The Inheritance Contract

AN: Into the good stuff now! If you like it, leave those reviews!

Chapter 6

"Jason…"

Jason held his hands up. "Now, just wait a minute. I know we really don't know each other that well, but we have Emily in common and she talks about you a lot. And, I really think this could benefit the both of us. Just hear me out, please?" His voice held a pleading tone that Elizabeth couldn't ignore.

Looking around for a place to sit, she saw some old statues. Walking toward one, she sat on the ground in front of it, and leaned back. Jason took that as a que to sit beside her. He took a deep breath and looked at Liz.

"Emily says you have always wanted to travel and see the world. That you want to paint and sketch. I can give you the means to do that. In exchange, you would be giving me what I want as well. Like I said, this would benefit both of us."

Liz was shocked. She had no idea that Emily had ever talked to her brother about her before. Surprisingly, she wasn't bothered by it. "Even if what you are saying is the truth, there is still the matter of you wanting us to get married and for me to have a baby for you. Don't you think people would talk about the fact that I just got out of a relationship with Lucky and immediately jumped into one with you? Especially your family? They would know the reason why.."

"So what? Who cares if they know the reason. Edward's will stated that I had to marry and produce an heir before this time next year. It never said I had to be in love with the woman or even how we had the baby." He noticed her wince when he talked about not being in love with the woman who would be his wife. He felt a little guilty, but pressed on. "And, the baby wouldn't be for me. It would be for you.."

Liz shook her head. "I don't understand.."

Jason sighed, before reaching out and grasping her hand. "We would get married in name only. Just a private ceremony. Then, we could do artificial insemination. I know you are nervous about being intimate with a man after what you went through. This way, you could have the baby that you want. After the baby is born, and we fulfill the obligations of the will, we get a divorce and I would give you full custody of the baby. We will work out a nice settlement and you will be a very rich woman. You will be able to do that traveling you want and see those sights you have been dying to see. Is there any place in particular you want to go?"

"Italy," Liz replied quietly. "I've always wanted to visit Italy. I hear the colors are much more vibrant there and the light is so much brighter."

"It is.." Jason confirmed. "I've been there a couple times. It's definitely a beautiful place. One I know you will enjoy when you see it for yourself."

"What about the baby though?" Liz asked, her thoughts racing.

"You could take the baby with you. You would need to wait until they are old enough to travel, but it's not impossible," Jason told her, his conviction strengthened.

"It is crazy that I'm actually considering this right now? I mean, I literally just broke up with my cheating boyfriend and now I'm actually thinking about getting married to you so you can stick it to your Grandfather." Liz giggled, and her whole face lit up. "I'm not sure which of us is crazier right now."

Jason also chuckled. "Seems pretty mutual at the moment."

"Where would we live?" Liz asked, before gasping and putting her hands over her mouth. "I'm sorry. That was stupid to ask. You probably want to have as minimal contact as possible, which means that you would stay where you live and I would stay at my studio. After all, it wouldn't even be a real marriage. So, it would be stupid for us to live together. Forget I asked that question.." Liz rambled, her eyes wide.

Jason laughed outright. "Elizabeth…breathe. It's okay. To answer your question, I actually do want us to live together. In order for a marriage to be believable, it usually requires the couple to live together. Don't worry, though. We would have separate bedrooms. My Grandmother owns several properties around Port Charles. I'm sure I could ask her if we could rent one. Right now, I have a small spot above my shop. It only has a bedroom, bathroom and a tiny kitchen. Your studio is probably the same way, right?" At her nod, he continued. "So, if you agree to this, I'll ask my Grandmother about something with 4 bedrooms."

"4 bedrooms? Why so many?"

"One for you, one for me, one for the baby and one for a studio for you," Jason said, ticking them off on his fingers.

"Oh! You don't have to do that. 2 bedrooms are fine. Besides, it isn't like the baby would be in its room for long anyways before we moved out. It's stupid to have that much room. And besides, I don't need a studio. I'll just keep my apartment and move back in after."

Jason frowned. "Elizabeth, you wouldn't be the one moving out. I would want you to stay there with the baby and I would be the one moving out. I would continue to pay the rent on it, but it would be yours." At her gasp, he held up a hand. "Consider it as part of the divorce settlement. That way, I will know you and the baby have a safe place to live. I don't like the idea of you going back to your apartment, especially with a baby."

"How soon would we need to get married?" Liz asked.

"The sooner the better. The faster we get married and you have a baby, the faster it can all be over with and you would be able to do that traveling."

Liz stared at Jason. This is totally crazy. Why am I even contemplating doing this? Finally, she stared him in the eyes.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "I'll do it."