For Brenda the flight home to Port Charles was very different than the flight to Alaska a few days before had been. She felt totally relaxed as she sat between Jax's outstretched legs, her head resting against his chest. Her eyes were closed and her hands rested on top of his arms, which were wrapped loosely around her waist. "This is nice," she said softly as she snuggled deeper into his embrace.

"It certainly is," Jax agreed as he leaned over to kiss the side of her neck. He then rested his cheek on top of her head. They stayed like this until the steward brought their dinner. Unlike the last time they were on this plane, when she couldn't eat anything, Brenda started eating her dinner very quickly, so quickly in fact that Jax couldn't help chuckling as he watched her.

When she saw him laughing Brenda looked up at him, "What's so funny?" she asked as she held her fork above her plate.

"You are," he said with a big smile. When he saw the shocked expression on her face he laughed. "I was just remembering the last time we were on this plane. There was absolutely nothing I could say or do that would get you to eat even one bite of food. Now you look like you can't get enough to eat!"

Brenda couldn't help smiling as she put her fork down on her plate. "Well I'm hungry! Like you said, I haven't eaten much lately." She winked at him as she picked up her fork and started eating again.

The rest of their flight was spent eating and horsing around. Before they knew it the steward came in to clear away the dishes and pass on the pilot's instructions to buckle their seatbelts because they were about to land in Port Charles. When the plane came to a stop the steward quickly opened the door for them. Brenda was not surprised to see Edward waiting for them when they got to the gate. She had a feeling that she would be seeing him a lot from now on.

"Hello Mr. Jacks, Mrs. Jacks, welcome home," Edward said with a slight tip of his hat. "This way to the car," he said as he extended his arm for Brenda and Jax to walk ahead of him. They got to the car just as one of the terminal employees arrived with their luggage. Edward opened the back door of the limo for them before opening to the trunk. It only took a minute for him to load the luggage before he came around and got in behind the wheel. "Where to Mr. Jacks?" he asked as he looked into the rearview mirror at them.

Jax looked at Brenda, "Well Mrs. Jacks, it's up to you. Where to first?"

Brenda smiled at him. "Let's go to Kelly's. I need to pack my things." She looked down at her hands for a moment before looking back at Jax. "Besides, I think I'd like Ruby to be the first to know about us."

Jax squeezed her hands as he smiled at her for a moment before looking up at Edward. "You heard Mrs. Jacks Edward, take us to Kelly's," he said as he wrapped his arm around Brenda's shoulders and pulled her close to him. They didn't say anything else the entire way to Kelly's; choosing instead to just hold each other and enjoy what they figured would be their last private time for a while.

It didn't take long for them to get to Kelly's. After Edward parked the car in Kelly's lot Jax and Brenda got out and held hands as they walked the short distance to the front doors. Since it was already getting dark it was easy for them to walk right past people without being noticed. They stopped outside the door, looked at each other and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Jax winked at her as he reached to open the door. Without letting go of Jax's hand Brenda walked inside.

Ruby glanced up when she heard the door open. She was relieved to see Brenda and Jax walk through the door. It had been almost a week since she had seen either one of them and she was beginning to get worried. She could tell that something had changed between them as soon as they came up to her. "Hello you two, it's about time you showed up! I was beginning to get worried," she said with a smile. When she saw the glances they exchanged she leaned forward to speak in confidence. "What have you two been up to? Something is different about you."

Brenda and Jax looked at each other and smiled. "You could say that Ruby," Brenda said without looking away from Jax. Finally, when she saw Jax wink and nod toward Ruby, Brenda turned her full attention to her. She looked around for a moment and realized that the diner was too crowded for a private conversation. She looked back at Ruby; "This is not exactly something we want to discuss out here." She glanced toward the kitchen, "Can we go into the kitchen?" she asked.

Intrigued by Brenda's attitude Ruby smiled, "Of course dear, come on." As she led them into the kitchen she suddenly had the idea that she knew what they were going to tell her. When they were alone in the kitchen she turned to face them, "Okay you two, tell me what's going on," she said as she crossed her arms in front of her and waited for one of them to say something.

Jax stepped behind Brenda and rested his hands on her shoulders. She looked up at him with a smile that caused him to squeeze her shoulders. Brenda finally looked back at Ruby and started to fidget a little which made Jax squeeze her shoulders again. After putting her hands on his she stopped fidgeting immediately. "Okay, here goes," she said softly as she looked directly at Ruby. "Ruby I've really loved living here but something's happened in the last few days that makes it impossible for me to stay here anymore." She had expected Ruby to protest but instead she just smiled at them.

She walked closer to them and gently caressed first Brenda's and then Jax's cheek. "I understand completely dear - a wife should live with her husband," she said very matter of factly.

Brenda and Jax were stunned. "How did you know?" Jax asked.

Ruby's smile increased as she put her finger on Brenda's wedding ring. "It was kind of hard not to with both of you wearing these," she said with a chuckle. "I think it's wonderful - congratulations!" She gave Brenda and then Jax a kiss on the cheek. "I don't understand though, why did you want to come in here to tell me?"

Brenda looked up at Jax. "Well we decided to get married very suddenly so we didn't get a chance to tell anyone before hand. Now that we're back we want to tell the people who are important to us privately, before it becomes public knowledge." Jax smiled down at Brenda before continuing. "We'd like to tell our friends before 'anyone' else finds out," he said as he looked at Ruby.

Ruby knew immediately who he was talking about - Sonny! "If you don't want me to say anything I won't. I'm just delighted you two finally figured out you were perfect for each other!" she said with a big smile. Jax and Brenda both blushed. Ruby cleared her throat, "So, will you be moving into the penthouse?" she asked as she directed her attention to Brenda.

"Yes I will, that's the other reason we came here first. I wanted you to be the first to know about our marriage but I also wanted to pack some of my things to take over there tonight," Brenda said as she glanced up at Jax and then back to Ruby. "I thought I'd take some tonight and then pick up the rest tomorrow. Is that okay?"

"Of course it is dear." Ruby said as she rubbed her finger across her chin. "You know, you probably should use the back stairs to take your things out." She looked at Jax, as it became obvious to all three of them that Ruby was now in charge of this move. "I take it you have a car waiting?" she asked. When Jax nodded yes she continued, "Why don't you call your driver and have him bring the car around to the alley? That way you can bring as many bags as you want tonight down the back stairs and put them in the car without anyone knowing what you're doing."

Brenda smiled broadly as she wrapped her arms around Ruby in a tight hug. "Thank you for understanding Ruby." When she released her Brenda stepped back next to Jax. "I know this is short notice so I'm going to keep paying my rent until you can find a new tenant for my room."

"That's not necessary dear," Ruby protested.

Brenda looked up at Jax for a moment before looking back at Ruby. "I know it's not necessary Ruby but I want to. You've always been there for me - even when you didn't agree with what I was doing you stood by me. You gave me a place to stay when I was a just a spoiled kid angry at the world with no place to go. You helped me grow up - even when I didn't want to!" Brenda wiped away the tear that was rolling down her cheek.

Ruby held her arms open and Brenda immediately stepped into them as she wrapped them tightly around her. The two women stood holding each other for several minutes. Finally Ruby pulled back and wiped the tears from her face. "You two better get upstairs and get started before 'someone' sees you're back!" She smiled at both of them. "Go on, I'll wait here to open the door for your driver."

