I'm okay."

Patrick shakes Jason's hand and says, "I arranged a time slot to give you a proper follow-up. Robin will take the kids to the airport."

Robin asks, "How many people have seen you?"

"Not many. I want to wait until Cam and Emma leave so the spotlight is not on them. There are still people here who remember me."

Jason and Elizabeth hug Cam goodbye, and Elizabeth hugs Emma. She whispers, "I'm glad my son has you in his life. I hope to see you soon."

Jason says, "Patrick and Robin, I hope we can take you to dinner before you leave town. If it wasn't for Patrick, I might not be here."

The kids wave goodbye as they follow Robin out. Jason kisses Elizabeth's cheek and asks if she will still be there after his appointment with Patrick.

"Of course, I love you."

"I love you too." Jason exits the conference room, following Patrick to an exam room, drawing a lot of chatter when the staff realizes Jason Morgan is alive.

Nurse Amy Driscol approaches the hub. "Nurse Baldwin, was that Jason Morgan following Dr Drake? I thought he was dead."

Elizabeth wryly says, "Who? Mr. Morgan or Dr. Drake."

"Morgan, of course. So, what is the inside scoop? I heard he died in Greece."

"Nurse Driscol, I suggest you focus on patient care and not someone you have no business gossiping about. Do I need to assign you to bedpan duty?"

"No, Nurse Baldwin. I'm sorry, Nurse Baldwin." Amy scurries away. TJ asks if that is Jason, and Elizabeth replies, Amy will soon spread the news, and I don't feel like repeating myself. Jason survived the tunnels in Greece. Patrick is examining him. I would appreciate it if you could be a buffer for me. I'm already weary of intrusive questions." Elizabeth makes rounds on the patients on her floor and catches up on notes.

Jason arrives and asks if she can leave. Elizabeth calls Terry and says she wants to go a little early. Jason is joining her family for dinner tonight. Terry says yes, and Elizabeth and Jason leave together, followed by Francis.

They enter Elizabeth's house, and Jake comforts Aiden. Elizabeth asks, "What's wrong?"

Aiden replies, "Ms. Spencer canceled all my pie orders after you left for GH today."

"What? Why? Did she give a reason?"

"She only said, Kelly's Diner no longer needs my services. Mom, what am I going to do? I made ten pies for her. She's never had a problem with my desserts before."

Elizabeth's eyes well up, and under her breath she says, "That bitch! I worry about his business. He has many clients with his website, but he gets most of his business from Kelly's. Carly is terminating his contract out of spite."

Jason curses, "She's doing this because I chose you. I told her she would regret it if she hurt you or the boys. I'll make up for lost wages."

"Jason, I can't let you do that. I won't let Carly win."

"She won't. My staff enjoy desserts and would love to take them home to their wives. Word of mouth will get Aiden more business than Carly ever could ask for."

Aiden says, "Jason, I have an internet business, and Jake helps with deliveries. I have a card. Thank you. I hope it's not a problem."

"It's not. I'm sorry Carly did this."

Jake says, "Dad, what can I do to help?"

"Be there for your brother. Right now, let's focus on dinner."

Jason helps Elizabeth prepare dinner. Jake makes a salad, and Aiden stets the table. After dinner, they have one of Aidens' pies, and Jason asks Aiden if he can box up the remaining nine. He will pay for ten; they can donate three to a shelter and deliver them for him. The rest will go to his staff.

Jake and Aiden load the dishwasher while Jason and Elizabeth strategize.

Elizabeth kisses Jason and says, "I guess it's time to confront Carly."

"When do you plan on doing this?"

"Tomorrow? If she wants to blame or attack me for what's happening between us, I'm an adult; I can stand up to her. But taking her revenge on a child is petty. It's petty and immature. Jason, does she still resent me for saving you in 1999?"

"I don't know. She always relied on me to clean up her messes. She knew I would drop almost anything if she asked me to. Maybe she wouldn't be as controlling if I had set boundaries when we first met."

"Too bad we can't live our lives on what ifs."

