| Chapter 13 The past 48 hours had changed her life in ways she had never fathomed 2,880 minutes ever could. She had begun those minutes as one independent being, albeit one very much in love with another, she ended those minutes no longer independent, but very much dependent on and the caregiver of another human being. Her daughter, she brought a smile to her face. Janey would be the most loved little girl that ever walked this earth. Alexis had no parental figures to use as a guide, only a beloved brother who acted in many ways as mother, father and brother to a scared little girl. She had seen though the love Florence shows her children and the love freely given by Lady Jane, the woman her Janey had been named for. She had vague memories of her own dear mother and their brief years together. These would be her guides. She always thought this unconditional parental love thing was the stuff of fiction books and romance novels, but she now believed that not only was it very real she had been bitten by the particular bug. The moment they laid her on her chest she was smitten. This little girl was a product of her body and held the DNA of both her and Jax. She was loved like no other in Alexis' life. Her father was absolutely smitten with her as well. If he held her anymore she was positive Janey would raise up and yell at him to ''put me down''. Janey's father that brought many more questions. She accepted, finally, that she was completely and totally in love with her ex-husband. She never felt this feeling before, not even with Ned. She not only cared what happened to him, but wanted to give back the love she received from him. Marriage frankly terrified her, but she had finally come to accept the fact that it was not a bad thing. Marriage in the legal and religious sense consecrated the love and commitment that existed between a man and a woman who wanted their life to be lived as one. She saw happy marriages - Lady Jane and John, Nikolas and Gia, Marcus and CC, V and Simon, even Edward and Lila Quartermain and Alan and Monica. All had their problems, but they worked through them. Could she hope that she and Jax would too? Janey was finally being released today. She had not lost too much weight following her birth and was now ready to withstand the plane ride home to Port Charles. Alexis was feeling stronger too, in fact she had been released a few evenings prior, but had spent most of the time at the hospital with Janey and Jax. She had also met with Sonny and the Puerto Rican authorities. After her testimony and consult with Marcus, plus she figured a few well placed contributions by Stefan (which she saw no reason to know about) the charges against Sonny had been dismissed. She and Sonny had also had a long talk. He began ''if you don't resign, I will fire you.'' Instinct made her bristle at the words, but she had done a lot of thinking primarily in the dark of the night as she nursed her daughter in the hospital. She knew that Sonny was a friend and a challenging client, but her life was of greater importance to this five pounds of human flesh and blood called her daughter. She chuckled and told him ''I quit''. ''I'm glad Alexis. You have other priorities now. You will always be my friend and the best attorney I know, but I can't compete with your little beauty and her overbearing father.'' His grief over Jason was profound. They were brothers in many ways. Carly truly rose to the occasion and made all the arrangements for transporting Jason's body back to Port Charles. Elizabeth was devastated and her heart went out to the young woman who had known quite a bit of tragedy in her young life. She knew Gia had been in contact with her. Sonny, Carly and Elizabeth were now back in Port Charles. Gia had been there to meet them on their return. Jax was relieved when she told him of her conversation with Sonny, but she had added ''Jax that does not mean that I am going to terminate my law practice. It's as important to me as your businesses are to you.'' ''Love, I know. I don't want you to be any less than everything you can be; that would not be fair to our children. They need to see that their mum is much smarter than their dad.'' She thought she would try to work half days and be at home the other half. John and Lady Jane had already indicated that they could be the permanent tenders of Janey. John was beside himself with glee. He had flown in genuine Cuban cigars and distributed them to anyone in the hospital and condo complex that he met. Saying ''in honor of my lovely, beautiful new granddaughter''. Needless to say, he made a lot of new friends. He also had some flown to Port Charles to await their arrival home. Stefan, John and Lady Jane were now back in Port Charles. They were going to ready the hotel suite for the arrival of the happy family. Stefan had wanted them to all come and live at Wyndamere, but Alexis thought better of it. She loved Stefan and Florence, Nik and Gia, and Marcus and CC, but that was enough people there now. They were all newlyweds or about to be married (as was the case with Florence and Stefan) and they did not need a crying baby to interrupt their private times together. Further, keeping some distance would help curb her urge to handle Cassadine matters. (Janey's bench though had been engraved with her name and birth date at Wyndamere.) For now, the suite would do, but they had to decide something fast. She and Jax had spent most of last night at the hospital with Janey. They rocked her, she fed her and Jax sang ''Good Vibrations'' to her until she was asleep. God forbid if this is what he was going to do every night she would need earplugs as would her daughter. When they came back to the rented condo she was exhausted. He had run a bath for Alexis and helped her in (she could see his desire for her in two areas his eyes and…it warmed her heart and excited her). She luxuriated in the warm water, with thankfully no bath oils or anything. She was still a tad sensitive. Jax had made her promise to call when she was finished and he would help her out. She complained that she was capable to standing up, he didn't care. He also brought her a tall glass of the sweetest orange pineapple juice. It was heaven. Jax had laid her down in the bed after helping her get herself ready for bed. He had picked up her left hand and looked at the engagement ring. Alexis we need to talk. Yes, Jax we do, but frankly I don't have the energy to go into things now. Just remember, I love you and we'll talk about things, I promise. Besides, I'm going to want to know where you went to help Brenda, you know. He got a sheepish look on his face. ''I love you too very much, remember that.'' With that he pulled her into his arms and they both fell asleep. * * * * * The plane ride back was uneventful. The only slight problem was the air pressure in Janey's sensitive ears. She howled from the pain and both her parents would rather have died than to hear her in such discomfort. Alexis had tears in her eyes and Jax was ready to do harm to the unfortunate pilot. Finally though they were home. Stefan and Florence met them at the airport. Florence could barely contain herself. She had to hold the baby and repeated what she had said at Simone's birth, ''I need to get me one of these soon. Our children had better not be practicing safe sex!'' She had stiff competition from her fiancé on the baby front. Stefan was every bit as eager to hold and spoil Janey as Florence. Jax finally took over and proudly announced to her family and anyone else who heard him, ''I will now carry my daughter''. Her entire family laughed and Jax strutted out of the private terminal like a proud peacock. Stefan offered her his arm if she needed it and Florence walked by her other side. She looked at Florence who never ceased to amaze her in how chic she always presented herself; today she was in ivory slacks, a matching silk blouse and layers of pearls. Alexis mentioned to her, ''do you think I will ever fit back into my clothes''? ''You will be surprised and I'm sure if what I heard about Lady Jane's fitness routines it will not be a problem. I'm sure Gia would enjoy having a running companion too other than Romance.'' ''Oh God, what did I get myself in to, first Lady Jane and now the marathon woman you call your daughter?'' Florence only chuckled, ''well you asked.'' They got back to the suite and she was floored. Everywhere and she meant everywhere there were pink carnations, pink silk roses and pink and white balloons. A banner over the fireplace read ''Welcome home - Jane, Mom and Dad.'' V and Lady Jane were smiling. Gia, Nikolas, Marcus, CC and John were all there too. It was a beautiful homecoming and everyone rushed to see the new baby who proceeded to howl at them all. ''She's got her mother's lungs'' said Gia. Nikolas chuckled, ''hey she's our attorney we better be careful.'' Both hugged Alexis and Jax. They finally ushered her to the sofa where she sat. She knew she would not see Janey for quite some time. Nikolas sat down beside her ''Alexis you know how pleased and proud I am don't you. I'm so sorry that you had to go through everything down there. Gia's been trying to help Liz and Carly and I know it's hard on all of them.'' ''Thank you Nikolas, I appreciate your concern. It wasn't easy, but look at the souvenir I brought home.'' At that he chuckled, ''yeah, you know Gia and I are…'' he was interrupted by his wife who plopped down next to him looking especially beautiful in form fitting black slacks and a white blouse tied at the waste. She was holding Janey and smiling at her as she cooed on her lap. Nikolas then held her and they then seemed to get lost in their own little world. Alexis looked on as Jax came up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. She looked up ''they will be wonderful parents you know.'' He shook his head, ''right now I'm more concerned about you and me, do you think it's soon safe to kick these folks out?'' Finally everyone had ooed, awed and fussed over Janey (and her mother) and left. Services for Jason would be tomorrow at Saint Timothy's Catholic Church. Alexis felt she should attend. She knew that Nikolas and Gia planned to attend and they had offered to take her. Jax would stay with Janey - a true test for daddy. * * * * * Janey was asleep in her arms and Jax just looked at her. She had not been upstairs, where a surprise awaited her. She entered their bedroom and it looked like a tropical paradise, or rather a California paradise. Lush palms and ferns had been placed around the room. On one side though was a bassinet covered in white Irish lace and inside were the softest white sheets and blankets. Embroidered on the blanket was ''Jane Kristen Jacks'' and her date of birth. (Gifts from CC and Marcus.) The remainder of the room was covered with ferns and palms, sheer netting draped over the furniture and silk rose petals on the bed. A few fragrant candles had been lit, but not too many to cause Janey any breathing problems. She walked into the bathroom. Once again