Monday, September 1, 1997
The Jacks Residence -- 11:00am

Julia and Brenda had spent the morning bringing each other up to date on the recent events in their lives. Brenda had given Julia all the details about the investigation of Miranda.

"Brenda, I can't believe this. How did she think she would ever get away with this? What on earth would ever her make her think that Jax would leave you and return to her?"

"She is obviously very delusional. That fact has convinced Jax that she has to be removed from our lives for good. It can't happen too soon for me. Do you know how difficult it has been for me to avoid her these last few weeks? If I saw her, I do not think I could control myself which would destroy the whole plan."

"I do not blame you one bit. Everything that she put you and Jax through and even his family. The woman is a maniac."

"I only care about the pain she has put Jax through. His anger is driving him now but she hurt him so much. My heart breaks when I think about what she did to him."

"Your love for Jax will help him overcome the hurt she caused. You and the baby will be his salvation."

"I hope so, Julia."

Jax and Jerry then walked into the kitchen as Jose was pouring Julia more coffee. Jerry walked over to the table and stood next to Jose. "Good morning to you lovely ladies." He then looked at Julia. "Morning to you as well, Julia."

Jax sighed. "Jerry..."

"Jax, she is no lady. She tried to scald me this morning in the shower."

Brenda looked up. "Excuse me."

"Ms. Barrett came into my bathroom when I was in the shower and flushed the toilet and ran the cold water in the sink in an attempt to scorch my delicate skin."

Brenda rolled her eyes. "What is this with the bathroom and the two of you? Is everyone opposed to locked doors?"

"The bathroom door was locked. Little Ms. Scorcher here picked the lock."

"Julia, tell me you did not do that."

"My actions were justified. Ask him how many times he banged on the wall of my room last night. All night long right over above my head there was this incessant knocking."

Jax shook his head. "Do we have to put you two children on opposite sides of the house?"

Julia folded her arms. "How about opposite sides of the city?"

Jerry locked eyes with Julia. "We would need to be on opposite of the state for me to not hear your big mouth."

Brenda got up from the table. "That's enough you two. You are providing a lousy example for your niece or nephew-to-be."

"I wholeheartedly agree. You two are stuck here together since everyone is supposed to think Jerry has left Port Charles. Am I going to be forced to rope off separate areas of the house for each of your uses?"

"That will not be necessary Jax so long as your brother stays away from me."

"Julia, you are the one who can't stay away from me."

Julia growled and stormed out of the kitchen. Jerry shrugged his shoulders. "Women." He then walked out of the kitchen as Jax and Brenda shook their heads.

"I guess it's recess in our kindergarten class."

Jax walked over to Brenda and put his arms around her, resting his chin on her head. "Unfortunately, something tells me that recess won't last very long."

"Are you okay? Are you sure you can get through this plan?"

"Yes, on both counts. Brenda, it is the only way."

"I want to help you and I mean more than orchestrating a scene on the phone."

"I told you that was out of the question. I will not have you dragged into this."

"I know but I hate just sitting around here doing nothing."

"Doing nothing? I do not characterize carrying our child, loving and supporting me as doing nothing."

Brenda turned around to face Jax. "Why do you always know exactly what to say to make me feel better?"

"It's a gift."

She stroked Jax's cheek. "You're a gift, Mr. Jacks." Brenda then got serious. "Are you ready for this afternoon?"

"Yes. It will be the beginning of the end."

Miranda's Apartment -- 4:00pm

Jax stood outside the door to the apartment and took a deep breath. His stomach churned at the thought of his impending encounter but he knew it was the only way the plan would succeed. He knocked on the door and after a few seconds the door was opened by a shocked Miranda.

"Jax. What a wonderful surprise. Come in."

Jax walked into the apartment and started pacing around the living room.

"Jax, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. I happened to be in the neighborhood and I thought I would stop by to see how you are. I was worried about you. Are you sleeping any better?"

"Not really. I think Dr. Hartley is right. I do have to get back to the mine before I can start to put all this behind me."

"Addie is working on clearing my schedule for the end of next week so we can go. I know you can't do it alone and it is the least I owe you."

"What about the baby?"

"The baby is not due until the end of the month. I can easily fit in our trip and all the other matters I need to attend to before the baby comes."

At that moment, Jax's cellular phone rang. "Jax, here."

Brenda soothingly spoke into the receiver. "We are going to get through this together."

Jax moved across the room as Miranda intently listened to Jax's end of the conversation.

Jax spoke in an angry whisper. "What is the problem now? I told you I had some work to do at the office. Do you ever listen to me?"

"Just remember I love you."

Jax was getting agitated. "Of course, no one is answering the phone. Addie is not working, it's Labor Day so the office is closed.

"We'll be here waiting for you when you come home."

Miranda was enjoying the scene unfolding around her. "No, I do not know when I will be home. I'm sure you will find plenty of ways to occupy your time though. I'm sure Luke's is open for the holiday."

"This will be over soon, my darling."

Miranda saw Jax clench his teeth. "Don't even bother trying to explain. I am tired of hearing it. I have work to do. Good-bye."

"Good-bye, my love."

Jax slammed shut the phone as Miranda's gaze met his eyes.

"Are you okay?"

"How I wish things were as simple as they were on our days at the beach. What I wouldn't give..." He locked eyes with Miranda. "I'm sorry Miranda. I came over here to talk about you not me. It is you who I am concerned about. Is there anything I can do?"

"Jax, your care and concern mean so much to me."

Jax sat on the couch and then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small package. "I almost forgot about this. Here is something for you."

Miranda sat down next to him and opened the package to find a beautiful porcelain statue of a horse. "Jax is looks just like the stallion you had when we were in Australia."

"Yes, just like the one I was riding the day I met you on that beach. My life changed forever on that day. When I saw the statue, I immediately thought about you."

Miranda took Jax's hand in hers. "Jax, when I think about how much we meant to each other."

Jax spoke very deliberately. "I know Miranda. I now know how much we really meant to each other then."

There was a period of silence between the two of them and then Jax rose to his feet. "I had better be going. I will see you tomorrow at the office."

"Okay. Thanks for the beautiful gift."

"You're welcome." Jax walked to the door. "Miranda, if you ever need to talk, please call me. I does not matter what time it is, just call if you ever just want to talk. You have my private cell phone number."

"Jax, I'll remember that. Good night."

Miranda closed the door and began dancing around her apartment. She could not believe what had transpired this afternoon. Jax was finally becoming aware of the sins of saintly Brenda and at the same time was remembering the good times of the past. Miranda was overjoyed at how easy this was going to be. On the other side of the door, Jax finally was able to unclench his jaw. He had survived the latest round with the snake and he knew how overconfident she was. Her arrogance would be her downfall.

The Jacks' Residence -- 9:00pm

Jerry had displayed his culinary talents by barbecuing hamburgers and chicken on the grill to celebrate the holiday. The evening had been relatively uneventful with the exception of an altercation between Jerry and Julia about the amount of cayenne pepper in Julia's hamburger. Jerry feigned ignorance as did Julia when the top to the ketchup bottle miraculously came loose as Jerry was using it. Jax and Brenda simply ignored the antics of their siblings.

After dinner, Jerry spent several hours in Jax's home office working on the Canadian Timber deal and Julia went upstairs to review some contracts for Barrett Industries. Both knew that Jax and Brenda needed some time alone. The sky was clear and the stars were brightly twinkling above as Jax and Brenda took a moonlit stroll through the gardens.

"Is everything all set up for tomorrow?"

"Yes, everything has been taken care of."

"I hate what this is doing to you."

"Don't worry. We will get through it."

"You're right, the two of us can overcome any obstacle."

"Brenda, do you realize it won't be just the two of us much longer? It will be the three of us very soon and we will be a real family."

"A real family. That is all I have ever wanted. You told me that you wanted to make all my dreams come true and you have."

"You have made all mine come true so it is the least I could do for you."

Brenda looked up at the sky. "Jax, look a shooting star! Quick, make a wish."

Jax and Brenda both closed their eyes for a moment and made their private wishes. Brenda looked at Jax and noticed the huge grin on his face. "What are you thinking about?"

"I was remembering when I referred to you as a shooting star."

"When did you do that?"

"It was when we were in Alaska the first time you met my parents. Mum and I were talking about you and I told her you were like a shooting star that I had to grab before you were gone forever."

"Jax, that won't happen. I would never leave you."

"I know that. Nobody leaves."

"We have come a long way from that day in Alaska. We have overcome so much and shared so much."

"Brenda, I did not think I could love you more than I did that day but those feelings don't even hold a candle to what I feel for you now."

"I know and that's all that matters. You love me and I love you and this baby is going to be raised amidst that love. What could be more perfect?"

"Nothing, my darling. Absolutely nothing."

Jax and Brenda stand entwined in each other's arms amidst the stillness of the September evening and the depth of the love in their hearts.

Tuesday, September 2, 1997
The Jacks' Residence -- Noon

Brenda and Julia were having lunch by the pool as they discussed Julia's relocation to Port Charles. Julia had a flight to London this evening but planned to return to Port Charles in two weeks to start rendering her services to J & J Jacks on a full-time basis.

"I hope the baby waits until after I get back here to make its entrance into the world."

"At this point, I think I will be pregnant forever. I never realized how long nine months was until now."

"It will all be over soon and you and Jax will have a beautiful baby to love."

"You're right. Jax tells me the same thing. He has been so supportive and loving and attentive through all this."

"I have seen how supportive and loving you are to each other. You are both very lucky."

"We are. Julia, I know you will find the same happiness one day."

"I am not so sure about that."

Jerry then appeared on the terrace and walked over to the pool area to join Brenda and Julia.

"Good afternoon Brenda." He then looked at Julia. "You haven't left yet?"

Julia glared at Jerry. "You haven't crawled back into your cage yet? I'm sure the zookeeper is looking for you as we speak."

The terrace door opened and Corrine walked over to Jerry. "Here you are, Mr. Jacks." She then returned to the house.

Brenda looked inquisitively at Jerry. "Jerry, what are you doing with that broom?"

Jerry offered the broom to Julia. "Here Julia. Your transportation arrangements have been made for your return to London."

Julia grabbed the broom and quickly got out of her chair. She began to chase Jerry around the pool. "You animal. You are the most despicable, vile excuse for a human being that I have ever met."

"Such big words from such a shrew. What type of evil brew did you have to concoct to enable you to spout out such?"

"You are going to be the one spouting when I get finished with you."

Brenda had to blink to make sure she was not seeing things. There was Julia chasing Jerry with a broom around the pool furniture and through the flower beds bordering the pool area. Jerry then ran back to the pool and slipped as he tried to jump over a chaise lounge. He was sprawled out over the chair as Julia reached him. She put down the broom and extended her hand toward him. As Jerry was about to grab her hand, Julia pushed him backwards straight into the pool. She then threw the broom in the pool barely missing his head.

"Sorry for the inconvenience but your means of transportation has been grounded due to flooding." Julia then turned and walked to the terrace in order to enter the house.

Brenda was silent as she watched Jerry get out of the pool. He walked over and sat down next to her. "That was refreshing. Now it's just you and me kid."

Brenda rolled her eyes at him. "You are a piece of work."

Jerry grinned like a cheshire cat. "Yes, a masterpiece."

Brenda laughed and swatted Jerry on the arm.

