Brenda fidgeted all the way back to the hospital. She held Jax’s jacket tightly against her as she played with the straps of the duffle bag. As soon as Edward pulled up to the door, Brenda jumped out of the car and ran inside. She looked around for Jax or Jane. When she didn’t see either of them she quickly walked over to the nurse’s station. “Excuse me, Bobbie?” Brenda said. “Do you know where Jax is?”
Jerry came up to her before Bobbie could answer. “Where are Jax and mum?” he asked with a trace of nervousness in his voice.
“I don’t know,” Brenda said as she turned to look up at Jerry. “I was just trying to find out.” They both looked at Bobbie for an answer.
“Don panic guys, nothing’s wrong,” Bobbie said when she saw their frightened faces. “Monica moved Mr. Jacks up to the CICU a little while ago. Jax and his mother are up in the waiting room. You can take that elevator up to the eighth floor and check in with the desk. They’ll direct you to the waiting room.”
Before Brenda could thank Bobbie, Jerry grabbed Brenda’s hand and led her quickly over to the elevator Bobbie had indicated. When they reached the eighth floor they went right to the nurse’s station. “Excuse me,” Brenda said as she tapped her fingers nervously on the counter.
“Brenda?” Jax said softly as he stopped about ten feet away from her.
When she heard Jax’s voice, Brenda turned to face him. She threw the coat and bag she was holding at Jerry and ran over to him. She threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in the side of his neck.
Jax wrapped his arms tightly around her and lifted her off the ground, his face tucked against the side of her neck. They stood like that for several moments before he finally put her down. He took her face in his hands and kissed her passionately, not caring who saw them. “I’m so glad you’re back,” he said softly when he ended the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers.
“I’m sorry we took so long,” Brenda said as she put her hands on top of his on her face. “How’s John?” she asked.
Jax wrapped his arms loosely around her waist as he leaned slightly back from her. “Monica said he’s finally stable. That’s why they brought him up here a little while ago. If he stays stable through the night she’s going to run some tests on him in the morning.”
“Where’s mom?” Brenda asked as she looked around.
“She’s in with dad,” Jax said with a sigh. “Are you okay? Did Jerry give you any trouble?” Jax asked as he looked over her head at Jerry.
“Other than being worried about you I’m fine honey,” Brenda said as she turned to look at Jerry. “I was glad Jerry came with me though.”
Jax looked down at her. “Why? What happened?” he asked as he held her away from him a little more so that he could look into her face.
Brenda rested her hands flat on Jax’s chest. “It was no big deal. There was just a crowd of reporters outside the hotel when we got there but Jerry and Edward took care of things.” She looked over at Jerry and nodded her head for him to come over. “If you’re feeling up to it, I think we need to talk about what happened and what we’re going to do about it.” She looked up at Jax and cupped the side of his face. “There are some things you need to know about Miranda and the time she was gone.” When Jerry came up to them she let go of Jax and reached one hand out to him as she took Jax’s hand in the other. “And you need to hear them from Jerry.”
“And from me,” Jane said firmly. She almost smiled when she saw all three of her children turn to look at her in unison as they continued to hold hands.
Brenda let go of both Jax and Jerry’s hands and wrapped her arms around Jane. “How are you doing?” she asked as she stepped back slightly. “How’s John?”
“He’s sleeping right now,” Jane said as she exhaled. “Monica said he’ll probably sleep through the night so we have some time to get all of this out in the open.” She looked from Brenda to Jax to Jerry. “With the exception of Brenda, everyone in this family has been keeping secrets for far too long. It’s time we clear the air,” she said as she looked directly at Jax and Jerry. “We can use the waiting room. It’s empty, I already checked.”
“She’s right, Jax,” Brenda said as she held her hand out to him. “We need to get everything out in the open.”
Jax walked over to her and took her hand. “Are you sure you want to hear all of this?” He looked over at Jerry for a second. “I have an idea that there is a lot more to this than even I want to hear.”
Brenda rested her hands on Jax’s arms. “I already know a little about what happened, honey,” she said as she looked up into his eyes. “Will you trust me when I tell you that your family is not to blame for all of what happened?”
“You know I trust you with my life,” Jax said softly. “If you think I should hear them out, then that’s what I’ll do.” He looked over at Jerry for a moment. “Let’s go Jerry, I have some questions for you that have waited far too long!”
“Whatever you want to know Jax,” Jerry said. “It’s time all of this was out in the open anyway. That way we can put an end to the lies and the secrets for good!” With that he walked over to Jane. “Where’s this waiting room, Mum?” he asked as he put his hand on her arm.
“This way,” Jane said as she looked first at Jerry and then at Jax and Brenda. “Coming?” she asked.
Jax and Brenda looked at each other for a moment before Jax nodded and they followed Jane and Jerry to the waiting room. When all four of them were inside Jerry closed the door and turned to look at the others. He leaned against the door and closed his eyes for a moment to collect his thoughts. “Okay,” he said as he exhaled loudly. “I guess I’ll start. If you have any questions as we go along I’ll try to answer them,” he said as he looked at Jax and Brenda.
“The details of the explosion and fire you already know. What you don’t know is what happened afterwards,” Jerry said as he slowly walked over to sit with everyone else. “When the men got the fire out you had them searching the area around the office for Miranda. When you didn’t find anything you eventually let dad take you home, right?” he asked as he looked directly at Jax. When he saw Jax nod slightly he continued. “What you didn’t know when you left was that the search crew had already found her.”
With a stunned expression on his face, Jax stood up and took a few steps toward his brother. “How is that possible? I went over every inch of that office debris. There wasn’t a trace of her,” Jax said with a shudder. When she saw how shaken he was, Brenda reached up to link her fingers with his. As soon as he felt Brenda’s hand in his he squeezed it gently for reassurance.
