When Brenda and Jax came through the door into the corporate terminal everyone in the room couldn’t help glancing their way. The sight of a couple so obviously in love brought an immediate smile to each of their faces. Even Jerry could see it from where he was standing. “Well it’s about time you two got back,” he said as they walked across the terminal.

Jax stopped and turned toward the familiar voice. A huge grin spread across his face. “Jerry!” he said happily as he led Brenda over to where Jerry was standing. “It’s about time you showed up! I was beginning to think you were going to miss the wedding!” he said as he gave Jerry a hug. When he released him he rested his hands on his brother’s arms. “When did you get in?”

“Last night. I was going to stop by your place but mum said you two were out of town.” Jerry looked over at Brenda. “I certainly hope this amazing looking woman is my sister in law,” he said as he gave Brenda a smile exactly like Jax’s. As he looked at her closely for the first time, he couldn’t help thinking that she was even more beautiful than his parents had described her and even more in love with his little brother than he had thought. He had known she was beautiful from the pictures his mother had sent him but he had not been prepared for the real woman standing in front of him. After talking to his parents about them, he knew that she loved Jax but until he had actually seen them together he had not realized how much.

“Of course this is Brenda you jerk!” Jax said as he punched Jerry in the shoulder. Jax wrapped his arm around Brenda’s shoulders. “Brenda, as I’m sure you’ve already figured out, this is my brother Jerry. Jerry, this amazing woman is my wife, Brenda.”

Brenda smiled and extended her hand. “Hello Jerry. I’m glad to finally meet you.”

Instead of taking her outstretched hand Jerry wrapped his arms around Brenda as he leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Hello little sister,” he said as he hugged her tightly. He looked at Jax over the top of her head and gave him a slight nod and a smile of approval. When he released her he looked down at her and smiled. “I actually feel like I know you already. Ever since I got here mum and dad haven’t stopped talking about you and this wedding that you guys are planning.” Jerry glanced at the clock on the wall. “That reminds me, we better get going or you two will be late for your own wedding.” Without giving either Brenda or Jax a chance to say anything, Jerry cocked his head toward the door. “Edward’s waiting to take you guys to the Quartermaines to get ready.”

Jax and Brenda looked at each other with big smiles. Brenda took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “It’s really going to happen isn’t it Jax? We’re actually going to get married again,” she asked with a trace of nervousness in her voice.

“You bet we are luv,” Jax said as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “Let’s go. You’ve got people waiting to make you even more beautiful than you already are, as if that’s possible.” He leaned down to give her a passionate kiss.

After waiting what Jerry thought was an eternity, he cleared his throat as he looked away from them, slightly embarrassed. “Ah, excuse me you two. If you guys don’t get a move on there isn’t going to be anything happening to get ready for,” he said firmly but with a slight chuckle.

Jax finally ended the kiss, resting his forehead against Brenda’s for a moment. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead leaning back and taking a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Spoilsport!” he said as he looked over at Jerry.

“He’s right honey, we better get going,” Brenda said with a sigh as she looked up at Jax. “After this trip I’m going to need as much help as I can get to look presentable for this wedding.”

Jerry and Jax looked at each other and smiled. “That’s a joke, right?” Jerry asked as he looked at Brenda.

Before Brenda could respond Jax pulled her close to his side. “Let’s go,” he said as he started toward the door, taking Brenda with him.

“Oh wow,” Brenda said in a soft voice as she walked over to look out the window for a minute. She couldn’t help smiling as she looked around the room. “I have so many great memories in this room,” she said as she gently ran her fingertips along the edge of the dresser.

“We were hoping you would feel that way,” Monica said with a smile.

Everyone turned when there was a quick knock at the door. “Come in,” Brenda called. A huge smile spread across Brenda’s face as Jax walked through the door.

“Hold it mister! You can’t come in here!” Emily yelled as she ran over to stop Jax from coming in. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding? I mean isn’t it bad enough that you already saw her this morning? You can’t see her now too!”

Jax smiled as he looked at Emily, crossing his ankles and leaning against the doorframe. “That rule doesn’t apply to us, Emily. We’re already married.” When Emily didn’t move Jax looked over at Brenda. “I can’t believe this Brenda. Someone is actually trying to keep us apart.”

Brenda walked over to him and rested her hands flat on his chest as she looked up at him. “I know honey,” she said with an understanding smile. “I’ll see you in a little while,” she said softly as she leaned up on her toes to give him a quick kiss. “You better go so I can get ready,” she said softly so only he could hear as she nodded toward the open door.

Jax cupped the side of her face in his hand. “I’ll be waiting. You won’t be able to miss me. I’ll be the guy in front of the minister with the big smile on his face,” he said softly as he leaned his forehead against hers for a second.

“Excuse me,” Emily said impatiently. “You really have to go - NOW!”

“Okay, I’m going,” Jax said reluctantly as he let Emily push him out the door. “I’ll see you downstairs,” he said to Brenda with a wink before walking down the hall to the bedroom he would be using to dress.

Brenda stood in the doorway watching him walk away. She couldn’t believe what she was feeling. She missed him. He wasn’t even out of her sight yet and she missed him. It took all the self-control she had not to go after him as he walked down the hall. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t hear Monica talking to her. When Monica touched her shoulder she jumped slightly as she turned around.

“Come on,” Monica said softly. As Brenda smiled at her and walked back into the room Monica wrapped her arm around her. “I can’t believe you two just got back from New Orleans,” she said with a chuckle as she slowly shook her head.

Brenda laughed as she plopped down in the chair facing the window. “That was my crazy husband’s idea. He wanted to give us some private time before the wedding so that I could relax.”

“Did it work?” Monica asked as she came to stand behind Brenda’s chair.

“Oh yeah, it DEFINITELY worked!” she sighed as a very satisfied smile spread across her face. When she remembered who was in the room, Brenda’s smile disappeared and her face turned bright red with embarrassment. She covered her face with both hands as she slid down in the chair.

When she realized what Brenda was feeling, Monica rested her hands on Brenda’s shoulders and squeezed slightly. “I have an idea. Why don’t you go take a nice hot bubble bath before your stylists get here?” Without letting go of Brenda’s shoulders, Monica looked over at Emily and the maid. “Tonya, would you please run a bath for Mrs. Jacks?”

“Of course Dr. Quartermaine,” Tonya said before going into the bathroom.

“And you, young lady,” Monica said as she turned to Emily. “It’s time you start getting ready yourself.”

“Oh mom!” Emily pleaded. “There’s plenty of time. I want to talk to Brenda for a while!”

Before Monica could say anything Brenda spoke up. “Monica’s right Emily. Besides, I’m afraid I’m going to need every minute I have to try to get ready for this wedding.” She smiled at Emily as she stood up and walked over to her. “I promise, we’ll spend lots of time together later.”

Emily looked sadly at Brenda for a minute as she thought about Brenda’s promise. “Okay, if you promise,” she said as she looked down at her feet.

Brenda lifted Emily’s chin with the side of her finger. “I do.” When she saw Emily nod, Brenda smiled and gave her a hug. Just then Tonya came out of the bathroom. “Okay. Looks like my bath is ready so I want you to go get ready and when you’re finished I want you and Lois to come back here so we can spend some time together before the ceremony. Okay?”

Emily smiled broadly as she nodded her head. “Okay,” she said as she gave Brenda a hug and ran out of the room, leaving Brenda and Monica looking at each other.

As Brenda came out of the bathroom about twenty minutes later she heard a knock at the door. When she opened the door she was not surprised to see the makeup and hair stylists from her photo shoots standing behind Monica. “Are you ready to be pampered?” Monica asked with a chuckle.

“Definitely!” Brenda said, her excitement obvious in her voice. When Monica started to walk away, Brenda put her hand on her arm. “Can you stay for a while?” she asked.

Seeing how nervous Brenda was getting, Monica smiled and put her hand on top of Brenda’s. “Sure,” Monica said with a smile as she patted Brenda’s hand.

Since they were familiar with Brenda’s taste, the makeup and hair stylists were able to work quickly. The only discussion was about what to do with Brenda’s hair. They couldn’t decide whether to put it up or leave it down. Monica finally suggested putting the front part up under Brenda’s veil and leaving the back down, which made everyone happy.

After the stylists left, Monica and Brenda sat facing each other in the chairs by the windows. “Can I ask you a question Monica?” Brenda asked as she played nervously with the belt of her robe.

“Of course dear, what is it?” Monica said as she leaned forward to pat Brenda’s hand.

“You and Alan have been together forever,” Brenda said softly. “How did you do it? I know you’ve had your problems but you always seem to find your way back to each other.”

