July 23, 1999

It had been a very busy two weeks for Jax and Brenda, especially Brenda. While Jax and Brenda had been vacationing in Malibu, the Ashfords had lost their last appeal to keep their house, and the Port Charles Law Director had ordered its immediate sale. As a result, it had been added to the foreclosure sale held on July 19th.

Matthew, Brenda, and Ben attended the public sale. The Ashford property was one of twenty-two properties being sold that day. Not surprisingly, Mr. Ashford, Senior, showed up with his attorney to attempt to purchase the house back for his son and daughter-in-law, but was prohibited from bidding and left in a huff. There were several other would-be purchasers at the sale, but none of them seemed interested in the Ashford property because of the restoration agreement attached to it. As it turned out, Jacks Designs was the only bidder on that parcel. Brenda was delighted that they were able to purchase it for the outstanding mortgage balance plus document transfer fees. Once Ben prepared the final paperwork, she was thrilled to have purchased the property free and clear for less than Jax had paid for their own home.

Once all of the restoration agreements were signed and filed and Ben was working on the title transfer documents, Brenda and Matthew immediately began work on the house. Since they still had the keys the Ashfords had given them, they were able to get in without waiting for release of the keys. As soon as they got permission from the city, they had all the locks changed so only the three employees of Jacks Designs had access to the property.

Along with Katie, they did a room by room walk-through, discussing how to furnish each room. Since the house had seven bedrooms, it was a given that each of them would have their own office. In Katie's case, she selected a corner room with lots of windows, since she would have her drafting table set up there. Matthew selected one of the back bedrooms, which had two walls of built in bookshelves, perfect for his collection of Victorian furnishing and architecture books. Brenda originally planned to keep her current office at home, but Matthew convinced her to furnish the downstairs study in the show house as her office. This would, he argued, give them a place to meet with prospective clients, before showing them the rest of the house. It didn't take much convincing, though, especially after Jax agreed with Matthew that by using the study in the show house, she would be able to keep the business out of their home life in the same way that he did - at least most of the time.

Brenda and Katie immediately started working on the design sketches so that Matthew could begin the search for the furniture pieces. Matthew decided to move his research material into the house immediately, much to the delight of his wife. In order for the purchase to be approved by the city and the Port Charles Restoration Society, Katie agreed to live in the house full-time. As a result, they began immediate work on making the master suite of rooms ready for her. Brenda and Matthew decided to use several of the original design plans that they had prepared for the Ashfords for the public rooms, so they would be ready quicker. Since most of the furniture had already been located, it would not take long for it to be ordered and delivered. Matthew was fortunate enough to be able to use several of the same antique shops that he had used for Jax and Brenda's house, so there would be no delay in delivery. The kitchen had been updated when the city had restored the house originally, so it was ready for use. That left only the rooms in Katie's suite, the bedroom, sitting room, and bath to be completed before she could move in.

Matthew prepared a purchase estimate for those furnishings that would be necessary in the house in order for Katie to move in, and Jax had already authorized the funding. In fact, he had authorized the financial department of Jacks International to transfer sufficient funds to a new Jacks Designs account to cover all the materials and furnishings necessary for the entire house. He had also authorized them to monitor the account balance to make sure there were sufficient funds at all times in the account. Brenda protested at first about the amount he had allocated, but eventually she relented when both Jax and Ben had explained to her that anything spent on the property was tax deductible because the facility was classified as a showroom (with the exception of Katie's private rooms). The rent that Katie would be paying on those rooms though would go into the company accounts as income that would offset the decoration and upkeep of her quarters.

In addition to all the activity at the new property, Jax and Brenda also paid a visit to Dr. Meadows for Brenda's monthly checkup. Everything checked out perfectly for both Brenda and the baby. The baby had already gotten so big that Brenda was no longer able to wear any of her pre-pregnancy clothes, even what had seemed very baggy 'float' dresses were now snug across the hips. Brenda asked Dr. Meadows if it was normal to have to wear only maternity clothes at five months into a pregnancy. After smiling at Brenda and Jax both, Dr. Meadows told them that every pregnancy is different. She also reminded them that because of Brenda's tiny size, the pregnancy would be more obvious more quickly.

