Sunday, January 14, 2001
The Jacks Residence -- 11:00am

Brenda placed the vase of fresh flowers on the end table between the two leather high back chairs. She stepped back into the center of the room and looked around. Jax and Brenda had painted the walls golden yellow last weekend and Brenda had hung the new curtains yesterday. Earlier in the week, they had flown to Saratoga Springs and done some furniture and antique shopping. There they had picked up three bookcases, two accent rugs, a tapestry for the wall and an antique floor lamp along with the sofa, chairs and tables. Yesterday Brenda and Julia had gone shopping and Brenda had found table lamps and a plant stand to complete the room's furnishings.

Brenda opened the curtains to allow the bright winter sun to shine through the two huge double windows and the french doors. She sat down on the sofa and smiled as she looked over at Jillian's rocking horse and doll house sitting in the corner of the room. There were fichus trees beside the three bookcases and the plant stand next to the couch held numerous smaller plants. Brenda's writing desk sat before one window and Jax's telescope stood in front of the other. An assortment of family photos hung on the wall by the door and the tapestry hung on the wall behind the sofa.

Brenda looked up from the couch as she heard Jillian calling for her. "I'm in here, Jillian."

Jillian excitedly ran into the room as Jax walked in behind her. "Mommy, look what I have."

Brenda smiled. "What is it?"

Jillian held her hand out to Brenda. "It is a baby tooth. I found it on the floor when Daddy and I were playing with Lady."

Brenda grinned as she took the tooth from Jillian. "It is one of Lady's puppy teeth."

Jillian nodded. "Daddy says she will grow a big one now."

Jax chuckled. "Yes, Lady will get a big and strong new tooth."

Jillian sighed. "I still have my baby teeth." Jillian then opened up her mouth wide. "See Mommy."

Brenda exchanged a grin with Jax and then looked at Jillian. "I see. But when you get a little older, you will lose your baby teeth too."

Jax sat next to Brenda on the couch. "Add then you will get your big teeth, princess."

Jillian's eyes widened. "Like Mommy and Daddy's teeth?"

Jax nodded. "Exactly."

Jillian beamed. "When Lulu and Georgie's baby teeth fell out, the tooth fairy came."

Brenda smiled. "The tooth fairy came?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "Oh, yes, Mommy. She put money under the pillows."

Brenda stroked Jillian's curls. "What a nice tooth fairy."

Jillian clapped her hands together. "We need to put Lady's tooth under the pillow in her bed. Then the tooth fairy will come."

Jax laughed. "Is the tooth fairy going to leave money under Lady's pillow like he did for Georgie and Lulu?"

Jillian shook her head. "Daddy, you are silly. The tooth fairy will bring Lady a doggie treat to eat. Doggies don't like money."

Brenda patted Jax on his knee. "Daddy, remember that doggies don't like money."

Jax grinned at Brenda and then at Jillian. "My mistake. I am sorry. I am sure the tooth fairy will bring Lady a doggie treat."

Jillian rubbed Brenda's hand. "Mommy, you keep the tooth and we can put it under Lady's pillow when we tuck her into her bed tonight."

Brenda kissed Jillian's cheek. "I will do that."

Jillian picked up the throw pillow from the couch. "I like this pillow. It is soft."

Jax nodded. "Yes, it is. Mommy did a very good job picking it out."

Jillian looked up at the tapestry hanging over the sofa. "It looks just like the big picture up there."

Brenda smiled. "The big picture has the same pretty designs on it so that means it matches."

Jillian put the pillow back on the couch. "The angels are flying in the big picture and on the pillows." She then pointed at the statue on the drop-leaf table next to the couch. "That angel is standing."

Brenda nodded in agreement. "Yes, the angel is standing."

Jillian looked over to the side wall. "Daddy, will you show me the photos again?"

Jax stood up. "Of course." He lifted Jillian into his arms and walked over to the collage of family photos. "Tell me which ones you remember."

Jillian pointed to the center pictures. "That is Mommy and Daddy's wedding on the boat and there is Aunt Julia and Uncle Jerry and Mommy and Daddy in the snow." Jillian then pointed to more of the photos. "That one is Daddy and Uncle Jerry and the kangaroos and this one is Mommy and Aunt Julia when they were little girls."

"Very good." Jax smiled at Jillian and pointed to a photo on the left hand side of the wall. "Who is that?"

Jillian giggled. "Grandpa and Grandmom when Grandpa had more hair."

Jax chuckled. "Right you are, princess." He then pointed to the picture in the lower right hand corner of the wall. "Now who is this?"

Jillian pointed at herself. "Me with the baby Christmas tree." She then began pointing to the other pictures which included her. "That is me at the beach with Mommy and Daddy and there is me with Dream and Cyclone. That is me with Mommy on the swings and that is me on Daddy's shoulders." Jillian giggled again. "And that is Mommy and Daddy holding me when I was just a little baby."

Jax kissed Jillian and put her down. "Excellent, princess."

Jillian ran to the coffee table in front of the sofa. "Did you see me Mommy?"

Brenda smiled and nodded. "Yes, I did. Jillian, that was a very good job."

A huge grin flashed across Jillian's face. "Mommy, I have been practicing. I am going to show Uncle Jerry and Aunt Julia the pictures when they come over today."

Brenda laughed as Jax sat back down next to her on the sofa. "I think they will both be so proud of you."

Jillian beamed as she walked across the carpet and sat down next to her doll house. The sun was shining through the window and casting a spotlight effect on the scene. Jillian looked toward the window and held her arms out. "Daddy and Mommy, it is so warm. Look, the sun is shining on me."

Jax grinned at Jillian. "Bright sunshine just like at the beach."

Jillian sighed happily as she basked in the sunlight. "It is really pretty in here."

Jax put his arm around Brenda as he spoke to Jillian. "Yes, it is. Mommy made it a very beautiful room."

Jillian looked around the room at the tapestry and the pillows and the statues. "I love the angel room."

Brenda raised her head from Jax's shoulder. "Jillian, what did you just call this room?"

Jillian turned her head to face Brenda. "Mommy, it is the angel room." Jillian then lifted her hand to point around the room. "Look, the angels are all here."

Brenda spoke softly. "The angel room." She looked up at Jax and over at Jillian and then smiled as the full meaning of Jillian's words hit her. "My angels certainly are all here."

Jax kissed the top of Brenda's head as Brenda closed her eyes. The room was bright and warm just like she had wanted. It also was filled with love and joy so it was everything she had promised Jamie it would be. The room was home to all of her angels. Maybe it was true that there could be a tiny piece of heaven on earth.

The Jacks Residence -- 4:00pm

Julia stood at the french doors in the den and looked out into the side yard where Jax, Jerry and Jillian were standing with the puppy. Lady was running in circles around Jax and Jerry and Jillian was trying to chase her. Julia watched as Jerry suddenly lunged for Jillian and lifted her up in the air over his head. She could see Jillian laughing and then saw Lady barking at Jerry's feet. Julia was so caught up in the scene before her that she did not hear Brenda walk into the den and speak to her.

"Julia, the tea is ready."

Julia turned around. "Thank you. I was just watching Lady and Jillian's version of tag."

Brenda laughed. "They both sleep very well at night now."

Julia sat on the couch beside her. "I can see how attached they are to one another already."

Brenda nodded. "Yes. Now that Lady has figured out how to climb the stairs, Jillian thinks it is time to move Lady's bed upstairs into her room."

Julia shook her head. "I am glad Jillian is enjoying her so much."

Brenda took a sip of her tea. "She is and that is all that matters."

"Brenda, she is a very happy little girl. She was so excited to show us the pictures in the study or should I say, the angel room."

Brenda smiled. "She came up with that this morning. I think it is perfect."

Julia touched Brenda's hand. "It is and the room is beautiful. I am so happy for you."

Brenda looked up at Julia. "Thank you." Brenda sighed contently. "Now I want you to tell me about you. Things have been so crazy over the two months with the holidays and the offices, I feel like we have not had the chance to really talk."

Julia took a sip of her tea. "Things are fine. Work is crazy especially with the aftermath of the Hong Kong problems from three months ago. Barrett Industries is doing well."

"That is great about work but I also want to know how you are."

Julia's words were spoken unconvincingly. "I am fine and so is Jerry."

Brenda gave her a suspicious glance. "Are you sure?"

The tea cup rattled against the saucer as Julia placed it down. "Why wouldn't I be fine?"

Brenda placed her own cup down and edged closer to Julia on the couch. "Why don't you tell me?"

Julia let out an exasperated sigh. "Brenda."

Brenda patted Julia's hand. "Julia, what is it? Please talk to me."

Julia took a deep breath and it all spilled out. She spoke of the past year of trying to conceive, the apprehension of having her biological clock stop and the fear of never hearing the term "Mommy" apply to her. She expounded on her feelings of guilt and disappointment and isolationism. And Julia talked about how she was worried about how this was going to affect Jerry and their relationship.

Brenda had taken Julia's hand in hers almost immediately after Julia had begun speaking. Brenda had listened to Julia as she had declared her anxieties and worries and fears. She let Julia speak until there were no more words left to say. Brenda then watched Julia brush a tear from her cheek as she finished.

Brenda handed Julia a tissue from the box on the table. "I'm sorry. I wish I could say something of more comfort."

Julia nodded. "I know."

Brenda cleared her throat. "I wish you would have said something to me before. I hate the fact that you and Jerry have been carrying this around."

"Brenda, you and Jax have been through so much over the past year, you did not need to concern yourself with our problems."

Brenda took Julia's hand again. "You and Jerry are our family. We love you both and we want to help you however we can. You two have been such a help to us."

Julia smiled. "I know you want to help and Jerry has told me for weeks that it would help me if I started talking about this."

"Do you feel any better now?"

Julia sighed. "Actually a little. I did not realize once I started speaking, it would just all come out. I can't even imagine what I just sounded like. You probably thought you were sitting next to a lunatic."

"Julia, you sounded like someone who is in pain. Believe me, I am very familiar with that and you did not sound like a lunatic."

Julia threaded her fingers through her blonde hair. "Well, I can't guarantee how I will sound the next time I talk to you. Some days I think I am losing my mind."

Brenda nodded. "I know. How is Jerry?"

Julia sighed. "He has been wonderful. He is trying to convince me to relax and not be so hard on myself and to wait to see what all these tests prove."

"That sounds like good advice to me, especially considering it is coming from Jerry."

Julia laughed. "Every three months or so he says something that makes sense."

Brenda shook her head and smiled. "What does Lynn Meadows say? I understand that she is considered an expert in this area."

"She tells me the same thing that Jerry does. Nothing has been conclusive from any of the preliminary tests so we start an extensive set of them later this month."

Brenda slowly exhaled. "Once the test results are determined, then at least you will have some answers."

Julia took a deep breath. "Yes, and then we will know what we are facing. My head realizes how important that is but a part of me is petrified of finding out. Sometimes ignorance is bliss."

Brenda nodded in agreement. "I understand that completely."

Julia sighed. "I am not sure Jerry does but I know how hard he is trying. It is just so hard because it feels like I am out there dangling alone at times. I know I should not feel like that but sometimes I just can't help myself."

