Jax returned to the deck a short while later. He was dressed in a double-breasted white dinner jacket, black silk tuxedo pants, a white silk shirt and black hand tied bow tie. He stood with his hands on the rail as he stared deep into the night sky. His mind was filled with visions of the future he and Brenda would share after tonight. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the deck as someone approached him. He turned to see one of the crewmembers escorting the minister out to join him

The two men stood in front of the small altar that had been set up for the wedding. Jax was standing with his back to the doorway talking to the minister when he suddenly turned around and smiled. Standing in the doorway was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.

Brenda stood in the doorway framed by the light from behind wearing the gown Jax had brought back from Thailand. It was made of pure white silk jersey with a plunging neckline that showed just a perfect amount of cleavage. The sleeveless bodice fit snugly to her waist where it was attached to a softly gathered skirt that was slit on each side to just above her knees. She wore diamond stud earrings and carried three pink tulips tied together with a long white satin ribbon.

Even the minister had to smile as he watched this young couple. The smile on Jax's face broadened as he held out his hand to Brenda. She smiled nervously as she walked a little closer to take his hand in hers. They squeezed each other's hand quickly as they stared into each other's eyes before turning to face the minister. As he began his opening blessing the two crewmembers selected to be witnesses quietly stepped up behind them. Brenda turned slightly and handed the maid behind her the bouquet.

The minister did not speak English very well so when it came time for them to exchange their vows Jax and Brenda had to pay very close attention to what he was saying. They stood facing each other holding hands. Jax looked deeply into Brenda's eyes as he repeated the minister's words. At the end he slowly slid a thin gold band on the ring finger of her left hand.

The minister then turned his attention to Brenda. When he did she began to tremble. She continued to look into Jax's eyes as she repeated the minister's words, tears starting to form in her eyes as she slowly slid the thin gold band onto the ring finger of his left hand.

As the minister held his hands above them for the final blessing Jax reached over to gently wipe the tears from Brenda's cheeks with both of his thumbs which made her chuckle as she looked up at him. When the minister finished he gestured for them to seal their vows with a kiss. Jax leaned down and took her face in both of his hands before kissing her several times on the lips. As they kissed Brenda reached up to put her hands on top of his on her face.

When the kisses ended they stood staring at each other, oblivious to who and what was around them. It wasn't until the minister put a hand on each of their shoulders that they came back with a chuckle. The minister leaned forward to kiss Brenda on both cheeks before extending his hand to Jax. The maid and steward who had served as witnesses offered their congratulations as well before discreetly leaving to make sure that everything was prepared in the master cabin for the newlyweds. The minister spent a few minutes trying to make small talk with them before politely asking to be taken back to shore. After once again offering a blessing and his best wishes to them both Jax escorted him to the launch.

While Jax was gone Brenda walked over to the rail and looked out at the sea. After staring out into the darkness for several moments Brenda held up her left hand to look at the shiny gold band that Jax had put there just a few minutes ago. She loved the way it glittered in the moonlight. In fact, she was so involved in watching it glitter that she did not hear Jax come back on deck. He stood in the doorway for several moments unbuttoning his jacket as he watched her before quietly walking up behind her. Even before he said anything she knew he was there. With her back still turned to him she couldn't keep from smiling as she waited for him.

When he was finally close behind her she leaned back, lightly resting her head against his chest. It was then that she noticed music playing quietly in the background. "Musicians Jax?" she asked softly with a smile.

"No luv, music," Jax said with a chuckle. "The crew have all gone ashore with the minister. I've given them orders not to return until morning. It's just you and me for tonight." Jax rested his cheek on top of her head for a moment.

Brenda slowly turned to face him. She smiled as she reached up to stroke his cheek with the backs of her fingers before taking hold of his jacket lapels and gently pushing it off his shoulders and down his arm, allowing it to fall onto the deck. She then reached up to pull on his tie until it came undone, after which she slowly unbuttoned several buttons of his shirt, allowing her to open it enough to place several kisses on his chest. She rested the side of her face against his skin for a moment listening to his heartbeat before looking back up at him.

Brenda turned around to face the sea again as Jax leaned down to rest his forearms on the rail on each side of her. She closed her eyes to enjoy the feel of her husband so close behind. He tilted his head to kiss her cheek before looking back at the sea. "Earth, moon, stars, I present Mr. And Mrs. Jacks," he said softly as he kissed her cheek again.

Brenda drew in her breath at his announcement. She leaned her head against his shoulder as she looked up at him with a smile. She reached up to pull his face down to hers for several passionate kisses. While they kissed Jax wrapped his arms firmly around her waist pulling her back firmly against him. When she released him she leaned her head back against his chest. "If this is a dream I don't ever want to wake up," she said softly as she let out a sigh, closing her eyes and resting her hands on his. Jax leaned down to kiss her neck again as he held his arms tightly around her. She crossed her arms over his as well. They stood like this for several minutes just enjoying the night and each other.

Finally Jax broke the silence. "How about some champagne?" he asked a slight trace of nervousness in his voice as he leaned over to kiss her neck again before taking his arms away. He walked over to the table where he had earlier put the champagne and glasses. As he was opening the bottle Brenda took a last look at the sea before walking over to join him. She walked up to the table as he popped the cork. The sudden loud pop made her jump which caused both of them to laugh. Jax poured a glass for each of them, handing one to Brenda before picking up the other for himself.

Holding his glass out to her he proposed the first toast. "To my beautiful wife. You are my partner, my lover and my best friend." He lightly tapped his glass against hers before they each took a sip of their wine.

Brenda held her glass up to him to give a toast of her own. "To you, my strength, my confidant, my lover." She gently tapped her glass against his before they again took a sip. As soon as he started to lower his glass Brenda arched her face up to quickly kiss him. When she pulled back she looked into his eyes and smiled softly at him for a moment before turning and walking back over to the railing, her back turned toward him.

Sensing that she needed a little private time Jax refilled his glass and sat down in one of the deck chairs as he looked at the glittering ring now on his left hand and smiled. After allowing her about fifteen minutes Jax finally got up and walked over to where Brenda was standing. "Would you like some more champagne?" he asked as he got close to her.

Brenda turned to face him as she set her empty glass on the nearby table. "No thank you, not right now."

"How come so quiet?" Jax asked. He tried not to sound concerned even though he was.

"I'm sorry. I was just thinking about everything that has happened in the last twenty-four hours." Brenda could see that he was worried. She just wasn't sure what he was worried about or how she could relieve his worries.

