Fairy Tale 98-118
by: Belle
"Oh god -" Brenda said, shutting the cock pit door and looking at Jax helplessly, "when I said I wanted Juliet and Kieron to admit that they liked one another, I didn't plan on them becoming romantic zombies. Do you mind if I fly up here with you? It's disgusting out there."
Jax laughed. "I know. I guess they were passionate about their hatred, and now they're going to be passionate about their....passion. You think you've got problems? I've got to live in the penthouse with both of them."
"Oh my poor baby." Brenda sat down in the Co-pilot's seat, and giggled. "As much as I hate to admit it - they are kind of cute together. I wonder if they'll get married."
Jax glared at her. "I'm not letting that womanizer marry my baby sister."
"That *womanizer* happens to be your best friend Jax."
"Right. Well still....he had better be nice to her."
Brenda smiled and gave Jax a quick kiss on the mouth.
"What was that for?"
"For being so cute. I think it's sweet that you're so protective of Juliet." Jax scowled slightly, pretending to dislike being referred to as sweet, but Brenda could tell from the sparkle in his eyes that he secretely liked the praise. She shifted her legs, making herself comfortable in the stiff chair. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Jax fly the plane, admiring the confidence and agility with which he flew and maneuvered the controls. "Jax - do you think you could teach me how to fly?"
"Maybe if you grow some wings first."
His response was so idiotic that Brenda just glared at him.
He laughed and smiled an apology. "Of course. I have a license that says I can teach."
"Perfect!" Brenda cried, jumping up from her seat, she knelt next to Jax. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." she kissed both his cheeks and then his mouth.
Jax could feel himself getting more and more distracted by her kisses every second. Finally, he pushed her away gently. "Um Bren - as much as I *love* your kissing me. I really need to fly the plane right now and your kissing me is, well, uhh....very ....distracting."
"Oh sorry!" Brenda returned to her seat, and got her appointment book out of her backpack. "Okay -" she mused, while fumbling through the pages, "when are you free. WAIT! I can't believe I almost forgot!" Brenda pushed her appointment book into Jax's face while pointing to the large, red letters written across that week saying LILY'S AWAY! "This is so great. Aren't you excited?"
Jax was feeling intensely annoyed by this sudden reminder of Sonny and he was beginning to realize that he hated this man with a passion he had never felt before. "I can hardly wait." he announced sarcastically, pushing her book away, and trying to appear occupied flying the plane.
"So..." Brenda was bouncing up and down in her seat. "What are we going to do?"
"What would you like to do?" Jax asked aware that no matter how much he didn't like it, he had agreed to help her get Sonny back.
"I think we should go to Luke's, make sure that Sonny is there and then pretend to have a terrible fight. Sonny will jump to my defense, and then I'll go off with him and think of a way to prove to him that he really loves me - not Lily. And then, somehow we'll get back together." Brenda sighed, and stared dreamily out the window. "Everything is going to be perfect. I have this amazing feeling that I'm about to get everything I've ever wanted."
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Brenda tapped her foot impatiently. It was noon on Friday, and she had just gotten out of the shower since she hadn't gotten home from Colorado until nearly 2 a.m. the night before. Now she was standing in front of her closet, trying to pick the perfect outfit for her seeing Sonny at Luke's that night. "Hmmm....what about this?" she mused to herself, pulling out a black A-line spaghetti strapped dress. She also removed a deep purple form-fitted dress and a short-creme baby doll dress. She was busy holding them up to herself in front of the mirror, when she heard a knock on her door. "Coming!" she cried, throwing the dresses down on the bed, and securing the tie on her creme silk bathrobe.
She opened the door and found Jax standing in the hallway. "Jax!" she smiled, and grabbed both his hands, practically dragging him into her room. "You're just the person I need right now. Come her." she pulled him over to her bed, and began holding up various dresses. "Which dress do you think would be best? This black one? Because well, Sonny really likes black, but I don't know if I really love this A-line style or do you think this purple one would be better?"
"I uhh..." Jax began speaking, but was immediately cut off by Brenda who was yanking more dresses out of her closet.
"Or maybe I should wear this pale pink silk dress? What do you -" Brenda stopped talking when she noticed the sad look on Jax's beautiful face. "Jax....what's wrong? Are you okay?" she dropped all the dresses on her bed, and looked at him concerned.
