Chapt 22
Thank you to diamond2225leo, guest, trini12180, starhine, and Pamela for your reviews. To diamond2225leo, despite never being intimate with Jason, in Carly's mind, he is the one who got away. He never wanted her. If Robin had stuck around, she would have found a way to get rid of her. She is settling for Sonny.
Milo knocks and says his Pop and Franchesca will attend the wedding. Elizabeth says, "Will that draw too much attention?"
"No, Pop has business with Sonny, and Frannie always comes for a surprise visit."
That evening, while lying in bed, Elizabeth's thoughts drift to Carly. "Jason, do you ever think about how betrayal can often come from those closest to you?" Her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and sorrow.
"Do you mean what Carly has done?" Elizabeth nods. "Yes, it's always the hardest to deal with. It's not just the act of betrayal but the loss of trust that cuts the deepest. But that doesn't change the fact that she tried to destroy my relationship with you."
"I value our relationship. No matter what happens to us, I will never betray you."
Jason pulled her into a comforting embrace. "I know. Together, we can face any betrayal or challenges and come out stronger. I love you."
Elizabeth nestles closer to him and says, "I love you, too."
12/30/2000
Maximus and Francesca arrive in PC. Steven picks them up at the airport and transports them to a suite at the PC Hotel. Steven met Maximus the last time he was in PC when he visited the Hardy House. Maximus knew about Steven and his daughter but hadn't voiced his opinion yet. Maximus meets with Sonny to inform him he is opening a Giambetti Winery in the Finger Lakes region near Rochester. Sonny thinks he is taking Max away from him, but Maximus says his daughter has been learning the ropes at one of his wineries in Italy. "Sonny, my daughter, is close to Bella and expressed interest in running her own winery. I have purchased one in Finger Lakes, and she will take control of it in February. I expect Jason to observe the operation."
Elizabeth, Jason, Francesca, Steven, Milo, and Elizabeth's friend, Dr. Kelly Lee, ring in 2001 at Jake's. Francesca kicks Jason out and shoves him to Milo's room. "Bella, Jason can't see you until tomorrow. Milo has his suit, and I have your dress."
"Frannie, we didn't want to wear dresses and suits."
Elizabeth, you and Jason are getting married in a Catholic Church by a Priest. You will be wearing a dress. I took the liberty of finding one for you."
Elizabeth opens the box and gasps. "Frannie, it's beautiful. Thank you. I'll try it on."
In Milo's room, Jason was receiving similar treatment. Milo had a dress suit for Jason to wear. He tugs at the stiff collar, but Milo tells him it's for Bella. They will need proof of their wedding and will take pictures to show Sonny and Carly when the time is right.
1/1/2001
Elizabeth looks stunning in a cream-colored tea-length dress. Her hair is swept up to the side of her face. Jason tears up at how striking she looks. Maximus walks Elizabeth to Father Coates, where Jason is standing by. He shakes Jason's hand and wishes them luck. Jason takes Elizabeth's hand as they face each other. "He whispers, you look beautiful."
She whispers back, "I know that suit is killing you, but you look handsome."
Father Coates asks if they have any vows that they want to announce. Jason says he does: "Elizabeth, a year ago today, I walked out of your studio because I needed to get my head on straight, and I wanted to travel. Those months away showed me what I was missing: you. Now that I am back, on this day, I can't wait to be married to you."
Elizabeth says.,"I have loved you longer than you have loved me. I had doubts, but now that this day is happening, I am excited to make this union official."
Steven hands Father Coates the rings; he blesses them, hands them to Jason and Elizabeth, and asks them to repeat after him, and then at the end, he says. "I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Steven and Milo take many pictures, and everyone congratulates the new couple. Maximus kisses Elizabeth and Jason on each cheek before leaving to prepare for departure in the morning.
They celebrate privately in Jason and Elizabeth's converted apartment. Steven toasts the new couple with champagne. "Congratulations, Mr. and !"
Elizabeth smirks, "It's Webber, at least for now."
January -May 2001
Jason helps Francesca take over the winery near Rochester. He learns more about the operation in her father's hope that Jason will take over the Italian winery when Maximus dies.
Elizabeth contacts Lucy Coe to find a house suitable for a Giambetti.
A new lawyer, Ric Lansing, arrives to offer his services to Sonny Corothinos. Sonnys's current attorney, Alexis Davis, is on an extended vacation. She ran away from her wedding to Ned, and the Quartermaines were hounding her. She escaped to the Island for an indefinite time.
Ric was persistent, and Sonny checked his references. He is Harvard-educated and has a clean record. Sonny is curious as to why Ric wants to work for him. Ric thinks he can be an asset to Sonny. Sonny agrees to a trial basis. Ric successfully defends Sonny in racketeering charges. Jason meets Ric and doesn't trust him, but Sonny thinks Ric is an excellent attorney.