Brenda closed her eyes momentarily. "I also know how that feels. I can't know what you are going through but I have to say one thing. Please don't shut Jerry out like I did to Jax."

Julia rested her head back against the couch. "I am trying. I know this is our problem and not just mine but sometimes it is still very hard not to pull away."

Brenda patted Julia's hand. "Jerry can help you and you can help him."

Julia smiled. "I know. Jerry has already told me that his child is just giving the world additional time to prepare to be awestruck by its entrance."

Brenda laughed. "Why does that not surprise me?"

Julia joined in Brenda's laughter. "I have no idea. I mean humility is usually Jerry's strongest trait."

Their mirth continued as Brenda and Julia heard footsteps on the terrace and Jillian's squealing. The french doors opened and Jax, Jerry, Jillian and Lady came inside.

Jerry looked over at Brenda and Julia as he walked into the room. "What are you two so hysterical about?"

Julia coughed. "No one special."

Brenda choked on her laughter. "That is an understatement."

Jillian ran over to the couch. "Mommy, Uncle Jerry hung me upside down."

Brenda untied Jillian's hood. "He did. Did you like it?"

Jillian nodded as Brenda took off her mittens. "Yes, but Lady was mad."

Jerry laughed. "The mutt was jealous because I took away her favorite toy -- Roo."

Lady walked to the corner of the room and plopped down on the carpet. She loudly sighed.

Jillian laughed. "Lady is sooo tired. She is taking a nap."

Brenda took off Jillian's coat. "I think you need to rest too. Look at those rosy cheeks."

Jillian sat down in the corner of the couch next to Julia. "Can I have some cocoa?"

Brenda brushed a strand of hair from Jillian's face. "Yes, you can have some cocoa."

"With little marshmallows?

Brenda smiled. "Yes."

Jerry sat down in the chair. "Roo, you don't want little marshmallows. Don't you know that marshmallows stick to your stomach and then make you shrink?"

Jillian shook her head. "No, Mommy says I grew."

"You are shrinking. All those marshmallows are stuck inside you. Soon you will be as short as Roo-Roo."

Julia rolled her eyes. "Jerry, stop it." She then ran her hand through Jillian's curls. "Uncle Jerry is silly sometimes."

Jax grinned. "Jillian is well aware of that fact. We have warned her about him."

Jillian sighed as she leaned her head against the arm of the couch. "Uncle Jerry is silly because he has straw in his head just like the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Daddy told me all about it."

Julia laughed. "I have always wondered what was in Uncle Jerry's head sometimes. Now I know."

Jillian then looked at Jerry. "Uncle Jerry, do you want Daddy to bring you some more straw when we visit the horses? There is so much straw there so you could have more for your head."

Brenda put the throw pillow over her face to hide her laughter and then quickly composed herself. "Jillian, I am going to make your cocoa. You stay here with everyone else."

Jax patted Jerry on the shoulder and then sat down in the chair next to him. "Jillian had a wonderful idea. I will bring you a whole bale of straw when we go next time."

Jerry looked over at Jillian. "Munchkin, we are going to have to have a little talk very soon. There are some things about your Daddy you need to know."

Jillian nodded. "Okay. Will you show me how you put your straw in your head then too?"

Jax and Julia started laughing again and Jillian smiled as she looked over at Jerry. He simply rolled his eyes and shook his head. He had been outmaneuvered by a three year old again and to make it worse she was adorable in doing so. Life was just not fair.

Monday, January 22, 2001
The Jacks Residence -- 7:30am

Jax walked up the stairs after drinking his coffee and letting Lady in from her morning run in the side yard. A fence had been installed over the weekend to enclose a portion of the yard so that Lady could have a safe area to run. Now there was no need to worry about her running into the driveway or out on the private road leading up to the house.

It was still quiet in Jillian's room as Jax walked past it on his way to the master suite. When he reached the suite, Jax saw that Brenda was still fast asleep in their bed. He smiled as he covered her up with the comforter and then he headed for the shower. As soon as she heard the bathroom door close, Brenda threw off the blanket and slipped on her slippers and robe. She quietly left the suite and walked down the hall to Jillian's room.

Brenda tiptoed into the room. "Are you awake?"

Jillian sat up in her bed. "Yes, and I was quiet when I heard Daddy. I remembered to close my eyes so Daddy would think I was still sleeping. Is it time for the surprise?"

Brenda smiled. "Yes. Let's get your slippers and your robe. It is chilly this morning."

Jillian sat on the side of the bed and Brenda helped Jillian put on her slippers. "Does Jose still have her cold?"

She nodded. "Yes, she does so she won't be working today again. We will call her later to see if she is feeling better."

Jillian stood up as Brenda tied the robe. "Can I make her a card?"

"Yes. I am sure she will really like that. I will help you this afternoon after I finish working with Aunt Lois."

Jillian picked up Roo-Roo. "Roo-Roo is ready for the surprise."

Brenda took Jillian's hand. "Okay, then we are ready."

Jillian stopped as they reached the door. "We need to go get Lady."

Brenda leaned down next to Jillian. "Lady will see Daddy when we eat breakfast."

Jillian frowned. "But Lady is part of the family. She needs to be there when Daddy gets his presents."

"Jillian, you know Lady is not supposed to be upstairs."

Jillian looked up with her big, pleading Barrett eyes. "Mommy, please. Lady will be very good and it is a special day. She wants to be there for Daddy's surprise. Pleeaasse."

Brenda sighed in defeat. She had taught Jillian too well about the use of the Barrett eyes. "Okay, but this is just for Daddy's birthday and she is going to sit right with us so she does not get into any trouble."

Jillian hugged Brenda. "Thank you Mommy. She will be good I promise. She won't eat any more of your stockings or chew the plants."

Brenda smiled. "How I wish that were true. Let's go before Daddy is finished in the bathroom."

Brenda and Jillian hurried down the steps and went to the pantry to get Lady. Brenda put Lady on the leash so that she could control the destruction. They walked into the master suite and heard the shower stop as Jillian climbed onto the bed.

Jillian giggled. "Daddy is done with the shower."

Brenda put her finger to her lips. "Okay, it is time to be very quiet."

Jillian crawled to the top of the bed. "Lady and I can get under the blankets and hide."

Brenda muttered to herself. "I can't believe I am doing this." She picked up Lady and looked her in the eyes. "Don't get any big ideas. This is a once in a lifetime event."

Jillian held up the blanket and Brenda took off Lady's leash and climbed into the bed with the puppy. Brenda put Lady down and she moved to the bottom of the bed and promptly laid down. Fortunately her morning run had tired her out so Lady was content to simply sleep on the satin sheets.

Jillian whispered as she laid down beside Lady. "Mommy, we will be real quiet."

Brenda nodded and pulled up the blankets. She sat up as Jax opened the bathroom door. "Good morning and Happy Birthday!"

Jax walked over to the bed and grinned as he saw the lump under the covers on his side of the bed. He sat down and kissed Brenda. "Thank you and good morning yourself."

Brenda smiled as Jax grinned at the blanket. He cleared his throat. "I wonder when Jillian will be awake?"

At that moment Jillian crawled up from the middle of the bed. She popped out from under the comforter. "I am here. I was hiding for your surprise."

Jax hugged her. "You are a wonderful surprise."

Jillian giggled. "Happy Birthday Daddy!"

Jax kissed her and then his eyes caught the movement of another lump from under the covers. His face showed a look of bewilderment as Brenda bit her lip to stop from laughing. She motioned to Jillian and Jillian moved back the comforter. "Surprise Daddy! Lady is here for your birthday too."

Jax laughed as Lady barked and then stumbled into his lap. The puppy began licking his hands and then did the same to Jillian's fingers. "What a wonderful surprise. Jillian, did you talk Mommy into allowing Lady onto this bed?"

Jillian smiled and nodded. "Yes, I promised Lady would be a good doggie."

Brenda sighed. "She caught me in a moment of weakness."

Jax watched as Jillian petted Lady's head. He then turned his head toward Brenda and whispered to her. "It's my birthday so I thought I would be the one to witness your moments of weakness."

Brenda raised her eyebrow and seductively whispered to him. "Trust me, it will be you who will be having the moment of weakness."

Jax mouthed to her. "I can't wait."

Brenda winked at him and then looked at Jillian. "I think it is time for Daddy to open his presents."

Jillian clapped her hands together. "I will help you, Daddy."

Brenda opened up the drawer in the nightstand and pulled out the two wrapped packages and the two cards. She gave Jillian one of the packages along with the folded piece of yellow construction paper.

Jillian beamed as she handed Jax the piece of yellow paper. "Here is my card."

Jax opened it up and saw her colored circles. There were also star stickers and red hearts. In Brenda's handwriting were the words, "Daddy, Happy Birthday! We love you." At the bottom of the card in purple crayon was a "J" and a "L" plus two "X's" and "O's."

Jax smiled and looked down at Jillian. "It is such a beautiful card. Thank you so much, princess."

Jillian coyly shrugged. "I wrote at the bottom. Do you see? That is a 'J' for my name and that one is an 'L' for Lady. She can't write so I did it for her. Mommy is helping me with my letters."

Jax put his arms around Jillian as she sat in his lap. "I see and you are doing so well. Your 'X's' and 'O's' are so good too."

"That means hugs and kisses."

Jax nodded. "I know and Daddy gives you hugs and kisses back." Jax then kissed her and hugged her.

Jillian looked up at him. "Lady too."

Jax nodded and hugged Lady as the puppy walked between he and Brenda. "Yes, Lady too."

Jillian handed him the package and began rocking on the bed anxiously awaiting Jax to open the gift. "Here is your present from Lady and me."

Jax smiled. "Thank you. Can you help me open it?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down and helped Jax rip off the gift wrap. Jax removed the lid from the box and unwrapped the picture frame. He grinned as he lifted it from the box.

Jillian excitedly spoke. "Do you like it, Daddy? It is Mommy and me and Lady. We are sitting on the sofa in the angel room."

Jax tweaked Jillian's chin. "I love it. It is just what I wanted."

Jillian turned to Brenda. "Mommy, Daddy says it was what he wanted."

Brenda nodded. "I am so glad Daddy likes the picture."

Jillian pointed at the photo. "Daddy, Mommy is helping me to hold Lady so she does not move in the picture. Lady moved sometimes so Mr. Chase had to take more pictures."

Jax chuckled. "I bet she did but this one is perfect." He then took Brenda's hand in his. "You and your Mommy are so beautiful."

Brenda smiled. "Thank you."

Jillian clapped her hands together again. "Now it is time for Mommy's present."

Brenda handed Jax the envelope and the other package. Jax opened the card and smiled as he read the message and Brenda's added words of love.

Jillian looked at the card. "Daddy, what does it say?"

Jax rubbed his fingers over Brenda's knuckles as he read the card out loud. "To the man to whom I have given my heart and soul, I wish for you a lifetimes of birthdays filled with the love and happiness you give to me every day. I will love you until time stands still. All my love, Brenda."

Jillian nodded. "Daddy, now you have to turn the card over."