"I can understand that Brenda. It's only natural that you would think about everything and everyone…" Before Jax could finish Brenda put her finger up to his lips.

"I wasn't remembering or regretting anything Jax. I was just trying to figure out what I'm feeling." She looked up into his eyes.

"What did you come up with?" he asked quietly.

"I feel happy, nothing more, just happy." Her confusion was obvious in her voice and in her eyes. "Is that bad?" she asked.

Jax finally smiled at her as he reached over to caress the side of her face. "Brenda I married you, I don't own you. You don't have to explain anything to me. This is our honeymoon so you're allowed to feel anything you want without having to explain it to anyone, including yourself!"

Brenda reached up to rest her hand on his cheek. "You're amazing you know that? You always know exactly what to say to make me feel better. How do you do that?" she said with a chuckle as he shrugged. "You're always so good to me and sometimes I can be so rotten…"

Jax finally chuckled. "Well I think as long as we can manage to not both be rotten at the same time we should be okay."

Brenda couldn't help laughing softly as she began to caress his cheek. "Thank you my husband," she said softly. She smiled again when she saw how he reacted to being called her husband. She realized that this was the first time that she had said those words and she also realized that she liked the way she felt when she said them. She leaned forward to meet him for a kiss. As the kiss continued she slowly wrapped her arms around his waist as he wrapped his around her. They stayed like this for several minutes, just enjoying kissing and holding each other.

Eventually Jax broke the embrace and swept Brenda up in his arms, tickling her as he did. Brenda squirmed around and laughed out loud as he carried her over to the covered area of the deck. "Put me down Jax!" Brenda demanded with a chuckle. He gently set her down in front of a small table on which sat a beautiful wedding cake. Brenda turned to look up at him with a smile.

"Let's cut the cake," Jax said as he picked up the cake slicer. He held it above the bottom layer of the cake until Brenda put her hand on top of his. They sliced into the cake together. Jax reached over to get a plate as Brenda lifted the slice and tilted it onto the slicer with her fingers.

"We don't need that Jax," Brenda said as she broke off a small piece and fed it to him, managing to get only a small bit of frosting on his cheek. Jax then broke off a piece to feed to her but he purposely got the frosting on her face so that he could kiss and lick it off which got both of them laughing.

After licking the frosting off her fingers Brenda reached for a napkin to wipe them off. When she saw there was still a spot of frosting on Jax's face she reached up to wipe it off before handing him the napkin to wipe his hands. As she handed him the napkin the smile left her face and she grew serious. "Jax, is this home?" she asked.

"What do you mean luv?" he asked as he licked his fingers one more time before wiping them with the napkin.

"I was just wondering if this is going to be our home now?" she looked into his eyes to try to find her answer.

"Well it will certainly be A home but not THE home." Jax said with a slight smile, which quickly disappeared when he saw the uncertainty in her eyes.

Brenda took a deep breath and let it out slowly before continuing. "In that case then where is home? I mean where should our friends send our gifts? Will they like me? Will I have a walk-in closet?" Without giving Jax a chance to answer she walked back over to the railing and leaned on it, her back to him. Jax followed slowly behind her. "Look at me, I'm married! I don't really know where I am. I don't know where I'm going to live. I don't even know for sure what I'm going to do with myself. I've got one bag and absolutely no idea what's happening next!" She never turned back to him as she spoke.

Jax came up behind her and rested his hands on either side of her on the railing. "Well, there's always that time honored way of killing time - star gazing!" he said with a chuckle when he heard her gasp. "Followed by a swim in the moonlight, then bed, then breakfast - in bed, then a swim in the sunlight. Shouldn't you be writing this down?" he asked with a smile before leaning down to rest his cheek again hers for a moment. He was relieved to realizing she was smiling.

When Jax stood back up Brenda turned around still surrounded by his arms and leaned back against the railing to look up at him. "Okay, okay, I get the message - stop worrying and enjoy my life!"

Jax smiled at her. "That's not exactly what I meant luv. I just meant that you don't have to plan everything. Sometimes it's more fun to just let things happen and see where they lead you." He leaned forward to kiss the tip of her nose but Brenda had other plans.

She stood up on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck as she smiled up at him. As they stood looking at each other he wrapped his arms loosely around her waist. She gently pulled him down to her to kiss him passionately on the lips. That one kiss let to another and another and…

As their kisses intensified Jax ran his tongue lightly across her lips, encouraging her to allow him entry which she did. They both quickly realized that they were heading toward a point of no return and pulled back at the same time. Brenda reached up to wipe the traces of lipstick from his face before trying to remove any smears from her own lips.

Jax was the first to say anything. "Whew! Ahh… how about we have a piece of that cake?" Brenda simply nodded her head, not quite sure she would be able to say anything. Reluctantly Jax removed his arms from around her. He extended a hand to her. "Come on wife, lets go have that cake," he said with a smile.

Taking his hand in hers and squeezing it tightly Brenda nodded. "Okay husband, let's go." She smiled as she followed him back to the table. She liked the way his smile had broadened when she had called him her husband. He handed her the cake slicer and picked up a couple of plates as she cut each of them a slice of cake. She set the plates on the table as Jax poured them each a cup of coffee.

Neither of them said anything as they ate their cake. They were too busy staring into each other's eyes and trying to control the desire they were feeling! After finishing her cake Brenda licked the last trace of frosting from her fork as she looked over at Jax, no longer trying to hide her desire for him. She never took her eyes off him as she set her fork down on her plate. "I think you said something about a swim in the moonlight being next?" she asked innocently as she licked her lips.

Jax smiled as he looked into her eyes and saw the desire there. Without saying a word he stood up and started to unbutton his shirt, pulling it out of his pants and dropping it on the deck as he took it off. Then he kicked off his shoes before unhooking his pants. As Brenda watched he unzipped them and quickly took off not only his pants but also his socks. He was now standing in front of her in nothing but a pair of black silk boxers. He smiled broadly as he planted his feet firmly and put his hands on his hips. "Well? he asked as he looked invitingly into her eyes.

Brenda sat forward in her chair, her forearms resting on the arms of the chair. "Are you sure no one can see us?" she asked as she licked her lips provocatively.

"Only God - but we're married so He'll look the other way," Jax said. His desire for her was now obvious as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he waited for her to make the next move.