Ric has researched Sonny, his wife Carly, Sonny's business partner, Jason, and the girl Morgan lives with. Ric goes to the hospital to check out Elizabeth Webber. Looking at her, he is enthralled and thinks she's beautiful. He follows her until Milo confronts him and asks him to back off. Ric has plans to drive a wedge between the two business partners, but he also wants to take Elizabeth away from Jason.
Sonny invites everybody, including Francesca, for dinner at the No Name, a local mob hangout. Sonny wants to gauge Ric's reaction, but Ric is impressed. Later, after dinner, Elizabeth and Jason go to the terrace for a drink. Jason is drinking a beer, and Elizabeth enjoys a glass of wine. Jason asks if she wants a refill, and she says yes. Ric takes it as an opportunity to approach Elizabeth. He talks to her about her work at GH, her art, and how beautiful she is. He reaches to push a strand of hair from her face. Elizabeth flinches and turns away. She tells him that she is involved with Jason and she's not interested. Jason returns and glares at Ric, wrenching his arm behind him and telling him to stay away from Elizabeth and not place his hands on her. Jason and Elizabeth quickly exit and return home. They discuss if they should reveal the fact that they're married.
"Elizabeth, I don't like that Ric put his hands on you. Even though he knows we're together, he continues to stalk you. Milo's told me about him following you to the hospital. Maybe if he knows that we're married, he'll back off. I still don't trust him."
"Carly has calmed down about us. Our interactions are limited due to Sonny's control, but once she hears we are more than living together, but married, the shit will hit the fan."
"True, but I don't like Ric around you."
"You are right; it's time to tell everyone. I want to tell our families first. Then, Sonny and Carly. But if you are still worried about Ric, you should investigate and dig deeper. We won't reveal anything until you have ammunition."
Jason embraces her, claims her lips, and says, "I'll wait to show Sonny who Ric really is. Sonny employed Stan, who is competent, but maybe I could find someone else."
"My Great-Uncle, Lee Baldwin, has an investigator. I could ask him to look into Ric's background."
"Thank you."
Elizabeth contacts Lee, and he sends his investigator to meet with Jason.
June
Jason and Elizabeth have dinner with Jeff and Audrey and announce their marriage. They apologized for keeping it a secret but didn't want a fuss. They haven't taken a honeymoon yet. Audrey is disappointed. She still believes Elizabeth made a mistake choosing Jason over the nice Prince Cassidine. Jeff is upset but more understanding. "Elizabeth, I wish you would have told me. I could have kept the secret, but I would have loved to see you get married."
Elizabeth hugs her father. "Can I make it up to you? Would it help to see pictures?"
Jeff sighs, "Small consolation. I take it Steven was there?"
Jason says, "Yes, I'm sorry. I know you wanted to be there. We plan on a reception, and we want to include you."
Jeff raises a glass, "Congratulations to the Morgans, or are you keeping Webber?"
Elizabeth replies, "Webber for now."
Jeff shakes Jason's hand and hugs his daughter as they leave. Steven promises to check with her at GH in the morning.
Elizabeth and Jason have dinner with the Quartermaines. They share the news of their marriage. Everyone congratulates them except Edward. He asks, "Is she pregnant? Jason, you left this family. Don't expect to be welcomed back now."
"Old man, we came to tell everyone because family is important to Elizabeth. Monica and Alan have accepted my choices. I don't want or need you."
Elizabeth kneels beside Lila and says, "I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner. Jason and I love you. You are important to us."
"That's alright, darling. I understand why you and Jason waited to tell the family." Jason kneels on the other side and grasps his grandmother's hand. Lila lifts his hand to her lips and kisses it. "Jason, you and Elizabeth have our blessing. Elizabeth, welcome to the family." Elizabeth kisses her cheek before they leave.
Emily walks them out. Jason says, "Emily, I'm sorry if we disappointed you."
"Well, I would have liked to have known, but gauging Grandfather's reaction, I don't blame you for not saying anything."
Elizabeth says, "Em, we will have a small reception soon. We want you to be there."
As they head home, Jason promises they will settle with Sonny and Carly tomorrow.
As they ride the elevator to the 15th floor where Sonny and Carly live, Elizabeth twists her rings, still getting used to wearing them full-time. She takes Jason's hand, looks at the shining metal band, and smiles. Jason asks, "Are you ready?"
"Yeah, I think so."
Sonny opens the door and tells them brunch is ready. Jason says, "Elizabeth and I have an announcement before we eat. We're married." Jason and Elizabeth wait for the shrieking, but it doesn't happen.
Sonny says, "Congratulations. I was wondering how long it would take for the two of you to get hitched. When did it happen?"
Elizabeth says, "January first."
The shrieking starts, "January first? You waited six months to tell us?"
Jason laughs, "There it is. Carly, do you have a problem with my getting married to Elizabeth?"
Carly sighs, "No, I've accepted your decision to be with the muffin face; I just thought you'd tell us."
"Seriously? After the way you've treated Elizabeth?"
"Sorry. I've realized I must accept your choices to be in your life. If Elizabeth is who you want, then congratulations."
