Circle of Love-7

by Kathleen

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Please continue to provide me feedback on this story.

RATING: "PG"

The "NC-17" version of this chapter has been forwarded for distribution via the "NC-17" mailing list (HelenO@aol.com). You can also contact me directly at kathsheeh@aol.com to receive a copy.

CHAPTER 7 -- Love is a Family

Sunday, February 18, 2001

The Barrett/Jacks Penthouse -- 5:00pm

Julia and Brenda walked into the penthouse from their afternoon of shopping. They heard Jerry yelling about a missed foul shot from the den. Brenda put the shopping bags in the foyer and then grabbed one of the lamps from Julia. As they walked into the den, Jerry barely looked away from the big screen television.

"Jerry, we are home."

Brenda could not help but laugh to herself as she watched Jerry's oblivion to their presence.

Julia stood in front of the television screen. "Jerry, hello."

Jerry waved his hand. "Julia, there are four seconds left and Michael Jordan has the ball down by three points. Get out of the way."

Julia rolled her eyes as she stepped out away from the television.

As the buzzer sounded and the crowd went crazy, Jerry threw a pillow across the room. "Damn it. Everyone on this planet knows who the hell is going to take the shot and they just let him do it. Now we have to deal with him in overtime."

Julia stood in front of him again. "Now that your attention is not fixated on that stupid game, hello." She held out the lamp to him. "I picked this up for this room to replace those awful things of yours. Aren't they perfect?"

Jerry sighed. "My God, they are pink."

Julia glared at him. "They are not pink. This room is not pink. They are coral just like the rest of this room."

Jerry rolled his eyes. "They are in the same color family as Pepto Bismol so they are pink."

Brenda bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing as she put the lamp on the end table. "I thought A.J., Justus and Scott were coming over to watch the game with you."

Jerry looked over at Brenda. "They came for the first three quarters but then A.J. and Justus had to leave for the last supper at the Quartermaine's this evening and Scott had to pick up Serena from Lucy.

Julia shook her head at the pizza boxes and empty beer bottles strewn around the room. "Jerry, I told you that I had put dinner in the oven when I left."

Jerry moaned. "Oh, was I supposed to check on something in the oven?"

Julia put her hands on her hips. "Jerry, I asked you to do one thing."

Jerry laughed. "Dinner is fine. I must admit that it was Justus who smelled it and salvaged it though."

Julia surveyed the room again for left-over food. "I can't believe this mess. You have been back from Hong Kong for eight hours and look at this room. How in the world did A.J. and Justus eat all this food when they were having dinner at Lila's? And what about our dinner?"

Jerry shrugged. "This was just a snack." He then looked back at the television. "Come on, pass the damn ball. Julia, you have to see this."

Julia raised her eyebrows. "The anticipation is killing me. Why are you even watching the Chicago Bullets?"

Jerry put his hands on his head. "Julia, the BULLS, the CHICAGO BULLS! There is not even a team named the Bullets anymore. Washington has been the Wizards for 3 seasons."

Julia turned around and spoke to him with a sarcastic tone. "I guess I can finally rest tonight now that we have cleared that up."

Jerry let out an exasperated sigh. "To answer your initial question, I am watching the Chicago BULLS because they are playing the Knicks. It is one of the best rivalries in the NBA now. And now the Knicks are just letting Jordan run all over them."

Brenda sat down on the couch. "I can't believe Michael Jordan is still out there playing every day."

Julia began moving the old lamps off the tables. "Yes, I have heard that name forever so he has got to be old. He must be Jerry's age by now."

Jerry scowled as he looked up from the action in the game. "We are not old. We are vintage." Jerry then looked back and the television and cheered as the Knicks went ahead by two with five seconds left in overtime.

Julia bent down to unplug the old lamp and plug in the new one. "Whatever you say dear."

The television screen went black and Jerry groaned. "Julia, what the hell are you doing? Jordan was just about to take his shot."

Julia held up the cord. "Oops. I guess I accidentally unplugged the wrong one."

Brenda laughed again as Jerry rubbed his temples and muttered. The picture on the television screen returned.

Jerry slapped down his hand on the arm of the chair. "Great, just in a time to see the network break away to a commercial after the Bulls tied the score at the end of overtime. A shot which I happened to MISS seeing."

Julia stood back up. "Good, then you can tell me what you think."

Jerry shook his head. "Julia, they are lamps. Pink lamps."

Julia glared at him again. "I told you before that they are not pink."

Jerry held his hands out to his sides. "Fine, coral then. Whatever color they are, they are just lamps. Do they turn on and off? If yes, then fine."

"You are hopeless." Julia sat down on the couch next to Brenda and spoke to her. "Just as I predicted, they could have been made from wine bottles and macrame and he would barely notice."

Jerry smirked at her. "Wine bottles, I would have noticed."

Brenda cleared her throat. "Maybe next time, Jerry can come with us when we look for furniture for the house."

Julia shook her head. "Forget it, I tried that once and never again. He kept asking the decorator at the showroom for the safari and jungle motif furnishings. I thought the poor woman was going to hyperventilate."

Jerry laughed. "It was not my fault that she was embarrassed because she did not have a full inventory available."

Brenda eyed him. "I understand." She then looked at her watch. "I had better get home and see how Jax and Jillian's father-daughter time was together."

Julia stood up. "Let me get you that file for Jax. I will be right back."

Brenda looked over at Jerry as Julia left the room. "Jerry, nice move the showroom with the safari and jungle motif. I guess you have seen to it that you don't have to spend a day furniture shopping with Julia for the next five years."

Jerry chuckled. "Ten I hope."

Brenda stood up and laughed at him as Julia returned to the den. "Here it is. I wanted to give Jax a chance to look over it tomorrow before the meeting tomorrow."

Brenda took the file. "Thanks. She then hugged Julia. "It was a very nice afternoon. We can still spend money with the best of them."

Julia smiled. "I am glad we found those gifts for Jane. I think she will love them."

Brenda nodded. "I am sure she will but I bet she will be happiest when we all show up in Alaska on Saturday as a surprise for her birthday."

Jerry looked away from the television for a second. "She will be happiest to see me. Brenda, you be sure to tell Jasper that."

Brenda patted Jerry's hand. "I will be sure to do that. Good-bye Mr. Vintage. I won't ask you to get out of that chair and see me out."

Jerry shook his head as Brenda waved and left the den. He looked over at Julia who was sitting on the couch watching him. Jerry lifted an unopened Foster bottle to her. "You want one? There is some cold pizza here somewhere too. The second overtime of the game is about to start."

Julia rolled her eyes and got up from the couch and walked out of the den. Jerry sighed contently as he collapsed against the back of the leather recliner. "Peace and quiet with the game and a beer. Life is good."

Julia walked back into the den. "When that ridiculous game where men run up and down the floor trying to throw a fluorescent orange ball in a net is over, you are going to clean up all this mess. Life is not that good."

Julia smiled and gave him a little wave and then disappeared from his view again. Jerry exhaled deeply as he muttered out loud. "Life is a bowl of cherries but I certainly have more than met my quota for pits."

The Jacks Residence -- 6:15pm

Jillian was rubbing Lady's stomach as the puppy rolled across the floor of the den. Jax hung up the phone and watched as Jillian giggled at Lady's antics.

Jillian looked up at Jax. "Daddy, Lady is so funny. She likes to roll."

Jax smiled. "I see that. She is playing with you."

Jillian laid her head on Lady's back. "I love her."

Jax sat down on the couch. "I know she loves you too."

Jillian patted Lady's stomach again. "Lady is getting sooo big. Mommy says she weighs more than me now."

Jax flashed her a huge grin. "Lady is going to be a very big dog."

Jillian giggled. "Grandpa says Lady is going to be bigger than Mommy."

Jax chuckled. "It will be close. That was Mommy on the phone and she will be here in less than fifteen minutes and then we can have dinner."

Jillian sat up. "I can show her the present I made for Grandmom."

Jax nodded. "Mommy is going to love it and so will Grandmom when we see her in a few days."

Jillian climbed onto the couch. "I love Grandmom and Grandpa's house. Grandpa says there is lots and lots of snow."

Jax tweaked her nose. "There sure is and we can take your sled and then we can make a snowman."

Jillian grinned. "A big snowman just like the one in my globe that you and Mommy gave me. Then when it snows, it will look like my globe when Mommy shakes it up."

"Just like your globe."

Jillian clapped her hands together. "And Lady can run and roll in the snow and I can chase her."

Jax pulled Jillian into his lap. "Are you sure you want Lady to come with us? Emily said Lady could stay with Annabelle and Raoul while we are gone."

Jillian rapidly bobbed her head up and down. "Yes, Daddy. Lady has to come with us for the surprise. Grandpa said she could come and sleep in my room with me."

Jax smiled as he looked at Jillian. "In your room? Lady is going to be very happy."

Jillian giggled. "We have to pack a suitcase for her with her toys and her bed and her food."

Lady then began to bark. The puppy ran to the closed door and began crying. Jax laughed. "I think Lady hears something."

Jillian squealed. "Mommy is home." Jillian then scooted off the couch.

A few seconds later the door opened and Brenda walked into the room. She knelt down and held her arms out to Jillian and Jillian catapulted into her arms. Before Brenda could stand up again, Lady tried to jump between Brenda and Jillian. The three of them then fell onto the carpeted floor and Lady began licking both Brenda and Jillian.

