Jason’s Penthouse

Jason was on the phone the next morning when Elizabeth padded down the stairs. She was already dressed for the day in a blue tank top and blue jeans. Her feet were bare and made no sound as she headed for the kitchen.

When she emerged with a cup of tea in her hands, Jason was standing, leaning against the desk. “I just got off the phone with Sonny. He contacted Dara Jensen and she’s agreed to petition to revoke Ric’s parental rights.”

“Thanks.” She stood in front of him awkwardly. “I know you don’t really understand why I don’t want—”

“I do understand,” Jason cut her off. “And I even agree with you. The idea of putting my name on your child’s birth certificate and then just…not being in the baby’s life, it doesn’t sit well with me either.” He slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I promised you that I would protect you and the baby and that’s all I’m trying to do.”

“I just…” Elizabeth sighed. “I’m afraid that if I do this, one day I’m going to have to explain why a piece of paper says she has a father when she doesn’t.” She shrugged. “Or if I’m still in Port Charles when that day comes and she’s heard of you…that she’ll come to you for answers.” She bit her lip. “I don’t want to have to put you in that situation.”

“I understand that and I really don’t want to have to answer those questions either.” Jason took a deep breath. “Elizabeth, I just…I’m trying so hard to do the right thing but I don’t know what to do.”

“I promised myself when we came up with this marriage thing that I wasn’t going to do what Carly did,” Elizabeth admitted, deciding to come partially clean with him. “I was going to do everything possible to keep this pregnancy separate from what was going on. That I wasn’t going to let you in about…” She hesitated. “I know it sounds…egotistical…but—”

“I made the same decision myself,” Jason confessed. “Sonny thought…” he shook his head.  “Elizabeth, I just want to be able to keep this promise and this is the only way that I can think of.”

“Have you talked to Courtney about this?” Elizabeth asked softly. “How does she feel about it?”

Jason shook his head. “She wouldn’t like it. She had enough problems with the marriage…I know she’d hate this.”

“And her opinion doesn’t matter?” Elizabeth asked, a little surprised.

“It’s not that it doesn’t matter…” Jason hesitated. “She doesn’t understand why I’m doing any of this.”

“Jason…” Elizabeth sighed and sat down on the arm of the couch, setting her untouched tea down. “It does…it means a lot that you’d even offer to do this but—”

“I don’t like making promises and breaking them,” Jason told her. “And I don’t like letting people down.”

Elizabeth nodded. “I understand that, but—” she closed her eyes. “Jason, this would tie us together for a very long time. I mean, if something were to happen to me, you would automatically be looked at to take care of her because you’d be the next of kin and I don’t—”

“Elizabeth, you’re doing what ifs now and right now, we should just be concentrating on getting your child through the next year,” Jason interrupted. “Once Ric and Faith are taken care of, we can talk about this. We can make those kinds of decisions then. All I want to do is to ensure your safety and the baby’s. Once we do that, we can worry about everything else.”

It was beginning to make sense to her—and after all, she promised herself that she was going to put the baby first—that her life didn’t matter as much as the baby. And if Jason and Sonny thought this was the only way, then who was she not to trust them?

She could worry about Courtney, Emily and Carly’s reactions later. This was her child and it about time she started thinking like a mother rather than a pathetic girl who was in love with someone else’s boyfriend.

She straightened and crossed her arms. “Okay.”

Jason hesitated. “Okay, what?”

“Okay, we’ll do this. If this is what it’s going to take to protect my baby, then this is what we’ll do. Where do we start?”

Not expecting her to agree so easily, Jason hesitated. “I’m not sure. I’ll have to call Dara back and find out. Are you sure?”

She nodded. “If you are.”

“It was my idea,” Jason reminded her.

Elizabeth nodded. “Okay. I’m going to go and get something to eat before my doctor’s appointment.”

“I didn’t know you had one today,” Jason frowned.

She nodded. “I go once a month until November or so when I have to go more because I’m due in January. Dr. Meadows wanted me to come in after the wedding—because I had that panic attack after the kidnapping last month, she was worried about my blood pressure—” Elizabeth broke off abruptly. “Anyway, I told Andrew about it last night just like I was supposed to.”

“Is your blood pressure okay?” he asked.

“It’s fine. It was just a little higher than she liked last time and she wanted me to come as soon as the wedding was over—” Elizabeth flushed. “She, ah, doesn’t know it wasn’t…real and…anyway, I should eat before I have to go.” She moved into the kitchen quickly.

Jason turned to the phone.

General Hospital

“Hey, Lucky, thanks for meeting me here,” Elizabeth sighed. “I’m actually a little early for the appointment so I was hoping we could talk.”

“Sure.” Lucky sat next to her. “What’s up?”

Elizabeth sat back and took a deep breath. “The families renegotiated the deal.”

Lucky exhaled slowly. Years of growing up on the run had schooled him to know that the five families were a bunch of assholes and he was worried about what this deal entailed. “And?”

“I’ll spare you a lot of the details but suffice to say Jason has to adopt the baby,” she sighed. “God, Emily’s going to hate me even more now.”

“Aw, Elizabeth…don’t worry about Em right now. Nikolas and I are working on her. Worry about yourself and the baby. Is this adoption the best thing for you or for the baby?” he asked.

“The baby and long term, it’s good for me because I still get to raise my child.” She shook her head. “But right now, being married to Jason—having him adopt the baby, it just feels…it feels off. I can’t…I don’t know if I can do this Lucky, you know? I just—I want so badly to do the right thing but no one is letting me.”

“Elizabeth, I’m sure this will work out in the long run,” Lucky told her. “Ric and Faith will get caught, the marriage will be annulled and the adoption rescinded. No big deal.”

“It is a big deal, it’s a very big deal to me,” Elizabeth protested. “Look, yesterday…it was both the worst and best day of my life and now I get to have Jason be the legal father of my child but of course he wants nothing to do with either of us wants it’s over—”

“Did he say that?” Lucky demanded, going into over-protective mode.

“No, but it’s obvious,” she muttered. She sniffled. “I just want to be careful. I’ve been reading on pregnancy and I’m going to be going through all these emotional and hormonal changes and what if I accidentally blurt out how I feel?”

Lucky frowned. “How do you feel?”

Elizabeth peeked over at him. “Do we have to talk about that?” she asked.

“I don’t think we have to.”

“Elizabeth Morgan,” the receptionist called out.

Elizabeth stood. “I will never get used to hearing that,” she grumbled.

Corinthos Penthouse

“She agreed?” Sonny asked surprised. “After your call last night, I thought—”

“Yeah, I did too but we talked about it this morning and she agreed.” Jason crossed his arms. “It’s a good thing too because I was out of ideas.”

“I can understand her reluctance,” Sonny said. “It can’t be easy for her to be in this situation, depending on us for just about everything. She’s always been one of the most independent people I’ve known.”

“She understands that we’re not doing this to control her,” Jason assured him. “Her number one priority is the baby and for right now, that’s mine, too. We gotta make sure none of this touches her, y’know? She needs to be calm during this whole thing.”

Sonny nodded. “I understand that. Why do you think Carly’s protection has nearly tripled since we announced the pregnancy? It’s hard enough on women to have babies without the added stress of our business.” He scratched his chin. “I got another call from Johnny and Francis today. They’re over in France but the trail is cold. I figure they’ve got someone here keeping an eye on things but for right now, they’re going lay low.”

Jason nodded. “Things got too hot for them here. They’ll strike when they think our guard is down.”

“Yeah, there’s no doubt about that. I’m just not sure where they’ll strike first. The families are expecting him to go at Elizabeth because he did last month but he’s gotta know they suspect that so we need to make sure everything is locked up tight. Security, our holdings—everyone has one guard with them and another following.”

“What about Courtney’s security on the island?” Jason asked. “How tight is it down there?”

“Well, it got better once she went down there. I sent some guys with her but I’ll be calling down and telling Rico to do more background checks and hire some more people. Lansing and Faith aren’t gonna be able to find a way in, I guarantee it. If they’ve got someone on the inside, we’re gonna find them.”