"I just stopped by to tell you that I'm not going to be able to help you with Sonny this weekend. I'm really sorry, but my Mum called early this morning to tell Julie and I that our Grandmum is very sick in the hospital. I'm going to see her as soon as I leave you."
"Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry." Brenda gasped, seeing the pain in his eyes. "Is Juliet going with you?"
"She already left." Jax explained. "I wanted to tell you personally that I wouldn't be able to help you this weekend. I'm really sorry Bren."
"Please - don't worry about it. Well...can you wait a few minutes for me to get dressed and packed because I want to go with you."
"Brenda - you don't have to do that. This is your big weekend with Sonny."
"Sonny will still be here when we get back, and I'm sure there will be hundreds of other opportunities." Brenda smiled slightly and took Jax's hands in her own. "Listen - if you think it's inappropriate for me to go with you, just say the word and I'll stay home. But - if it's okay, and you won't be uncomfortable than I'm going with you and there is nothing you can say or do to make me change my mind." Brenda reached up and caressed Jax's cheek with her thumb. "You have done so much for me these past few weeks. Right now I just want to be there for you in any way that I can. Please let me do this." she looked pleadingly into his eyes, and Jax realized how wonderful it would be for him to have her there.
"Do you think you can be ready in fifteen minutes?" Jax asked, smiling for the first time that day.
"Definitely." Brenda returned his smile. "Now - go back to the penthouse and get your stuff and then come pick me up." She walked him to the door, and gave him a big hug. "It's going to be okay." she whispered in his ear. "as long as we're together - everything is going to be just fine."
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"No one should be allowed to be that beautiful." Jax thought to himself looking at Brenda, who was staring out the window of his black Jeep Grand Cherokee as they drove from the airport to his parent's ranch in Alaska. She was wearing a creme silk tank shirt with matching silk pants. Her dark hair was pulled back in a messy french knot and tiny trendils fell on her face and neck. One of her small hands rested softly in his as they drove in comfortable silence.
"Hey -" Jax said, drawing Brenda out of her dream world. "you okay?"
Brenda turned to him and smiled, shifting her legs so that she was facing him. "I'm supposed to be asking you that question." she responded. "How are you doing? Are you nervous?"
"A little." Jax admitted, taking a deep breath. "I'm kind of scared to see her in pain. Mum said that she's alert and can talk, but she's still in intensive care and the doctors aren't sure exactly what it's going to take to get her out of there."
"Is there anything we can bring her? A favorite book or flowers?"
Jax grinned. "I already thought of that. Before leaving I picked up a book of Shakespeare Quotes. As a child I used to love reading them with her."
Brenda smiled. It figured that Jax would think of everything. "Well I just want you to know that I don't want you to worry about me. You go do whatever it is that you need to do and I'll find a way to entertain myself. If you want me to stay home while you go to visit her I will. But -" Brenda added hopefully. "if you'd like me to come with you, I'd really love to meet your Grandmother. She sounds like an amazing woman."
"She is." Jax confirmed. "And I definitely want you to meet her. She's going to love you." he smiled. "and so are my brothers." he added looking at her suggestively, and pulling into a long driveway which led to a large white, colonial house.
Brenda gasped when she saw how beautiful the Jacks' house was, and for a moment she was terrified to get out of the car. What if this family hated her? Had she made a tremendous mistake coming with Jax?
"Come on." Jax said, opening her door, and taking her hands. "I want you to meet my crazy family." he winked at her. "I'm sure you'll fit right in."
Jax's touch calmed all of Brenda's fears and she laughed. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment."
"I'm not sure either." Jax teased, helping her out of the car. "Well - we're home." he announced, walking hand-in-hand with her towards the impressive columned portico and door.
Home....Brenda smiled as she repeated the word to herself..nothing had ever sounded sweeter.
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"Jax sweetheart! I'm so happy that you're finally here." Jane Jacks jumped off the couch in the hospital waiting room and threw her arms around her middle son. "Gram is going to be *so* excited to see you."
"Hello Mum." Jax kissed his mother on the cheek and smiled. "How is she doing?"
"Well...she's still in intensive care, but the doctors are hopeful. She's very strong and she has a wonderful attitude Hopefully everything will be fine." Lady Jane answered, and then turned to Brenda who was standing slightly behind Jax. "Ahh...you must be Brenda." she smiled. "You are just as beautiful as Juliet and Kieron said you were." Jane wrapped her arms around Brenda and hugged her. "My dear - it was so sweet of you to come."