“She wasn’t in the office debris. Apparently the force of the explosion had blown her clear of the debris. One of the men found her about fifty feet away, under some wreckage,” Jerry said as he took a step closer to Jax. “She was a mess, Jax. They weren’t even sure it was her at first, her face was just about gone.” Jerry stopped when he saw the look of horror on Brenda’s face. “I’m sorry Brenda, I shouldn’t have said that.”
“It’s okay Jerry, Jax needs to know everything,” Brenda said in a shaky voice. “Go on.”
When he heard how shaky Brenda’s voice was, Jax sat down next to her and took her hand in both of his. “Are you sure you want to hear the rest of this luv?” he asked quietly as he looked into her eyes.
“I’m sure Jax,” Brenda said with a slight smile. “We’re in this together, remember?”
Jax smiled at her. “Yes,” he said as he cupped the side of her face for a moment. He rested his hand on top of their joined hands that were resting in Brenda’s lap and looked up at Jerry. “Go on,” he said as he squeezed Brenda’s hand.
Jerry looked uncertainly at Brenda then at Jax. When he looked over at his mother she nodded slightly to let him know that he should continue. “They took her to the local clinic and called me. I guess dad must have had his cell phone turned off while you two were flying home so they called the house instead. I immediately sent an air ambulance to take her to Sydney and then flew down there myself the next day. That’s why I wasn’t at the compound when you got there.” He looked at Jax for a moment before continuing.
“The doctors in Sydney didn’t give her much of a chance. When her condition stabilized a little and they finished their tests, they told me that even if she did survive she’d be paralyzed as well as horribly disfigured.” Jerry waited a minute for what he had just said to sink in. “That was when I called dad. I told him what the doctors had said. He didn’t think he could leave you at that point but he did make arrangements for her to be transferred to a private clinic outside of Geneva. I flew there with her to make sure that she got the best care possible. When I was satisfied that she was in good hands I flew to the compound to be with you. A few days after I got home dad flew to Geneva to supervise her treatment.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that she was still alive when you got home? I had a right to know!” Jax demanded.
“He wanted to tell you son, as soon as he got home, but your father and I forbid him,” Jane said quietly. When Jax looked at her she was shaken to see the fury in his eyes. “You were in no shape to see her that way. The doctors still weren’t even sure if she was going to live. Your father and I didn’t want you to have to see her die twice.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she got up to look out the window. “So we decided to wait until we were sure she was going to survive to tell you.” She continued to stare out the window as the tension filled the room.
“That wasn’t your decision to make,” Jax said in a shaky voice. “She was my fiancée. I should have been told! I should have been with her!”
“You were our child Jax!” Jane said angrily as she spun around to look at him. “You were only a boy yourself at the time and you were distraught! I refused to let you suffer any more pain!” She looked directly at Jax. “I would do it again if it would protect you from that kind of heartache!” She looked over at Brenda for a moment before looking back at him. “You’ll understand what I’m talking about when you and Brenda have a child of your own,” she said firmly.
Jax reached for Brenda’s hand. He silently looked at her for a moment. When she squeezed his hand and gave him a reassuring smile, he looked over at Jerry. “So you all decided to protect ‘poor little Jax’, I get that,” he said coldly. “That doesn’t explain why you didn’t tell me when you knew she was going to survive?” he demanded. When he felt Brenda squeeze his hand again he looked over at her. “What?”
“Before they tell you the rest I want you to promise to hear them out - completely,” Brenda said as she rested her free hand on his arm. “I know a little of what they are going to tell you next.” When she saw the confused look on Jax’s face she reached up to touch his cheek. “I made Jerry tell me some things while we were gone and I think it’s important that you hear them too.”
“When he saw the serious expression on Brenda’s face Jax couldn’t help smiling slightly. “Okay, I’ll listen,” he said as he leaned his face into her hand. When he finally lifted his face away, he looked up at Jerry. “Tell me the rest,” he said calmly.
Jerry looked at Jane for a moment. When he saw the uncertainty in her eyes, he walked over to her and rested his hand on her arm to reassure her. “It was almost a month before the doctors told us for sure that Miranda would live. She was drifting in and out of consciousness at that point. As soon as the trauma specialist decided she was going to live the plastic surgeons and therapists took over. I think she had about twenty operations all told.” Jerry exhaled loudly as the memories came flooding back.
“As soon as she was able to talk dad asked her if she wanted to see you.” Jerry looked directly at Jax. “She said no, you were better off thinking she was dead,” he said sadly. “At that point the doctors made us drop the subject because every time we mentioned it Miranda became extremely upset.
“It was almost a year before she was ready to leave the hospital. Dad tried several times to convince her to let us tell you that she was alive but she kept saying no. In fact, she was so adamant that you not be told that she demanded a written agreement - a contract if you will - stating that we would never tell you that she was alive.”
“What?” Jax demanded as he let go of Brenda’s hand and stood up. “You’re lying! She would NEVER do that!”
“She told us that since her face was different she was no longer the same person she had been before the accident. She said that she was starting a new life and you were part of the old one,” Jane said calmly as she looked at Jax.
“Besides, by that time you had finally started to rebuild your life. You were back in school and had even started dating again,” Jerry said calmly. He waited until Jax turned to look at him. “At that point dad realized the damage Miranda could do to you if she suddenly showed up in your life again, so he made a deal with her.”
“What kind of a deal?” Jax asked in a shaky voice.
“Miranda agreed to never contact you again in exchange for…” Jerry said.
“In exchange for what?” Jax demanded.
“We set her up in an apartment anywhere in the world that she wanted as well as paying all of her bills AND giving her a substantial living allowance so that she would never have to worry about working for the rest of her life.” Jerry could see the explosion coming as he looked at Jax’s face.