Jax and Brenda both smiled at Ruby. Brenda wiped away the last of the tears from her cheeks before giving Ruby a kiss. Then she took Jax's hand and they headed up the back stairway. About thirty minutes later Jax came down carrying the first of Brenda's bags. Ruby opened the door so he could take the bags out to the car where Edward was waiting to load them. It took two more trips for Jax to bring enough of Brenda's thing down to fill the trunk.

After the last of her things that would fit were in the trunk Brenda finally came down carrying her makeup kit. She handed the bag to Jax before walking over to Ruby. She took both of Ruby's hands in hers. "Thank you for letting us do this our way," she said as she squeezed Ruby's hands.

"Stop Brenda! You don't need to thank me again. It was my pleasure." Ruby looked over at Jax for a moment then back at Brenda. "If anyone asks about you I'll just tell them that you've moved to the Port Charles Hotel with Jax."

Jax walked over to the two women and smiled,"Thanks Ruby." He looked at Brenda and saw something in her eyes. "Uh, Ruby…"

Ruby had seen the same thing in Brenda's eyes and known instantly what it was. "Don't worry dear. If 'he' asks or sends one of his fools I won't tell them. It's none of his business!" Jax and Brenda both relaxed. Jax leaned over and kissed her cheek before stepping back so Brenda could hug her again before she and Jax went out the door. Ruby stood in the doorway watching as they drove away. She couldn't' help smiling. She had never seen Brenda happier. She only hoped that nothing happened to change that as she closed and locked the door.

When they got to the hotel Jax didn't wait for Edward to open the door. He got out and turned back to help Brenda. Once they were out Jax turned to Edward, "We're going to stop at the desk for a minute. Would you get someone to bring the bags up to the penthouse?"

"Of course Mr. Jacks. Will there be anything else?" Edward asked politely.

"No, if we decide to go anywhere I'll drive. Your room should be ready for you when you're finished with the bags," Jax said. "Oh, one more thing, tomorrow morning I'd like you to go back to Kelly's and pick up the rest of Brenda's things. If anyone should ask you about us I don't want you to say anything about our marriage."

"Certainly Mr. Jacks, that won't be a problem," Edward said with a smile. "Good night sir, ma'am." Edward tipped his hat to them before walking over to the doorman to arrange for someone to come out for the luggage.

Jax and Brenda went straight to the front desk when they walked into the hotel. When they got to the desk the manager, who had seen them come in, was waiting for them. "Good evening Mr. Jacks, how can I help you?"

"Good evening Carl, I'd like to speak to you in private please," Jax said in a low voice.

"Of course Mr. Jacks, please come into my office," he said as he extended his arm toward the open office door. Once they were inside he closed the door and sat down behind his desk. "How can I help you?"

Jax glanced over at Brenda then back at the manager. "I'm sure you are aware that I've been away for the past several days." Jax waited while the manager nodded. "What you are not aware of is that as a result of this trip Ms. Barrett will be moving in with me." He looked over at Brenda again, this time with a smile.

"Certainly Mr. Jax," the manager said politely.

When he heard the manager's voice Jax turned his attention back to him. "Ms. Barrett will be moving in tonight so she will need a set of keys immediately."

Without saying anything the manager unlocked the upper right hand drawer of his desk and pulled out a small locked wooden box. He opened the box and took out a set of keys on a small gold key ring. "Here you are Ms. Barrett," he said as he handed Brenda the keys. "Welcome to the Port Charles Hotel. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to call on me."

"Thank you Carl, I'll be sure to do that," Brenda said as she nervously played with the keys in her hand.

Jax and Brenda both stood up as did the manager. "Thanks Carl, I appreciate your help." Jax said as he put his hand at the small of Brenda's back to direct her toward the door then stopped and turned back to the manager. "One more thing; I'd like you to tighten security for the penthouse immediately. I want the penthouse elevator access lock activated as well as the locks on the stairway doors. I'd also like you to limit the number of hotel employees authorized to be on the floor. Select specific people on each shift and make sure that Brenda and I meet all of them before they come on the floor."

Concerned by Jax's requests for increased security the manager walked over to them. "Is there some kind of problem I should alert security about Mr. Jacks?"

Brenda and Jax looked at each other for a moment before Jax turned back to the manager. "Let's just say that now that Ms. Barrett is living here I am concerned about unwanted visitors to the penthouse," he said as he looked directly at him. "Do I make myself clear Carl?"

"Perfectly Mr. Jacks. I will make sure that security is aware of your concerns and takes immediate action." He walked over to open the door. "If you folks are ready I'll accompany you upstairs right now and set the security lock on the elevator as well as the stairway doors."

Jax and Brenda walked out followed closely by the manager. There were several people in the lobby as they walked quickly through to the waiting elevator. As soon as the doors closed a man sitting near the front door took out his cell phone and spoke softly for a couple of minutes before closing the phone and settling back into his chair to wait and watch again.

When the elevator reached the top floor the doors opened and Jax and Brenda stepped out while the manager set the keylock on the elevator control panel. While Jax held the elevator doors open the manager walked quickly to the doors at each end of the hallway to set the security locks so that they would open only from the hallway and not the stairs. When he was finished he walked back to the elevator. Before he got on, Jax handed him a slip of paper. "Here is a preliminary list of authorized visitors. I'd appreciate it if you would make sure that they are cleared to come up." The manager took the list and immediately nodded his understanding. Jax and Brenda stood in the hallway until they saw the doors close behind him.

After staring at the doors for a moment Jax wrapped his arms around Brenda as she turned to face him. "Would you like to try your key?" he asked with a smile. When Brenda nodded and smiled back at him he leaned down to kiss her quickly on the tip of her nose.

Brenda pulled out of his embrace and almost ran the few steps to the door. As she reached forward to insert her key Jax came up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. When the key turned easily Brenda smiled as she slowly pushed the door open. As she started to step through the door she was startled when Jax scooped her up in his arms and carried her across the threshold.

"Welcome home Mrs. Jacks," he said softly as he stood just inside the door. He walked a few steps further into the room and stopped again without setting her down so that he could kick the door closed behind them.

"Are you ever going to put me down?" Brenda asked with a laugh as she snuggled her face against his neck.

"Not if I can help it I'm not!" he said as he walked over to the far couch and sat down, still holding her in his arms so that now she was sitting in his lap. "This feels so right, having you in my arms like this," he said as he leaned forward to kiss her on the lips.

"For me too," Brenda said with a smile as she gently ran the backs of her fingers across Jax's cheek. When he reached behind her head to pull her toward him for a kiss she eagerly agreed. Their kisses continued, becoming more passionate with each kiss. It wasn't until they heard a loud knock at the door that they finally stopped.

"DAMN!" Jax declared as they heard the knock again. "Who can that be?" He looked at Brenda who just shrugged and smiled. "Just a minute!" he yelled to whoever was outside the door.

Brenda chuckled as she reached up to wipe the lipstick off Jax's mouth. "It's probably the bellman with my things Jax," she said as she sat looking into his eyes for a moment. She pulled her arms from around his neck to rest her hands on his chest. "Do you want me to get the door?" she asked with a smile as she arched one eyebrow.

Knowing immediately what she was referring to Jax tried a sudden tickle attack but she swatted his hand away. "No thank you. I'm quite capable of answering the door," he said as he stood up with her still in his arms. After giving her one more kiss he set her down and walked over to the door. When he opened it he saw that Brenda had been right. It was the bellman with a cart full of her things.