J & J Jacks -- 2:00pm

Jax had finished meeting with Scott about Julia's acceptance of the job offer. He had made it clear to Scott that Julia's role with J & J Jacks had to be kept strictly confidential until further notice. With the exception of Scott, only Jerry and Addie knew of Julia's impending role with the company. Jax told Scott it was a prerequisite of Julia's acceptance so she could properly handle her transition from Barrett Industries. In reality, the secrecy was to prevent Miranda from hearing of the news.

Jax called Addie into his office. She walked in and closed the door. "Are you clear about what I need you to do?"

"Yes, Mr. Jacks. Are you ready?"

"Yes. Give me two minutes and then buzz her. I appreciate your assistance and discretion in this."

"Do not mention it. I will go to my desk and call her as you requested."

Addie sat at her desk and after the minutes had passed, she buzzed Miranda. Miranda walked over to Addie's desk. "Miranda, Mr. Jacks would like to see you. He..."

At that same moment, Jax picked up his private line and dialed Addie's direct number. The phone rang interrupting Addie's statement. "Excuse me, Miranda."

Addie picked up the line to hear Jax's voice. "Make your excuse to go downstairs and then send her into the office."

"I am sorry but that is not acceptable. I will be right down to straighten this out. Keep the messenger there." Addie then hung up the phone and continued speaking to Miranda. "I'm sorry, Miranda. As I was saying, Mr. Jacks has asked to see you."

"Should I go into his office?"

"He asked that I send you in immediately. I also need to ask you a favor. I have to go downstairs to handle a delivery problem so will you pick up his telephone lines when you are in the office with him?"

"Of course."

Miranda silently walked into Jax's office and saw that he was on his private line with his back to her. She listened as his conversation continued.

"I don't care about that now. You know what I want and I always get what I want. What about the custody issue? Of course I can get witnesses about the relationship. Good grief, the entire town knows about the violence, his wife and child were blown to bits. No, I will not reconsider, she lied to me. It's not even what she did that upsets so much, I am upset that she did not tell me the truth. The only thing I won't accept is a liar. Confession is good for the soul and its the only saving grace in my eyes. If she had just told me, things would be different. Now she will have to face the consequences. Get back to me immediately. I have plans to leave town next week and everything has to be in order by then. Call me when you have the information and remember under no circumstances are you to call me at home, only use the private office line or my private cellular number. Good-bye."

Jax swiveled around in his chair and saw Miranda. "Miranda, I'm sorry. I did not realize you were here."

"Addie told me you wanted to see me."

"Yes, please sit."

The phone then rang and Miranda stood up. "Addie had to run downstairs and asked that I pick up the main lines. "Mr. Jacks' office. How can I help you?"

"Miranda, what the hell are you doing answering Jax's phone?"

"Jerry, how nice to hear your voice. Where are you these days, traveling the South Seas?"

"You did not answer my question. Why are you answering this phone? I told you to stay away from Jax."

"Sure Jerry. Here is your brother."

Miranda then passed the receiver to Jax. Jax watched Miranda clench her fists together once she had given him the phone. Miranda sat back down and tried to hide her deep interest in the conversation as Jax begin to speak.

"Hey Jerry. What is the situation there? The work day is over in Munich so what happened with the union elections?"

Jerry sighed into the phone. "I bet the bitch is shaking in her seat."

After a moment, Jax continued. "Good. When do you expect to come back to the States? I may need you in Port Charles at the end of next week. I have to go to Australia to take care of some things."

Jerry laughed. "Ten to one she is making a deal with God now to prevent you from spilling the beans about your trip."

Miranda felt a knot in her stomach as she feared what Jax would disclose to Jerry. "I just have to take care of some personal matters. Don't worry about Brenda. How many times have I told you to stop interfering in my personal life?"

"Speaking of Brenda, do you know that she made a pass at me today. Your days are numbered. She has finally realized who the real man in the Jacks family is." Brenda, who was sitting next to Jerry at the time, kicked him in the shin. "Ouch!"

Jax had to keep himself from laughing out loud before he continued. "I don't want to talk about this. The subject is off limits. You, Mum and Dad have already done enough damage there. I have to go Jerry. I will talk to you next week about this. Good-bye."

Jax hung up the phone and sighed. "Where were we?"

"Are you okay?"

"No, but I will be soon." There was a period of awkward silence. "I asked to see you to discuss our trip. I have cleared my schedule for a week starting the middle of next week. We need to make arrangements for you now. Scott will have to have a replacement for you."

"Of course. You don't need office gossip so I think it will be best if we keep my part of the trip just between us."

"You're right. It is probably a good idea for you to take two full weeks off beginning Monday so it will not appear that the dates of travel coincide exactly. Addie will assist you in finding a replacement."

"That sounds perfect. I am actually beginning to look forward to this trip."

"So am I. I though we could get together and discuss the specifics."

"When?"

"How about this evening?"

"Sure. Where?"

"How about your place?"

"Perfect."

"I'll see you there around 7:00pm?"

"Jax, I look forward to it."

"As do I. I will see you then."

Miranda's Apartment -- 7:00pm

Jax had just arrived and Miranda had poured him a brandy. He sat on the sofa and Miranda noticed that he seemed upset.

"What's the matter, Jax? I want to help you like you have helped me."

Jax swirled the brandy around in the snifter. "I don't want you to worry about me. You are the one here that needs the support."

"Don't you know how much I care about you? I hurt when you hurt. You are so special to me."

"I know how special I am to you. I often wonder how you can feel anything for me after my role in the explosion."

"Stop. That was the past, this is now. All I care about is today and what the future will be. Remember our plans? We were going to have the most perfect life together."

"How can I forget them? You don't know how much I wish I could go back. There have been so many mistakes made. I wish I could correct them all. I wish ..."

"We'll go back to the beach, Jax. Everything will be perfect there. It could be a new beginning for all of us."

Jax took Miranda's hand in his but then quickly released it and stood up from the couch. "I can't do this to you. It is not fair. I gave up any rights to our future when I divorced you."

"Jax don't you know this is what all I want. This is what I have wanted since the day I saw first saw you in Port Charles. I knew Brenda was going to hurt you. She does not deserve you or your love. She just wanted to hold on to you long enough to make Sonny come crawling back to her."

"She lied to me. If she had only told me the truth I would have understood. We could have just ended it. We weren't even legally married. I stayed with her because I let my pride get in the way and I felt I owed her something."

"You don't owe her anything. She is making a fool out of you. You only owe your child a safe happy life."

"There is no way that my child is going to be raised anywhere near that mobster. Brenda can get herself her killed but I won't let her jeopardize the safety of my child."

"Brenda is probably using the pregnancy more as a bargaining chip than anything else. After the baby is born, you can get custody. If she really wants a baby, she can have Sonny's child and they can be a little mobster family. In the meantime, we can leave Port Charles and go wherever you want. We can be the family we dreamed about on the beach."

"Miranda, how could you ever trust me again after everything that has happened?"

"I love you Jax. I never stopped. We were meant to be together and we will be."

"I have to figure some things out. I can't hurt you again. I won't drag you into this, Miranda, I promise. We are going to get you well and then move forward."

"I trust you. We will make this work."

"I better go while I still have the willpower."

"Okay. I'm not going anywhere. I will see you tomorrow."

"Good night."

Jax left the apartment and spent the next hour driving around the city. He was trying to calm down before he saw Brenda. He did not know how he had contained himself around Miranda. He had never wanted to wring someone's neck as much as he had this evening, even in the days of Sonny's machinations. The things that Miranda had said about Brenda had burned a hole through his heart. Miranda, the woman who had lied, deceived, manipulated, used and exploited him while still pledging her undying love, was criticizing Brenda, his wife who had done nothing but love, support and act as his pillar of strength. Jax knew that Miranda only wanted him as a prize in her vendetta against Brenda. Miranda was going to pay for all of this.

The Jacks' Residence -- 9:00pm

Jax walked into the house as Corrine walked through the foyer. He asked where Brenda and Jerry were and she told him that Brenda was in the bedroom and Jerry was in the office. Jax walked up the steps and entered the bedroom to find Brenda sitting on the bed propped up against an array of pillows. She was chanting while doing her yoga exercises.

"Not this again. The baby is going to think its mother is one of the Campbell Soup kids. You remember. Ummmmmmmmm."

"Quiet! You are interfering with the peace in this room."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I can remedy that." He then held up the peace sign with his two fingers as he began to undress.

Brenda threw a pillow at him. "Why do you have to be so close-minded? Yoga is a wonderful relaxation technique both physically and spiritually."

"Whatever you say."

"You are hopeless. Don't listen to your father, little one. There are some things that his brilliant mind refuses to grasp."

Jax climbed into bed and moved the pillows so that he could sit behind Brenda. He put his arms around her and pulled her close to him. He basked in the feel of her against him and then began gently massaging her stomach. Brenda covered his hands with hers as she rested her head against him.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really. It's done and she reacted to Jerry's call and my visit as we anticipated. What happened here? Did Julia get off on time?"

"Yes, but not before assisting Jerry in an unexpected dip in the pool."

"What?"

"To sum it up, Jerry gave Julia a broom to fly back to London with and she pushed him into the pool."

"I am glad to see that some things don't change."

Jax then pulled out the book, 'The Tales of Peter Rabbit,' from the night stand drawer and opened it up to chapter 5 where he had left off the evening before. He began reading it to the baby as Brenda continued to stroke her stomach. The moonlight streamed through the skylight over the bed and provided a perfect showcase for the loving family.

Friday, September 5, 1997
The Port Charles Grille -- 1:00pm

Over the previous two days, Jax had continued to lay the foundation for Miranda's pitfall. He and Miranda had shared lunch together and Jax had accidentally let it slip that he was having Brenda followed as a means to gather information for the divorce/custody action. Addie and Miranda had found a temporary replacement for Miranda during her vacation time.

Jax was certain that Miranda was convinced of his feelings for her and the plans for their future together. Just as Jax had suspected, her ego was her Achilles heel. Mac had called Jax the day before and told him that Miranda had made a few comments to him about possibly leaving Port Charles. Jax had also received reassurance from Mac that he would not stand in the way of Jax's plans for Miranda. Jax knew how difficult this was for Mac but there was no other way.

Jax and Miranda were at the Grille eating lunch. Jax confirmed the plans for their trip to Australia with Miranda. She assured him that her passport was in order and she was leaving Scott in the capable hands of her replacement. Miranda had no plans to return to J & J Jacks once she and Jax had returned from Australia as she expected Brenda to have the baby within the next few weeks. Shortly thereafter, Miranda expected to leave Port Charles with Jax and the baby. The only thing that Miranda worried about was Jax's family. Obviously she was not their favorite person and they seemed to have been completely snowed by Brenda. Miranda knew that once she got Jax to Australia, he would be immune to his family's influence.

They had traveled to the restaurant separately for appearance sake. Jax had a series of meetings to attend before he returned to the office later that evening so Miranda did not expect to see him until the evening. As they were getting ready to leave the restaurant, Jax's cellular phone rang.

"Hello, Jax here."

"I have a new chant. Repeat after me -- rid us of the repulsive reptile."

"Jerry, what is the problem now? I told you I am not going to discuss this with you. Why do you insist on dredging this up again?"

Jerry shook his head. "Ssssssssss. I bet she is trying to slither away now."

"I can't hear you the connection is terrible. Where are you? Why were you in Cooper's Ridge?"

Jerry continued. "I wonder what a snake looks like when it is caught in headlights? I bet if you had a camera now, we would know."

