Chapter 21

September 2000

Elizabeth is walking on the pier when she hears her name. She turns, grins, and says, "Jason," before running into his arms.

Jason grins and spins her around. Setting her down, he claims her lips. He caresses her face and says, "Do you have plans today?"

"Nothing that can't be changed." Jason picks up his bag and follows her to her studio. Jason waits until Elizabeth shuts the door before carrying her to the bed. Wordlessly, she pulls her shirt over her head, and he removes his t-shirt. They struggle to yank off their jeans. Once unencumbered from their clothes, Jason slowly traces her body with his fingers and hands. He kisses her neck, and she guides his head down her body to her breasts, stomach, and further to her thighs. He enters her, and after several thrusts, they climax together. She lays her head on his chest. Jason brushes a strand of hair from her eyes. "You cut your hair."

"Yes, I wanted to try something different."

"It is different. It looks good on you," Jason sits and pulls to him. He wraps the sheet around them, and she leans against him. He kisses her head, "Elizabeth, I promised to tell you everything when I returned."

"Does it involve Carly and her three-month vacation?"

"Yes."

"Does it have anything to do with Pete? Carly told me you put Pete up to attack me, and when I survived, you turned the tables and said she was responsible and that you sent her away to make it believable."

"Bitch!" Jason mutters under his breath. "You didn't believe her, did you?"

"No, but I want answers. Did Carly have something to do with Pete attacking me?"

"Yes. I found out the night I was shot."

Elizabeth jumps up and screams. Jason wraps his arms around her and pulls her back to him. "Sush, I'll explain."

Milo and Marco bust in after hearing Elizabeth. Milo looks embarrassed at Elizabeth, wrapped up by a sheet. Jason chuckles and introduces Marco. He explained that Marco would be working for him. Marco nods and says, "Mamm, Ms. Webber."

"Please call me Elizabeth." Marco nods, and Milo drags him out of the studio.

Jason grins, "That was fun." Elizabeth elbows him. "Ow! Okay, fine, I'll finish the story." Elizabeth dresses in sweats and a shirt. "I was heading to speak with Sonny when I heard him yelling at Carly. Carly yelled back, saying she never meant it to get that far. I was sick because I knew they were talking about what Pete did. I was so angry and wanted to get on my bike and ride somewhere. I realized I locked myself out and didn't want to ask Sonny to let me in or anyone at the desk, so I left from the side exit and started walking. I was ambushed and shot; that's when you found me."

Elizabeth sits cross-legged against the wall, and tears fall down her face. She use her shirt to wipe her eyes. Jason reaches for her, but she raises her hand to stop him. "What else?"

Jason sighed and told her everything from Maximus finding out to Carly being threatened by a local hire. He tells her Maximus paid Sonny a personal visit.

"Apparently, it didn't do any good. Carly still hasn't changed. Sonny hasn't been forthcoming, though he did help with a situation involving your sister."

"Emily? What happened? Why didn't you say anything?"

"We were focused on the shit with Pete and Carly. I planned on telling you." Elizabeth tells Jason what happened at the rave involving Nikolas, Lucky, his sister, and a kid named Zander Smith. "Zander is doing low-level grunt work for Sonny. Your sister is fine, and the cops never connected her friends to the dead cop."

Jason scratches his head, "Lucky Spencer?"

"Oh, yeah. That's another story." Elizabeth tells him how the Spencers and Nikolas found Lucky and his issues, including briefly stalking her.

"Sonny helped?"

"Yes, you should see Emily and have her tell you. I wasn't there. I was part of the cleanup crew. Sorel was the one who had Zander working for him. He is still in the wind."

"Well, I have some catching up with a few people. I also want to meet with Sonny and Carly and present ourselves as a united front. I'm the one who turned Carly into Maximus. I had Milo call him."

"Where did you go?"

"I spent time in Italy, training with Maximus and Marco. I also went to Egypt before returning to Italy. I told Maximus I didn't want to take over for Sonny, but his intent is for me to run things in Italy when he dies. He suggested you be by my side when that happens. Is that something you'd consider? It could be ten years or 20."

"Jason, this is something we haven't discussed before. Is this something you want, or are you thinking about what Maximus wants? He would not want to wait ten years."

Maximus said he's seen the way we look at each other. It's not like it hasn't crossed my mind. I was thinking that maybe someday, but something or someone always got in the way,"

"Maybe we should stop worrying about everyone else and do what we want."

"I still have obligations."

"As long as one of those obligations isn't Carly, I can live with that. After what she did to me, a three-month banishment isn't enough. She is someone else's responsibility."

"After what she did to you, I want nothing to do with her."

Elizabeth winks, grins, and says, "So what do you propose… emphasis on the word propose?"

"You're serious?"

"Only if you are…with conditions."

Jason is getting in on the game. "Before I ask, what would those conditions be?"

"One. I am not living across the hall in your PH. Two. We don't tell anyone right away."

"Why? I thought we were going to make a united front."

"Oh, we can still do that, but I want to drop the news on Carly at the most uncomfortable moment in her life."