“You’re lying! Miranda doesn’t give a damn about money! She would never accept money from dad! She hated the fact that we were so rich!” Jax yelled as he jumped up and grabbed the front of Jerry’s shirt.
“Jax don’t!” Brenda said as she put her hand on his arm. “Let him finish.” She reached up to turn Jax’s face toward her. “Do it for me,” she said softly as she looked into his eyes. She held onto his arm until he took a deep breath and slowly nodded his head as he released Jerry’s shirt.
“I can’t even begin to imagine what you must be thinking right now. What you must think of us,” Jerry said as he glanced at Jane for a second before looking back at Jax. “Maybe we shouldn’t have listened to Miranda. Maybe we should have told you she was alive. There’s one thing I am sure of though. You never would have met Brenda if we had told you. You never would have known what it was like to be loved by the strongest, most loving woman God ever created.”
Jax looked at Brenda when Jerry finished. When he looked into her eyes he was startled by what he saw there - fear! He walked over to her and put his hands on her upper arms. “You’re shaking,” he said softly. He suddenly realized that what he had said about Miranda must have made her doubt his love for her. That was why Jerry had said what he did.
Brenda looked away from him as she tried to pull out of his grip. “I, I’m fine,” she said in a quiet, shaky voice.
“No you’re not,” Jax said softly as he turned her face back to him. He wanted to take her in his arms and reassure her of his love but she was still trying to pull away from him. He decided this was not the time or place for him to tell her that.
“You have more important things to think about than me Jax,” Brenda said as she lifted his hand from her face. “We have to figure out why Miranda decided to break her agreement with your family and…”
“Listen to me Brenda,” Jax said as he turned her face back to him. “Nothing is more important to me than you. I don’t want you to ever doubt that I love you - only you,” he said softly as he leaned down to give her a kiss.
By the time the kiss ended Brenda had stopped trembling and looked up at him with a slight smile. “I know that Jax, I guess I just needed to hear you say it,” she said softly as she rested her hands on his forearms. “That’s also why I wanted you to hear what Jerry had to say about Miranda. I wanted you to hear it from him before she told you what happened.”
Jax was surprised by Brenda’s statement. It sounded like she thought Miranda would tell a different story than his brother had just told. “When did Jerry tell you about this? I told him not to try to influence you when he took you home.” Jax glared at Jerry. He looked back at Brenda when he heard her call his name. “Jax, he didn’t try to influence me. He didn’t want to tell me anything at all but I asked him some direct questions and demanded he answer me.”
“So you believe what he said - about Miranda and the contract?” Jax asked. As soon as he looked into her eyes he knew her answer.
“Yes I do, Jax. Jerry offered to have Addie get the contract and messenger it down here if I wanted to see it.” Brenda smiled at Jerry for a second before looking back at Jax. “But after talking to Sonny tonight, I don’t …”
“Wait a minute! Talking to Sonny? When did you talk to Sonny?” Jax demanded as he looked angrily at Jerry. “You were supposed to keep him away from her!”
“Don’t look at me like that Jax. As soon as we heard the knock on the door she knew who it was. I wanted to get rid of him for her but ‘Little Bit’ insisted on doing it herself.” He looked proudly at Brenda for a second before looking back at Jax. “I’ll tell you this right now little brother. You do not EVER want to get on this woman’s bad side!”
“What happened? What did he say that made you believe Jerry so quickly?” Jax asked as he looked at Brenda. “You didn’t leave her alone with him did you?” he demanded as looked over at Jerry and wrapped his arms protectively around Brenda.
“Don’t worry Jax, she was safe. I was never far away from her. I was hiding behind the edge of the fireplace where he couldn’t see me but I could hear everything he said.” Jerry looked at Brenda. “There was a moment there that I wanted to step out and throttle him but Brenda wouldn’t let me. She put him in his place and then threw him out - with no help from me!” Jerry said proudly.
“What did Sonny say to you?” Jax asked as he looked down at Brenda.
“He just tried to convince me that you were responsible for what happened to Miranda and that you and your family were no different than him.” When she saw how angry Jax was getting she squeezed her hands on his forearms. “We can talk about Sonny’s delusions later. What we need to figure out now is what made Miranda break her contract with the family and come here with Sonny. It must be something big for her to be willing to give up her home, her life and her monthly income.” She reached for the duffle bag. “Before we get into that, I brought you a change of clothes. I thought you might want to get out of that tux,” she said as she held out the bag to Jax.
Everyone stood silently staring at Brenda. Each of them amazed at her coolness when talking about something that had the potential of destroying her marriage. Jax finally reached for the bag. “Thanks,” he said as he took the bag.
Jerry and Jane looked at each other and couldn’t help smiling. Jax had been right, Brenda really was an amazing woman. As she looked over at Brenda, Jane also realized something else. If the Jacks family were going to survive this crisis, it would be for one reason and one reason only - BRENDA!
Jax couldn’t help smiling as he looked lovingly at Brenda. “You keep amazing me. Do you realize that?” When Brenda looked down at her feet he lifted her chin with the side of his finger. “I should be the one trying to make all of this right for you and here you are trying to take care of all of us.”
“You don’t have to make things right for me Jax,” Brenda said softly as she brushed her fingers up and down his arms. “We’re in this together - ALL of us.”
Before he could say anything they were startled to see the door open. Jerry and Jane came to stand with Jax and Brenda as Monica and a nurse came the rest of the way into the room. “Is something wrong Monica? Is my father okay?” Jax asked nervously as he wrapped his arm around Brenda’s shoulders.
“Actually it’s just the opposite, Jax. John has shown marked improvement in the last couple of hours. His breathing is easier. His vital signs are steadily improving. I think he should rest comfortably for the next several hours.” Monica said as she looked at each of them. “Look, it’s almost morning and you’ve all had a really rough night. Why don’t you go home and get some rest. You won’t be able to see John until late this afternoon so go back to the hotel, get some rest, and something to eat.”