Miranda froze as Jax's phone conversation continued. "Jerry, give it up. Why do you even think I would listen to about this? I am late for a meeting so whatever you think you need to say to me will just have to wait until I see you. Good-bye."

Miranda watched as Jax shook his head and he turned off the phone. "He is unbelievable."

"What has you so upset, Jax?"

"My ridiculous brother. He's spouting something about me not knowing the whole story nor the whole truth. I have no clue as to what he is talking about. I guess I'll find out when he gets here."

Miranda had to stop herself from shaking. "When is he coming into town?"

"Sometime tomorrow evening. I have to get to my meeting with Ned. I will see you later."

Miranda was panicking now. She had three options. She could get to Jerry before he got to Jax or she could confess all to Jax before Jerry got to town or she could get out of town this evening. Miranda decided immediately against the third alternative. She was not going to give up her battle with the doe-eyed model. Miranda was going to thoroughly enjoy watching Brenda lose everything. She would have to get to Jerry and convince him that exposing her would only result in the exposure of his misdeeds. Miranda was certain that she could persuade Jerry to keep his mouth shut. She would tell him that she would leave her position at J & J Jacks and make plans to leave Port Charles. She would also tell Jerry that the truth would jeopardize John's health and Jax's relationship with the whole Jacks family. It would work at least for the short term and all she needed was time to get Jax back to Australia. There, he would be captivated by her charms and unable to resist their destiny. It was going to be too easy. Jax was going to be like putty in her hands.

Meanwhile as Jax left the parking lot, he immediately contacted Magnum to confirm that the tail for Miranda was in place. Jax also called his pilot to make sure the flight plan for Jerry's alleged trip had been filed. There would be plenty of time to cancel the flight plan before tomorrow evening. It was too late in the game for Jax to take any chances on a problem arising now. By the time the weekend was over, everything would be finished.

Miranda's Apartment -- 7:00pm

Miranda was going over her plans for her showdown with Jerry tomorrow. She had called the Port Charles Airport once she was back to the office this afternoon and found out that a flight plan had been filed for the Jacks' jet for an arrival from Melbourne tomorrow evening. She would intercept Jerry at the airport and convince him that she had decided it was best for everyone if she moved on with her life outside of Port Charles.

In the meantime, Miranda knew if she could get Jax into her bed this evening, he would be forever in her spell. She poured two glasses of champagne and donned her slinkiest dress and awaited his arrival. After making sure that everything and everyone was in place, Jax knocked on Miranda's door. As she opened it, Jax waltzed past her carrying a huge arrangement of flowers.

"Jax, they are beautiful. Look, there are white roses. You remembered."

"Of course. I remember everything about you. You look incredible this evening."

"I thought we could have a pre-celebration of our trip next week. Would you like some champagne?"

"That sounds perfect. We also have another reason to celebrate. My detective has gathered a mountain of evidence against the problem lady in my life. It is solid and convincing. She will not know what hit her."

Miranda walked over to Jax and put her arms around him. "Jax, we are finally going to get what we deserve. It won't be long now until we are back where we belong."

"No, it won't be long now."

"Jax, I know the perfect way to celebrate and so do you. We have been apart too long. I need you."

On cue, there was a knock at the door. "Miranda, I'll get it."

Jax walked over to the door and opened it. Miranda almost passed out as she saw who was standing outside. "Jerry, what the hell are you doing here?"

"I am here to put a stop to a master manipulator. I am the one who should be asking why are you here. Where is Brenda?"

"She is not any of your concern and what I do is not any of your business. How many times do I have to tell you that?"

"You are making a big mistake here, Jax." Jerry looked at Miranda. "You have no idea who you are dealing with."

"Jerry, why are you doing this? Haven't you messed things up enough already?"

"I am doing this to save you from a life of hell."

"Jerry that's enough. You are not my savior. This conversation is over. Get out."

"Not until you hear me out." Jerry walked over to a still stunned Miranda. "Unless Miranda wants to tell you the real truth first."

"There is nothing that you can say that will change my mind. Miranda is the most honest person I know. She would not have lied to me or kept anything from me that mattered."

"Honest? She does not know the meaning of the word."

"That's it Jerry. Get the hell out of here."

"Miranda, you have ten seconds or I am going to start spouting like a tea pot."

The room was closing in on her. She could not catch her breath. She saw Jax looking at her with a perplexed expression on his face. She knew that Jerry was on a mission so she had to confess all to Jax.

"Miranda, what is it? Tell Jerry he has lost his mind and then I'll throw him out."

"Jax, you have to understand that everything I did was to protect you. I could not bear the thought of anything happening to you. I could never have lived with myself if my past had caused you any harm."

"Miranda, what are you talking about?"

"You don't know the whole truth about our time in Australia. I wanted to protect you but your brother has destroyed my efforts to do so. I was forced into making some decisions that I have regretted for years. I would do anything to change the things I did but we can't go back. I just have to pray that you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

"Miranda, you are not making any sense."

"First of all, you have to know that I love you with all my heart. I wanted to tell you all about this when I first came to Port Charles but you already have so much guilt over the accident, I could not bear to add to your pain."

Jax sat on the couch in front of the coffee table. "Just say it, Miranda. You know how I feel about you. We have made it this far, I know we can get through whatever it is."

Miranda sat down next to him. "I never told you about my past. I had enemies that were threatening my life and I needed to get out of Australia but I did not have the money to do so. I was working for McBride when I found out about your family and its power and wealth. I decided to use the Jacks family to get out of Australia so I arranged for our meeting on the beach that day. I never expected to fall in love with you but I did. You were the best thing that ever happened to me. We made plans to sail around the world and you were going to leave the business. I would be out of Australia and away from my enemies and best of all, be with you forever. It should have been the answer to my prayers but it wasn't."

Miranda continued. "I knew how upset your family was about our marriage and your decision to leave the business. I also knew how much you loved them and I decided I could not take you away from them. Photos of me as the wife of a powerful businessman could not hit the newspapers. We could never have led the life you wanted so I decided I had to leave you."

"Leave me? Why didn't you tell me any of this? We were married. How could you not have trusted me?"

"I could not chance you going after my enemies. You would have been killed and I could not have lived with that. I panicked and made the biggest mistake of my life. I still needed access to the Jacks resources so I planned to convince your parents to give me the money I needed in exchange for getting out of your life. The accident happened before I could speak to them and then instead of leaving you I decided to let you think I died in the explosion."

"I don't understand any of this. How could you let me think you were dead? How could you just give up on us?"

"I loved you so much, Jax, I could not risk anything happening to you. I decided it was best that you forget about me and move on with your life. You don't know how hard this was for me. I never stopped loving you. Jax, you have to try to understand. I made a mistake just like the explosion was a mistake. We can't change anything now so we just have to move forward. None of this has anything to do with the way we feel about each other."

There was then a knock at the door. "Miranda, it's Mac."

Jerry walked over to the door. "Good. More guests for the Australian reunion party."

Mac walked in and looked at both Jax and Jerry. "Miranda, I didn't realize you had company. I came up because a friend of yours has been looking for you all afternoon so once I realized you were home from work, I escorted him up. Come on in."

Jax watched as Miranda's jaw dropped at the sight of Geoffrey Rush in the room.

Jerry walked over to Geoffrey and shook his hand. "Mate, I see you found the place okay."

Jax stood up. "Who the hell is this Jerry?"

"He is a friend of Miranda's. What's the matter, has the cat got your tongue? Tell Jax and Mac over there all about your friend."

Miranda felt her world crashing down on her. She was unable to react.

"Well, Ms. Jameson is shy all of a sudden so I will make the introductions. Jax and Mac, this is Geoffrey Rush. He is the man who found Miranda two days after the explosion. Yes, he is responsible for saving her life. He pulled her from the hill after her car accident."

"What are you talking about Jerry? That is not what happened and you know it."

"No, Jax. You are the one that does not know what happened. Ask Mr. Rush himself."

Mac spoke up. "Rush, tell us."

"I found Miranda unconscious down a hill a short distance from the mine. She had been thrown from her car when it careened off the road a few minutes before the mine explosion. I took her to the hospital and never let anyone know the exact location of her rescue."

Jax sat back down next to Miranda. "You weren't in the mine?"

Mac also reiterated the point. "Your injuries were not the result of the explosion?"

Jerry walked over to Geoffrey. "Mr. Rush, your job is done. I will meet you downstairs. Have a drink on me." Geoffrey then left the room.

Jerry then spoke up again. "Speak Miranda. Remember the truth will set you free."

Miranda began crying. "Jax, you have to understand."

"Understand what? You lied to me. You let me live with the guilt."

Mac walked over to Miranda. "How could you have done this?"

Before Miranda could answer their questions, there was another knock at the door. As Jerry went to answer it, he clapped his hands together. "Oh, goody. More surprises."

Miranda could not believe the scene around her but she looked up to see who was now bringing her world crashing down. This time she did not recognize the man standing in her living room.

"Who is this now Jerry?"

"Let me introduce you to a friend of mine, Paulitimo Angelos. Paulitimo has something in common with our friend Miranda there. He was also born on the island of Naxos, Greece."

Jax saw Miranda's entire body start trembling. He decided she was ready for the final stage of the plan. "I don't want to hear anything more about this. I need to speak with Miranda alone."

"Jax, don't do it."

"Jerry, you have manipulated yourself into this mess enough already. I need you to get out. Mac, I am sure you have your own questions of Miranda but you will have to be next in line. She is going to deal with me first."

"I certainly do but I will wait my turn."

Jerry and Mac then left the room. Jax began pacing the floor in front of Miranda who now appeared to be in a trance. He was going to give her just enough rope to completely hang herself. "Miranda, I am giving you one chance to tell me what the hell Angelos has to do with you before I go straight to him. Start now."

"Jax, I don't know him. I have never even heard his name before. I was born on the island of Naxos, however."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"I have kept the place of my birth a secret in order to protect myself from my enemies."

"Are your enemies in Naxos?

"They have ties everywhere. That is why I did all this to protect us."

"Miranda, all someone would have to do is conduct a global search of your name to find out where you were born. It would not be difficult. Look how easily Sonny Corinthos found you and he was not even looking to find where you were born."

"I had my name changed to protect myself."

"So your name is not really Miranda Jameson?"

"No."

"What is it? I can't help you if you don't let me."

Miranda was relieved. Jax was still willing to help her. They were going to be okay. "Jantonia Manos."

"Is it the Manos family you are running from?

"Yes. They whole island of Naxos actually. An old feud between the Manos and a rival family. I am not as fearful now. I am positive that once we leave Port Charles and start our life together, we will be free of the Manos family forever."

Jax walked over to her and he finally let his eyes reflect the steel which had built up in his heart. "Now if you could only be free of the Cassidines, you would be fine."

At Miranda's look of amazement, then frustration and finally anger, Jax pulled the microphone from the floral arrangement. "Thanks Magnum, that's all I need."

"You don't know what you are doing, Jax."

"I certainly know exactly what I am doing."

"There are things you don't know. Your brother is not the person you think he is."

"Save your breath, I know all about his arrangement with McBride. There is nothing you can say that I do not already know."

"You know that I know things about your family and its part in the explosion."

"Don't you say another word. You are not in a position to talk about anything. You used false identities, tried to blackmail my family, conspired against them, and heaven knows what else."

"I guess that just means I fit into the Jacks family perfectly. I was not as successful in deceiving you and your family to think that I had an the angelic persona like saintly Brenda did."