Jason pulls her to him and nibbles on her ear. "You are evil. What's the third?"

Elizabeth pushes Jason back to the bed and straddles him, "Three," Elizabeth unzips his jeans, "We do this as often as we can."

Jason flips her over and removes her clothes. "I think I can arrange that."

Later, Elizabeth finds her robe and removes water bottles from her fridge. She hands one to Jason. "Okay, this was fun, but how serious are you?"

"Elizabeth, the only thing I regret about not being Jason Quartermaine are his memories with you. My other regret is not listening when you asked to be first. Circumstances have gotten in our way. I don't want to let those happen again."

Jason, let's table this notion for a week, and if you are still serious, we can get our affairs in order."

"I'll find a lawyer who isn't Alexis or Justice."

"I'll call Maximus."

October-November

Jason, Elizabeth, guards, Emily, Q's, Webbers, Sonny, oh, and Carly

Jason is staying in his old room at Jakes. He told Sonny he was back but not ready to see Carly. They met at the warehouse, and Jason laid down ground rules. He told Sonny he was back with Elizabeth and that they would come for dinner to let Carly know where she stood in their life. He will no longer clean up Carly's messes. Max or Francis can do that. Jason says, "If you have a problem with that, let's divide the business. I know what Carly did, and Maximus said he made a deal with you. Carly had already gone after Elizabeth when she was told not to."

Elizabeth told Jason that Maximus was sending a brilliant attorney who had been working for one of his American corporations. She would arrive next month.

Jason takes Elizabeth riding up to Nowhere. He had Milo, Marco, and Steven arrange a surprise for Elizabeth. As they approach the destination, Elizabeth sees a string of lights leading up to the Estate. She hops off the bike and asks how. Jason points to the generator and heater.

Jason turns on the heater and presses play on the boom box. He hands her a single pink rose. "You know I'm not one for big displays, but I've made an exception since it's just us." He leads her to one of the benches. He sits beside her and holds her right hand. "Elizabeth Imogene Webber, I want this for us. Not for Maximus or to stick it to Carly, but because I love you. I have once I got my head out of my ass to notice you. Will you marry me?"

Elizabeth's eyes glisten, and she nods. He takes her left hand and places a two-carat diamond ring studded with ruby gemstones on her finger. "The rubies represent love, commitment, protection, and creativity."

Elizabeth holds her finger to one of the lights and says, "I love it! I can't wear it in public until we are ready to announce it, but I'll keep it someplace safe." Jason claims her lips, and he holds her close.

Jason shuts down the generator and covers it and the heater. They walk to his bike, and he takes her on the Cliff Roads before stopping at her studio. He follows her inside, and they make love. They awake to Milo bringing in muffins and coffee. Elizabeth shows him her rings, and he embraces her. He shakes Jason's hand and says congratulations. Steve stops by to see the ring and offer his congratulations before heading to GH.

Elizabeth locks up her ring before they join Sonny and Carly for dinner. Jason holds her hand as they exit the elevator and walk to Sonny's PH. Sonny invites them in, and Carly glares at the display of affection. During dinner, they make small talk about Jason's trip to Egypt and Elizabeth's art and renting another room on her floor to devote to her art. She's working with a contractor to adjoin the rooms. Sonny mentions that with all the improvements to the building, she has spruced up the Waterfront Pier.

After dinner, they head to the living area for drinks. Jason addressed Carly. "Carly, you have stepped over the line far too many times. You instigated the attack on Elizabeth. I reported on you; you no longer have leverage on me because you wanted the woman I love to be raped! I must work with Sonny but will not be there for you. Max or one of the other guards will address your needs."

"Jason, Elizabeth turned you against me. She is lying and made you call Maximus."

Jason chuckles, "Elizabeth didn't know what you did until last week. I overheard you and Sonny. I told Maximus, and they went through your and Pete's records. There is a paper trail. You cannot wiggle your way out of this one, Carly. Maybe you will finally let go of me being your savior. Elizabeth and I are together. If you can't accept that, I'll happily see Sonny away from you. You will not approach Elizabeth unless she is with me. You are not first; she is. You fucked me over for the last time."

Elizabeth stands and sweetly says, "Thanks for dinner and drinks, but it's time to go. Jason and I have plans."

Jason places his arm around Elizabeth and kisses her cheek. "Sonny, I'll be in touch. All communications will be through Max or Milo. I have a new person working with me. His name is Marco, and he answers to me, so they will find Marco if you can't reach me. We will meet at the warehouse only."

Elizabeth and Jason head for the door, and Carly utters, "You are choosing this bitch over me?"

Jason walks back and sticks his face in front of Carlys, "I won't hit a woman, but I will hit Sonny." Jason punches Sonny in the stomach. "I understand the need to protect your wife, but Carly wanted Elizabeth gone. That is unacceptable. If you don't get Carly under control, I have copies of the information Maximus gave you."

Jason rejoins Elizabeth, and they leave.

Jason and Elizabeth have Thanksgiving dinner with the Webber/Hardy family and dessert with the Quarantines. They withhold announcing their engagement for now.