Brenda didn't keep him waiting very long. She slowly slid her chair back from the table and stood up. Following Jax's example she didn't take her eyes off of him as she reached up to pull the shoulders of her dress down onto her arms. As Jax continued to watch her, she slowly turned her back to him as she slid the zipper under her arm down. She finally looked over her shoulder at him as she pulled the shoulders the rest of the way down and off her arms, one at a time until she was holding the front of her dress up with her hand. She turned around to face him, again looking him straight in the eyes as she let go of the dress and let it fall easily to the deck.

Brenda stood in front of him wearing only her white satin panties, not the slightest bit embarrassed by her nakedness. She laughed as she turned to walk away when Jax called out to her.

"Wait!" he called as he walked over to her. He reached up to take her face in his hands as he kissed her passionately several times. When he pulled back from the kiss he gently caressed her cheek with his hand, "My beautiful, beautiful wife," he said softly before leaning down to kiss her again, this time wrapping his arms around her.

Brenda reached her arms up to wrap them around his neck as their kisses continued. She loved the sensation as she felt her breasts rub against his chest. She eagerly opened her mouth to him when his tongue caressed her lips. She moaned softly at everything she was feeling.

As they both became more aggressive in their actions it wasn't long before their remaining items of clothing were removed. As their naked bodies moved against each other both Jax and Brenda lost any semblance of control they may have still had. They were simply responding to their bodies.

Jax began to move his hands up and down Brenda's naked back. It wasn't long before his hands drifted down to cup her buttocks, pulling her close. She moaned and kissed him even more passionately.

That was all Jax could stand. Without breaking their kisses he lifted her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Unable to wait any longer Jax knelt down on the deck, laying Brenda on her back beneath him. As he knelt he continued kissing her, leaving a trail of kisses down the side of her neck.

Suddenly he joined them completely, causing her to cry out. Jax stayed motionless above her for a moment. As he looked into her eyes he could see them glaze over with passion and desire. It was this passion that caused him to start moving slowly within her, their eyes still locked together.

It wasn't long before Brenda began to give herself to him. As he leaned down and began kissing a path across her neck he could feel their connection building. She lifted her legs to wrap them high above his waist, allowing him to reach even deeper within her until she felt like he was touching her soul. She could feel her climax building as Jax began to move more quickly within her. When she came it was like nothing she had ever experienced before. She lost consciousness for several moments as a result.

As she slowly started to drift back to reality again she became aware of her surroundings. They were still lying on the deck. Jax was lying partly on top of her, his head resting against her breast, his left leg draped over hers. As her heartbeat slowly returned to normal and she was able to breathe again she began to softly run her fingers across his back.

When he felt her hand start to move on his back Jax leaned forward to place several kisses on her breast before looking up at her. When he saw the satisfied look in her eyes he couldn't help but smile, since it mirrored his own feelings. "Now that's what I call consummating a marriage," he said softly as he leaned his head down to run his tongue gently around and across her nipple sending a chill up her spine. He looked back up at her, his expression suddenly serious, before asking, "Are you okay? I didn't hurt you did I?"

Brenda could see that he was truly concerned for her. She smiled as she leaned down to him for a kiss. "I'm fine Jax, in fact I'm better than fine. You didn't hurt me at all." She smiled slightly as her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. "In fact, I don't ever remember feeling this fine." They both chuckled at that and leaned in for another kiss. "You were amazing Jax. I don't think I have ever experienced anything like that in my life! Thank you." She began to run her hand around his back again as he continued to look at her. "What?"

This time it was Jax's cheeks that turned slightly pink. "I'm sorry that our first time together as husband and wife was on the deck and not in our bed." He picked his head up from her breast so he could face her. He gently caressed the side of her face as he spoke. "I wanted our first time to be beautiful and romantic but when I saw you standing there…"

Brenda reached up and put her finger on his lips. "Don't! It doesn't matter where we were Jax. All that matters is what we shared, what we felt. That's what was beautiful. She smiled down at him to reassure him that she meant what she had said.

Without warning Jax stood up, lifting her along with him. He held her naked body close to his for a moment as he kissed her deeply before setting her down on her feet. He reached down to pick up his shirt from the deck and helped her put it on before pulling on his boxers. He led her over to one of the deck chairs, reaching into one of the cabinets to grab a comforter on the way. He sat down first, pulling her down to sit next to him before pulling the cover over them. Brenda snuggled close to him as he wrapped one arm around her and pulled the comforter closely around them both with the other. She sighed softly as she turned to rest her head on his shoulder. They sat silently for a long time, just enjoying the feel of each other.

As Brenda reached her head up to place several kisses on the side of his neck Jax reached under her chin to turn her face as he pointed off toward the horizon. "Look! There! That orange glow in the sky. That's the dawn of the first day of our married life." He started to smile until he felt her shudder against him. He tilted his head to look down at her, "Are you cold luv?" he asked as he pulled the comforter up higher on her.

Brenda shook her head as she turned away from him to watch the sunrise. "No, I'm fine," she said as she snuggled closer.

"Scared?" he asked quietly as he wrapped his arms around her.

Brenda rested her head back against his shoulder. "Would you be angry with me if I said yes?" she asked nervously as she sat forward again to turn and look at him. She was relieved when she saw the smile on his face.

"Of course not Brenda. I know this is all new to you. I can understand that you need some time…"

"No that's not it Jax. I know what I'm doing - NOW! THIS - this is the right thing!" She motioned around to let him know she was where she wanted to be. "It was just when you said that about this being the first day of our married life I suddenly thought about all the people who have promised to stay around and then left me." She took a deep breath before continuing. "It's just a little hard for me to believe that you'll really be around for the rest of my life." She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Silly, huh?"

Jax smiled and reached to cup the side of her face. "No luv, it's not silly." He took a deep breath as he pulled her closer. "I don't know what happened in your life before I met you. I can only promise you that I'm not going anywhere - ever!"

Brenda smiled slightly as the tears started to spill down her cheeks. "Thank you," she said softly as she wiped the tears away. As she continued to look at him her smile started to broaden and the tears dried up, replaced by a mischievous twinkle that caused Jax to smile. She tapped her finger on the side of her chin as if she was thinking, "Now what was next on that list of yours?" as asked as she paused for a moment. "Oh yes, I know - BED!" She rolled over on top of him, straddling his hips as she did and took his face in her hands before kissing him several times, each kiss more passionate than the one before.

When their kisses ended Jax looked up into her eyes as he wrapped his hands tightly around her bottom and slowly got up from the chair. Brenda wrapped her legs tightly around his waist as he stood up. Jax moved his hands down to hold her close to him as they stood there for a moment without moving. Finally Jax leaned forward to give her a quick kiss on the lips. He looked into her eyes and chuckled softly at what he saw there - exactly what he was feeling! Without saying anything he carried her down to the master cabin.

