| Chapter 15 Who would have thought that one roughly 24 pound little girl could have this much stuff? Alexis was trying to pack for herself and Janey in preparation for W-day in Ireland. Wedding day that is. She was anxious and she freely admitted it. The girls had even purchased a white paper bag for her to carry down the aisle with her bouquet. Her dress and Janey's special dresses had been shipped directly to Marcus and CC. CC had called to tell her that they had arrived and Elton was arranging their pressings and final fitting. The fitting might come in handy. Jax was in constant motion. He had the phone permanently attached to his ear and she had resorted to wearing her ''Malibu Alexis'' duds when she wanted his undivided attention, but then he refocused on other things and she never did get some of her questions answered. Their honeymoon would follow Christmas and they would go back to Malibu. She loved it there. She didn't know how she would manage a week away from Janey, even if her grandparents, aunt and uncle had promised to keep her busy and deliver her to them in Malibu after that week. She had not been parted from her for any lengthy period, neither had Jax. They were truly hands on parents. She loved her new home. It was everything she had dreamed about. Her legal practice was on course and so far no immediate Cassadine calamity had occurred to throw things off that steady course (she would hold her breath however, something always came up). Neither had a Jacks' family calamity. Between the two families however, she could fill her time cleaning up their small difficulties. Success must come with taking chances. As much as Stefan was the consummate and careful businessman, he sometimes threw that caution to the wind in order to move Cassadine Industries ahead. Various regulatory agencies and small countries protested these actions and she was left with clean up and the Stefan lecture. ''Now Alexis you know if I didn't pursue this course the deal would not have been made and we have created infinitely more jobs because of it. I thank you for your efforts. You are an integral part of this family business.'' It was the same every time and every time she just scratched her head. He knew she didn't buy it, she knew too, but she loved her brother and truly knew he trusted her completely and respected her legal acumen. Jax and his father were similar. She was still a gatekeeper in many respects. She had slowed somewhat due to Janey, but many evenings she reviewed contract law with Janey and listened to her babble over it. They really were interesting conversations. Her father sometimes entered and she would point to him ''yes Janey, daddy is the one causing mommy her headaches tonight.'' He would then get the little boy pout on his face and come and massage her neck. (It worked every time. Janey would giggle and try to clap her little hands.) This packing was going to drive her insane. They had no live in housekeeper only a wonderful cleaning lady, Gretta. Gretta kept them on course, but she couldn't do this damn packing. Luckily Alexis had a wardrobe in Malibu, so she didn't need to pack anything for that trip. Ireland at Christmas was different. There was the same chill in the air, plus the wedding festivities. They would have a family dinner the evening before the wedding and a traditional Christmas Eve dinner following the wedding. Christmas day they would have a brunch following the christening. She and Jax were throwing a New Year's Eve party in Malibu and again everyone was coming. If she was going to do this, she was going for broke or sheer insanity. She wasn't sure which. She knew CC, Elton, Marcus and even their housekeeper Mrs. O'Conner had been working overtime to decorate the house for the wedding and Christmas. They had even erected a small Christmas tree for Janey in her room in their home. They were using traditional Christmas colors of red, green with some gold and silver for the décor of the house. They were to be married in their large drawing room. CC's local parish priest would officiate, but since they were not practicing Catholics, he would not marry them in the church. He would christen Janey in church though, with their promise that she would be raised in the Catholic faith. They had promised and mass would be a regular occurrence in their household as she grew up. * * * * * They were all on the plane together. She, Jax, Janey (whose ears still bothered her when flying), Florence, Stefan, Nikolas and Gia. Simon and V would come over the day prior with John and Lady Jane. They were laughing as Gia regaled them with Nikolas and his incessant questions to Dr. Meadows. He looked at her and said ''well I'm a part of this too and I want to know. It's not quite like breeding a horse you know.'' At that Gia proceeded to beat him quite silly, ''you're comparing our act of creating a child to breeding one of your damn horses? First Marcus compares CC to a horse, now you!'' ''No Gia, that's not what I meant and you know it!'' ''Nikolas, my son and beloved nephew, please learn to stop before you get in any deeper.'' Stefan added and Florence proceeded to glance his way with her eyebrow arched. ''Maybe you should learn from that statement and not butt in where it is not needed.'' It was an entertaining trip and they accomplished their purpose, keeping her from getting too anxious and having an anxiety attack. CC and Marcus' home looked lovely as they crested the hill and saw the lights burning brightly. Elton had imported