Jax turned to face Miranda and there was fire in his eyes. "Don't you ever mention my wife's name again. You are not fit to even breathe the same air she does."

Miranda was shaking now. Jax was like a caged animal. She had no idea what he was going to do next. "What are you going to do, Jax?"

"Miranda, you are leaving Port Charles. In fact, you are leaving the United States. Beyond that, I do not care where you go but you will have not any part in my life or that of my family's."

"What if I don't agree?"

"You have no choice. If I hear that you have been in contact with anyone in my family or are working against us in any way, I will go immediately to Stefan Cassidine and disclose your true identity."

"Jax, you would never do that."

"Just try me. You are owed nothing. I am sure Stefan would be most interested in seeing the person who tried to blackmail his family. Helena will be thrilled."

"For heaven's sake, we loved each other. I was your wife."

"You were never my wife. Our marriage was never valid because legally there is no such person as Miranda Jameson. That whole episode about the divorce was a complete farce. You took a settlement from me under false pretenses, just another thing to add to your list of mounting crimes."

"Jax, you can't do this."

"I can and I will. You will be out of Port Charles within the next 24 hours." Jax picked up his cellular phone and called Magnum and told him to come upstairs and to have his associate take Geoffrey Rush back to Australia. Within a few moments, Magnum was at the door.

"Miranda, meet Magnum. I suggest you try to get along with him Miranda because he will be your shadow until you are safely on a plane out of the country."

"Jax, you are not serious."

"I am not going to repeat this again. You will be gone within the next 24 hours. If Magnum reports one incident to me, I will be here immediately to drag you to Spoon Island myself. It is your choice."

"Where am I supposed to go? What am I supposed to do?"

"I don't give a damn. You have the money you extorted from me for the divorce settlement so you have no excuses. Be forewarned that I will have a detective assigned to you until the day you die and I mean the day that I have actual proof of your death. Should a detective ever lose contact with you, I will go to Stefan immediately. I will help him hunt you down even if I have to get Sonny Corinthos and his associates to help me. We will find you and you will wish you were dead. Trust me Miranda if you cross me, you will feel the wrath of God."

"Jax, please."

"Good-bye Jantonia. This has been as close to hell as I hope to ever get."

At that Jax slammed the door and walked away from Miranda and the past.

Saturday, September 6, 1997
The Jacks' Residence -- 10:00am

Once Jax and Jerry had returned home from Miranda's last night, Jax had closed himself up in the office. Brenda had decided it was best to let him be. She knew he was struggling with putting some closure on the past. She remembered what it had been like when she finally had let go of Sonny and she knew that was what Jax had to do with Miranda. His anger had been driving him over the past few weeks but he had not allowed himself to feel the pain and hurt that Miranda had caused. Now, he would have to face that in order to move forward.

Jax was now watching Brenda as slept. He had not gone to bed all night but had instead sat in a chair by the bed and watched her sleep. She had been restless most of the night but finally had been able to get some rest after dawn. Jax knew how worried she had been about him and also knew she was nervous as the end of the pregnancy neared. He kept reminding himself that it would all be over soon. Brenda stirred and then opened up her eyes to see him watching her.

"Hey you."

"Good morning. You didn't come to bed last night."

"I know. I knew I wouldn't sleep and I did not want to disturb you. You are restless enough as it is."

"Did you sit there all night?"

"Yes, watching you sleep is a great cure for what ails you."

"Are you okay?"

"We all will be. I can't totally relax until she is out of town. Until then, I feel like she is still a part of our lives and that is unacceptable."

"Have you heard from Magnum?"

"Yes, she is leaving this evening."

"What do you have to do in the meantime?"

"I am going to see Scott this afternoon. I regret not being able to tell him about all this before but I could not chance anyone else knowing about the plan. Addie has a temporary replacement lined up but Scott will have to find a permanent replacement. Also we have a lot of work to do with Julia. We can now officially announce her role in the Atlantic transaction. There is so much to do before she starts working in two weeks."

"Is there anything I can do for you? Maybe I can help Scott in some way."

"You are something else. Are you forgetting what Dr. Meadows said to you three days ago. You are supposed to be getting as much rest as you can now. You know you will be seriously sleep and rest deprived once the baby comes."

"I know but I can't just sit here. I have all this energy now, more so than I have had over the past few months. Of course now I am supposed to nothing. It makes no sense."

"You are just going to have to live with it. It won't be much longer."

"That is so easy for you to say."

"I know. Life is so unfair, isn't it?"

"It certainly is unfair and I am never going to let you forget that, Mr. Jacks."

"I am counting on that, Mrs. Jacks."

Miranda's Apartment -- 1:00pm

Miranda was pacing the apartment. Magnum was like a lion watching its prey. He seemed to have eyes all over his head and he was completely unnerving her. There was a knock at the door and Magnum answered it to find Mac. Jax had called Magnum and told him that Mac wanted to speak to Miranda in private so Magnum could take a break during Mac's visit.

Miranda was thrilled to see Mac. At least it got her away from Magnum for a few minutes. "Mac, I have to explain."

"Save it, Miranda. I came up here to say my peace not listen to you."

"I can't believe you let Jax turn you against me too. He is holding me against my will you know."

"I don't see Jax here. In fact I see no one here but you and I. Who is exactly holding you against your will?"

"Mac, are you really going to let him do this?"

"I don't know what you are talking about Jantonia? All I know is that I have been deceived, manipulated and lied to over the past seven years."

"You don't understand."

"I understand completely. You knew I was in love with you and you used it to manipulate me. I was your bodyguard but you never even told me the truth about what you were running from. You took advantage of my hospitality and generosity in Port Charles and used me to get to Jax and Brenda. You are nothing more than a user."

"Mac, we were friends."

"We mean nothing to each other. You are no longer a part of my life."

"Mac, please."

"You are pathetic. My suggestion is for you to get the hell out of here and never look back. You would be a fool to cross Jax. There will be nothing you can do to deflect his rage. I can't believe he hasn't strangled you by now. I think the man has more control than I ever thought was humanly possible. Good riddance."

Mac exited the apartment as Magnum walked back through the door to resume his watchful eye over Miranda.

The Jacks' Residence -- 3:00pm

Jax had left to meet with Scott about the Miranda situation. Brenda was talking with Jerry as he was working in the office. He was heading back to Alaska tomorrow and was wrapping up some details on the Canadian Timber deal. He went to make a call on his cellular phone and realized that he had Jax's phone. He remembered that they both had used their phones this morning in the office and Jax must have accidentally picked up Jerry's before heading to his meeting with Scott.

"Well, Jax will get all the calls from my entourage of women. Oh, well, it will let him see how the other half lives."

"Of course. I am sure he has always been so deprived in that department."

"So true. Brenda, he is lucky you took pity on him and agreed to become involved with him. The poor guy would have had to live like a hermit otherwise."

Brenda just shook her head. At that moment Jax's cellular phone rang. Jerry picked up the call. "Hello."

"Jax, is that you?"

"Miranda. I do not believe you had the gall to call here. This is your last warning." Jerry then slammed down the phone.

Brenda was incredulous. "Miranda. What the hell did that viper want?"

"I have no idea."

Brenda stormed out of the office and Jerry quickly followed her. He saw that she was grabbing her purse and he stood in front of the door.

"Where do you think you are going?"

"Where do you think I am going? I am going to wring her neck."

"Brenda, this is not a good idea."

"Get out of my way, Jerry. I will go through you if I have to."

"Brenda, I completely understand your position. I want you to go over there and scratch her eyes out. The problem is Jax. He would have a fit."

"Jax is worried about me, the baby and your parents and you are worried about me. Who is worried about Jax? I will not let her do this to him anymore."

Jerry could see that Brenda was working herself up into a frenzy. There would be no stopping her. "Okay, but I am going to go with you."

"Jerry."

"Brenda, you are not driving anymore so I will take you over there rather than Virgil. That is the best deal I will offer you."

"Fine, let's go."

Miranda's Apartment -- 4:00pm

Jerry and Brenda went to the door. Magnum answered it and Jerry asked him to come out into the hall.

"Brenda needs to see Miranda in private."

"I am under strict orders not to leave her."

"I will take responsibility and deal with my husband."

"Brenda, you have ten minutes that's it. If you are not out before then, I am coming in. We will be right here if you need us."

"Jerry, I get it."

Brenda walked into the apartment. Miranda was in the bedroom and walked out as Brenda stood in the living room. Miranda sighed. "Perfect."

"Yes, it is."

"To what do I owe this unexpected torment? Are you here to gloat?"

"Gloat about what? The fact that you tried to destroy my husband. The fact that you used his own family against him. The fact that you used his love for you as a weapon."

"Brenda, you are crazy."

"No, Miranda. You are crazy if you think I am going to let you hurt him anymore."

"You could never understand what we had."

"You had nothing. You destroyed it all with your poison."

"Whatever happened cannot lessen what Jax and I shared. It can't affect the love we have for each other."

"Love? You are insane. You don't even know what the word means."

"What we have is beyond your comprehension, Brenda. Jax will realize how much we shared when he realizes that he does not love you."

"Miranda, Jax has removed every piece of you from his heart. You almost killed him but he is a survivor and he prevailed. He is back now even stronger. You are part of the forgotten past now."

"He will never forget me."

Brenda laughed. "Miranda, I almost feel sorry for you. You had the best man who ever walked the face of this earth and you threw him away. You couldn't trust a man who is the most trustworthy person I have ever known. You gave up a man who when he loves you, gives you his heart and soul. You walked away from a man who has more capacity to love than ten people combined. He would have fought any of your battles and won but you chose to run. You will regret that mistake for the rest of your life. It will haunt your dreams forever. It will make your life a living hell and every day I will take comfort in that. It will be the ultimate satisfaction for Jax and the ultimate retribution for you. I have said my peace so I will see myself out."

Brenda walked to the door and turned around to see a defeated Miranda in the middle of the living room. "One more thing. Since you don't have a send-off committee, I will give you the toast. Jantonia, here's to your miserable life and may all your nightmares come true. Enjoy, I know we will."

Jerry and Magnum had listened to the entire conversation through the door and were grinning as Brenda walked into the hall. Magnum walked into the apartment after saluting Brenda. Brenda looked at Jerry who was now laughing.

"What is the problem?"

"Nothing. Are you ready to go home, Rambo?

"Yes, let's get the hell out of here."

"Remind me to never tick you off."

"Wise move, brother-in-law. Maybe you are not as dumb as you look."

The Jacks Residence -- 9:00pm

Magnum had called Jax earlier to tell him that Miranda was on a plane for South America. Magnum's associate was accompanying her on the flight. It was all over. Brenda and Jax were sitting on the couch in the den. Jerry had gone out for the evening since his stay in Port Charles no longer had to be kept a secret.

"How did Scott take the news?"

"He was upset. He was very fond of Miranda and she did do some good work for him. He of course understands that she had to leave. I did not tell him the details, only that it was best for all of us this way. Addie is going to line up interviews for a replacement. Julia will also need someone so Addie will have her hands full for a while."

"It sounds like it is going to be quite a hectic few weeks."

"Whatever happens, it will be much better than the past few weeks. I think we should stop talking about the past few weeks and Miranda. It is time to put her out of our thoughts. She is no longer a part of our lives."

"Jax, I agree but I have to say one more thing before this subject is abandoned forever."