Jax started laughing as he stood up. He walked over to Brenda and helped her to her feet. Jillian was giggling and Lady was barking.

Brenda shook her head and Jillian hugged her legs.

Brenda looked at Jax. "Of course, Santa Claus would have decided to bring Jillian a dog who is already bigger than she is."

Jax smirked as he knelt down and petted Lady's head. "Isn't Santa Claus wonderful?"

Brenda rolled her eyes as she lifted Jillian into her arms. "Sweetie, did you have a nice afternoon with Daddy?"

Jillian wrapped her arms around Brenda's neck. "Oh yes. We played with Lady and I told Daddy that Grandpa said Lady could sleep in my room when we go to Laska."

Brenda smiled. "Alaska."

Jillian beamed. "Alaska. Lady is going to ride in the airplane with us."

Brenda walked over to the couch and sat down with Jillian in her lap. "Yes, but she will be in her cage most of the time in the back."

Jillian nodded. "But I can talk to her so she is not scared. She is just a baby but I am a big girl so I am not afraid."

Brenda hugged her as Jax sat down next to them. "You flew in the airplane the first time when you were just a tiny, little baby." Brenda then turned to Jax. "Do you remember that Daddy?"

Jax put his arm around Brenda. "Of course. I will never forget a moment of that return trip to New Orleans." Jax then stroked Jillian's cheek. "You were only about six weeks old Jillian but you were not scared at all."

Jillian grinned. "I like to fly like a bird."

Jax smiled at her. "Good. We are going to go lots of places in the airplane."

Brenda pushed a curl from Jillian's forehead. "What else did you do with Daddy today?"

Jillian thought for a second. "We watched basketball on TV. I saw that man fly in the air just like a bird and he made lots of baskets. The people were cheering really loud."

Brenda laughed. "You mean Michael Jordan?"

Jillian looked at Jax and Jax nodded. She then turned to Brenda. "Yes and he jumps sooo high. And when he jumps his tongue is sticking out just like this." Jillian stuck her tongue out of her mouth. "Can I jump that high if I stick out my tongue too? I want to jump high Daddy."

Jax chuckled. "No princess. Michael Jordan is very special. His tongue does not make him jump high, his legs do."

Jillian frowned. "Lady jumps higher than me."

Brenda winked at Jillian. "But Lady has more legs than you do. You jump just fine for a big girl with two legs."

Jillian smiled again. "Okay Mommy."

Jax tickled Jillian. "And you are getting so big now, Grandmom and Grandpa are going to be so surprised when they see you. Jillian, you have not told Mommy what we did for Grandmom."

Jillian excitedly giggled at Jax and then began bouncing on Brenda's lap. "Mommy, you have to come see the present I made for Grandmom. It is drying in the kitchen."

Jax took Jillian from her as Brenda rose from the couch. "Okay. Then we can eat. Jose left us a casserole of lasagna for dinner."

Jillian climbed off of Jax's lap and scooted down from the couch. She then took Brenda's hand as they walked out of the den. "Mommy, I love lasagna. I watched when Daddy put it in the oven."

Brenda nodded. "I know how much you like lasagna. We will also have some salad and bread."

Jillian licked her lips. "And butter. I love butter too."

Jax shook his head. "My daughter, the health nut."

Brenda laughed as they walked into the kitchen with Lady trailing behind them. Brenda took the lasagna out of the oven and Jillian ran over to the kitchen table and picked up the paper.

Jillian handed the paper to Brenda. "Mommy, here is my present for Grandmom's birthday. Daddy helped me after I woke up from my nap."

Brenda smiled as she looked down at Jillian's hand prints on the white poster board. "Jillian, Grandmom is going to love this."

Jillian pointed to her blue hand prints. "Daddy held my hands in the bowl of blue paint and then I put them on the paper. The paper looks just like my hands. It is magic."

Brenda softly laughed. "It is beautiful and you can put a `J' at the bottom and we will put the date there too so Grandmom will remember exactly when you gave this to her. And we can go to the store to buy a picture frame to put it in so Grandmom can hang it up on the wall."

Jillian beamed brightly. "I wanted to have Lady step in the bowl and put her paws on the paper but Daddy said we should not get paint on Lady's fur."

Brenda nodded. "Daddy is right. The blue paint would not look nice on Lady's fur. You can put Lady's name on the card though."

Jillian's stomach growled. "Okay Mommy."

Jax lifted Jillian into his arms. "Mommy, I think somebody is hungry."

Brenda walked over to Jax and Jillian. "Daddy, do you think it is Lady?"

Jax nodded. "Yes, I bet it is Lady who is hungry."

Jillian pointed at herself. "No Daddy, it is me -- your little princess."

Brenda smiled as she put one arm around Jax and the other around Jillian. "Yes, it is you -- Mommy and Daddy's little princess."

Jillian giggled as Brenda kissed her cheek and Jax hugged her. It was looked like a scene from one of Jillian's bedtime stories with the fairy tale King and Queen and their precious little Princess living happily ever after in their castle.

Saturday, February 24, 2001

Jacks Homestead in Alaska -- 1:00pm

Jane had been kept completely in the dark about the surprise visit from the Port Charles gang. Fortunately it was the first day in the past five that a snowstorm had not raged through the area so the flight was calm and had arrived right on schedule. John had arranged for a driver to pick up everyone at the airport when they arrived on the Jacks jet this afternoon. Once they reached the driveway and all got out of the jeep, Jerry and the driver grabbed the suitcases while Jax picked up Jillian and her backpack. Brenda fastened the leash around Lady's neck and Julia carried Jane's birthday cake as they all started toward the house.

They reached the front of the house and Jax put Jillian down on the front walk. "Okay princess, do you remember what to do?"

Jillian jumped up and down. "Yes Daddy."

Jax made sure her hood and gloves were secure and then turned her to face the porch. "It is time. We will be back here waiting."

Jillian scurried along the walk and then climbed up the three steps. She walked to the front door and knocked on it. Her knock was rather muffled because of her thick mittens and there was no response at the door.

Jax whispered to her from around the corner. "Knock as hard as you can princess."

Jerry spoke up. "Just kick the door Roo."

Julia and Brenda were standing on either side of Jerry and both elbowed him at the same time. He grimaced and then looked at both of them. "What are you two, a tag team of professional wrestlers?"

In unison they spoke. "Jerry, keep your mouth shut."

Jillian knocked louder on the door. She began bouncing as she heard Jane's voice approaching. Jane looked out the top glass panel of the door but saw no sign of anyone. The door opened and Jane appeared in the doorway with John standing behind her in the living room.

Jillian giggled. "Grandmom, I am here. I am your surprise. Yeah!"

Jane softly gasped. "Oh good heavens, Jillian, it is you." Jane hugged her.

Lady began barking and everyone appeared at the foot of the porch. Jillian turned and pointed at all of them with her hand which was covered with a bright red mitten. "Everyone is here, Grandmom. Even Lady is here for your birthday."

Jane hugged and kissed everyone as they entered the house. John did the same and then helped everyone off with their coats. Jane had to sit down from the shock of seeing everyone.

Jillian stood in front of Jane. "Did we surprise you Grandmom?"

Jane laughed. "Yes, you did Jillian and Grandmom is not usually surprised. Your Daddy and Uncle Jerry have seen to that with their antics over the years."

Jerry feigned ignorance. "Who us?" He then looked at Jax. "I don't remember ever doing anything that could possibly surprise Lady Jane, do you Jax?"

Jax grinned as he shook his head. "Not me."

Jane laughed. "My mistake. I must have been thinking of my other two sons."

Brenda and Julia unpacked while Jerry and Jax made sandwiches for lunch. The birthday celebration would be after dinner this evening. After lunch, Jerry and Jax began building Jillian a snowman while Julia and Brenda pulled her along the snow on her sled. Lady took part in the activities as she scampered around them in the deep snow.

Jane watched out the window as Jax grabbed Brenda's glove from Lady's mouth. He handed it to Brenda and then they began tossing handfuls of snow in the air as Jillian was twirled around underneath the falling snow. Off to the side of them, Jerry was throwing snowballs at Julia and she was returning the fire.

John walked up behind Jane and looked out the window. "Mother, that is some sight out there."

Jane sighed. "It certainly is. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

Jillian began tossing snow in the air over Lady's head as Jax and Brenda laughed. John began laughing as well. "Jillian is something else."

Jane smiled brightly. "She is an extraordinary gift to all of us."

John took a deep breath. "I just hope she is not our only one."

Jane turned around to face John. "John, please don't think that way."

John let out a deep sigh. "You are right. I just worry about the strain on Jerry and Julia and then Jax and Brenda..."

Jane shook her head. "John, they have many years ahead of them. I know exactly why Brenda feels the way she does right now about not wanting to have another child. You know how long it took us to decide to try again."

John nodded. "I remember." John looked out the window again as Jax lifted Jillian into the air as Brenda looked on. "They have so much to give. I just hope one day they change their minds."

Jane rubbed John's upper arm. "John, they are young and they will do what is best for them, whatever that is. And Jerry and Julia know we are here for them if they need us."

John nodded and smiled. "Lady Jane, must you always be right?"

Jane softly laughed. "Sorry. I guess I am just cursed."