Quartermaine Mansion: Terrace

Emily rolled her eyes. “I am not overreacting,” she scowled. She glared at her boyfriend. “Whose side are you on?”

“I’m not on any sides,” Zander replied. “I’m just saying that you’re being unfair to her. Yes, she’s made mistakes and she’s the first to admit it but you’re making both of you miserable. She needs her best friend right now, not another person judging her.”

“Zander, you don’t…” Emily exhaled, frustrated. “You don’t understand.”

“Elizabeth’s grandmother is already not talking to her. Do you think she needs to lose someone else?” Zander asked pointedly.

“You’re not going to make me apologize,” Emily said scathingly. “There are things you don’t know.”

“Do you even remember all that Elizabeth’s done for you?” he demanded. “All I ever hear about is the four musketeers. Your adventures, the good times. She’s your best friend, Emily. She’s been in your life longer than most people. Don’t you think that friendship deserves to survive?”

“Look, I’ll think about talking to her but that doesn’t mean I’m going to bow down and praise her like the rest of you.” Emily tossed her hair back. “Too many things have happened.”

“I wish you’d tell me,” Zander said, a little annoyed. “This little vague game we’ve got going on is really pissing me off.”

“Well, excuse me for wanting to keep a few things to myself,” Emily said crossly.

Zander stood. “Whatever. I gotta get back to ELQ. My lunch break is over.”

Dr. Meadow’s Office

“Things look great,” Dr. Meadows told her. She smiled. “Your blood pressure is right where it should be, all tests are normal. How’s your morning sickness?”

“It’s tapering off a little,” Elizabeth said. “But I’m almost at the end of my first trimester so that’s supposed to happen right?”

“Right. Just be careful, the second trimester is a little bit better than the first. Your body is still adjusting to pregnancy and expect your hormones to get a little whacky. It’s not uncommon to just burst into tears for no reason at all.” She glanced down at the chart. “Now, will your husband be coming the next time?”

“I…” Elizabeth hesitated. “Probably not, why?”

“Well, I was planning on doing the ultrasound next month. You’ll be showing, we can see the baby and a lot of fathers generally like to be present for that.” She smiled.

“Oh…” Elizabeth took a deep breath and put her hand over her abdomen. “Well, Jason…he’s got a really demanding job. He can’t always…you know what I mean.”

“Well, Sonny Corinthos makes it to all of Carly’s appointments and don’t they work together?” Dr. Meadows asked, frowning slightly.

“Yeah. Well…we’re not Sonny and Carly,” Elizabeth said faintly. “Is that everything?”

“Yes. I’ll see you next month, Elizabeth. Take care of yourself.”

“I will.”

Limousine

Elizabeth touched her heart charm and looked out the tinted windows of the car taking them back to the penthouses. She and Jason were sitting alone in the completely silent car while Sonny and Carly followed them in a matching limo. She didn’t see the point in continuing the charade of a true wedding but she was past the point of arguing.

The only thing she wanted to do was sit out the last six months of her pregnancy in the relative solitude of the penthouse.

“Sonny and I have to meet with the families when we get back so you and Carly will be alone on the floor,” Jason broke the silence.

Elizabeth opened her mouth to ask why but quickly closed it again. “Okay.”

“We have to deal with Tagliatti’s behavior,” Jason explained. “And…Sonny received word that the families wish to renegotiate.”

Her head snapped around and she stared at him. “Why?” she demanded. “What else could they possibly want?”

Sonny had told him not to pull any punches with his explanation—to tell Elizabeth the entire truth. So Jason told her. “We think it’s about the pregnancy. They’re still worried Ric will get to the baby and they don’t want another Ric on their hands.”

Elizabeth pressed her lips firmly together. “How am I supposed to assure them that it won’t happen?” she asked. She twisted her hands in her lap.

“I don’t know,” Jason said honestly. He put his arm on the back of the seat and twisted to look at her. “Elizabeth, I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Or your child. I promise.”

“That’s not really a promise you can make is it?” Elizabeth asked softly. There was neither anger nor accusation in her voice, but he still winced.

“No, it’s not,” Jason allowed. “I’m going to do my best then. We have more allies than the families do—more friends in the syndicate. That works in our favor.”

“Okay.” She glanced up at him. “I believe you.” She hesitated. “Sonny doesn’t want me to come this time?”

Jason shook his head. “He doesn’t think it’ll be safe.”

She nodded, wanting to tell him to be careful but she thought that might be a little too personal—too close, so she opted to stay silent.

The car pulled to a stop and a guard pulled open the back door. Jason stepped out first and then helped Elizabeth out.

“Congratulations, Mr. Morgan,” the guard said formally. He was new and probably not aware that the wedding had been just for show. “Mrs. Morgan,” he nodded.

“I’ll take you upstairs and make sure you’re settled in,” Jason told her, ignoring the guard. He put a hand on the small of her back and started to steer her towards the stairs.

“You don’t have to,” Elizabeth told him. Sonny and Carly joined them. “I mean…if you need to get to the meeting as soon as possible.”

“If you’re okay with that,” Sonny told Carly, “we’ll just have one of the guards take you up. Actually…” he snapped his fingers and a dark-haired man joined them. “Elizabeth, this is Andrew. He’ll be on your door when you’re in the penthouse and he’ll be your main guard.”

Elizabeth crossed her arms tightly. “Okay.”

“Andrew, take them upstairs,” Sonny directed. “Johnny will take care of Mrs. Corinthos and Mrs. Morgan is your responsibility from now on.”

“He doesn’t have to call me that does he?” Elizabeth asked. “I mean…Elizabeth will be fine.”

“Elizabeth, don’t argue.” Sonny looked at Andrew. “You have your instructions.”

Carly shook her head. “Let’s just go, okay?” She took Elizabeth’s arm and they went towards the elevator, Andrew trailing behind them.

“Let’s get this over with,” Sonny told Jason as they headed towards Sonny’s limo.

No Name

Sonny strode into the restaurant and headed right for the private room where the heads of the families were already gathered. He took his usual seat with Jason stationed behind him. “I do not appreciate being summoned here like this,” he snarled. He glared at Tagliatti. “What the hell was all of that about here earlier?”

Tagliatti smirked. “Just proving once and for all who is in charge here. It is only out of respect for peace that we do not challenge your rights to the territory. And it is only because customarily women are not considered in business that we are willing to negotiate Elizabeth Webber’s well-being.”

“That’s Elizabeth Morgan,” Sonny corrected coldly. “And that name is as good as mine in this syndicate. For whatever reasons, she is now Jason’s wife and is as deserving of your respect as my own wife.”

“Fine.” Daniel Vega leaned forwardly. “We are still not sure about this pregnancy. You cannot offer us any assurance that Ric Lansing will not get to the child or to Elizabeth before the child is born.”

“Elizabeth is under lock and key,” Sonny reported. “She is protected by the best guards in the business, and has quit her job. She leaves the penthouse now only for doctor’s appointments and other minor things. She is never out of the guard’s sight and is always in a public place.”

“Things happen.” Michael Hernandez folded his hands and peered at Sonny. “Ric is still legally the child’s father. He has rights.”

“We can petition the court to have those taken away,” Sonny replied. “Ric would have to appear in court to argue against it and then you’d have what you’d want. Ric back in Port Charles.”

“And if he just lets the petition go through, his rights are taken away.” Hernandez nodded. “Okay.”

“We are not men who depend on the court system to do our dirty work,” Thomas Caracas cut in. “Your organization and the men in it  are  only obligated to protect Elizabeth Morgan because of her new status as Jason’s wife. The child would mean nothing to them. There are men in any of our organizations that could turn against us and work with Ric Lansing to get to the child.”

“What do you propose I do?” Sonny demanded harshly. “Go to that girl that I’ve promised to protect and tell her she needs to abort her baby because you’re scared someone will turn on you and work for Lansing?”

“No one wants another Ric Lansing running around,” John O’Reilly snapped. “And we have no assurance that one day the girl won’t go back to him. Nothing other than her word. And then she gives him the child and how are we supposed to fight against that?”