"Where would you like these sir?" the bellman asked politely as he pushed the cart into the room.

"Just stack them right here. We'll take them upstairs later," Jax said as he pointed to a spot just behind the sofa table. It only took a minute for Jax and the bellman to unload the cart. After giving the man a large tip Jax opened the door so he could push the cart out. After closing the door Jax turned back to Brenda. "So Mrs. Jacks, what would you like to do first?" he asked as he walked back over to where Brenda was sitting and sat down on the table in front of her, resting his hands on her knees.

Brenda leaned forward and slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. "Oh I don't know; how about try out the bed?" she asked with a sexy grin as she leaned forward to kiss him.

After a quick kiss Jax leaned back and gently removed her arms from around his neck. "Besides that I mean," he said with a chuckle.

Looking a little disappointed Brenda sat back. "Oh I don't know, what do you want to do?" she asked.

Jax smiled lovingly at her as he took both of her hands in his. He glanced down at their hands as he gently ran his thumb across Brenda's wedding ring. "I want to tell the world that you're mine!" he declared with a smile as he looked back into her eyes.

Suddenly Brenda jumped up. "Wait!" she yelled as she ran over to where the luggage was stacked and started digging through it.

"Brenda, what is it? What are you looking for?" Jax asked as he stood up. Before he could walk over to her Brenda found what she was looking for and started back to him. When she got a little closer he saw that she was carrying the little yacht his mother had given her. She walked over to the mantle and gently set it down, right in the center.

"Now it's home," Brenda said softly as she looked up at Jax with tears in her eyes.

"The first of many," he said with a smile as he reached over to cup the side of her face.

After leaning into his hand for a moment Brenda stood up straight. "And the yacht will sit on the mantle of each and every one of them," she said softly as she wrapped her arms around Jax and rested her head against his chest, her ear just above his heart.

Jax smiled as he wrapped his arms around her and rested his cheek on top of her head. Life couldn't get much better than this he thought. They stood silently like this for several minutes. Finally Jax lifted his head and leaned back a little without breaking her embrace. He lifted her face with the side of his finger so he could look at her. "What do you say we freshen up and then go see Ned and Lois? They must be worried about you."

Brenda's eyes lit up as she nodded. "I'd like that," she said as she stood up on her toes to give him a quick kiss before wrapping her arm around his waist. The two of them walked over to the luggage and carried as much as they could up to the bedroom.

9:15 P.M.
QUARTERMAINE GATEHOUSE

Ned and Lois were sitting on the couch in their living room talking when they were startled by the sound of their door bursting open. They both jumped up when they saw Jax come through the door carrying Brenda.

"Brenda!" Lois yelled when she saw them standing in front of her. When Jax didn't make any effort to put Brenda down Lois got concerned. "What's wrong? Why are you carrying her?" she asked as she looked at Jax with a mix of fear and confusion on her face. Ned rushed over, looked around outside and closed the door tightly.

Jax and Brenda had not stopped smiling since they had come through the door. They looked at each other for a moment before Jax reluctantly set Brenda down in front of him, resting his hands on her hips from behind.

"Aren't you going to congratulate us? We're married!" Brenda said excitedly as she held up her left hand and wiggled her fingers to show off her ring.

"Married! Where? When? Why weren't we invited?" Lois asked as she and Ned looked nervously at each other.

"Six days ago on Jax's yacht off the coast of Greece," Brenda said as she leaned back against Jax's chest with a big smile on her face. "It all happened kind of suddenly you see." She took a quick breath before continuing. "Then we went to Alaska to meet Jax's family - my in-laws you know," she said with a very big smile. "I hope you guys don't mind that we didn't include you?" Brenda asked as she pulled Jax's arms around her waist and rested her arms on top of them as she looked first at Lois and then Ned.

"No, of course not," Lois said as she glanced quickly at Ned before looking back nervously at them. "I… err we hope you guys will be very happy."

"We are happy. Aren't we?" Jax said as he leaned down to kiss the side of Brenda's neck before looking back at them with a silly grin on his face. He felt Brenda nodding her head against his face as he did.

After a moment of awkward silence Brenda stood up straighter with her hands resting on Jax's arms. "Okay, what's wrong?" she asked as she looked directly at Lois. "I'm waiting," she said as she shifted her gaze to Ned. When neither of them were quick to answer she glanced quickly up at Jax, who responded by tightening his arms around her before looking back at Ned and Lois.

"Have you guys told anyone else about your marriage yet?" Ned asked with a very serious expression on his face.

"Only Ruby, but she promised not to say anything until we tell her to. Why?" Jax was worried by Ned's question. "Is something wrong Ned?" he asked.

Brenda suddenly realized what was bothering them - SONNY! She shuddered noticeably, which made Jax tighten his hold on her even more. "It's Sonny isn't it?" she asked in a very quiet voice as she looked directly at Ned. "What's he done?"

Ned fidgeted nervously for a moment, as if trying to figure out how to tell her something. "He's out of control Bren!" Lois blurted out. She walked over and took Brenda's hand, leading her to the couch to sit down. Jax came over and sat on the arm next to her. As soon as he did she wrapped her arm around his knee. "Ever since he found out you guys left town together he's been nuts! He calls here at all hours. He comes over three or four times a day, demanding we tell him where you went!" Lois stopped for a minute to take a breath. "We even had to call the cops once when security caught one of his men going through my desk, trying to find out where you were."

Brenda shuddered again as she leaned closer against the side of Jax's leg. She felt a little better when she felt his hand on her hair, gently stroking it. "Anything else?" she asked nervously, not really sure she wanted to hear anything else.

Ned and Lois looked at each other for a second before looking back at them. "Just that you guys should be careful for a while - at least until word gets around about your marriage. I don't think either one of you should go anywhere near Sonny until Lily gets back," Ned said as he looked at both of them. He moved from the chair he had been sitting in to the table right in front of them, "Are you guys staying at the penthouse?"

"Yes we are, why? Is that a problem?" Jax asked as he looked directly at Ned.

"Actually no, it's probably the best place for you to stay - except maybe the main house here." He looked quickly at Lois and then back at them; "You wouldn't consider…" He never finished when he saw both Jax and Brenda shake their heads no. "I didn't think so." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, finally smiling at them. "In that case I suggest that we forget about Sonny and concentrate on getting all the details of this wedding of yours!" He looked expectantly at each of them until they nodded their agreement.

The four friends spent the next couple of hours discussing the wedding, the night of gambling and the trip to Alaska. Eventually the events of the past several days began to catch up with both Brenda and Jax. They quickly said their good-byes and promised to get together soon for a real celebration.

Neither Jax nor Brenda said anything all the way back to the hotel. Once they were in the penthouse they didn't bother to turn on a light. There was enough light from the full moon shining through the wall of windows. Jax walked directly over to the fireplace and picked up the yacht from the mantle, gently rubbing his thumb across its hull. "I think I'm going to head up to bed," he said quietly as he set the yacht back on the mantle and headed up the stairs without looking back at Brenda.

"Jax wait!" Brenda called to him. He turned to look at her from the top of the stairs, the moonlight streaming around him. "Don't leave - I don't want to be alone." Jax smiled at her as he stepped off the edge of the landing and walked back to her. He took her face in his hands and gently stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. She put her hands up to cover his as she looked up into his eyes. "This is all my fault Jax. Everything is ruined," she said softly with tears in her eyes.

He smiled at her before leaning down to kiss her forehead. "What's all your fault luv? What's ruined?" He couldn't imagine what she was talking about.