Surprised by Brenda’s question, Monica got up to walk around as she thought about her answer. She finally stopped and turned to look at Brenda. “I’m not really sure there’s an answer to that question.” She came over and sat across from Brenda again. “I think what kept us together is that we love each other - completely. We’re always there to support each other, no matter what, and most importantly we have patience with each other.” She paused for a moment and smiled. “I think you and Jax have already figured out the most important part of marriage though.”

“What’s that?” Brenda asked, unsure what Monica meant.

“Trust. You have to trust your partner completely with everything in your life.” Monica reached over and gently squeezed Brenda’s hand. “I think you and Jax have already found that trust.” She waited until Brenda smiled back at her and nodded. “That’s why I think you two will have a long, happy marriage. Alan and I have managed to stay together in spite of the breaches in trust we have each caused because in the long run we didn’t want to give each other the chance to leave. You and Jax will stay together because you already have the kind of love and trust that don’t come along very often.” When she saw the tears threatening to spill out of Brenda’s eyes she grabbed a tissue from the box on the table and handed it to her. “You don’t want to do that,” she said with a smile. “You’ll ruin your makeup.” When Brenda chuckled and dabbed at her eyes with a smile, Monica stood up and extended her hand. “It’s time to get you into that beautiful gown of yours.”

Brenda nodded her head as she stood up. “Thank you Monica,” she said as she gave Monica a hug. “Will you help me with my gown?” she asked as she looked excitedly at Monica.

Monica smiled. “Sure,” she said as she gave Brenda a quick hug.

By the time Lois and Emily came to help her dress, Brenda was already finished - thanks to Monica’s help. When they came through the door they were stunned at what they saw. “WOW!” Lois said as she stared at Brenda. “You look amazing!” she said as she walked over to give Brenda a hug.

Brenda blushed as she looked down at the floor. “Thanks, I hope Jax will like it,” she said softly. When she lifted her head to look at Lois a big smile spread across her face. “You guys look fantastic!” She looked over at Emily who was fidgeting nervously. “Emily you look beautiful,” she said as she walked over and put her hand on Emily’s arm.

“Jax is going to be speechless - trust me!” Lois declared with a chuckle as she looked over at Monica. “He already thinks you’re gorgeous. He’s going to be speechless when he sees you in this outfit.”

Just then there was a knock at the door. Emily rushed over to the door to open it in case it was Jax again. She did not recognize the attractive older man standing in front of her but she suspected it was Jax’s dad.

“Hello there pretty lady. Is my daughter ready yet?” John asked with a smile that reminded Emily of the one Jax had given her earlier.

Emily turned and looked at Brenda. When she saw her nod, She stepped aside and opened the door the rest of the way to let John in.

As soon as he stepped into the room he stopped as he looked at Brenda. “Oh my,” he said softly as a loving smile crossed his face.

Brenda smiled proudly when she saw John’s reaction. “Is it time already dad?” she asked as she smoothed out the front of her dress and took a quick look in the mirror before looking back at her father in law.

“Just about,” John said. He looked over at the others. “Could I please have a moment alone with my daughter?”

“Sure thing Mr. J,” Lois said as she linked her arm with Emily. “We’ll wait for you guys at the head of the stairs,” she said as she started out the door, followed by Emily and Monica, who closed the door as she walked out.

“I hope you don’t mind my dear. I just wanted a moment alone with you.” John took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I wanted to tell you how happy I am that you and my son found each other.” John looked away for a moment. When he looked back at her he put his hands on her upper arms. “You know, after what happened with Miranda, I didn’t think Jax would ever be able to love anyone again. But you changed all of that. That day he brought you to the compound to meet us I saw something in his eyes that I didn’t think I’d ever see again. There was a light in them again that I had not seen in a long time.” When John saw the tears pooling in Brenda’s eyes he smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you for loving Jax enough to give him back his life.” John rested his cheek on top of Brenda’s head for a moment before leaning back. “We better get going or Jax is going to come looking for us,” he said with a quick kiss on Brenda’s forehead.

After quickly wiping away the tears that were running down her cheeks, Brenda looked up at John. “I love you John Jacks. You and Lady Jane are the parents I never had. I’m just grateful that you’ve taken me into your family and I promise you that I will never do anything to hurt Jax - EVER!”

“I know that luv,” John said as he extended his arm to her. “Ready to marry my son?” he asked with a smile and a wink.

“More than ready,” Brenda said with a smile. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as she linked her arm with his.

When they got to the head of the stairs, Emily handed Brenda the bouquet she was holding for her as Lois pulled her blusher veil forward over her face. As soon as she was satisfied that Brenda was ready she leaned over the railing to signal Ned that they were ready. Ned then nodded to Jerry, who walked over to open the doors to the living room and signal the musicians to begin.

As Emily started down the stairs the photographer took several pictures of her. When she got to the foot of the stairs she took Ned’s outstretched arm and they walked across the foyer and up the aisle that had been created in the living room as the photographer took several more pictures.

Once Emily was half way down the stairs Lois turned and gave Brenda a quick hug before starting down herself. The photographer was waiting for her and took several pictures of her both on the stairs and as she walked across the foyer and up the aisle on Jerry’s arm. As he was waiting for Lois, Jerry looked up at Brenda with a smile and gave her a wink.

“Ready dear?” John asked as he rested his hand on top of Brenda’s arm, which was linked with his.

“You bet I am,” Brenda said softly as she took a deep breath and looked up at John. “I don’t want to keep Jax waiting another minute.”

John patted her arm gently and they started down the stairs, stopping twice for the photographer. As soon as they reached the bottom step the string quartet started playing the entrance music that Brenda had selected. Brenda and John stopped for a moment to look at each other before they started up the aisle.

As soon as he heard the entrance music start, Jax turned toward the doorway. When he did, everyone in the room stood up and turned as well. Jax drew a quick breath when he saw Brenda coming down the aisle toward him. He felt his heart start to pound as he watched her glide up the aisle on his father’s arm. He could not remember ever having seen anything more breathtaking in his life. He couldn’t keep from smiling as he watched Brenda walk toward him, even though he could feel a tear running down his cheek.

Jerry leaned close to him as they both watched Brenda and their father walking toward them. “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen little brother,” he whispered. When Jax slowly nodded without looking away from Brenda Jerry put his hand on Jax’s shoulder. “You’re a very luck man Jax, don’t ever forget that.”

“I know,” Jax whispered as he leaned his head toward Jerry. “I tell myself that every day since I met her.” Jerry squeezed his shoulder gently before putting his hand down.

As Brenda and John got to the end of the aisle, Jax stepped over next to them. He smiled adoringly at Brenda as John extended his hand to shake hands with Jax. The three of them then turned to face the minister.

“Dearly beloved. We are gathered here to celebrate the joining of Brenda and Jasper in holy matrimony.” He looked directly at John as he continued. “Who gives this woman to this man?”

“I do,” John said proudly as he leaned over to give Brenda a kiss on the cheek before placing her right hand on Jax’s arm. He smiled at Jax for a moment before stepping back to stand next to Jane.

“Join your right hands please,” the minister said to Jax and Brenda. Brenda handed her bouquet to Lois before taking Jax’s hand in hers. “Marriage is a holy covenant with God. It is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly. It is a total commitment - one to the other,” he said as he looked first at Brenda then Jax. “For that reason, I now ask if anyone here present knows of any just reason why these two should not be join in holy matrimony? If so speak now or forever hold your peace.” He paused again to look around at the guests.

“I know a very good reason,” a woman’s voice declared from the back of the room. Everyone turned to see who it was that had interrupted the wedding.

Brenda had felt Jax tense up the moment he heard the voice. They looked at each other in confusion. Brenda was sure she saw something else in his eyes too - fear. When she glanced over at Jerry she couldn’t figure out what she saw on his face. Instead of looking surprised or angry he looked panicked as he looked first at John and then toward the woman at the back of the room.

“Let me take care of this,” Jerry whispered as he started to walk past Jax and Brenda. He looked over at John and suddenly got a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach when he did. His father did not look right. He looked like he was in pain and his breathing didn’t seem right. When he looked at his mother he could tell that she had noticed it as well.

Jax grabbed Jerry’s arm before he got past him. “What’s going on here Jerry? You told me she was dead!” he said in a hushed but angry voice. When Jerry didn’t answer immediately, Jax squeezed his arm a little tighter. “Bring her here, I want to see her.”

“Jax please, let me take care of this. You stay here with Brenda,” Jerry said nervously as he tried to pull his arm out of Jax’s grasp.

“Not this time Jerry. I want to talk to her. I want to see her. I NEED to see her,” Jax hissed before letting go of Jerry’s arm.

Brenda had no idea who this woman was but she felt her stomach twist into a knot as she watched Jax and his family’s reaction to the sound of her voice. When she looked down the aisle at the woman, she felt the knot in her stomach tighten as she realized who was standing next to the woman - SONNY and he was smiling smugly at having interrupted the wedding. “Oh God Jax! Sonny brought her here. Why?” Brenda asked as she took Jax’s hand in both of hers. “Who is she?” she asked when he turned to face her.