Jax looked down at her. "Why, princess?"

Jillian smiled at him. "To see if it is a Hallmark. You know Daddy, just like on television."

Jax laughed and turned the card over. "Yes, it is a Hallmark."

Jillian happily sighed. "Then Mommy really loves you."

Brenda nodded as she laughed. "Yes, Mommy really loves Daddy."

Jax hugged Jillian as Brenda laughed again and lifted Lady into her lap. Jillian handed Jax the small box and then helped him unwrap it. Jax opened it to find a gold watch.

Jax kissed Brenda fully on the lips. "Thank you. It is beautiful."

"Turn it over."

Jax flipped the watch over and read the inscription. "I will love you until the end of time. Brenda."

Jillian tapped Jax on the hand. "This one we will keep away from Lady." Jillian then turned to speak to Lady who was sitting in Brenda's lap. "Lady, no more chewing up Daddy's watch."

Brenda lifted Lady up so that the puppy was eye-level with her. "Do you hear that? It does not belong to you. No more watches or you will find yourself in serious trouble."

Jax hugged Jillian again and then kissed Brenda. Jillian smiled at him. "Happy Birthday Daddy! Are you having a good day?"

Jax flashed her a huge grin. "I have my two favorite ladies and my favorite puppy here with me. I am having a perfect day."

Jillian leaned her head against Jax's chest as he put his arm around Brenda. Lady laid in Brenda's lap as Brenda rested her head on Jax's shoulder. Jax closed his eyes and smiled. They were gifts of love and at this moment, his arms and his heart were full.

The Jacks Residence -- 3:00pm

Jillian sat at the stool as Brenda studied the recipe she had gotten from Jane over the phone this morning. After Brenda had spent the morning at L&B Records, she and Jillian had stopped at the grocery store to pick up the necessary ingredients for dinner and Jax's birthday cake. Brenda was determined to prepare an edible dinner and to make Jax his favorite lemon-coconut cake for dessert.

Jillian smiled. "Are you ready for me to help yet, Mommy?"

Brenda sighed. "Jillian, this will be an adventure. You are going to help Mommy make her first cake that does not come out of a box. Our goal is to make something that will not land Daddy in the hospital tonight."

Jillian laughed. "You are silly, Mommy."

Brenda shook her head. "We will just have to see about that."

Brenda placed all the ingredients for the cake on the island in the middle of the kitchen. The rest of the dinner menu was going to be simple -- steak, baked potatoes, salad, sauteed mushrooms and rolls. As long as she did not char the steak beyond recognition, dinner would be edible. She could not make the same promise for dessert.

Jillian sat in front of the three cake pans. "I have the pans. I painted them with the brush with the wax on it."

"That is grease so that the cake does not stick to the pans. Now we have to let the butter get soft and then you can help me with the mixer."

Jillian looked over at Brenda as she poured wine, worcestershire sauce and some spices over the steak. "Mommy, what are you doing?"

Brenda looked up from the broiling pan. "I am marinating the steak so that is tastes good."

"Can I do it?"

Brenda moved the pan in front of Jillian. "Here, you can sprinkle some pepper on it. Not too much."

Jillian shook the pepper shaker over the steak. "Is that good?"

"Perfect. Now we will let it sit until it is time to put it in the oven and cook it. You can help Mommy with the salad later. Now we need to use the sifter to get ready for the cake."

Brenda gathered the flour and other dry ingredients. Jillian wanted to help and accidentally knocked the cup of flour onto the floor. "Ooops."

Brenda smiled. "We will clean that up after we finish. Now we have to sift the flour so it is soft. "Here, you can help Mommy use the sifter."

Brenda held the sifter as Jillian turned the handle. "I am helping." She then knocked the sifter against the side of the bowl and a cloud of flour popped into the air. Jillian giggled. "Mommy, you have flour in your hair and on your shirt."

Brenda laughed. "So do you so we are twins." Jillian continued to sift the flour as Brenda poured it into the sifter. "Okay, all done. Now we have to see if the butter is ready."

Jillian squeezed one of the sticks of butter. "Mommy, it is soft now."

Brenda smiled as she took the squished stick of butter from Jillian's hand. "Okay, then we will use the mixer now."

Brenda creamed the butter and sugar and then dumped the flour mixture, milk and coconut flavoring into mixing bowl. "Okay, Jillian, now we need the lemon juice."

Jillian scrunched up her face. "It is sour."

Brenda laughed. "Yes, but it will taste very good in the cake." Then she muttered under her breath. "I hope."

Brenda sighed. "Okay, now Mommy has to separate the egg whites. Cross your fingers that this egg separator works, otherwise we will be here all afternoon."

Jillian held her right hand up in front of her and crossed her fingers. "I am crossing them, Mommy."

Brenda began cracking open the eggs. After a few minutes, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, it took a dozen eggs but we have eight egg whites. Now Mommy is going to beat them with the little mixer until they are foamy -- whatever that means exactly."

Jillian watched as Brenda used the mixer for a few moments. "Mommy, they look like a bubble bath."

Brenda turned off the mixer. "I guess that means they are done. Now we have to pour them into the big bowl and stir it all up."

Jillian clapped her hands together. "I am good at stirring."

"Mommy will start and let you finish stirring. Then we will pour the batter into the pans and cook them." Brenda stopped for a second and then walked over to the oven. "Good, Mommy remembered to pre-heat the oven."

Brenda folded the egg white mixture into the mixing bowl and stirred it. She then helped Jillian hold the spoon and stir it. More flour hit the linoleum floor as they floured the greased cake pans. Between the flour, eggs and milk, the floor contained the beginnings of another cake.

Jillian watched as Brenda poured the batter into the pans. Brenda groaned as she realized she had poured the batter unevenly into the three pans. She spooned out the batter from the overfilled pan and poured it between the other two pans.

Brenda put the pans into the oven and set the timer. "Okay, now it is time for the cake to cook. Then we will make the frosting and the filling."

Jillian licked her lips. "Yum. I love frosting."

Brenda smiled. "I know." She then looked at the countertop on the island and down at the floor. "Look at the mess Mommy made. The kitchen never looks like this when Jose cooks."

Jillian looked up at Brenda. "You will get better, Mommy, just like me when I write my letters. You can practice."

Brenda flashed her a grin. "Yes, you are right. We will practice now with the salad."

Brenda finished making the salad as a few carrot slices and a stray piece of lettuce joined the other ingredients on the kitchen floor. The timer then sounded. "Mommy, the cake is ready."

Brenda opened up the oven door and contently sighed. "Jillian, they actually look like cake and not like pancakes. They look like lopsided cakes but at least they rose."

Jillian clapped. "We did a good job."

Brenda removed the pans from the oven and placed them on the counter by the refrigerator. Okay, now they have to cool and I am putting them over here so we don't burn ourselves while we make the frosting."

Brenda looked at the recipe from Jane again and remembered she still needed to get the cornstarch out of the pantry. "Mommy will be right back with the cornstarch."

"I want to come with you so I can see Lady."

"Okay." Brenda lifted Jillian from the stool and took her into the pantry.

Jillian walked over to the puppy who was sleeping in her bed. "Lady, I made a cake with Mommy for Daddy."

Jillian and Brenda petted the puppy and then left the pantry. Unbeknownst to Brenda, the door was left slightly ajar as she and Jillian exited the pantry. "Okay, now we need to wash our hands again since we played with Lady."

Brenda lifted Jillian up to the sink and they washed their hands and then Brenda began making the filling. "Jillian, Mommy has to cook this on the stove so you will have to watch me from the stool. I have to cook the first part of the frosting too but then you can help with the last part."

Jillian shook her head. "The stove is hot so I have to stay far away."

"That is right. After Mommy cooks this, I have to stir it into the yellow part of the eggs we saved before and then I can put the coconut in."

Jillian looked up. "I like coconut and chocolate candy bars."

Brenda nodded. "I know and Mommy likes chocolate covered raisins."

"And Daddy likes licorice when we go to the movies."

"You are exactly right." Brenda added more ingredients to the saucepan as the mixture began to boil. After the mixture had cooked the designated amount of time, Brenda turned off the stove and removed the pan from the burner. "Okay, now it is coconut time." Brenda stirred it into the hot mixture.

"Can I see it, Mommy?"

Brenda stirred the coconut into the pan and then walked across the kitchen to show it to Jillian. "It has to cool and then we will put it between the layers of the cake." She put the pan on a cool burner of the stove and then walked over to the cake. "Now we have to take the cake out of the pans and put them on the racks."

Brenda removed the first two layers with little trouble but the third one did not easily come out when she turned the pan over. When it did, the center remained stuck inside the cake pan.

Jillian frowned. "There is a hole in the cake."

Brenda sighed. "Yes, there is." She opened the drawer and pulled out a small spatula. "Let's see if we can fix it." Brenda scooped up the middle section of the cake from the pan and then gently placed it on top of the cake layer.

Jillian smiled. "It fits like a puzzle."

"We will cover it with the filling and Daddy won't even know. Now we need to start the frosting so we can finish the cake before Daddy comes home." Brenda cooked the sugar and corn syrup mixture and then beat the egg whites she had saved from earlier. She poured the egg whites into the syrup mixture. "Okay, now you can help again."

"Mommy, what do I do?"

Brenda opened up the package of powdered sugar. "We need to sift again." Jillian helped her sift the sugar and now a cloud of powdered sugar filled the air again leaving its mark on Brenda and Jillian. Brenda laughed. "We are really a mess together."

Jillian giggled. "All done."

Brenda poured in the lemon juice. "Now it is time to use the mixer again." All of the ingredients were mixed together until they were well blended. "Okay, I think we are done."

Jillian licked her lips again. "Can I taste it? Just one little taste?"

Brenda smiled. "Yes, one little taste."

Jillian rubbed her finger against the top edge of the bowl and then brought her finger to her mouth. "Ummm. It is so good. It tastes like lemon drops."

Brenda dipped her finger into the frosting. "Yes, just like lemon drops."

Jillian nodded. "Daddy likes lemon drops."

"Yes, Daddy likes lemon drops. Okay, now it is time to finish." Brenda took the cake plate from the cabinet and then placed the repaired layer onto the plate. "First we put the filling on the cake." The replaced center piece of the cake layer began to crumble as she spread the filling. "Well, there will just have to be extra filling here." She coated the repaired layer with the filling and then placed the next layer on top. Jillian watched as Brenda spread the remaining filling on the layer.

Jillian smiled. "Now the top comes."

Brenda put the top layer on the other two layers. "Now it is time for the frosting and then we sprinkle the coconut on top and on the sides."

Jillian leaned over the countertop. "I can help you."

Brenda picked up the spreading knife. "You can do the very top when it is all done and help me with the coconut." Brenda began spreading the frosting on the top and moving down the sides of the cake. Crumbs came with her but she hoped the coconut would cover most of them. It was not going to be beautiful but hopefully it would be edible. Brenda finished and then let Jillian spread some frosting on the very top.

Brenda looked into the bowl. "Well, there is plenty of extra frosting but I think there is enough on the cake now. Now we can sprinkle the coconut."