“She’s not going to go back to him,” Sonny argued. “And of course you’re obligated to protect her child.”

“As long as it’s inside of her,” O’Reilly pointed out. “Once it’s born, it’s a separate person and as far as I’m concerned, open season.”

Jason clenched his fists at his side as he listened to these petty men talk about Elizabeth and her child like they were pieces of property. He’d promised her that no harm would come to her child and damn it, for once in his life, he wanted to keep a promise to her.

“If I adopt the child, you can’t touch it,” Jason blurted out. The room went silent and Sonny twisted in his seat to gape at his friend. He took a deep breath. “If I adopt her child and put my name on the birth certificate, the child will receive the same respect and protection as a child of my own blood, right?”

“Right,” Vega said slowly. “And hearing that Jason Morgan is claiming his child might be the motivation Lansing needs to take some kind of action.”

“We’d need to talk to Elizabeth about this first,” Sonny said quickly. “She needs to be okay with this.”

“Meet us here tomorrow at eight,” Tagliatti instructed them. He smiled. “I knew we’d come up with something.”

Limo

“Jason, this is a mistake.”

Jason shook his head. “They’re not going to take her child from her and they’re not going to hurt it either. Sonny, we promised her we’d protect her at any cost.”

“You haven’t thought this through,” Sonny argued. “Yes, it would solve our immediate problems but you will be the child’s father for the rest of its life. Your name will always be on that certificate.”

“It’s on Michael’s,” Jason pointed quietly. “You’ve adopted him but my name is still there. The Quartermaines never changed it. It’s a piece of paper. It means nothing.”

“And if Elizabeth never changes it? What will happen when this child knocks on your door one day and asks why you were never there?” Sonny asked pointedly.

“I don’t…” Jason exhaled slowly. “Sonny, there was nothing else we could do. You heard them. They were about five seconds from putting a hit on a child that hasn’t even been born. I promised her…I promised her I wouldn’t let anything happen to her or the baby.”

“Jason, we talked about this a few weeks ago,” Sonny pressed. “It was going to be hard enough to stay detached from this pregnancy living with her but now that child be legally yours. In everyone’s eyes, you will be the father. You can’t do this.”

Jason shook his head. “Sonny, there’s no other way. Can you honestly think of anything else that’s going to work?”

“Well, no.”

“And you know that these men would kill a child if they thought it might threaten them in the future,” Jason reminded him. “And look, Elizabeth has to agree to this anyway and you and I both know that’s not going to be an easy sell.”

“Jason, I just don’t know if this is a good idea—”

“Sonny, I promised Elizabeth that I would protect her and for once, I’d like to keep a promise to her.”

His words ended the discussion and Sonny sat back, hoping Elizabeth would be able to talk some reason into him.

Jason’s Penthouse

Elizabeth had changed out of her wedding gown and taken a shower by the time they returned. She was in a pair of sweats and sitting on the couch with an expectant, almost fearful look on her face.

“How did it go?”

Jason looked to Sonny who shook his head. “This was your idea.”

Jason sighed. “Fine. Then you go home and I’ll do this. You’re just going to argue with me anyway.”

“Whatever. Good night, Elizabeth.” Sonny exited and Elizabeth stood.

“Jason, what’s going on?” she asked softly, wrapping her arms around her middle.

“There weren’t a lot of options,” Jason began carefully. “Because, quite frankly, the families are petty and they had almost made up their mind before I suggested that…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “What it kind of boils down to, Elizabeth, is that you are protected because we’re married but your child is still legally Ric’s and therefore…”

“Not under your protection,” Elizabeth finished. “We can petition to have his rights revoked, I mean he’s wanted by the police and—”

“We suggested that but unless it brings Ric back to Port Charles, it’s not good enough for them. They also don’t trust that you won’t go back to him, taking the child with you.”

“I would never go back to him—he tried to kill me!” Elizabeth cried, her voice shaking. Her hands were trembling and he became alarmed. He stepped forward and took her hands in his.

“Sit down. Take some deep breaths.” He kneeled in front of her. “I know you wouldn’t.”

“Jason, please don’t let them kill my baby,” she whispered faintly. Tears streaked down her cheeks. “I’ll do anything, please—”

“They won’t,” he said firmly. “Please just—-try and calm down.” He licked his lips and took a deep breath. “The only thing that I could think of—the only thing that they would have no choice but to respect…”

“What is it?” Elizabeth asked. “I’ll do it, anything,” she told him, desperate for an answer.

“The only option is that I adopt your child,” he said.

“I can’t…” She stood and shook her head violently. “No. That’s…I can’t do that.” She moved away from him and stared out the window. “Jason, I can’t let you do that.”

He rose slowly and closed his eyes. “I know we haven’t gotten along this past year but—”

“That has nothing to do with this,” she cut in quickly. Elizabeth turned to him. “Jason, I can’t let you put your name on that birth certificate and tell the world you’re my child’s father. That’s…that’s so unfair to you.”

“I decide what’s fair for me,” Jason said shortly. “This was my idea. I’m aware of the—”

“I don’t think you are.” She pushed her hair out of her face. “Jason, I can’t give my child a father in name only. I can’t do that and I can’t ask you for more. And that’s all I’m going to say so you’d better come up with another option. Because this is not going to happen.”

She rounded the couch and moved up the stairs, the discussion clearly over.

Quartermaine Mansion: Gardens

“Emily, darling, the wedding was just beautiful,” Lila reported as she sipped her tea. “I’m sorry you weren’t feeling well.”

Emily rolled her eyes. “Grandmother, you and I both know I only said that to avoid going. Elizabeth and I aren’t getting along and I thought it would be better if I didn’t go.”

“Your best friend marries your brother and you miss it because of a fight?” Lila asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Grandmother, I know you’re not being naïve. Jason and Elizabeth are only getting married to protect her from that horrid man, Ric Lansing. They’re not in love with each other. And good thing, too because all she’s done is hurt him,” Emily remarked fiercely.

“Emily, love, I think you’re being just a little harsh on Elizabeth. I was at the wedding and stayed for part of the reception. I saw the way they care for one another and shouldn’t that be what matters?”

“You saw what they wanted you to see,” Emily said carefully. “I don’t deny that Jason cares about her but he’s with Courtney, Grandmother, and she loves him, too. Shouldn’t her feelings matter?”

“Of course. I’m just sorry you’re taking her side over Elizabeth’s. After all the two of you have been through…” Lila trailed off. “It’s just disappointing that’s all.”

Emily stood abruptly. “I’m going to bed. Good night, Grandmother.”

Elizabeth’s Bedroom

She closed the door softly behind her and leaned her back against it. She’d been so terrified for a moment that she’d say yes to Jason’s idea that she knew that she had to get out of there.

The past two months felt almost like a blur to her. She crossed the room to stand in front of the mirror and turned to her side. Her pregnancy still wasn’t showing beyond some slight changes in her hips and breasts.

She’d found out about the baby before she’d known the truth about Ric and truth be told, she’d been thrilled. Up until that point, Ric Lansing had been everything she wanted in a man. He’d been honest, attentive, loving…everything Jason hadn’t been.

She’d walked into his apartment and Faith had been there. He was naked, with a sheet clutched around his waist and the viperous blonde had been lounging nude on the black leather couch that Elizabeth had made love to Ric on.

She couldn’t even register that scene fully before Ric pulled her into the bedroom and hurriedly tried to explain as he pulled on some jeans. She wasn’t really paying attention—all she knew is that yet another man had chosen a blonde instead of her.

She’d been so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t realize Ric was growing angry—angry that Elizabeth didn’t understand or that she wasn’t’ forgiving him. At that point, it hadn’t even occurred to her that Faith Roscoe was Sonny’s enemy and that he’d been working for Sonny, so something was definitely fishy there.

But Ric was angry and he was desperate and he started to threaten her. Told her that he’d kill her if she told Sonny.

That had gotten her attention and she’d looked at him—looked at this man who’d she rushed over to tell about the life they’d created and she couldn’t even imagine how she’d deluded herself into thinking she was in love with him. He was what Faith Roscoe had told her months ago—Jason in a more expensive suit.