thousands of white twinkle lights and they village workmen had decorated every tree surrounding the house with them. They glowed beautifully in the hours at dusk. Janey clapped loudly when her father held her up to see them. The Range Rover pulled to the front of the house which was decorated with a massive evergreen wreath, with lavender and heather, along with a tartan bow. A large sleigh was outside, decorated with evergreen and bows. They entered the enormous entrance foyer and were met with more miniature twinkling trees. The stairway was covered in garland, bows and lights. The dining room was off the entrance and that held CC's massive oak dining set and was laid with fruits and small topiaries. The library was across the foyer and that too held a masculine tree. The drawing room was to the back of the first floor and opened on to a large patio that Marcus had put in himself. That room had been cleared of the normal furniture, awaiting the gilt chairs and garlands for the wedding. Each corner though held a trio of small evergreen trees. A large one would be erected after the wedding for Christmas morning. Hundreds of white twinkle lights were everywhere. Janey was clapping with glee. Alexis stood awestruck and looked at both CC and Elton, ''it's beautiful and amazing.'' Elton had tears in his eyes and simply said ''thank you''. CC hugged her, ''I'm glad you approve. Marcus has been rechecking all the electric outlets to make sure we don't cause a power shortage in town. As if? We already have ten computers running round-the-clock, but you know Marcus.'' CC was the picture of elegant sophistication. She had on black velvet trousers, a white blouse and red suede jacket. Her hair was tied in a Christmas scarf. Marcus looked truly to be Lord of the Manor in black denims and a white cashmere turtleneck. He was happy to see everyone as well. Their rooms were separated off in a separate wing of the house. She was using her suite she always stayed in when she was in Ireland. The other family had their suites of rooms as well. (Stefan had insisted on adding this extra wing to the old house - it was for his family and he had footed the bill, no matter how much Marcus and CC has protested.) Janey's room was new. It held a beautiful old crib dressed with satin and Irish lace. (Frankly Alexis was worried it would get soiled beyond repair. CC had dismissed those questions and had said, ''I want her to stay in it''. Toys of every nature where there for her, as was a VCR and CD player. She was in little girl heaven.) ''Are you happy luv?'' Jax asked her as he held her in bed a few evenings before the wedding. ''Very, and you.'' ''Over the moon as your brother would say.'' ''You're not worried about marrying into this somewhat insane family?'' ''Let's talk about insane families Alexis. Have you not forgotten Jerry's and dad's transgressions and my mother's seven mile hikes?'' She laughed as they held one another and fell soundly asleep. The day before the wedding dawned clear and bright, but there was a hint of a light snowfall to come the following day. Gia was delighted with snow at Christmas. She truly was a woman who appreciated everything in a delightful childlike, but womanly, way. Her husband, Jax, Stefan and CC had ridden for the better part of the day. Jax was thinking of throwing some investment money into Nikolas' equine venture. Not because he was family, but because it had become remarkably profitable. Nikolas was natural with horses. She, Janey, V, Simone, Lady Jane, Gia and Marcus had walked the fields surrounding the house for a long time. They figured getting her exhausted would help with the anxiety. Actually she was more nervous for the christening than the wedding, hoping Janey wouldn't pick then to use her lungs to full advantage. They had met with the priest a few evenings previously and Janey had charmed him too. The cool air made her feel somewhat better, these mornings had not be the best of late. Dinner was mass confusion and mass fun. Stefan and John had taken the lead and offered the first toasts of the night. Stefan's was serious and warm, just like the man. ''To my beloved baby sister and her lucky husband to be, I wish you the happiness in your married life and family that I have found with my beloved. If you are half as happy as we are your life will be rich and rewarding. Alexis, you are the person I've known the longest at this table and I want so much for you in life, I cannot even begin to express my love, gratitude and joy for you. Remember a bench always awaits you in our home. Jax, if you hurt her, I will have to kill you and remember my last name IS CASSADINE!'' Jax chuckled and raised his glass, ''no need for threats mate''. John was next. ''My son, Alexis, could you have made an old man and woman any happier, I doubt that. Alexis we love you as if you have been a part of our lives since day one. Jax, you are a lucky man and a beloved son. Happiness is our wish for you both and for our granddaughter. We are the luckiest parents and grandparents in the world and we thank God for it everyday. Be happy and procreate.'' He had tears in his eyes and they knew he was thinking of his other son on this happy occasion too, as was Lady Jane who was nodding and crying openly. ''We are so happy.'' Toasts were offered from Marcus, Nikolas, Gia, V and CC, who toasted to ''my old friend and my loved family''. Alexis cried with them all, her emotions at a high point. Jax hugged his fiancé. Janey picked that time to throw her arms