Jillian ate a flake of coconut. "The man at the store was funny when he opened up the shell and gave us the coconut inside."

"He shredded it in his machine. Now Daddy will have fresh coconut just like he likes. You can help me sprinkle it on top. Put some extra on that part so the cake does not look like it is leaning so much. I will put it on the sides."

Jillian sprinkled coconut on the top while Brenda gently pressed the coconut into the sides of the cake.

Jillian beamed as she looked at the cake. "It is done and it is so pretty."

Brenda turned the cake plate around. "Now it does not look so lopsided. I am sure Daddy will like it and you can tell him what a big help you were."

"Mommy, we have to put the candles on it too."

Brenda looked at her watch. "We need to clean-up and then we will put the candles on the cake. It is almost time to put the potatoes in the oven."

"I will help."

Brenda lifted Jillian from the stool. Jillian grabbed the metal mixing bowl containing the left-over frosting. She began to follow Brenda to the sink when Lady scratched the pantry door open and then scurried into the kitchen. Jillian shrieked. "Lady is out."

Brenda turned around just as Lady ran into Jillian knocking her and the frosting bowl to the kitchen floor. Lady lost her balance as well and they both ended up in the midst of all the ingredients on the floor. The frosting bowl spun on the floor and Lady immediately scrambled over to it and stuck her entire head in the bowl and began eating the frosting. Brenda ran to Jillian to make sure she was all right. Jillian was coated with flour, powdered sugar, eggs and milk but she was fine.

Jillian pointed at Lady. "Mommy, Lady is eating all the frosting."

Brenda grabbed the bowl from Lady's head. "Lady, look at you."

Jillian began giggling. "She has frosting all over her face and her ears and flour on her fur. She looks sooo funny."

Brenda shook her head. "And she is going to be so sick from eating this frosting."

Jillian watched as Lady laid down in the middle of the kitchen floor in the midst of the flour again. "Lady, you need a bath." Jillian looked up at Brenda. "Can she take a bath with me?"

"No, she is not taking a bath with you." Brenda sighed. "You are both a mess." Brenda walked over to the sink and wet a dish rag with warm water. She walked over to Lady and picked her up and then began wiping her face and ears with the rag. Lady squirmed and Brenda laughed. "You got yourself into this mess so you have to face the consequences. You are lucky I don't use the hose."

Jillian laughed as Brenda cleaned Lady's face. "Mommy, Lady looks so funny."

Brenda looked at the destruction of the kitchen as she continued to clean Lady's ears. "Your Daddy would never believe this."

Jax chuckled as he stood at the door leading into the dining room. "No, I would not so I am so glad I get to see it firsthand."

Brenda laughed as she shook her head. "How long have you been standing there?"

Jax broadly grinned. "Long enough."

Jillian ran over to the door. "Daddy, we have been cooking."

Jax picked up Jillian and walked into the middle of the kitchen. "I can see that."

Jillian pointed to the center of the island. "There is your birthday cake. I helped Mommy."

Jax smiled at her. "Is that lemon-coconut cake?"

Jillian nodded. "Yes, and the frosting tastes just like lemon drops. You will like it." Jillian then looked at Brenda who now had finished washing Lady's face and ears. "Lady liked it too."

Brenda sighed. "Well, at least the dog will eat my cooking. Of course, she is going to be sick all night because of it. See what you have to look forward to." Brenda shrugged and smiled. "Welcome home and Happy Birthday!"

Jax laughed as Jillian hugged him. "Thank you. I can't think of anywhere on this earth I would rather be."

The Jacks Residence -- 10:00pm

The wood crackled in the fireplace as Brenda sat up on her knees on the bed. Clad only in his black satin boxers, Jax laid across the bed on his stomach as Brenda's fingers firmly massaged the muscles along his shoulder blades. She smiled when she heard Jax softly moan as her hands moved along the muscles of his upper back.

Jax closed his eyes as his cheek rested against the softness of the down comforter. "You certainly know how to spoil a man on his birthday."

"I'm glad you approve."

Jax groaned as her fingers moved down his back. "A wonderful morning with Jillian and then dinner and then my birthday cake which you and our princess made with your own hands. What more could a man want?"

Brenda's lips turned up to form a smile. "And it was actually almost edible. This day must be marked on the calendar."

Jax laughed. "Four years ago that may have been true but not anymore. You can cook for me anytime."

Brenda sighed. "I see we are feeling invincible. You will regain your senses in a few hours when your birthday is over."

Jax opened his eyes and looked up at her. "It was a wonderful meal and a delicious birthday cake. Jillian enjoyed the cake."

Brenda smirked as she gazed at him. "Jillian ate the icing. She is my daughter so she will eat anything that has sugar in it."

Jax chuckled. "Lady ate it."

Brenda rolled her eyes. "And has gotten sick twice thus far."

Jax flashed her a huge grin. "I ate it."

Brenda scooted closer to Jax as she massaged the small of his back. "Yes, but that was a calculated move on your part to ensure that your real dessert would be served later this evening."

Jax buried his head into the comforter as he snickered. "That would have been true if you had served me sawdust but thankfully you gave me lemon-coconut cake."

Brenda giggled. "I knew it. That was why you ate that sawdust I served you when I tried to cook for your birthday four years ago."

Jax nodded as he laughed. "Fortunately some things have changed."

Brenda ran her hands down Jax's back as she lowered her head and whispered. "And fortunately some things have not. Like the fact that we are together."

Jax closed his eyes again as Brenda's lips dropped warm kisses behind his left ear. "And the fact that we love each other more every day."

Brenda raised her head and smiled. "And that you have brought more happiness into my life than I ever dreamed possible."

Jax rolled onto his side and lifted his palm to Brenda's cheek. She looked so beautiful with the glow of the fire radiating on her face. Her hair was put up on her head in a messy french twist and she was wearing his thick navy blue terry cloth robe. Jax shook his head and smiled as he realized that she could not have looked more stunning at that moment.

Brenda turned her cheek into his palm and kissed it. "I love you, my darling."

Jax smiled. "I love you too, sweetie."

Brenda wrapped her arm around his neck. "I am going to go let Lady out for a few minutes and then check on Jillian. Then I will be back to you."

Jax took her hand in his. "I will go downstairs and let the dog out and you can go check on Jillian. Then we will be back to each other sooner."

Brenda bit her bottom lip and smiled. "Anxious, my love? Remember good things come to those who wait."

Jax's eyes gleamed with desire. "Is that speculation?"

Brenda rolled the tip of her tongue over her upper lip. "No, darling, that is a promise."

Brenda scooted off the bed and blew Jax a kiss as she walked toward the door to go down the hall to Jillian's room. Jax shook his head and moved off the bed. He put on his white terry cloth robe and took the back staircase to the kitchen to let the dog out.

Fifteen minutes later Jax returned to the master suite. The bathroom door was closed and he heard the water running in the sink as Brenda washed her face. Jax grabbed two more logs and tossed them onto the fire. He then sat down in the chaise lounge beside the fire and stretched his legs out. He smiled as his mind carried him back to earlier in the day when Brenda, Jillian and Lady had greeted him with gifts and birthday wishes. Jax also recalled his conversation with Brenda about her promise of a moment of weakness for him this evening.

The bathroom door opened and Jax turned toward it to see Brenda in the doorway. A ragged gasp escaped from his throat. He swallowed hard and spoke in an almost whisper.

"Oh, my. Where did that come from?"

Brenda floated toward him in a black chemise which barely reached her mid thigh. It was made from nylon lace and hugged every curve of her body. Her hair fell freely to her shoulders and loose curls framed her face. "It is from the new line of Veronica's Closet."

Jax sighed deeply. "Veronica's Closet, remind me to frequent that establishment. Better yet, maybe I will just take it over."

Brenda climbed into the chaise lounge and sat down in his lap. "It is the second part of your birthday gift." She threaded her fingers through the back of his hair. "I decided I wanted to be an active participant when you unwrapped it."

The heat from the fire beside them was nothing compared to the heat that was being generated between Jax's legs. Jax's voice was ragged again. "Please tell me that this is not a dream."

Brenda untied the belt of his robe. "Believe me, it will be better than any dream." Brenda nibbled on his ear. "But the unwrapping will have to wait until you get your strength back. You will need some recovery time from your moment of weakness."

Jax gasped as Brenda's slender fingers began massaging his muscular chest. She kissed his cheeks and nose and then his chin. Her tongue dipped into his ear as her hands pushed the robe down his arms. Brenda then took Jax's face in her hands and she captured his lips in a scintillating kiss. She ran her tongue around the inside of his lips and then parted his teeth to gain further entrance into his mouth.

Jax moaned softly as Brenda's lips left a trail of warm kisses from his ear to the base of his throat. Brenda nuzzled his neck and placed her hand in the center of his chest. His heart was rapidly beating and she could feel the intensity of his desire against her leg. "Easy, baby. I am going to make it so worth it."

Jax closed his eyes as Brenda dropped baby kisses on his chest and then gently sucked his nipples. As her mouth moved to his stomach, Jax cradled the back of her head. She nibbled at his skin and slipped her tongue into his navel. Jax loudly groaned with pleasure as she continued her slow torture.

As Brenda scooted down toward the end of the chaise lounge, her right hand roamed over his lower body. Jax almost catapulted from the chair at the feel of her touch. Jax's breath was becoming labored. He gasped, "Brenda."

Jax grabbed onto the arms of the chair as Brenda continued her sweet torture. "Jax, I am right here, baby. Come to me." Jax murmured words of love over and over again. Brenda released him from her lips momentarily. "I love you, Jax. Let me show you how much." Her right hand trailed along the inside of this thigh. Jax groaned and closed his eyes.

Brenda caressed his thighs as he collapsed against the back of the chaise lounge. Every ounce of energy he had was gone. He felt as if he were floating above the clouds.

After a few moments, Brenda grabbed the blanket sitting on the floor beside the chaise and crawled back up into Jax's lap. She covered them both with the blanket and gently massaged Jax's chest. His breathing was returning to normal as was his heart rate. Brenda tenderly kissed the sides of his face. She then leaned her forehead against his. "Jax, I love you."

Jax gasped again as her name fell from his lips. "Brenda." She continued to softly stroke his chest. After a few minutes, Jax finally mustered the energy to move. He put his arms around her and kissed her gently. "I will have to remember to never doubt a promise you make. That was some moment of weakness and it was better than any dream."

Brenda smiled at him. "I will just have to keep reminding you."

Jax brushed the curl from her forehead. "Please promise me that you will."

Brenda snuggled deeper into his embrace. "With pleasure. I love you. Happy Birthday Jax."

Jax rested his cheek against hers. "I love you, Brenda. Thank you for the best birthday of my life."

Jax wrapped the blanket tighter around them and sighed as he held Brenda in his arms. Regardless of what the rest of his life would bring him, he knew at that moment that nothing would ever be as special or be as important as Brenda and their family. It was all anyone could wish for and his wish had been granted. It had been granted in spades.