John put his arms around Jane and they once again took in the scene from the front yard. A snowball fight was going on pitting Jerry and Julia against Jax and Brenda. Jillian clapped and Lady barked from the sidelines. As John and Jane looked on, they basked in the blessings of their family.

After the snowball fight finally came to a halt, Jax and Jerry finally finished the snowman. Jillian then added the final components to his wardrobe. Brenda lifted her up to put the black hat on the snowman's head.

Jillian giggled loudly. "Daddy, the snowman looks just like Frosty."

Jax nodded. "He does look Frosty."

Brenda smiled at Jillian. "You will have to thank Grandpa for his black hat and pipe."

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "And Grandmom for the scarf on his neck."

Jerry pulled on the top of Jillian's hood. "Roo, do you think he will dance and talk to us like Frosty?"

Jillian shook her head. "No. He is tired right now so he will just stand there and look at us."

Jerry knelt down next to Jillian. "Come on, go wake him up. I want to see him sing and dance."

Jillian sighed. "Uncle Jerry, he is sleeping."

"Roo, tell him I will get him a big freezer to live in so that he will not ever melt."

Brenda stifled her laughter as Jillian again shook her head. "He is sleeping. Sorry."

Jerry smiled as he stood back up and looked at Jax. "A tough sell."

Jax smirked. "Tough as nails."

Jillian grabbed Brenda's hand. "Mommy, I want to make a snow angel."

Brenda took her other hand. "Okay sweetie. Show us your snow angel."

"Mommy, can you make an angel with me?"

Brenda nodded. "Let's make our angels."

They laid down on the snow and Jillian squealed as she moved her legs and arms back and forth. She and Brenda got up and stood in front of their prints in the snow.

Jillian grinned and pointed at the ground. "Look at the angels, Daddy."

Jax lifted Jillian into his arms and then put his arm around Brenda. "The angels in the snow are beautiful but you and Mommy are my real angels."

Jacks Homestead in Alaska -- 7:00pm

Julia and Brenda had cooked dinner and everyone was now finished eating. Jillian had taken a nap this afternoon in addition to her nap on the flight so she was still joining in with everyone for the party. It was time for the cake and presents now.

Jillian patted Jane's knee as Jane sat in the chair in front of the fireplace. "Grandmom, it is time for the party."

Jane put her arms around Jillian. "There is going to be a party?"

Jillian laughed as she bobbed her head. "Yes. You have to have a party on your birthday."

Jane nodded. "I see."

John spoke up as he began lighting the candles on the cake. "Okay everyone, let's get Mother over here before the house burns down with all of these candles."

Julia shook her finger at John. "John, what lovely sentiment."

Jane softly laughed as she and Jillian walked over to the table. "Ignore him Julia, I do."

Jerry sarcastically chuckled. "Yes Julia, that is an easy task for you. You ignore me all the time."

After a few seconds, Julia looked over at Jerry. "Jerry, did you say something?"

Jax laughed and slapped Jerry on the back. "Brother, I am so glad that you married a woman who knows exactly how to put you in your place."

Jerry gave Jax an incredulous look. "You are absurd. Julia is no match for me. No woman is."

Brenda shook her head as she put a handful of forks and plates on the table. "Jerry, Jillian is right here and we are trying to teach her the difference between fact and fiction so don't confuse things."

Julia sighed. "Maybe you can teach Jerry that difference next because he obviously needs a refresher course."

Jerry rolled his eyes as John and Jax laughed loudly. Jane could not help smiling at the goading among the four of them. Jane then sat at the table as everyone gathered around her.

Jane looked down up at Jillian who was in Jax's arms. "Darlin', come up and sit on my lap so you can help me blow out all of these candles on the cake Aunt Julia made."

Jax placed Jillian on Jane's lap. "Grandma are you forty just like Uncle Jerry is going to be?"

Jax could barely suppress the mirth building within him. Jane hugged Jillian. "Jillian, Grandmom really loves you."

Brenda fought back her own laughter as she glanced at Jerry who was shaking his head. "Time to sing everyone."

They began singing and when they finished, Jane and Jillian made wishes and then blew out all the candles on the cake.

Jillian clapped her hands as she eyed the cake. "Yum, look at all that frosting."

John bent down next to her. "Jillian, I bet it even tastes better than it looks."

Jillian nodded. "It looks sooo good."

Jane cut the first piece and placed it on the plate in front of Jillian. "Yes, it does and I think you should have the first slice."

Jillian took a piece with her fork but as she moved it toward her mouth, the piece dropped onto the floor. It was there for less than ten seconds before Lady quickly disposed of it.

Jerry cleared his throat. "I guess Lady had the first piece."

Jillian looked down as the pup as Lady licked her chops. "Lady liked it. Lady likes frosting, she ate Daddy's frosting too. Remember Mommy."

Brenda shook her head. "Yes, I remember."

Jax moved Lady away from the table. "I think Lady has had enough cake though. Jillian, it is your turn."

Jillian took another piece and this time managed to get it into her mouth. She licked her lips. "It tastes just like marshmallow."

Julia smiled. "Well, since Jillian and Lady like it, I guess it passed the taste test then."

After everyone had cake and John opened up a bottle of champagne for a toast, it was time for presents. They sat around the roaring fire and Jillian was the first to present hers to Jane. "This is from me Grandmom. And Lady too."

Jane sat the box in her lap and opened the card. "Jillian, did you draw these circles and triangles?"

Jillian proudly nodded. "Yes, and I put on the stickers and colored them too."

Jane held the card up for everyone to see. "And look at your letters. I see you signed it for both you and Lady."

Jillian moved her head up and down. "Mommy says my letters are getting very good."

"They are. I am very proud of you. Now do you want to help me open the gift?"

Jillian nodded and tore off the paper. Jane opened the box and found the framed hand print. "Jillian, are those your hands?"

Jillian held up her hands so that her palms faced Jane. "See, they are the same. Except those are blue."

Jane hugged Jillian. "Yes, they are blue. I love it. I am going to hang it up on he wall right next to your Mommy and Daddy's and Aunt Julia and Uncle Jerry's wedding pictures. That way I can see it all the time."

Jillian giggled and then looked at Jax and Brenda. "Mommy and Daddy, Grandmom is going to hang my picture."

Jax rubbed Brenda's back as she sat on the arm of his chair. "That is wonderful princess."

Jane then opened up the other gifts and found a beautiful Victorian tea service to match the Victorian plate collection she had started years before. Julia and Brenda had just stumbled upon the tea service when they were antique shopping the week before and had given it to her a gift from all of them. Jane did not even know that a tea service had ever been made to match the pattern so she was thrilled with the gift. There was also a Stuart crewel work cardigan from Julia and Jerry and a new pair of riding boots from Jax and Brenda.

Shortly thereafter, it was time for Jillian to go to bed. She kissed and hugged Jerry and Julia good night and then went up to her room with Jane and John to hear a bedtime story. Julia and Brenda cleaned up and Jerry and Jax made sure all the gas fireplaces and lanterns were set for the evening.

Jax took Lady outside and then he and Brenda took the puppy upstairs. John finished his story and he and Jane kissed Jillian good night leaving her with Jax and Brenda and Lady.

Brenda tucked Jillian and Roo-Roo under the covers. "Sweetie, it has been a very long day even with an extra nap for you."

Jillian's eyes began to flutter. "Lady is tired too. She ran around and around in the snow."

Jax sat down at the foot of the bed. "Yes she did and look she is already sleeping."

Jillian looked over at Lady's bed which was beside the chair. Lady was curled up tightly in the bed and was soundly sleeping. "Lady is snoring."

Brenda kissed Jillian's forehead. "She is loud. Now it is time for you to go to sleep too. Mommy and Daddy are going to be in the next room if you need us. Mommy loves you."

Jax kissed her. "You sleep well princess. The night light is on. We will see you in the morning. I love you."

Jillian lifted her head up as Jax and Brenda walked toward the door. "Can we play in the snow again tomorrow?"

Jax nodded. "Yes, we can play in the snow."

"All of us? Aunt Julia and Uncle Jerry and Grandmom and Grandpa?"

Brenda smiled brightly. "Yes, the whole family."

Jillian was beaming. "Good. Mommy and Daddy, I like being a family and having fun with everybody."

Brenda sighed happily. "We do too angel."

Jillian waved. "I love you Mommy and Daddy."

Jax turned off the light. "We love you too. Good night princess."

Jax and Brenda walked back downstairs arm and arm. Everyone was exhausted from the trip and the outdoor activities so it was going to be an early night. Jerry and Julia wished everyone a good night and went up to their room. Jax told John he would be sure that the doors were locked up and that the office was quiet so John and Jane headed upstairs after saying good night.

Jax went into the office to check the fax machine as Brenda sat in the living room to wait for him. Behind the lamp, she saw a champagne glass that had been missed during the clean-up. Brenda stood up and walked over to the table. As she picked up the glass, her mind flashed back to the first time she had raised a champagne glass in Alaska. As she looked around the room, she realized she was in almost the exact location where she had been standing the first time that she and Jax had been toasted by John and Jane.

Brenda smiled as she remembered John's words and then Jax's and then Jane's. She recalled mustering the nerve to ask if it would be all right if she said something. Now almost five years later, the dreams she had talked about in that speech had been realized. And the joy that realization had provided was greater than she could have ever imagined. The words replayed in her head.