Without the death threats of course.

She’d backed away slowly, intent on getting the hell out of there and going straight for Sonny. It had never occurred to not to go to Sonny. Ric was threatening her life—he was obviously up to something and Elizabeth had always had an ingrained sense of loyalty when it came to Sonny and Jason.

She’d turned and made a quick dash for the door. He’d grabbed the strap of her purse but she’d let it go in her haste to get out of there. She’d made it to the elevator and it wasn’t until then that she realized the results of her pregnancy test were in the purse.

She’d gone straight to Sonny’s for protection and he’d taken her in immediately after seeing her disheveled and crying in her hallway, despite Carly and later Courtney’s protests. Jason and Sonny had never once questioned her honesty—they’d already been suspicious of Ric and Elizabeth only confirmed them.

Without meaning to, she’d blurted out that she was pregnant, that by now Ric surely knew about it and that he’d threatened to kill her.

It was all Sonny had needed to hear. He told her that she was staying with him until further notice. At that point, Sonny hadn’t even known Ric was his half-brother—that Elizabeth was carrying his niece or nephew. He’d taken her in anyway.

Sonny Corinthos had protected her every step of the way since that day in May when she’d come to him but for the first time, she wondered if maybe Luke or Nikolas’s plan to spirit her out of town would have been a better route to take.

There was a soft knock on the door and Elizabeth sank into one of the soft couches Carly had convinced her to put in the room. “Come in,” she sighed.

Jason opened the door. He was still dressed in the tuxedo from the wedding but both the jacket and the bow tie were long gone and the top few buttons of the shirt were undone, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. “Elizabeth—”

“Jason, it means a lot to me that you’d even offer to do this but I can’t,” she interrupted. She brought her knees up to her chest and picked at the red nail polish on her toes.

“Elizabeth, I have gone over this a thousand times in my head,” he began. “I can’t…There is nothing else that we can do that would absolutely ensure the baby’s safety and I promised you that I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.”

“Jason, I don’t…” She tilted her face up to the ceiling. “I can’t do this. This isn’t about me. This is about the baby. I can’t put your name down and go through all of the paperwork to make you the father and not…” her eyes teared and her voice was thick. “I know you, Jason and I don’t think you could just put your name down on a piece of paper and go through all of the paper work and then just walk away.”

He looked away, shoving his hands in his pockets. “What do you want from me?” she asked. “I can’t give you what you want. I can’t be the father either. I just…there is nothing else I can think of.”

Elizabeth nodded miserably. “Yeah. I’m getting that idea. So why don’t we just petition to have Ric’s rights revoked and hope that will make the families feel better?”

“Fine. I’ll have Sonny contact a lawyer.” He hesitated. “Good night, Elizabeth.”

“Good night.”

He closed the door behind him and Elizabeth reached for the phone.

“Hello?”

“Luke?” Elizabeth fastened her free hand around the necklace Laura had given her. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Luke set his beer on the coffee table and leaned back to put his arm around a sleeping Laura. “Naw, the wife just conked out a little while ago. What’s up? You sound upset.”

“Luke, I don’t think I can do this,” she whispered. “This is just getting out of control.”

“Honey, what happened?” Luke asked. “Did Morgan—?”

“No, it’s nothing like that.” Elizabeth sucked in a deep breath. “Jason and Sonny meant with the families. They had to renegotiate the deal.”

Luke sighed. “Aw, man. What happened?”

“They’re still concerned about the pregnancy—that Ric will get to the child.” She wiped away from tears. “And having his rights revoked wasn’t good enough for them so Jason…for whatever reason…he offered to adopt the baby.”

Luke was silent for a moment. “And obviously this isn’t a good idea.”

“Of course not,” Elizabeth protested. “My child gains a father in name only. How can I do that to her?”

“What’s really bothering you?” Luke asked.

Elizabeth shrugged even though he couldn’t see her. “Because just for a moment, I wanted the baby to be his and I wanted him to want the same thing and I realized how ridiculous that sounded. I can’t have Jason claim my child legally. That’s something that will go on forever.”

“Well, what if you get married again later?” Luke pointed out. “You could have the adoption rescinded and your husband—”

“I’m not going to trade fathers around like Carly did with Michael,” Elizabeth snapped. “She went through three men before she married Sonny and I won’t do that.”

“Okay, okay,” Luke said, trying to keep her calm. “Talk to Jason again in the morning. Try to find a way to explain this to him. He’s a good man—he’ll understand.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Okay. I’ll talk to him tomorrow. Thanks, Luke.”

“No problem, darling. Good night.”

“Night.”

Song Credit: Sometimes When We Touch by Dan Hill

 

July 21, 2003

The Queen of Angels Church

Elizabeth stared into the mirror, her arms folded tightly across the bodice of her white silk wedding gown.

She was standing in the bridal room of the Queen of Angels Church getting ready to marry Jason and she couldn’t think of something she wanted to do less. He wasn’t marrying her because he loved her and wanted to but because she’d gotten herself involved with Sonny’s psychotic half-brother and ended up pregnant.

Almost like some sort of twisted and warped fairy tale, Elizabeth mused, like it was a parallel universe. Carly Corinthos was her matron of honor rather than Emily, her best friend. Because Emily felt that this was Elizabeth’s fault. That she was going to hurt her brother all over again.

And because Elizabeth suspected in some way that Emily felt she deserved what was happening to her.

“She’s going to be stunned.”

Nikolas’s voice brought Elizabeth out of her thoughts. He must have been standing on the other side of the door, his voice was so close. And it was…she frowned. He sounded happy.

There was a knock then. “Come in,” Elizabeth called.

“Darlin, it’s Luke,” her stand-in father said, pushing the door open. He slipped inside and smiled brightly. “Well don’t you just look like an angel.”

Elizabeth flushed. “Hey, Luke, you look…” she paused and her smile matched his. “You look happy. Is there news about Laura?”

“Yeah, in fact…” Luke opened the door. “Angel?”

Laura Spencer entered then, tears in her eyes and a soft smile on her lips. “Hey. Is there room for a surprise guest?”

Elizabeth gasped and looked at Luke with questioning eyes. “How…?”

“She started to remember about two and a half weeks ago and over the last week, it’s all come back.” Luke gazed at his wife in pure adoration. “The doctors say she’s a miracle but I could have told them that twenty years ago.”

Laura laughed and touched his arm. “Okay, that’s enough. Go out there. I want to speak with Elizabeth alone.” She shooed him out and Laura turned to Elizabeth.

“It seems wrong to be so happy that my former fiancé’s mother is here but it just…” Elizabeth couldn’t speak but her shining eyes told Laura just how much she was needed here.

Laura came towards her and turned her around towards the mirror so that she was peering over the bride’s shoulder. “You are so very dear to me, Elizabeth. When Lucky was gone, you were all I had of him and you came to mean so much to me. I do look on you as a daughter and just because you aren’t with my son anymore…that doesn’t change the love I have for you.”

“You and Luke…you’re the parents I’ve always wanted, that I dreamed of,” Elizabeth whispered. She swallowed hard. “Ah, did Luke tell you what was going on?”

“Yeah,” Laura remarked wistfully. She adjusted the spaghetti straps of her wedding gown and tucked a errant curl behind Elizabeth’s ear. It had escaped from a very elegant updo that Carly had done earlier. “He tells me that you’re marrying the man you love because the man you were seeing has threatened you and your unborn child.”

“Did he mention that my best friend hates me?” Elizabeth asked tearfully. “That Jason’s in love with Sonny’s sister?”

“Yeah. He told me all of that.” Laura shrugged. “Details. Emily will get over herself and if you and Jason are meant to be together, you will be eventually.”

There was a knock on the door. “Mom, any time you two are ready,” Lucky called.

Elizabeth turned towards the door. “It all feels surreal,” she confessed. “I don’t…I don’t really know what I’m doing here.”

Laura reached into her purse and withdrew a velvet box. “Well, we’ll start with something new.”

Elizabeth took the box and slid it open to reveal a delicate heart charm on a long gold chain. “Oh, it’s so beautiful.” She took it out of the box and handed it to Laura. “Will you…?”