Elizabeth says, "Of course, there's the threat from Maximus."
"Yeah, that too, but I've realized I must let go of the animosity. The Five Families would insist it if you are married."
Elizabeth laughs, "Yeah, there it is. Okay, Carly, I'm willing to bury the hatchet for the sake of the organization. Can we have brunch now?"
Sonny says, "Before the Five Families arrange a meeting, I'm throwing you a reception."
July-December 1, 2001
Sonny's sister, Courtney Matthews, arrives in town. His father, Mike Corbin, never told him he had a daughter. Courtney's arrival is unpleasant because she resents Mike for abandoning her.
Lee's investigator reveals that Ric is a DNA match to Sonny. They discovered his father to be Trevor Lansing, a lawyer for the Zacchara organization. The Zaccharas are a mob operation out of Manhattan. Jason arrives home to discuss the news with Elizabeth.
"Shit, Jason. Does Sonny know?"
"I'm telling him tomorrow. If Trevor Lansing is Ric's father, that makes Ric dangerous. The Zaccharas are part of the Five Families.
Jason shares the information he found on Ric, and Sonny is pissed. He calls Ric into his office and discloses what he knows. He demands to know why Ric didn't tell him they are half-brothers.
"How did you find out?"
"Does it matter? You misrepresented yourself! Your father works for the Zaccharas, a known enemy of our organization."
"I haven't spoken to my father in five years. Did Jason leave out that part?"
"Don't put this on Jason; why didn't you tell me?"
"If I told you the truth, would you have given me the time of day? I wanted to know my brother before you could judge me."
"I don't like it when people deceive me. You are on thin ice, Lansing. You lied to get this job. The other Families don't like betrayal."
"You can't tell them. I'm your brother."
"Bio brother, maybe, but not in the way it counts. If you resign, you can save face."
"I'm not leaving. You owe me. You are the reason I grew up without our mother. She chose you over me."
"Ric, tell Trevor you want to work for him; Port Charles is not working out for you."
"I like it here. I'll resign if that's what you want, but I'm not leaving. I'll prove to you that you can trust me again."
"Get out of my sight. I'll let you live for our mother."
December 2-31/2001
Emily sorased to 23
Jason and Elizabeth meet Emily for dinner at the PC Hotel Grille. The server asks if they want something to drink before their meal. Elizabeth declines and asks for water. Jason orders a beer and Emily a glass of wine. Jason raises his eyes at Elizabeth. She usually orders wine or a margarita with her meal. She glared back, but he knew not to question her.
When they arrive home, Elizabeth says, "I want to shower before bed. Would you care to join me?"
"Sure." Jason quickly disrobes as Elizabeth leaves a trail of discarded items toward the shower. "We're meeting with the Families next week. Maximus and Sonny want you prepared."
"Sush, I've been preparing for over five years." Elizabeth turns on the shower, allowing it to steam up. She steps inside, extending her hand. "There's something you need to know about before the meeting."
Jason steps inside, nuzzling her neck. "Mhmm, what's that?"
She reaches her arms around his neck. "I'm pregnant."
He pulls her down to the shower bench, "What?"
"You heard me. We are having a baby."
"When? How far along are you?"
"About six weeks. Sometime in June or July,"
Jason shuts off the shower and grabs a couple of towels. He wraps one around Elizabeth and carries her to bed. He opens the towel and places his hand on her still-flat belly. "I promise to be here for you this time."
Carly befriends Courtney, bringing her closer to her brother, Sonny.
Jason and Elizabeth leave Dr. Kelly Lee's office. Jason has his arm around her, smiling. He's looking at their baby's first sonogram. "Jason, I'm going to run down to the ER and show Steven. Can we all have dinner at Beradino's?"
"Sure, I'll call Milo to meet you at the ER doors while I book a reservation and pull the car around. I love you, mama." Jason kisses her and pats her stomach.
Jason grins and places a few calls. Elizabeth takes the elevator to the ER. She waits until Steven has finished with a patient. She calls out to him, and he waves her over. Elizabeth says, "Steven, I have something to show you." She hands him her sonogram, "Jason and I are having a baby. You are the first person we are telling."
"Lizzy, congratulations. This picture is beautiful."
"We are having dinner at Beradino's."
"My shift ends in twenty minutes. I'll meet you there."
Elizabeth notices Milo waiting by the ER doors and walks toward him. She shares the sonogram, and he embraces her. "Bella, congratulations. When will you tell Pop?"
Probably next week. So far, only you and Steven know. We still need to tell our families and then eventually Sonny and Carly. We haven't had 'The Dinner' with the Five Families yet. It's all happening so quickly."
"You'll do great." Milo opens the door to the garage, and a car screeches; the window rolls down, and two shots are fired at Milo. Milo pushes Elizabeth away when he hears the window before burning pain hits him. Elizabeth gets up to run to Milo, and she is grabbed from behind and chloroformed. A masked figure carries her to an unmarked vehicle and speeds away.