"I've always wanted a family. I have a family but it's kind of scattered around. I always pictured myself ending up with a family that wasn't necessarily really big but that was really close -- people who really liked each other, liked hanging out together and having fun. I want you to know that to be with you here tonight means a lot to me."

Jax stood on the landing at the bottom of the steps and watched her. Brenda was lost in thought but the smile on her face shed light across the room. Jax could not help but smile as well as he watched her.

He finally stepped off the landing and walked toward her. "Wherever you were, it must have been pretty special."

Brenda nodded slightly. "A dream. No reality and it is so much better than the dream."

Jax hugged her. "That was the plan."

Brenda buried her face into his chest. "Thank you for giving me a family."

Jax kissed the top of her head. "Thank you for being mine."

The glow from the fire shined upon them as they stood there in the center of the living room. Sometimes wishes and dreams did come true.

Monday, March 5, 2001

The Jacks Residence -- 1:00pm

The doorbell rang just as Brenda was coming down the stairs. She opened the door and Lois walked into the house.

Lois handed her the pile of folders that she brought over from L&B. "I pulled everything that you had left on your desk before the plague hit."

Brenda weakly smiled. "Thank you for bringing them over. Things are so crazy with Ingo now between the tour and Super Singer Weekend in Orlando next month and then the fan club luncheon in May. This is not the time to be running an infirmary."

Lois waved her perfectly manicured hand in front of her. "Don't worry about it. I was in your place last week. How is Jillian this afternoon?"

Brenda sighed. "She slept for a few hours this morning so I think the antibiotics are finally kicking in. She was so miserable yesterday evening and late last night with her ears but the pain has abated."

Lois shook her head. "Poor thing. I know how terrible ear infections are when Anthony gets them but to have the flu on top of it must be awful."

Brenda ran her hand through the back of her hair. "Thankfully she is better than she was over the weekend."

Lois nodded. "And how is the problem patient?"

Brenda rolled her eyes. "Don't ask. He had me move Jillian into our room earlier so that I did not have to spend so much time away from him."

Lois tried to keep a straight face. "Oh really?"

Brenda took a deep breath. "Do you know that he was too sick to bend down and get his slippers or even put them on his feet? And if he asks me to turn the TV on or off one more time, I am going to scream. He claims the remote just takes too much energy to use."

Lois could not help but to laugh. "You mean there is another characteristic that Jax shares with Ned."

Brenda shook her head in frustration. "What is it with men when they are sick that makes them become little boys again?"

Lois moaned. "I wish I knew. I swear I was about ready to send Ned to the mother witch from Hell, Tracy, last week. Either that or pack up the kids and come here to live with you."

Brenda exhaled slowly. "I have to be thankful that Jax gets sick about once a year. Otherwise, I would just have to divorce him."

Lois choked back a burst of laughter. "I do have a few guest rooms so there is always that option." Lois then gave her a serious look and spoke deliberately. "For you and Jillian, not Jax."

Brenda sighed again. "I may just have to take you up on that offer. I will let you know. It would be easier if I could move the kitchen upstairs for the week especially since Jose is off on Mondays. At least she will be back tomorrow. But I still have to get through serving lunch and making dinner while Jax is complaining that I am not sitting with him. In fact, Corrine and I need to get lunch up to them in a minute."

Lois touched Brenda on the arm. "Good luck and try to get some sleep."

Brenda sarcastically laughed. "Sleep? What is that?"

Lois shrugged. "Something we used to do before we became mothers." Lois then got serious. "Any word from Julia yet?"

Brenda shook her head. "No, her appointment is not until late this afternoon. Hopefully something will show up from all of those tests."

"I hope so." Lois went to the front door. "Call me later and let me know how everything is. It was a solid four days in our house before things were significantly improved."

Brenda closed her eyes and shook her head. "Simone and Alan said the same thing. That means I still have to get through tomorrow for Jillian and the next day for Jax. Pray for me."

Brenda opened the door and Lois walked out onto the porch. "I will. Good-bye. Give Jax and Jillian my love."

"Bye Lo." Brenda waved and then closed the door. She leaned against it for a moment and then heard the bells ringing upstairs. Obviously the invalids were past the point of patiently waiting for her return. She groaned again and went to the kitchen to get the lunch trays.

Five minutes later Brenda walked into the master suite carrying a bed tray. Corrine walked in behind her with another tray. Jax and Jillian were sitting on the bed with pillows propped up behind them. Jax had a bell in his hand and Jillian had a noisemaker she had gotten at Lulu's birthday party. They both were using their "distress call" signals as Brenda entered the room.

Brenda could feel her jaw tightening as she spoke. "I heard you and I am back." She put the tray down on the bed by Jax and Corrine put her tray beside Jillian and then left the suite. Brenda then grabbed the bell out of Jax's hand and stuck it into the pocket of her sweater.

Jax coughed. "If the bell is in your pocket, I can't let you know I need you."

Brenda tapped her index finger against her temple. "What a brilliant observation. Honey, Sherlock Holmes has nothing on you."

Jax spoke in a raspy voice. "Remember those vows said, in sickness and in health."

Brenda sighed. "Unfortunately, yes."

Jax frowned but Brenda ignored him as Jillian began sneezing. Brenda walked over to Jillian's side of the bed. "Sweetheart, here is more tissue so you can get all those bad germs out of your nose."

Jillian blew her nose. "Mommy, I am thirsty."

Brenda reached over and picked up a cup of orange juice from the tray. "Here you go sweetie." Brenda then lifted the tray and put it over Jillian's legs. "And here is some soup for you."

Jillian took a few sips of juice. "Did you make some butterscotch pudding for me Mommy?"

Brenda nodded. "Yes, I did. You can have some pudding after you take a nap." Brenda than sighed as she looked toward Jax. "And Jose made rice pudding for Daddy last night before she left but he has to take a nap before he gets his as well."

Jillian's voice was just slightly louder than a whisper. "Mommy, can you sit next to me and Daddy?"

Brenda climbed into the bed and scooted between Jax and Jillian. "I will sit here while you eat and then you both need to get some rest."

Jax coughed again and Brenda lifted her hand to feel his forehead and the sides of his face. "You are still very warm."

Jillian tilted her head so that her forehead leaned toward Brenda. "What about me Mommy? What weather am I?"

Brenda laughed softly. "Temperature Jillian, not weather." Brenda kissed Jillian's forehead. "You seem to be a little bit cooler. You have been taking your medicine one day more than Daddy has, so he is still warm." Brenda looked at her watch. "It is time for Daddy's medicine now."

Jax moaned. "You did not kiss my forehead to check my temperature."

Brenda's fingernails dug into the comforter. "Maybe I should add some sleeping pills to Daddy's medicine."

Jax sighed and Brenda reached into her pocket and took out the bottle of pills. She opened the cap and took one out and handed it to Jax. Jax picked up the cup of tea that was on his tray and started to open his mouth.

Brenda cut him off before he could get a word out. "Yes, it is lemon spice with two teaspoons of honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon."

Jax gave her a lopsided grin. "You are too good to me. Remind me to repay you when this is all over."

Brenda raised an eyebrow at Jax. "That will be unnecessary. I will remember and collect in full. I just need to figure out how high the price will be."

Jax smiled as he swallowed his pill and sipped his tea. Brenda fed Jillian her soup and then helped her out of bed into the bathroom. Brenda took Jillian back to her room and tucked her into bed. She fell asleep within minutes of her head hitting the pillow.

Brenda returned to the master suite and went into the bathroom where she soaked a washcloth with cool water. She walked out of the bathroom as Jax was re-arranging the pillows on the bed.

She handed Jax the washcloth for his head. "It is time for you to get some sleep as well mister."

Jax moaned. "You know how much I hate sleeping in this bed alone."

Brenda rolled her eyes. "I have work that needs to be done."

Jax patted his hand on the her empty side of the bed. "Just for a few minutes. Please."

Those puppy dog eyes melted her heart. Brenda sighed as she climbed into bed. "Only for a few minutes. You need some rest now."

Jax pulled the sheet up over his chest. "Thank you baby."

Brenda laid on her side next to him. She took the washcloth from him and began patting his forehead and neck with the cool water. Jax took her free hand in his and pulled it against his chest as he closed his eyes.

Jax whispered. "I love you Brenda."

Brenda whispered back as Jax began to drift off to sleep. "I love you too."

She stayed with him until he was soundly sleeping. Then Brenda covered him with another blanket and kissed his forehead. "Sleep well my darling."

The Barrett/Jacks Penthouse -- 7:30pm

Jerry stood at the bedroom door and watched Julia as she stared out the window. He had left her in the exact same position almost two hours ago. She still was dressed from work -- well, almost. When she had first sat down on the chair almost two hours before, Julia had unbuttoned the top two buttons of her blouse and had taken off one of her navy blue heels. That was still as far as she had progressed.

She had been like this since they had left Dr. Meadows' office late this afternoon. Jerry had left her alone once they returned home but it was time now to try to get her to open up. He walked into the room and stood next to Julia. She was completely oblivious to his presence.

"Julia."

His voice startled her but her eyes remained fixed on the window which was only showcased the darkness of the night.

Jerry spoke again. "Julia."