“Of course.” Laura draped the chain around her neck and fastened the clasp. “Well, I suppose we should get you married.”

“I suppose.” Elizabeth closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Laura?”

“Yes, honey?”

“I want you and Luke to walk me down the aisle.” She met her surrogate mother’s eyes. “Please.”

“I’d be very honored.”

——

The music began and Carly slowly moved down the aisle in a delicate gown designed to hide her bulging abdomen.

“Where’s Mom?” Lucky hissed to Nikolas. He craned his neck to get a look in the back and grinned. “Never mind. She’s back with my dad and Liz.”

“I can’t believe Mom’s here,” Nikolas said, shaking his head. “I mean, three weeks ago she was in Ferncliffe and now she’s waiting to walk down the aisle with your ex-girlfriend. Do we even live in the real world?”

“Probably not,” Lucky decided. He grinned as his cousin Michael walked proudly down the aisle with the pillow in his hands. The two brothers beamed with pride as their gorgeous little sister pranced happily down the aisle in her self-described fairy tale dress with pretty pink rose petals.

Elizabeth was sandwiched between the Spencers much to most of the crowd’s surprise. She had a smile on her face which most attributed to the presence of Laura Spencer.

When they reached the altar, Luke and Laura took their seats next to their family and Elizabeth hesitantly took Jason’s hand as they stepped up to the minister to be married.

The No Name

“Times like this, it sucks that I can’t drink,” Carly remarked later. She propped her aching feet up on Sonny’s lap. “I could use some sort of alcohol right now.”

Sonny managed a smirk and turned his dark eyes to scan the room. The reception was being held at the No Name, no surprise there and in attendance was every major mob family along the East Coast. And it was only those people who looked like they were even enjoying themselves.

He and Carly were seated at the wedding party table at the front of the room and he couldn’t spot a more depressed group of people—well except for his old friend Luke who seemed to have had new life breathed into him with the recovery of his ex-wife. Currently Laura had dragged him out to the dance floor. Michael was twirling around his cousin Lulu while he sat rubbing his pregnant wife’s feet and sitting next to his best friend who was well on his way towards being piss poor drunk.

“You might want to slow down a little,” Sonny said under his breath as Jason cracked open his fifth beer of the night.

“I’m fine,” Jason muttered. His eyes were trained on his new wife who was dancing with Nikolas Cassadine at the moment. She was smiling but it wasn’t a real smile and she wasn’t really happy.

Courtney had left for the island almost two weeks ago, her things were gone from his penthouse and all of Elizabeth’s had been moved in the day after she was gone. It was almost like he’d been transported back to last September or at least it had felt that way the first day Jason had walked in to see his penthouse decorated the way it had once been…with simple leather furniture, and wide open spaces. Not to mention Elizabeth’s favorite afghan draped on the couch and her shoes next to the stairs.

It unnerved him to find out that he preferred the penthouse to look simple rather than the overdone decorating that Courtney had done back in April and it even disturbed him that he was married to Elizabeth and would be living with her for the near future.

The past two weeks had passed in almost a strange blur. Emily and Elizabeth hadn’t made up—in fact, they’d continued to fight bitterly and even he could tell Elizabeth was stung by his sister’s behavior. She’d spent more time with Carly than he knew Courtney had been comfortable with—which is why the blonde had hastened her departure before Elizabeth could finish taking over her life, or so Courtney had told him the night she left.

“I never want to plan another wedding like this again,” Carly grumbled. “Why is it our weddings weren’t this complicated?”

“Because I didn’t care about pleasing the entire syndicate,” Sonny replied. “I didn’t think I had to. But the families dictated part of the guest list and arrangements had to be made.”

The song ended and Nikolas went to dance with his mother while Luke came over to their table, leaving Elizabeth with Lucky on the floor.

“Hey, Luke,” Sonny greeted. “It’s good to have Laura home, I’ll bet.”

Luke nodded. “She came at just the right time—Elizabeth really needed the extra support what with Emily turning into a normal Quartermaine and all.”

Jason scowled. “Watch it, Luke.”

The older man snorted. “Please. Like we all aren’t worried about that kid’s sanity. I don’t know where she gets off judging Elizabeth so harshly but she’d better tone it down. Elizabeth doesn’t need the stress.”

“What she doesn’t need is to be coddled like she’s some small child,” Carly snapped. “God I hate when people treat pregnant women like that. We’re not sick, we’re not dying, we’re furthering the human race so treat us like the goddesses we are or hit the road.”

“I’m not coddling her, I’m saying the obvious. Elizabeth is already in a high-stress situation,” Luke shot back. “You of all people know what going through a high-risk pregnancy is like, so take a chill pill.”

“She’s not high-risk,” Carly corrected, “but yes, she does have the potential to become that way and I do agree that if Emily’s going to be so angry with her that she needs to keep her distance.”

Not ready for his niece to be so agreeing, Luke shrugged. “Whatever. I’m gonna go find my sister and force her to dance with me.” He ambled off to track down Bobbie.

The song ended and instead of starting a new one, the DJ they’d hired came to the microphone. “I’ve been told that a friend of the groom’s wishes to speak,” he said.

Jason frowned and glanced at Sonny. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know.” Sonny lowered Carly’s feet to the floor and stood up to scan the crowd. He saw Sammy Tagliatti making his way through the people and heading straight for Elizabeth and Lucky. “Okay, so it’s Tagliatti—” he turned back to Jason who had disappeared. Sonny focused on Elizabeth again and found his friend there.

—-

“Why is he coming over here?” Elizabeth whispered, holding Lucky’s arm tightly. She instinctively moved closer as the mob boss drew closer.

Just before Tagliatti reached them, Jason stepped up to them. “Why don’t you come back to the table?” he asked her.

Elizabeth nodded. “Okay.” He took her hand and started to lead her away but Tagliatti stepped in front of them.

“Ah, don’t hurry away so quickly.” The Italian smiled and Elizabeth automatically stepped behind her new husband. “I wish to congratulate you on your nuptials and I was just heading to make a speech in honor of this momentous occasion.”

Jason glanced around at all of the interested parties before turning a cold gaze on his rival. “Make it short,” he said through gritted teeth.

Tagliatti nodded and started walk past them. He looked at Elizabeth. “You are a beautiful bride. I only hope you remain so…full of life.”

The threat wasn’t lost on her and she stepped closer to Jason who glared at the mobster. “You’ve made your point,” Jason growled. “Go.”

Tagliatti nodded again and continued his trek towards the DJ’s booth. Jason gripped Elizabeth’s hand more tightly and returned to their table.

“Are you okay?” Sonny asked once they were seated. “What did he say?”

“Just some veiled threats,” Jason told him. He studied Tagliatti who’d taken the microphone and was clearing his throat. “He’s up to something.”

“I want to take this time and thank the happy couple for inviting myself and my family to this joyous occasion,” Tagliatti began with a charming smile. “Marriage is such a wonderful and very important step to take and it’s not a decision to make lightly.” He met Jason’s eyes and the smile would have sent chills down a normal person’s spine. “I hope that the two of you know what you’ve signed up for. Jason, you were blessed with a very beautiful young bride and I wish no harm come to her.” There was a pause. “Or you, of course,” Tagliatti added with a chuckle. “Congratulations.”

He handed the microphone back to the slightly bewildered DJ and took a moment to whisper something into his ear. The DJ nodded and Tagliatti started back to his own table.

“Mr. Tagliatti asks that the bride and groom take this time and grace us all with their first dance as man and wife,” the DJ said cheerfully. This wasn’t an unusual request in his line of business and he set out to find a romantic song since he hadn’t been given any instructions.

Elizabeth shook her head vehemently. “No.”

Sonny sighed and glanced at Jason. “You might as well. Tagliatti will answer for his behavior but there’s no need to make a scene.” He saw Elizabeth’s stricken look. “I’m sorry, Elizabeth. But…let’s just get this day over with. It’s almost done.”