Brenda had snuggled her head down against his shoulder as he was carrying her. After they walked through the door Jax kicked it closed behind them and walked straight to the bed, sitting down on the edge without ever letting go of her. Brenda began softly kissing a trail up his neck and across his cheek to his mouth as soon as they reached the bed. As she began to kiss him more intensely she gently pushed him back onto the bed. Jax reached up to wrap his arms around her but she suddenly sat up and smiled seductively at him as she started to slowly unbutton the shirt she was wearing.

Jax's eye widened as he watched her. As she started to slowly pull the shirt open he couldn't wait any longer. He reached up and pulled the shirt off of her, throwing it across the room as he did. He quickly rolled them over so that she was beneath him. She reached down to quickly pull off his boxers, allowing him to make them one. They began making love again, this time instead of the demanding passion they had experienced on the deck their movements were slow, gentle and erotic.

Jax woke up at the sound of the bedside phone ringing. He quickly reached over to pick it up. Before answering he looked down to make sure that Brenda was still sleeping. When he was satisfied that she was he put the receiver up to his ear. "Yes?" he asked softly. He listened for a minute before continuing. "You can bring it in when I call you, probably in about an hour." He listened again before ending the conversation and hanging up the phone. As he reached over to hang up he was surprised at the sound of Brenda's voice.

"Who was that?" she asked without moving or even opening her eyes. "Don't they know we're on our honeymoon?" She smiled and leaned over to place a gentle kiss on Jax's chest.

"That, my beautiful wife was the steward. He wanted to know if we would want our breakfast any time soon," Jax said as he brought his arm back around her again.

Brenda opened her eyes as she lifted her head from his shoulder "Breakfast? Already? What time is it anyway?" she asked as she looked over at the bedside table but there was no clock.

Jax pulled her head back down to his shoulder before he answered, "It's almost 11:00 o'clock," he said as he shifted a little to get more comfortable.

"No wonder I'm so hungry!" Brenda said as she propped herself up on his chest. She slowly smiled as she began to draw small circles on his chest with her finger. She looked up into his eyes as she licked her lips. "And here I was thinking it was because of all the 'exercise' I got last night." She laughed out loud as Jax began to tickle her while he rolled them over so that she was beneath him. When he suddenly stopped to look at her she reached up her left hand to caress his face. "Good morning my husband" she said softly as she pulled him down for a kiss.

One kiss led to another and another until they were once again making love. As they lay in bed afterwards holding onto each other and trying to get up the energy to move Jax began to gently run the backs of his fingers around her back. "You know Brenda, you better be careful. I could really get used to this," he said with a soft chuckle.

Brenda shifted against him without lifting her head. "So could I you know," she said with a smile as she lightly ran her fingers around his chest.

Jax gently tapped her shoulder to get her to look up at him. "How about some breakfast?" he asked with a smile. When she nodded her agreement Jax reached over for the phone and pressed a button. "Anton, my wife and I are ready for breakfast." He paused for a moment to listen. "Yes, that will be fine. We'll be eating here in the cabin." He paused a moment again. "Yes, thank you." He hung up the phone and settled back against the headboard with his arms around Brenda. He soon realized that she was staring at him. "What's wrong?" he asked as he looked down at her.

Brenda just smiled and continued to stare at him. Finally she answered him. "You amaze me, you know." When she saw the twinkle in his eyes her smile broadened. "You are just so 'comfortable' calling me you wife. Me, I get goose bumps whenever you say it."

"Is that a bad thing?" Jax asked softly with a smile.

Brenda thought for a moment before answering. "No, it's not." She smiled at him. "Actually, it's a good thing - a very good thing!" She leaned forward to give him a quick kiss. "Thank you my husband," she said. Her eyes had started to sparkle when she said the word husband.

"We better get dressed. Our breakfast will be here soon," Brenda said as she started to get out of bed. She was surprised when Jax pulled her back. "Jax, come on, we need to put something on! What will the steward think?"

"We don't need to dress luv, if you remember the next thing on our list is breakfast in bed…" he said with a broad smile and a wink. Just then there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Jax called as Brenda tried to pull the covers up around herself.

The door opened and a very distinguished looking man in uniform stepped into the room. Brenda recognized him as the steward who had witnessed their marriage last night. "Good morning Mr. Jacks, Mrs. Jacks. Are you ready for breakfast?" he asked as he bowed slightly.

"Good morning Anton," Jax said with a smile as he saw Brenda try to pull the covers even higher around her. "Yes we are thank you."

"Very well Mr. Jacks," he said as he opened the door further so that the two stewards waiting outside could come into the cabin. The stewards walked over to each side of the bed as Jax sat up further, resting against the headboard as one of the stewards placed a tray across his lap. The other steward waited until Brenda sat up next to Jax, tucking the covers as close around her as possible before putting the tray across her lap. The stewards nodded politely to them before turning and leaving the room. "If there is anything you need Mr. Jacks please call." Anton tipped his head slightly and turned to leave.

"Thank you Anton," Jax said. When he turned around to look at him Jax continued. "Would you please tell the captain that my wife and I will be going swimming later?"

"Of course sir. I'll instruct the crew to put out the platform immediately. Enjoy your breakfast." Anton turned to leave but suddenly stopped and walked back toward the bed. "Excuse me for being so presumptuous sir, but the crew has asked me to extend their congratulations and best wishes to both you and Mrs. Jacks."

"Thank you Anton," Brenda said nervously. "Would you please tell them thank you from both of us?" When Anton looked over at her and smiled Brenda finally felt herself relax.

"I will be happy to pass along your message Mrs. Jacks. May I add my own wish that you and Mr. Jacks have a long and happy life." With that he bowed again, turned to Jax, said something that Brenda did not understand but that caused Jax to chuckle, and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

After the door closed Brenda turned to Jax, "What did he say to you?" she asked.

Jax smiled as he bit into a slice of melon. "He told me that I had done well," Jax said with a chuckle. As he saw Brenda start to say something he put the melon slice into her mouth. "Wait a minute luv, Anton and most of the others in the crew have worked for my family since I was a boy so they are very 'protective' of me. He wasn't trying to offend you - just the opposite actually." Jax leaned over to kiss her. "You're a hit with them Brenda, without even trying you've won the lot of them over." He settled back against the headboard. "I'd say this is a very good start to our married life wouldn't you?"