"I hope you don't think it too assuming Mrs. Jacks." Brenda said apologetically. She looked at Jax, and Lady Jane could see the unknown - love shining in her dark eyes. "I just wanted to be here for Jax right now."
"Brenda - nothing could have made me happier than you coming. There have been far too little women in this family, and I think it's time we start evening things out." Lady Jane smiled at Jax suggestively, and he just shook his head at her. "Now Jax, why don't you go see your grandmother, and I'll introduce Brenda to everyone."
Jax looked at Brenda nervously. "Well okay - but take good care of her."
"Jax!" Brenda cried, placing her hands on her hips. "I think I can take care of myself."
Lady Jane laughed at Brenda's indignance. "I'm not going to hurt the girl, dear. I'm just going to introduce her to your brothers and father."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Jax teased. "Okay - I'll be back in a little while." he gave Brenda a quick kiss and walked away, mouthing to his mother "be good."
Lady Jane rolled her eyes. "Alright you pretty thing - it's time for you to meet the rest of our crazy family. But - before we go, you have to stop calling me Mrs. Jacks and call me Lady Jane."
Brenda nodded and grinned. Lady Jane took her arm and led her to the waiting room.
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"So Brenda - did Jax ever tell you about the time that he climbed out on the cliff trying to take a picture of a bald eagle?" Justin Jacks asked laughing. It was late in the afternoon, and Brenda was sitting on the patio next to the pool with Justin, Jerry and Caroline, Jerry's fiancee. Jax was still at the hospital with his parents and Juliet. For the past hour and a half, Justin and Jerry had been telling her stories about Jax when he was little, and Brenda was having a wonderful time. She couldn't get over how warm and inviting this family was or how comfortable and at home with them she immediately felt.
"No!" Brenda cried laughing. "But - he did tell me about the time he tried to tie the ribbon around the baby kangaroo and almost got killed. He was absolutely insane. Actually -" she giggled, and rolled her eyes. "he still is. When we were in the Bahamas a few weeks ago, he made me go shark-spearing with him. I thought I was going to have a heart attack when this huge, scary shark starts coming right towards us. Here I am screaming and yelling while Jax is laughing hysterically and taking pictures of me with an underwater camera. He framed all the pictures and put them on his desk so that he can laugh at me all day long."
"That's my little brother." Jerry agreed smiling. "yes...Jax definitely has some loose screws."
"Like you should talk." Caroline added affectionately, leaning her head against Jerry's shoulder. "Jax may be crazy now, but -" she smiled a conspiratorial smile at Brenda. "from what I hear you may be the one person who could change that."
"Why would I want to do that?" Brenda asked honestly. "I love him just the way he is." The words came out so easily that Brenda never even thought about what she was saying and what it meant.
Jerry looked at Brenda curiously as she continued swapping 'Jax' stories with Justin. When he had first heard that Jax was dating a model he'd been skeptical. Models by reputation were not supposed to be extremely intelligent or vivacious, and Jax had always seemed to become bored very easily with the girls that he dated. Yet, Brenda was nothing like he'd expected her to be. Yes, she was a virtual goddess, but she had a passion and tenacity that equaled Jax's in every way. Jerry had a sneaking suspicion that his little brother may have finally met his match. He was also surprised by how easily Brenda fit into his family. Although the Jacks' were extreamely friendly and inviting, a lot of people were intimidated by their teasing and busy life style. Brenda however, seemed perfectly at home and it was already asthough she were part of the family. Jerry was just about to ask Brenda how she and Jax met when Jax entered the patio and tiptoed up behind her, signaling for Caroline and his brothers to pretend no one was there.
"Got ya!" he cried, wrapping his arms around Brenda's shoulders and causing her to jump with shock.
"Oh my god Jax. You scared me." she said, covering her heart with her hand and trying to calm her breathing.
"Funny Jax - but that's what everyone says when they see your scary face." Justin joked, moving into another chair so that Jax could sit next to Brenda.
"Nice to see that you haven't lost your dreadful sense of humor baby brother." Jax kidded, sitting at the end of Brenda's lounge chair and resting his hands on her legs. "I'm sorry that I startled you." he whispered, smiling at her apologetically.