vanilla candles lit the room. The sunken tub had gardenia petals floating in it. The soft sounds of Chopin filled the room. At one side of the large sink area was a baby bathtub and all the necessary baby cleansing supplies, plus a stack of disposable diapers and diaper pail. They bathed Janey, which was a hilarious affair for the two first time parents. They also got her ready for bed in a baby blue sleeper (Jax didn't care, he liked baby blue); although it did have pink bunnies embroidered on it. She nursed and Jax burped and sang to her and their Janey was now in dreamland. It was her turn and Jax's. Lying on the bed, over the rose petals, were property photos and blue prints. He hoped to corner her on a home for them all. First though a bath was in order. Jax stripped both Alexis and himself and led her to the warm water. He helped her in (although she did protest a little that right now was not the best of times to share a bath -- the after effects ladies always have after birth and also the issue that they could not act on any desires they might have). He didn't say a word, just pulled her into his arms and proceeded to wash her body, massage her scalp and wash her hear. It was decadent. She did the same for him and he got progressively excited, finally pulling her into his arms and devouring her mouth, lip on lip, tongue with tongue. It was a kiss of love, desire, commitment and homecoming. He massaged her full breasts and she in turn caressed his back and chest freely. It was sleek and tanned. ''Alexis, I love you. Six weeks is a long time, but I'll wait.'' ''Jax, I can help you.'' ''No, I'll wait.'' ''Jax, let me I will enjoy it too.'' At that she took his most private part in her hands and stroked until he was long, hard and oh so ready. She took him in her mouth and created a sensual suction. He couldn't last much longer, jerking out of her mouth and finishing in the warm water. He held her close. The water became tepid and he finally climbed out lifting her with him. He set her on her feet and wrapped her in a large towel. He then secured the proper sanitary items for her and helped her into a new blue satin dressing gown. (The man was obsessed with blue.) He pulled on his silk boxers and they went to the bedroom. A tray at the side of the bed held decadent pastries (which she protested at saying they would cause her to gain not lose weight, to which he replied who cares) and a bottle of sparkling juice and two champagne flutes. He filled each and gave her one and he took one, getting down on one knee and picking up her left hand. He kissed it, ''Alexis I love you, you know that. I want to spend my life with you and Janey and I want to be a full part of both your lives and hopefully future children. I'm not perfect, I'm overbearing, chauvinistic, obsessed with the mirror (or so you say), but I love you, will you please, please, please remarry me?'' Tears clouded her eyes. ''Jax, I want to. I'm wearing your ring, but you disappeared when I needed you most to help Brenda - a woman I thought no longer played a major part of your life.'' ''She doesn't Alexis, not in the sense that you mean, but let me explain why I had to go.'' He went on to fully detail the reason he had left and the circumstances surrounding it. After he finished, she smiled and said softly and much relieved, ''I understand. Yes, I will marry you, you big overbearing, mirror loving, ex-husband of mine.'' He jumped and almost knocked the glasses over. He fed her pastries and juice all night long. They periodically got up to check on Janey, who fussed only slightly. Finally it was just too much. He sat up in bed his arm around his wife and his daughter snuggled in his other arm. It was beautiful. Once again everything he wanted was in his arms, his snoring wife-to-be and his sighing daughter. (Two of a kind he thought, can the world handle it?) * * * * * The funeral was a sober affair. The priest who christened Michael presided over the Mass of Christian burial. The Quartermain's were somber. Ned had flown home. He had congratulated Alexis on her daughter and asked if he could visit them all. Robin also returned with her husband Ethan. Elizabeth sat between her grandmother and Gia. She sobbed quietly. Carly and Sonny sat quietly with Michael. The funeral itself was small and private. Much like the man himself. He was buried in his beloved leather jacket, with his motorcycle helmet in the coffin. A casket spray of red roses topped the casket. A red rose with a note from Elizabeth was placed in his hand. Two white roses from Monica and Allen rested in the casket, as did a pink one from Emily, a tiny peach rosebud in honor of his birth mother, Susan Moore and two yellow ones from Edward and Lila, who looked more fragile than usual. She nonetheless congratulated Alexis and asked that she, Jax and the baby visit her soon. Alexis promised they would. Stefan attended out of respect for all that had transpired and sat beside Nikolas, both in dark formal suits. Ned gave the eulogy, followed briefly by Sonny whose voice cracked throughout. Jason had made sure Elizabeth was financially provided for and she had discussed with Gia spending some time in formal art training. Both Gia and her grandmother supported this decision. It would give her a focus in life now. A small luncheon was served at The Port Charles Grille. It was a tragic end for such a young man. Alexis would harbor some guilt for the rest of her life. She was happy to get home to Jane and Jax. They were her future now. |