Sunday, February 4, 2001
Port Charles Park -- Noon

Port Charles had finally received its first major snowfall of the winter two days before. As Jax had so accurately predicted when he had planted Jamie's tree, Brenda had gone out twice a day and gently brushed the blowing snow from the tree's branches. The roads had now been cleared so Jax and Brenda were able to bring Jillian to meet Jerry at the big hill in the park. Jillian's long wait to christen the Flexible Flyer was finally over.

Jillian held Brenda's hand as they walked through the park. Jax pulled the Flyer through the snow with one hand and an older sled of his with the other. Jillian was almost running as they neared the hill.

Jax smiled as he looked down at her. "Excited, princess?"

Jillian was beaming. "Yes, Daddy. The snow is sooo high. We are going to go real fast."

Brenda softly moaned and Jillian turned toward her. "Mommy, don't be scared. I will hold on real tight and you can watch me."

Brenda nodded. "Don't worry, I will be watching you and Uncle Jerry."

They reached the hill and Jerry was there awaiting them. "Roo, are you ready to fly?"

Jillian jumped up and down. "I am ready."

Jerry stooped down so that he was almost eye-level with Jillian. "Are your mittens and hood on tight? We don't want them to fly off when we go whoosh down the hill."

Jillian giggled. "Whoosh!"

Jax chuckled. "I think the sound of a thud will be more appropriate for Uncle Jerry as I fully expect him to fall flat on his face."

Jerry slapped Jax on the back. "Envy is so unattractive, little brother. You will be the one who lands face first in a snow bank."

Jax shook his head. "We will see. I think we need to make a few trial runs just to test out the hill. How about the best two out of three?"

Jerry nodded. "You are on." He took two balls of wax from his jacket pocket. "To show what a good sport I am, here is some wax for your so-called relic there."

Jax laughed. "No thanks, I have my own." Jax pulled out a ball of wax from his pocket. "Besides, why destroy your image by pretending to be a good sport now."

Jerry snickered. "You are heading for a big fall, Jasper."

Jax smirked at Jerry. "That is okay since you will already be on the ground to break my fall."

Brenda shook her head at the two of them. Even after almost four years of seeing the rivalry between the Jacks brothers, they were still just as entertaining. And they were just as exasperating.

Jax finished waxing the sled and then spoke to Jillian. "Uncle Jerry and I are going to take the sleds down the hill to clear a path and then you can come with us. You stay with Mommy and wave to us."

Jerry put the Flyer under his arm. "Roo, I am going to get your Flyer all ready for you. You watch me beat Daddy down the hill."

Brenda rolled her eyes and Jax laughed at her. "Don't worry, sweetie, the snow will cushion the impact when Jerry flies off."

Jerry waved his hand nonchalantly in the air. "Yes, Brenda, it will cushion the blow when Jasper here falls and lands on that thick skull of his."

Brenda sighed. "I am not worried. There is a phone in the jeep. While Jillian and I are on our way home, I will just call for medical assistance to be sent for two overgrown children sprawled out at the bottom of the hill."

Jax laughed and kissed Brenda and Jillian on the cheek. "I will see you shortly. Jerry will probably be unconscious or wish he was."

Jerry slapped the back of Jax's head as they headed for the top of the hill.

Jillian giggled. "Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Jerry are funny."

Brenda took a deep breath. "That is one way to put it."

Jillian squealed and jumped up and down as she watched Jax and Jerry glide down the hills. Jerry narrowly beat Jax to the finish line on the first run and Jax beat him down the hill on the second. On the third and final run, Jerry took a slight lead but as they approached the bottom part of the hill, Jax was right beside him. As they reached the final dip on the hill, Jerry's sled fish-tailed and he slid off the sled in a huge spray of snow allowing Jax to easily cross the finish line ahead of him.

Jillian clapped. "Mommy, did you see Daddy? He was so fast but Uncle Jerry went bump. Did you see how the snow flew in the air?"

Brenda coughed back her laughter. "Yes, but we don't need to say that to Uncle Jerry. I am sure your Daddy is taking care of that. We can just tell Uncle Jerry he looked very good coming down the hill on the Flyer."

Meanwhile, Jax walked over to Jerry at the bottom of the hill. He was choking on his laughter so he could barely get the words out. "I will carry back your sled. I am sure you are exhausted from that artistic landing of yours."

"Very funny. I will carry back my own Flyer, thank you. If you had been on that side of the hill with that relic of yours, we would have been calling for an ambulance. At least I can gracefully bail out."

Jax laughed even harder. "You call that graceful? I have seen ducks with more grace -- in fact I can name two, Sigmund and Sydney."

Jerry shook his head as they walked toward Brenda and Jillian. "One day, that ego and arrogance of yours are going to land you in a heap of trouble."

Jax rolled his eyes. "You mean I could actually be sent to the principal's office?"

"Enjoy yourself, little brother, because one day when you least expect it, I am going to get you."

Jax smirked. "I am shaking here in my boots. I think I had better take Jillian. If you do, you will do serious injury to those old bones of yours and then you will be in the doghouse at home -- AGAIN!"

Jerry shoved Jax away. "You are nuts."

"Speaking of doghouse, you do remember what holiday the rest of the us celebrate ten days from now. I do not want a repeat of World War III at the office again between you and Julia. Last year was more than enough."

Jerry let out an exasperated sigh. "I remember. Do you think I want to go through that again. She did not speak to me for five days and she starched all my underwear."

Jax chuckled. "How dare she? I mean all you did was forget the first Valentine's Day of your marriage."

Jerry groaned. "It is a ridiculous holiday but I will figure out something to do for her. You people have so little faith. That wife of yours has left me a voice mail for each of the past four days reminding me and Francesca put a huge red heart on my calendar so I would not forget."

Jax shook his head. "How could we ever doubt you?"

Jerry groaned again as they reached Brenda and Jillian.

"Uncle Jerry, we saw you and Daddy. You looked good on my Flyer. Daddy looked fast but you still looked good. The snow you sprayed was pretty."

Jerry could not help but to laugh. "Thank you Roo."

Jax tweaked Jillian's nose. "Jillian, we will let Uncle Jerry recover for a few minutes. I will take you on my sled and then Jerry will take you down the hill on yours."

Jillian clapped. "Yeah! Let's go now, Daddy."

Jax lifted Jillian into his arms. "Okay. Wave to Mommy and Uncle Jerry."

Brenda blew Jillian a kiss. "Jillian, hold on really tight and Daddy, please be careful."

"Of course, Mommy."

Brenda waved as Jax and Jillian headed up the hill. She then turned around and spoke to Jerry. "I was hoping Julia would come with you. Is she feeling any better?"

Jerry sighed deeply. "Physically, yes, but I can't say the same psychologically."

"I'm sorry. She did not sound good when I spoke to her yesterday."

Jerry shook his head. "Nothing has been found in the first two weeks of tests and she is frustrated. She is being so hard on herself."

Brenda sighed. "You know until a few years ago, I never realized how much pressure she lived under. I only saw her as the perfect daughter and the perfect executive and the perfect woman. I did not understand how stressful a life that was and how she did not merely snap her fingers and get to that point."

Jerry nodded. "And now she somehow believes she is failing as a wife and a woman. I don't know what to do or what to say to her."

Brenda closed her eyes momentarily. "She is her own worst enemy now. I know what that is like and I know how hard it is to stop."

"I just hope she finds out something soon for her own peace of mind. Dr. Meadows warned us that it could take several weeks to even determine if there is a problem. Then we will deal with it, whatever it is."

Brenda could not help but smile at Jerry. Jerry gave her a confused look. "What are you smiling about?"

Brenda laced her arm through his. "You. You have come a long way since I first met you. I always knew how loving that heart of yours was but you did your damned best to try to hide it. And even after you and Julia finally stopped being stubborn mules and admitted what you felt for one another, I never thought I was going to get you two down the aisle."

Jerry laughed. "We gathered. You would have been more subtle if you had hit us both over the head with a brick and had a priest show up in the emergency room."

Brenda shrugged. "I just knew how perfect you would be together. You are so good for each other and I know you will work your way through all of this."

Jerry sighed. "I know better not to argue with you. The headaches are not worth it."

Brenda elbowed him just as Jax and Jillian glided down the hill for their second trip through the snow. Jerry and Brenda laughed as they saw Jillian trying to wade her way through the deep snow toward them.

Jillian was breathless when she finally reached them. "Mommy, did you see me? We went fast and the wind sounded like whoosh! I held on real tight though."

Brenda picked her up. "Uncle Jerry and I saw you. Did you have fun with Daddy?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "Yes. I want to go down again." She looked at Jerry. "Can we go now on my Flyer, Uncle Jerry?"

Jerry nodded. "Of course, I am ready. Maybe your Mommy and Daddy will come down too and we can race them?"

Jillian clapped. "Yeah! Mommy and Daddy, you come with us. We can all fly."

Jax smiled. "What do you say, Mommy?"

Brenda sighed. "Let's go."

They all went to the top of the hill and Jillian giggled as Jerry sat her in his lap. Brenda did the same as Jax wrapped his arms around her. They headed down the hill and Jillian shrieked the entire way down. Brenda laughed as they glided over the bumps and the snow sprayed in their faces.

Jax and Brenda hit the final dip in the hill and fish tailed just as Jerry had done earlier. They both ended up in a deep snow bank. Brenda could not catch her breath she was laughing so hard and Jax crawled over to her.

"You said you wanted to fly, Mrs. Jacks. I am glad I could deliver."

Brenda brushed some of the snow off of her. "I also see you were careful with Jillian but not with me. What kind of fair treatment is that?"

Jax grinned at her as he rolled on top of her. "Well, I guess I have to make it up to you."

Brenda nodded. "You most certainly do."

"Fine, I know just how to do it." He lowered his head and his lips covered hers. It was as if they were magnets. His lips sensually moved over Brenda's lips and she immediately surrendered. It felt like the snow was melting around them from the blaze caused by their kiss. Their lips were still locked together when Jerry and Jillian reached them.

Jillian smiled. "Mommy and Daddy are kissing again."

Jerry chuckled. "I see that."

Jillian's eyes were wide. "Mommy says that means they are in looove."

"Oh, is that what it means?"

Jillian nodded. "Just like you and Aunt Julia and Grandmom and Grandpa. That is why everyone is sooo happy and sooo lucky."

Jax and Brenda finally came up for air and Jax helped Brenda to her feet as Jerry and Jillian continued their conversation.

Jerry grinned at her. "Roo, you are pretty smart as well as very cute. I am so glad you take after me instead of your Daddy."

Jillian gave him a bewildered look. "But I don't have straw in my head, Uncle Jerry."

Jax picked her up and hugged her as he smirked at Jerry. "Just like you said, Uncle Jerry, cute and very smart."

Jerry laughed and tweaked Jillian's nose. "Absolutely adorable and completely irresistible."

Brenda put her arms around Jax and Jillian and then smiled at Jerry. He returned her smile. In his heart, Jerry knew that one day he and Julia would be standing there being completely mesmerized by their own little munchkin.

The Barrett/Jacks Penthouse -- 7:00pm

Julia pushed the fork around her plate as she and Jerry sat at the dining room table. Jerry watched her out of the corner of his eye. He put his fork down and looked directly at her.

