| Chapter 16 Her mind was focused on one primary thing and that was Jax and the priest. Jerry and Brenda's arrival while momentarily stunning did not distract her from her purpose of becoming the lawfully wedded wife of Jasper Jacks, although if she stopped to think about it perhaps she should be a tad hesitant. This was not your normal man; but then again she admitted she was not your normal woman. She was forthright, aggressive, driven, anxiety ridden and loving. Jax possessed many of those qualities, but the two that were her steadying force were his patience and his love. He loved her with all his heart as she did him. She blinked and focused again on Jax and beside him Jerry who was now holding Janey as Jax held both her hands. (Florence held her bouquet.) Jerry and Janey were bonding amazingly well, for two strangers. Jerry appeared to relish his interaction with Janey and vice versa. Jax began with his vows …''I Jasper take thee Alexis to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer (but let's hope that doesn't happen again) until death us do part. I promise you too that I will be your husband in good days and bad, in anxiety and calm, to love no one but you and to honor, keep and thank God for every day we spend together. I am marrying my best friend and my lover, I cannot ask for anything more.'' At that he touched her face gently and wiped away a single tear that feel from her lashes. It was her turn. ''I Alexis take you Jasper to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer (and I don't really care), until death us do part. I love you like no one else before or after, you and my children are my life, my heart, my soul and my anxiety, but in only the best way. I will love you through eternity and beyond, you have my word and my heart.'' It was her turn to brush away the tears that fell from his eyes. She also heard his mother, father and brother sniff and the sweet sound of Janey's steady breathing in Jerry's arms - she had fallen asleep. The priest blessed their rings and then they exchanged them. Alexis' was a plain 18 karat band, with bezel set diamonds spaced throughout. Jax's was simply a plain 18 karat band. He had inscribed in hers' ''to love, honor and cherish - Jax''. She had inscribed, ''to my lover and best friend forever - Alexis''. The priest went on to bless them and recite the Lord's prayer - ''Our Father who art in Heaven hallow it be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Amen.'' ''In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss your bride.'' At that Jax took her in his arms and kissed her soundly, revealing both love and lust. Jerry stepped forward, with a sleeping Janey in his arms, ''may I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Jacks, also known as, ''Mr. and Ms. Alexis Davis.'' At that the family laughed and clapped. Jax smiled ruefully at Jerry and Janey awoke when the applause broke out. She whimpered and wanted her mother. Before they could walk down the aisle, Alexis handed Jax her bouquet and took Janey in her arms. It was indeed a humorous walk down the aisle to ''We Are Family''. The groom had the bouquet and the bride had their baby in her arms. It was as it should be for the marriage of Jax and Alexis. * * * * * Dinner was fun. Everyone sat at CC's large oak table, including Elton, who simply gushed over Brenda and Gia. (''More babies, oh what fun and two such beautiful women…'') Lady Jane and John could not get over the surprise. They had not known of Jerry and Brenda's marriage or of their second impending grandchild. Jerry had responded that ''hey, Ireland I can come to, as long as, Detectives Taggert and Ardonowski here don't feel the urge to call certain authorities.'' Taggert looked on, ''hey I'm no longer on the PCPD, so my lips are sealed. No one knew that his wife had given him a stern lecture after the ceremony on behaving and being nice to Jerry and Brenda. She added that if he did not then she was certain Jerry would feel compelled to tell all of Jerry and CC’s brief encounter so many years ago in Australia and the number of Guiness Stoudt's she had consumed before she had given in to his advances. Taggert couldn't bear to hear that story again. That was long before they were married and before she had become besotted with him and he her. Jerry had kissed CC long and hard on the mouth (Taggert almost went through the wall on that) and said ''marriage obviously agrees with you luv, you're beautiful.'' ''It must agree with you too, you look more human than I can ever recall.'' At that Jerry pulled Brenda into his arms and kissed her soundly. ''I have found the love of my life and now we too will have a little one, what more can I ask for.'' His brother had chimed in ''a little less interest in the pearl trade in the South Pacific!'' ''Touché dear brother.'' V also promised her silence, but she was going to have to speak with Marcus and CC, was this proper? Brenda was radiant. Pregnancy agreed with her. Her hair was cut in an attractive short style and she was wonderfully tanned. Her style had become more sophisticated over the years and less trendy. She was dressed in a lovely black Jersey floor length sweater dress with a strand of pearls around the high neckline. Her ears held 10 mm pearl studs. Her wedding ring of diamonds and platinum graced