“Miranda,” Jax said softly, so softly that Brenda could hardly hear him. When he looked at her she shuddered. She had never seen so much confusion and fear and anger in anyone’s eyes as she did now in Jax’s.

“Miranda?” Brenda whispered in shock. “I thought she was dead.”

“So did I. But that’s her voice,” Jax said in a shaky voice. “But that’s NOT her face,” he said as he nodded toward the woman Jerry was dragging up the aisle.

When they got to the head of the aisle, Miranda pulled her arm out of Jerry’s grasp, rubbing it where he had been squeezing it. “Hello my love,” she said sweetly as she reached her arms out to Jax.

Without even realizing he did it, Jax stepped back away from her and automatically wrapped his arm protectively around Brenda. “Miranda?” Jax asked in amazement. “Is it really you? How? I saw that office after the explosion. There was not way anyone could have survived that explosion. How did you do it?”

Miranda looked silently at Jax for several moments. When she saw his protective attitude toward Brenda she grew very angry. This was not going the way she had dreamed it would. He was supposed to wrap his arms around her and hold her close. Instead he had his arm wrapped around the piece of fluff standing next to him in the splashy dress. When she couldn’t take it any longer she nodded her head toward the other members of the Jacks family, who were all standing together. “Ask them. They’ve known all along that I was still alive,” she spit out angrily.

Jax and Brenda looked at each other for a moment before they both turned to look at the family. “Dad? Is what she’s saying true? Did you know she was alive?” Jax asked, not sure how he wanted his father to answer his questions.

Before he could answer Jax’s questions, John grabbed his chest and slumped to the floor. Jerry and Jax both lunged forward to catch him but it was too late. He slumped at their feet unconscious. When Miranda moved toward Jax again Brenda stepped over to place herself between them and put her hands on his shoulders as he stooped next to his father. As soon as he felt her hands on his shoulders, Jax reached one hand up and rested it on top of hers.

Alan and Monica started moving toward John before he reached the floor. As they examined him, Ned rushed to the door and ordered Reginald to call 911. When he looked back into the room and saw Sonny standing at the back of the aisle with a smirk on his face, he walked over to him. “What the hell are you doing here? Who’s that woman?”

Sonny continued to watch the commotion around John Jacks for a moment before turning to look at Ned with a satisfied smile. “I’m here to take back what’s mine,” he said seriously. He nodded toward Miranda. “She’s Pretty Boy’s past come back to claim him and destroy that ‘perfect’ family of his.” Sonny looked over at Brenda and smirked at her. “I told Brenda I would get her back and I have.” He looked back at Ned. “Now get out of my way while I go get my ‘property.”

Ned stepped in front of Sonny to block his way. “Not likely Corinthos,” Ned said firmly as he looked over at AJ for help. When he realized what Ned wanted, AJ came over to stand next to him, blocking Sonny’s way. “You and your ‘friend’ have done enough damage for one night. Why don’t you get out before I have the guards throw you out?”

“I’m not going anywhere until I talk to Brenda,” Sonny said with a trace of anger in his voice. “So you two might as well get out of my way because I AM going to talk to her!” As Sonny tried to push his way past Ned and AJ they stepped closer together to continue to block his way. Sonny looked over to the side where his bodyguard was waiting and signaled him over to get Ned and AJ out of his way.

“Michael stop this!” Mike said as he walked up to them. “You’ve made your point here. Leave Brenda and her family alone to take care of each other.”

Sonny looked at his father, his eyes hot with anger. “Those people are not her family! As soon as she hears what I have to tell her she’ll understand that too!” he hissed at Mike.

Before he could say anything else the ambulance Reginald had called arrived, along with the police - led by Mac Scorpio. The paramedics followed Reginald into the living room while Mac and the uniformed officers who accompanied him stopped in the foyer. “Is there something I should know about here?” Mac asked as he looked at the four men in front of him.

Without looking away from Sonny, Ned answered Mac’s question for all of them. “It looks like John Jacks may have had a heart attack because of some woman Sonny here crashed the wedding with. Now he wants us to let him take Brenda out of here.” Ned shifted his attention to Mac. “I just informed him that he is not going anywhere near her!” he said firmly to let Mac know that he would not allow Mac to say anything different.

“Is that right Sonny? Are you trying to force Brenda to leave with you?” Mac asked with a smirk on his face, thinking that he might finally have what he needed to put Sonny away - at least for a little while.

Sonny looked over at Mac as he crossed his arms. “Trust me Commissioner, there won’t be any force involved when she finds out who that woman is,” Sonny said as he nodded toward Miranda.

When Mac looked over at the woman he didn’t immediately recognize her but when she looked up and he saw her eyes he felt his blood freeze. “Who is she?” he asked nervously.

Sonny looked over at Miranda. “She’s only Jasper’s fiancé’, Miranda Jamison! Sonny said smugly.

“Wha… What did you just say?” he asked in shock.

“Her name is Miranda Jamison. Back in Australia she and Jax were engaged - until she was supposedly ‘killed’ in an explosion at some mine the Jacks clan owns.” Sonny looked at Mac with a suspicious expression. “You know, I just realized something. At the time, the authorities ruled the explosion was sabotage, but here it is almost six years later and they still haven’t found a trace of the bomber. You’d think with a family as prominent as the Jacks clan involved, they’d have mounted some huge manhunt to catch him.” Sonny stopped talking when he realized that Mac was no longer paying any attention to him. He was staring at Miranda. He couldn’t help wondering what Mac’s fascination with her was.

When the paramedics finished loading John onto the stretcher and noting Monica’s instructions on the run sheet, they collected their equipment and got ready to leave. “I’m going to ride to the hospital with you. I want to monitor his condition enroute,” Monica told the paramedics. She turned to look at the Jacks family. “Why don’t you meet us at the hospital?”

“Can’t I ride with him?” Jane asked as she put her hand on Monica’s arm.

Monica looked at the senior paramedic. When he gave her a slight nod of approval she looked back at Jane and put her hand on top of hers. “Okay, let’s go,” she said with a reassuring smile. “You guys can meet us at the ER. Okay?”

“We’ll be right behind you, Monica” Jax said as he looked at his mother. He could tell that she wanted to say something, to explain what Miranda was doing here, what she was doing alive - and with a new face. “We’ll talk later when dad’s better,” he said as he nodded toward the paramedics who were waiting to roll the stretcher out. Jane gave him a slight smile of thanks and touched his cheek softly before walking out behind the stretcher. When she passed Miranda she could not resist giving her a look of pure hatred for having come here and done this.

“Jax, we need to talk honey,” Miranda said as she stepped closer to Jax. When she reached out to touch his arm, Jax pulled away again. “What’s wrong? I don’t understand. I thought you’d be thrilled that I’m back,” she said as she reached to touch his arm again.

Jax pulled his arm away again. “Not now Miranda. I need to be with my family right now,” he said coolly. He looked over at Jerry. “Ready to go?” he asked. When Jerry nodded, Jax wrapped his arm tightly around Brenda. “Let’s go luv, Edward’s waiting,” he said as he looked down at her.

Brenda pulled her veil off and handed it to Lois as she looked up at Jax. She tried to give him a reassuring smiled as she wrapped her arm around his waist. “I’m with you,” she said softly as she tightened her arm around him. They walked down the aisle without saying a word to anyone. When she passed Miranda Brenda couldn’t help glaring at her as she rested her hand flat on Jax’s chest.

Jerry stopped when he got to Miranda. “Big mistake lady, you have no idea what a big mistake you just made coming here with THAT man!” he said as he nodded toward Sonny. “You had better pray that my father makes it through this okay Miranda, because this little jaunt is going to cost you everything.” He quickly walked away from her to catch up with Jax and Brenda. The three of them walked past Sonny and Mac without saying a word or even acknowledging they were standing there. When Sonny reached out to grab Brenda’s arm Jerry swatted his hand away before he could touch her.

Miranda came rushing down the aisle after them. When she saw Mac standing there she stopped and stared at him. “Mac?” she asked uncertainly. When she saw him nod she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m so glad to see you,” she said softly. When she leaned back from him she looked deep into his eyes. “I could really use your help right about now.”

Still stunned that Miranda was standing in front of him, Mac slowly nodded his head. “Sure, come with me,” he said as he reached out his hand for hers. After giving Sonny a contemptuous look, he led Miranda out the open front door and to his waiting car.

“I’m afraid you’ll all have to wait out here while we evaluate John’s condition. I’ll let you know when you can see him,” Monica said as she put her hand on Jane’s arm. “I’ll take good care of him Jane, I promise.”