"Julia, you need to eat."

Julia sighed. "I'm sorry, I just don't have that much of an appetite."

Jerry gave her half of a smile. "Well, I recommend that your appetite return very quickly. Otherwise, I will be forced to cook my famous cabbage and venison stew for you."

Julia gave him a bewildered look. "Okay, I will bite. Why?"

Jerry smirked. "Because I guarantee you will become ravenous for the linguini on your plate once you smell the stew cooking."

Julia's mouth involuntarily formed a smile and Jerry folded his arms in front of him. "I saw that smile. You know you can't resist me."

Julia rolled her eyes. "You are quite delusional."

Jerry shrugged. "That may be true but you still can't resist my irrepressible charm."

Julia unsuccessfully tried to force a smile. "I guess."

Jerry shook his head. "Julia, I hate to see you like this."

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "I don't feel like I have a choice at this point."

Jerry let out an exasperated sigh. "I do not believe that. We all have choices."

Julia abruptly put down the glass of water she was drinking. "Oh, I guess the truth has come out now. I always wanted to be a human guinea pig."

Jerry's voice became slightly raised. "You know damn well that is not what I meant."

"I don't know anything anymore, Jerry." Julia then began to get up from her chair.

As Julia stood up Jerry grabbed her hand. "Julia, I am not going to let you do this to yourself. This is me, not your father."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Jerry kept a death grip on her hand. "There are no perfect images here to live up to. You don't have to be the golden child in Daddy's eyes and do somersaults to get that way."

Julia glared at him. "You don't even know what you are talking about."

Jerry shook his head. "I know more than you think. Julia, I did not marry a bronzed statue, nor did I desire to do so. I married a vibrant woman who has the same flaws and bad habits as the rest of us mere mortals."

Julia sarcastically laughed. "We see how vibrant I am now."

Jerry slammed his free hand down on the table. "That is enough of this. Guess what, Julia, the only person you are hurting is yourself. These self-imposed trials you force yourself to handle are ludicrous."

"Jerry, let me go."

Jerry pulled her into his lap. "No. I am not going to sit by and watch someone I love do this to themselves. You are punishing yourself, Julia, and for what?"

Julia gave him an incredulous look. "For what? How can you even ask that? Are we not spending half of our free time in doctor's offices and laboratories?"

Jerry wrapped his arms around Julia as she squirmed against him. "Yes, we are undergoing testing and yes, we are spending time in doctor's offices, but what the hell does that have to do with you and me? Nothing definitive has been determined but you have already decided that results are going to be found that show that there is some huge problem that cannot be fixed. And you have concluded it is your problem and your problem alone and that I am therefore going to end up being punished for your "so-called" sins. You are so wrong."

Julia shook her head. "Jerry, I can't help how I feel. This is my ..."

Jerry covered Julia's mouth with his hand. "Whatever it is, it is ours. I thought the word `my' was stricken from the vocabulary when you foolishly said `I do' eighteen months ago." Jerry then rolled his eyes. "My God, I sound like Jax now. Look what you have done to me."

The corner of Julia's mouth curled up as she put her head in her hands. "Jerry, I am so frustrated."

Jerry tugged at the end of a strand of her hair. "I know, sweetheart. Patience is not exactly either of our fortes and we both are results-oriented people. We can't get to that point until we know what, if anything, is a problem.

Julia sighed. "Do you know how much I hate thermometers and blood tests these days? If I have to discuss one more chart or graph of my cycle, I am going to scream. And the worst of it all is how much I detest keeping notes about the specifics of our lovemaking. It makes it seem like we are just having sex instead of so much more."

Jerry shook his head. "Julia, it is so much more." Then he looked her straight in the eyes and gave her a very serious expression. "Now my affair with the maid, that is just sex."

Julia smacked him in the center of his chest. "That is not funny."

Jerry smirked. "Hey, lighten up. My affair is not really with the maid. I have to keep the actual identity of my clandestine relationships from you. Otherwise, I would destroy all my protection under the pre-nup."

She glared at Jerry. "We don't have a pre-nup and you are still not even remotely funny." Julia moved from Jerry's lap and then punched him again, even harder this time.

Jerry laughed as he stood up and grabbed Julia's clenched hand. "You are bruising my precious skin and you know how sensitive and delicate it is. I have to keep my body from any harm so that I can share its perfection with the rest of the female population. I know you understand that it is only polite for me to share with all those less fortunate women."

Julia twisted away from him. "Precious skin? Sharing? I will show you just how understanding I am." Julia began swatting him with both of her hands as Jerry backed away from her toward the opposite end of the dining room table.

Jerry could barely speak through his laughter as he pinned both of Julia's arms against her chest. "Julia, I can't believe you have a problem with sharing. And I always thought you were such an Emily Post fan concerning proper etiquette."

"Jeremiah Jacks, when I get my hands on you..."

Jerry pinned Julia against the table and grinned at her. "You will what?" Jerry released her arms and took her face in his hands. He whispered to her. "You did not answer me, Mrs. Jacks."

Julia sighed and then lifted her hands to cradle the back of Jerry's head. "Damn you and your irresistibility."

"Poor Mrs. Jacks." Jerry smiled and overtook her lips.

Julia moaned into his mouth as Jerry gently sucked her bottom lip. Julia then slid her tongue into his mouth as Jerry pushed the chair away from the table. A salad bowl fell to the floor as Jerry eased Julia onto the dining room table. His hands slid under her turtleneck sweater and his fingers gently caressed her stomach. Jerry pushed the navy blue sweater over her head and then his fingers unhooked the front clasp of her bra.

Jerry released her lips and then lowered his mouth to the nipple of her right breast. Julia whimpered as he traced her nipple with his tongue. Jerry then repeated his sweet torture to her left nipple. Julia lifted her head and unbuttoned Jerry's shirt. Her hands sensually moved over his taut chest muscles as Jerry unbuttoned her jeans. Julia then returned the favor as she unbuttoned Jerry's jeans.

Jerry slipped off her jeans and lace panties and then an empty glass crashed to the dining room floor as Jerry slid her further onto the table. Jerry stepped out of his own jeans and boxers and then captured her lips again. His hands moved to the inside of her thighs and Julia began trembling with desire. Julia moaned as she felt his hardness against the inside of her thigh. Their lips never parted as Jerry moved completely on top of her. He finally broke away from her and chuckled.

"Well, Mrs. Jacks, I want to see this one in your notes to Dr. Meadows."

Julia began laughing.

Jerry gazed into her eyes. "Dining room table amidst linguini and clam sauce. Topped off with romaine lettuce, garlic bread and broken dishes. Well, we can test those ingredients for fertility. It seems to do wonders in Italy."

Julia threaded her fingers through the back of his hair. "Chef Jacks, just shut up and make love to me."

"Whatever you say. We owe it to medical science and research. And for entertaining reading for Dr. Meadows."

Julia surrendered her lips to his amidst mutual murmurings of love. As their bodies united so did their hearts and souls. It was a feast for all the senses.

Wednesday, February 14, 2001
J & J Jacks -- Noon

Jerry walked into his office area carrying his briefcase and his carry-on bag. Francesca did not raise her eyes from the computer monitor as Jerry stopped at her desk.

Jerry picked up his messages and then spoke to Francesca. "Is everything set with the pilot?"

"Yes."

Jerry moved closer to the desk. "And with the meetings on Friday morning?"

Again Francesca did not look up. "Scheduled."

"The suite at the Ritz?"

"Confirmed."

Jerry folded his arms in front of his chest. "Is there some reason that your mouth will not utter more than a one word response?"

Francesca finally lifted her eyes. "No."

Jerry shook his head. "Have you lost your bloody mind?"

Francesca folded her arms. "Do you have a death wish?"

Jerry rolled his eyes. "You too? If looks could kill, Diana would be charged with first degree murder and led away in handcuffs after my lifeless body was found at her receptionist desk."

Francesca glared at him. "Like you should ever be let off that easy. I think a death by slow torture is merited."

"What in the hell have I done to you? You are not my wife."

Francesca sarcastically laughed. "Thank God for that."

Jerry shot her a look of indignation. "Watch it. You are treading on thin ice. You can be replaced."

"Good luck trying to find someone to replace me. You will never find another glutton for punishment to put up with you."

Jerry waved his hand as he walked into his office. "You women are ridiculous."

Francesca followed behind him. "You are the one that is ridiculous. Ridiculous and completely unbelievable."

Jerry threw the messages down on his desk. "Because I have the audacity to leave town on Valentine's Day for a business trip?"

Francesca nodded. "Exactly."

Jerry threw out his hands. "And I am the unbelievable one?"

Francesca shook her head. "All you had to do was push the meeting back one day. One lousy day. After you so royally screwed up last year, you have done it again. You know how upset Julia was last year, we all do."

A knock was then heard at the door and Jax walked into the office. He shook his head at Jerry. "Why does this feel like last Valentine's Day again?"

Jerry sunk down into his chair. "Not you too?"

Francesca rolled her eyes as she headed for the door. "Maybe you can drill the errors of his ways into that thick skull of his. He is hopeless."

Jax laughed as Francesca walked out of the office and then turned to Jerry. "What the hell are you thinking?"

"You people act as though I am running off with my mistress. I have to get to Hong Kong and handle the meetings."

Jax sat down. "Sometimes I wonder if Julia believes Hong Kong is your mistress. Jerry, you don't have anything to prove there. Fielding can take care of it."

Jerry slammed his hand down on the desk. "That crisis happened under my watch and it is my responsibility to see that it does not happen again. Those plants have not recovered the way they should have and something needs to change."

Jax sighed. "I understand that Jerry but did it absolutely have to be done today? One more day and none of this would have been an issue."

Jerry shook his head. "I am sorry that Hong Kong does not view Valentine's Day as the sacred holiday that all you saps around here do. There was no other choice. I have to be there Friday and with the time difference, I can't wait until tomorrow morning to leave.

Jax rubbed his temple. "I told you to tell Julia five days ago that you had to travel this evening. Springing this on her at the last minute was a huge mistake."

Jerry sighed. "Fine, I blew that part of it. I was just trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to do for her. And contrary to everyone's thinking, I do have a very nice surprise planned for Julia. I had to make some last minute adjustments because she is not exactly congenial at this point. So what that the plans are for this afternoon rather than tonight."

Jax sighed. "Does Julia know this? She is on the warpath this morning and obviously broadcasting such a fact. Brenda just called to ask what type of funeral arrangements I think will be appropriate for you. Have you talked to Julia about your plans?"

Jerry put his head in his hands. "That obstinate woman won't even let me talk to her. She has not spoken a word to me since I told her last night that I had to leave late early this evening. Well, I take that back. I think there were a few choice words uttered in French when she threw a shoe in my direction this morning. Of course that was only after she finally unlocked the bedroom door which she had bolted last night forcing me to sleep in the guest room."

"Jerry, just go do something. We can't have Julia and the rest of the office ready to lynch you. I am picking up Brenda in one hour and if you think I am going to spend my Valentine's Day hearing Brenda curse your name, you are sadly mistaken. That is not how I intend to spend my evening alone with her at Paradise Cove. The two of us have not been away together for months and I don't want your inane decisions to spoil our evening."