She sighed and the finally spoke. "Yes."

Jerry knelt down beside the chair. "Don't you think we should talk about this?"

Julia continued to stare out into the night sky. "What is talking about it going to accomplish?"

Jerry took a deep breath. "Julia, there are some options here."

She finally turned her head to face him. "Sure. With about the same odds as me getting run over by a plane."

Jerry let out a frustrated sigh. "Julia, please."

There was a definite edge to Julia's voice as she spoke. "Please what? I am so sorry that my attitude is disturbing you. Maybe you should just leave."

Jerry was angry now. "You are being ridiculous."

Julia spoke through clench teeth. "So now I am ridiculous? Let's see that is infertile and ridiculous in a four hour time span."

Jerry stood up as his frustration reached a new level. "Excuse me but I do not recall hearing those words come out of Lynn Meadows' mouth. You are branding yourself with that description, no one else is."

Julia shook her head. "Just because you are not saying it out loud does not mean that it is not true or that you are not thinking it."

Jerry was seething now. "Damn it. Don't you dare tell me how what I think or what I feel."

Jerry looked up at him. "Why shouldn't you feel that way? You married me expecting me to give you a child. That is not going to happen."

Jerry clamped his mouth shut for a moment in an attempt to control the fury that was raging inside him. He swallowed hard and began speaking with as much control as he could muster. "Do you honestly think I married you just so that I could have a child. Did you think I saw you merely as some child bearer?"

Julia closed her eyes momentarily as she actually heard traces of pain in his voice. "No, that is not what I meant."

"Well, what the hell did you mean then?"

Julia's voice shook. "Jerry, it is just that I know how much you want to have a child. I am not going to be able to give you one."

Jerry moved his hand to his temple. "Julia, no one is saying that you will never have a child. It may not be easy but that does not mean it will never happen."

She choked back the emotion in her voice. "Jerry, you heard what Dr. Meadows said. The odds ..."

Jerry shook his head in disgust. "I don't give a crap about the odds right now. Do you think I would have accomplished half of what I have if I paid attention to the fricking odds? Right now, I care about you and what this is doing to you."

Julia was slightly trembling as she spoke. "You did not sign on for this."

"Julia, who signs on for anything? People are tested every day by financial problems or health problems or life's curve balls and they just have to deal with them and move forward."

Julia sighed. "I know what you are saying but it does not change the facts. For whatever reason, my own body produces antibodies which prevent the possibility of conception. Immunological infertility, what a neat and tidy way to say that."

Jerry took another deep breath. "Lynn Meadows did not say that definitively. That is why she suggested you take estrogen supplements for a few months and then we try the insemination procedures. If that does not work, then we can go the in-vitro route."

Julia rested her hand against the back of the chair. "You know how low all those success rates are. And I hate the term `in a few months.' I have been hearing that for eighteen months now and in few months, I will just be that much closer to being thirty-eight years old."

Jerry sat down on the arm of the chair. "Julia, I know the past four months have been hell with all these tests and procedures. Now we know what we are up against and we have options. We can do all or none."

Her voice was deflated. "Some options."

Jerry looked down at her. "But they are what we have right now."

Julia sat up and kicked off the one leather pump that remained on her foot. "I can't think any more about this right now."

Jerry exhaled deeply. "Okay. It is almost 8:00, do you want me to order something for dinner?"

Julia shook her head. "No, I am not hungry."

"Julia, not eating is not going to solve anything."

Julia sighed. "I am aware of that. I am going to sit in the bathtub now and try to put this out of my head for a while."

Jerry decided it was best to let her be alone again. "All right, whatever you want. I will be downstairs."

Julia watched as he walked to the door. She then spoke in an emotion filled voice. "Jerry, I am sorry."

Jerry stopped and then turned around. "Julia, I don't want you to ever say that to me again. There is nothing to be sorry for. I love you and whatever you are going through, so am I."

Jerry turned and walked out the door before Julia could even open her mouth again. She whispered into the empty room. "I love you too."

Julia then went into the bathroom where she tried to escape from the world amidst a river of bath bubbles. Meanwhile Jerry went into the kitchen and made himself two sandwiches from the left-over turkey in the refrigerator. He took his dinner into the den and turned on the television. As the NY Rangers faced the NY Islanders in the NHL game of the week, he poured himself a drink.

The game could only momentarily hold his attention. He was amazed at the pain he felt in his heart and more importantly, he was astounded that the pain he was feeling was really Julia's rather than his own. Jerry covered his face with his hand as he rubbed his eyelids. He finally knew what it meant to love someone enough that you could feel their pain.

Jerry sighed in frustration. He felt so helpless and it was an intolerable position for someone like him. He now had a small glimpse of what Jax's suffering about Brenda after they had lost Jamie. Jerry's breath caught in his throat as he could not imagine how Jax had withstood all that heartache then. Jerry had to almost laugh as he realized he was becoming more like Jax and was growing at least a small sensitive side. Jerry could hear Brenda's voice in his head telling him that she could see his sensitive side from the beginning so he was a fool to try to hide it from her or Julia.

Jerry emptied his glass of scotch and forced down one of the sandwiches. He could not believe how much his personal life had changed since he had first come to Port Charles. He had gone from the man who had left a string of broken hearts all over the globe to someone who now only wanted to live the life of a family man. All because of a woman who had gotten so far under his skin that it would have been easier to climb Mt. Everest without a rope than to remove Julia from him. And the strangest part of it all was that he would not have changed a thing that had happened since he had met her. Now, all he wanted to do was to be there for her.

Almost an hour later, Jerry was still sitting there when he heard Julia's footsteps in the hallway. Julia walked into the den and Jerry's heart lurched in his chest as he saw her. She was wearing a thick navy blue robe and her hair was still wet as it hung down her back. Even though it was barely fifteen degrees outside, she was barefoot. Julia looked like a lost little girl who had the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Jerry lowered the footrest of the recliner as Julia walked over to him. She spoke to him in a barely audible voice. "Will you hold me?"

Jerry nodded. "Come here sweetheart." Jerry then pulled her into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her as Julia buried her head into his neck. Jerry smiled as he rubbed her back and held her close. There definitely was no place he would rather be.

Saturday, March 10, 2001

The Ashton Residence -- 2:30pm

Lois and Brenda were around the desk in the family room going over the tour schedule and guest appearance calendar for Ingo and the Angels. Anthony was asleep and Brooke and Jillian had just awakened from their naps. They played under the makeshift fort on the other side of the room that had been constructed between the chairs and tables. Jax and Ned were attending a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Charles Street Foundation.

Brenda looked up from her laptop. "Okay, I just sent the updated schedule to Kira."

Lois marked off a few items on her list. "Great. Now we can try to figure out the best way to deal with SSW."

Brenda punched in the web page address. "I am going to check the message exchange and see what information the Cherubs are requesting."

A moment later, Ned and Jax walked into the family room. Ned smiled as he looked over at the blankets. "Well, what is all this?"

Brooke looked out from under the blanket. "I am in our fort Daddy."

Jax grinned. "Brooke, do you have a friend under there too?"

Jillian poked her head out from under the chair. "Daddy, me too." Then Jillian lifted Roo-Roo out beyond the covering of the blankets. "And Roo-Roo is here."

Jax smiled at Jillian and Brooke.laughed. "Are you two having fun?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "Yes. We are having a tea party."

Brooke looked up at Ned and Jax. "And we have to eat our cookies now. Bye." She and Jillian then scooted back under the blankets.

Ned laughed. "Good-bye." He then turned to Jax. "I guess we can't stack up to cookies."

Jax nodded in agreement. "It would seem so."

Ned and Jax then walked over to the other side of the room to where Lois and Brenda were working.

Ned kissed Lois. "Hello there. Is Anthony sleeping?"

"Yes, thankfully. He decided to investigate the fireplace today."

Ned looked over at the fireplace on the opposite wall and saw that it was now barricaded. "I see that Fort Knox has been constructed."

Lois sighed. "Yes, thanks to Brenda's expertise from Jillian's toddler days. Brooke never had a fireplace at Ma's to deal with at this age."

Jax kissed Brenda and smiled. "Brenda has lots of experience from those days with Jillian. Jillian was determined to try to climb into every one of them in the house."

Brenda looked up at Jax and patted his hand as it rested on her shoulder. "Those were the days. How was the meeting?"

Ned sat down on the couch. "Typical. Grandfather about had a coronary after Jax egged him on about ELQ."

Jax sat down on the couch as well. "Would I do a thing like that?"

Ned rolled his eyes. "You really don't want me to answer that, do you?"

Jax chuckled. "Hey, Eddie had it easy since Jerry is away. There was only one scoundrel Jacks in the room."

Ned shook his head. "It seemed to me that you were twice as antagonistic as usual so Jerry may as well have been in the room."

Jax shrugged. "I am just keeping the old man young."

Ned laughed. "Oh, I see. It is all in his best interest."

Jax nodded. "By George, I think he's got it. Give Nedley a gold star."

Ned leaned back against the sofa. "Very funny, Jaxxy."

Lois looked up from her notes. "Okay, recess is over. We have work to do."

Ned frowned slightly. "Are you still working on Ingo's schedule? You never spend this much time on plans for Eddie Maine?"

Brenda slyly smiled as she looked at Ned. "Why Ned, if I did not know better, I would say that you were jealous."