"All of this," she said sadly as she walked away from him to stand by the coffee table. "We were so happy before we came back here. I was the one who insisted that we come back. If we'd gone someplace else like you wanted none of this would have happened!" The tears that had been building in her eyes spilled over, flowing freely down her cheeks.

Jax walked over to her, putting his hands on her shoulders to push her into sitting down on the table. As he sat down on the couch facing her she quickly tried to wipe away the tears on here cheeks. He cupped the side of her face in his hand as he wiped away the rest of her tears with his thumbs. He smiled slightly at her. "What are you talking about Brenda? Nothing is ruined," he said softly.

Brenda pulled back from him and looked sadly over at the little yacht. "You know what I realized when we were flying home today?" she asked as she looked back at him. When he just looked at her she smiled slightly as she reached over to caress his cheek. "I realized that I was happy with my life - and I LIKED feeling happy!" Jax smiled at her and turned his face to kiss her palm. She suddenly pulled her hand away and placed it on his knee as she looked sadly down at it. "Now that's all gone," she said softly without looking back at him.

Jax turned her chin with the side of his finger so he could see her face. "I still don't understand why you keep saying everything has changed." His expression suddenly got very serious. "Are you saying you're sorry you married me? Do you want to call everything off?" he asked with a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"NO!" she declared as she shook her head. "That's not it at all," she said as the tears started down her cheeks again. "I would never want to end our marriage! I just figured you wouldn't want to stay married to me now that…"

"Now that we have to deal with Sonny?" he asked with a smile.

"Yes," she said softly as she looked over at the yacht again.

Jax turned her face back to him. "Remember what we promised each other on the yacht? That nobody leaves?" He waited until she nodded that she remembered. "Well so do I. There is nothing that Sonny Corrinthos can do or say that will ever make me leave you Brenda." He smiled at her; "I love you. It's as simple as that. We can handle anything Sonny does or says as long as we handle it together."

"Do you really believe that Jax? Do you? Because I know Sonny and he's not going to accept our marriage!" Brenda said as she took both of his hands in hers. She sniffled as she looked into his eyes. "For most of my life I've never been able to trust anyone. That's how I got involved with Sonny in the first place. He made me trust him so I gave my heart to him. That's why when we broke up he was able to hurt me so badly. After that I decided that I was never going to care about anyone ever again, that way they couldn't hurt me when they left - and I was sure they would!" When she saw the look on Jax's face she squeezed his hands and continued. "Then I met you and all that changed," she said as she tried to smile at him. "Until today that is."

Jax reached up to wipe away her tears with his thumbs before taking her face in his hands. "Brenda you are a beautiful, passionate person. You have every right to care - and to trust. You can feel whatever you want about whomever you choose." He leaned forward to gently kiss the tip of her nose. "Listen to me," he said as he rested his forehead against hers, "Whatever Sonny says or does doesn't matter. All that is important is how we feel about each other and what we want."

Brenda wrapped her arms around his neck as she turned her head slightly to kiss him. When the kiss ended she leaned back a little without taking her hands from behind his neck. "Thank you," she said with the first real smile he had seen on her face since Lois had told them about Sonny. "You're right, Sonny doesn't stand a chance against US!"

Jax smiled back at her. "That's what I wanted to hear." He pulled her to him for a very passionate kiss. One kiss led to another and another as he slowly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto the couch with him. He laid her beneath him without breaking their kiss. When he finally broke the kiss to catch his breath, he looked down at her for a moment, his hand caressing her cheek before leaning down to kiss her again.

As their kisses intensified they began to undress each other. Soon they were making love with a sense of total abandon, oblivious of where they were. Afterward as they struggled to get their heartbeats to return to normal they lay snuggled together on the couch, Brenda's head resting on his chest and her leg draped over his.

"That was so nice," she said softly as she ran her fingers gently around his chest. She leaned forward slightly to place a kiss above his heart.

Jax tightened his arms around her as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. He then raised his hand slightly to play with her hair. "You know, for a second there I wasn't sure you wanted me to make love to you tonight." He didn't try to hide the concern in his voice.

"Brenda lifted her head to look at him, "Oh no, it wasn't that at all," she said as she looked into his eyes for a moment before turning away, "I was afraid. I was afraid that once you knew that Sonny was going to cause trouble for us you wouldn't want me anymore." The insecurity she was feeling was obvious in her eyes as she rested her hands on his chest. "Jax, all my life I've had to prove myself to everyone - my father, Julia, Sonny. Don't I have to prove myself to you? Pass some kind of test? Something?" She really couldn't believe that he would stand by her against Sonny without proof of her loyalty.

Seeing that Brenda was really worried about this Jax began to gently rub the backs of his fingers along her cheek as he smiled at here. "Haven't you figured out yet that I'm not like any of them? You don't have to prove anything to me Brenda. I trust you. It's as simple as that." He leaned down to kiss her once on the mouth as he continued to stroke her cheek. One kiss quickly turned into several before Brenda pulled back to look at him.

"You really mean that don't you?" she asked with a trace of surprise in her voice. When he nodded she slowly shook her head, "Wow," she said softly, "This is going to take me a little time to get used to you know," she said with a smile. "I hope you can be patient with me." She gave Jax a mischievous wink as she rested her chin on her hands.

Jax couldn't help smiling, "Oh I think I can handle that," he said as he wrapped his arms more tightly around her, bringing his hands up to gently caress her back. Brenda smiled as she moved her hand away to wrap her arms around him. As she snuggled close to him again she turned her head a little so she could place several light kisses on his chest, finally resting her head in what had become her favorite position, her ear resting above his heart.

They stayed like that for several minutes, not saying anything as they held each other. Jax gently ran his fingers in circles on Brenda's back as she softly brushed her fingers across his chest. After leaning over to lightly kiss his chest one more time Brenda lifted her head to look at Jax. Her smile slowly changed to a very serious expression, "You know, what you did for me tonight took a lot of strength."

Jax couldn't help chuckling as he pulled her closer. "Well there's plenty more left where that came from if you're interested…" Brenda slapped him on the chest as her smile returned.

"That's not what I meant!" she said with a frustrated smile. "I meant you're willingness to stay with me regardless of what we may have to face from Sonny."

"Are you trying to tell me that you want me to stick around?" Jax asked with 'that' twinkle in his eyes.

Seeing the twinkle Brenda smiled broadly. "Oh yes, I want you to stick around," she said as she rolled completely on top of him, her knees straddling his hips as she slid seductively up his body until her mouth was even with his and she could kiss him fully on the mouth.

After several passionate kisses Jax carefully got up from the couch without letting her out of his arms. She immediately snuggled her head against his neck as she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. He carried her into the bedroom and over to the bed. Still holding her close he reached down to pull the covers back before laying her on the bed beneath him.

As she felt Jax lay her down Brenda tightened her legs around his waist to make sure he didn't try to leave. She looked up at him and saw his passion and his desire for her in his eyes. She reached up to gently pull his face to her for a passionate kiss. That kiss quickly led to lovemaking that lasted almost until dawn.

Any plans Jax and Brenda may have had to continue their honeymoon were quickly shattered by the sound of the phone on the bedside table ringing. Jax slowly reached over to answer it as Brenda stirred slightly against his chest. He gently caressed her back as he picked up the phone in an attempt to get her to go back to sleep. "Hello?" he asked sleepily as he glanced over at the clock to see the time.