"That's okay. Just be prepared that I plan on getting you back." she promised.
Jax flashed her a lopsided grin. "I'm counting on it." he responded, tugging on one of her dark pigtails and then turning to his brothers and Caroline. "So - I hope these two nuts haven't been terrorizing you."
Jerry laughed. "Don't worry Jax - we've only been giving her all the scintillating details of your childhood."
"Wonderful. Did you remember to add the time you locked me under the sink for 4 1/2 hours?"
"Actually - I forgot about that. But as long as we're discussing confinement, maybe I'll tell her about your trapping Justin and I in the attic while making ghost noises and flashing the lights on and off."
Jax just glared at Jerry and then started laughing. "It's good to see you again older brother. It's been much too long." He turned back to see Brenda who was busy talking with Justin about L&B Records. She looked totally comfortable and unbelievably beautiful. She was wearing the creme bikini he had bought her in the Bahamas and she and Justin were already bantering as though they'd known each other for years.
She must have felt his eyes on her because she suddenly turned to him, and announced to everyone, "Would you excuse Jax and I for a second?" she took his hand and he helped her up and they walked into the den. They sat down on the plush creme couch, and Brenda leaned against Jax, playing with his hair. "How are you doing?" she asked worriedly.
Jax sighed. "I'm okay. It was tough, but seeing her made me feel better somehow because I know that she's determined to get better."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Just being here with me is enough." Jax took her small hand in his and smiled. "I want you to know how much I appreciate your coming with me. I know that you gave up a lot to do this for me."
"It was really nothing." Brenda responded honestly. "Nothing could be more important to me than being here with you right now."
Jax smiled, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. "I hope my brothers were behaving themselves." he laughed.
"I *love* your family." Brenda gushed. "They're amazing. There is so much life and laughter and love is this house that it just fills you up. This is exactly the kind of family I dreamed about having when I was little." she got a whistful look in her dark eyes.
"Well Ms. Brenda Barrett..." Jax announced. "I think you can consider yourself an honorary member of the Jacks' family. My Mum and Dad wouldn't stop talking about how much they like you and Jerry and Justin are obviously enamored, and Juliet - well she adores you, and I - " he grinned. "I guess I can tolerate you."
"Hey!" Brenda slapped him playfully on the arm.
"I'm quite fond of you myself." he said, kissing her hand.
"So I guess I'm part of you family now?" Brenda asked hopefully. "Is that okay with you?"
Jax laughed at her excitement. "As long as we're not supposed to be brother and sister, I think everything will be fine."
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"Excuse me - do you know what room Adelaide Jacks is in?" Brenda asked a nurse at the front desk of the hospital. It was noon, and she had come to see Jax who was visiting his grandmother.
"Yes. She's in room 113. It's right down the hallway, the second door on the left."the nurse answered checking her clip board.
"Thanks." Brenda smiled and hurried down the hall. She was eager to see Jax, since she hadn't been awake when he left that morning. The entire family had stayed up into the wee hours of the morning playing the family game Jacks' Hit and eating tea and cake. They had played on four seperate teams - Jerry and Caroline, Justin and Juliet, John and Lady Jane and Jax and Brenda. Much to everyone's surprise, Brenda had beaten them all, seizing major companies from both Jerry and Jax's parents, and then refusing to sell, causing the rest of them to go bankrupt. Brenda smiled to herself as she remembered the proud look on Jax's face when his father announced that she was a "Jacks at heart."
Brenda turned the corner of the hallway, and peaked in the window of room 113. What she saw caused her heart to break and kept her from entering the room. Jax sat next to his grandmother's bedside with his face in his hands. The elderly woman was sleeping, but Jax was obviously increadibly upset and worried about her. A concerned look flashed over Brenda's face, and she murmered, "oh honey."
The song I'll Stand By You by the Pretenders began to play in the backround as Brenda stood in the doorway watching Jax.
Oh - why you look so sad?
The tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry-
let me see you through
Cause I've seen the dark side too.
When the night falls on you -
You don't know what to do.
Nothing you confess could make me love you less
I''ll Stand by you
I'll Stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll Stand by you
Brenda walks into the room and puts her arms around Jax. He turns around and looks at her. There are tears in his eyes and trickling down his cheeks, and Brenda reaches out and brushes them away with her thumb. She slides onto his lap, and holds his head against her chest, smoothing his hair and caressing his cheek.