Jax tightened his arms around her. "Okay, what is it sweetie?"

"I have to tell you that I went to see Miranda before she left. She called you and I reached my boiling point. Jerry tried to stop me but I refused so he accompanied me over to the apartment so I could say my peace."

"Don't tell me you proposed a toast to her miserable life and hoped for her nightmares to come true."

"Jax. Did Jerry tell you? I am going to kill him."

"No, my brother is innocent in this for one of the few times in his life. Magnum told me. He was not aware that it was a secret. He was quite impressed. In fact, he offered you a job should you ever want to give up modeling and the record business."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"I knew you would tell me."

"I am sorry that I went against your wishes but I just could not let her try to hurt you again."

"I know. You have actually been the picture of restraint in all this so I can't be too upset. I love you for trying to protect me. I understand more now why my family did what they did. I still don't agree with it but I understand it."

"You should call your parents and tell them this. I know it would make them feel better."

"You're right. I will call them tomorrow. Now the rest of tonight is just about us."

"Us. I love the sound of that word."

Jax nuzzled her neck. "So do I."

Saturday, September 20, 1997
The Jacks Residence -- Noon

The past few weeks had been as hectic as Jax and Brenda had anticipated. Scott had hired a replacement for Miranda and Addie had found a temporary assistant for Julia until Julia had the opportunity to chose her own. The reconstruction on the warehouses and plants for J & J Jacks was moving along as scheduled. A completion date was expected before the end of November.

Julia had made the necessary arrangements to leave the daily operations of Barrett Industries to her Vice President. Julia had arrived in Port Charles earlier today and would start work at J & J Jacks next week. Brenda had insisted that she stay at the house at least until after the baby was born. Julia had agreed and planned to look for a more permanent residence once she had settled in Port Charles.

Jerry had returned to Alaska the day after Miranda had left Port Charles. He was working on the Canadian Timber deal which had hit some major roadblocks. Jax had spoken to John and Jane quite frequently since Miranda's departure and they seemed to be on much better terms. John and Jane planned to travel to Port Charles as soon as the baby was born or at the end of the month, whichever came first.

Brenda and Jax had finished their childbirth classes and were in the standby mode. Brenda had her suitcase packed and waiting in the front hall closet. She and Jax had practiced her breathing exercises even though she was less and less convinced of their benefit as each day wore on. Today she had a distraction because Dara was performing at Luke's for a fundraiser for the Charles Street Foundation. It was also Edward and Lila's wedding anniversary so it was a double celebration. Brooke had come down with a case of the chicken pox and Lois did not want to leave her so Brenda was handling all the logistics of the concert.

Jax had been so busy between the Atlantic and Canadian Timber deal that the Miranda fiasco was a distant memory. He had heard nothing from Magnum which meant that there was nothing report. Jax was convinced that Miranda was out of their lives for good. Now he had Brenda and J & J Jacks on which to focus his attention. Brenda was getting her clothes together for this evening. She was going to spend most of the afternoon at the Club for the sound and lighting check and she was not going to have time to come back home to change. Julia was going to spend the afternoon with her and then Jax was going to meet her at the Club in enough time for Julia to come back to the house to change. Jax and Scott were working most of the day at the office on the Canadian deal.

"I really do not need a keeper. You don't have to come to the Club with me."

"I am looking forward to it. I do not know what goes on behind the scenes of a concert."

"It is not that exciting, believe me."

"I am looking forward to seeing everyone tonight. I guess all the Quartermaines will be there."

"Everyone but Ned. He went to Bensonhurst to help Lois with Brooke."

"That sounds like progress."

"I hope so. Lois tells me that they are speaking more often. Ned offered to go to Bensonhurst as soon as she called to tell him about Brooke's illness and Lois agreed."

"I will keep my fingers crossed. They certainly seem to belong together even in the few times I have seen them together."

"They do belong together, they just need to be convinced of that."

"Can I help you with anything?"

"Yes, do you want to carry this baby for a few hours? My back would appreciate it."

"Sorry, that one I can't do."

"Well, I'm ready. Let's go make some music."

Luke's Club -- 7:00pm

Julia was on her way back to the Club after going home to change. Jax was talking to Justus who was sitting with Edward, Lila, Monica and Alan. Luke, Laura, Sonny and Gina were seating people while Mike was working behind the bar. Robin was in town for the fundraiser and also had hoped there would be a baby to visit but Brenda told her she was out of luck on that one. Robin and Jason were seated with A.J. and Keesha while Kevin, Lucy, Mac and Felicia sat together. Bobbie, Stefan, Alexis and Nikolas were also sitting nearby.

Brenda was making the last minute arrangements with the band. Dara was starting to have a panic attack. Brenda knew the signs since she had finally just overcome the problem herself in connection with her photo shoots. She tried to calm Dara down. She knew Dara would be fine once she started singing. Dara was going to sing a few numbers and then end the evening with a special song dedicated to Lila from Edward.

Justus looked up and saw Brenda give him a look. He gave Dara a thumbs up sign and Brenda nodded in thanks.

"Jax, that wife of yours is pretty amazing. She's nine months pregnant and still could break the heart of any man in this place."

"She is something, isn't she?"

Lila smiled as she saw Jax's face light up when he looked at Brenda. "Not much longer before you have your bundle of joy."

"No, she's due later this week so hopefully it won't be too much longer. I know Brenda is ready."

Julia then walked in and it was about time for Justus to begin the evening. Brenda gave Dara a reassuring hug and went to take her seat with Jax and Julia. Luke intercepted her and led her to a special table.

"Here is the table which had been dedicated to the appearance into the world of Georgie Jones. Laura thought it would be the perfect table for you this evening. Hopefully it will send some signals."

"I will try anything. Thanks, Luke."

Jax pulled out Brenda's chair. "We don't need a repeat performance. Georgie can keep that honor."

Justus began speaking and thanked everyone for their support of the Foundation. He then introduced Dara who began her set with her rendition of Whitney Houston's, "I Have Nothing." Once she had sung the first few bars of the song, Dara relaxed and the rest of the set was fabulous. Brenda breathed a huge sigh of relief and winked at Justus.

After Dara's set, there was time for dancing. Brenda's back and feet were not willing so Jax and Julia took a spin around the dance floor. Robin came over to talk to Brenda since Jason and dancing were not a match. When Robin left to take her medication, Sonny came over to Brenda's table. She asked him to sit.

"How are you?"

"Surviving. This had better be over soon."

"How is Jax? Until tonight, I hadn't seen him since Miranda left town."

"He's okay. Thank you for asking."

"I'm just glad he got the answers he was seeking so he could protect your happiness."

Meanwhile as Julia was dancing with Jax, she noticed Sonny and Brenda talking.

Jax picked up on her apprehension. "Don't worry Julia. It is not a problem. They are friends and probably always will be."

"You are a very generous man."

"No, I just happen to know that my wife loves me and her past has no effect on our future together. That's why I needed to get Miranda out of our lives. The past can't infringe on our life together."

"I am so happy that you and Brenda found each other. She never really knew what love was until she met you. Even with Sonny, she did not know. Unfortunately, my father was the culprit behind that as was I. She never knew what it was like to have the love, support and acceptance that she needed and deserved. It made her look for love in the wrong places and from the wrong people. She found everything she ever lacked when she met you."

"I appreciate that but Brenda did as much for me as I did for her. She taught me how to trust again and give my whole heart to someone."

The music ended and Jax and Julia sat down as Sonny got up to join Luke and Laura. As Justus was speaking about the Foundation before the evening closed with the song to Edward and Lila, Dara came running over to Brenda.

"We have a major problem. Bill is not here."

"What?"

"His wife went into labor so he had to leave."

Jax looked at Brenda. "Who is Bill?"

"He's the piano player for Dara's closing number, the dedication to Edward and Lila."

"How can I sing a Jim Brickman song without a piano accompaniment? Where are we going to find someone in the next five minutes."

Julia looked at Brenda. "Brenda, you know where you can find someone."

Dara looked at Julia. "Where?"

Brenda looked back at Julia. "Forget it."

"You have no choice. Who else is going to do it? I know you don't want to disappoint Edward and Lila?"

Dara looked at Brenda. "You? Can you play?"

"I don't even know the arrangement. Besides it has been years since I even touched a keyboard."

Julia shook her head. "Why are you being so modest? You were a natural. You will pick it up immediately."

Dara grabbed Brenda's hand. "Brenda, let's go. I have the sheet music. Just like you told me, it will be fine after those first few notes."

Brenda stood up. "Great! My words come back to haunt me again."

They went back stage and Brenda had sixty seconds to look over the sheet music before Justus began his introduction.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special treat to end this evening. Tonight is the wedding anniversary of two very special people in this town, Edward and Lila Quartermaine. In celebration of this wonderful event and their many years together, Edward has arranged for a special musical dedication to Lila. I again present Dara Jensen who will be singing "Valentine" as a tribute from Edward to Lila. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dara Jensen."

Dara and Brenda walked on stage. Brenda wanted to be sick but there wasn't time. Her fingers touched the keyboard and just as Dara had predicted, Brenda felt at home immediately after the first few notes. She had forgotten how much she had loved to play. Dara began singing as the spotlights were placed on Edward and Lila.

Jax could not believe what he was hearing. He had no idea that Brenda was so talented. In fact he had no idea that she even played the piano. "She is incredible."

"Yes, she has been since she was a child."

"I never knew. She has never made a mention of it. I can't believe with that much talent she would just have given it all up."

"Unfortunately, she was forced into it by our father. Brenda's mother, Veronica, was a gifted pianist and he could not bear to hear the sound of a piano. It reminded him of Veronica so he forbid Brenda from playing. She had learned to play while in school but eventually she gave it all up. It was just another source of dissension between them. It was something else she did, or didn't do in this case, because of him."

"Well, she has too much talent to waste it. Look at her. She looks at peace even with the anxiety of the moment. No, I will see to it that something is done about this. In fact, I have an idea already. For the time being, we will just see how she feels."

The song continued as Lila and Edward held hands and the audience looked on. As the song ended, Edward kissed Lila and everyone stood up and gave Edward and Lila a standing ovation for all their years together. Dara then thanked Brenda for her last minute assistance and Justus closed out the evening with a final thank you to everyone.

The Jacks' Residence -- 11:30pm

Jax helped Brenda unzip her dress and get into her night shirt. It had been an extremely long day and Brenda was exhausted. She crawled into bed as Jax positioned the pillows under her.

Brenda let out a big sigh as she tried to get comfortable. "I don't think I can live through many more of days like this."

"I want you to spend all day tomorrow in bed. You completely overdid it today. I'm surprised you are not in labor."

"No such luck. This child can't be either of ours. It has way too much patience."

Jax climbed into bed next to her. "This baby just wants to make a grand entrance and the perfect time has not come yet."

"An attention craving, showoff. That would be our child then."

"I just hope this baby inherits its mother's musical talent. You were incredible this evening."

"You are not required to say that you know."

"Brenda, you know I do not say things I don't mean. You are very talented. I can't believe you never told me you played the piano."

"It never came up in conversation. It's not my favorite topic anyway."

"My mother used to play but she and Dad did not have the money to buy a piano while Jerry and I were growing up. Mum always regretted that we did not grow up with music so I always wanted my children to have the opportunity."

"My mother played. I don't remember it, but evidently she was quite talented."

"Good, that gives us hope that our children will inherit your talent. God forbid they inherit mine."