"Hello Jax? It's Katherine Bell. I hope I didn't wake you?"

"What could you possibly want at 7:30 in the morning Katherine?" Jax asked as he pushed himself up against the headboard. When she felt him move Brenda slowly opened her eyes and lifted her head from his stomach.

"I'm here at Kelly's looking for Brenda. Ruby suggested that I ask you where I can find her. Do you know how I can reach her?" Katherine asked. She was not sure why Ruby would suggest that she talk to Jax since Sonny had told her that he and Brenda were back together.

Jax looked down at Brenda as she slowly rolled off of him and onto her side next to him. She smiled at him as she slowly started to run her fingers across his stomach. "I might be able to put you in touch with her Katherine. What do you want to talk to her about?" he asked with a smile that grew broader as he felt her start to run the side of her foot up his leg.

Unsettled by the sudden change in Jax's voice Katherine didn't answer him immediately. "I… ah … I need to talk to her about her Deception contract."

Putting his hand on the mouthpiece of the phone Jax gave Brenda a stern look as he whispered, "She wants to talk to you about your contract. Do you want to see her today?" he asked.

Brenda rolled onto her back and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. After several moments she opened her eyes and looked up at him. "I guess I better," she said softly. After sitting up against the headboard next to Jax with the sheet pulled up tight around her she looked over at the clock on the table next to him. "Tell her to come over about 9:00," she said sadly.

"Why don't you come over to the penthouse about 9:00? I'm sure I can arrange for her to meet you here then," he said with a big smile and wink at Brenda. "We'll see you then." Jax quickly hung up the phone without ever looking away from Brenda. "Oh well, I guess the real world had to intrude on us eventually," he said sadly. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to him again, holding her like that for several moments.

Reluctantly Brenda pulled back from his embrace. "As much as I hate to say this…" she said with a laugh when she saw the sad little boy expression on his face. "Cut that out!" she yelled as she swatted his hand away when he tried to pulled the sheet down. She backed away from him a little more. "Like I started to say, as much as I hate to say this we need to get dressed. Katherine will be here soon." As Jax lunged at her to try to change her mind she jumped out of bed, causing him to fall face down on the mattress and ran into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

When she came out about a half-hour later she was a little disappointed not to see Jax still waiting for her in bed for her. Instead she saw one of the outfits they had bought in New York laid out on the bed. She walked over to the bed and smiled as she ran her fingers gently across the silky fabric of the blouse. She picked up the outfit and walked back to the bathroom, stopping at the dresser long enough to pick up the remaining things she would need. A little while later she came out fully dressed with her makeup done and her hair pulled up into a loose ponytail. She took a last look at her reflection in the mirror before heading downstairs to find Jax.

Brenda got as far as the top of the stairs before she saw him. He was sitting at his desk reading some reports with his back toward her. She didn't think he had heard her come out so she walked quietly down the stairs and over to him. As soon as she was behind him she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him several times on the side of the neck.

Jax smiled broadly as he put down the report he was reading and put his hand on her arm. "I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to get down here," he said with a laugh as he pulled her around to sit in his lap. Brenda tried to pull away but he held her tight. "Oh no you don't!" he said as he wrapped his arms more tightly around her and snuggled his face against the side of her neck. "This feels nice," he said softly.

"It sure does," she said as she rested her cheek against his head. They stayed like that for several minutes, neither one of them saying anything. It wasn't until they heard a loud knock at the door that either one of them even moved.

Brenda groaned softly as she slowly pulled his arms from around her waist to get up. Jax got up as soon as she did and, resting his arms on her shoulders, asked, "Ready?"

After taking a breath and letting it out slowly Brenda rested her forehead on his chest for a moment before looking up at him. "Ready," she said nervously.

"Okay, here we go," he said as he walked over to the door. As he did Brenda walked over to the dining room table to pour herself a glass of orange juice. She had a feeling she was going to need it - or something stronger - before this meeting was over.

As soon as Jax opened the door Katherine walked in right past him. "Good morning Jax. I hope I didn't disturb you but it's very important that I talk to Brenda - TODAY!" Katherine looked around the room until she saw Brenda standing by the table. "My goodness Brenda, you look fantastic!" She turned back to look at Jax, "I don't know where you two disappeared to but she looks fantastic!"

Jax shrugged as he looked over at Brenda who just smiled at him. "She always looks fantastic," he said as she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He leaned down to kiss the top of her head as he rubbed his hand around her back. When he looked over at Katherine he could see that she was shaken by there actions which made him smile because he knew exactly who she must have been talking to for her to have that strong of a reaction.

Before he had a chance to say anything to her though there was another knock at the door. Jax held up his finger to signal to Katherine for her to wait before saying anything else while he answered the door. He was surprised to see Lucy Coe standing there when he opened it.

"Hello you," she said with a smile as she walked past him. "Hi there, I was hoping to find you here," she said as she looked over at Brenda. When she saw Katherine she couldn't help shaking her head. "I should have known YOU would be here Kathy!"

Having absolutely no idea what Lucy meant Jax sat down on the arm of the couch and crossed his ankles and his arms. "Lucy! Lucy! Would you mind telling the rest of us what you are talking about?" he asked, looking directly at Lucy.

After giving Katherine a smirk Lucy turned to answer Jax. "It's very simple Jax. Brenda's contract with Deception is up at midnight tonight so this visit is 'Kathy's' pathetic last minute attempt to try to convince her to re-sign."

"I am not pathetic! And this is no last minute plea to Brenda," Katherine declared. "For your information this contract," she pulled a folded legal document out of her purse, "is a more than generous multi-year deal that has already been approved. All it needs is Brenda's signature!" she said with a victorious tone in her voice.

Brenda and Jax looked at each other, totally confused for a moment. The only person Brenda had called while they had been gone had been Ben Davidson to confirm that she would be free of Katherine and Deception at the end of her current contract. He had assured her that he had followed her instructions to the letter in dealing with Katherine, which made Katherine's claims of a new contract totally confusing. Until they both realized at the same moment who was behind this. A smile came across both of their faces when each saw that the other had figured it out.

"Excuse me Katherine, but who approved this new contract you're talking about? My attorney?" Brenda asked as she set down her glass of juice and looked first at Jax and then Lucy with a smile before growing serious when she looked at Katherine.

"Oh of course not. He kept insisting that you weren't interested in staying at Deception." Katherine smiled broadly as she walked over to hand the contract to Brenda. "No, this deal was negotiated and initialed by Sonny Corrinthos." When she saw the smile on Brenda's face she began to get uneasy. "He came to see me just after you left for your trip. He told me that Mr. Davidson had no authority to speak for you since he worked for Jax. Sonny told me that he would be taking over your negotiations since the two of you were resuming your relationship."

When she saw the sudden flash of anger in Brenda's eyes Katherine began to worry. "If you'll check the contract you'll see that I have offered you a more than fair salary increase. I'm sure you'll agree that those demands that Mr. Davidson was making were far too extreme for anyone in the industry to take seriously. Sonny assured me that you'd sign as soon as you got back into town." Still unsure of herself but not wanting to let Lucy know something was wrong she turned her attention to Lucy. "So you see Lucy, I'm not the pathetic one here, you are if you think you can lure Brenda away from Deception!" She couldn't help smirking when she saw the shocked expression on Lucy's face.

Lucy spun around to Jax, her confusion obvious on her face. "Please Jax! Put this poor disillusioned woman out of her misery! Tell her that Brenda has no intention of signing on with her little company again!"