Brenda also told Dr. Meadows about Jax now being able to feel the baby move. She made a note of it in Brenda's chart before looking up at both of them with a smile. "Just wait," she said. "Pretty soon, Jax, you won't be feeling little ripples under your hand, but swift kicks in the back or the stomach, depending on how you two sleep." Both Brenda and Jax blushed slightly at her remark. "Seriously though, it's a wonderful thing for the father when he can feel his child move for the first time. It helps him feel more like a part of the child's development." She winked at Jax. "I have a feeling that by the time this baby is ready to be born BOTH of his/her parents are going to be relieved!"

After asking several more questions, Brenda and Jax scheduled Brenda's next appointment. Dr. Meadows told them that she would be doing another ultrasound at the next appointment. She also told them that the baby would be developed enough for them to determine the sex, if Jax and Brenda wanted to know. She told them to think about it and to let her know when they came in. They then went out to lunch, as they did after every appointment. This time though, Jane joined them.

Ever since the confrontation with John and Jerry, Jax and Brenda had been having regular public meetings with Jane, each one lasting a little longer and presenting the appearance of increasing friendliness. Travis had shadowed Jax and Brenda to each of these meetings and found that either John or Jerry was always somewhere in the room for each meeting, watching the interaction between them. What neither John nor Jerry had been aware of though were the private meetings that Jane had with either Jax or Brenda or both of them during the same period of time. It was during these meetings that all three of them were able to really work on restoring their relationships. Brenda and Jax had both admitted to each other after their last lunch with Jane at the house that they were starting to feel comfortable with her around again, especially at the house.

Brenda had invited Jane over for lunch today to ask her input on the nursery. Although she and Matthew had already purchased the furniture, there were still a million things that needed to be finished. Since this was Brenda's first pregnancy, she had absolutely no idea what a new baby really needed, besides two loving parents. She had been so involved in her own problems when Lois had been pregnant that she had not taken the time to actually get involved in preparing for Brooke Lynn's birth. Then by the time she was born, Lois was already living in Brooklyn, and she and Gloria had done all the necessary shopping.

Because she and Jax were not yet ready to go public with the actual closeness of their relationship with Jane, Brenda had asked Katie to pick up catalogs and price lists from the children's specialty stores in Port Charles. These, along with the ones that Rebecca had given her when she and Jax had been in Malibu for the Fourth, would definitely give them a place to start. Unfortunately, because of complications with a pending business deal, Jax had to bow out of their lunch. In a strange way Brenda was actually glad. She always missed him when he wasn't around, but she felt that Jane needed a chance to spend some private time with the baby. When she had said that to Jax last night, he had laughed. She had to explain to him that in much the same way that Jax would caress her abdomen and talk to the baby, his mother, the baby's grandmother, might want to do the same thing. Brenda was sure that if she did, she would never ask if Jax were with them. She wanted to give Jane the chance today. When she had explained it that way, Jax had understood and agreed with her.

Jane arrived about 11:00. They immediately went up to Brenda's office to look at all of the catalogs that she had accumulated. Before Jane had arrived Brenda had made up a list of all the things that she had thought of that the baby would need in the way of linens, clothes, bath products - everything she could think of. She was amazed when Jane added another ten items to the list that she had never even thought of. Once they started going through the catalogs and finding the various items on the list they both totally lost track of time.

It was almost 12:30 when they were interrupted by a light knock on the door. "Come in," Brenda called. The door opened slowly, and they were surprised to see Benton carrying a large serving tray that he placed on Brenda's desk.

When Jane saw the tray, she suddenly looked up at the clock on the mantle. "My goodness! It's 12:30 already! No wonder my stomach has been growling at me!" she said with a chuckle, as she came over to see what was for lunch.

Brenda reacted in much the same way. She couldn't believe how quickly the time had flown. As she and Jane were waiting for Benton to set up lunch for them, Brenda walked over to the window. She stood silently staring out the window. This had been exactly as she had hoped things would have gone. There was no tension or anger between them, no accusations or blame. They were both so involved in planning for the next generation of the Jacks family that everything that had come before was FINALLY put in its proper place - THE PAST! Brenda was enjoying her time with Jane as much as if she were her own mother, just as she had before all the trouble that John and Jerry had caused. As Brenda stood silently at the window, she made herself a promise that she would not let the actions of others be the cause of Jane being cut out of her life or the baby's ever again.