So - if your're mad, get mad
Don't hold it all inside
Come and talk to me now
Hey - what you got to hide?
I get angry too,
But I'm a lot like you.
When you're standing at the crossroads
Don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong
I'll Stand by you
I'll Stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll Stand by you
Baby even into the darkest hour
and I'll never desert you
I'll Stand by you
And when
When the night falls on you baby
You'll feel it out of love
Wandering on your love
I'll Stand by you
I'll Stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll Stand by you
Baby even into the darkest hour
and I'll never desert you
I'll Stand by you
I'll Stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you....
I'll Stand by you......
"Shhhh...." Brenda whispered, running her fingers through his hair. "It's going to be okay. Don't worry." Jax kept his eyes closed, and as Brenda looked down at his beautiful face she was suddenly hit with the realization that she loved him. With all her heart and soul she was in love with Jax - not Sonny. It was a pure, unselfish, happy feeling that soared through her at that moment and she knew that her life would never be the same.
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Dinner that night was crazy. Lady Jane and Juliet had announced to Brenda that it was men's night to cook and that all the women had to do was relax and try to ignore the banging and yelling from the kitchen. The food was surprisingly good; the men had prepared grilled salmon, caesar salad, asian asparagus, and sourdough bread with strawberry shortcake for dessert. The meal was very hectic. Everyone trying to talk and cellular phones and beepers going off every few minutes. Brenda loved the hustle and excitement of the Jacks' day to day life. After eating, the entire family went into the solarium to watch Tracey and Hepburn movies while eating popcorn and drinking hot chocolate.
"You still awake?" Jax whispered in Brenda's ear while tweaking a piece of her hair. They were seated in the large recliner chair, and Brenda was sprawled across Jax's lap busily munching on her popcorn and watching WOMAN OF THE YEAR. She had been silent for over 5 minutes which was a record for her, and Jax was becoming concerned. What he didn't know was that she was still reeling from her discovery that afternoon that the man she was madly in love with was not Sonny, but Jax. Just being near him right now was causing butterflies to dance inside her stomach, and Brenda was seriously debating whether or not she should move onto the couch next to Juliet. But the thought of being even 5 feet away from Jax was unbearable for her, so she endured the jittery stomach and stayed put.
"Hmmhhmm..." she murmered, not looking up from the movie.
"You okay?"
"I'm perfect." she responded, turning slightly and smiling at him. "What about you?" she looked into his eyes intently. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing better." Jax stroked her cheek with his finger. "HAving you at the hospital this afternoon helped a lot."
"Really?" Brenda's eyes lit up. "I'm glad. You know that's what I'm here for. To be with you and make you happy." she smiled and snuggled in closer to him. "You don't need to keep asking how I'm doing though Jax - I'm fine. Don't worry so much."
"I'll always worry about you Bren - It's a fact of life now and there's nothing you can do about it."
Brenda sighed and just looked at Jax wondrously. Why had she ever wasted so much time chasing Sonny? Jax was so kind and she could tell that he really cared about her. But did he love her? That was the question that Brenda both prayed for and feared the answer to. Who was she kidding? Jax was one of the most sought after bachelor's in the world and who was she to change his singled status? Just as she was beginning to feel discouraged, Jax's eyes met hers and he gave her a lopsided smile that sent tingles up her spine. "I can do this." she assured herself. "I can make Jax all mine. All I need now is a plan...."
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Brenda couldn't sleep. She'd been tossing and turning all night, dreaming of schemes and plans to make Jax fall in love with her. So far she hadn't thought of anything. Moaning softly, she opened her eyes and looked at the clock next to the bed. 6:08 flashed before her in bright, red numbers. "This is ridiculous." Brenda thought to herself. Ever since meeting Jax she was waking up earlier and earlier in the morning. She climbed out of bed, and walked over to the window. Far in the distance she could see Jerry and Justin playing tennis. Other than that, the house was absolutely silent. Brenda put on her robe and crept downstairs, half hoping and half dreading that Jax was awake. She walked around the house, looking at all the happy pictures of the family. Her favorite one was of Jax, Jerry, Justin and Juliet when they were all under 10 years old. They were at the beach, splashing in the waves, with their arms around each other laughing. "Even as a seven year old Jax was gorgeous." Brenda murmered to herself smiling. Her other favorite picture was of Jax and his Grandmother at Christmastime. As she looked at the kind eyes of the elderly woman, Brenda suddenly had the urge to go talk to her. Maybe she would be able to help her with Jax. She hurried upstairs, got dressed, wrote Jax a quick note and took the car to the hospital.