“Thank you,” Jane said quietly as she tried to smile. After Monica went in to check on John, Jane turned to look at Jax. “Jax, I don’t know what to say. You’ve got to know that your father, all of us, were only trying to protect you,” she said softly as she reached to put her hands on Jax’s arms. She was startled to see him pull back from her.

“Why don’t we talk about this later?” Jax said softly as he looked away from his mother. He could not bring himself to even look his mother in the eyes.

“Come on mum, let’s go fill out those forms the nurse was asking about,” Jerry said as he wrapped his arm around Jane’s shoulders. “Jax and Brenda will be here in case there is any news on dad.” When Jane started to protest he squeezed her slightly. “Come on, they’ll come get us if there’s any news.”

“Of course we will Jane, go ahead and get dad signed in. We’ll be right here when you get back,” Brenda said with a reassuring smile.

“Okay, if you promise to come get me if there’s any news about John,” Jane said softly as she looked at Brenda with a frightened expression.

“I promise,” Brenda said reassuringly.

Once Jane and Jerry were gone, Jax walked over to look through the window of the treatment room. He was startled a few moments later when he felt Brenda wrap her arm around his waist and rest her cheek against his chest. “I am so sorry about all of this,” he said softly as he rested his cheek on top of her head.

Brenda pulled away from him slightly as she took his hands in hers. “Listen to me Jax. We’re in this together, whatever this is,” she said as she brushed the backs of her fingers across his cheek.

Jax lifted her fingers from his cheek and brought them to his lips. After turning over her hand and kissing the palm, he let go of her hand and walked away. “I wanted today to be perfect for you,” he said as he turned back to her. “I wanted our wedding to be everything you ever dreamed of. Not this nightmare,” he said sadly as he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Our wedding was everything I ever dreamed of Jax. What happened tonight doesn’t matter,” Brenda said softly as she walked over to him. “I know tonight didn’t exactly turn out the way either of us planned but the important thing is that we’re already married and no matter what happens from this point on, we face everything together.” She looked up into Jax’s eyes and gave him a reassuring smile as she wrapped her arms around him.

Jax wrapped his arms around her and rested his cheek on top of her head, closing his eyes and letting out a deep sigh. He could feel her trembling as he held her. He just wasn’t sure if it was because she was cold or because of all that had happened. He held her back away from him to look at her. “I didn’t even get a chance to tell you how absolutely beautiful you looked coming down that aisle,” he said with a smile. “You took my breath away,” he said as the smile faded from his face and he looked away from her. “I just can’t believe it was ruined by Sonny!” he spat out bitterly.

Brenda put her hand on Jax’s arm. “Look at me sweetheart,” she said softly as she turned his face toward her. When Jax finally looked back at her she smiled at him. “Nothing was ruined tonight Jax.” When she saw him start to protest she put her finger on his lips and spoke up again. “Okay, so our party was ruined - that’s all that happened tonight. We still have each other. We’re still married and most importantly we still love each other.”

“You’re amazing, do you know that,” Jax said as he gently slid his hands up and down Brenda’s arms. When he felt how cold her skin was he took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. He held it as she slid her arms into the sleeves. He couldn’t help smiling at the sight of his tiny wife overwhelmed by his tuxedo jacket. “Warmer?” he asked as he pulled her closer to him by the lapels. “In case I haven’t told you recently, I love you Brenda Jacks,” he said as he leaned down to kiss her passionately, not caring who could see them.

“I love you too Jasper Jacks. I don’t want you to ever forget that. Whatever happens with all of this we’ve got that to hold on to,” Brenda said softly as she looked up at him.

Jerry and Jane came back into the hallway just as Jax and Brenda wrapped their arms around each other again. “Thank God he’s got Brenda,” Jerry said as he leaned his head toward Jane. “Whatever sick reason brought Miranda back into his life right now, I have a feeling he’s going to need Brenda’s support to get through what’s coming. He’s certainly not going to lean on any of us when he finds out what we’ve done.”

“Do you really think she’ll stand by him when all of this comes out?” Jane asked nervously as she watched her son’s face.

Before answering his mother, Jerry looked over at Jax and Brenda. They were still wrapped tightly around each other, Jax’s cheek resting on top of Brenda’s head. “She’ll stay, after all, she’s a Jacks isn’t she?” Jerry said proudly as he nodded toward Jax and Brenda. “She won’t leave him. She knows he’s going to need her when he finds out what we’ve done,” Jerry whispered.

Jane nodded sadly when she realized that Jerry was right. Brenda would be Jax’s only support when he found out what his family had done to protect him. Before she could say anything to Jerry she saw Monica come through the door behind Jax and Brenda. She squeezed Jerry’s arm and nodded toward Monica. They walked quickly over to where Monica was standing waiting for them. “How is he?” Jane asked as she linked her fingers with Jerry.

Monica put her hand on Jane’s arm. “He seems to be resting a little more comfortably right now. As soon as we have him stabilized we’re going to move him upstairs for some tests.”

“Was it a heart attack Monica?” Jax asked as he wrapped his arm around Brenda.

“I think so, yes, but we’ll need to do some tests before I can tell you anything for sure.” She looked directly at Jane. “Is he taking any medications that you know of?” When Jane shook her head, Monica looked at Jax and Jerry, who also shook their heads. “Do you know if he’s ever had any symptoms like what happened today?” Again they all shook their heads no.

“Can I see him?” Jane asked quietly.

Monica thought for a moment. “Okay, but just for a minute. He needs to save his strength.”

“I promise, just a minute,” Jane said nervously. She looked at Jax, Brenda and Jerry for a second before following Monica into the treatment room.

Once she was gone Jerry put his hand on Jax’s arm. “I think we need to talk about Miranda,” he said seriously.

“Not now Jerry,” Jax said coldly as he looked at Jerry. “Once we know that dad’s out of the woods we’ll talk about all of this.” He poked his finger into Jerry’s chest. “Believe me Jerry, we WILL talk about this - ALL of this!” The tone in Jax’s voice left no room for doubt in Jerry’s mind that this was not going to be a friendly discussion when it did happen.

As Jax continued to stare at Jerry, he was startled to feel a hand on his arm. He turned to see his mother’s hand resting on his arm. “Your father wants to see you Jax,” she said softly. She could tell this was the last thing he wanted to do. “Please talk to him son, just for a moment, he needs to rest and he refuses to do that until he can talk to you.”

“Talk to him Jax,” Brenda said softly as she rested her hand flat on his chest. “Go on, I’ll be right here when you come out,” she said with a supportive smile as she nodded toward the door.

Jax put his hand on Brenda’s and squeezed it slightly as he looked down at her. “Okay, I’ll talk to him,” Jax said reluctantly. He leaned down to place a quick kiss on Brenda’s forehead. “You’ll be here when I come out right?” he asked as he cupped the side of her face.

“I’ll be here, I promise,” Brenda said with a reassuring smile.

Before letting go of Brenda, Jax looked first at his mother and then his brother. “We will ALL talk about this situation when I get back.” The expression on his face left no doubt in either Jane or Jerry’s mind what he meant. They were not to try to get Brenda to defend them. They looked at each other for a moment before looking back at Jax and nodding their understanding. He gave them a quick nod, kissed Brenda and went in to see his father.

Jax stepped inside the cardiac treatment unit and stood silently just inside the door, watching the nurses and doctors working around his father. When one of the nurses looked up and saw him standing by the door she signaled him to come over. Jax took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before walking over to stand next to the gurney. The nurses and doctor working near the gurney stepped away a little to give father and son some privacy while still being able to monitor their patient.

“Dad,” Jax said softly as he touched his father’s shoulder. “I’m here.”

John slowly opened his eyes and turned toward the sound of Jax’s voice. It took him a moment to focus his eyes, but when he did he smiled at seeing Jax. “Hello son,” he said weakly as he raised his hand a little to reach for Jax’s. When Jax finally took his hand, John looked up at him. “I need to explain,” he whispered as he tightened his hold on Jax’s hand. Before he could say anything else, everyone in the room heard the sudden increase in the speed of the beeps of the cardiac monitor. One of the nurses immediately stepped over to check him. She gave Jax a stern look, warning him not to excite her patient.

“Calm down dad,” Jax said soothingly. “Don’t talk now, this can wait until you’re feeling better. I’m not going anywhere,” he said as he squeezed his father’s hand and tried to smile reassuringly. When he looked up at the nurse she signaled him it was time for him to leave. “You get some rest now dad. We’ll talk when you’re feeling better, I promise,” he said as he squeezed his father’s hand.

John looked up at Jax. When he saw that Jax meant what he had said, John smiled weakly and nodded his head. “Okay, good, I am a little tired. I think I’ll just take a little nap.” He closed his eyes and almost immediately fell asleep, finally letting go of Jax’s hand.