She closed her eyes and nodded. “Okay. I…okay.” Jason hadn’t relinquished her hand when they’d gotten back to the table so he pulled her to her feet and escorted her to the dance floor which had been cleared of guests.

The lights were dimmed and the first notes of the song echoed in the room as he led her to the center of the room and put his hands around her waist. She reluctantly put hers on his shoulders. The resulting pose was awkward and actually kind of stiff. She felt mortified.

You ask me if I love you
And I choke on my reply
I’d rather hurt you honestly
Than mislead you with a lie

“Why do we have to do this?” she asked softly, closing her eyes to hide the tears in them.

“He’s trying to prove a point,” Jason said quietly. He glanced around and saw some of the curious stares of people who didn’t realize this was a masquerade. He shifted his grip on her waist and drew her closer.

And who am I to judge you
On what you say or do?
I’m only just beginning to see the real you

“What point would that be? That we’re some puppets on a string?” she hissed. Following his lead, she moved her hands around his neck making the hold look a little less forced.

And sometimes when we touch
The honesty’s too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide

One of the guards slid a note across the table to Sonny before resuming his post at the corner of the table.

Sonny opened it and sighed as he read it. “Jesus Christ.”

Carly frowned and leaned towards him. “Baby? What’s going on?”

I wanna hold you til I die
Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

Laura sighed sadly and rested her chin on Luke’s shoulder. “I feel so terrible for them both,” she said quietly.

Luke gripped her hand tightly. “I know. But they’ll find their way eventually. Whether it’s together or apart.”

Romance and all its strategy
Leaves me battling with my pride
But through the insecurity
Some tenderness survives

“Where’s Summer?” Nikolas asked Lucky. “She didn’t want to come?”

“I haven’t really seen a lot of her lately,” Lucky admitted. “I think we’re better off as friends.” He hesitated. “Did you talk to Emily?”

Nikolas nodded. “She decided not to come. Said that it was bad enough all they were doing was fighting—she didn’t want further problems by showing up here.”

“She made the right decision but still…” Lucky shrugged. “I can’t help but wonder what’s going through her mind sometimes. We should go over and talk to her after the reception.”

I’m just another writer
Still trapped within my truth
A hesitant prize fighter
Still trapped within my youth

“They want to renegotiate the deal,” Sonny hissed. He crumpled the note in his fist and stared down at the plate. “This is about the pregnancy. They think that Ric will get a hold of the baby somehow and raise it to be just like him and the thought scares them to death.”

Carly stared at him with wide eyes. “What do you think they want to do?”

Sonny glanced at her. “Well, Carly, in this business, you eliminate the threat. What do you think they want to do?”

Horrified, she gasped, covering it with her hand. “No, Sonny, no.”

And sometimes when we touch
The honesty’s too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide

“This is almost over,” he said to her, his mouth right next her ear, the warm breath fluttering over her skin.

“Nothing’s ever really over,” Elizabeth said without thinking. She glanced up to find him looking at her oddly. Before either of them could say anything, a tinkling sound echoed through the room.

I wanna hold you til I die
Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

Daniel Vega leaned over. “What are you doing?” he hissed.

Tagliatti clinked his fork on his glass again and smiled. “Proving once and for all to Corinthos who is in charge here. They answer to us. Not the other way around. Now…follow my lead.”

He clicked it a third time and this time Daniel reluctantly joined in and soon the room was filled with the echoing sound.

At times I’d like to break you
And drive you to your knees
At times I’d like to break through
And hold you endlessly

Jason frowned and glanced around. “What are they doing?”

Stricken, Elizabeth’s skin was the color of snow and her eyes were wide with some sort of fear. She licked her lips nervously. “It’s like a wedding tradition. People—they do it and they expect the, ah, married couple to…” she trailed off and closed her eyes. “They expect them to kiss,” she finished flatly.

At times I understand you
And I know how hard you’ve tried
I’ve watched while love commands you
And I’ve watched love pass you by

Sonny glared furiously at the smiling Tagliatti. But Carly’s eyes were on the dumbstruck couple in the middle of the dance floor. They wouldn’t…

Would they?

At times I think we’re drifters
Still searching for a friend

Laura yanked on Luke’s arm to keep him seated and from attacking the five families and the death glare she sent to both of her sons kept seated as well. “Look, just…let them deal with this,” she hissed.

A brother or a sister
But then the passion flares again

“Jason,” Elizabeth said hesitantly. “What are we going to do? I mean…we can’t…”

He kept his grip tight on her, fearful she was about to bolt. “We…” he looked up at Sonny and saw the tense set of his friend’s shoulders. “I think we’re going to have to.”

“None of this was part of the agreement,” Elizabeth hissed.

And sometimes when we touch

“Sonny and I will deal with this afterwards,” he told her softly. He moved a hand to her chin so he could tip her face upwards. “I’m sorry…but it’s…not like we haven’t done this before right?”

She hated feeling like this—like her life was not hers to control and that she was someone who could be ordered around. Her eyes were open wide and so were his and they could both see the reluctance in each other’s gazes.

The honesty’s too much

“He’s gonna do it,” Carly muttered, twisting her napkin tightly in her hands before shooting an incredibly nasty look at Sammy Tagliatti for putting her friend in this situation. That low down dirty no good rotten…

And I have to close my eyes and hide

He finally decided to just get it over with and he closed the short distance between them with what he had already decided would be a short brush of their lips.

But he’d forgotten how she’d tasted and once his mouth settled over hers, he let himself remember—just for a moment—what it was like. He slid a hand over her cheek and tilted her head up even further.

I wanna hold you til I die

She moaned—just the tiniest one really and he instinctively slid his tongue into her mouth, taking advantage of the moment. Her eyes fluttered shut in surprise and his soon followed suit.

He drew away after another moment to look at her with shock that was only too clearly mirrored in her eyes as well.

Til we both break down and cry

“Ah, hell,” Carly muttered. She dropped the napkin on her plate and put her head in her hands. “Sonny, please tell I did not just see that.”

Sonny cleared his throat and met his wife’s eyes. “You weren’t imagining it. It happened. The only thing that remains to be seen is exactly what in the hell it was.”

The song was coming to an end but the couple wouldn’t move from their shell shocked place on the floor.

I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

Sammy Tagliatti sat back in his chair, smiling like the cat that ate the canary.

It was almost too easy, really.

Luke’s

Elizabeth arrived before anyone else to find the main part of the club empty. She stood in the entryway, staring over the bleak space. She’d been in here a handful of times in her life. The night Nikolas was shot, when she and Lucky had hid out here during their time on the run together, the night she saw Jason and told him she didn’t want to know anything about his life.

She figured that Luke was in his office and headed back there. The door was partly open and Luke was sitting at his desk, his feet propped up on his desk, a picture frame in his hands.

Elizabeth knocked on the door lightly. “Luke?”

Luke looked up and set the frame back on his desk. “Hey, darlin’. You’re early.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t stay in that penthouse any longer.” Elizabeth sat across from him and sighed. “Thinking about Laura again?” she asked knowingly.

Luke smiled sadly. “You know me too well. Yeah, I was thinking of my angel.” His eyes trained on her photograph. “She would have had a ball with this, you know? My girl loved a project and an adventure.”

“You know when Lucky was always in awe of the two of you,” Elizabeth confided. “You guys set the example for him. And for me. I know I could never settle for anything less than what I’ve seen you two share.”

“You shouldn’t,” Luke advised her. “You and the Cowboy were good together. I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

“Yeah…we just grew apart,” Elizabeth said. She looked down at the pile of wedding materials in her hands. “Have you ever done something you know is bad for you…but good for your kids?”

Luke nodded. “The night I told Lucky about Laura and me twenty years ago.” He sighed. “It hurt to tell him that story, to watch me fall from the pedestal he’d always had me on. But I knew he needed to know. If for nothing else but peace of mind. He needed to know and I told him.” He eyed her. “Second thoughts?”

“Yeah,” she admitted. “Second thoughts. Third. Fourth. I don’t know, Luke. Is this really a good idea? Should I really do this?”

He set his feet on the ground and leaned forward to look her more closely. “Honey, are you still in love with Morgan?”