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"Morning beast - where's beauty?" Jerry teased, looking up from his morning paper at Jax who had just joined him and Justin on the patio for breakfast.
"Hiding from the two of you probably." Jax retalliated, pouring himself a glass of orange juice and picking up the Wall Street Journal. He checked his watch, it was 9:15. "Actually Brenda's more the sleeping beauty type. She'll probably be sleeping for hours."
"Well she isn't in her room." Justin informed him. "Her door was wide open when I got up this morning and no one was inside."
Jax was just about to go look for her when Edward the butler entered the room holding a white envelope. "Mr. Jacks - Ms. Barrett asked me to give this to you when you woke up."
"Thank you Edward." Jax carefully opened the envelope and began to read the letter. Honestly Jasper, I know you corporate raiders are legendary late risers, but this is ridiculous. Just joking sweetie, don't get angry with me. I woke up early this morning and couldn't fall back asleep so I decided to take the car over to see your grandmother. I remembered her mentioning the other day that she was lonely early in the morning so I thought it would be nice for the two of us to have breakfast together. I thought about waking you and seeing if you wanted to come, but you looked so peaceful sleeping that I couldn't bare to wake you. Your mother and Juliet are supposed to come to the hospital around 9 a.m. so I'll get a ride home with them. Have a fun day with your brothers. Be careful and don't do anything too dangerous. See you later. Love, Brenda A dreamy smile spread across Jax's face and both Justin and Jerry noticed and grinned at each other.
"so what is it Jax? A love letter?" Jerry teased.
"More likely it's a note explaining her escape. Dear Jax -" Justin spoke in a high voice pretending to be Brenda. "I'm sorry, but I had to escape while I still had my sanity...."
"You're both hysterical." Jax announced, shaking his head, and sitting down at the table. "Actually Brenda was just telling me that she went to see Gram this morning. Besides -" he added glaring at Jerry. "Brenda and I are *just* friends. I've already told both of you that numerous times."
"Hmmmhmmm....just friends. I can see that." Jerry rolled his eyes and smirked.
"If you guys are "just friends" then I want to be just friends with Brenda also." Justin suggested passing Jax the box of granola.
"I don't think so." Jax stated, opening the Wall Street Journal.
"A little possessive of your *friends* don't you think?" Jerry said arching one eyebrow.
"Where's Brenda? Where's Brenda? I must go rescue her! I have to make sure that my *friend* is okay!" Justin imitated Jax and laughed. "Honestly JAx, why don't you just admit that you're in love with the girl?"
"I don't have to admit anything." Jax said avoiding the subject. "So guys - what are we going to do today? All tthe women are gone and Dad's working on the Toshiba take over."
"Nice job Jax. That was an impressive subject changing maneuver." Jerry smiled, letting Jax off the hook and knowing that nothing was going to make his younger brother admit his feelings for Brenda. "How about kayaking?"
"I thought so." Jax responded laughing."Kayaking sounds perfect. What do you think Justin?"If he had known the events that would take place that day and how his life would never be the same he may not have been laughing quite so hard.....
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"I am so happy that you came to talk with me this morning Brenda." Adelaid Jacks announced, patting Brenda's hand and smiling. "Jane was right when she said there are far too many men in this family. It's nice to have another girl around."
"I've loved talking with you also Grandma Jacks." Brenda responded honestly smiling brightly. For the past three hours she had been sitting by Jax's grandmother's bedside talking about life and love. She could understand now more than ever why Jax loved his grandmother so much. Even in her weakened condition, it was clear that Adelaid was a strong, kind and fascinating woman. "I just hope all my talking didn't tire you out." she bit her lip nervously.
"Oh no! I've loved hearing all your stories. Especially the ones about you and my crazy grandson." Adelaid gave Brenda a conspiritorial wink. "The other day when the two of you were here visiting me I could see how happy you make him and it delighted me. I've been so worried about Jax, and meeting you has alleviated my fears."