Jax watched his father sleep for a minute before looking at the nurse. When she gave him a slight nod and a reassuring smile he finally let go of his father’s hand and brushed a lock of hair off his forehead. He watched the cardiac monitor for a moment before turning and walking out of the room.

As soon as he walked into the hallway Jax wrapped his arms tightly around Brenda and buried his face in the side of her neck. With Brenda’s arms wrapped around his neck he finally began to relax when he felt her run her fingers through his hair. He lifted his head and looked into her face. “I love you,” he said softly.

Brenda smiled lovingly at him as she stroked his hair. “I love you too sweetheart. How’s dad?” she asked as she linked her hands together behind his neck and leaned back from him a little.

Jax sighed loudly as he pulled her arms from around his neck and led her over to the chairs. They sat down opposite each other as he held her hands tightly in his. “He’s in really bad shape. He couldn’t even talk without his heartbeat going crazy.” He looked up at Brenda with tears in his eyes. “I’m afraid he may not make it through this and there isn’t a damn thing I can do to help him.” He covered his face with his hands to try to shut out everything that was happening. When he looked up again he looked angry. “I don’t even know why I care. He lied to me all these years! They all lied to me! They told me Miranda was killed in that explosion!” he said as he started to pull his hands away from Brenda’s grasp.

Without letting go of Jax’s hands, Brenda jumped up and sat next to him. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled his head over to rest on her shoulder. She slowly played with his hair as they sat with their hands linked in his lap. “Don’t think about that now Jax. Wait until you have a chance to confront them about all of this. Right now what we have to deal with is the fact that Miranda is still alive and here in Port Charles,” she said nervously.

Sensing her uncertainty Jax lifted his head and looked at Brenda. “I need you to know that Miranda coming back does not change the way I feel about you Brenda. I love you. I loved you before she showed up and I love you now - maybe even more than before.” When he saw her relax he smiled at her and leaned his head back on her shoulder. They stayed like that, silently holding each other for several minutes.

Jane and Jerry stood off to the side watching Brenda and Jax for several minutes, wanting to know what John had said but at the same time not wanting to disturb what was obviously a very private time between husband and wife. It wasn’t until they saw Monica come out of the treatment room again that they finally walked over to join them. “Jax,” Jane said nervously as she nodded toward Monica. “What’s the news?” she asked as she looked at Monica.

“He’s resting comfortably now. I think his condition is starting to stabilize so we’re going to move him up to the CICU in a little while,” Monica said as she watched their faces. “Why don’t you all go home and get some rest? You aren’t going to be able to see him until at least tomorrow morning.”

“No, I’m going to stay. I want to be here if he wakes up,” Jane said as she shook her head. “I don’t know how to thank you for all of your help Monica.”

“You don’t have to thank me Jane. We are, after all, family,” Monica said with a smile as she put her hand on Brenda’s arm. “I’ll check back with you later to let you know how he’s doing. In the meantime, why don’t you all try to get some rest?”

“Thank you Monica,” Jax said as he let go of Brenda for the first time since visiting his father and gave her a quick hug. “We appreciate everything you’re doing for my father,” he said as he quickly wrapped his arm around Brenda again.

“You’re welcome Jax,” Monica said with a reassuring smile. “If you’ll all excuse me, I’m going to get back to my patient.” She touched Jane’s arm for a moment to reassure her before going back into the treatment room.

When she was gone, Jax wrapped his arm around Brenda’s shoulders and led her away a little. “Why don’t you go home and get some rest?” he said as he put his hands on her upper arms.

“No, I’m fine. He’s my father now too you know. I’m staying here with you,” Brenda said firmly as she pulled Jax’s jacket more tightly around herself and looked up at him.

Jax smiled at her as he gently pulled on the jacket lapels. “Then why don’t you at least let Edward take you home to change into something more comfortable?”

Brenda chuckled softly as she looked down at herself. She could just imagine what she must look like - her full skirted white satin wedding gown, complete with train, covered by his huge black tuxedo jacket. “I do have to admit the idea of getting out of this dress sounds very tempting,” she said as she tried to pull the jacket around herself again.

“Good! It’s decided then. You go home and change into something more comfortable and I’ll wait here for news on dad,” he said as he leaned his forehead against her. “Come on, I’ll walk you out to the car,” Jax said with a slight smile.

“Hold on a second Jax,” Jerry said as he walked up to them. “I think I have a better idea. Why don’t you stay here with mum and wait for news and I’ll take Brenda home?” When he saw Jax start to protest Jerry held up his hand to stop him. “Look, I promise not to do or say anything to upset Brenda. But, considering what Corinthos has already done today, I just don’t think it’s a good idea for Brenda to be out without one of us being with her.”

Jax stared at Jerry for a minute before looking back at Brenda. “He’s right luv,” he said as he ran his hands up and down her arms. “We have no idea what Sonny’s got planned to go along with his little wedding present. At least if Jerry goes with you I’ll know you’ll be safe.”

Brenda rested her hands on Jax’s arms for a moment while she thought about what he had said. Finally she smiled up at him. “I’d rather you came with me,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. When she saw him start to respond she squeezed his arms, “But I know that you need to be here for your dad so I guess Jerry will just have to do.”

“Wait a minute Little Bit! I don’t think I like being thought of like that,” Jerry said as he rested his hands on his hips and tried to look insulted. Even though he was trying to sound hurt, there was a familiar twinkle in his eyes that made Brenda chuckle slightly.

“Watch it Jerry,” Jax said with a distinct edge in his voice. “Just because I’m letting you take Brenda home doesn’t mean…”

“I know Jax,” Jerry said seriously. “I apologize. I was just trying to lighten things up a little. I realize that there’s a lot I have to answer for - to both of you.”

“Just get Brenda home and back here safely,” Jax said as looked directly at his older brother. “We’ll worry about everything else some other time.”

“Agreed,” Jerry said. “Ready to go Little Bit?” he asked as he looked at Brenda.

Brenda loosely wrapped her arms around Jax’s neck. “I won’t be long,” she said softly before standing on her toes to kiss Jax on the lips. “I love you,” she whispered as she gave him another quick kiss. “Okay big brother, let’s go,” she said as she let go of Jax and wrapped her arm tightly around Jerry’s waist. As they walked toward the door, Brenda turned back once to look at Jax for a moment. She smiled at him before turning around again and walking away.

Just before they got to the exit Brenda stopped suddenly and looked up at Jerry. “I’ve got a question for you,” she said as she put her hand on his arm.

Jerry stopped and looked at her, frantically trying to figure out how to keep his promise to Jax about not upsetting Brenda. “Sure, what is it, Little Bit?”

Brenda exhaled slowly with her hands now on her hips and her feet planted. “Why do you call me that?”

“What?” Jerry asked.

“Little Bit! You’ve called me that several times today,” Brenda said.

Jerry couldn’t help laughing. He had been expecting her to ask him something about Miranda. “I really don’t know, I never thought about it.” He looked at Brenda for a moment. “I guess it’s because you look so tiny next to Jax. Then when I saw you with his jacket on it seemed like you were even smaller and the name just seemed perfect for you.” He looked at her seriously and put his hand on her arm. “I didn’t mean to offend you, Brenda. If I did, I’m sorry.”

Brenda looked at Jerry for what seemed like forever to him before a big smile spread across her face. “You didn’t offend me, big brother. I actually kind of like it,” she said as she wrapped her arm around his waist again. “Come on, let’s go. I want to get back to Jax as soon as possible.”

Jerry wrapped his arm around Brenda’s shoulders and let out the breath he had been holding. He smiled and nodded at her. “You bet.”

Just as they reached the door they had to step aside when it swung open and Miranda and Mac came in. “Jerry! Thank God I found you! How’s John?” Miranda asked breathlessly as she put her hand on Jerry’s arm. She glanced at Brenda for a second but didn’t say anything to her.

“They’re getting ready to take him up to Intensive Care,” Jerry said as he glared at her and at Mac, trying to figure out why he would have brought her here. “So if you came here to finish the job you started at the wedding you can forget it! You’re not getting anywhere near him!”

“Jerry, please! I would never do anything to intentionally hurt John. I owe him my life! I was just so worried when he collapsed like that that I asked Mac to bring me here to be with all of you. After all, a family should support each other at a time like this.” She turned to look at Brenda. “I’m sure you understand that don’t you dear.” Her expression grew very smug. “I’ll make sure someone calls to let you know how ‘dad’s’ doing. I want to thank you for being here for my family until I could get here.”

Brenda could feel Jerry tense up. She glanced up at his face and thought that he was about to explode. “That won’t be necessary, Miranda. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Jerry is just taking me home to change my clothes.”