Jax leaned over to give her a quick kiss but she reached up to grab his face in both of her hands and held him close until she could give him a very long, very passionate kiss. When she finally ended the kiss she smiled at him and let go, "Let's eat, I'm starved!" When she looked in his eyes and saw the reaction she had provoked in him she pulled the sheet more snugly around her and put her free hand on his chest. "Down boy, save some of that energy for later. Right now I want to just lie here with my husband and enjoy a nice breakfast. Okay?"

"When you look at me like that how can I say no?" Jax said with a smile. He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the tip of here nose. "Let's eat." With that he took the cover off of his breakfast and began to eat.

After they finished breakfast they took a shower together, which resulted in them making love again. Eventually they did make it up on deck in their swimsuits. The spent a large portion of the afternoon swimming in the Mediterranean, coming out finally to have lunch. As they were finishing lunch Anton came out to the table and whispered something to Jax before going back inside. After nodding to Anton Jax reached over to put his hand on Brenda's arm.

"I'm sorry luv, there's a call that I have to take. I won't be long." Jax smiled apologetically at her. "Do you mind?"

Brenda smiled back at him and put her hand on his. "Sssh, don't apologize Jax. Of course I don't mind." She squeezed his hand. "Go take your call. I'm going to get some sun while you're gone." She smiled at him as she nodded toward the doorway, "Go on."

Jax leaned over to kiss her before getting up. "Thanks luv, I'll be as quick as I can." He kissed her again before going inside.

After Jax was gone Brenda got up and walked over to the railing to stare out at the water for a while. Finally she turned and started toward one of the padded benches on the edge of the deck, stopping to pick up a fresh towel from the deck chair. She laid the towel on the bench, pulled her hair up in a clip and applied a liberal coating of sunscreen before lying down on her stomach. As soon as she was comfortable she took off her swimsuit top and dropped it on the deck. She put on her sunglasses and closed her eyes to relax until Jax got back. It wasn't long before she fell sound asleep.

Brenda slowly became aware of someone standing above her. Thinking that it was Jax she wasn't in any hurry to open her eyes. When she finally did open them she screamed and jumped up, holding the towel up to cover her. Standing in front of her was a man in a black wetsuit, complete with hood and mask dripping water on the deck. As she was about to call out for Jax he came running through the doorway followed by Anton and several of the stewards.

"Brenda? What's the…" He stopped short when he saw the man standing in front of Brenda. He and Anton started toward the man but suddenly stopped when Jax recognized who it was and started to laugh. This totally confused Brenda. When the man removed his mask and pushed the hood of the wetsuit off his head Anton smiled as well and signaled to the stewards that they could leave. He looked over at Jax who nodded to him so he bowed slightly to Brenda and left as well. As if this wasn't enough Brenda became even more confused when the man unzipped the wetsuit to reveal that he was dressed in complete formal attire underneath.

"Thao what are you doing here?" Jax asked the man as he finished removing his wetsuit before putting his hands on his hips as if in frustration.

"Jax old friend, don't tell me you have forgotten that you are hosting our gathering this year?" he asked as he looked from Jax to Brenda. "Of course if this beautiful lady is the reason that you forgot I can definitely forgive you!" The man Jax had called Thao bowed slightly to Brenda with a very large smile on his face.

Suddenly feeling very proud yet also very protective of Brenda Jax smiled broadly as he held his hand out towards Brenda. "Thao Mandakis, I'd like you to meet my… wife, Brenda Barrett-Jacks." Jax couldn't help laughing at the shocked expression on Thao's face.

"Brenda Barrett-Jacks… how wonderful!" He held out his hand to Brenda. When she put her hand in his he squeezed it gently before bending over to kiss it. "I can see you are very beautiful Brenda Barrett-Jacks, but you must also be a very special woman to have so captivated the world's most eligible bachelor that he forgot our yearly gathering! I'm afraid though that you will soon be descended upon by sea and by air as the rest arrive."

Still overwhelmed by their sudden visitor Brenda finally forced herself to speak. "I don't understand. How did you get here? We're miles from shore. I didn't see a plane or a boat so how did you get here?"

As Thao started to say something a suddenly nervous Jax spoke first. "I'll bet your mini-sub is parked below us as we speak!" He chuckled when he saw the look of frustration on Thao's face. When he glanced over at Brenda he realized how uncomfortable she looked, probably because of how she was dressed. She kept trying to cover more of herself with the towel. He held his arms out open to her and she walked quickly over to him. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, for both her reassurance and to cover her.

He tilted his head to look down at her. "Brenda why don't we go get changed? I'm sure Thao can entertain himself for a little while." He forced himself not to smile when he felt her eagerly nod her head against his chest. "If you'll excuse us old man, we'll be back shortly. You know where the bar is and I'll have Anton come pick up your 'suit' before anyone trips over it," he said with a chuckle. He kissed the top of Brenda's head, "Come on luv," he said as he tightened his arms around Brenda and headed toward their cabin.

As soon as they were in the cabin Brenda, who was still holding the towel in front of her, went straight to the closet to find something to wear. Seeing only the few things she had thrown into her bag when she had decided to marry Jax she turned to him with a look of panic in her eyes. "What am I going to wear Jax? The only dress I brought is this white one that I was going to wear for the wedding!" She held up a short white crepe halter dress as she spoke.

"What you've got in your hand is perfect luv," Jax said as he walked over and put his arms around her. "Relax Brenda," he said softly as he rested his cheek on the top of her head. He ran his hands gently up and down her back in an attempt to reassure her. "These are my friends. They are going to love you no matter what you wear." When Brenda lifted her head from his chest and looked up at him he smiled at her before bending down to kiss her on the tip of the nose. "Go on, go take your shower. I'll use the shower in the cabin across the hall." He nodded toward the bathroom with a reassuring smile. Reluctantly she nodded and smiled meekly up at him before pulling away and walking into the bathroom.

Jax waited until he heard the water start in the shower before he went over to the closet to get the tuxedo he always kept there. He quickly collected everything he would need and went to the cabin across from theirs to shower and dress. He returned about twenty minutes later and was surprised to find that Brenda was almost ready. He stood in the doorway watching her finishing up her makeup. When he saw her reach back to try to close up the back of her dress he stepped into the cabin. "Let me get that for you Brenda," he said as he walked up behind her. He easily slid the zipper up and buttoned the straps for her. He rested his hands on the tops of her shoulders and looked at their reflections in the mirror.

"You look beautiful," he said with a slight smile before leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Ready?" he asked as he looked back at her reflection in the mirror.