Elizabeth hesitated and looked down. “Wouldn’t that be stupid,” she murmured.

Luke sighed. “Aww, kid. Maybe we should look for another solution. You can’t be married to someone who doesn’t love you back. That’s not a healthy situation.”

She sighed. “It’s late now, Luke. I mean, even if I wanted to stop it, I couldn’t. The families have agreed. Besides, I know that Jason will treat me well. He doesn’t know how to be any different.”

Luke nodded. “Okay. Let’s say that you get married. This situation lasts longer than you think. You’re due in what…early January?”

“Yeah.”

“What happens when you begin to show?” Luke asked. “When you feel that baby begin to move and he’s the only one there when it happens? When you have doctor’s appointments and he takes you to them. What happens when he gets attached to your child?”

Elizabeth looked away. “You have a good point. Jason’s a good man. I know what an incredible father he’ll be and I know how much it hurt when he lost Michael. I don’t want to be another Carly for him. I’ll have to take every precaution to keep him from getting attached.”

“And how are you going to do that?” Luke asked.

“I won’t talk to him about it. I’ll get a guard to take me to the doctor. I’ll just keep that part of my life private,” Elizabeth replied.

Luke sighed. “I don’t know that it’ll be that easy, honey.”

Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply when the door opened behind them. “Hey,” Lucky greeted. “Sorry we’re late. Nikolas was late picking me up.”

Nikolas snorted. “Like you couldn’t have walked.”

Elizabeth stood and hugged the two brothers. “Thanks for coming. Did you see Emily out there?”

“Nope. She’s not here yet,” Lucky replied. “Hey, Dad, you got any food in this joint?”

Luke grinned. “The kind you call for. You go order us some pizzas, okay Cowboy? The three of us will set something up in the main room.”

As they walked down the hall towards the bar, Nikolas pulled handed Luke a folder. “Laura’s latest progress report. The new medication is working.”

Luke’s grin became genuine. “So, they’re saying there’s more hope?”

Nikolas nodded. He pulled out a chair for Elizabeth before taking a seat for himself at one of the empty tables. “They’re saying if things continue as well as they’ve been going, she might start recognizing people. One of the doctors recommended moving her closer to us. Like Ferncliffe.”

“That would be wonderful,” Elizabeth smiled. “You could visit her so much more easily.”

Lucky sat down next to his father. “It’s about time some good things started happening to this family,” he said firmly. “We are so overdue.”

Emily entered the club then, her arms full of magazines. “Sorry I’m late,” she said as she plopped down in the last empty chair. “Did we start yet?”

“Nope,” Elizabeth replied. “We were just talking about the good news.”

“Good news?”

“My mother is improving,” Nikolas told her. “We’re thinking of moving her to Ferncliffe.”

Emily grinned. “That’s incredible. I’m so happy for you guys.”

“I guess we’d better get started,” Luke said. “While I’ve got some good thoughts in me. I, uh, didn’t plan either of my weddings, so I’m kind of hoping you women know where to start.”

“The easiest place to begin is a date,” Emily said. She pulled the wedding planner out of her bag. “Now, using Jason and Sonny’s name, I’m sure we can get any date we want at the church, so Elizabeth, what did you have in mind?”

“Well, as soon as possible.” Elizabeth frowned. “Today’s July 2. How long would it take to get all the details done?”

“About two weeks, three,” Emily answered. “If we work quickly. How’s July 21?”

“Fine with me,” Elizabeth told her. “But I guess I’d need to check with Sonny and Jason about that.”

“Well, we’ll work this that in mind. Okay, wedding party.” Emily looked at Elizabeth. “Your side?”

“Well, obviously you’ll be my maid of honor,” Elizabeth replied. “I already asked Luke to give me away and for Lulu to be the flower girl. I don’t really need bridesmaids do I?”

“I don’t think so. I doubt Jason will have ushers, so there’s no point. I suppose Sonny is the best man?”

“That’s what I figured.”

“Why are we here again?” Lucky asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Moral support,” Emily said.

“And to pay for the pizzas,” Elizabeth chimed in. Her stomach rumbled. “I’d say the kid’s hungry so they’d better get here soon.”

“Okay, we need to talk about outfits. Jason and Sonny, tuxes. Michael’s gonna be the ring bearer I figure, so he’ll need one too,” Emily continued, making things in the planner. “You’ll need a dress. White, I guess. Veil?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Nah. Let’s not make this more traditional then it’s gotta be.”

“Good idea. I mean, they want a real wedding but there’s no reason to pretend this is anything more than a marriage of convenience,” Emily said.

Nikolas frowned. “That’s kind of a cynical outlook. Why can’t we just call it a marriage of necessity? Convenience makes it sound like Elizabeth did something wrong.”

Emily arched her eyebrows. “Didn’t she?”

“Excuse me?” Elizabeth asked, surprised. “What is going on?”

Luke shifted uncomfortably. “Ladies…”

“You did stay with Ric even after my brother warned you not to,” Emily reminded her.

“So you’re saying this is all my fault?” Elizabeth demanded.

“Emily, that’s pretty harsh,” Lucky cut in. “And let’s face it, Jason’s got as much credibility with Elizabeth as Helena Cassadine’s got with me. He lied to her and treated her like shit. Why should she have listened to him?”

“But she’s going to trust him with her life and her child’s?” Emily asked skeptically.

“The situation has changed,” Elizabeth said, defensively. “People make mistakes, Emily. You of all people should know that.”

Emily sighed. “Elizabeth—”

Elizabeth stood abruptly. “You know what, Emily? Go to hell. I’d rather Courtney help me plan this than you.” She stalked out of the club, her head held high.

She didn’t start crying until she was back in her room at the penthouse.

“That was the most selfish display I’ve ever seen,” Luke declared. He stood and leveled a nasty glare at Emily. “I don’t have the time for childish things. I’ll be in the back.”

“I don’t have to take this kind of abuse,” Emily snapped when he was gone. “Tell Elizabeth if she wants to apologize, I’ll be at home.” She swept up her things and left.

“Well,” Lucky sighed. “That was productive.”

“Yeah,” Nikolas agreed. “You want to take the pizzas and go back to Wyndemere? I got an advance copy of the Terminator movie. We can watch it in the movie theater.”

“Works for me,” Lucky replied cheerfully.

The Penthouse: Elizabeth’s Room

“I don’t need Emily anyway,” Elizabeth muttered. She wiped her eyes and reached for her notebook. “A wedding is simple. I don’t need anyone’s help.”

Carly knocked on the open door. “Johnny told me you were home early. Did it go okay?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “We barely got through the wedding party arrangements before Emily let me know exactly what she thinks of me.”

Carly frowned. “What?”

“Yep. Apparently, I’m being selfish and this entire situation is my fault,” Elizabeth remarked stiffly. She saw Emily’s name marked as maid of honor and crossed it off violently. “I wanted Ric to end up being a rapist and a kidnapper. I wanted to be pregnant with that demon’s child. I was the idiot who didn’t trust Jason and now have no reason to try and pretend I do.”

“Sounds like a productive afternoon,” Carly murmured. She crossed her arms. “So, what did you accomplish?”

“We decided the date which isn’t really set until I ask Sonny or Jason,” Elizabeth muttered. “I told Emily she’d be my maid of honor, but there’s no way in hell that’s happening now. Lulu’s the flower girl and Luke’s giving me away, but other than that, nothing.”

Carly stared at the obviously upset young woman and sighed. She entered the room and sat on the bed, deciding to take pity on her. “Okay. What’s the date?”

Elizabeth frowned. “July 21.”

“Hmm…doesn’t give us a lot of time,” Carly murmured. She reached for Elizabeth’s notebook. “Michael’s a good idea for a ring bearer. I’ll have to see if his tux from the wedding last summer still fits, but it probably won’t. I figure Sonny’s gonna be the best man. He will be now, you can be sure of that. Here give me your pen.”

Elizabeth handed it to the pregnant blonde with a mystified look on her face. “Okay.”