“Maybe Monica’s right,” Jane said as she wrapped her arm around Jerry’s waist. “Wouldn’t do for John to wake up and have another attack when he sees the lot of us,” she said with a nervous chuckle. “Why don’t you children go home and get some rest too? I think you could use some private time after all of this.” Jane looked directly at Jax and Brenda as she spoke.
Jax looked down at Brenda as he wrapped his arm around her. When she wrapped her arm around his waist and rested her head against his chest, he gave her a quick kiss on top of the head. “Sounds good to me,” he said as he rested his cheek on top of Brenda’s head. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for my father, Monica.”
Monica smiled at him. “You don’t have to thank me, Jax. I’m glad to be able to help.” She put her hand on Jax’s arm. “You two go home and get some rest. I’ll leave word with the nurses to let you know if there is any change in John’s condition.
“Thank you Monica,” Jane said as she gave Monica a quick hug. “We appreciate everything you are doing for John.”
“You’re welcome Jane,” Monica said as she patted Jane’s hand. “Now go home and get some rest - ALL OF YOU!” Monica looked at all of them before letting go of Jane’s hand and leaving with the nurse.
When they were left alone again no one said anything for a long time. Finally Jerry broke the silence. “Why don’t we all go back to the hotel and get some rest? We can finish this discussion after we’ve had some rest and have clear heads.”
Jax was about to protest when Brenda put her hand on his chest to stop him. “You need some rest Jax. We all do. Let’s pick this up later, after we’ve all had some rest. Then, maybe, we’ll be able to figure out what we’re going to do next,” she said as she looked up at him. “Come on, let me take care of you for once,” she said quietly as she loosely wrapped her arms around his waist.
Jax could not resist when he saw the expression on her face. “When you put it that way how can I say no,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her.
Brenda smiled at him as she rested her forehead on his chest. “Let’s go home,” she said softly when she looked up at him again.
“Okay,” he said as he gave her a slight smile before wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to his side. He kissed the top of her head before looking over at Jerry and Jane. “Let’s go,” he said as he led Brenda toward the door. Jerry and Jane looked at each other before following them out.
“You and Brenda take the limo Jax,” Jerry said as the elevator door closed behind them. “Mum and I will take a cab back to the hotel.”
“NO! Jerry you can’t do that!” Brenda said. “You know there are a million reporters in front of the hotel! You two will never get through that!” She looked up at Jax. “They can’t do that Jax! You can’t let them! Tell them they are going to ride with us so they’ll be safe!” she said frantically as she squeezed his arms. She knew she was overreacting but she couldn’t stop herself.
“Ssh ssh, it’s okay luv, of course they’ll come with us,” Jax said as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. He was surprised to feel how hard she was trembling. “What is it Brenda? What’s wrong?” he asked as he gently stroked her back.
As the elevator doors opened, Brenda leaned back from Jax and wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry, I guess I’m just over tired. I’m just worried about everybody’s safety. We have no way of knowing what Sonny might have planned.” She looked up at Jax and tried to smile reassuringly. “I’m fine, really.”
Jax smiled at her. “Let’s get you home,” he said as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. When she nodded and wrapped her arm around his waist they walked out of the elevator with Jane and Jerry right behind.
Edward pulled the limo up to the hospital exit just as they came out the door. The four of them got in and drove away before any of the reporters even noticed them.
No one said anything all the way back to the hotel. Brenda sat very close to Jax, her arm wrapped around his waist and her head on his shoulder. Jax stroked his hand up and down her back reassuringly the entire ride.
Jane and Jerry sat facing Jax and Brenda. Jane could see Jax’s concern for Brenda in the way that he held her close with both of his arms wrapped tightly around her. She also had no doubt that Brenda was willing to do anything to protect Jax and keep him safe and happy. She smiled slightly as she watched them for another minute before leaning over to rest her head on Jerry’s shoulder. She closed her eyes as she felt Jerry rest his cheek on top of her head.
When they got to the hotel Edward drove straight to the security entrance of the garage. The same guard who had let them in earlier was still on duty. As soon as Edward lowered the window, the guard recognized him. He ordered the door opened and waited until the car was safely inside to order the door closed and return to his office.
Edward drove directly to the elevator. When he stopped and got out to open the door for the family the elevator doors opened and Clay and Erik stepped out. They swept the garage with their eyes as everyone got out of the car and into the elevator. As soon as the family was in the elevator they both stepped in as well. When the elevator stopped the first time, Erik stepped off and looked both ways in the hallway. He then nodded the all clear and Jerry and Jane stepped off. As the doors closed Jane waived slightly to Jax and Brenda.
Jax and Brenda leaned against each other as they rode up to the penthouse in silence. When the doors opened Clay stepped out and looked around before nodding to them. Jax picked up the duffel bag that Brenda had brought to the hospital and wrapped his other arm around her shoulders. Clay opened the penthouse door for them and reached inside to turn on the lights. “You guys get some rest. Ben thought it might be a good idea for one of us to keep an eye on things for the next few days so I’ll be here if you need me.” When he saw the concern in Brenda’s eyes he smiled. “He’s keeping an eye on all of the Jacks family, including Mr. Jacks at the hospital.”
“Thanks Clay,” Brenda said as she walked past him into the apartment.
“Thanks mate,” Jax said as he put his hand on Clay’s arm for a moment before following Brenda inside. He closed the door but didn’t turn the deadbolt, just in case they needed Clay for something.
“What’s in this bag anyway?” he asked as he set the bag on the floor by the desk. He took his jacket off and hung it on the chair before turning to look at Brenda. He was surprised to see her standing, staring out the window. When she didn’t answer right away he walked across the room and up the stairs without saying anything until he got to her. “Hey you, what’s up?” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest.
