| Chapter 14 Fall was rapidly coming to its conclusion in the Northeast and Port Charles had seen more than a few snowflakes fall to the ground in the past weeks. His life was busy, but the rewarding kind of busy. His daughter was growing like a weed and his fiancé had only grown more beautiful in the midst of motherhood. They had finally settled on a wedding date - Christmas Eve in Ireland. Alexis had mentioned how much she loved CC and Marcus' home there and they had offered it, without hesitation, as a wedding site. He had wanted to marry her immediately upon their return to Port Charles with Janey. She wasn't stalling but asked that they settle into their roles as parents and adjust to that before they marry formally. She also asked for a traditional wedding. Not large, just family and a very few friends, but a real wedding. She spoke of the Ned fiasco, but said that now that she was sure of her feelings and his love for her she would truly enjoy some of the trappings of a wedding; however unAlexis that might sound. This was quite a shock to say the least as Alexis was anything but traditional, pomp and circumstance type, but if she asked how could he deny her anything. She explained that every little girl dreams of a wedding at one time or another and she was no exception. They had witnessed Stefan and Florence committing themselves to one another and the beauty of their obvious love for one another brought tears even to his eyes. Gia then astonished her parents by announcing her impending motherhood. She would give birth in the very late winter/early spring, plenty of time for she and Nikolas to travel to Ireland for a wedding. If Alexis was humorous in her ways of dealing with pregnancy, Gia was equally so. Gia was not traditional in any sense of the word, except the love she had and showed for her friends, family and most especially her husband. She wore the chicest, most daring maternity ensembles and Nikolas was almost as funny as he, Jax, had been in his worry over his wife. He teased him incessantly about it. They had kept up their boys night out, mainly because their ladies had insisted. He strongly suspected that they all gathered with Florence, shot pool, lost money to CC, planned shopping and business strategies and raked them (their men) over the coals. He had not wanted to allow Janey to attend (it would give her a bad idea on men, especially her dad, cousins and uncle), her mother had quickly insisted that her daughter would be raised with the appropriate viewpoints. That's what frightened him the most. Every morning he got Alexis up and then tended to his daughter. Alexis did most of the evening activities with her, but the morning was their time together. They read books, played with all the toys she had accumulated (damn but he loved her toys - cars, helicopters, furry animals) and he talked to her about everything; her mum, her grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and even business strategies, including the hotel she owned on Australia's gold coast. Usually by the conclusion of their morning meetings, her mother was ready to walk with Lady Jane, V, Simone and sometimes Gia and Romance. He never saw that most mornings Alexis stood quietly outside Janey's door and listened to these meetings with tears in her eyes. * * * * * They had finally decided on a place to live and men had worked overtime to complete it by the late fall. It was a large, rambling Tudor structure that formed an ''H''. One wing housed offices for both he and Alexis. Their respective offices were separated by a huge playroom for Janey (and hopefully more children - Dr. Meadows gave Alexis every indication that she could definitely have more). This playroom had a small daybed in it. A large dollhouse (a gift from Stefan and Florence - they said he had bought her too many ''boy'' toys and she needed some dolls too), a computer for when she was old enough and a nice selection of tapes and CD's, including a full selection of Beach Boy's tunes. She especially liked Winnie the Pooh and ''California Girls'' (a chip off the old block was his daughter). The remainder of their house was bright and cheerful. Alexis had truly thrown herself into every aspect of the house and it reflected her personality in that there were a few very formal rooms, including the dining room and formal living room - lots of cherry and pale blue (his favorite color) and ivory silk. The picture over the fireplace was a portrait of the three of them that John had commissioned. They were all dressed in white, with Alexis seated holding Janey. It was uncanny how it paralleled his dream of them. The remaining rooms were all comfortable and casual. Lots of bright sunny colors, whites, yellows, pale greens. Their bedroom was the stuff of fantasies. It held a California king bed and was done in brass, glass and white with pale peach - not one ounce of baby blue to be found. (Alexis had refused to share it if there was any sign of “baby blue”. She was so mean to him. Even pouting would not change her mind.) They each had their own bathroom, with his holding one wall of mirrors, a large sunken tub, double shower and sink area and an enclosed toilet (at Alexis' request). Hers' was much less elaborate with only a single tub with whirlpool jets, a lighted sink with one mirror, a simple shower and toilet and a number of silk plants. Janey had her own room that was a little girl's paradise and her own bathroom. They had 6 more bedrooms, four in a separate wing. John had laughed and asked if they planned to fill them all and if so, could Alexis possibly even walk? Lady Jane had almost taken him apart for that statement, his only response ''well you know we kept trying!'' At that she simply blushed the most beautiful rose and told him to make sure he knew where the blankets and the couch were that night. One thing that had shocked him about Alexis was her budding love for gardening. Lila visited from time-to-time and always brought clippings from her rose garden that she and Alexis nursed in a greenhouse erected on the property. They spent hours discussing plants and it did warm his heart to see their affinity towards one another. Lila loved Janey and held her whenever she felt strong enough. Alexis was into mommy mode and was now driving a Volvo station