“That’s not really necessary dear. Jax has much too much on his mind right now to have to try to explain all of this to you. I’m sure he’ll give you a call when everything is settled,” she said coolly.

“My HUSBAND has already told me all about you Miranda - and what happened to you,” Brenda said calmly. She couldn’t help smiling at the shocked expression on Miranda’s face. “By your expression I take it Sonny forgot to mention to you that we were already married. Jax and I were married in a small ceremony on his yacht the Isabella six months ago. What you interrupted tonight was just for show. We just wanted to share our happiness with our family and friends. Your showing up at the ceremony doesn’t make any difference - except for the fact that you nearly killed a man that I think of as my father and you hurt a man you claim to love worse than anyone should ever be hurt!”

“That’s enough Brenda!” Mac said angrily. “You have no right to talk to Miranda that way. She’s not responsible for John’s heart attack - or anything else that happened tonight!” he said as he glared at Jerry. “Back off and place blame on the people who are really responsible for all of this!”

Brenda felt Jerry tense up in the exact same way that Jax did when Mac was around. She looked up at him as she tightened her arm around his waist and rested her hand firmly on his chest. “Don’t bother Jerry, they aren’t worth it. Come on, let’s go, I really want to get out of this dress and back to Jax and Mom.” When Jerry continued to glare at Mac and Miranda she leaned closer. “Please, Jerry,” she said quietly when he finally looked down at her.

Jerry silently looked at Brenda for a moment. “Okay, Little Bit, let’s go,” he finally said with a smile meant only for her. “Jax will have my head on a platter if I keep you away from him for too long.” He wrapped his arm protectively around Brenda’s shoulders and pulled her close to him. He gave her a grateful smile before turning to glare at Miranda. When he felt Brenda tug at him he looked back at her, gave her a nod and walked out the door with his arm wrapped tightly around her.

Once they were gone, Miranda turned to Mac. “Was she telling the truth? Is Jax already married to her?” she demanded.

Surprised at Miranda’s reaction, Mac didn’t answer immediately. “Well, according to my niece, Robin he is, yes.”

“How would your niece know when/if Jax had married that little tramp?” Miranda asked.

“Brenda is Robin’s best friend. She has been for years,” he said with a trace of anger in his voice. “You don’t even know Brenda yet, Miranda so don’t call her a tramp. I happen to like her, even if she is married to someone like Jax.” Mac paused for a second and a slight smile crossed his lips. “I have to admit though, he’s actually a big improvement over the last guy she was involved with.”

“And who would that be?” Miranda asked her interest suddenly piqued.

“Your traveling companion, Sonny Corinthos,” Mac said disgustedly.

“Really?” Miranda asked. In all of their conversations about Brenda and Jax, Sonny had not mentioned his connection to Brenda being that intimate. She smiled slightly as she decided she had just found a way to double the amount of money that Sonny was going to have to pay her. After all, if she couldn’t get Jax away from his wife she was going to need the money. Showing up in Port Charles had cancelled her arrangement with the Jacks family so there wouldn’t be any more money coming from them. Because of her lifestyle there was very little money left in her bank accounts. As she smiled at Mac she decided that she had two options open to her - either she got Jax away from the airhead bride or she got a LOT more money out of Sonny Corinthos!

“Can we go check on John now?” Miranda asked innocently. “I want to make sure he’s okay.”

“Sure,” Mac said. “The cardiac unit is down this hall,” he said as he led Miranda down the hall that Brenda and Jerry had just come up.

As soon as she saw Jax, Miranda ran the rest of the way down the hall. She stopped short when she got to him and saw the expression on his face. When she tried to put her arms around him he took a step back from her arms. “Jax? What is it honey? Aren’t you glad to see me?” Miranda asked as she again reached out to touch him and saw him pull back again.

Jax looked at her with a blank face. “I don’t know what I feel right now Miranda,” Jax said honestly. “You show up at my wedding with my worst enemy and announce that you are there to stop the ceremony. My father has a heart attack right in front of me and may not make it and now you show up here with HIM,” Jax said coldly as he nodded toward Mac. “I’m just glad my wife left before you got here.”

Miranda flinched at the coldness in Jax’s voice. They really were married. The twit had been telling the truth. She suddenly realized that this wasn’t going to be as easy as she had been led to believe it would be. If Jax loved the woman enough to have married her it wasn’t going to be easy to get him to leave her. “Jax, I had no idea I would be walking in on your wedding,” Miranda said remorsefully.

“All you ruined was a show, Miranda,” Jax said as he exhaled slowly. “Brenda and I were married about six months ago on the Isabella.”

“Oh, I see,” Miranda said quietly. So it was true, the little model had already hooked him. “I’m, I’m very happy for you. I’m really glad you were able to find someone else to love.”

Jax either chose to ignore her meaning or didn’t realize what she meant. “Thanks,” he said. “Brenda is the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn’t know it was possible to love someone as much as I love her.” He finally looked directly at Miranda. “I wish I could introduce you to her but I just sent her home with Jerry so she could change her clothes.”

“Yeah, we ran into them as they were going out,” Mac said coldly as he glared at Jax. “I don’t know what kind of garbage you told Brenda about Miranda but she was extremely rude when we saw her.”

“I find that very hard to believe. Brenda is always polite to people when she first meets them,” he said as he looked suspiciously at Mac and Miranda. “Unless they are rude to her, that is.” He turned his gaze directly at Miranda. “What did you say to her?” he asked coldly.

“Nothing, Jax! Honest!” Miranda said as her mind scrambled for the right answer. “I just told her that since this was such an emotional time for our family that I would have someone from the hospital keep her posted on dad’s condition. I didn’t know she was already your wife or I wouldn’t have said anything.” She looked at Jax with her most sincere expression. “I never meant to insult her Jax. I was just trying to protect my family from outsiders.”

“Since when are you a part of this family? Last I knew you hated my father - and you weren’t too thrilled with the rest of my family either,” Jax said suddenly finding himself suspicious of everything Miranda said, a feeling that he had never thought possible when it came to her.

“Ah, ah, I changed my mind after the accident,” Miranda said nervously. “For God’s sake Jax! Your family took care of me for years after the explosion. How could I not change my opinion of them? They were there for me every step of the way during my recovery. Naturally I think of them as my family now.”

“Back off Jax!” Mac demanded as he stepped slightly in front of Miranda. “She’s been through hell the last six years! The last thing she needs is you harassing her!”

“You back off Commissioner!” Jax said as he glared at Mac. “I am NOT harassing her. I simply asked when she changed her opinion of my family. If that’s harassment I apologize. But you see, the Miranda I knew hated my family - and then she died. Now all of a sudden she shows up at my wedding to Brenda very much alive and she loves my family like her own. Excuse me if I’m a little confused by all of this!”

“Jax,” Jane said softly as she put her hand on his arm. “Would you please get me a cup of tea from the cafeteria?” she asked quietly as she leaned close to him and looked up into his face.

“Sure mum,” Jax said as he put his hand on top of his mothers. “I can use the exercise.” Looked directly at Mac. “I can use the fresh air too.” He turned to his mother. “If Brenda gets back before I do, tell her where I went will you?”

“Of course I will dear,” Jane said reassuringly. When she saw Jax get on the elevator and the doors close Jane turned to look at Miranda. “What were you thinking coming here like this? We had an agreement to never tell Jax you were alive. An agreement that YOU insisted upon! What did that man Corinthos offer you to come here and mess up Jax’s life?”

“What are you talking about Jane?” Mac demanded as he tried to wrap his mind around what Jane had just said. “Are you saying that it was Miranda’s idea for everyone to think she was dead? That SHE was responsible for putting us all through hell?”

“That’s exactly what I’m say,” Jane said in a harsh whisper. “From the moment she woke up in that clinic in Sydney, she insisted that nobody know that she was alive. As she started to recover John went to her and begged her to let him tell Jax she was alive. He told her how her ‘death’ had destroyed our son as well as what it had done to you but she refused to let him tell anyone. In fact, she was the one who insisted on a written contract, signed by all of us. We all agreed to keep her existence a secret. John even offered to pay of her medical expenses and set her up in that fancy penthouse where I’m sure Mr. Corinthos found her. We’ve been supporting her fancy lifestyle ever since.” She couldn’t resist glaring at Miranda as she finished.

“Is any of this true Miranda?” Mac asked as he put his hand on Miranda’s arm. When she looked at him and he saw the look in her eyes he pulled his hand away. “Oh God! It is true. It WAS your idea to keep your survival a secret! Do you have any idea the hell you put me through? Or Jax?”

“I was protecting you, both of you,” Miranda said defensively.