When the table was set for lunch, Jane called out to Brenda, but she didn't hear her. Jane came up behind her and touched her shoulder, "Brenda? Is something wrong?" Brenda turned to face Jane and quickly wrapped her arms around Jane's neck and hugged her tightly. "What's all this? Are you okay?" Jane asked, as she saw the tears running down Brenda's cheeks.

As the two women were holding each other, Brenda drew in a quick breath when she felt the baby move and Jane suddenly pull out of the embrace. The shocked look on Jane's face told Brenda that she had felt the baby's movement as well. "I guess your grandchild just wanted to make its presence known." Brenda chuckled at the look on Jane's face. "Are you okay, grandma?" Brenda quickly wiped the tears from her face.

Jane didn't seem able to answer at first. She slowly extended her hand and gently placed it on Brenda's abdomen. As if the baby knew that grandma was there, Jane again felt the baby move. She looked at Brenda with the same stunned expression that Jax had the first time he had felt the baby. "Is that really what I think it is?" she asked incredulously.

Brenda simply smiled at Jane and nodded her head slowly.

"How… How long?" Jane seemed unable to form a complete thought, let along express it.

"I've been able to feel the baby moving for about a month now. Jax first got to feel what you just did a couple of weeks ago." Brenda turned to look briefly out the window before she continued, "You know, he had pretty much the same reaction you did just now. He didn't know what to say either." Brenda smiled lovingly at Jane. "I'm glad you were able to feel your grandchild. I have to admit that I was hoping this would happen. That's one of the reasons I was okay with Jax not being able to be here today." When she saw the sudden change in Jane's expression, Brenda quickly finished her thought, "Not that I wasn't looking forward to spending time with you! It's just that I wanted you to have an opportunity to bond with your grandchild, and I wasn't sure how comfortable you would be doing that with Jax around!"

Now it was Jane's turn to smile and nod. "Thank you for this." She placed her hand lovingly on Brenda's abdomen again. "Brenda, this means more to me than anything anyone has ever done for me. I don't think I'll ever forget feeling the baby - my grandchild - move for the first time." She quickly wiped away the tear that had started down her cheeks when she thought suddenly of John and what he probably would never be able to share.

"I'm just sorry that John will never get a chance to know this child." When Brenda started to say something, Jane put her finger to Brenda's lips to stop her. "Please hear me out before you say anything. I didn't say that to try to make you feel guilty, Brenda, or to get you to promise something. Over the past several weeks I've come to realize that John is so obsessed with one-upping Jax in business that he hasn't even taken the time to realize what it's costing him. Do you know that he has never once asked me about the baby or you? I'm not asking that you or Jax let him into your lives or this baby's. I know now that John would not appreciate this child the way it deserves to be appreciated. It's taken me a lot of years, but I finally get it: John sees his children, not as his family, but as business assets."

Brenda reached out and placed her hand on Jane's arm. "I'm not sure that's true, Mom." Brenda was startled with how easy it had been for her to call Jane 'mom.' She quickly realized that it was finally time. She really did think of Jane as her mother. Jane was more of a mother than Brenda had ever known, and she was now convinced that Jane was going to make a perfect grandmother for this baby and any others that she and Jax would have. Because of that realization, Brenda hated to see Jane so sad about John. "Who knows? Maybe one of these days John will figure out what we already know! Maybe he'll learn that pride in business is great, but pride in family, for who they are and not for what they can provide for you, is much more valuable." At this point Brenda realized that both she and Jane were crying. "Enough of this! Let's eat!"

Brenda and Jane both laughed as they embraced one more time, and then went over to the table to eat their lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent going over the catalogs and making list after list of things to order and where to order them. Brenda had decided to wait to order the things until she had a chance to show them to Jax. They had made a promise when Dr. Meadows had told them about the baby that they would discuss everything that had to do with the newest member of their family - including furnishing and decorating the nursery.