Brenda closed her eyes and rested her arms on top of his. “I was just watching the sun come up on the first day of our honeymoon,” she said sadly.
Jax rested his chin on top of Brenda’s head for a second. “I know luv,” he said with a sigh. “I’m so sorry about all of this. I wanted to give you the perfect wedding followed by an unforgettable honeymoon. Instead your wedding was destroyed and you spend your wedding night in a hospital waiting room hearing about a woman from my past.”
Without moving away from him, Brenda turned within the circle of his arms. “I don’t care about the wedding, Jax. I’m your wife, now and forever. Everyone who sees us together, with the exception of Sonny and Miranda, know we love each other, that we’re part of each other.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m only sorry we didn’t get to go on our honeymoon. “I had such plans for you, Mr. Jacks,” she said seductively as she linked her fingers together behind his neck.
“Oh really?” Jax asked as he reached to push a lock of hair behind her ear.
“Really,” Brenda said in a husky voice as she started to unbutton his shirt. She stopped suddenly and reached for his hand. “Come with me,” she said as she turned toward the bedroom.
“Wait,” Jax said as he stood still. “Are you really sure about this? After everything that happened I’m amazed you’re even here, let alone speaking to me,” Jax said sadly as he looked away for a moment. “I need to talk to you before we go to bed,” he said as he looked back at her.
“Okay, sure,” Brenda said as she led him over to the big chair by the window. She pushed him down into the chair before kneeling next to it. “Is something wrong?” she asked as she rested her hand on his arm.
Jax put his hand on top of hers as he sighed. “I feel like I need to explain to you about what happened today, about Miranda.”
“Jax, you don’t have to explain anything,” Brenda said as she looked away from him so that he could not see her eyes.
“Brenda, I saw your face at the hospital when I went off on Jerry. I hurt you with what I said.” Jax cupped the side of her face in his hand as he turned it back to him. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t ever want to hurt you. I don’t ever want you to question my love for you. You’re a part of my soul Brenda. I couldn’t live if I lost you.”
“You aren’t going to loose me Jax. I would never leave you,” she said softly as she pressed her face tighter into his hand. “I love you and you love me. That’s all I need to know.”
“You never cease to amaze me, do you know that?” he asked as he felt his eyes filling with tears.
Brenda couldn’t help smiling. “I hope you always feel that way,” she said as she stood up and extended her hand to him. “Come on, let me take care of you for once.”
“I like the sound of that,” Jax said as he reached for her hand and stood up. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him. “How about we take care of each other instead?” he asked as he leaned down to kiss her.
“Sounds good to me,” Brenda said as she looked up at him and wrapped her arm around his waist. She rested her head against his chest. “Come on,” she said softly as she reached up to play with the buttons on his shirt.
Jax smiled as he rested his cheek on top of her head. Neither one of them said anything else as they walked down the hall to the bedroom. Brenda led him toward the bathroom as soon as they got through the door. It didn’t take long for them to undress each other and step into the shower. As the hot water cascaded over them, they slowly soaped each other’s body. As their kisses and their caresses became more intimate they stepped further under the hot water to rinse the soap off. When neither of them could wait any longer they stepped out of the shower. Jax grabbed the bath blanket off the bench and wrapped it around both of them as he leaned down to kiss her passionately.
As their kisses intensified Brenda reached up to wrap her arms around Jax’s neck and pull herself up, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. Jax let the towel drop as he held her close to him and walked out of the bathroom. Without breaking their kiss he carried her down the steps and across the bedroom. When he got to the bed he rested one knee on the bed and leaned down, laying Brenda on her back beneath him, her legs still wrapped around his waist.
Jax finally ended the kiss and looked down at Brenda. He pushed a lock of hair behind her ear as he looked deep into her passion clouded eyes. “Do you have any idea how much I love you right now?” he asked as he leaned down to kiss her again.
When Jax ended the kiss and leaned back from her Brenda ran her fingers through his hair as she looked up at him. “I think so,” she said softly. “About as much as I love you,” she said in a husky voice as she pulled his face down to her for another kiss.
As their mouths joined in a passionate kiss, Jax joined their bodies as well. He began to slowly make love to her. They were quickly lost in their passion, though. Their passion continued to intensify until they couldn’t hold back any longer and gave themselves over to their climax at the same moment.
Jax braced his arms on each side of Brenda as he collapsed on top of her. He rested his head on her shoulder and snuggled his face against the side of her neck as he waited for his heartbeat to slow and his breathing to return to something close to normal.
It took several minutes for Brenda to return to reality. Her climax had been so overwhelming that it was difficult for her to get her breathing under control. All she wanted was to stay exactly as they were right now, intimately joined in the shelter of each other’s arms, safe in their bed with the world locked outside. When she felt Jax try to roll off of her, Brenda wrapped her arms tightly around him and held him tightly. “No, don’t, not yet,” she pleaded as she held him close.
“I don’t want to hurt you luv,” he said as he rolled over, pulling her with him so that she was now lying on top of him. “How’s that?” he asked softly as he gently ran his fingertips up and down her back.
“Mmmm, that’s nice,” Brenda said with a sigh as she rested her ear against his chest above his heart.
“Brenda, I want to tell you something and I don’t want you to interrupt me, okay? I feel like I need to explain what happened at the hospital - when Jerry was telling me about Miranda. I saw the look on your face - in your eyes.” Jax looked away as he continued to stroke her back. “I hurt you when I defended Miranda. I never meant to do that.” He tilted her face up to him. “I don’t ever want you to feel that I don’t love you because I defended Miranda.”
Brenda leaned up and rested her hands on Jax’s chest. “I know that you love me Jax,” Brenda said. “I’m just not sure how you feel about Miranda. Are you?”