Brenda tensed up and leaned back against him. She looked at the mirror and saw his smile reflecting back at her. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly she nodded. "I guess so," she said uncertainly. She turned to look up at him and found that as soon as she looked into his eyes she wasn't nervous anymore. She smiled and took his hand in both of hers, "Let's go," she said as she squeezed his hand. Jax just smiled at her and led her out the door.

When they got back on deck they found that Thao was no longer alone. He had been joined by a very beautiful woman as well as another man. As they came out on deck the others turned toward them which made Brenda stop suddenly and wrap her arm around Jax's waist. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze.

Jax took his arm off of Brenda's shoulders and reached for her hand as he led her over to meet their new guests. He leaned over to kiss the woman on both cheeks. "Hello Contessa, Paulo. It's wonderful to see you again." He looked over at Brenda with a smile then back at their guests. "I'd like you to meet my, Brenda Barrett-Jacks. Brenda, I'd like you to meet Contessa Maria Teresa and her husband Paulo Benetti."

Brenda extended her hand to shake hands with the Contessa before extending it to Paulo who politely bent at the waist and kissed it. She then quickly wrapped her arm back around Jax's waist, which made him smile and rest his arm back on her shoulders. Before anyone said anything more Anton came out carrying a tray with glasses of champagne.

After they each had a glass Thao held his up as he proposed a toast. "To our newest friend, Brenda Barrett Jacks. May she and Jax share a long and happy life, a long and happy love!" He raised his glass higher, "To Brenda!" he declared along with everyone as they raised their glasses to her as well.

Brenda blushed at all the attention. She looked down at the deck for a moment before looking back at the others. "I'd like to thank you all for sharing one of the most wonderful evenings of my life." She held up her glass to salute them.

"Perhaps next year you will all join us to celebrate our first anniversary." Jax then smiled directly at Thao. "Maybe by then the 'second' most eligible bachelor will have followed my lead."

"Well if your Brenda is any example of what I have been missing out there I just may have to do that!" Thao declared as he again held his glass toward Brenda that caused the blush to return to her cheeks and everyone else to laugh, including Jax.

Before anyone had a chance to say anything else Anton came out to stand next to Jax. "Excuse me sir, but could you spare a moment to review the final arrangements for dinner?"

"I'll be right there Anton," Jax said. He looked around at the others, finally resting his gaze on Brenda. "I'll be right back. I wouldn't want anything to interfere with this evenings games." With a wink to Brenda Jax followed Anton back inside, leaving her alone with his friends. As he had watched her with them he knew immediately that she would have no problem fitting in with them.

After Jax was gone Brenda began to feel nervous again, unsure what she should do next. She walked over to look out at the horizon as the final glow from the sunset faded away. When she accidentally brushed her finger across her wedding band she suddenly felt her fears dissolve. She knew she wasn't alone in a group of strangers. With a soft smile she turned back to their guests. "Jax said something about this evenings games. Is there gambling involved?" she asked as she turned her attention directly at Thao. Her smile actually seemed to fluster him for a moment.

"Oh absolutely! We have been playing a killer game of 'shimmy' for several years now," he said very quickly as he and the others carefully watched her reaction. They were surprised to see a huge smile light up her face. "Do you know the game?" he asked as he glanced quickly over at the Contessa.

"Do I know the game? I love it! I learned to play one summer when I was in Monte Carlo with my father and sister." She could feel a tinge of bitterness as she remembered the loneliness of that trip.

Before anyone has a chance to ask her any questions Jax came back on deck, glad to see Brenda talking so comfortably with his friends. "Look who I found!" Jax said as he stepped aside to allow the last member of their group to step out on deck.

"Augustin!" Thao called out loudly as he walked over to embrace his friend. "We were beginning to wonder if you were going to stand us up! Especially with Jax's surprise…"

Augustin looked from Thao to Jax. When Jax just smiled and shrugged his shoulders Augustin looked back at Thao. With a broad smile Thao held his hand out toward Brenda. "This beautiful creature, who is obviously too good for him, is Jax's new wife - Brenda Barrett-Jacks!"

Brenda smiled as she held out her hand to Augustin, expecting him to shake it so she was slightly surprised when he bent over and kissed it instead. "It's a pleasure to meet you Augustin but don't believe everything Thao said."

"The pleasure is mine Brenda. Don't worry I never believe everything Thao says!" he said with a very warm smile. His smile disappeared as he turned his attention to Jax. "How could you get married without my singing at your wedding?" he demanded as he crossed his arms in front of himself.

Jax looked over at Brenda with a glint in his eyes. "Everything just moved so quickly once the decision was made that there just wasn't time." As he watched Brenda he couldn't help feeling that she was more than a little uncomfortable at Augustin's tone. "Would you all excuse us for a few minutes? I need to speak with my wife about something."

"Of course Jax," Thao said. He slapped Augustin on the back before continuing, "Come my friend, let's get you a glass of champagne!" Thao and Augustin led the group back inside, followed by the Contessa and Paulo.

When Jax and Brenda were alone he reached for her hand and led her to the chairs by the table. He pulled out a chair for her to sit down and waited until she did before sitting down himself. He held her hand with both of his for a moment before reaching up to stroke the side of her face. "I'm sorry about all of this. With everything that was going on I completely forgot they were coming." He looked down at their hands and then back up into her eyes. "I know you weren't expecting a party so if you'd rather…"

Brenda reached up to put her finger to his lips. "Not at all Jax! I like your friends. They're very - unusual," she said with a chuckle.

Jax laughed softly. "I think eccentric is a better word for them, but they are good people Brenda." He was relieved that she seemed to like them but was a little surprised when he saw a look of concern on her face. "What is it luv?" he asked, squeezing her hand.

"Thao told me that you gamble for very high stakes at these gatherings. Is that true?" When she saw Jax smile and nod his head she continued. "Have you ever lost? I mean lost something that was really important to you?" she asked softly as she watched his face for a reaction.

A wistful smile came across Jax's face as he seemed to be thinking for a minute. "Actually, yes I have - last year. It was this amazing island, Kronos. Brenda it was unbelievable! It had black sand beaches all the way around it with the most beautiful azure blue water and a huge white house on top of a cliff overlooking the harbor…"

Brenda could tell by the look on his face that Jax had really hated loosing the island. Suddenly she knew what she had to do - but she needed more information to pull it off! "Who won it from you?" she asked quietly.