her left hand and matched Jerry's platinum band on his left hand. They were happy. She said she missed Port Charles at times, but really had no desire to return. She had spoken with Robin recently. Robin and her husband were happy for both her and Jerry. Brenda expressed her sorrow about Jason to Alexis. Dinner was a great deal of fun. Jerry was absolutely the life of the party and his parents loved every minute of it, as did the rest of the family and guests. Jerry, as the unofficial best man proposed the first toast - ''to my brother, the luckiest bloke (next to me and dad and you other men, I’m sure) on earth and his rather stupid wife (why would you want this cad) who is as beautiful as she is intelligent. May your every day be filled with love, happiness and always a little adventure. I love you both.'' Everyone applauded, even Janey in her high chair - festooned with pink silk roses. Alexis touched the glass to her lips. Gia looked on and finally announced, ''and we thought this family was crazy and you, pointing at Jax, had the audacity to call me wild''. Gia and Brenda found they had much in common, including children due very close to one another and engaged in quite the conversation. Brenda loved Gia's dress and vice versa. Nikolas enjoyed talking with Brenda as well. They knew each other from their days at Deception. * * * * * It was time for the first dance. They had selected Glenn Miller's ''Serenade in Blue'', but before the melodic strains could be played and in true Cassadine wedding tradition, the rollicking melody of ''California Girls'' began to play and everyone cheered. (Alexis whispered in Jax's ear - ''no Malibu Alexis until later dear husband''. He murmured back ''Damn!'') They danced a few bars but then ''Serenade in Blue'' began to play - a fitting song for the man obsessed with blue. They danced and then he scooped Janey up and danced with his two favorite ladies. It was a beautiful Christmas Eve. Gia looked at the large clock in the room and announced ''Merry Christmas everyone''. It was one minute past midnight, officially Christmas. Everyone kissed their respective partners, children and parents. Jax and Alexis would spend the night in a small guesthouse down the road, but would return bright and early the following morning to open presents before Janey’s Christening. * * * * * They opened the door and candles were lit everywhere, red, green, gold, silver and a Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room, with a fire blazing on the other side. Before she could walk over the threshold, he had picked her up and carried her. She thought quite the romantic gesture, and very Jax. She was somewhat concerned he would hurt his back lifting her, but then his mouth hit hers and she was lost. He laid her on the sofa and they kissed as if they couldn't breathe without the other's mouth. He gently swept the combs from her hair and it cascaded down around her face and over his hands. He wove his fingers through it. It felt like silk and satin and smelled of her. She took hold of his bow tie and yanked it open. Her fingers then went to the studs of his shirt and they soon gave way and he was bare from the waist up. ''Luv, it's my turn and it's our wedding night.'' The task at hand was now fighting with all the tiny satin buttons at the back of her dress. Florence and Gia had helped her dress, but Jax was on his own now. He finally got frustrated and ripped, ''luv I'll pay to have it repaired, I promise, but I can't wait any longer.'' Everything pooled at her waist and she was bare. He looked at her reverently and his mouth proceeded to sweep her breasts and blow lightly on them. She shivered even by the warmth of the fire, but certainly not from the chill. Her mouth then went to his chest and nipped from the prominent Adam's apple south to the hair that disappeared below his black trousers. They were both shaking. ''You need to get out of this dress and whatever that thing is you've go on under it (it was a bridal slip).'' He stood her up and tried to shove everything down. Finesse was not his forte at the moment. Finally she stood in her lace panties and thigh high stockings and white satin pumps. He was shirtless in black trousers. He picked her up again and carried her into the bedroom. It too was lit with candles and had a Christmas tree twinkling in the corner, three gaily wrapped packages sat under the tree. A bucket of champagne sat by the bed, along with two Irish crystal flutes. On the bed sat two packages. One addressed to Alexis and one addressed to Jax. They looked at each other. Alexis opened hers first. Dear Alexis, We wanted to give you something as beautiful as you are for your wedding night. We know it won't stay on very long, but hey, it's the thought that counts. We love you. The Girls (and Jane, V, Janey and Simone) She opened the box and inside was a champagne satin teddy with crocheted lace all around. Jax licked his lips when he saw it. ''I shall love to help you put it on and I will really love to help you take it off!'' ''Well Jax, it's your turn.'' Jax opened his smaller box. Jax, Turn about is fair play and paybacks are sometimes hell! I'm sure Alexis will find it as stimulating as CC did! Taggert In his was a baby blue satin G string, with a jacks symbol strategically placed. He shook his