Jax reached up to run his fingers through her hair before answering Brenda’s question. “If this had happened a year ago I might not have known how to answer your question.” Jax stopped and took a deep breath. “But now, knowing you, loving you as much as I do, I know exactly how I feel about Miranda.” He stopped for a moment to collect his thoughts. “I feel responsible for what happened to her. I feel sorry for everything that she’s had to endure since that day, but I don’t love her.” He couldn’t help smiling when he saw the relief in Brenda’s eyes. “Now that I finally know what love is, I’m not sure that I ever did love her,” he said as he leaned up to kiss her.
“What do you mean? You asked her to marry you?” Brenda asked as she rested her chin on top of her hands, which were stacked on Jax’s chest.
“I was only eighteen when I met Miranda. It was the first time in my life that I was totally on my own. Miranda was a wild child, a free spirit. She challenged me to do wilder and crazier things than I had ever done before. At the time, I thought having someone like that as my partner for life was all I needed.”
“And now?” Brenda asked nervously as she looked into his eyes.
Jax reached up and cupped the side of Brenda’s face in his hand. “Now I have you. I know that love is so much more than just having a good time with someone. You’re a part of my soul, Brenda. I never realized that it was possible to be so happy and so at peace at the same time until I met you.” He took her face in both of his hands. “Whatever I felt for Miranda is my past. You, and the love I feel for you, are my present - and my future.”
Brenda could feel the tears spill out of her eyes. “As you are mine,” she said softly as she leaned down to kiss him. One kiss led to another and another until they were once again making love. Afterward, they fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms, physically satisfied and emotionally secure.
Brenda woke with a start when she realized that she was alone in the bed. “Jax?” she called out as she looked around the room. “Jax?” she called again as she reached for her robe. Before she could reach it, Jax came through the bedroom door, carrying a large mug of hot coffee, fixed just the way she liked. “Hey sleepyhead, it’s about time you woke up,” he said as he walked over to the bed. He sat down next to her as she sat back against the headboard and tucked the covers tightly around her. Jax handed her the mug of coffee as he leaned forward to give her a quick kiss on the lips.
“What time is it?” she asked as she brushed the backs of her fingers across his cheek.
“It’s almost two in the afternoon,” Jax said with a smile.
“Why didn’t you wake me sooner?” Brenda asked. “How’s John?”
“You were sleeping so soundly that I didn’t have the heart to wake you,” Jax said as he leaned forward to give her another quick kiss. “I called the hospital a couple of hours ago to check on dad,” he said. “Bobbie said he’s still sleeping peacefully. She also said that we wouldn’t be able to see him until late this afternoon so I decided to let you sleep.”
“Have you been up long?” Brenda asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
“I got up about noon,” Jax said as he pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “I needed to do some thinking about what Jerry and Mum said about Miranda yesterday.”
Brenda looked at Jax over the top of her mug. “And?”
“And I believe what they told us,” Jax said as he rested his hand on Brenda’s thigh. “My family would never have done something like this to me of their own accord. It was Miranda’s idea to keep this secret.” Jax looked into Brenda’s eyes. “You had already figured that out hadn’t you?” he asked.
“Yes,” Brenda said softly as she looked down at her lap.
“How? You only met her for a few seconds yesterday?” he asked.
“Maybe that’s why I see her differently than you do honey. I know your parents. I’ve seen the depth of their love for you. I knew they would never do anything to intentionally hurt you like this. That’s why, when Jerry told me about Miranda’s demand I believed him. Meeting Miranda yesterday, the way she talked to me, only reinforced my belief in your family.”
Jax sat back and looked at her, his eyes filled with confusion. What do you mean the way she talked to you? What did she say to you?”
Brenda looked at him nervously. “She told me to go away. She said I didn’t belong with the family. She said she appreciated that I had been here for her family when she couldn’t be but I wasn’t needed any longer since she was here now. She also said she would make sure someone from the hospital called to let me know how ‘dad’ was doing.” Brenda looked into his eyes and decided to tell him the rest. “She also told me that you had too much on your mind to explain things to me so she’d make sure you gave me a call after things settled down for the family.”
“That explains why Mac said you were rude. You talked to her when you and Jerry were leaving the hospital didn’t you?” Jax asked as he took the coffee mug and put it on the bedside table. He took both of her hands in his.
Brenda wasn’t exactly sure what he meant about Mac but she nodded slowly. “Yes,” she said softly.
“I’m sorry you had to deal with that on top of everything else that happened,” Jax said as he reached up to stroke her cheek. He leaned forward and gave her a passionate kiss. When he ended the kiss he gave her a loving smile. “Why don’t you go take a hot shower and I’ll order us something to eat?”
“Sounds good to me,” Brenda said as she leaned forward to give him another passionate kiss. When the kiss ended she cupped the side of his face with her hand and gave him several more quick kisses. “If you don’t get out of here right now I might not let you go at all,” she said seductively.
Jax smiled and gave her one more quick kiss before standing up. “Okay, okay, I’m going,” he said with a chuckle as he started walking across the room. When he got to the door he turned and looked back. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Brenda asked.
“For standing by me and my family, for loving me the way that you do, but most of all for being the voice of reason in all of this. I don’t know if we could get through this without you,” Jax said sincerely.
Brenda wiped away the tears that started to run down her cheeks. “You’re welcome, Jax,” she said. “Now go, I’m hungry!” she said as she smiled at him and waived her hand toward the door.
Jax chuckled as he looked at her for a moment longer before walking out the door, closing it behind him. When he got to the living room he walked over to the desk and called room service to order their lunch. Just as he hung up the phone there was a knock at the door. When he opened it he was surprised to see Jerry and Jane standing in front of him. “Is something wrong? Is it dad?”