Jax smiled kind of sadly. "It was Thao. But you know, I've always thought he cheated but I could never figure out how!" He shook his head back and forth a few times before standing and extending his hand to her, "Come along Mrs. Jacks, we have guests waiting for their dinner." Brenda smiled back at him and grasped his hand as she stood up, the wheels turning rapidly in her mind as her plan began to take shape.

"I'm with you Mr. Jacks," she said as she wrapped her arm around his waist and rested her head against his chest for a moment before they walked inside to have dinner with the others.

After a fantastic dinner they all came back out on deck while the stewards set up the gaming table. Jax watched as Brenda mixed easily with his friends, quickly claiming them as her own. For some reason he didn't understand he got a strange feeling when he saw her standing off to the side talking alone with Thao. The longer he stood watching them the more intense this uneasiness became until he was finally able to figure out what it was - JEALOUSY! It had taken him a while to figure out what it was because he had never experienced it before. He quickly excused himself from his conversation with Paulo to walk over to join Brenda and Thao, convinced that the only way to shake the feeling was to find out what they had been talking about so intensely.

After her conversation with Jax earlier about his lost island, Brenda had been looking for an opportunity to talk privately with Thao. His attention during their walk back out on deck after dinner had provided the perfect opportunity. As they stood a short distance away from the others, especially Jax, Brenda made her move. "My husband has been telling me about the island that you won from him last year," she said trying to sound as innocent as possible.

"Ah yes, Kronos, a truly beautiful place. I must tell you though, I have spent a small fortune on renovating it over the past year. Dredging the harbor and bringing the plumbing into the twentieth century has take a huge amount of planning - and money!" His eyes started to sparkle as he talked about Kronos, totally unaware that he had just stepped into Brenda's trap. "You and Jax are welcome to visit there whenever you wish. I would love for him to see the improvements I have made."

Brenda smiled slightly as she saw him fall deeper into her trap. "I'm sorry Thao, I think you have misunderstood me, I don't want to visit Kronos - I want it back!"

Thao thought he had figured out what she was doing so that when Jax came up to them he was sure he was right. "Ah, I should have know," he said as he turned to Jax. "Very smart my friend, using your beautiful wife to entice me into wagering Kronos this year."

Jax smiled as he looked at Brenda, "I'm afraid not my friend. No one uses my wife for anything, especially me. She speaks only for herself." He smiled at Brenda but she could see his confusion in his eyes.

"I was telling her of all the renovations I have done to the island and offered her the opportunity for you two to come visit whenever you want…"

Brenda interrupted him before he could finish, "And I told him that I did not want to visit but that I wanted the island back for you!" Brenda declared with a broad smile.

"I think that is an excellent idea. I would love a chance to win it back from you!" Jax declared as he winked at Brenda. "Would you consider wagering it against say, my collection of Picassos?" he looked expectantly at Thao.

"I think not my friend," Thao said as he looked longingly at Brenda, making Jax very uncomfortable. "However, if you would be willing to wager the lovely Brenda we may have something to consider…"

Jax quickly grew serious. "But you see Thao, I don't own Brenda, she's my wife not my possession. You'll have to accept something else!"

"But what if I'm willing to be wagered?" Brenda asked innocently.

Everyone on deck stopped talking and looked at her. "What are you saying Brenda? You are willing to allow Jax to wager you on a game of shimmy?" Thao asked as a confident smile came across his face.

Looking directly at Jax she answered him. "If you win I am yours - for a limited period of time. If Jax wins Kronos is his forever! Is that agreeable to you both?" She winked at Jax to reassure him that she knew what she was doing.

"More than agreeable to me," Thao said as he looked at Jax, expecting him to decline the wager.

"If this is what Brenda wants who am I to say no? I accept as well!" he smiled briefly at Thao as he answered before looking nervously at Brenda who just smiled at him.

Before sitting down to play both Jax and Thao removed their jackets and rolled up their shirtsleeves. As they sat down Brenda handed each of them a deck of cards to shuffle. "Since I'm the prize in this game I reserve the right to deal the cards, agreed?" She looked first at Thao and then at Jax, both of who nodded their acceptance of her condition. "Good! Now if you gentlemen will shuffle the cards I've given you we can start the game." She smiled reassuringly at Jax before extending the card shue to Thao for his cards. She then slid the shue over to Jax.

"Brenda have you lost your mind?" the Contessa asked. "Jax, you're not really going to let her go through with this craziness!" she asked as she looked from Brenda to Jax, obviously hoping he would call off the bet. Like Jax, the Contessa knew Thao did not always play by the rules but she had never been able to figure out how he did it.

"I'm wondering the same thing myself," Jax said as he looked uncertainly at Brenda.

"Trust me," was all Brenda said as she looked deeply into Jax's eyes, sliding the shue closer to him as she did.

Something about the way Brenda had looked at him made Jax relax - at least a little - as he slid his cards into the shue. He took a deep breath and let it out quickly. "I do trust you. It's Thao I don't trust," Jax said softly as he nodded toward Thao without taking his eyes off of hers.

"Okay, so everyone understands the wager," Brenda said as she looked first at Thao then at Jax. "If Thao wins I am his - for a limited period of time. If my darling Jax wins…" she looked confidently at Jax and patted his hand. "He gets his wife and WE get Kronos forever! Agreed?" She looked at Thao who nodded his acceptance. When she looked at Jax she saw that he was still unsure so she squeezed his hand again causing him to nod once.

"You must have great faith in your husband Brenda," Paulo said nervously as he looked from his wife to Augustin before looking back at Brenda. When he saw her unfailing confidence in Jax he realized that Thao had been right, Jax had found an amazing woman. A woman who Paulo now realized was Jax's equal in every way.

"Well he won me once, I'm banking that his luck still holds," Brenda said as she slowly let out the breath she was holding.

"Okay, let's begin," Brenda said as she slid the first card out of the shue. She slid it in front of Thao face down before sliding a second, also face down to him.

Thao lifted the cards so only he could see them. Without the slightest change in his expression he looked over at Jax, "I'll stand." He set the cards back on the table to wait for Brenda to deal Jax's hand.

Brenda then dealt two cards to Jax in the same way she had for Thao. He picked up the cards, holding them so only he could see them. "Hit me," he said softly. Brenda slid another card out of the shue and placed it in front of him. He lifted the card and put it with with others before laying them all face down on the table.

Everyone turned their attention to Thao. He slowly turned his cards over. "Six," Brenda said calmly as everyone seemed to turn toward Jax at the same moment. They all waited anxiously as he slowly turned his cards over. When they were face up everyone except Thao smiled. "Seven," Brenda said. "Jax wins." She looked at Jax and smiled as she saw him slowly let out the breath he had been holding and jokingly wipe his forehead.