Jane was surprised at Brenda's reluctance to order anything for the baby without talking to Jax. "Are you worried he won't like what you've ordered, luv?"

Brenda smiled at Jane and shook her head. "No, not at all. Jax has always said that I'm free to buy anything I want, especially now that I'm shopping for his child. It's just that we made a promise to each other when we found out I was pregnant that we would discuss everything that had to do with this child. I think since he's this little one's dad he should have a say in what surrounds his child, that's all." Brenda gently caressed her abdomen as she spoke, causing Jane to smile at the obvious love Brenda felt, not only for the child she was carrying, but also for the man who had helped her create the child.

"Does my son know how lucky he is?" Jane asked, with a loving smile.

Brenda quickly turned serious and shook her head. "He's not the lucky one, mom - I am! I was lucky enough to get a second chance with him, and I REFUSE to do anything to ever make him even the slightest bit unhappy!"

Jane nodded her understanding and embraced Brenda again. "I understand, luv - really I do! I want to thank you for loving my son so much." She paused for a second and drew in a deep breath before continuing, "I also need to thank you for standing by him during all the trouble we caused."

When Brenda started to say something, Jane held up her hand. "Please let me finish. I know now that I was a cause of a lot of pain for Jax. I just want you to know how grateful I am that he had you at his side. You stood by him through everything, and you helped him rebuild his life. I just need you to know how grateful I am that you have both allowed me a second chance. I know that you are responsible for that because Jax was not raised to give people a second chance - until he met you, that is!"

Jane reached up and wiped away the tears she saw on Brenda's face. "You are the best thing that ever happened to my son, and I am PROUD you are my daughter!" Jane wrapped her arms tightly around Brenda and hugged her. Glancing up at the clock on the mantle, Jane reluctantly pulled out of her embrace of Brenda. "It's getting pretty late. I should get going before John starts to wonder where I am."

Brenda quickly wiped away the small tears that were still running down her cheeks. After a quick sniffle and a run of her fingers through her hair, she looked over at Jane. "What reason did you give him for going out today?" When she saw the smile come across Jane's face, Brenda instantly recognized it. It was the same devious smile that Jax had when he was up to some great secret. "Mom? What did you tell him?" Brenda stood defiantly with her hands on her hips in the same way she challenged Jax when he got that look.

Jane burst out laughing before she answered, "Actually, I didn't tell him anything!" When she saw the surprised look on Brenda's face she continued, "Don't worry - he has no idea that I've been coming here. I made sure that I'm not followed when I leave the house. Usually John doesn't really care what I do during the day, as long as I'm there when he gets home from work. It's one of the perks of being 'just a housewife'!"

Even the use of that term, Brenda realized, no longer bothered Jane, since it now allowed her the freedom to come and go as she pleased during the day. She knew that Jane was right about not being followed to the house because Travis had made sure ever since the first visit that no one followed Jane. The two women hugged one more time before cleaning up the catalogs and lists that had managed to get spread all around the room. Brenda walked Jane downstairs to show her out. After promising to do this again soon, they embraced and exchanged a quick kiss before Jane left.

After watching to make sure Jane got off okay, Brenda leaned back against the wall, realizing for the first time how tired she was. When she glanced over at the clock on the wall, she decided that she had a few hours before Jax would get home - plenty of time for a quick nap. Just as she was heading toward the stairs, Benton came out of the kitchen. "Benton, I'm going to lie down for a while. Would you make sure and wake me by 5:00? I want to change before Jax gets home." She slowly started up the stairs, having to cover her mouth to stifle a rather obvious yawn.

Benton smiled at her. "Of course, Brenda. I already turned off the ringer on the phone in your bedroom. I figured that after Mrs. Jacks's lengthy visit, you'd be taking a rest. I'll make sure no one disturbs you." He nodded slightly to her with a smile as he walked back into the kitchen. In all the time that Benton had worked for Brenda and Jax, he had learned to relax a great deal. One thing that they had not been able to convince him to stop was his constant need to show them his respect with a slight nod of the head, either when he entered or left a room. Eventually they just gave up trying. Brenda just smiled at him and continued up the stairs. When she got to the bedroom, she found that not only was the phone turned off, but also the drapes had been drawn to keep out the afternoon sun, and the bed had been turned down. As she sat on the edge of the bed and kicked off her shoes, she suddenly realized how tired she actually was. She no sooner lay her head on the pillow than she felt herself drifting off to sleep - without even bothering to pull the covers up over her.