Jax laughed. "I do know better and Nedley is jealous, extremely jealous in fact." Jax then looked at Ned. "Green is such a nice color on you."

Ned scowled. "I am not jealous. That is utterly ridiculous."

Lois nodded and spoke with a slight sarcastic tone in her voice. "Of course not honey."

"Lois Marie, I am not jealous. There is nothing for me to be jealous about."

Brenda sighed. "Ned is right, why should he be jealous? I mean all Ingo has going for him is talent, incredible good looks, a dynamic personality, an on-line fan club, a calendar, offers for more personal appearances than humanly possible, and last year's Hottest Male Star honors."

Jax laughed again. "What a guy. He reminds me a lot of myself."

Ned choked. "In your dreams Jax."

Jax smirked. "Well, if you read some of the posts on Ingo's on-line message exchange, you will know that he is the subject matter of quite a few dreams."

Ned gave Jax a look of astonishment. "You can't tell me you read that stuff."

Jax shrugged. "Not faithfully but I have seen the message board when Brenda has accessed it, especially earlier in the week when the plague was running our lives. The Cherubs are quite an organization and they really support Ingo. You should see the weekly Ingo projects that two Cherubs in particular promote. They should be put in charge of fundraising efforts for some of these worthy charities for the perseverance and dedication they have. Brenda tells me that they do it on their own volition with no request from Ingo. Nedley, you could really benefit from such fan support."

Ned waved his hand in disgust. "I don't need some group of women drooling over the internet about me. I have Lois doing that already."

Lois rolled her eyes at Ned. "Sure honey. Whatever you say."

Brenda softly laughed. "Ned, I still love you, even if you are old news."

Ned shook his head. "Thank you so much for the support. Remind me to repay the favor some day."

Brenda smiled brightly. "Anytime and Jax was right, green is a good color on you."

Jax smirked. "Nedley, I have a brilliant idea. I could volunteer to run your fan club. Let's see, Ingo has the Cherubs so maybe Eddie Maine can have the Devils. Or the Demons? What do you think?"

Ned looked over at the fort. "I would most certainly tell you what I think but there are children in the room."

Jax grinned like a cheshire cat. "Come on, you would love it. You wear black leather anyway so maybe you could start biting off the heads of bats on stage and really fit the profile."

Ned's voice became slightly agitated. "Listen, I don't need a group of gutter chicks ..." Ned grimaced as he realized the gravity of his error.

"Gutter chicks?" Lois accusingly spoke as Brenda laughed hysterically. "I thought you did not read Ingo's message exchange."

Ned stammered as Jax went into hysterics. "I don't, I mean I don't usually. I just happened..."

Lois folded her arms in front of her. "Yes, Ned."

Ned loudly sighed. "Fine, so I have seen it. I wanted to figure out what the hell all the commotion was at these concerts and guest appearances. After reading some of those messages, I wonder how many of those women's husbands and significant others know about this fascination with this guy."

Lois laughed. "Oh, you do."

Ned nodded. "I mean they are making wallpaper from his scanned photos."

Brenda giggled. "So. Have you taken a look at that face? And those eyes. And that chest. And those legs."

Jax cleared his throat. "We get the point Brenda."

Lois choked back her laughter. "And the way he appeals to all ages."

Brenda smirked and then called out. "Brooke and Jillian."

The girls poked their head from out of the fort. "Yes, we are here."

Brenda smiled. "Tell us what you think about Ingo."

Brooke giggled. "He is sooo cute and he always smiles when he talks to me."

Jillian beamed. "His eyes twinkle like the stars and he calls me little sheila."

Brenda grinned at the girls. "Okay. Now you can finish your tea party."

Lois bit her lip to control her mirth. "As I said, he appeals to all ages."

Ned groaned as he rolled his eyes again. "Fine, the man is a god."

Jax chuckled. "And such a nice guy that it is impossible even for you to dislike him Nedley."

Ned sighed. "I know and it is sickening actually." Ned took a deep breath. "And I worry about some of these women. Do you know that some of them are trying to find a manufacturer to make a life size blow-up Ingo doll?"

Brenda was choking on her laughter and Lois's cheeks turned one shade brighter of pink.

Jax shook his head. "I missed that one." Then Jax looked at Lois and Brenda. "I do have one question though."

Brenda composed herself. "What honey?"

Jax exhaled deeply. "What the hell is the tutti-frutti game?"

Brenda stopped laughing long enough to get out a few words. "I will explain it later. In fact, I think a demonstration is in order."

Then Brenda covered her face with her hands and Lois buried her head on the desk as waves of laughter overtook them. Jax and Ned sat on the couch and shrugged. It was obviously another case of not completely understanding the female mind.

The Jacks Residence -- 6:00pm

Jax walked into the house after his racquetball game and was surprised at the silence. Generally Jillian and Lady were running around at this time and squeals, barking and laughter usually greeted him when he returned home. Jax took off his jacket and hung it in the front closet and then went in search of his family.

Jax walked to the den and kitchen and did not find Brenda and Jillian so he headed for the office. As he approached the office, he saw the light from the room shining into the hall. He was surprised that he did not hear a movie playing in the VCR which was how Jillian usually entertained herself in the office as Brenda worked.

As he approached the door, Jax called out. "Where are my two angels?"

Brenda was entering some financial information on the computer. "In here."

Jax walked into the room and saw Brenda sitting at the computer and Jillian sitting on the couch with a sorrowful look on her face. Jax sighed. "Something tells me that someone has not exactly been an angel this afternoon."

Jillian lowered her eyes. "Lady and me are being punished."

Jax caressed Brenda's shoulder as he walked to the couch. "I see." Jax sat down next to Jillian. "What happened?"

Jillian bit her bottom lip just like Brenda did when she was nervous. "I did not listen to Mommy."

"You didn't?"

Jillian shook her head. "No." Her frown became more pronounced. "I threw Lady's ball in the house."

Jax lifted Jillian's chin so that she was looking at him. "And what happened?"

"I threw the ball for Lady and then Mommy's vase broke and the flowers and the water fell all over the floor."

Jax took a deep breath. "And then Mommy punished you?"

Jillian nodded. "Yes. I can't watch a movie and after dinner and my bath, I have to go to bed. And Lady is in her bed already."

"You know why Mommy had to punish you, don't you?"

Jillian again nodded. "Yes. I threw the ball in the house and Mommy told me not to."

"Who else has asked you not to throw the ball in the house?"

Jillian lowered her eyes again. You and Maggie."

Jax nodded. "Where are you allowed to throw the ball?"

"Only when I am outside."

Jax patted Jillian's hand. "And why else did Mommy punish you?"

Jillian looked over at Brenda who was watching the scene on the couch. "Mommy was scared because of the glass and she was afraid I would get hurt." Jillian held up her finger which had a Minnie Mouse band-aid on it. "I picked up a piece of glass and my finger was bleeding."

Jax frowned. "Who put the band-aid on your finger?"

Jillian's voice shook. "Mommy. She kissed it and then washed my finger and put medicine on it. And after that, Mommy said she had to punish me and Lady."

Jax ran his hand through Jillian's curls. "Mommy and Daddy don't want anything to happen to you and we have to make rules so that you don't get hurt."

Jillian bit her lip again. "Mommy told me."

"We love you Jillian but we need you to listen to what we say."

Jillian nodded. "I will listen."

Jax flashed her a big grin. "I know you will."

Jillian looked up at Brenda. "Lady will listen too Mommy."

Brenda smiled. "Great. Tomorrow we will start all over again."

Jillian beamed for the first time in the two hours since the vase had been broken. Jax then looked at his watch. "Dinner should come very soon."

The doorbell then rang and Jillian smiled. "Dinner is here."

Jax stood up from the couch and looked at Brenda. "I will go get dinner set up and you can finish up."

Brenda finished entering the data into the computer and then turned off the monitor. "Are you ready for dinner Jillian?"

"Yes Mommy." Jillian smiled as she scooted off the couch. She skipped over to Brenda. "I love you Mommy."

Brenda took Jillian's hand. "I love you too sweetie."

They walked into the dining room as Jax was pouring Jillian a glass of milk. "Daddy, we are ready for dinner."

Jax smiled. "So is Daddy."

Brenda helped Jillian into her chair and then looked at the table. "Yum. Chinese food." Brenda then looked at the container of green beans. "Those look just like Chef Lu's green beans. Did Daddy send the helicopter to Chinatown?"

Jillian scrunched up her face. "Is there ink in those boxes?"

Jax shook his head as Brenda laughed. "No Jillian, I did not order any squid in its own ink."

Jillian happily sighed. "Good. That was yucky."

Brenda laughed again. "It certainly was."

Jax rolled his eyes. "All right you two. You have made your point perfectly clear about the squid."

Brenda stroked Jax's face as he pulled out the chair for her. "My daughter just happens to have incredible taste in food.

Jax shook his head as he sat down. "She will learn. At least she likes the deep fried pigeon's nest and the quail eggs."

Brenda dished out some food onto Jillian's plate. "I don't think she will ever learn how to enjoy eating ink."

Jax sighed. "Well as long as she ventures beyond white rice and chow mein, I will be happy."

Brenda spooned some pickled rabbit and some carp with spicy bean sauce onto Jax's plate. "I don't think you have to worry about that. The females in this house are much more adventurous than that."