"Why have you been worried about Jax?" Brenda asked confused.
"Because he has always been afraid of love."Grandma Jacks took a small sip of her tea, and folded her hands. "All my grandchildren are extremely independent and head strong." she smiled. "I guess it's in their blood, but Jax has always been different from the rest. Jerry is engaged to Caroline, whom I think is lovely, Justin has been in at least one serious relationship and Juliet and Kieron from what I hear have finally let go of their ridiculous animosity and realized how good they are for each other. But Jax..he's always seemed kind of afraid to let himself fall in love, and I've often worried that he would never settle down." she reached over and patted Brenda's knee. "But I think you have finally stole his heart my darling. I just hope and pray that I live to see that boy engaged and married. It is my dream and my soul wish."
Brenda looked at the wistfulness in the elderly woman's eyes and suddenly, before she knew exactly what she was doing, she leaned across the bed and whispered, "Can I tell you a secret Grandma Jacks?"
"Of course." Adelaid said looking excited.
"Well..Jax and I are engaged." the words tumbled out of Brenda's mouth so easily that she almost believed what she was saying. "we decided not to tell anyone because everyone has been so worried about you, but I think you should know. We're engaged, and we're getting married."
Grandma Jacks opened her mouth to respond, but her words were drowned out by the shrieking and yelling coming from the doorway.
"OH MY GOD! Bren! You and Jax are getting married?!" Juliet screamed, racing into the room and throwing her arms around Brenda, nearly knocking her to the floor. "This is unbelievable." Juliet and Brenda were joined by Lady Jane who threw her arms around the two girls.
"My dear - I cannot tell you how excited I am." Lady Jane cried, bouncing up and down. Nothing in the world could bring me more joy."
Brenda's heart stopped as she looked at the joyful faces of Jax's mother, sister, and grandmother. The enormity of what she had just lied about suddenly hit her, and she realized that Jax was *not* going to be happy. "Oh my god - what have I done?" Brenda wondered tto herself.
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"Well girls - good news." Lady Jane announced to Juliet and Brenda, hanging up the telephone and strolling into the den. "That was just the hospital informing me that Grandma Jo has been moved out of intensive care into the personal care section." she smiled happily at Brenda and handed her a cup of tea. "It seems that your's and Jax's little secret gave her an incentive to get better."
Brenda smiled weakly and took a sip of tea. "That's wonderful Lady Jane." she said truthfully.
"Oh dear - you have to start calling me Mum. Like all my other children." Lady Jane suggested, sitting down between Juliet and Brenda, and wrapping her arms around the two girls.
Juliet giggled and shook her head. "Bren - I still can't believe that you and Jax didn't tell me! I am *so* relieved that you guys gave up on that whole 'we're just friends' deal. It was making me insane. I mean, it was so obvious that the two of you are madly, passionately in love with each other."
"Really?" Brenda asked hopefully."Because, well - I know I'm madly in love with Jax, but sometimes I wonder about his feelings."
"I have never seen a man more in love than Jax is with you." Lady Jane confessed. "From the second the two of you walked into the hospital, I knew that it was fate. When he looks at you his entire face lights up, and his eyes sparkle."
Brenda giggled. "I think it was fate also." she agreed. "Although -" she shifted her legs so that she was facing both Juliet and Lady Jane. "I am worried that Jax is going to be upset with me when he finds out that I told the three most important women in his life about our secret."
"Don't worry about a thing. I know my son, and he's going to be so overjoyed about his grandmother that he'll thank you for helping her get better." Lady Jane assured Brenda. "Besides - he should have known better than trying to keep this wonderful news from his own mother."
"AND his sister." Juliet added. "Now Bren - while you were in the shower, I got out all these wedding books that we've been using for Caroline and Jerry's wedding. I thought we could look through them and get some ideas." Juliet spread a pile of books across the coffee table, and began pointing out various dresses and themes.
Jax practically dragged Brenda up the stairs and into his room. He shut and locked the door behind them, and turned to face her, his arms were crossed across his chest and a stern look was on his beautiful face.
"What's up sweetie?" Brenda ran her hands up Jax's chest seductively. "You didn't have to lock the door silly - no one's going to come in here without knocking."
Jax moved away from her, and shook his head. "I'm well aware of that - but still....I thought it might be useful." he cleared his throat. "I'm going to show you two things. I want to know what you think of them."