As Brenda lay sleeping peacefully, Madeline came out of the shadows to stand beside the bed. She gently reached down and pulled the covers up over Brenda, without disturbing her sleep. Madeline resisted the urge to stroke Brenda's hair when she realized how protective she actually felt about this young woman. As she silently faded back into the shadows, she began to wonder if her daughter, Elizabeth, had turned out this well. She sighed deeply as she disappeared.

6:45 P.M.

Jax slowly came up the front steps of the house. He was getting home later than he had planned - AGAIN!! Things had gotten very complicated with the latest acquisition he was working on. Over the past two weeks there had been several late nights at the office, not to mention the amount of time he had been forced to spend working at home. Every time he thought he had a handle on the deal, something new seemed to come up.

The only good thing to come from all of this was the fact that he was sure that Everett was appeased. He must be convinced by now that Jax was a responsible businessman, Jax thought. Maybe these past two weeks had been enough to get Everett out of their hair. Just as he reached the front door, Jax slowly shook his head at that thought. Who was he kidding? A few, long nights was not going to be enough to remove the threat that Everett presented to his family.

Just as Jax reached for the doorknob the door flew open. There before him stood his beautiful wife, dressed in the white satin maternity pajamas she had bought in Malibu - looking like an angel with a smile on her face. Jax returned the smile, "Hello, beautiful" was all Jax had a chance to say before Brenda grabbed both sides of his face and kissed him - hard!

When Brenda finally broke the kiss, she kept her hands on his face. "Hello, yourself. You're late!" Brenda finally released his face and took his hand in hers, leading him the rest of the way into the house. She closed the door behind him without letting go of his hand. "Please tell me you didn't bring work home with you again!"

Jax felt his heart flinch at the pleading sound of her voice. There was no way now that he was going to even open his briefcase tonight - that was for sure! The papers he brought home would have to wait until tomorrow.

Jax put his briefcase down on the foyer table. He pulled Brenda close to him and wrapped his arms around her. He gave her a long, passionate kiss before he answered, "Not anymore! I just found something MUCH more important to do tonight." Jax kissed her again to cut off any chance of her answering him.

When they finally broke their kiss, both of them were in need of a very deep breath. Jax gently caressed the side of Brenda's face. "Now that was a GREAT welcome home! To what do I owe this pleasure? I have to tell you, whatever it is I want to know so I can do it again!" Jax wrapped his arms loosely around Brenda as he spoke.

Brenda smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around him as well. "Nothing special really, I just missed you, that's all." The smile suddenly left Brenda's face as she became serious again. "Jax, I was just kidding before about you not working tonight. I know you're having a rough time with this new acquisition. If you need to work tonight, I really do understand…" Brenda's voice trailed off.

Jax put his finger to her lips to silence her. "Not tonight, sweetheart! Whatever needs to be done can wait until morning. Your greeting tonight reminded me that what I really need is to take a break from this - to think about something else. Maybe that way I'll get a fresh perspective on things." Jax leaned down and placed a very sweet kiss on the tip of Brenda's nose. "Besides, didn't you have lunch with mum today? I want to hear all about what you two have planned for the baby." With that, Jax placed his hand gently on Brenda's protruding abdomen. "How has the little one been behaving today?" As if on cue, Jax felt the baby move. "I guess that answers my question!" he said with a chuckle. "Come on, let's go have some dinner and then you can tell me all about your visit with mum." Jax wrapped his arm around Brenda and the two of them headed into the dining room where Benton had set the fireside table for them.

Jax and Brenda spent most of the time they were having dinner just enjoying each other's company. The meal seemed to take forever, since they spent more time kissing than eating. Just about every bite of food was followed by a kiss. If they weren't kissing each other, they were stealing food from the other's plate or tossing crumbs at each other. Neither one of them was aware that they were being watched.