Jax winked at Brenda. "In more ways than one."

Brenda cleared her throat. "And I know how much you appreciate that little fact."

Jax gave her a lopsided grin. "More and more every day. Or night as the case may be."

She slyly smiled at Jax. "Or both if you are very, very lucky."

Jax and Brenda both softly laughed and Brenda helped Jillian with her food. Once dinner was over, Brenda took Jillian upstairs for her bath and Jax let Lady outside. Once Jillian's bath was finished and Brenda had dried her hair, Jillian crawled into bed.

Brenda hugged her and then kissed her good night. "Mommy loves you Jillian. You sleep well and tomorrow will be a brand new day."

Jillian smiled. "I love you Mommy. I will remember not to throw the ball in the house anymore."

Brenda tucked her under the covers. "Good. We are always going to be a family so we need to take care of each other. You have to help Mommy and Daddy take care of you by listening and doing what you are told."

Jillian moved her head up and down. "Okay Mommy. Good night."

Jax bent down and kissed Jillian good night. "Sweet dreams princess. Tomorrow you and Lady will start all over again."

"Good night Daddy. I love you."

Jax turned out the light and he and Brenda walked out of the room. They joined hands as they walked down the steps to the den. Jax rubbed Brenda's shoulders as she sat down on the sofa.

"Are you okay?"

Brenda nodded. "Yes. As long as she knows that we love her and are never going to abandon her for something she has done, we will be all right."

Jax sat next to her on the couch. "She knows that. Brenda, you have loved Jillian since the first moment you knew you were carrying her. There is no way she could ever think you would stop loving her or ever abandon her for any reason."

Brenda swallowed hard. "I know. Sometimes those days with my father just come flooding back and I will do anything in my power to see that she does not ever feel like I did."

Jax put his arm around her. "You are not your father. You have more capacity to love than anyone I have ever known and Jillian is just like you in that regard. And I am so thankful for that."

Brenda moved her hand to Jax's face. "You really are the best thing that ever happened to me." Brenda shook her head as her eyes glistened with tears. "Before we were married on the Isabella, I asked myself if you could be the best thing that ever happened to me and by some miracle, my heart knew the answer."

Jax took her hand from his cheek and grasped it with his own. "That is why it is so perfect because Brenda Barrett Jacks, you are the best damn thing that ever happened to me."

Brenda rested her head on Jax's shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her tighter. Brenda closed her eyes as she thought that Jax was still "like make-believe." She had told him that five years before on Mulholland Drive and some days she still had to pinch herself to ensure that she was not dreaming. She wasn't dreaming, Jax was real. They were real and life was pretty amazing.

Tuesday, March 20, 2001

J & J Jacks -- 1:00pm

Unfortunately the Hong Kong plants were again the focus of discussion at J & J Jacks. Another minor crisis had arisen and something was going to have to be done. Production charts and financial projections were spread across the conference table as Jerry, Jax, Julia Scott and Andrew had been meeting for several hours to review the options.

Jerry threw his copy of the projections and production output onto the table. "These are insane."

Andrew nodded. "Agreed but they are real and getting worse by the week."

Jerry scowled. "I can readily see that. You and the rest of your number crunchers have made that painstakingly obvious with a paper trail a mile long."

Jax shook his head. "Jerry, biting off Andrew's head is not going to change anything. Revenue is down, contracts are being awarded to competitors, suppliers are holding up shipments, and production is fluctuating. There is a serious problem."

Julia eyed Jerry and then spoke. "Do you think it is sabotage or an attempted infiltration?"

Jax swept a lock of hair from his forehead. "I can't figure that one out yet."

Scott took a deep breath. "Peterson could have a plant or he could just be stirring up trouble from the outside."

Andrew leaned back in his chair. "Are you convinced it is Peterson?"

Jax shook his head. "I am not convinced of anything except the fact that something is amiss and that Peterson must be involved, either directly or indirectly."

Scott rubbed his temple. "Whoever it is, they are not making a big effort to hide their actions. They know all of the Hong Kong activity is being closely monitored."

Julia agreed. "Nor are they in a huge hurry to launch a full-fledged attack. It has been five months since Peterson was ousted."

Jerry rested his elbows on the table. "They are simply staying one step ahead of us at this point. They make a move and we make a counter move."

Jax nodded. "Exactly. It is a chess game right now. They can predict as well as we can what each other's next move will be."

Andrew tapped his pen on the table. "Do you think they are hoping to lull us into a wrong move and then move in for the kill?"

Jax shook his head. "No, I think they are enjoying the game. It is costing us money and reputation and power. Beyond money, we don't know exactly what it is costing them."

Julia put down the compilation report on the other Asian holdings. "What we do know is that Hong Kong is beginning to affect the other plants and our foothold in Asia is slipping."

Scott shifted in his seat. "I think it is time for a calculated move or we risk losing the whole operation."

Jerry banged his palm on the table. "That is not going to happen. We are not going to be chased or bullied out of Asia."

Jax cleared his throat. "No, we are not. I think we need to start digging and I mean deep. We need the answers to countless questions before we can properly defend ourselves. We need to know our enemy better than it knows itself."

"Hell at this point, we don't even know what we are defending ourselves from."

Julia looked at Jax and Jerry. "Do you have someone in mind?"

Jerry nodded. "Yes and Hong Kong is his own backyard."

Jax turned to Jerry. "Do you think Chan will do it?"

"He owes me big from saving his neck in Monte Carlo. It won't be a problem."

Jax exhaled slowly. "Call him and get him on it immediately. Once Chan can find out who is behind this, then we will know our next move. I am going to start putting my feelers out to see what is being leaked about the troubles."

Jerry looked at his watch and laughed. "3:00am Hong Kong time. Perfect. I think it is time for your wake-up call Charlie."

Jax tapped both of his hands on the table. "Okay. Julia, I need you to concentrate on the production numbers."

Julia nodded. "Sally has pulled every report for the past twelve months. Erin, Tim and I are going to start going over them with a fine tooth comb this afternoon."

Jerry looked across the table at Scott. "Scott, I have heard rumors about another two suppliers who are trying to weasel out of their contracts for all three plants. Put the screws to them and if they balk, bury them."

Jax looked over the production numbers again and jotted down some notes. "Andrew, these inventory numbers are just not matching up with production. I want you and whoever you need with you to be in Hong Kong at the end of the week. This weekend, that inventory will be checked and re-checked until you are satisfied that we have an accurate picture."

Jerry sighed. "I am going to have Charlie arrange for more security as well at all the plants since we do not exactly know what we are facing."

Jax closed his folder. "Okay, that is a start. I am going to call Adam in a few hours and let him in on the plan. We can all meet again tomorrow afternoon for an update."

Julia, Scott and Andrew left the conference room to begin working on their elements of the plan. Jax and Jerry remained in the conference room.

Jax leaned back in his chair as he sat at the head of the table with his back to the conference room door. "Jerry, we are in a very vulnerable position right now fighting an unknown enemy. We need to watch our backs more than ever before."

Jerry stood up and walked toward the door. "We will. And when we find out what is really going on in Hong Kong, we will obliterate that obstacle as well. I am going to wake up Charlie now to start that process."

Jax nodded as Jerry walked by him to leave the conference room. Jax realized his head was splitting so he buzzed Addie and asked her to bring him some aspirin. He then opened the folder again and jotted down a few more ideas which he wanted to address with Adam when he spoke to him in a few hours.

A minute later, Jax heard footsteps behind him and then a glass of water and three aspirin were placed on the table beside him. Without looking up from his note pad, Jax spoke to her. "Thank you Addie."

Jax then felt the delicate skin of her fingers on his temples. With a small circular motion, Brenda's nimble fingers began slowly massaging both of his temples. Jax moaned and closed his eyes as her fingers slowly moved toward the back of his head. They moved down his head until they reached his neck where Brenda's hands rubbed his neck and shoulders.

Jax moaned again. "Addie, am I paying you well enough for this kind of treatment."

Brenda wrapped her arms around his neck. "You better not be."

Jax laughed and pulled her into the chair. "I save that treat for you. I know how much you enjoy taking care of me."

Brenda put one arm around his neck as she sat sideways in his lap. "I am so honored."

Jax kissed her. "To what do I owe this delightful surprise?"

Brenda stroked his jawline. "I wanted to see how your meeting was. Any progress on a plan?"

Jax nodded. "Yes, we are implementing one as we speak."

Brenda continued to trace his jawline. "Do you feel any better about things? You have tossed and turned for two straight nights and I know how worried you are."

Jax sighed. "I am hopeful that things will begin to fall in place soon. Hong Kong and Asia are very important to J & J Jacks and I do not intend to have anything or anyone jeopardize that. Anyone who tries will pay the price."

Brenda smiled. "That is the ruthless businessman I married."

Jax chuckled. "How could I not feel better with you here anyway?"

Brenda rested her forehead against Jax's. "I'm glad."

Jax kissed her fully on the lips and then looked over at the soft leather couch . "Of course, we could lock the door and you could REALLY make me feel better. I bet my headache would be gone in minutes."

Brenda raised her eyebrow as she pulled away from him slightly. "But I just brought you aspirin. Extra strength in fact."

Jax smirked. "But you could make me feel better than any extra strength aspirin ever could." He nuzzled her neck. "So much better."