Jerry rolled his eyes. "You mean detract from your plans to seduce your wife with all that romantic mush."

Jax grinned. "That too."

Francesca then appeared in the doorway. She spoke to Jerry. "This gentleman has a message for you."

A delivery man walked into the office with a bouquet of yellow roses in his hand. "Excuse me sir, but the recipient of these flowers, a Julia Barrett-Jacks, asked that I return them to you."

Jerry shook his head. "Oh, she did?"

The delivery man nodded. "And she asked that I give you a message." He read from his note pad. "Give them to your flight attendant."

Jax bit his lip and covered his face with his hand as Jerry began seething. Jerry took the flowers and handed the delivery man a tip. "Thank you very much. I will let her know that you relayed the message to me."

The delivery man left the office and Jerry began ranting. "That woman is completely impossible. She is enough to drive me insane. She is going to regret this."

Jerry walked toward the door and Jax grabbed his arm. "Don't make it any worse." Jax then began laughing. "And for God's sake make sure she is not armed."

Jerry looked at his watch as he stormed down the hall with the flowers. Diana and two other secretaries shook their heads in disbelief and frustration at him as he passed by their desks. Sally was sitting at her desk as he entered Julia's office suite.

Sally sighed. "I would not recommend going in there."

"Thank you, but she is my wife."

Sally shook her head. "And if you want it to stay that way, I would stay out. And then hope that you are inflicted with a terrible disease later this afternoon so that maybe she forgives and forgets."

Jerry rolled his eyes at Sally as he opened Julia's office door. Julia looked up at him and then immediately returned to the report she was reading. "Get out."

Jerry sat down in the chair in front of her desk. "So, you are speaking to me again?"

Julia's jaw was tightly clenched. "I mean it. Get out."

"Julia, this is ridiculous. I am leaving in five hours and this is how you want to spend this afternoon?"

Julia threw the report down on the desk. "Me? You are the one who is choosing to travel half way around the world rather than spend an evening with me."

Jerry laid the roses on the desk. "That is ridiculous and you know it. I told you last night that we would spend this afternoon together but you refused to listen to me. Stop making more out of this than what it is."

Julia looked at him. "Jerry, I know that you are not a hopeless romantic and I accept that. I am not expecting to be serenaded and to spend every evening with candlelight, champagne and dancing. But I don't think it is too much to ask that for Valentine's Day and our anniversary, we spend time together and that some romance be involved. Am I wrong?"

"Julia, I am not Jax. I don't derive the pleasure that he does from planning some romantic and sentimental extravaganza. But, I am not stupid nor totally insensitive. I now understand how much those things mean to you. I know how much I screwed up last Valentine's Day and I would never do that again. You have to know that I did not purposely plan a trip to Hong Kong to avoid spending this Valentine's Day with you."

Julia rubbed her temple. "I know that but it does not make me feel any better. I am disappointed and hurt."

Jerry took a deep breath just as a knock was heard at the door. Sally was broadly smiling as she opened the door. "There is another delivery for you."

Julia sighed. "Whatever."

Jerry casually leaned back in the chair and smugly smiled. A beautifully set table appeared in the doorway followed by two waiters dressed in tuxedos. The waiters walked into the room pushing a dining cart and a champagne bucket. Behind them strolled in three violinists and two delivery men with huge sprays of roses.

One of the delivery men looked at Jerry and Jerry nodded back at him. The delivery man then pinned a huge illustration of the Eiffel Tower onto the wall next to the dining table. The office lights were turned off and the candles were lit on the table. Then the violinists began playing a familiar French melody.

Julia put her head in her hands and Jerry got out of his chair and walked around her desk. He extended his hand to her. "Mrs. Jacks, would you care to join me for an evening of dinner and dancing." Jerry then pointed to the Eiffel Tower illustration and then to his watch. It is almost 7:00pm here in Paris."

Julia was so taken aback that she was paralyzed in her chair. Jerry could not read the expression on her face.

Jerry shook his head. "Good God. Please don't tell me that I have to serenade you."

Julia laughed as she took Jerry's hand. "No, I will save us both that experience." She kissed him and then they walked over to the table. One waiter held out Julia's chair for her as the other uncorked the champagne and then filled their glasses.

Julia sighed. "I am sorry for acting like a spoiled brat."

Jerry smiled at her. "Now you can explain to Pierre the next time we go to Tersiguel's why I had to cancel the private room I had arranged for and why he had to send everyone here."

Julia grimaced. "Oh God."

Jerry shook his head at her. "Since you were not speaking to me, I knew there was no way I could get you out of here so we went to the back-up plan."

Julia looked around. "It is perfect."

Jerry raised his glass. "Julia, I love you. I never knew what love really meant but now I can't imagine how I lived without it, without you. Whether I am here or half way across the world, know that you are with me."

A tear rolled down her cheek. "And you claim not to be a romantic nor into sentiment. I can't tell you how much this means to me. And you need to know that you are always with me. I love you, I love you so much."

They leaned in for a kiss as the music filled the air and the light of the candles flickered brilliantly. Neither could measure up to the music of their hearts nor the brightness of their love. The gift of love once again reigned supreme.

Paradise Cove Mountain Inn -- 7:00pm

Early this afternoon, Jax and Brenda had dropped off Jillian with Lois for the night. Brenda had made arrangements with Emily to watch Jillian, Brooke and Anthony for the evening so that Ned and Lois could go out to dinner for their own celebration. Jax and Brenda had then flown to New Hampshire late this afternoon to spend the evening at the inn located in the heart of the White Mountains.

Paradise Cove Mountain Inn was securely nestled atop one of the lookout points on the mountain peak. The scene looked like a winter wonderland now amidst the snow, icicles and frozen lake below. After arriving at Paradise Cove, Jax and Brenda had spent the early evening in the neighboring village and had just returned to the inn.

Jax opened the door to the suite and carried Brenda into the room. She spoke between her bursts of laughter. "Are you going to carry me over the threshold every time we enter this suite?"

Jax kicked the door shut with his foot. "Of course. It is the honeymoon suite."

Brenda rested her head against his chest. "I still can't believe you booked the honeymoon suite." Brenda looked around the room. "It is so lovely, this whole place is. I can't believe you found it."

Jax sat down on the couch with Brenda still in his arms. "I wanted today to be special for us. This is our anniversary, at least one of them."

Brenda giggled. "Yes, it is. I can't believe it has been four years since we said our vows at St. Vincent's with Robin, Thao and the entire Cerrullo family in attendance."

Jax sighed. "It was some day. I remember every moment of it -- the wedding, the reception, the honeymoon night."

Brenda snuggled deeper into Jax's arms. "I will never forget how incredible you looked when you danced with Brooke in the Cerrullo's dining room at the reception. The whole day was so beautiful."

Jax rested his cheek on top of Brenda's head. "It was also the day we found out that we were expecting Jillian."

Brenda smiled brightly. "Yes, and that was the most incredible aspect of the entire day."

Jax kissed the top of Brenda's head. "And now our little princess is just breaking hearts wherever she goes."

Brenda laughed as she turned her head to face Jax. "That she is."

Jax caressed her face with the back of his hand. "She is as beautiful as her Mommy."

"And she has the same loving and giving heart as her Daddy."

Jax stroked Brenda's chin. "The same loving and giving heart that we both have. We have been truly blessed."

Brenda nodded. "Yes, we have. I never thought I would feel that way again. Last year at this time...."

Jax cradled her face with both of his hands. "I know, sweetie."

Brenda took a deep breath. "I don't even remember last Valentine's Day but it feels like a lifetime ago."

Jax gave her a lopsided grin. "I know and that means so much. We are living again."

Brenda nodded and covered his hands with hers. "I am so happy to be here with you right now, just the two of us. I love you so much. I don't think I will ever be able to stop telling you that."

Jax kissed her eyelids and nose. "I will never get tired of hearing it. I love you, Brenda."

Their lips met and then a knock was heard at the door. Jax released her lips. "Dinner has arrived."

Brenda slid out of Jax's lap. "And just as I was about to enjoy dessert."

Jax laughed as he got up from the sofa. "Do not worry, my love. There will be late night dining."

Brenda sighed as she spoke in a seductive whisper. "I certainly hope I will be able to come back for third and fourth servings."

Jax winked at her as he walked to the door. "Trust me, the feast will be bountiful."

Brenda slowly ran her tongue over her upper lip. "As in all-you-can-eat?" Brenda contently sighed. "My favorite."

Jax shook his finger at her in mock discipline and then opened the door. The meal and champagne were wheeled into the living room of the suite and Jax turned on the CD player to provide the background music. He quietly confirmed with the waiter that the rest of the arrangements had been taken care of and then Jax and Brenda were left alone to enjoy their quiet dinner together.

Jax's eyes were fixed on Brenda as the candlelight flickered on her face making her ebony eyes glisten even more than usual. Brenda smiled as the golden highlights of Jax's hair shimmered in the light. Jax reached his arm across the table and took her small hand in his. Brenda threaded her fingers through his as they gazed at one another.

Jax picked up his glass. "Brenda, you are the love of my life. You are such a part of me that I don't even know where I start and where you end anymore. You have given me more love, joy and happiness than any man could ever ask for. I love you with everything I have and I am yours now and always."

Brenda looked at him with blinding love in her eyes. "Jax, you have taught me what real love is. You have shown me the power of it. You have also taught me that love is timeless and immeasurable. I wake up every morning and the first thing I feel is the love that I have in my heart for you. And it is the last thing I feel before I close my eyes every night. You are with me always and I will love you for the rest of my life."

The sound of their clinking champagne glasses was heard and then Jax leaned across the table and kissed Brenda softly on the lips. Between kisses and caresses, they took turns feeding one another dinner. When Jax opened the lid to the bowls of strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream for dessert, Brenda got out of her chair and moved onto his lap.

Jax dipped a strawberry into the chocolate and moved it to Brenda's mouth. After she enjoyed the delicacy, Brenda removed a plump berry from the bowl and dipped it into her glass of champagne. She brushed the fruit over Jax's lips and then eased the strawberry into his mouth. Brenda kissed Jax fully on the mouth, savoring the flavor of the dessert. Jax then sucked the champagne and fruit juice from her fingers. As Brenda sat in his lap, Jax's hand roamed over her blouse gently squeezing the fullness of her breasts.

Their lips met between servings of dessert and Jax periodically rubbed the whipped cream laden berries over Brenda's lips and then licked all traces of the sweet treat from her mouth. Brenda nibbled at Jax's ear as she fed him. When the fruit bowl was empty and the first course of their dessert was completed, Jax helped Brenda to her feet. He blew out the candles on the table and took her hand and led her up the stairs to the bedroom.

The bedroom speakers were on so the music of the CD player was heard in the bedroom. There were small lit candles scattered throughout the room. Jax slipped a coat over Brenda's arms and then opened the door leading out to the balcony. The balcony was lit with small lanterns which sat at the ground level and on the balcony walls. There were portable heaters on the walls and on the ground level as well.