wagon. Who would have thought? (Gia teased her incessantly about it and vowed to never, never drive a minivan or station wagon - no matter how many children she and Nikolas had.) The kitchen was his domain. Lots of brick, double ovens, a large island and breakfast area that led outside to the patio with a large cooking area there, as well as a Mexican furnace and a large selection of comfortable chairs, chaises, sofas and a dining table. The pool was next to the patio. He swam in it many evenings, even in the Fall – it was heated. He particularly enjoyed when Alexis ogled him in his black Speedo! John and Lady Jane had built a small house (small meaning only 4 bedrooms) on adjoining property and spent considerable time in Port Charles. They had gone back to Alaska in the summer when Jax had taken the family to Malibu following Stefan and Florence's nuptials. CC and Marcus were in Port Charles, having spent most of the spring in Ireland organizing their home there, along with Cassadine Security operations. V and Simon had bought an old Victorian home on V's old street in Port Charles and lived modestly considering his wealth. They also had a lovely home Nova Scotia that they visited often. Alexis had been spending considerable time working on Cassadine family interests and a good part of her legal practice was now devoted to these ventures, as well as, to Jacks' family ventures. She did occasionally take on new clients to maintain her defense skills, winning many of her cases. She had gotten her figure back and then some. She was beautiful with her womanly curves. He couldn't get enough. Many nights they put Janey to bed and retired early. When she was allowed to resume ''normal relations'' he was about out of his mind with desire for her. Every time he saw her nursing Janey, his nether regions jerked hard. She had tried to ease it, but it was never enough. He had to be inside this woman, showing her just how much he loved and desired her. Their bed was their haven and he had purchased her more ''Malibu Alexis'' outfits. (He never knew the only times she wore those thongs was in his presence.) When they went back to Malibu though she came into her own. Gauzy skirts with knit halter tops and strappy sandals. A number of Celine tank dresses in vibrant colors. Large earrings that Janey just had to try to yank off and next to nothing at night. She wore a peach satin robe to nurse her most evenings, but she was soon weaning her from nursing and on to formula and soft foods. They had a glorious late summer. Janey had loved the beach and taken to being in the water with her mum and dad like a little fish. They were going to give her swimming lessons just as soon as possible. She loved splashing in the pool at home. He was so happy he was about to burst. Brenda had called him once recently to share the news that she too was expecting and that her husband had finally calmed down (slightly) now that a baby was on the way. She was due in very late spring. He congratulated her and told her of he and Alexis' wedding plans and how Janey was growing. She offered her sincere congratulations and a gift arrived for Janey from Brenda and her husband shortly thereafter. It was a silver comb, brush and mirror, with a note attached ''so your father won't have to share his”. Everyone had laughed. Sonny and Carly had dealt with the loss of Jason. He had had little contact with Alexis following their return to Port Charles. They would occasionally meet for coffee when they were in town. (She still contended that Sonny made the best cappuccino.) * * * * * Plans were now underway for their wedding in Ireland and Janey's christening the following day - Christmas. Everyone, but CC, Marcus (and Elton, upon learning he would get “to do” a wedding in Ireland and had agreed to take the job – actually he took the job because he was besotted with Janey and her christening was a new high for him), who would leave just after Thanksgiving, the others would travel to Ireland in about two weeks to finalize the arrangements. Gia had been given clearance to travel. Marcus had insisted on staying in the states for Thanksgiving, he said there was no way he was missing an entire day of food and football. His wife hit him and threatened him with some nonsense about black satin, but he never wavered. She then replied okay if you're doing football, I'll be shopping with Gia, your mom and Alexis the following week. They all did, taking Janey, V and Simone with them to New York. Apparently they all had a glorious time. Alexis had purchased a wedding gown, the ladies had found dresses for the ceremony (Alexis had chosen not to have any formal attendants, except Janey - Florence and Stefan would be their legal witnesses). They even purchased a dress for Janey to wear during the ceremony, but in typical Cassadine female tradition, no one would tell him anything. The men were all wearing white dinner jackets. (If Alexis was wearing white, he was wearing a white dinner jacket to match. He just loved to match with his family.) He had one request before everyone left, a surprise for his wife to be. He had remembered a movie they watched when they were in Malibu and how she had said she and Stefan, even Stavros had wished they could have been part of the Brooklyn disco scene of the late '70's as in ''Saturday Night Fever''. He knew that each Cassadine man owed him a favor and he meant to collect. Alexis wanted no shower, no bachlorette party, no engagement party, nothing. He told her that they were having one of the weekly family dinners the evening before Thanksgiving at the Port Charles Hotel. Little did she know that he had rented the entire ballroom and hired Elton and an event planning firm to coordinate the affair. The Cassadine men and Simon would be the entertainment. (He had almost fired Elton when he was found ogling them as they “practiced”, but Elton was a good sport and a wonderful coordinator of events.) Janey was being cared for by Laura the evening of the family dinner. (He used the excuse that Lulu wanted to see her and Laura had begged.) He had left a dress on the bed for his wife to be. A lycra wrap skirt, wrap blouse with thin straps in vibrant purple with matching platform sandals. (Each Cassadine woman, including Gia, had a similar outfit. Florence