"You're right. It would be wonderful for our children to grow up with music in the house. I never realized how much I missed it until tonight."

"We'll have to look into that after the baby comes. In the meantime, we will continue to use this." Jax turned on Veronica's music box and then snuggled closer to Brenda. He had retrieved it from the nursery after they had returned home from Luke's and after his conversation with Julia about Veronica and her musical talent.

Brenda was quickly drifting off to sleep. As she heard the music, she whispered "Mom" before falling fast asleep.

Sunday, September 28, 1997
The Jacks' Residence -- 1:00pm

Brenda's due date had come and gone and still no baby. She was not very hopeful for any change in this fact over the next few days. At her appointment with Dr. Meadows two days before, she was only slightly dilated and Dr. Meadows expected to see her again next week for her regular office visit. Brenda had been having Braxton-Hicks contractions intermittently over the past week. She had thought she was in actual labor a few days ago but fortunately realized it was a false alarm before she headed to the hospital. She had called Jax away from a board meeting however which still embarrassed her even though Jax thanked her for giving him the perfect excuse to leave the meeting.

Jerry had returned to town yesterday. He needed Jax and Julia's input on the Canadian Timber deal. Jax was cautiously optimistic that Jerry and Julia could work together. They had actually been able to have some productive conference calls over the past week about the transaction. Jax thought it best that Jerry and Julia spend as little time together as possible outside of the office. He thought it would be best if Jerry stayed at the hotel since Julia was staying at the house but Brenda would not hear of it. She wanted Julia and Jerry to learn to live with each other since they were family. It was not worth arguing about so Jerry was staying at the house. There had been no bloodshed yet.

Robin was in town again for the weekend. Her class had been canceled for tomorrow so she was not returning to New Haven until tomorrow night. She was in the nursery with Brenda helping her rearrange the baby's clothes for the tenth time. Jax walked into the room carrying his gym bag.

"Brenda, didn't you just arrange those clothes last night before you went to bed?"

"Yes, what is your point? Aren't you going to be late for your game?"

"Brenda, I don't want to leave you. I know you aren't feeling well. Is your backache any better?"

"No, it is getting worse but you can't do anything about the way I am feeling. I know I have been a complete monster over the past few days. Go and meet Scott as you planned. Take out all your frustrations on that little blue racquetball."

"I'll be here with her all afternoon, Jax."

Brenda smiled. "Yes, Robin is another glutton for punishment. She keeps giving up her weekends to come see me. At this rate, it will be Thanksgiving break before this baby makes its entrance into the world."

"All right, if that's what you want. Do you plan to go out?"

"No, this whale is going to stay beached today."

Jax walked over and put his around Brenda and whispered into her ear. "You are still the most desirable woman I have ever known. I can think of a much more pleasant way to expel some of that excess energy of yours."

Brenda giggled and nuzzled his neck. "Go Jax before I don't let you out of here. Make mincemeat out of Scott's game."

"Yes ma'am. Since you are not going out, I am going to send Virgil on some errands before he picks up my parents from the airport."

"That's fine. Good luck honey. I love you."

"Have a good afternoon. I love you. I will see both of you later."

"Good-bye Jax. I will keep my eye on her."

Jax blew Brenda a kiss and left the room. Brenda resumed arranging the baby clothes.

"So John and Jane are coming into town today?"

"Yes, John has some business in Manhattan in a few days so they decided to come east early. They were hoping their grandchild would be here by now but obviously that hasn't happened."

"No, but this way they will be in town when the baby does arrive."

Brenda gingerly walked over the rocking chair and sat down. "You're right. I am just impatient, more so than usual."

Robin watched Brenda grimace. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, it will pass in a minute."

"Are you having contractions?"

"Yes, they're just Braxton-Hicks contractions. They usually subside when I move around but it doesn't seem to be helping today."

"Are you sure? You don't look so good."

Brenda stood up. "Stop worrying, you are as bad as Jax. I want to show you something. I have it in the bedroom."

Brenda and Robin walked into the master bedroom and another contraction hit Brenda. She sat on the bed as Robin's face showed a look of concern. "Brenda. What is it?"

"I don't know. Could you go downstairs and get me something to drink?"

"Sure, I'll be right back." Robin then hurriedly left the room.

Brenda tried to remember her breathing exercises. The pain finally subsided and she looked at her watch. Robin then came back into the room and handed Brenda a glass of juice. "How are you feeling?"

"Better."

"Brenda, I think you are really in labor."

"I think you're right. Now I think all the back pain I have had since last night really was the start of labor."

"What can I do?"

"I'm fine. Let me go into the bathroom and throw some water on my face and then I'll call Jax."

Brenda walked into the bathroom and took a deep breath as she looked in the mirror. "Well, I guess this is happening whether I am really ready for it or not. I am sorry little one that I teased you about delaying your entrance into the world. I guess you are going to have the last laugh."

As Brenda turned to exit the bathroom, her water broke. She then was hit with another contraction. She looked at her watch and it had only been eight minutes since the last one. She called out to Robin.

Robin opened the bathroom door. "Brenda, what is it?"

"Call Jax. His cell phone number is on speed dial on the phone by the bed. Tell him my water just broke and I am in active labor."

Robin ran to the phone and called Jax. She then helped Brenda get changed and Corrine came upstairs to clean up. Robin also called Lois.

"Brenda, Jax is on his way and everything is going to be fine. Lois is still tending to Brooke with the chicken pox. She wants me to call her to keep her updated."

"Is Julia back from the Quartermaines yet?"

"No, should I call her?"

"No, not right now. I just need Jax."

Jerry then came into the bedroom. "Hey, kiddo. Corrine just told me that you are giving us some entertainment up here. Okay, get on with the show. I even brought the gum. Wrigley's anyone?"

"Do you know that you have lost your mind?"

"We always used to watch the sheep give birth in Australia. It was a neighborhood event. Don't you want the same treatment?"

"One of these days I am going to be charged with the murder of my brother-in-law."

Brenda sat on the bed as another contraction hit her. They were getting stronger and lasting longer. They were now only seven minutes apart. "Oh, God. Where is Jax?"

Robin sat down next to her. "He should be here any minute. Breathe Brenda."

Jerry was slightly unnerved at Brenda's obvious pain. "I'll go check to see if the car is approaching." Jerry ran down the stairs and looked out the window. Still no sign of Jax. Jerry decided Brenda needed Julia so he called the Quartermaine residence.

"Jerry, why are you calling me here? Can't you leave me alone for one afternoon? Please tell me you are flying back to Alaska?"

"Do you ever stop running that big mouth of yours? I am calling to tell you Brenda is in labor."

"Where is she?"

"She is at the house." Jerry then only heard the sound of the dial tone. He muttered into the empty room, "That woman is going to be the death of me." Jerry then heard a car door slam and a moment later, Jax burst thought the door. "Nice to see you decided to show up."

"Where is she?"

"In the master bedroom. Follow the sound of the screams and the cursing of your name."

Jax ran up the stairs and entered the bedroom. Brenda was now standing by the window. "Brenda."

"Jax, I am so glad you are here."

"Where are we in the process? Robin said you are already in active labor."

Another contraction came. "Here comes another one." She leaned forward and rested her head against Jax's chest. He massaged her back and helped her breathe until the pain subsided.

"Jax, this is happening so fast. We have to get to the hospital."

"How far apart are the contractions?"

Robin looked at her watch. "They're only 6 1/2 minutes apart and they are coming quicker as each contraction comes."

Jax continued to massage Brenda's back. "Have you called Dr. Meadows?"

"Yes, I called Dr. Meadows right after I called you. She said to come to the hospital once the contractions are five minutes apart. At this rate that will be in about fifteen minutes."

"Let's go." Jax helped Brenda to the door. "Robin, could you grab a couple pillows for the car."

"Sure, Jax. Brenda, do you need anything else from upstairs?"

"No, my bag is in the closet in the foyer downstairs."

Jax and Brenda started toward the stairs as Julia returned from her lunch with Lila. Julia entered the foyer and looked up to see Brenda coming down the stairs.

"Brenda, are you all right?"

"I will be once I get to the hospital and this is all over with."

"It's time to go to the hospital already?"

Robin shook her head. "Yes, she evidently has been in labor since yesterday but did not realize it until this afternoon."

"I'll get your suitcase." Julia walked over to the closet door.

Jerry put up his hand. "No, I can handle it. It is way too heavy for those bird arms of yours, Julia."

"Jerry, get out of my way. She is my sister."

"So, he is my brother."

"Get away from me. You should be banned from being anywhere near that child."

"The child is going to need earplugs to protect its ears from your incessant high pitched chatter."

Julia grabbed the suitcase just as Jerry did. They both tugged on it which only caused the lock to become unfastened thereby dumping all of the bag's contents on the floor.

"Are you two satisfied? This is not the 'I Love Lucy' show, Fred and Ethel."

Brenda tried to stop herself from grinning and but that no longer became necessary as another contraction came. Jerry and Julia quickly picked up the contents of the bag and resecured the lock.

Robin looked up from her watch. "Less than six minutes since the last one."

Brenda caught her breath. "We need to get out of here, Jax."

"I wish Virgil was back so we could take the limo. It would be so much more comfortable for you. We'll have to take the Rolls. It is parked right out front. Let's go. Jerry, will you drive so that I can be with Brenda?"

"Sure, let's roll."

"Robin, you and I can go together in my car."

"Thanks, Julia. Let me just put these pillows in with Brenda."

Jerry put Brenda's bag in the trunk as Jax helped Brenda into the car."

"Jax, I'll call Virgil and tell him we are en route so that Mum and Dad can come straight to the hospital."

"Thanks, Jerry. Let's move."

En route to General Hospital -- 3:30pm

Brenda was leaning against Jax's shoulder as the next contraction hit. The pain was so intense now and the contractions were coming so frequently that she was starting to panic.

"Breathe, Brenda. Slow shallow breaths. That's it. Just a few more seconds. Okay."

"I can't do this."

"You are doing it and you are doing great."

"They are coming so fast. How far away are we?"

"Not far. Lay back and rest for a minute."

Brenda leaned against the pillows as Jax whispered to Jerry. "Step on it."

As Jerry pulled onto Charles Street, the main road into the downtown area of Port Charles, he blinked in hopes that the image in front of him was only a mirage. He opened his eyes to see that it was not.

Jax looked up. "What the hell?"

All lanes of the road going west were completely stopped. The road was like a parking lot. There was no traffic whatsoever going in the eastbound direction.

"Turn on the radio and see what is going on."

Brenda sat up. "What is the matter?"

"Just a slight traffic jam. There is nothing to worry about. Try to rest before..."

The next contraction came before he could finish his sentence. "Jax."

"Brenda, go with the contraction, don't fight it. Shallow breaths, okay. Good."

Jax looked at his watch. This baby was not going to wait much longer.

The traffic announcement finally came over the radio. "Several live power lines are down in the downtown area. The power lines are across all lanes of the 5000 block of Charles Street. Traffic has been stopped in the area until the fire department and utility crews can remove the danger. Serious traffic problems and significant delays are expected in the area."

"Jerry, we have to get out of here. We'll have to get to General Hospital the back way via the dock district."

Brenda sat up and was panicked. "That will take twenty minutes without traffic. This baby won't wait that long. Lucy's vision is coming true."

"What?"

"I just remembered that Lucy had that vision about the baby being born in this car. She was right."