out for mommy and daddy, everyone laughed. * * * * * Things were progressing nicely. Alexis was dressed. Her white gown was elegant, simple and feminine like its wearer. Her hair had been twisted up in a sleek chignon with diamond combs holding it up. The combs had been a gift from Stefan. They had belonged to their great grandmother and he wanted her to have them. He said that from what he had read that she had been a lot like Alexis, strong and beautiful. He kissed her and they both cried for the joy they had found after their miserable childhoods. Her bouquet was silk - the roses she wanted would have been misery for her if they were fresh. She carried a bouquet of white roses with holly and two red roses (one in honor of her mother and one in honor of her daughter). Janey's dress was a frothy creation in white and organza. She had her light brown curls tied with sparkling ribbons. CC was dressed in vintage Yves Saint Laurent, a black velvet tuxedo dress. She had a huge white silk gardenia pinned to the side of the lapel and another huge white gardenia in the back of her head, holding her long hair back in a sleek bun. Gia, while pregnant, was ever fashionable in a red Valentino creation in layers of chiffon that wound together to form a halter and left her shoulders and arms bare. She wore her wedding bracelet of diamonds and rubies and her braids were swept back with a red chiffon scarf. Florence was lovely in a strapless black Oscar de la Renta Grecian inspired dress that held a diamond and platinum pin at the waist and her diamond and platinum necklace, her wedding gift from Stefan. Her hair was upswept and elegant. V was beautiful in a hunter green Carolina Herrera velvet dress and her daughter also wore a hunter green dress with white lace. Lady Jane was classic in a Nolan Miller silver evening dress with a matching sequined jacket. Her hair had been pulled back in a sleek knot. John was handsome in a fitted black tuxedo. The other men wore white dinner jackets with holly on their lapels. (Except for Jax, who insisted that he wanted to hold Janey during the ceremony and he didn't want her to grab anything.) He found her talking to Janey. ''Yes, mom and daddy are getting married today. Mommy is very, very happy and I believe daddy is too. We waited a long time for this day Janey and I believe you are what made it happen. You are the best thing, other than daddy to ever happen to me. Do you know how lonely mommy was before you came along? It hurt so bad sometimes, but that hurt has gone away and soon…'' ''Luv, you will never hurt again.'' He interrupted as he entered the room. ''Isn't it bad luck to see the bride Jax?'' ''Who cares about luck, I came to get my daughter and see her mother. We've made our own luck and we will continue to do so. I love you more than anything or anyone, except Janey and that will never change. This is for you.'' He handed her two small leather boxes. She opened them tentatively and found that one contained a pair of diamond earrings that were three solitaires together forming a triangle. The other contained a pendant with three diamonds in a row. They matched her engagement ring. ''I believe three is our lucky number.'' ''Perhaps. Oh Jax it's beautiful, but…'' ''No buts, they are my wedding gifts to you.'' ''Actually I do have something for you.'' She pulled a large wrapped object. It was an old gilt mirror with a gold plaque engraved on it ''from the person who loves you more than yourself''. He openly wept. A mirror was perfect. She was always teasing him about his need to make sure he looked perfect. Okay it was a character flaw, but it took nothing away from his love of her and his family. ''I know just where to put it!'' At that Stefan appeared. ''Jax, Alexis, I do believe it is time.'' Jax picked up Janey who squealed. (She would be in good humor they hoped, she had just got up from a long nap. She was changed and fed.) ''Honey, it's time we walked down that aisle so mommy can follow.'' He strode out of the room and descended the stairs into the drawing room where everyone was gathered. Everyone gasped when they saw Janey. She looked like a tiny fairy princess. Stefan offered Alexis his arm ''I'm getting a lot of practice with this these past few years''. She took it and as a show of complete calm, she tossed her white bag into the trash ''I won't need that''. The descended the steps just as Handel's ''Water Music'' began. Stefan walked Alexis down the aisle to Jax, who held their daughter. The priest began, ''dearly beloved we are gathered here this day in the presence of God and these witnesses to unite this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Who gives this woman in marriage?'' ''I do'', replied Stefan. At that Alexis took Jax's arm and tickled her daughter. No one noticed the dark haired man enter the room, nor his expectant wife. He quietly kissed his wife and then proceeded up the aisle. When he got to the front, his mother echoed a gasp, his father drew in his breathe, Alexis looked pleased but startled and Jax broke into a broad grin. ''You didn't think you could get married without me here did you brother dear?'' They turned around to see Brenda slid quietly into the seat beside Lady Jane. Stefan, V, Simon, Marcus and Nikolas recognized them immediately, the others looked on in question. Jax hugged Jerry and the priest continued. John and Lady Jane were pleased both their sons were in the same place, with their wives and they were to have another grandchild. It was a happy day. |