Jax looked over at Brenda and saw her still holding the unopened contract that Katherine had handed her. When she saw him looking at her she slowly smiled as she shook her head in disbelief. "Lucy, I don't want to spoil your fun but my wife is perfectly capable of speaking for herself." He winked at Brenda as he too shook his head.

"I know that Jax! It's just that…"

"Shut up Lucy!" Katherine demanded, cutting her off in mid-sentence.

When Lucy turned to yell at Katherine she suddenly realized what Jax had just said. She looked at Katherine in disbelief for a moment before turning slowly back to Jax. "Did you say wife?" they both asked at the same moment in a voice barely above a whisper. When he nodded his head and looked over at Brenda with a very broad smile Katherine and Lucy both turned in unison to look at her. They were both stunned when they saw the big grin on her face as she held up her left hand and wiggled her fingers to show off her ring. When they turned back to Jax they saw him also holding up his hand to show off his ring.

Lucy and Katherine were finally roused from their stunned silence by the sound of Brenda's voice. "Yes married!" she said proudly as she looked at Jax and winked. "As you can imagine, I have been far too busy the past few days to think about the contract negotiations."

"Uh, yes of course," Katherine stammered. "Oh ah congratulations - to both of you!" she said as she looked uncertainly from Brenda to Jax and saw that they were still staring at each other.

"Oh yes, congratulations!" Lucy declared gleefully. As she watched the way Jax and Brenda continued to stare at each other the momentary fear she had felt that Brenda was going to re-sign with Deception faded. She was positive now that they were married there was no chance Sonny was in a position to make promises for Brenda. She felt even more confident when she saw the expression on Brenda's face as she directed her gaze to Katherine.

Brenda leaned back against the dining room table and clasped her hands together in front of her. She looked down for a moment at the still folded contract in her hand before looking at Katherine, a very serious expression on her face. "I'm afraid you have been mislead Katherine. In spite of what he may have told you, Sonny Corrinthos has no right to speak for me concerning my contract with Deception or anything else. My authorized representative in these negotiations is now and always has been Mr. Ben Davidson." She paused for a moment to let Katherine process what she had just said.

When she saw Katherine start to say something she held up her hand. "Contrary to what Sonny may have told you Ben is not Jax's employee he's mine." The look she gave Katherine made her point very clear to everyone in the room. "Now, as to my contract; as you can imagine I have not had the opportunity nor the desire to think about it." She gave Jax a wink as a smile quickly spread across her face. "Now I might go back to work - SOMEWHERE or I might not!" She tapped her finger on the side of her chin as if she was thinking about something. "You know, there is another possibility. I could start my own company." She smiled more broadly as she looked only at Jax. "What do you think honey? Would you back me?"

With a smile that covered his entire face Jax crossed his arms across his chest before answering her. "Of course luv, in anything." He winked at her before looking over at Lucy and Katherine.

"Okay now, everyone listen up," Brenda said as she walked quickly over to the door and opened it. She turned back to Lucy and Katherine, "I'll get in touch with you when I make my decision. In the meantime I'm sure you can understand that my husband and I would like to be alone so - buh-bye!" With that she extended her arm toward the open door.

Lucy picked up her purse and grabbed Katherine's arm to lead her toward the door. "Of course Brenda, WE'LL wait to hear from you. Right Kathy?"

Katherine pulled her arm away from Lucy's grasp as she looked at the contract Brenda had dropped on the table. "Ah, yes of course," she said uncertainly as she looked one more time at the contract before walking toward the door. When she got in front of Brenda she stopped and nodded toward the table. "I'm sure that once you read through the contract you'll see that it's more than fair." She started to leave but turned back to say one more thing. "Please let me know as soon as possible. We need to get started on the Christmas campaign."

Brenda was startled to see Katherine jerked away before she could answer her. She couldn't help smiling when she saw the reason; Lucy had both hands on Katherine's arm and was pulling her toward the waiting elevator. "Oh for crying out loud Kathy, let's go! Leave them to their honeymoon!" She looked back at Brenda as she pulled Katherine toward the elevator. "You two take your time and enjoy yourselves. We'll wait to hear from you," she said with a big smile. Just as the elevator doors were closing she put her hand out to stop them. "Oh I almost forgot, tell Jax that I got his ticket request for the Nurse's Ball. I'll have a messenger leave then at the front desk." When Brenda nodded Lucy released the door and waived one last time as the doors closed.

As she closed the door Brenda was surprised to feel Jax's arms wrap around her from behind. She closed her eyes as she leaned back against his chest. After taking a long slow breath she opened her eyes. "That went pretty well don't you think?" She felt Jax chuckle behind her as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and step next to her as he led her over to the fireplace.

"You keep surprising me Mrs. Jacks, do you know that? You're a whiz on water skis." He smiled when she nodded. "You cheat magnificently at cards and on top of all that you are a whiz at business." When she turned to face him he loosely wrapped his arms around her waist. When she rested her hands on his chest he leaned down to touch his forehead to hers. "Is there anything I forgot?" he asked as he pulled his head back and smiled at her.

Brenda slowly slid her hands up his chest until she was able to wrap them around his neck. "Now I'd have thought you would have figured that out by now," she said seductively as she pulled his face down for a very passionate kiss. When she finally ended the kiss she rested her hands on his chest again. "Actually, what I said earlier might not be such a bad idea - about you and I going into business together. We'd be great partners don't you think?" Brenda tapped her hands on his chest as she waited for him to answer.

"I've got a more important question I need an answer to right now," Jax said as he smiled at her for a moment before reaching for her hand and leading her to the nearby couch. After she sat down he got down on one knee in front of her and took her hand in his. He took a deep breath before looking into her eyes. "Brenda Barrett, will you marry me?" he asked with a nervous little smile.

Brenda looked into his eyes and smiled as she caressed his cheek. "Silly, we already did that."

"I know, but we skipped some very important steps along the way," Jax said as he gently rubbed his thumb across the top of her hand.

"Like what?" Brenda asked.

"Like… an engagement ring," Jax said as he continued to hold her hand. He reached into his pants pocket with his other hand and pulled out a beautiful diamond ring, which he slowly slid onto her finger above her wedding band. As Brenda held her hand up to admire the ring Jax smiled. "That ring belonged to my mum. It was the first thing that my dad bought for her when he struck it rich."

Brenda suddenly put her hand down as she looked at him. "Are you sure she doesn't mind Jax?" she asked nervously.

Jax smiled as he squeezed her hand, "It was her idea actually. She wants you to have the ring - and so do I," he said as he once again ran his thumb across her hand. "So Ms. Barrett, can I have an answer to my question? Will you marry me?"

When she saw the sincerity in Jax's eyes Brenda smiled, "Of course I'll marry you Jax," she said with a chuckle as she leaned forward to wrap her arms around his neck and kissed him. As they kissed Jax wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him so that he was kneeling between her legs and holding her close.

It was the persistent ringing of the phone that finally brought their kisses to an end. Jax got up and walked over to the desk to answer it. As he talked on the phone Brenda sat on the couch watching him. The longer she watched him the happier she felt. After a few minutes she looked down at the rings on her left hand and gently rubbed her finger across the diamond ring that Jax had just put there. Knowing that the ring had come from his mother made it even more precious to her. For the first time in her life Brenda felt like she had a family - a family that she could depend on.