Madeline stood hidden in the growing shadows, smiling at the sight before her. As she had earlier this afternoon when she was watching Brenda sleep, Madeline vowed to protect this family - whatever the cost. All she needed to do now was think of a way to do that. Madeline silently faded away without making her presence known to Jax and Brenda, as her mind began to spin with her need to help end their problems before the child that Brenda was carrying arrived.

After finally finishing their dinner, Jax and Brenda decided to spend the remainder of the evening out on the terrace. It was still very warm outside, so while Brenda and Jax were taking a leisurely walk in the backyard, Benton brought out a pitcher of iced tea and some bowls of Brenda's favorite ice cream and a plate of mint cookies. Knowing Brenda's love of the cookies at the Port Charles Hotel, Benton had made arrangements with the kitchen there to keep them supplied. By the time they came back to the terrace a few minutes later, the cool treats were waiting for them and Benton was nowhere to be seen.

When Brenda saw the ice cream and cookies, she was like a little girl. She ran over to the table and immediately started eating one of the mint cookies. "Hmm… These are EXACTLY what I wanted! How does Benton always manage to know that?" she asked between bites. "He's brought out my favorite ice cream, too!" she exclaimed.

Jax couldn't resist the urge to laugh as he came to sit next to her at the table. "It's not really that difficult, Brenda. Every time he serves these, you react the same way." Jax reached for one of the cookies, only to have Brenda slap his hand. "What? Can't I have one?" He looked at Brenda with his best little boy pout.

Brenda could never resist him when he looked at her like that (not that she could EVER resist him anyway)! "Weeell… I guess just one is okay…" with that she picked up one of the cookies and placed it in his mouth. Just after he bit into the cookie, she pulled it away and leaned forward kissing him quickly on the mouth.

"What was that for?" Jax asked as he chewed the cookie in his mouth. He reached for his bowl of ice cream before he looked over to Brenda for her answer.

Brenda was already eating her ice cream. "No reason! I just like to kiss you!"

Jax set his ice cream down and reached over to tickle her, but she moved out of his reach, slapping at his hands. "Don't! You better eat your ice cream, or I might just have to!" As she reached toward his dish, Jax quickly grabbed it and started eating.

Once they finished their dessert, they both leaned back in their chairs, sipping their tea. "So tell me, how did your afternoon with mum go?"

Brenda smiled as the memories of her time with Jane flooded back. "It was great! We made of list of everything the baby could possibly need and then went through all the catalogs to find what we needed. Mom even suggested several things that I had never even thought of." Brenda stopped for a second. "Jax… she got to feel the baby." Brenda's face lit up as she spoke. "We were talking about something and ended up hugging each other, when all of a sudden, the little one decided to make its presence known. You should have seen her face! She had the VERY SAME expression you did the first time you felt it. It was the best!"

Jax had been a little surprised when Brenda had referred to Jane as mom. It was the first time, he realized, she had ever felt comfortable enough to call her that, and Jax also understood now how important it had actually been for him that she feel that way. He smiled softly as he listened to Brenda talk about her afternoon. He was very grateful now that he had agreed to Brenda's suggestion that they give her a second chance. Brenda needed her 'mother,' especially now with the baby on the way.

When she finished telling Jax about her afternoon with Jane, Brenda noticed the expression on Jax's face. "What is it, honey?" She reached over and held the side of his face in her hand.

Jax reached up and placed his hand on top of hers. "I was just realizing how happy I really am. Watching you talk about your afternoon with mum and hearing you call her 'mom,' I realized how much you needed her in your life. I'm glad we gave her another chance." Jax reached over with his other hand to caress the side of Brenda's face before continuing, "Now, if we can just resolve the Everett problem…"

Brenda pulled back and became very serious. "Have you heard from Thomas lately? He's been gone an awful long time, Jax. Do you think something is wrong?"

Before Jax had a chance to answer they were both startled by the sound of another voice from behind them: "Well, it's nice to know that AT LEAST ONE OF YOU is concerned about me!" Both Jax and Brenda jumped up and turned toward the doorway. "Did you miss me?" Thomas asked with his usual smirk. "To answer your question, Brenda, nothing is wrong. In fact I think I may have a solution to your problem!"