"I worry about Carly taking her revenge further. I was going to wait to ask, but perhaps I could move in with you and the boys. I'd feel less anxious if I could be here to protect you, Jake, and Aiden."

"It's logically the next step. I liked having a private place for us, but I would feel safer now that people know. Traveling back and forth to see you, even with Francis, caused paranoia. I worried one of your enemies would follow us, and I would lead them to you. You were still healing from your injuries. I was afraid you weren't strong enough to defend yourself. I want you to live here. You make me feel safe. Before it's official, We must speak to Jake and Aiden. Jake will love having you here, but I want Aiden to be comfortable having you here, too."

"Of course, if they aren't ready, I will wait."

Elizabeth calls the boys to the living room. "Jake, Aiden, we have something to ask you."

Jason says, "I've been staying somewhere safe while I recovered from my injuries, but I love your mother and want to be with her and live with you. Is that something you would be open to?'

Jake hugs his father. "I would love having you here. I have missed you so much. Aiden, what do you think?"

Aiden says, "My mom loves you, and you make her happy. She's been alone since Franco died. I don't have as many memories about you as Jake does, but yes, I want you here, too."

Jason places his arm around Elizabeth, and they smile. Jason says, "If it's okay, I can move in tomorrow." Everyone nods. The boys head to their bedrooms.

Jason calls Mario and asks about security.

Mario replies, "Carly is parked a block away from the house. She hasn't moved in two hours."

"I want Jack to take my car and let her follow him. Tell him to drive to strip clubs and bars and then show himself by checking into the Metro Court. While she is being led around town, I'll drive back in your car to the safe house and pack. I'm moving in with Elizabeth tomorrow."

"It's about time. What about you? I should follow you in case Sonny or someone else gets wise. Francis will stay with Elizabeth."

"There are some things I'll miss about that place, but being with Elizabeth makes up for everything."

Jason kisses Elizabeth. "Tonight is the last night I will sleep alone. We are sending Carly on a wild goose chase. She is going to be pissed. Hopefully, she will be pissed at me."

Elizabeth hands him a key and says, I will be at GH tomorrow. We promised Patrick and Robin to have dinner with them, and they will leave the next day. Are you ready for a mundane life?"

"Never. Live with you is never mundane. I still have lots of irons in the fire. I'll see you tomorrow. I Love you."

"I love you too."

Jason arrives at the safe house and packs the few things he's accumulated in the past few months. Jason calls Johnny and asks him to hold the firearms registered to Elizabeth and him. He sets aside Elizabeth's journals and remaining lockbox items for a second box. Johnny arrives, and they drink beer while discussing the plans for the estate. Jason says, "I want additional security set up for us at Elizabeth's place. Carly is unstable. She followed Jack, and when he got out of the car at the Metro Court, she realized I wasn't driving, and she had a meltdown. I want a secure gun safe installed that can only be opened by fingerprints."

"How was it with Jake and Aiden?"

"They said yes to my moving in. I wasn't worried about Jake, but I was unsure how Aiden would feel. Carly went after Aiden's business. I have a pie for you to take back with you."

After Johnny leaves, Jason skims Elizabeth's journal. It covers Elizabeth and Lucky trying to figure out the rapist's identity. Lucky found out what his father did to his mother in 1979, six years before he was born, and then when he met Elizabeth at the box cars the summer Lucky lived there. Jason finishes packing. He hopes to discuss the journals with Elizabeth later.

The following morning, Elizabeth arrives at GH. She checks her nurse's schedules and visits a few patients recovering from surgery. Patrick is there providing consultations. Robin tours the updated lab she helped create. Carly arrives at the hub.

Carly says, "I need to see you."

"Are you injured? Do you need a doctor or a nurse?"

"No, we need a word."

"Carly, I'm working, and the words I want with you don't belong in a hospital."

Carly yells, "How could you? Jason is my best friend, and I had a right to know he is alive!" Carly's yells prompt Francis to look concerned, but Elizabeth holds her hand up, indicating she is okay.

"Carly, it was not my decision. I wasn't aware until this June, more than a year after he was declared dead. Jason didn't ask for you. He asked for me."