"We are going to take care of this. I am not going to let anything happen to you or the baby. I promise. Jerry, get us out of here."

Jerry started honking and waving furiously to the cars in the two lanes next to him. "I have a woman in labor here. I need to get out of this traffic jam." When it didn't seem to work, He started passing out hundred dollar bills. That did the trick.

The nearby cars pulled onto the shoulder giving Jerry enough room to maneuver his car onto the shoulder and then onto the grassy area dividing the east and west bound lanes. He then made a U-turn and entered the eastbound lanes to reach Port Street to get to the hospital via the docks.

Julia's car was a few cars behind the Rolls in the traffic jam. They were worried about Brenda and what the traffic delay would mean. Julia saw the Rolls pull out and head eastbound on Charles Street. "What the hell is he doing?" She rolled down her window and gained access to the shoulder of the road in order to head eastbound as well.

Jerry sped toward Port Charles. Traffic was very heavy on account of the problems on Charles Street. Brenda had just had a contraction and then another one followed right behind it. They were still miles from the hospital.

"Jax, this baby is coming. I have to push."

Jax looked up and saw the traffic around them at the traffic light onto Port Street. It was obvious that it would take several light cycles to even get through the intersection. "Jerry, pass me the phone. I need Brenda's bag from the trunk and also my gym bag. Get me the blanket from the trunk as well."

Jerry passed the phone to Jax and then jumped out of the car to get the bags from the trunk. Jax dialed Dr. Meadow's service and told them he had an emergency. Dr. Meadows would be paged immediately and call him back. Jerry came back into the car and put the bags on the seat next to him.

"Jerry make sure all the doors are locked."

Jax propped all the pillows against the door behind the driver's seat. "Sweetie, it looks like we may have to do this ourselves. I need you to sit up and lean against the door."

"Jax, I'm scared."

"I know. Trust me, we are going to get through this, all three of us will. Dr. Meadows will be calling and she will talk us through this."

The phone then rang and Jax explained the situation to Dr. Meadows. Jerry passed him the blanket and some towels and Jax spread them out on the back seat and floor. He then put the phone on speaker.

"Brenda, you will have some excitement to tell your baby about. Tell me how you feel."

"I need to push."

"On the next contraction, push continually for ten counts and then take two deep breaths."

The next contraction began. Brenda held onto the back seat and Jax's hand as she pushed. Once the contraction was over, Brenda leaned back against the pillows.

"Jerry pour some of the bottled water from my gym bag on one of those washcloths."

Jerry handed the cloth to Jax who began to wipe Brenda's forehead and neck. Another contraction hit.

"Okay Brenda, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Okay two breaths, good sweetie."

Jax noticed that Brenda had begun shivering. "Jerry, turn on the heat."

"How far away are you, Jax?"

"Probably still another fifteen minutes in this traffic, Dr. Meadows."

"Jax, here's another one."

Jax held Brenda's legs as she pushed again. "That's it, sweetie. Okay, breathe." Jax wiped Brenda's forehead and neck.

Jerry continued to make his way through the slow traffic. Meanwhile, Julia and Robin were worried about what was going on with Brenda and the baby.

"10, 9, 8 ,7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. I see the head. Great, Brenda. Give me two deep breaths."

"Brenda, Jax and I need your help here. You need to resist the urge to push. You have to give your body as much time as possible to prepare for the delivery. Let the contractions do the work. Try to pant."

"I want to push."

"Come on, sweetie. You can do this. Lean back and give me a few pants."

Brenda leaned back as the next contraction came. "Don't push, Brenda. Just go with the contraction."

The baby's head emerged as the contraction ended. "The head is out."

"Jax, run your fingers gently around the baby's neck area to see if the cord is present."

"No, I don't feel it."

"Good. Now wipe the baby's eyes from inside to outside with separate cloths. The next contraction should occur momentarily. The shoulders will be delivered one at a time and after that, the rest of the body will come be free. Once the baby is out do not cut or interfere with the cord. Wrap the baby up immediately and have Brenda hold the baby against her chest for warmth."

"Sweetie, just one more. Breathe, Brenda. Jerry, give me those blankets."

Brenda moaned as another contraction came and Jax delivered one shoulder and then the other. Once the shoulders were delivered, their daughter easily slipped into Jax's waiting hands.

Brenda sunk back into the pillows as the baby gasped and then the sound of a small cry was heard. Tears of joy streamed down Brenda's face. "Jax."

As tears formed in the corners of his eyes, Jax wrapped the baby into the receiving blankets from Brenda's bag. "Mrs. Jacks, I would like to present you with our beautiful daughter."

Jax passed the baby to Brenda and then covered Brenda up with the robe from her hospital bag. Brenda took the baby's hand and raised it to her lips. "Precious, you are so beautiful. Mommy and Daddy have been waiting to meet you for so long. We love you so much. Daddy took care of you. He kept you and Mommy safe just like he promised. We are so lucky."

Dr. Meadows cleared her throat before interrupting the family moment. "Well, it sounds like you two handled the situation fine on your own. How far away are you now?"

"I can see the hospital from here."

"Be sure to keep the baby as warm as possible. I'll have a gurney waiting. We'll get Brenda right into a delivery room to complete the delivery and we'll get the baby checked out. Simone Hardy is waiting for her as we speak. I will see you in a few minutes. Congratulations!"

"Thank you Dr. Meadows."

"What, no thank you to your chauffeur?

Brenda looked up. "Thank you Uncle Jerry."

"You're quite welcome. Congratulations to both of you."

General Hospital -- 6:00pm

Jax walked beside the gurney as Brenda and the baby were wheeled into the hospital. Brenda went into the delivery suite and the cord was cut. The baby was then sent to be examined by Simone. Brenda had asked Jax to go with the baby rather than staying with her in the delivery room.

Once they finally made it to the hospital, Julia and Robin raced inside and took the elevator to the obstetrical floor. They saw Jerry sitting in the lounge area and walked over to him.

Julia stood in front Jerry. "How is she?"

"Who?"

"Brenda, you buffoon."

"I got her here in one piece, well two if you really want to be specific."

Robin shook her head. "Jerry, where is Brenda?"

"I imagine she is still in with Dr. Meadows. You'll have to ask Jax about that."

"Ask Jax? Why isn't he with Brenda?"

"She specifically told him she did not want him in the delivery room."

"Jerry, stop fooling around."

"Scout's honor, Robin. That is what she told him."

Julia glared at Jerry. "Two bits, you were never a scout."

"You're right but the truth still is that Jax is not with Brenda in the delivery room."

"You are impossible. I am going to find someone to give me some real answers."

"You are just jealous that I got to see her first."

"See who first?"

"Your niece."

Robin was grinning. "What? Brenda had the baby?"

"Wait a minute. If you have seen the baby already, why is Brenda in the delivery room? You are reprehensible, Jerry Jacks."

At that moment, Jax turned the corner. Julia got to him first. "Jax, what is going on? Your brother could not give us a straight answer if his life depended on it."

Before Jax could answer, the elevator doors then opened and John and Jane then appeared. "Son, what is happening. We came straight here but traffic was a disaster. Where is Brenda?"

"Everybody calm down. Brenda and our daughter are perfect."

"A daughter?" You mean there is finally another female in the Jacks family?"

"Yes, Mum. She is so beautiful. Except for her blue eyes, she is the spitting image of Brenda."

"How is Brenda?"

"She is incredible. I am waiting to hear from Dr. Meadows when she will be moved to her room."

Dr. Meadows then appeared before the group. "Congratulations to you all! You have quite a beauty there."

"How is Brenda?"

"Jax, she is being moved to a private room as we speak. I must tell you again that you two did a wonderful job. She only required a few stitches. Maybe you should think about changing careers and enter the field of obstetrics. Your family should be very proud of you."

John was confused. "Jax, what happened here?"

Dr. Meadows smiled. "You don't know? Your family's newest addition decided that she need to create some extra excitement by not waiting until she reached the hospital to make her entrance into the world. Jax and Brenda delivered her themselves."

Julia was incredulous. "She was born in the car?"

"Yes, but Dr. Meadows gives me too much credit. She was on the phone with us the entire time."

"You and Brenda still had to do all the work. I will leave you all now. I will check on Brenda tomorrow. Good night everyone."

John slapped Jax on the back. "Son, this is incredible. I am very proud of you."

"Hey, I drove the car."

Julia stood in front of Jerry. "I saw the way you drove the car. They are lucky they weren't killed before they got here."

Robin hugged Jax. "I think it is wonderful that you delivered your daughter. It is something you will never forget."

Jane walked over and kissed him. "You took care of them when they needed you the most. Congratulations, Daddy!"

Julia hugged Jax. "Go see Brenda. Whenever she is up to it, we will be waiting to see her."

Brenda was resting her eyes as Jax quietly snuck into the room. Brenda opened her eyes and gave Jax a smile that momentarily stopped his heart. He walked over and sat on the bed and kissed her gently on the lips. "I love you."

"That word doesn't even begin to explain what I feel for you, Jax. It is impossible to put my emotions into words at this moment. I did not think it was possible to feel like this. I don't know how my heart is still in my chest. It is so overflowing with love right now. Please tell me this is not a dream."

"It is not a dream, Brenda. That daughter of ours is not either. She is the most precious gift anyone could ever give me. I could spend the rest of my life thanking you for giving her to me but it wouldn't even begin to show you my gratitude."

"You brought her into this world, Jax. I will never forget that. You kept your promise and kept us safe. You are so amazing."

"You were pretty amazing yourself. Do you know what it was like to watch you give birth to her? I saw you carry her and protect her for nine months. Do you know how incredible that is?"

Simone then wheeled the isolette into Brenda's room. "Someone is looking for her mommy and daddy."

Simone handed the baby to Brenda. "Simone, how is she?

"About as perfect as you can get right now. She seems to have taken the excitement quite in stride. From what I know about the two of you, that is going to come in handy for her."

Jax laughed. "We wouldn't want her to get bored."

"Do we have a name for her yet?"

"Yes. Simone, meet Jillian Veronica Jacks."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Jillian Veronica Jacks," Simone cooed. "Brenda, I know you plan to breastfeed. You should try to feed her now. She may not be interested so try caressing her cheek and talking to her. If you need some help, call and we will send in one of the nurses to assist you. Congratulations to both of you. She is a real looker. I will look in on her again tomorrow."

"Wake up, Jillian. It's dinner time. Mommy needs you to eat now. Hey, precious. That's it open those beautiful eyes of yours."

The baby opened her eyes and Brenda put the baby to her breast. Brenda began caressing Jillian's' cheek and the baby turned her head and found the nipple. She immediately began feeding. "That's it, sweetie. Mommy and Daddy are here. We love you so much."

Two tears slid down Jax's cheeks as he watched the two loves of his life bonding before his eyes. He had never felt such an overwhelming sense of love. He did not know how life could be any more perfect than it was at that moment.

After Jillian had finished feeding, Brenda handed the baby to Jax. He sat in the chair beside the bed with his sleeping daughter as Brenda brushed her hair. Amy was sending in the family to see them. "Jillian, be prepared. The entourage to about to arrive."

John, Jane, Jerry, Julia and Robin then entered the room. "Love, you do not look like you just gave birth a few hours ago. I hear you were a real trooper. Quite a compliment from Jerry, I must say."

"Jane, you should give Jax the credit. Meet your granddaughter."

Jane smiled as Jax put the baby in her arms. "Mum, meet Jillian Veronica Jacks."