December

Jason asks Marco if he's met the attorney Maximus is sending. "Once. I hear she is very formidable. She has expensive tastes, but Maximus says she is worth every penny."

"Since you have met, I want you to pick her up at the airport. She is booked at the Presidential Suite at the PC Hotel."

Jason moves into the studio with Elizabeth as his apartment at Jakes is unsuitable. Milo and Jason help convert the studio on the other side that Elizabeth bought to use as a private bedroom. The other room has the kitchen, bathroom, couch, and art area. Jason promises to find a place that belongs to them and not on Harbor View Drive.

Marco waits for the elegantly dressed woman to exit the plane. The sharp-dressed redhead checks her nails, smooths her skirt, and waves to Marco.

"Diane Miller, looking lovely as ever. We'll collect your bags at the claim area, and your suite is waiting for you at the Port Charles Hotel. Mr. Morgan and Ms. Webber want to meet with you tomorrow morning. I'll pick you up and bring you to their apartment."

"Yes, I understand the need for secrecy." Marco deposits Diane at the hotel. After entering her room, she looks through the files Maximus provided. She makes some notes and places them in her briefcase. She eases out of her ridiculously expensive Christian Louboutin shoes and rubs her feet before preparing for bed.

Diane rises early and orders an egg white omelet and black coffee. Her cell rings, announcing a car waiting for her outside. She collects her bags and greets Marco in a dark SUV. She rides in silence to the studio. "Not the part of town I expected Jason Morgan to live in, but I can adjust."

"Looks can be deceiving. It's a lot nicer on the inside." She takes the service elevator to the third floor. Milo stands outside, knocks on the door, opens it, and announces Ms. Diane Miller.

Jason welcomes Diane and introduces her to Elizabeth. Diane first notices how hot Morgan looks. The girl is every bit as beautiful as Maximus said she would be. She would kill to have skin like hers.

What can I do for you, Mr. Morgan, and Ms. Webber? Maximus was vague on the details."

"Elizabeth and I wish to be married, but others will get in our way. We need legal documents drawn up. We need an expedited marriage license and a priest to marry us."

Elizabeth says, "A priest? I'm not Catholic or religious."

"It has to be a priest because of Sonny and the Five Families. Maximus will bless the marriage if a priest marries us."

"I can live with that for the sake of the families."

"What do you want done, and what are the conditions?"Jason and Diane ironed out the terms. Elizabeth insisted on having a prenup. Jason wanted to set something up for Elizabeth to ensure she was provided for. She argued she didn't want a divorce settlement should that happen. Diane says it is customary and expected.

Elizabeth sighs, saying, "Jason, I just want to be married, not be buried in legalities."

"I'm sorry, this is what is expected. I do not intend on divorcing you. It's merely a formality." He kisses her and nuzzles her neck.

Diane says, "I'll have everything filed and arranged post haste. Diane snaps her briefcase close and asks for a place to eat. Elizabeth suggests Kelly's Diner but mentions its local flair, which may be beneath her tastes. Diane doesn't mind slumming it and promises she will have all the requests by the end of the day tomorrow afternoon.

Jason and Elizabeth discuss their wedding. They agree on simplicity and privacy. Elizabeth has two guests in mind. She wants her brother Steven and, of course, Milo. She asks Jason if he wants to ask Emily, but he says he doesn't think she can keep a secret, and she hasn't fully forgiven her for the secret of hiding him in her studio last year. Jason agrees on the two-person guest list. "Elizabeth, when we drop the ball on Sonny and Carly, I want a reception with both our families. We must have a dinner with the Five Families, and Maximus will attend."

"I'm aware of the obligations. I was around Maximus long enough to know how things work. It's not something I like, much like you hate it too."

"I never understood how Sonny enjoyed these events. He loves showing off at the Nurses Ball, other charity functions, holiday balls, dancing, etc."

"You hate those things, especially dancing."

"I love dancing with you."

Elizabeth laughs, "There are many things you love doing with me. I hope you aren't doing with anyone else."

"Never." Jason pulls her on top of him.

Elizabeth calls Steven for dinner at Beradino's with her and Jason. They request a booth in the back. After dinner, as they are having drinks, Diane Miller arrives. She sets a folder on the table and orders a martini. Jason picks up the folder and introduces her to Steven. He opens the folder, and Elizabeth scoots over to read it. Elizabeth smiles and says, "Stevie, it's time to set a date for my wedding to Jason."

Steven holds out his hand to review the folder. Jason shrugs and passes it to him. Steven grimaces and says, "Please tell me You have something planned for Carly."

Jason says, "We're working on it. Carly has already been put on notice."

"I don't know what I ever saw in her."

Elizabeth says, "I thought the sex was good."

"It wasn't that good."

"Does Frannie know where you dipped your wick?"

"Yes, but her father wasn't happy about it. Why does her family know everything about us?"

"Because they do their homework."

Diane loves the siblings' banter. She says, "I've arranged for Father Coates to officiate at Queen of Angels Church. Have you picked a date?"

Elizabeth and Jason look at each other and, in unison, say, "January 1, 2001.