THE OUTBACK RESTAURANT

Katherine stormed through the front door and threw her purse down on the bar. "Oooh!" she said to no one in particular, not even caring who may have heard her.

"Things didn't go well?" Mac asked as he walked over to her. "What happened? Didn't you find Brenda?"

"Oh I found her all right. Unfortunately I found Lucy Coe as well. You know, that woman knows exactly how to push my buttons. She always manages to get me to say things I don't want to say or say what I do want to say all wrong. Now EVERYTHING is a mess!"

Mac put his hand on her arm, "Why? I thought Brenda's contract was a done deal? You gave me the impression that all you needed was Brenda's signature."

Katherine shook her head, "That's what I thought too. You can imagine my surprise when Brenda informed me that the attorney who had been negotiating with us was indeed her authorized agent and not just someone Jax had forced on her. Mac I was so embarrassed, especially with Lucy standing there gloating at me," Katherine said miserably.

Before Mac had a chance to say anything Robin came over and put her hand on Katherine's arm. "Excuse me Katherine, but did I just hear you say that you saw Brenda? Is she here in Port Charles?"

After taking a sip of the glass of juice that Mac had set in front of her, Katherine looked at Robin. "Yes she's back. I just left her about twenty minutes ago."

Robin looked over at Jason for a second to let him know that she was ready to leave. "Great! Is she at Kelly's?" Robin asked as she signaled Jason to come over.

"No, she's not at Kelly's." Katherine looked at Robin in surprise. "Didn't you know? She's staying at the Port Charles Hotel with her new husband." Katherine almost laughed out loud when she saw Robin, Jason and even Mac suddenly look at her.

"Wait a minute! Did you say husband? Brenda's married?" Robin asked as she looked from Katherine to Jason.

"Yes, Brenda and Jax are married. I don't know any of the details. Just that it happened while they were out of town together." Feeling frustrated by everything that had happened and not wanting to answer any more questions Katherine took another sip of her drink. "You know, if you want to know anything else you really should talk to Brenda."

"I'm going to do just that, thanks Katherine," Robin said. When she turned to get her purse from Jason she was surprised to see that he was already gone. As she walked back to her table to get her purse she realized where he had gone - to tell Sonny. She couldn't help shuddering as she thought about what Sonny's reaction to this news would be. Heading out the door to walk the short distance to the hotel she couldn't help wondering how Brenda could have done something this cruel to Sonny. She kept hoping that she could convince Brenda that marrying Jax had been a huge mistake, that she really belonged with Sonny under any circumstances, that she loved Sonny and that he loved her. Without realizing it she started walking faster as her mind raced with all the things she wanted to tell Brenda. By the time she walked through the front door of the Port Charles Hotel she was confident that she would have no problem convincing Brenda to end her marriage and return to Sonny.

When she got on the elevator and pressed the button for the penthouse nothing happened. She pressed it several more times - still nothing. She tried the other elevator and the same thing happened. Finally she gave up and walked over to the front desk to find someone to help her.

"Good afternoon miss, how can I help you?" the clerk asked with a polite smile.

"Yes, I'm trying to go up to the penthouse but when I press the elevator button nothing happens. I tried both elevators and it seems that neither one is working. Is there another elevator I can use until these are repaired?" Robin was a little surprised by the sudden change in the clerk's expression. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Why don't you wait here for a minute while I get the manager? I'll be right back," he said.

It only took a minute for the clerk to return with the manager. "I understand that you want to go up to the penthouse. Is that correct?" he asked politely.

"Yes I do but the elevators don't seem to be working. Is there another one that I can use?" Robin asked again, this time with a touch of impatience in her voice.

"The elevators are working properly miss. We have just restricted access to the penthouse to afford the residents more privacy. If you will give me your name I will be glad to call to announce you." The tone of the manager's voice made it clear to Robin that this was the only way she was going to get upstairs.

"Okay fine, my name is Robin Scorpio," she said as she began to tap her fingers on the counter. The manager pulled out the list of approved visitors Jax had given him last night. Her name was not on it.

"One moment please Ms. Scorpio," the manager said as he picked up the phone and dialed the penthouse number. "Good morning Mr. Jacks, this is Carl the manager. There is a Ms. Scorpio here who would like to come up to see you." He was silent for a moment as he listened to what Jax was saying. "Certainly, Mr. Jacks, I'll bring her right up." After hanging up the phone he looked at Robin with a polite smile. "If you will come with me Ms. Scorpio I'll be happy to escort you up." With that he came around to the front of the desk and held his arm out in front of him to indicate that Robin should go ahead of him.

As soon as they got on the elevator he inserted a key into the slot on the panel next to the button for the penthouse and turned it. The button immediately lit up and the doors closed. When the elevator started moving Robin leaned back against the wall, "Can you tell me why the sudden change in security for the penthouse?"

Without turning to look at Robin the manager answered very curtly, "It was requested by Mr. Jacks. We have instituted several additional security measures at the hotel as well." Before Robin had a chance to ask anything else the doors opened and the manager immediately stepped out. He turned to look back at Robin as he held his hand on the doors to keep them open. As soon as she stepped out he moved his hand to allow the doors to close.

They walked the few steps over to the door and as he was about to knock Robin reached up to stop him. "I'm sure I can handle it from here, thank you," she said, her growing irritation obvious in the tone of her voice.

The manager looked at her uncertainly for a moment, as if trying to decide if it was okay to leave her alone. He decided that since Mr. Jacks had approved her coming up it would be okay. "Of course Ms. Scorpio," he said with a polite nod of his head as he walked back to the elevator. As soon as he pressed the button the doors opened. He put his hand on the door to wait until Robin was admitted into the suite.

Robin straightened her skirt and shifted her purse on her shoulder as she took a deep breath and let it out slowly before reaching up to knock on the door. She kept brushing nervously at the front of her dress as she waited for the door to open. Suddenly the door burst open and there in front of her stood Brenda.

"Robin!" Brenda said giddily, reaching forward to pull Robin into the room. As she did the manager let the elevator doors close, confident that there would be no problem. "Come in, come in." Brenda said As soon as Robin was inside Brenda quickly closed the door before walking over to her and giving her a hug. "I was going to call you this afternoon," she said with a big smile.

When Robin pulled back to look at her friend she couldn't help thinking that she looked different. It was hard to put her finger on exactly what was different but there was definitely something. Suddenly as she watched Brenda walk past her and stand by the couch Robin realized what it was - she looked happy! She looked totally at ease. The smile on her face was so big and so real that Robin had a twinge of guilt at what she was planning to do.

Brenda could see that something was bothering Robin. When Jax had told her that Robin was at the front desk she figured she was here to see if Jax knew where she had gone. Now that she was standing in front of her Brenda got the distinct feeling that she already knew what had happened. As she watched the expression on Robin's face slowly change she realized that she was right and that this was not going to be easy. She was glad that she had convinced Jax to let her do this alone. After the way he had stood up for her with his mother she knew he would have done the same with Robin which probably would have made things worse. She was also glad that he had insisted on not leaving the penthouse in case she needed him. He was in the den going through the mail and messages that had accumulated while they had been gone. Knowing he was close by gave her the confidence to deal with whatever happened with Robin.

Robin walked over to the fireplace a before slowly turning to face Brenda. "Is it true Brenda?" she asked sadly.

Brenda smiled broadly as she held up her hand and wiggled her fingers to show off her rings. "Yep, it's true. Jax and I were married over a week ago on his yacht." When she saw the disappointment on Robin's face her smile started to fade. "Aren't you happy for me?" she asked.