“You father is fine, Jax. Jerry called the hospital a little while ago and they said he’s sleeping peacefully,” Jane said as she walked past Jax into the apartment. “How’s Brenda? Did you two get any rest?”
“Brenda’s fine. She’s in the shower right now. We both slept in very late so I just ordered us something to eat,” Jax said as he closed the door and walked over to Jane.
“We won’t stay long then,” Jane said as she looked seriously at first Jax and then Jerry. “I just found out yesterday that you two have been keeping a secret of your own for the past six years. As long as we’re putting everything out in the open, I’d appreciate it if you two would explain why you felt it necessary to keep this from me!”
Jerry and Jax looked at each other and shrugged. They had no idea what their mother was talking about. “What are you talking about mum?” Jax asked as he looked back at her.
“I’m talking about the rock climbing trip you two took to the Outback shortly after Miranda ‘died’,” Jane said with a trace of anger in her voice.
“What about it?” Jax asked. When he remembered what happened on the trip she was talking about the color suddenly drained from his face. He looked over at Jerry, who still had not remembered the trip. When he saw Jax’s face, he finally remembered the trip she was talking about.
“How-how did you find out about that?” Jerry asked as he looked nervously at his mother.
“Mac Scorpio told me about it when he brought Miranda to the hospital yesterday.” When she saw the mix of shock and anger on both of their faces she turned and walked away from them. “He was furious with Miranda when she admitted it was her idea not to tell anyone she had survived. He told her what had happened to let her know what she had caused.” Jane looked directly at Jerry. “He thought I already knew.”
“How did he know what happened?” Jax asked.
“He was part of the mountain rescue team that the park service sent out,” Jerry said as he ran his fingers through his hair.
“What rescue team?” Brenda asked from the top of the stairs.
“Hey there Little Bit,” Jerry said as he looked nervously up at her. “How are you?”
“I’m fine, Jerry,” Brenda said suspiciously as she started down the stair. “Now someone tell me what rescue team.”
“A couple of months after I thought Miranda had died, Jerry and I went rock climbing in the Outback,” Jax said as he walked over to Brenda. “We were about half the way up a sheer face when I lost my grip. I fell about twenty feet before Jerry could secure the safety line.”
“Oh God,” Brenda gasped as she covered her mouth with her hand. “Were you hurt?”
“Not really, but for a minute, as I was falling, I found myself hoping that Jerry wouldn’t be able to secure the rope. All I could think about was putting an end to the pain.” When he saw Brenda start to tremble he looked over at Jerry for a second before looking back at Brenda. He put his hands on her upper arms and gently rubbed them up and down. “Jerry didn’t let go and eventually I heard him calling to me to grab hold of the rocks, but by the time I did he was too exhausted to pull me up.”
“So how did you get up?” Brenda asked softly as she looked up at Jax.
“There was a group of tourists nearby who radioed for help when they saw Jax fall,” Jerry said. “A mountain rescue team showed up a short time later. They came up the rock wall and helped him down. By the time I got down the face they had checked him out and found that none of his injuries were life threatening so they let me take him to the hospital in the nearby town.”
“How badly was he hurt?” Brenda asked Jerry as she continued to look at Jax.
“He had a couple of cracked ribs, a badly bruised knee and some really nasty rope burns on his hands,” Jerry said as he looked at his mother. “When they released him from the hospital he made me promise not to tell anyone what happened so we flew to Aspen for a while so he could heal before we came home.”
“Why didn’t you say anything to us for all these years Jax?” Jane demanded.
Brenda suddenly turned on Jane. “Why should he? Did you say anything to him for all these years? Did you even consider what keeping Miranda’s secret was doing to him?” Brenda demanded. She walked away from Jax and toward Jane. “Why would you put Miranda’s wishes before your own son’s peace of mind? Or his safety?”
“Brenda we thought…” Jane tried to explain.
“No! You didn’t think! You never thought about Jax and what he was going through!” Brenda’s voice shook with her anger. “You and John didn’t like Miranda so when she asked you not to tell Jax she had survived you saw your chance to separate them for good!”
Jane was started by Brenda’s anger. She had not expected it. “We were protecting our son, Brenda. When you and Jax have children of your own you’ll understand that.”
“That’s where you’re wrong Jane. I would never hurt my child the way you and John hurt Jax - neither would he!”
Jax walked up behind Brenda and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. When he felt her trembling he pulled her close to his chest. “Any more questions, mum?” he asked as he looked at his mother over the top of Brenda’s head.
Before Jane could say anything there was a knock at the door. Jax gave Brenda a quick squeeze before letting go to answer the door. When he reached the door he called out. “Who is it Clay?”
“It’s your lunch Mr. J,” Clay said as Jax opened the door. As the waiter pushed the cart into the room Clay put his hand on Jax’s arm and nodded to signal him to step into the hall. “What is it?” Jax asked softly once they were away from the open door.
“I nabbed this off the cart,” Clay said as he handed Jax the folded newspaper. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted Mrs. J to see it or not.”
Jax had opened the paper while Clay was talking. He was stunned by what he saw. Splashed across the front page were pictures of Brenda, Miranda and himself as well as a picture of his father being loaded into the ambulance and his mother getting in next to him. The headline was as disturbing as the photos. In letters three inches high were the words, ‘MURDERED FIANCEE DISRUPTS BILLIONAIRE’S WEDDING!!!” “Oh my God!” Jax hissed as he folded the paper.
“The article is pretty rough on all of you guys, especially Mrs. J,” Clay said with a trace of disgust in his voice.
“My mother?” Jax asked tentatively.
“Your wife,” Clay said angrily. “Ben is trying to nail down the source quoted in that piece of trash but he said you’d know who he was talking about.”