head, Marcus had gotten even for that shamrock thing he had left for him. Alexis was giggling and holding up their evening attire. ''I will if you will.'' ''Do I have to? I love blue, but hey it doesn't match your outfit.'' ''Nope, dear, I want to see how big that little jacks can go!'' He walked out of the bedroom and she quickly shrugged out of her panties, hose and shoes and slid the silky material over her body. It went over her now and still flat stomach and snapped. She brushed her hair and rubbed perfumed lotion over her arms, legs and chest. ''Jax, get in her now.'' Jasper Jacks was not one to blush, particularly in front of his wife, but his bright red face clashed dramatically with the rather large jacks that was protruding quite broadly below! ''If you laugh so help me…'' She was trying to stifle a giggle, but then she stood before him and all he could utter was ''my God luv you're beautiful.'' His embarrassment was gone as his wife took him in. He picked up her left hand and kissed her wedding ring, which led to a progression of kisses and caresses up her arm. She was in his arms and passion ignited again. He laid her on the bed, the down comforter had been pulled back and ivory satin sheets covered the bed. She looked beautiful with her brown hair and champagne satin on the bed, but he wanted it gone. His mouth found her ankle and he kissed it, she giggled - it tickled. His mouth worked its way up her slim leg and eventually to her core. His teeth found the snaps that held the teddy in place and they jerked the now damp material away. His mouth then found the center of her heated and wet desire and plunged. His wife screamed. His tongue found a rhythm of its own and brought her to a shuddering completion, while his hands kneaded her bottom. He looked up and grinned that every charming, little boy licking the sweetest icing grin. (To him it was the sweetest icing.) His mouth took hers and she tasted the sweetness that was her. It was her turn and she rolled him over with relish and nibbled on his nipples. He jerked under the ministrations of her mouth. Her mouth then feasted on his muscled and flat stomach. She nipped, licked and kissed him. He was jerking from side to side frantically. ''Shh, I'm having fun. Lie still.'' (Easy for her to say, he was about ready to burst.) She moved further down, ''hmm, who would have ever thought a game of jax could be so massive and all encompassing?'' She licked the emblem and he almost exploded, ''Alexis?'' Her fingers grabbed the elastic and finally released his member that was hard, red and ready. Her mouth dipped in and tasted the moisture there and then greedily took in more, the suction ever increasing. She knew exactly the pleasure she wanted to create for him and her light touch and suction sent him over the edge. She swallowed and he looked at his wife in awe. He gathered her up in his arms ''beautiful, but I want more.'' Those protein shakes had numerous endurance benefits and he was soon up to the task at hand. They both were gloriously naked and snuggled on the bed. The candles and fire blazed, the tree twinkling brightly. He rolled his wife on her back, kissed her again, and she returned the favor. He hated that his weight was so heavy, but he had to be inside her and soon or the comforter would be stained beyond repair. He let his fingers wander and found her ready. He had recovered and size nor strength presented a problem. He plunged and they both gasped ''I love you'' in unison almost. The found their rhythm and played their own Christmas tune. * * * * * He held her and they slept through the remaining few hours before dawn. The champagne never touched. He awoke to his wife curled in his arms, gently snoring. He kissed her, ''Merry Christmas Mrs. Jacks.'' She grumbled softly, ''Merry Christmas Mr. Davis''. The candles had safely burned out, but he had stoked the fire during the night. The tree twinkled as dawn approached. He padded over and picked up a small, gaily wrapped package and set it on her lap - ''open it''. ''I have something for you too.'' ''In a few minutes, open it.'' She did and was stunned to see a Cartier tank watch in diamonds and platinum, inscribed ''Forever cannot be enough time with you.'' Her eyes misted with tears. She softly got up and brought over two large, wrapped items. He looked on gleefully. His wife was enough of gift, but he opened the first, an original LP of the Beach Boy's classic ''Endless Summer'' that had been signed by all the original Beach Boys. The larger a poster of the album cover was also signed. ''How? Some are not with us anymore?'' ''Nikolas is a resourceful nephew.'' They kissed and sank back to love anew. Finally they wanted to get up to CC and Marcus' home to celebrate Christmas morning with their daughter and the family, even though Janey didn't really know about the holiday, it was a tradition they wanted to enjoy with her for many years to come. The dressed for the Christening. Alexis in a deep wine velvet suit and black lace shell. Jax in a midnight navy suit, crisp white shirt and wine colored tie. He looked handsome and powerful. She sophisticated and elegant. The entered CC and Marcus' home and Gia was patiently awaiting their arrival - even though it was only a little past 8:00 a.m. ''It took you long enough and I don't care