“Sure, you protected us so well that Jax nearly died!” Mac said angrily. When he saw the shocked expressions on both Jane and Miranda’s faces he realized that they didn’t know what he was talking about. He looked at Jane as he told the story. “It was about six months after the explosion. Jax and Jerry were rock climbing in the Outback. They were almost at the top of this sheer face when the ledge that Jax was standing on gave way under him. He fell about twenty feet before Jerry was able to stop him by securing the safety rope he was attached to. It took Jerry a long time just to convince Jax to even try to save himself. He had no desire to keep on living at that point. He felt like he had lost everything in his life.”

“How do you know this? Jerry never said anything to me about any of this,” Jane asked in a trembling voice.

“Some tourists saw and heard the whole thing. Their tour leader radioed for a rescue team. I was a member of the team that responded. By the time we got there Jerry had finally convinced Jax to grab onto a nearby rock formation until we could get to him.” Mac looked sympathetically at Jane. He could see she was trying to accept what he had just told her. “You can get a copy of the official rescue report if you need more of the details.” It was obvious to him that Jane had not known how deeply Jax had been affected by Miranda’s ‘death’. He also began to understand that Jax had been as much a victim of all this secrecy as he had been.

When he glanced down the hall behind Jane and saw Jax coming back, Mac grabbed hold of Miranda’s elbow. “I think it’s time you and I leave these people alone. Besides, we have a lot to talk about now that you’ve returned from the dead.” He turned to look at Jane. “I really hope John’s going to be okay,” he said sincerely. “Would you tell Jax that if he or Brenda need any help from me or the PCPD they should just give me a call? I’ll be glad to help them any way I can - with anything I can.”

“Thank you Mac, I’ll tell him,” Jane said as she looked into his eyes to try to figure out his sudden change in attitude. When she saw the sincerity as well as the pain there she smiled at him.

“Come on Miranda, let’s go,” Mac said as he tugged on her arm.

“No, I want to be here for Jax. He needs me to help him get through this,” Miranda said as she tried to pull her arm out of Mac’s grasp. “I want to explain why I did this to him.”

“He’s got enough to deal with right now,” Mac said. “Besides, you have a lot to explain to me as well - starting right now.” He tugged on her arm again.

When she realized that he was not going to take no for an answer, Miranda sighed and finally nodded her agreement. “Please tell Jax that I love him and that I’ll be back tomorrow, Jane,” she said as she reached to touch Jane’s arm. When Jane pulled her arm away Miranda looked at Mac. “Okay, let’s go,” she said as she let him lead her toward the door. As she walked away she realized that getting Jax back was going to be a lot harder than she had thought. Her mind began racing as she tried to figure out a way to get rid of Mac so that she could get together with Sonny to figure out their next move.

By the time Jax got back to his mother, Mac and Miranda were just walking out the door. “Where’s Miranda going now?” he asked as he handed his mother her tea and sat down next to her.

“She and Mac went to have a talk about the past six years,” Jane said with a sigh. “She asked me to give you a message though,” Jane said nervously.

“What’s the message?” Jax asked as he took a sip of his coffee.

“She asked me to tell you that she’ll be back tomorrow and that she loves you,” Jane said quickly. When Jax didn’t answer right away, Jane put her hand on his arm. “Are you all right dear?” she asked quietly.

Jax looked at his mother for a moment. “She said she loves me? If she really loved me she wouldn’t have done this to me - to any of us!” Jax looked away and sighed. “Brenda would never do something like this to me. She really loves me. I know she loves me. She doesn’t have to say the words for me to know. She shows me every day we’re together by the things she does and the way she supports me - no matter what.” Jax got up to look through the treatment room window for a moment. “I wonder what’s taking her so long to get back,” he asked no one in particular as he continued to watch his father sleep.

Jane leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her tea. She silently watched Jax standing by the window. She felt a smile come to her face as she realized that her fears of Jax being drawn back to Miranda had been groundless. He was totally committed to Brenda. More importantly, he was in love with her - only her. For the first time since she had heard Miranda’s voice in the Quartermaine living room, she felt that Jax would get through this - because he had Brenda to support him.

Jerry and Brenda both leaned forward to look out the windshield at the crowd. “Take us in through the garage,” Jerry said. “Oh, and use the security entrance so those reporters won’t see us.”

“Yes sir,” Edward said as he pulled back into traffic and drove around the block to the security entrance to the hotel garage.

As the limo came to a stop in front of the closed door, a uniformed security guard stepped up to the car. He immediately recognized Edward and gave him a slight nod as he reached for his radio. “It’s them. Open up.” The door slowly opened and Edward drove into the garage. “Close it up, they’re in,” he said. As the door began to close, he walked back to his office next to the door to resume his duties.

When the limo pulled to a stop at the elevator, Jerry opened the door and got out. He looked around to make sure there was no one in the garage before reaching back into the car to help Brenda out. By the time they got to the elevator the doors were already sliding open. Jerry stopped and stepped in front of Brenda to check the elevator. He was surprised to see Brenda’s bodyguard Clay step in front of him.

“Everything Okay?” Clay asked as he looked around the garage. He looked at Brenda and smiled. “How are you Mrs. J?” he asked. When he saw how she was dressed he couldn’t resist smiling. “Nice outfit,” he said with a chuckle. “Did you design that yourself?”

Brenda looked down at herself for a moment before turning around slowly to show Clay the full affect. “Like it? I kind of threw a couple of things together,” she said with a smile.

Jerry was amazed as he watched Brenda talking with Clay. With everything that had happened today he had expected her to be upset with the entire Jacks family and everyone who worked for them. Instead she had been totally supportive, not only of Jax, but also Jane and even himself. Now here she was talking to Clay as if nothing had happened. As he stepped up next to her and put his arm around her shoulders, he realized that Jax had been right. Brenda was the best thing that had happened to him - to all of them - in a very long time. For the first time since Miranda had walked into the wedding Jerry felt that there was a chance that the family would make it through what was coming. If they did he knew it would be because of one person - BRENDA!

“We better get moving,” Jerry said as he squeezed his arm around her shoulders. “Jax is going to have my head for keeping you away from him so long.”

“Okay,” Brenda said as she wrapped her arm around Jerry’s waist. “It was good to see you again Clay.”

“You too Mrs. J,” Clay said as he stepped aside so Brenda and Jerry could get on the elevator. He handed Jerry the key to the penthouse. “Ben said you’d need this.”

Jerry and Brenda looked at each other for a moment as Brenda checked the pockets of Jax’s jacket. When she didn’t find a key she nodded. “Thanks,” Jerry said as he put the key into his pocket. “By the way, how did Ben know we were coming or that we’d need the key?”

“Jax called from the hospital. He said you guys were heading here. He also said it wasn’t until you had left that he realized that he still had the keys to the apartment in his pocket,” Clay said as he turned the control key for the penthouse level. “We’ll be waiting for you down here when you’re ready to leave,” he said as the elevator doors closed.

As soon as they got to the penthouse Jerry opened the door and waited for Brenda to walk in first. “Do you need any help with that thing?” Jerry asked as he pointed his finger toward Brenda’s dress.

“No, I think I can manage,” Brenda said absently as she walked over to the fireplace and picked up the little yacht. With the yacht in her hand she turned to face Jerry. “Will you answer a question for me?” she asked.

“Anything Brenda,” Jerry said as he walked up to her. “What is it?”

“Why did you keep Miranda a secret from Jax all these years? Couldn’t you see how it was hurting him?” Brenda asked in a shaky voice.

“Of course I saw Brenda - probably even more than mum and dad did. But Miranda insisted that no one be told,” Jerry said as he walked away from her. “When she started to recover we begged her to let us tell him, but she said no. She even made us put it in writing, like a contract.” When he turned back to look at her Jerry could see that Brenda was shocked by what he had said. “By the time she demanded the written agreement, Jax had finally started to rebuild his life so dad put a clause in the agreement that said we would provide her a place to live and pay all of her expenses as long as she never tried to contact him.”

“So by coming here like this she broke that agreement, right?” Brenda asked. When she saw Jerry nod she walked closer to him. “That means the money dries up immediately, right?”

“I guess so,” Jerry said. “Where are you going with this Brenda?”

“I’m just wondering why she would give up everything to come here with Sonny,” Brenda said as she ran her fingers through her hair. “What could he have promised her to get her to give up that life?”

They both looked at each other - “JAX!” they said in unison.

Before either of them could say anything else they were startled by the sound of a knock at the door. Jerry and Brenda looked at each other for a moment. When there was another knock, Jerry started toward the door. Brenda put her hand on his arm to stop him. “No, let me get it,” she said quietly. “I’m pretty sure I know who it is.” She nodded toward the media area. “Do you mind staying out of sight unless I need you?” she whispered.

Jerry quickly figured out who Brenda thought was at the door - SONNY CORINTHOS! “Are you sure?” he whispered.