"Second hand, if Jax wins it's his game, his island and his wife," Brenda said as she looked Jax in the eyes, sliding two cards face down to him as she did.

He looked at the cards and set them back on the table, "I'll hold," he said softly and looked over at Thao.

Brenda smiled at him again before sliding two cards toward Thao. He picked up the cards and immediately turned them over. "A natural eight," he said expectantly.

Jax slowly turned his cards over. "Seven, Thao wins," Brenda said calmly. She purposely looked straight ahead. "Score is one all."

"You can still call this madness off you know!" Paulo said to Jax as he silently hoped he would.

"The decision is up to my wife," Jax said nervously as he looked sideways at Brenda, hoping she would call the whole thing off. Everyone looked at Brenda for her decision.

"I say…" Brenda paused as she continued to deal the cards, "third hand is going. May be best man win." She looked over at Thao as she dealt his second card.

Thao picked up the cards. "Hit me," he said as he stared at the cards. When she dealt the third card he picked it up and added it to the others, keeping his face expressionless.

Brenda then dealt Jax his two cards. As he picked them up everyone silently looked at him. "Hit me," he said so quietly that Brenda could barely hear him. When she dealt him the card Jax picked it up and added it to the others. Like Thao he kept stonefaced.

As they sat in silence neither man made any more to show their hand. Finally Brenda broke the silence. "Thao?" she asked as she looked calmly toward him.

"Seven, can you match that Jax?" Thao looked confident as he turned toward Jax.

Everyone silently looked to Jax who sat staring at his cards. Without looking at either Thao or Brenda he answered. "Oh I can match it alright. I can match it and beat it - NINE!" A huge smile spread across his face as he put the cards on the table and turned to Brenda. As soon as he did she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately on the lips before leaning back to look him in the eyes again before turning to accept the congratulations of the others.

"Congratulations! May the two of you have a wonderful honeymoon on Kronos and may you enjoy my expensive renovations!" Thao said as he extended his hand to Jax. "Well done Jax. You've obviously married a woman who is your perfect match!"

Brenda leaned over to wrap her hand around Thao's neck to draw him to her for a quick hug before turning her attention back to Jax. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck as he leaned forward to kiss her on both cheeks before resting their foreheads together for several moments.

The entire group moved back out on deck for the rest of the evening to celebrate Brenda's courage and Jax's good fortune - partly for his win tonight but mostly for having found Brenda! It was nearly two in the morning before the party broke up.

Thao put on his wetsuit to return to his mini-sub with the promise to have his attorney arrange for the transfer of ownership of Kronos. Jax had wanted ownership signed over to Brenda but she refused, insisting that the island was her gift to Jax. Eventually he agreed. After saying goodbye to the others Thao gave Brenda a hug and kissed her on both cheeks. He then hugged Jax before putting a hand on each of them. "This has been an evening that I shall not soon forget, thank you - both of you!" He then directed his full attention to Brenda, resting both hands on her shoulders. "Brenda you are an amazing woman. Jax was a very lucky man to have found you for his wife but the rest of us are fortunate to be able to call you friend." With that he leaned over to kiss her on both cheeks again. He gave her a tight hug before letting her go. He waved goodbye to everyone as he climbed over the railing to swim back to his sub.

After saying their own goodbyes to both Brenda and Jax the Contessa, Paulo and Augustin boarded the tender that had been tied up to the side of the yacht ever since Augustin had arrived for the ride back to shore. Once they were gone Jax and Brenda headed over to the table to get a glass of champagne. Jax poured them each a glass, handing one to Brenda and keeping one for himself.

"They just left and I miss your friends already!" Brenda said as she walked back out on deck and sat on one of the deck chairs.

Jax followed her out and sat on the chair with her. "They are your friends now too you know." He smiled and reached over to caress the side of her face for a moment. "I can't believe you wagered yourself for Kronos." He looked away for a moment before looking back at her. "I think I would have had to make Thao walk the plank if I hadn't won you know." He smiled at her but she could see in his eyes that he was still shaken by the evening's events.

She reached over to caress his cheek as she smiled at him. "Do you really think I would have let you lose?"

Jax sat back a little to look at her. He was confused by her question. "What do you mean? How could you prevent it?" He reached up and took her hand off his cheek and interlaced his fingers with hers.

"Easy, I did it the same way Thao took the island from you last year, I cheated!" she declared proudly.

"You did? HOW?" Jax was stunned. "I couldn't see anything! I know Thao didn't see anything either!"

"I had the cards underneath the shue so when I dealt it looked like I was dealing from the top but I wasn't!" Brenda declared proudly.

Jax slowly shook his head as he smiled at her. "Where did you learn to do that?"

Jax could see a look of sadness come across Brenda's face that was quickly replaced with bitterness. "Whenever my father took us to Monte Carlo he always took Julia everywhere with him and left me to fend for myself. I happened to make friends with some really good 'shimmy' players who taught me a trick or two!" She took a deep breath and looked away from him. "I thought if I showed my father my winnings he would be proud of me but instead he just took the money and told me to stay out of the casino." She shook her head a little and started to wipe away the tears that escaped her eyes.

Reaching up to wipe away the tears with his thumbs Jax took her face in his hands. "You don't have to worry about that anymore Brenda. I'll always be proud of you." He smiled at her again. "I think we are going to have a good life together, as long as we don't take each other for granted."

"I think if we did that it would be a terrible waste," Brenda said softly finally smiling as she continued to look into Jax's eyes.

He brought his glass up to hers to toast, "To our beautiful life together." He tapped his glass lightly against hers before they each took a sip.

Brenda held up her glass to him. "To my husband," she said softly as she tapped her glass against his. She took a very quick sip of her champagne before reaching up to gently pull his glass down. She leaned forward and kissed him, softly at first but the longer they kissed the more passionate the kisses became.

Finally Jax ended their kisses and without saying a word reached for her glass and set it on the deck next to the chair. He then stood up and extended his hand to help her up. When she was standing he reached down and swept her into his arms, still without saying a word. He leaned forward to kiss her as she wrapped her arms around his neck and wove her fingers through his hair. Once the kiss ended he smiled at her with 'that' look in his eyes which caused her to chuckle softly as she snuggled her head against the side of his neck. He quickly carried her down to their cabin where the spent the rest of the night making love, finally falling asleep just as dawn was breaking on the second day of their life together.