Slowly shaking her head Robin walked closer to Brenda, "I am, I mean I will be, I mean I want to be, I mean…" Things were starting to jumble together in her mind. "Are you really happy?"

The smile started to return to Brenda's face. "Yes" she said softly. "I can honestly say I have never been happier." Her eyes drifted to the steps, which led to the den. Her mind suddenly wandered to another room at the top of those stairs. It wasn't until she heard Robin's voice that her attention returned to their conversation. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I said that I guess this means you're in love with Jax, right?" Robin said.

"You know Robin, I've never felt like this before about anyone. Jax loves me - just for me. I don't have to prove myself to him or beg him to or trick him, he just loves me." It wasn't until she finished that Brenda realized what she had said and how much she had meant it, which only confused her more.

"What about Sonny? You always told me how much you loved him," Robin said as she got up her nerve to do what she had come for. "How many times did you tell me that you two were made for each other? That you were soulmates?" She reached over and put her hand on Brenda's arm. "He still loves you Brenda, in spite of everything you've done to hurt him lately. I'm sure if you went to him and told him how sorry you are he'd help you end your marriage so you two can be together again - sort of." Robin was startled when Brenda looked right at her, smiled broadly and started to shake her head.

"Why on earth would I want to end my marriage? I'm happy with Jax, truly happy, for the first time in my life." Brenda looked around the room for a minute before looking back at Robin. "I have a man who loves me unconditionally. I finally have the kind of family that I always dreamt about. You're asking me to walk away from all of that for what? To be Sonny's mistress?" Her expression grew stern as she finished, "I don't think so Robin. I'm staying exactly where I am."

"But he loves you Brenda and he's willing to take you back! I thought that's what you wanted?" Robin pleaded, suddenly not as sure of herself or what she had come to do as she had been when she walked in.

Brenda sat for a moment as she organized her thoughts. "You know, Sonny once told me we were like a drug - that we were addicted to each other. Now that I think about it, he was right." She got up from where she was sitting on the arm of the couch to stand in front of Robin. "Can't you just be happy for me Robin?" When Brenda saw that she was starting to get through to Robin she continued. "Can't you see that Sonny was my past and that Jax is my present - and my future?"

Realizing that there was nothing she could say that would change Brenda's mind and not really sure that she wanted to anymore Robin smiled slightly. "I want to Brenda, really I do. It's just going to take some getting used to that's all. Can you understand that?" she asked sincerely.

With a smile Brenda gave her a hug, "Of course I can."

Robin suddenly pulled back from the hug and walked over to the fireplace where she softly ran her finger against the hull of the little yacht. "Have you told 'anyone' else in Port Charles about your marriage yet?" she asked without turning back to face Brenda.

"Only Ruby, we went straight to Kelly's from the airport to get my things when we got home from telling Jax's parents." Brenda smiled slightly. "We didn't even tell the people here at the hotel yet. They think we're just living together. Why?" She could tell by the way that Robin had tensed up she was worried. "Robin? What is it? What's wrong?" she asked as she walked over and put her hand on the back of Robin's shoulder. "Tell me," she said softly.

Turning to face Brenda, Robin took a deep breath. "I wasn't alone when I found out from Katherine about your marriage. Jason was with me." She walked away from Brenda. "When I was ready to leave to come over here he was already gone." She shook her head sadly. "I think we both know where he went."

"To Sonny," Brenda said sadly.

"That's my guess," Robin said with a sigh. "I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you. It's just that after talking to you I'm starting to realize that you really are happy with Jax." She cleared her throat as she looked away. "We both know that Sonny's not going to take the news of your marriage well. Maybe you and Jax should extend your honeymoon somewhere - at least for a little while."

"It's okay Robin. Jax figured that Sonny would give us trouble so he alerted the hotel manager to tighten security here. I'm sure you ran into it when you tried to come up today." She waited for Robin to look at her before continuing. "We aren't planning on leaving here anytime soon and there's no way Sonny is going to be able to force his way up here."

"But Brenda, he's on the ELQ board and ELQ owns this hotel. All he has to do is order the manager to let him up and he won't have any choice but to do it." Robin realized that she was really becoming concerned about Brenda's safety.

"Jax and Ned already thought of that. Since Ned is CEO of the company as well as being a Quartermaine he can override any order from a board member. He has already told the manager and the security staff that only visitors cleared by Jax and myself will be allowed up. He also gave specific orders about which hotel employees have access to this floor; specifically that no new employees are permitted anywhere near here. So you see we'll be fine." Brenda smiled reassuringly at Robin as she put her hand on Robin's arm.

Robin smiled meekly at her, "I hope you're right." She glanced down at her watch. "I better get going." As she walked over to the couch to pick up her purse she slowly shook her head. "You know, when I came over here I planned to stay until I convinced you what a huge mistake you had made marrying Jax. I had this really great argument prepared about why you belonged with Sonny. But now …"

Brenda chuckled, "But now you're not so sure right?" When Robin nodded Brenda walked over to stand in front of her. "That's a start. All I ask is that you not do anything to interfere. Can you do that?" She looked Robin in the eyes as she waited for her answer.

After a minute or so Robin smiled at her friend. "I can do that." She started toward the door with Brenda, their arms wrapped around each other. When they got to the door Brenda opened it and they walked out into the hall to the elevator. Robin pressed the button and turned back to Brenda as they waited. "There is one thing I am sure of at this point. You are definitely happier right now than I have ever seen you. If Jax is the reason for that I hope you two have a long life together."

Brenda smiled and wrapped her arms around Robin. "He is the reason, I'm sure of it." Before Robin had a chance to say anything else they heard the elevator doors open. They squeezed each other quickly before letting go at the same time. Robin stepped into the elevator and pressed the lobby button. She waved one last time to Brenda as the doors closed.

Once Robin was gone Brenda walked slowly back into the penthouse. After closing the door she leaned back against it and closed her eyes as she tried to put everything that had happened with Robin in some kind of order so she could tell Jax. After standing there for a few minutes she finally opened her eyes and walked over to the fireplace where she reached up for the little yacht. She gently ran her fingers across it as she continued to think.

Jax came out of the den when he heard the front door open and then close. He stopped at the head of the stairs and looked over at Brenda holding the yacht in her hands. He quietly came down the steps and walked over to her.

It wasn't until he was almost in front of her that Brenda realized that he was there. When she saw him she set the little yacht back on the mantle and wrapped her arms tightly around him. She rested her head against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, neither one of them saying a word. They stood wrapped silently around each other for a long time as Jax gently rubbed his hands around her back to try to calm her trembling.

Eventually Brenda lifted her head from his chest and looked up at him. "He knows," she said softly as tears started to form in her eyes.

Jax stroked the backs of his fingers across her cheek as he gave her a slight smile. "It's okay luv, he can't hurt us. We won't let him." He leaned down to softly kiss the tip of her nose before resting his cheek on top of her head when she put it back against his chest. As they stood in silence again Jax could feel her starting to calm down. She finally stopped trembling as she took a deep breath and let it out slowly snuggling closer to him.

Even though he had assured Brenda that Sonny could not do anything to them Jax could not shake the feeling that Sonny was NOT going to accept their marriage. He had a sick feeling that things were going to get very ugly very quickly. He wrapped his arms more tightly around Brenda as he silently promised her that he would always keep her safe from Sonny - whatever it took!