"How dare you!" Carly raises her hand to slap Elizabeth, and Elizabeth instinctively blocks the hit before Francis reaches her.

From behind, Robin says, "What the hell?"

"Oh, so you knew too?"

"Knew what, Carly?"

"About Jason?"

"Yes, I found out last week. Patrick has known since last year."

"And you aren't pissed?"

"I was hurt, but I understood. Carly, get over yourself. Jason is alive. Why does the rest matter?"

"But why Elizabeth? Elizabeth is a…"

Patrick says, "An excellent nurse, and if I had my way, I would have her brought in sooner, but I was overruled."

Carly hugs Patrick. "Thank you for saving Jason's life again. Why didn't you call me?"

Monica has been watching from the sidelines, "Jason didn't want me to call you. Carly, you are disrupting my staff. I'm asking you to leave."

"Not until I've had my say."

"Carly, leave it be. Jason asked for Elizabeth, but she was not available at the time. Epiphany was his nurse for several months until her death."

Elizabeth decides to speak up. "Carly, I get it, you are pissed. That's fine. Get pissed at me for keeping Jason away from you. I can take it. But don't take it out on my son! What you did was cruel. You never had issues with Aiden's pies until Jason mentioned I was taking care of him."

Robin says, "Carly, what did you do?"

Elizabeth says, "She canceled Aiden's pie orders at Kelly's."

Michael arrives for a visit with Willow and says, "Mom, is that true? Aiden didn't do anything to you."

The growing crowd looks at Carly in pity. She says, "It's that bitch's fault. She poisoned Jason against me."

Elizabeth says, "Whatever, Carly. I have patients. Get a life. Mine is already taken." Carly walks off, vowing more revenge.

"Wow!" Robin says. "I thought I was the one Carly hated the most."

Elizabeth wraps her arm through Robin's. "Enough about Carly. Jason and I want to take you and Patrick to dinner tonight before you return to Berkeley."

Francis texted Jason about what had happened but told him not to come. Elizabeth managed it herself.

Jason arrives at the house and leaves his bags on the bed. He locks one of the gun safes in a drawer next to the master bed. The second safe, he needs to discuss with Elizabeth. He reads a text from Francis and wants to head to GH but relaxes when Francis says Elizabeth stood her ground. That is another thing to discuss with Elizabeth. The C word, Carly! Jason sighs, "Boundaries."

Jake is drawing in the art room, and Aiden is working on a new recipe on paper. Jason says, "Hey, guys? Do you have a few minutes? I don't know if your mother said anything to you last night after I left, but there will be additional security around you for a while. I hope it won't last long, but there are some people who don't like that your mother and I are together. You might see some strange men watching you. I will introduce you to them so you know who they are. I promise to give you your privacy when you need it."

Aiden says, "Is this because of what Ms. Spencer did? I heard you and Mom talking last night. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, Aiden, none of this is your fault. Your Mother and I are having dinner with Robin and Patrick and a nice man named Jack will stay with you. Will that be okay with you? When we get home, we will answer any questions you have." Jason introduces Jack to the boys and changes for dinner. He texts Elizabeth he will meet them at the Metro Court.

Elizabeth, Robin, and Patrick give the play-by-play of Hurricane Carly. Jason places his hand on Elizabeth and says, 'I'm sorry you had to deal with that. I told the boys we'd have a family meeting tonight to discuss security."

Robin says, "Carly and I had issues for years because of my actions regarding Michael, but after you came back in 2017, I thought we made amends. Elizabeth, why does Carly hate you so much? I thought you made amends with her also."

"We had. We got through the revenge pron issue with Cam and Joss, and then Joss broke up with Cam to date one of Sonny's guards. We still managed to survive, but it goes back to me taking care of Jason. She doesn't like that Jason lets me take care of him instead of her."

Patrick lifts his glass, "I propose we change the subject. Jason, if possible, let's not keep doing the "you need brain surgery" every four years dance, okay?

They laugh, and Jason replies, "I'll do my best."

Patrick and Robin say their goodbyes and return to California the next day. Francis follows Jason and Elizabeth home for a family meeting, and Jason settles into his new home.

TBC