if it was your wedding night, I want to open presents!'' They laughed as they saw Stefan holding Janey descending the steps. Florence followed, trailed by Nikolas, CC and Marcus. Alexis looked at Florence, ''has she always been like this?'' ''Always.'' Nikolas only laughed and said, ''she and our children will drag me out of bed at the crack of dawn, I'm sure!” “Watch it buster, you don’t complain when I wake you up at the crack of dawn for other things.” Stefan gave Janey to her father. He muttered, “Gia such talk in front of this innocent child!” She swatted him on his back and looked pointedly at her mother – “seems I’ve heard some interesting sounds emanating from your room at the crack of dawn too!” Lady Jane, John, V, Simon, Simone, Jerry and Brenda were all in the drawing room ready for Christmas morning. The tree that Elton had erected was huge and he had not been forgotten, a few gifts awaited him under the tree. Gia was first. Nikolas handed her a small box. She ripped open the package like a ten year old. In it was a diamond anklet, in every way similar to the one Florence wears and lent to each woman on her wedding day. “Now you have something to pass along to our children.” She kissed her husband. Taggert got up and helped her give him a huge box. He opened it and inside was a custom made Hermes saddle. “I tease you enough about those damn horses, but I’m also very proud of you.” Many gifts followed. Marcus got another crystal horse to add to his collection. He rued the day he ever told CC his first impression of her. CC received a new Hermes scarf and a diamond bracelet from her favorite jeweler, Cartier. Everyone had chipped in to get the couple who had everything (Stefan and Florence) a gift – a month on a private island in the Mediterranean. John and Lady Jane exchanged rare books and Florence gave Stefan an original Cezane. He in turn gave her a diamond key and heart on a fine gold chain. Alexis gave each woman a “Kelly bag” from Hermes with their name and “December 24” engraved on the gold plate in the front. Finally Alexis stood up and handed her new husband three gifts. The first was a new pair of running shoes. Practical, just like its giver. The second was a box that held a pair of those oh so tiny running shorts and a tee shirt that said “Daddy” – from Alexis and Janey. In his hurry to open his presents, he neglected to look at the back of the shirt. The last item was a sterling double picture frame the one side held a picture of Janey in the dress she wore for their wedding, the other side held an inscription, “? – we can fill this in about eight months!” He sat their stunned, “when, how?” “Brother dear if you don’t know how that little lecture I gave you at 11 was useless and I’m ashamed to call you a Jack’s male!” He continued to stare at her. She finally nodded, “well you do remember Saturday Night Fever” don’t you? Oh God, he did, not that he was complaining, but that evening they had really gotten carried away and she had not been on the pill and the condoms, oh God he remembered they were in the drawer in their bedroom at home.” He pulled his wife under the mistletoe and kissed her. “Merry Christmas to me!” Everyone cheered. John and Lady Jane were crying, John turned to his wife “see he is trying to fill all of those bedrooms!” Florence now looked pointedly at her son, “what’s your problem?” “Hey mom, not from lack of trying, but don’t you think there are enough babies right now.” “Son, CC, I love you both dearly, but I can never have too many grandchildren, nieces or nephews, now try harder.” At that Marcus grabbed his wife’s hand and began to pull her out of the room. Everyone yelled, “not now Marcus.” “Hey, I always do what my mother tells me! Besides mom, you know you’re not too old for another…” He never got the sentence completed. His mother wagged her finger at her son and then proceeded to soundly kiss her husband. “There’s an idea he murmured in her ear.” Jax finally recovered his composure and quietly handed his wife a flat box. She looked at him. “Open it.” In it was a photograph of a gorgeous manor house surrounded by heather. She furrowed her brow and picked up the picture, under it laid a deed to property in Ireland, in fact a few miles from where they now sat. The deed listed the owner as “Alexis Davis Jacks”. Her husband had bought her a home in Ireland. It brought tears to her eyes again. CC cheered, “we’re neighbors!” Taggert grinned, “there goes the neighborhood!” * * * * * The church was old and traditional. The priest nursed slight remnants of the prior evening and the champagne and Irish whiskey that had flowed. Stefan and V were the godparents. Stefan following Alexis’ wishes – her beloved brother. V as Jax’s most trusted friend besides his wife. The priest looked at Janey decked out in Irish lace – a gift from CC. He anointed her with Holy Water and christened her Jane Kristen Jacks. It was a beautiful ceremony. The lunch that followed was gay and as bright as the light dusting of snow on the ground outside glistening in the sunshine. Alexis looked down at her still flat stomach, her new (but old) husband, her beloved daughter and her most cherished family and extended family and friends. She knew that she had never played a game in her life that she enjoyed winning as much as a game of Jax! |