Brenda softly laughed. "Sorry dear, but I have a meeting in fifteen minutes so the aspirin will just have to do for now."

Jax nuzzled her neck again. "Your meeting won't last that long, will it? You can come back and "cure" me."

Brenda shook her head. "I am afraid not. Maggie has a doctor's appointment late this afternoon so I have to go home after the meeting to be with Jillian."

Jax groaned. "I will just have to suffer then."

Brenda shrugged. "Sorry."

Jax wrapped his arms tightly around her waist again. "Okay, but I do have to warn you about my relapses."

Brenda bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing. "Your relapses?"

Jax nodded. "Yes. The aspirin may work temporarily but I know that tonight, my headache will be back and it will be even worse. So I will really need you to make me feel better then."

Brenda sighed loudly. "If that is the case, I guess I will have no choice then. I mean, I can't watch anyone suffer."

Jax grinned. "Believe me, I will be suffering so much.

Brenda kissed Jax on the cheek and then eased off of his lap. "I will make a mental note of that for later. Right now, I have to get back to work."

Jax grabbed her hand. "Okay. I have an early dinner meeting but I will be home before Jillian goes to bed."

Brenda smiled as she moved away from him. "I will see you later."

Jax nodded and chuckled. "Yes, I will see you as well. All of you as a matter of fact."

Brenda shook her finger at him and laughed as she walked out of the conference room. Jax continued to chuckle until she was out of his sight. His fifteen minute reprieve from the problems of Hong Kong was over but he knew his respite tonight would be significantly longer in duration and substantially more satisfying.

The Jacks Residence -- 7:00pm

Brenda had given Jillian her bath and was now drying her hair. Jillian was dressed in her flannel robe and pajamas as a late winter arctic blast from Canada had hit Port Charles. The wind was howling and the temperatures were expected to reach the single digits tonight.

Jillian turned her head so that Brenda could dry the side of her hair. "Was Daddy on the phone?"

Brenda nodded. "Yes, he will be home in just a few minutes."

"It is cold tonight Mommy."

Brenda brushed Jillian's hair. "Yes, it is. Springtime is almost here but old man winter is going to give us one more cold spell. I am going to put another blanket on your bed tonight."

Jillian sighed. "I think Lady needs another blanket too."

Brenda continued drying Jillian's hair. "We can put another blanket in her bed."

Jillian smiled. "I want the pink one and Lady can have the blue one."

Brenda turned off the blow dryer. "Then that is what we will do."

Jillian touched her hair to feel the soft curls. "Mommy, can I have some cocoa?"

Brenda helped Jillian off the stool in front of the mirror. "You can have half a cup since it is close to bedtime."

They left the bathroom and were heading down the stairs as the doorbell sounded. They heard Jax's voice outside the door. Brenda rolled her eyes.

Jillian started to giggle as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "Daddy has no keys AGAIN."

"You are exactly right Jillian." Brenda opened the front door and was met both by Jax and a gust of frigid air. "My word, it is freezing."

Jax came in and then shut the front door. He rubbed his gloved hands together. "It feels like Alaska out there."

Jillian stood over in the corner away from the door. "Daddy, did you lose your keys AGAIN?"

Brenda shook her head. "Daddy, this is the third time this month. One day we are going to find twenty keys somewhere. We will be able to make a necklace for Jillian with them."

Jax took off his coat and then lifted Jillian into his arms. "Maybe Mommy can put yarn on your key and tie it to your coat pocket just like she does with my mittens."

Jax laughed and rubbed noses with Jillian. "Maybe Mommy can do that."

Jillian squealed. "Your nose is cold Daddy."

Jax nodded. "All of me is cold. I am like a big popsicle."

Jillian giggled. "A popsicle?" She then looked over at Brenda. "Mommy, Daddy is a popsicle."

Brenda grinned as she walked over to Jax and Jillian. "Then we will just have to make Daddy warm. Maybe we can all sit in front of the fire and drink cocoa."

Jillian touched Jax's face. "Daddy, do you want marshmallows in your cocoa?"

Jax tweaked Jillian's nose. "That will be perfect."

Jillian smiled brightly. "And can we all sit in front of the fire? The whole family?"

Jax nodded. "I am going to go upstairs and get changed. And then while you and Mommy make the cocoa, I will build a fire in the fireplace in Mommy and Daddy's room. Then you and Mommy can come upstairs and we can read a story before you go to bed."

Jillian clapped her hands together. "Yeah! I want to read a story in Mommy and Daddy's room."

Jax tugged on a strand of Jillian's hair. "Okay. I will go upstairs now and you and Mommy can make the cocoa."

Brenda took Jillian from Jax's arms. "Daddy, we will be up soon."

Jax started to climb the stairs and then turned around and spoke to Jillian. "Princess, remember the marshmallows."

Jillian nodded as she and Brenda headed for the kitchen and Jax walked up the stairs.

A short time later, they had finished their cocoa in front of the fire in the master suite. Pillows were spread out and a down comforter covered Jax, Brenda and Jillian. Jillian laid in Brenda's arms and Jax read Jillian a bedtime story.

"The End." Jax closed the book. "Princess, it is about time for you to say good night."

Jillian sat up. "One more Daddy. Please."

"It is late Jillian."

Jillian looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Please. Just a little one."

Brenda smiled as Jax sighed. "Okay, just a short one."

Jillian grinned as she picked up a book from the stack. "This one Daddy."

Jax took the book from her. "Love is a Family."

Jillian nodded. "Daddy, read that one."

Jax opened up the book. "You help me read this one."

Jillian took a deep breath. "Okay. There is a Daddy and there is a Mommy." Jax helped her turn the page. "There is a little girl and there is a little boy." Jillian turned more pages and turned to Brenda. "There is a Grandmom and there is a Grandpa. Do you see them Mommy?"

Brenda nodded. "I see them."

Jillian turned another page. "And there is a doggie and a kitty cat."

Jax rubbed Jillian's back. "Yes, there is."

Jillian reached the last page of the book. "There is the whole family and there is the heart."

Brenda brushed away a curl from Jillian's forehead. "And what is the heart for?"

Jillian smiled. "Because everybody in the family loves each other. Just like us Mommy."

Brenda hugged Jillian. "Right, it is just like us."

Jax carried Jillian to bed and Brenda tucked her in and put the pink blanket over the comforter. Jillian kissed them both good night and Jax and Brenda stood in the doorway until Jillian drifted off to sleep.

Jax and Brenda walked back to the master suite. They sat down in front of the fire and Brenda looked at the books spread across the comforter. She picked up "Love is a Family" and happily sighed.

Jax threaded his fingers through Brenda's hair. "You and Jillian are right. It is us and it is love."

Brenda took a deep breath. "I know and I can't describe to you what that means to me."

He caressed Brenda's cheek. "It means the same thing to me."

Brenda kissed Jax's palm. "I love you."

Jax smugly smiled. "I hope so because my headache is back in full force and I really need you to make it all better."

Brenda laughed as she kissed the corners of Jax's mouth. "Poor baby. You must be suffering."

Jax put his arms around her and gently eased Brenda under the comforter. "Suffering terribly."

Brenda wrapped her arms around Jax's neck as he covered her face with soft kisses. Brenda then captured Jax's lips in a scintillating kiss. Her tongue traced the inside of his lips as Jax moaned into her mouth. Jax's fingers tangled in her thick hair as Brenda deepened her kisses.

Jax's hand reached under her sweater and stroked the soft skin of her stomach. Brenda continued her passionate kisses as Jax's hands cupped the satin material covering her chest. Jax released her lips as he eased the sweater off her head. Brenda sat up and began unbuttoning Jax's shirt as he unfastened the clasp of her bra.

Brenda pushed the shirt off of Jax's shoulders and Jax eased her against the pillows again. He kissed her eyelids and her nose and then her chin before his lips overtook Brenda's mouth again.

Brenda's hands moved up and down Jax's back as he dropped baby kisses down her stomach. He unbuttoned her jeans and pushed them and her panties down her thighs. Jax quickly stood up and removed his own jeans and boxers and then slid back under the comforter. Brenda held her arms out to Jax. "I am all yours baby."

Jax eased on top of her as Brenda wrapped her arms around his neck. Jax's hands moved up the insides of her thighs. Brenda dug her fingers into Jax's back and cried out Jax's name. Jax's breathing was labored as his body joined with hers. Brenda moaned as she dangled on the edge of paradise. Jax's control was lost and he murmured "I love you" as the gates of heaven opened for both of them. Brenda whimpered as Jax collapsed into her arms.

Brenda ran her hand through Jax's golden locks as he rested against her chest. She kissed his cheek and whispered, "I love you." Jax took Brenda into his arms and held her close to him. "I love you baby."

Brenda snuggled up against the warmth of Jax's body. "How is that headache?"

Jax chuckled. "A distant memory. You are a miracle cure." Jax wrapped his arms more tightly around her. "You have just given me another reason to keep you in the family."

Brenda took a deep breath. "Thank you for loving me and for being my family."

Jax kissed the top of Brenda's head. "Thank you for being mine."

The flames continued to flicker as Jax and Brenda snuggled in front of the fireplace. With Jillian down the hall, they were a family and the love between them was something extraordinary. If love is a family, then they were at the top of the list.

To be continued