The baby began to stir and flashed open her eyes momentarily to look at Jane. Silent tears flowed from Jane's eyes. "You are such a welcome sight. You certainly look like your mommy but those eyes are your daddy's."

"I hope they stay blue like Jax's. She would be very lucky if her eyes were half as beautiful as her father's."

Jane gave the baby to John. "Hello, Jillian. We have been waiting a long time to meet you. Welcome to the family." Tears formed in the corners of John's eyes.

"I don't believe you two. You both are getting soft in your old age. I can't believe you are blubbering over a grandchild. Who are you and what have you done with my parents?"

Jax shook his head. "Excuse Jerry. He did his crying in the car before we got to the hospital when he thought no one was looking. I was looking."

"So was I. As soon as Jillian cried for the first time, so did he."

"You both are delusional. You both must have had some momentary bout with insanity after surviving the childbirth process."

Brenda laughed. "We know what we saw, Uncle Jerry."

Robin walked over to the bed and hugged Brenda. "Why do you have to make everything such a thrill?"

"Jax says it's a gift. My biggest fear is that Jillian now has the same tendency."

John laughed. "So you're in for a thrilling ride, Jillian. Now it is time to meet your Aunt Julia."

"John, I'm not very good with babies."

Brenda looked at Julia. "Julia, your niece wants to meet you."

John handed Julia the baby. "You do look like your mother, don't you?" Jillian flashed open her eyes again. "Mommy is over there. Here she is." Julia placed the baby back in Brenda's arms.

"Say hi to Aunt Robin. She won't see you all the time but she will be thinking about you."

Robin smiled. "She's so beautiful. Look at her little hands."

"I think we had better give you some time alone together. Brenda, you must be exhausted. We will head back to the house and see you tomorrow."

"Mum, Corrine has everything ready for you. I am staying here tonight but I will stop by the house sometime tomorrow. Brenda and the baby won't be home until the day after tomorrow so you will be in charge."

"Good night everyone."

"Brenda, Jason and I will stop by tomorrow before I head back to New Haven. Congratulations."

"Good night, Brenda. She is beautiful. I love you."

"Thanks Julia. We love you."

"Jerry, thanks for everything."

"You're welcome. You did good Brenda, you both did."

Brenda laid Jillian across her legs as Jax walked everyone to the elevator. Jax walked back into the room carrying a huge vase of pink tulips.

"Jax, where did they come from?"

Jax put the flowers on the table by the bed and sat next to Brenda on the bed. "I ordered them once Jillian arrived. I had to wait to see if we were having a boy or a girl before I decided what to get for the two of you."

"Do you know that pink tulips are my favorite flower? My father had beautiful tulip gardens but I only was drawn to the pink tulips. All I ever wanted to do was to cut them and have them all around me in the house. Of course, no cutting was ever allowed."

"I thought they would be perfect for you and our little girl. There will also be a surprise this spring for the two of you."

"What surprise?"

"Tomorrow, Matthew is planting an entire garden of pink and white tulips outside of the nursery window. This spring, you and Jillian can look out the nursery window and find a sea of pink and white tulips. The garden will be dedicated to the day you gave me Jillian. And Brenda, you and Jillian can cut as many of them as you would like, they are yours."

"Jax." Brenda's sobs were caught in her throat. "How do you do this? How can you make me happier and feel more loved every minute of every day?"

"It's just the beginning, Brenda. It's the beginning for all of us. Today will be better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today. We are going to have an incredible life together."

Brenda picked up Jillian and kissed her cheek. "Do you know that you are the luckiest little girl in the world? Your daddy is going to make every dream of yours come true."

Tuesday, September 30, 1997
General Hospital -- 11:00am

Brenda and Jillian were being released from the hospital this afternoon. Jax was going to attend a meeting about the Atlantic Shipping deal and then go to the hospital to bring his family home. Julia and Jerry were going to handle the afternoon Atlantic meetings. John had left for a meeting in Manhattan earlier this morning. Jane was spending the morning making sure everything was ready for Brenda and Jillian's arrival.

Brenda and Jillian had spent the last day and a half getting to know each other. Robin and Jason had stopped by to see Brenda before their trip to New Haven. Jason had made both Brenda and Robin laugh when he walked over to the baby in the isolette and said that Jillian was better looking than he expected. He explained that he thought all babies were bald and wrinkled and looked like little old men. Brenda thanked him for the compliment he paid to Jillian. Brenda had spoken to Lois yesterday and again this morning. Brooke was just about over her case of the chicken pox so Lois planned to come to Port Charles for a visit on Friday.

Jax had spent the first night at the hospital with them but Brenda had insisted that he spend last night at home. They all knew how precious sleep was going to be now. Jax had stayed at the hospital until midnight last night when Jillian had finally settled down for the first half of the night. Simone had completed her final examination of Jillian and signed her release papers. Dr. Meadows was in surgery so Brenda was still waiting for her discharge papers. She had just finished taking a shower and getting dressed. She was in the bathroom when she heard a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Sonny walked through the door. "Am I interrupting anything?"

"No, I am just waiting to get my walking papers."

"How are you? Robin told me about your little adventure."

"I am fine. I would just as soon never have a baby like that again but we are okay. Have you seen her?"

"No."

"Well, we will have to remedy that. Let me finish up here and I will take you down to the nursery to see her."

Amy then came through the door pushing the isolette. "Brenda, Jillian is lonely for you."

"Sonny, I will translate that for you. She is screaming her lungs out in the nursery and disturbing all the other babies. Unfortunately, she inherited my big mouth."

Sonny laughed as Amy walked out of the room. Brenda went over and picked up a fussy Jillian. She immediately settled down as Brenda rubbed her back and whispered to her.

Brenda then turned her around to face Sonny. "Sonny, this is Jillian Veronica Jacks."

Sonny took Jillian's hand and she gripped his finger. "Brenda, she is gorgeous. Mike told me she was beautiful but I did not realize just how beautiful."

"Thanks. We are going to keep her. Do you want to hold her?"

"May I?"

"Of course." Brenda handed the baby to Sonny. "She likes to be over your shoulder."

Sonny walked over to the window and faced the baby toward the sunshine. "Jillian, I hope all your days are filled with sunshine."

The baby then let out a sigh as she fell asleep on Sonny's shoulder. Sonny handed her back to Brenda who rocked her for a moment and then put her back into the isolette.

"I'm sure Jax must be thrilled."

"He is on cloud nine right now. We both are."

"I am happy for you. I have to get to a meeting with Alan about the AIDS Memorial Wing, but I wanted to stop by before you went home."

"Thanks Sonny."

"Thank you, Brenda."

The Jacks' Residence -- 2:00pm

Virgil carried in Brenda's bag and some of the flowers as Jax carried Jillian into the house. Corrine and Jose were waiting to see the newest addition to the family as Jane helped Virgil with the flowers.

"Jillian, welcome home. Let me introduce you to Corrine and Jose."

"Corrine and Jose, meet Jillian Veronica."

"She is beautiful, Mr. and Mrs. Jacks."

"You should be very proud."

"Thank you."

"Brenda, do you want to go upstairs?"

"No, I expect Lila and Ned shortly. I'll go into the den and we can put Jillian in the bassinet there."

Brenda stretched out on the couch as Jax put Jillian in the bassinet. "Are you hungry?"

"No, but I do want something to drink. Jillian needs to eat in another hour."

The doorbell then rang. Corrine showed Lila and Ned into the den. Jax asked Corrine to have Jose bring in refreshments for everyone.

"Brenda, you look lovely. I must say you had quite an adventure I hear. Jax, you kept your cool and came through for your family. You should be very pleased with yourself."

"We are just happy to have Jillian and Brenda safe and sound."

"Where is she?"

Jax went over and picked up Jillian from the bassinet and brought her over to Lila. He placed Jillian in Lila's arms.

"Oh, my. She is exquisite. She will be the belle of the ball."

Ned smiled at the look of joy on his grandmother's face. "Jax and Brenda, she is beautiful. Congratulations."

"Thank you Ned. We look forward to her being great friends with Brooke."

"Brenda, I am sorry I did not get a chance to see you sooner but I just arrived back in town this morning from a business trip."

"Don't worry about it. I am glad you were available to bring Lila here. She is Jillian's unofficial great grandmother."

"I spoke to Lois and she filled me in on the details. I am just glad you all are okay."

"We are fine. I talked to Lois this morning and she still plans to be in town on Friday. Brooke and Jillian can meet then."

"Well, Grandmother, you have a doctor's appointment so we need to get going."

"Good-bye Jillian. I will see you soon." Lila passed Jillian to Brenda. "Good-bye Jax and Brenda. Be thankful every day for what you have. She will bring you great joy."

"She already does. Thank you for coming. Let me show you out."

Jax walked Ned and Lila to the door as Brenda laid down on the sofa with Jillian on her chest. As Jax walked back into the den, the sight in front of him stopped him in his tracks. Brenda was asleep with a sleeping Jillian cradled lovingly in her arms. Jax smiled as he realized the picture in front of him represented the only thing he wanted out of life.

The Jacks' Residence -- 10:00pm

Jax, Jerry and Julia had spent several hours this evening working on the Atlantic Shipping deal. John was staying in Manhattan overnight so Jane had spent part of the evening with Brenda. Brenda was upstairs in the bedroom and Jillian was asleep in the bassinet by the bed. Jane was sitting on the bed admiring her granddaughter.

"I still can't believe she is here."

"Neither can I. I was beginning to think that I was going to have the longest pregnancy in history."

"Brenda, I need to thank you for everything you have done for my son over these past several months. I know that you are responsible for his efforts toward us."

"Jane, he loves you so much. He was very hurt and he needed some time to work through some things."

"I realize that and I know he is still working through everything and our role in it. I just want you to know that I will be eternally grateful for your constant devotion and support of Jax. He could have gotten lost in this madness but you would not allow that. You were his salvation."

"I appreciate your kind words but if anyone is a savior around here, it is Jax. When he married me on the yacht, he offered me his love and his support and I could offer him nothing. He lifted me up from my despair and showed me how to love myself. Once that happened, I realized how much I loved him. It was only through his love that I am the person I am today."

"Let's just say that you both were each other's salvation. When you needed him, he was there and vice versa. Now you will both be there for Jillian."

"We will all be there for Jillian. She will be so loved."

Jillian began to fuss and Jane stood up and looked into the bassinet. "What is it? Is it time to eat?" Jane picked her up and handed her to Brenda.

"Hey angel. Mommy is right here. I know, it's time to eat, isn't?"

"Good night, precious. I will leave you for some quiet time with your mommy. Good night Brenda. Sweet dreams to you both."

"Good night Jane. I will see you in the morning."

Brenda finished nursing Jillian just as Jax walked into the room.

"Hey! How is she?"

"She's good. Come over and see her."

Jax sat down on the bed next to Brenda. Jillian was fighting off sleep as Brenda placed her in Jax's arms. Brenda wrapped her arms around Jax as they lovingly gazed at their daughter.

"Jax, I can't believe we created her."

"It just shows you how powerful love can be. She is a product of that love."

Jillian drifted off to sleep and Jax gently placed her in the bassinet. "Good night angel."

Brenda got up from the bed and stood next to Jax as they watched Jillian sleep. Jax put his arms around her as they both were captivated by the sight of their daughter. Their great expectations for the birth of their child had been surpassed and the expectations for the future were limitless.