"Okay." Brenda agreed, feeling relieved.
Jax led her over to his desk, and handed her a large manilla envelope. "When I came home from kayaking, this was on my bed, with a note from my Mum saying that she thought it might be useful. Open it."
Brenda looked at him curiously, and opened the envelope. Inside was a list of all the Jacks' family jewels and mines. The diamond section was circled in red ink, and there was a star next to an antique ring the family had attained from the British Royal family. Brenda smiled meekly, and shrugged her shoulder feigning innocence. Without saying a word, Jax took her over to his large walk-in closet.
"Well, I thought that maybe the jewel catelog was just a hint, but then I found this after getting out of the shower." Jax threw open the door of his closet and revealed all of Brenda's things that she had brought with her to Alaska. Her pants, blouses, shirts, dresses, skirts and pajamas were hanging next to Jax's and she could see that her underwear and other various belongings were folded in the line of drawers on the back wall. Along the floor were her shoes and slippers. Brenda could feel her cheeks and eyes burning, and she looked up at Jax guiltily. "Okay...." she started, biting her lip and walking over to sit on the bed. "so I told a little lie."
"A little lie?" Jax repeated, arching one eyebrow and sitting next to her.
"Fine. I told a *big* lie. But I did it with the best intentions. I was just trying to make your grandmother happy." Brenda stared at Jax, pleading him with her eyes to understand.
The desperation in her big brown eyes touched Jax, and he softened. Taking a deep breath, he ran his fingers through his hair. "Why don't we start off by your telling me exactly what this chivalrous *big* lie of yours is."
Brenda smiled slightly, feeling relieved that Jax was behaving calmly. "Well....I kind of, I definitely told your Grandmother that you and I are getting married. Unfortunately, your Mum and Juliet were listening in, so now they think we're engaged also. But -" Brenda added. "your grandmother was so excited by the news that she's out of intensive care." Brenda grinned hopefully at Jax who was in such shock that he just sat there, staring at her.
When he had finally regained the power of speech, Jax repeated, "You told my Mum, sister and Grandmother that we're engaged!?"
"Yes." Brenda confirmed, nodding her head. "I know it may seem crazy to you - but your grandmother and I were haviing this touching conversation and she confided in me how worried she is about you, and she said that her only wish was for you to get married....so..."
"So you told her that you and I are getting married eventhough technically we're not even dating and you're in love with another man whom I'm supposed to be helping you get." Jax finished her sentence and layed down on his back, covering his face with his hands.
"It's only a technicality Jax." Brenda stated, feeling slightly annoyed by how aggrivated Jax seemed. "Listen -" she leaned over, and pulled him up, holding his hands in hers, "I know that this may seem ridiculous to you, but it's not really that big of a deal. It's made your family happy, and all we need to do is pretend we're engaged for the next few days, and then go home. A few months from now - you can tell them that we broke off the engagement. Besides -" Brenda smiled seductively at Jax, and kissed both his hands. "pretending to be my fiancee can't be that horrible."
Jax could feel himself getting lost in her eyes, and he knew that despite his better judgement, Brenda was going to win this battle. "I may have to take out a new life insurance policy." he teased, stroking her face with his thumb. "the Brenda clause."
"Is that a yes?" Brenda chirped hopefully, bouncing up and down on the bed.
"Do I really have much of a choice?" Jax said trying to frown. As much as he hated to admit it, her excitement was getting to him.
"no." Brenda stated honestly. "It's going to be fun Jax - you'll see."
"Where have I heard this all before?" Jax teased, getting off the bed, and shaking his head. "Well...I guess it's only for a couple days, right?"
"Right." Brenda confirmed nodding her head. And then hopefully a couple months, and then a couple years, and then the rest of your life, she thought to herself. Outloud she announced, "You know - I've never been engaged before." she jumped off the bed, and took his hand, leading him downstairs for dinner. "have you?
Jax laughed."Nope. And since you're my first you'd better make this good or else I'll develop a fiancee-fear and never be engaged to anyone else. This fake engagement will be my one and only."
Brenda just giggled and slapped him playfully, but inside she was thinking that that was exactly what she was hoping for. Jax may not have known it then, but a very devious sleeping beauty was counting on turning him into a happily married man...
To be continued.....
- Belle
J&B Reuniter
J&B Angel
IRFC
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