Brenda looked up at him and smiled. “I’m sure.” As Jerry turned to go up the stairs she reached out and put her hand on his arm. “Don’t go too far though - just in case,” she said.

Jerry smiled at her as he leaned over to kiss her forehead. “I won’t be far Little Bit.” He gave Brenda another quick kiss before going up the stairs and stepping around the corner and out of sight in the media center.

Brenda took a deep breath and let it out slowly before walking across the living room to open the door. She was not surprised to see Sonny standing in front of her. “What do you want Sonny?”

Without waiting to be invited in, Sonny strutted into the room. He slowly looked around to make sure they were alone before looking at Brenda. “What’s taking so long?” He asked as he nodded toward her. “You aren’t even changed yet? I’d have thought you couldn’t wait to get out of that ridiculous dress.” He looked around the room again. “Is your luggage up in the bedroom? I’ll have Johnny come up and get it after we leave.”

Brenda slowly closed the door before walking over to Sonny. “What are you talking about Sonny? What luggage?” she asked, trying to contain her growing anger at the sight of him.

“I’m here to take you home. I’ve reserved a suite for you at the Continental Hotel.” When he saw the expression on Brenda’s face he crossed his arms and smirked at her. “Now that you know what a liar Pretty Boy is I’ve decided to give you another chance. So I’m setting you up at the hotel and I’ve already got my lawyer working on your divorce papers. He tells me you shouldn’t have any problem getting a divorce on grounds of fraud.”

“Fraud?” Brenda asked with a chuckle. “How did you come up with that one?”

“Your husband failed to disclose the fact that he was already engaged to someone else. He also failed to disclose vital information about his past that directly affects you - not to mention being responsible for a woman’s death,” Sonny said smugly.

“But Miranda’s not dead,” Brenda said as she walked away from him. “You proved that when you brought her to the Quartermaines’ to destroy my wedding!” She leaned against the edge of the stairs and looked across the room, glancing first at Jerry then at Sonny. “Why did you do that Sonny?” Brenda asked seriously.

“True, she is alive, be he was responsible for her being injured - not to mention locking her away for six years. Do you have any idea how she must have felt being kept away from the only person she loved? A man she thought loved her too?”

Brenda glanced up at Jerry. When she saw him about to step out of his hiding place she put her hand up to her face to try to signal him to stay put. She glanced up again and saw him nod his understanding as he settled back to listen and wait.

“Is that why you did all of this Sonny? To help poor innocent Miranda right a wrong done to her almost six years ago?” Brenda asked as she crossed her arms in front of her. “If so, how did you even know that she existed?” She crossed her ankles and glared at him. “Or did you do all of this to hurt me? To get me to beg you to take me back?” she asked as her glare deepened.

“I know you Brenda. I know how much you hate secrets,” Sonny said smugly. “I also knew from the second I met him that Pretty Boy had something he was hiding so I went looking for it.” Sonny took a couple of steps toward her but stopped when she held up her hand. “So now that you know he’s no ‘white knight’ you can come back where you belong - with me!”

“As your mistress?” Brenda asked. When Sonny nodded Brenda shook her head. “As usual Sonny, you have no idea what you’re talking about. Jax hasn’t hidden anything from me. He told me about Miranda and his engagement to her a long time ago.” When she saw the surprised expression on Sonny’s face, Brenda got up and walked over to him. “As for keeping Miranda locked away from everyone who loved her for the past six years? You might want to check with your source on that one. It seems SHE was the one who insisted that no one know she was alive. She even insisted on a signed contract to guarantee my family’s silence.”

“You don’t get it you do Brenda? It doesn’t really matter that she was or wasn’t kept hidden away. The important thing is that she was nearly killed because of how the Jacks family does business!” Sonny reached to grab Brenda’s arm but she pulled away before he could. “You keep telling me that you won’t live with my business - but Jax is no different. Miranda ‘died’ because of the way he and his family do business!”

“What happened to Miranda had nothing to do with Jax or his family - not directly!” Brenda said angrily. “There’s no comparison between you and Jax, Sonny!” Brenda said. “He doesn’t lie to me or keep secrets from me. He doesn’t scream at me. He tells me everything I want to know. He TOLD me about Miranda. I didn’t have to ask him. He includes me in everything in his life - including his business. But you already saw that with the ELQ takeover.” Brenda stopped and shook her head. “Is that what this is really all about? What happened when you and Tracy tried to force us out of ELQ and it backfired on you? Is that why you did this?”

Sonny just looked at her, not sure how or what to answer.

“Just answer me one question Sonny. What do you get out of this?” Brenda asked.

Sonny smirked at her as he ran his finger across her cheek. “You,” he said softly.

Brenda shuddered as she slapped his hand away. “That’s never going to happen Sonny. You are out of my life for good. My life is with Jax now - and forever,” she said firmly as she walked over and opened the door. “Now get out and don’t ever come back!”

Sonny stood smirking at her for a moment before walking up to her. “You may think your life is with Pretty Boy but are you sure his is with you?” Sonny asked with a sadistic smile as he ran his finger across her shoulder.

Brenda batted his hand away again. “Get out Sonny,” she said furiously.

Sonny leaned over to kiss her cheek but she ducked away. “Wait and see Brenda. This perfect life of yours is about to crumble all around you. There’s no love stronger than first love, trust me, I know. It’s only a matter of time before you find yourself alone in this penthouse.”

Brenda slammed the door as soon as Sonny was far enough in the hall. By the time she turned back to the living room, Jerry was down the stairs and halfway across the room to her. “You don’t buy any of that crap do you?” he asked nervously.

“Of course not Jerry,” Brenda said calmly. “He just likes to hear himself talk.” Brenda paused for a moment. “He was right about one thing though. There is no love stronger than first love,” she said with a slight smile as she pulled Jax’s coat tightly around her. “Jax told me once that he never knew what love was until we found each other. He said he never knew it was possible to love someone as much as he loved me.” She looked confidently at Jerry. “So you see, I don’t have anything to worry about because I AM Jax’s first real love and he’s mine.”

Jerry smiled at Brenda as he slowly shook his head. “You know, I keep telling Jax that he’s golden because his business deals just seem to come together. I think I finally understand how ‘golden’ he really is.” Jerry held onto Brenda’s upper arms. “He not only makes all the right moves in business but he also married the most amazing woman I’ve ever met,” Jerry said as he wrapped his arms around Brenda and gave her a tight hug. “My little brother is a very luck man.”

“Actually, I’m the lucky one Jerry,” Brenda said as she gave Jerry a quick hug before letting him go. When she let go she walked slowly away. “What we need to figure out now is what Sonny and Miranda have planned.” She turned to look back at Jerry. “When we get back to the hospital we need to sit down with Jax and talk all of this out so we can figure out a way to stop them before they can do any more damage.”

“Do you really think Jax will listen to anything I say after all of this?” Jerry asked with a trace of sadness in his voice.

Brenda smiled at him. “He’ll listen to you big brother, we both will,” she said as she put her hand on his arm. When Jerry smiled back at her she leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I better get changed so we can get back to the hospital.” She reluctantly took off Jax’s jacket and tried to reach the zipper in the back of her gown.

When he saw her struggling Jerry held out his hand to her. “Come her, let me get that for you.”

“Thanks,” Brenda said with a sigh. “I guess I could use a little help.” She took a couple of steps closer and turned her back to him.

“Hey, that’s what big brothers are for,” Jerry said as he slid down the zipper and undid the buttons. “There you go,” he said as he finished. “I’ll wait here while you change. We need to get back to the hospital as soon as possible. I don’t like the idea of leaving Jax and mum alone for too long. There’s no way of knowing who’ll show up there.”

Brenda turned to look back at him. When she saw the concerned look on his face she knew he was thinking of Miranda. “I’ll only be a minute,” she said as she went quickly up the stairs.

About five minutes later Jerry was surprised to see Brenda coming down the stairs fully dressed, carrying a small duffle bag. “You weren’t kidding when you said you’d only be a minute. I hope my brother realizes what a treasure he’s got in you. You’re smart, you’re beautiful AND you can change clothes faster than any woman I’ve ever known.”

Brenda chuckled as she slid on her jacket. “I AM a model you know Jerry. I usually have very little time between setups to change my entire look sometimes.” She grabbed Jax’s jacket from the back of the desk chair and the duffle bag. “Let’s get going. “We’ve left Jax and Jane unprotected for too long.”

“After you,” Jerry said with a smile as he opened the door for her. “It’s about time the Jacks family started fighting back - ALL of us!”

“All of us,” Brenda said softly as she walked past Jerry and out the door. As she stepped into the elevator she couldn’t help feeling that as long as they worked together as a family there was no way anything that Sonny or Miranda tried would succeed. As she watched the elevator doors close she promised herself that the Jacks family was going to get through this - she would see to that!