Jax walked out to the center of the balcony and extended his hand to Brenda. "Would you do me the honor of joining me in this dance?"

Brenda smiled. "It would be my pleasure." As she met him on the balcony, Brenda shook her head in amazement. "Only you would see to it that an outside balcony in the snowy mountains in February was perfect for dancing."

Jax wrapped his arms around her. "You know what dancing on balconies means to us."

Brenda melted into his embrace. "Yes. Now we can add Paradise Cove to New Orleans."

Jax looked down at her. "Are you warm enough?"

Brenda gently touched his face. "In your arms, I could never be anything but warm. Jax, this whole evening has been so beautiful."

Jax smiled as he tightened his arms around her. Brenda closed her eyes as she felt Jax's heart beating against his chest. It was the most incredible feeling in the world. Jax softly kissed the top of her head as he savored the feel of Brenda in his arms.

The music changed and they began their dance.

You fill up my senses,
Like a night in the forest.
Like the mountains in springtime.
Like a walk in the rain.

Brenda lifted her head and they gazed at one another. Every ounce of love they felt for each another sparkled in their eyes. Brenda lifted her hand to his face. Their bodies moved to the music as their hearts joined in on the song. Jax lowered his head and his lips covered hers. The kiss was gentle in touch but overpowering with passion.

Like a storm in the desert.
Like the sleepy blue ocean.
You fill up my senses,
Come fill me again.

Light snow began to fall and their hearts overflowed with devotion and adoration for each other. Jax's hand cupped her cheek as their lips reunited over and over again. They continued to dance to the melody. Their lips finally parted as the snow began falling harder and faster. Huge snowflakes glistened in Brenda's hair and on her eyelashes. Laughter rolled from her lips as Jax lifted her up and twirled her around the balcony.

Come let me love you,
Let me give my life to you.
Let me drown in your laughter
Let me die in your arms.

They danced across the balcony and drifted over the threshold of the door leading to the bedroom. They floated into the bedroom and Jax kicked the balcony door shut behind them. Jax pushed Brenda's coat from her shoulders and she unbuttoned his shirt and slid it to the floor. Jax tore open the buttons of her blouse and it joined his shirt on the floor. Brenda leapt into Jax's arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. Their lips reunited as he carried her to the bed. Jax sat down and Brenda pushed him onto the soft down comforter. Their mouths and hands began to explore each other fully.

Let me lay down beside you.
Let me always be with you.
Come let me love you,
Come love me again.

Clothing was removed and Jax and Brenda fell against the soft pillows. Jax covered her body with his as the light from the candles danced across the room. Amidst moans of pleasure and murmurings of love, their bodies united in an intense display of ardor. Throughout the night, they loved each other again and again in the most giving and passionate way they knew how. Their bodies expressed the feelings held deep within their hearts. It was pure and it was simple. It was the gift of love.

Thursday, February 15, 2001
Paradise Cove Mountain Inn -- 11:00am

Jax awoke to the sound of knocking at the door. He quietly got out of bed and opened up the door to accept the package he had arranged for yesterday during their trip to the village. He put the package on the nightstand and then crawled into bed and pulled Brenda back into his arms. Jax arranged the comforter to cover Brenda as she slept on his chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and ran his hand gently through her hair. She sighed deeply as she snuggled her cheek against his neck. Her eyes then fluttered open and she moved her head so that she was looking up at Jax.

Her face was shining brighter than the tropical sun. "Morning."

Jax rubbed her back. "Good morning, beautiful."

Brenda kissed his chest. "What time is it?"

Jax grinned. "Let me put it this way, we will be eating lunch for breakfast."

Brenda smiled as she rested her head against Jax's chest again. "Well, that is to be expected since someone didn't let me get to sleep until dawn."

Jax laughed. "If memory serves me correctly, it was because of you that we did not go to sleep until dawn. Mrs. Jacks, you really are insatiable these days."

Brenda turned her head to face him. "Is that a complaint?"

Jax shook his head. "Not at all. Why the hell do you think I stay married to you?"

Brenda raised her eyebrow as she spoke. "I think we both have developed quite voracious appetites so you have no room to talk, Mr. Jacks."

Jax smirked at her. "Talking is definitely not the issue."

Brenda giggled. "So true." She then looked over his shoulder and saw the gift wrapped box on the nightstand. "What is that?"

Jax rolled his eyes. "Impatient, aren't we?"

Brenda sat up and squealed. "Does that mean it is a gift for me?"

Jax shrugged. "Either you or the woman I am hiding under this bed."

Brenda held out her hand. "You would have no energy left for any other woman so hand it over."

Jax laughed loudly. "Pretty sure of yourself, aren't you?"

Brenda took the box from Jax and smiled brightly at him. "Yes, but I am even surer of you."

Jax could not help but grin as he watched her unwrap the box. She was still just like a little girl when there were gifts involved. She and Jillian may as well have been twins when it came to opening presents.

Brenda opened the lid and lifted the beautiful globe from the box. She shook it up and watched as the tiny snowflakes fell over the scene. Atop the cliff, the mountain inn stood with the tiny village located below it.

Brenda turned to Jax and beamed. "It's this inn and the village."

Jax nodded. "Yes." He then pointed at the globe toward the back of the inn. "Our room is right there. I am sorry that the balcony can't be seen in the globe."

Brenda smiled as she turned the globe over again and watched the snow fall. "I can see it, Jax. I can see the balcony perfectly."

Jax wrapped his arm around her. "You are right. The balcony is there."

Brenda kissed him fully on the lips. "Jax, I love it and it will be a constant reminder of this incredible twenty four hour escape from the rest of the world."

"I am so glad you like it."

Brenda looked at the store's name on the box and smiled again. "I think we should go back to the store this afternoon and see if there is a small globe for Jillian. Maybe one with a snowman or some ice skaters. She would love it."

Jax kissed Brenda's hand. "She would. We can go after we eat."

"Speaking of eating, I am starving right now."

Jax's large hand cupped her cheek. "I know the feeling. After last night and this morning, I have worked up quite an appetite."

Brenda slyly smiled at him. "Not as much as the one I have developed."

Jax flashed her a big grin. "We will just have to see who has the bigger appetite at lunch."

Brenda nodded. "Deal. We can get dressed and go downstairs to the cafe and just see who is the winner."

Jax sighed. "Since you are in such a hurry, maybe we should save time and take a shower together."

Brenda sat up in bed. "That is an idea. Of course, we could also use the shower as part of our pre-competition warm-up."

Jax nodded in agreement as he sat up. "I was thinking the same thing. To achieve the best conditions for our competition, we want to be fully prepared. So we should both be completely ravenous."

Brenda beamed brightly as Jax lifted her into his arms. "I like the way you think, Mr. Jacks."

Jax began walking toward the bathroom. "Mrs. Jacks, I aim to please."

Brenda grinned like a cheshire cat. "You certainly do and I can't tell you how happy that makes me."

They both laughed as they entered the bathroom. Jax turned on the shower and Brenda squealed as he held her under the running water. Jax's hands roamed across Brenda's thighs as her mouth explored his chest. Moans of pleasure echoed from the shower stall as they quenched some of their thirsts while working up their appetites for lunch. They were both going to be completely prepared for their competition. Appetites were definitely going to be at an all-time high for this contest.

Paradise Cove Mountain Inn -- 3:00pm

Jax and Brenda had returned to the inn a little earlier after going into the village and picking up a snow globe for Jillian. They had hit the jackpot in finding a small globe with both a snowman and a pond with ice skaters. Brenda knew that Jillian would be thrilled.

As they walked out of the inn, Jax took Brenda's hand. They were going to take a final walk along the snowy mountainside before heading back to Port Charles. The sun was brightly shining as the snow glistened all around them.

Jax shook his head as he looked down at Brenda. "You can stop trying to suppress that silly grin of yours. You are going to burst."

Brenda cleared her throat. "Maybe, but I think I will probably burst first from all the food I ate at lunch."

Jax shook his head as they trudged through the fresh snow to reach the overlook. "I still think I need to check your purse to see where all that food is hidden."

Brenda smiled smugly. "Oh, you do?"

Jax nodded. "Either that or I need to go back and check under the table to see if Lady is there enjoying numerous table scraps."

Brenda laughed as her fingers laced with his. "You lost, Jax. Now you have to pay the price."

Jax sighed. "And what may I ask will that be?"

Brenda gave him a lopsided grin. "Don't worry. I will let you know."

Jax rolled his eyes as he helped Brenda up the steep incline toward the outlook. "Why does that worry me?"

Brenda laughed as she wrapped her right hand around Jax's upper arm. "Honey, would I ever do anything to cause you any concern?"

Jax gave her a look of incredulity. "Do I really have to answer that?"

Brenda shook her head. "Of course not." She then casually ran her left hand along the snow covered bushes as they continued on the trail.

Jax smiled. "Good. Then...." He stammered as he felt the freezing snow when Brenda smashed it against his neck. "That is cold."

Brenda gave him a look of mock concern. "Oh, my poor baby."

Jax picked up a handful of snow. "Your sincere worry is so appreciated."

Brenda ducked down as the snowball flew over her head. "Thank you."

Jax and Brenda both grabbed handfuls of snow and began throwing snowballs at one another. They were both laughing and slipping and sliding as they continued their battle. Brenda was being blasted and she finally put up her hands in defeat.

Jax laughed. "Brenda Barrett-Jacks, are you actually surrendering?"

Brenda sighed in exasperation. "Yes, I can't compete with those huge hands of yours."

Jax shook his head. "Oh, my poor baby."

Brenda rolled her eyes. "Very funny."

Jax grinned as he walked over to her. "I thought so."

Brenda tried to fight off her laughter. "If I did not love you so much, you would be in serious trouble."

Jax wrapped his arms around her waist. "Lucky me."

Brenda nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

Jax laughed as he lifted Brenda into his arms and carried her the rest of the way to the overlook. When they reached it, he kicked away several inches of the fresh snow and then put her down. Jax put his arms around her waist as he stood behind Brenda. They looked out over the snow covered mountains and then at the valley below. It looked like a winter wonderland from their vantage point.

Brenda sighed. "It is so beautiful."

Jax turned Brenda around so that she was facing him. "So are you."

Brenda touched his face. "Thank you for this -- for my globe and for last night and for this morning and for this moment. Thank you for all of it. I can't believe how happy you make me."

Jax wrapped his arms around her. "Seeing you happy gives me more joy than anything in this world. You just tell me what I can do to make you happy and I will do it."

Brenda wrapped her arms around Jax's neck. "Kiss me."

Jax gazed at her. "I'm serious."

Brenda smiled. "Kiss me."

Jax tenderly kissed her lips. "Are you sure you don't want me to bring you back a thimble of snow from the top of that mountain? Name it and it is yours."

Brenda shook her head. "Kiss me again."

Jax smiled as his lips covered hers. Against the backdrop of the winter paradise, Jax and Brenda shared their love. They were gifts to each other and no other gift of love could ever compare.

SONG CREDITS: "Annie's Song" by John Denver [May sunshine always be on his shoulders and country roads always take him home.]