“Let’s see. It’s a summer wedding, so go for simple. Lilies are a good flower. Lilies and roses. They’ll be easy to get. We can decorate the church in white. You got any religious affiliation to any church?”

“Not really,” Elizabeth murmured.

“Queen of Angels will work then,” Carly decided, marking it. “We’ve got a good relationship with Father Coates. I’ll talk to Sonny about security. I know a good place to look for dresses. You got any specifications?”

“Why are you doing this?” Elizabeth blurted out finally.

Carly sighed. “Because it’s gonna happen whether I help or not. And it’s obvious none of your friends give a damn about you, and you are completely clueless, so it’s up to me to help you out. Dresses?”

“I’m not clueless,” Elizabeth said defensively.

“Elizabeth, don’t argue with me. We’ve got two weeks to pull off a respectable mob wedding and we’re both pregnant.” Carly stood. “Let’s go. You eat yet?”

“No,” Elizabeth said, standing warily. “Why?”

“Because we’ll stop at Kelly’s on our way to the bridal boutique. We’ll go to the church after that and hit the florist.”

Elizabeth followed Carly mutely into the hall and down the steps. “Okay.”

“Once we pick out your dress, we can get Lulu’s match,” Carly told her. “And we’ll have to force Jason to go to a fitting. I’ll get Michael and Sonny on it.”

“Okay,” Elizabeth agreed again. Carly started looking around the living room for her purse and didn’t see her husband or Jason emerge from the kitchen.

“We’ll make a stop at the jeweler’s too. I know Jason’s ring size, so we’re good that way. Who’s gonna be your maid of honor if Emily won’t?”

“I don’t know,” Elizabeth replied.

“We’ll have to decide that before we order your dress.” Carly got on her hands and knees on the floor and started reaching under the couch. “I know it’s here somewhere,” she muttered. “I saw the note about the veil. It’s too hot to have one, so it’s a good idea you guys vetoed it. You get a simple white dress and just wear your hair up. Do something with curls,” she advised. She fished the red purse out and started to stand. “What am I missing?”

“I have no idea,” Elizabeth replied.

“Reception!” Carly announced triumphantly. She turned and saw her husband and best friend looking at her oddly. “What?”

“What are the two of you doing?” Sonny asked curiously.

“Planning a wedding,” Carly remarked. “What does it look like? How’s July 21?”

“It’s fine,” Sonny replied. “I thought Emily was helping.”

Elizabeth crossed her arms and looked down. “I’m not speaking to Emily right now.”

“Okay,” Sonny replied. He shot Jason a curious look. “Where are you going?”

“To the bridal boutique to start looking for a dress,” Carly told him. “Well, we’re going to Kelly’s first for lunch. And then the boutique. And then the florist. And then the jeweler.”

“The jeweler?” Jason echoed.

“Uh, yeah , for the wedding rings.” Carly rolled her eyes. “Honestly. Sonny, Michael’s going to do the ring thing, so you need to take him to get fitted for a new tux. Take Jason with you. I’m sure he needs one.”

“I’m not wearing a tux,” Jason replied, stiffly.

“Yes you are,” Carly retorted. “Those idiots want a real wedding and I’ll be damned if you and the muffin make me look bad. You are getting a tux, you are wearing a stupid ring and you ,” she said, whirling to look at Elizabeth. “You are going to deal with having a pregnant matron of honor, you got that?”

Elizabeth arched her eyebrows. “Oh, really?”

“Yes. Let’s go. We’ve got a lot to do and I need to eat.”

Carly marched out of the penthouse and Elizabeth followed, shaking her head.

“When Carly gets going, she really gets going,” Sonny remarked. “And what’s the deal with Emily? I thought she was supposed to be supporting Elizabeth.”

“I don’t know,” Jason replied. “She seemed okay with it when we told her. I don’t know what happened.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know that Courtney agreed to go to the island, so if Carly’s going to be helping with the arrangements, then maybe Courtney should go as soon as possible.”

“Yeah,” Sonny agreed. “That sounds like a good idea.” He eyed his best friend. “How do you really feel about all this, Jason?”

“What do you mean?” Jason asked. He shoved his hands into his pockets. “What does it matter?”

“I don’t want you to feel like you’re being forced into this,” Sonny explained. “Like the families said, there’s no telling when this will be over. Elizabeth could have the baby by that time.”

“I know,” Jason remarked. “I’m prepared for that.”

“Are you?” Sonny asked. “Well, if I were you, I’d be careful about this whole pregnancy thing. It’s real easy to get attached to a child—you know that better than anyone.”

“Don’t worry,” Jason assured him. “I plan on staying completely objective to the pregnancy. I mean, if she needs anything, I’ll do it. But I’m not going to go out of my way.”

“That’s good,” Sonny replied. He shook his head. “I just don’t understand. Emily was so…upset when Elizabeth found out about Ric. She was here day and night. She’s been going to all the doctor’s appointments. She helped her move in. What’s changed?”

“I don’t know,” Jason said. “But I’m going to find out.”
Quartermaine Mansion: Emily’s Bedroom

Emily slammed her magazines on the desk and glared at the bride on front cover. Why couldn’t anyone see her point of view? Was it so difficult for people to see Elizabeth wasn’t perfect?

She crossed her arms and started to pace. She’d been home for a few months and already she was embroiled in another crazy plot. First it’d been her blackmailer, then the dead cop, and then Zander, and now Elizabeth’s shotgun wedding to Emily’s brother. It was ridiculous.

Emily scowled as she sat on her bed, remembering a conversation she’d had with Gia Campbell shortly after she’d come home.

“You know, I’m surprised Zander’s still single,” Emily remarked gratefully. “It’s been almost two years since I’ve been home.”

Gia shrugged. “Well, he hasn’t been single the whole time,” she said. She sipped her soda. “There was a brief thing with Carly last year and of course you know about Elizabeth.”

Emily frowned. “What?”

“They dated briefly last summer.” Gia shrugged. “I don’t know why since Elizabeth was hung up on your brother. But then she went to Zander for about a month. Of course before we knew it, she’d broken it off with him and moved in with Jason.”

Emily frowned. “How do you know all this?”

“Everyone knew,” Gia replied. “Zander and Liz were kidnapped together and then he accidentally shot her in front of your brother. Guess that ended it. She bounces back pretty quickly, huh? From Lucky to Jason to Zander to Jason to Ric…”

“To Jason again,” Emily finished out loud, the memory fading from her mind. She and Gia had never been close, but she’d made the effort when she’d gotten home before Gia had joined her brother in Oregon.

Elizabeth was a good person, Emily knew that. But she could hurt people. And she wasn’t going to hurt her brother again.

A knock on her window startled her and she turned to see Jason pushing through. He entered her room and frowned at her. “What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” Emily asked innocently as she moved to her desk to fiddle with the magazines.

“Why did Elizabeth say you weren’t helping with the wedding anymore and why is Carly now the matron of honor?”

“We had a fight,” Emily murmured. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Em—”

Emily turned and smiled brightly at her brother. “I promise, Jase. It was just a fight. All girls have them from time to time. It’s nothing to worry about. I’ll even go apologize if you want.”

“She’s out with Carly,” Jason told her. “What was the fight about?”

“Look, I just don’t want to see either of you hurt, okay?” Emily admitted. “And I’m afraid that’s all this marriage nonsense is going to do.”

“We both know it’s not real,” Jason said slowly. “How could we be hurt?”

“Because you both still care about each other,” Emily reminded him. “And when feelings are involved, it’s always sticky. And what about Courtney? She can’t be happy about any of this?”

“She’s not,” Jason replied. He rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s going to the island until it’s all over.”

“You’re just shipping her off while you play house with Elizabeth?” Emily asked, irritated. “Who taught you how to treat women?”

Jason pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Look, it hurts Courtney to see this. So she’s leaving. It’s for her sanity, not for me. I want you to knock off fighting with Elizabeth. She’s under enough stress as it is and extra doesn’t help, got it?”

“I don’t work for you,” Emily retorted. “I don’t take orders.”

“Damn it, Emily—”

“I have to go meet Zander,” Emily cut in before Jason could yell at her again. She pushed past him and left her room.