had howled and reminisced about actually owning a similar outfit and going to a few discos before she became involved with Cal. Her face became serious at that, but she managed to laugh it off. She remarked that “Love To Love You Baby” was a favorite of her and her schoolmates.) Alexis had questioned his gift, but he told her to be quiet and wear it – it was to be a joke on Stefan. While getting the ladies to wear these outfits had not been hard, the men were another story entirely. Stefan had cringed and said he was too old and this was just not appropriate for him to wear. Jax reminded him of a certain young lady at Taggert’s bachelor party that he had inspected the quality of her costume (or lack of it) and should he mention this clothing quality issue to Florence, he quickly put the outfit on. Taggert was next and he reminded him of a day in Athens and carrying CC to safety. Nikolas just looked at it and put it on, frowning all the time. (He had told Nikolas that Nik’s wife said he was to put it on or he would have no fun for a number of weeks to come, plus it was for his Aunt Alexis). Simon was pretty much game for anything. He was a good sport. He had actually hired the dance instructor from the movie (Denny Terrio) to get their moves down. It was a riot. Stefan Cassadine in platform shoes was something that would be on videotape for many generations to see. Actually they were all very good in their disco routine reminiscent of John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever”. They danced to “Staying Alive and Disco Inferno”. * * * * * Alexis walked into the room that was lit with a mirrored ball, strobe lights and a lot of neon. It truly looked like “Studio 54”. She howled. The ladies were shown to their small tables and the music began. He came out strutting similar to the opening of the infamous movie. The men then followed and they put on quite a floor show. Alexis, Gia, V and Florence were actually all holding up dollar bills asking for their respective partners in life to “take it off”. (Elton had had similar ideas but thought better of it.) The men complied as best they could. He and Simon lost the most. Finally they again donned their shirts and picked up their respective women and had danced the night away. Everyone truly had a good time. Stefan even warmed up after Florence had told him how sexy he looked in black and white polyester! (She must have thought so because she really was all over him most of the night. Not that Stefan seemed to mind.) They had dined on typical club food and had consumed a considerable amount of champagne. Everyone toasted the happy couple. Each couple had reserved a room in the Port Charles Hotel for the evening, even Gia and Nikolas (although she was not drinking, she thought a night away would be inspiring for them both). The night ended on a high note. Lady Jane and John had stopped in and proceeded to cut a rug with the best of them. The DJ had even switched to “Moonlight Serenade” and they made Arthur Murray look like an amateur. * * * * * They entered that suite that evening. It was lit with candles, while soft music was playing the background. A tune by Al Jarreau. A champagne bucket was by the sofa, as was dozens of carnations. Silk rose petals were strewn across the carpet and on the bed, which was turned down and had been done up in black satin sheets. A black negligee and black satin boxers were on the bed (gifts from V and Simon). As soon as the door had shut he pulled Alexis into his arms and he felt tears on his chest. He looked at her with great concern. “What’s the matter luv?” “Oh Jax, I can’t believe you remembered that stupid fantasy of my youth.” “There was nothing stupid about it and why wouldn’t I remember. I think it was very revealing.” “I know, but how did you get all the men to…?” “I have my vays my dear!” He then took her lips in a kiss of heat and love. His mouth seemed to relearn every nook and cranny there was to learn in her mouth and their tongues dueled like the “The Three Musketeers”. He proceeded to untie her skirt and it fell to the floor. Her small top came next. She stood before him in lace panties, high heels and nothing more. He was instantly aroused. She began to unbutton the remaining buttons of his shirt and it soon fell beside her clothes on the floor. She caressed his hard muscles and firm nipples until she put her mouth where her hands had been. He was rock hard and almost bursting. He drew her to the couch and laid her back on the plush pillows. His mouth went to work on her stomach and soon her legs were thrashing. He slid her panties down and kissed from her knee to her core and beyond. She was moaning loudly and begging. He was as ready as she was. She released the button and zipper of his slacks and pushed down. A jock strap held everything in place and soon she had that gone as well. They laid together intertwined on the couch and he entered her slowly and withdrew ever so slowly again, and again, and again. He finally thrust in and she screamed his name. He only cried “my God could I love you any more” and his seed was left inside her. The made love through the night, so much that he was concerned she may not be able to walk. He got up early and drew her a bath, but that did little to reduce her possible discomfort as they ended up inside one another again in the warm, scented water. What finally stopped them was a knock on the door. It was Laura and she had brought their daughter to them. While Alexis had loved her private time with him the night before, she was anxious to see her daughter and Janey was equally anxious to see her mum and dad. She laughed with glee when he tossed her in the air (as Alexis looked on with fear that he would drop her – he never would this was his daughter, his little princess, his queen was Alexis). They had a wonderful morning together as a family. They were now packing to go to Ireland and finally to get married. He couldn’t wait and amazingly he thought neither could Alexis, although he knew he thought of her as his wife now. He believed she thought of him as her husband as well, because they were out one evening and she had slipped in her introduction of him to one of her business acquaintances as “my husband, Jasper Jacks”. He never mentioned it, nor did she. |