“Corrinthos!” Jax spat out. He saw Clay nod as he skimmed over the article for himself. “He couldn’t have known a lot of this stuff unless Miranda told him.” Jax looked at Clay, his eyes hot with anger. “Tell Ben I want to know exactly who gave the paper this information and I want to know TODAY!”
“Will do Mr. J,” Clay said. “What are you going to do about the paper?”
“I’m going to show it to my wife,” Jax said calmly. “We don’t keep secrets from each other, Clay.” He held up the paper. “This is what happens when people do.” He started back into the apartment. “Thanks for the warning, I appreciate your concern for my wife.”
“Sure thing Mr. J,” Clay said with a nod. “I’ll be out here if you need anything.” He turned to walk away but stopped and turned back. “I’m really sorry about what happened yesterday. If you or Mrs. J need anything I hope you’ll ask. We all want to get whoever is doing this to you guys.”
“Thanks Clay, Brenda and I both appreciate that,” Jax said as he went back inside.
“Is something wrong?” Brenda asked as she walked up to him. “What did Clay want?”
“He wanted to show me this,” Jax said as he held up the paper for her to see.
“Oh God,” Brenda said quietly as she handed the paper to Jerry and Jane after skimming the article. “Who gave them all of that information?”
“Ben’s trying to find out for sure, but I think we both know who it was,” Jax said as he walked closer to Brenda.
“Sonny,” Brenda said coldly.
“And Miranda,” Jax said. When he saw the surprised look on Brenda’s face he explained. “There are things in that article that only two people would know. I know you didn’t talk to them so that only leaves Miranda.”
“So what do we do now?” Jerry asked as he tossed the paper on the desk.
“I don’t know what you and mum are going to do, but Brenda and I are going to have something to eat,” Jax said as he wrapped his arm around Brenda.
“Will we see you at the hospital later?” Jane asked as she looked from Jax to Brenda.
“Of course you will,” Brenda said firmly. “Just because we’re going through some rough times right now doesn’t mean that we aren’t still a family.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” Jane said with a slight smile. “Enjoy your lunch. We’ll see you two at the hospital,” she said as she put her hand on Jax’s arm as she walked past him.
Once Jane and Jerry were gone, Jax and Brenda sat down to lunch. Jax couldn’t help noticing how Brenda picked at her food. “Are you okay? I thought you were hungry?”
Brenda didn’t answer him right away. She put her fork down before looking over at him. “I was just thinking about what I said to your mother.” Brenda got up and walked over to the fireplace. She ran her finger across the hull of the little yacht. “I shouldn’t have yelled at her like that. She’s got enough on her mind worrying about your father. Then on top of that she just found out that you almost died in that climbing accident. The last thing she needed was me yelling at her.”
Jax got up and put his hands on her shoulders. “You’re wrong about that luv,” he said as he leaned down to rest his cheek against hers. “I don’t ever want you to keep anything back. That’s how all of this started. Besides,” he said with a smile. “I kind of liked you defending me. It felt nice.”
Brenda smiled as she leaned back against him. “You did, huh?”
“Yeah, I did,” he said as he leaned further down to kiss the side of her neck. “How about trying to finish your lunch?” he asked as he rested his cheek against hers again.
Brenda giggled when he flicked his tongue against her cheek. “Okay,” she said as she reached up to lightly slap the side of his head. “I’m suddenly feeling very hungry,” she said as she pulled away and extended her hand to him. “Come on, let’s finish our lunch. We need to leave for the hospital soon.”
“Good idea,” Jax said as he let her lead him back to the table. He held her chair for her before leaning down to kiss the side of her neck. He went around to sit across from her again. As he looked over at her he was surprised to see the look in her eyes. She looked relaxed, for the first time since Miranda had shown up at the wedding. He couldn’t resist smiling slightly as he watched her dig into her food. They had their first relaxed conversation since this whole mess had started as they finished their lunch.
After changing their clothes, Jax and Brenda rode down to the garage with one of the guards Ben had assigned to them while Clay remained outside the penthouse door. Edward had the car waiting for them when they stepped off the elevator with the guard. As they approached the car Edward got out and opened the door for them.
“Hello Edward,” Brenda said as she started to get into the car.
“Good afternoon Mrs. Jacks,” Edward said with a slight tip of his hat.
“Hello Edward, have my mother and brother left for the hospital yet?” Jax asked.
“Yes sir, I drove them over about an hour ago,” Edward said as he held the door open for them. As soon as Jax got in he closed the door and got in behind the wheel. When they got to the hospital he drove right past the main entrance and stopped at the side entrance of the medical building next door.
“Why are we stopping here?” Jax asked as he looked out the window.
Before Edward could answer, Jax was surprised to see Ben walk out of the building and up to the car. “What’s up Ben?” Jax asked as Ben opened the door.
“There are dozens of reporters camped out at all the entrances to the hospital. You can go in through here. It connects to the hospital on the second floor so they won’t even know you guys are here,” Ben said. He nodded toward the security guard standing behind him. “Isaac here will show you the way through the medical building. Erik will be waiting for you at the hospital entrance to take you to CICU.”
“Thanks for setting all of this up,” Jax said with a slight smile. He looked over at Brenda. “Ready to go?”
“You bet,” Brenda said as she squeezed his hand.
Ben stepped out of the way so that Jax and Brenda could get out of the car. He waited until they were safely in the building before leaning back inside to give Edward some instructions on where to wait. When he was finished he stood back up and signaled for his car to pull up for him.
Jax and Brenda held hands tightly as they followed the hospital security guard through the medical building. As they got to the hospital entrance they saw Erik waiting for them. He nodded to the security guard as he held the door open for them and then followed Jax and Brenda through the door. He led them down several connecting hallways to the elevators. He rode with them up to the eighth floor and then led them through the halls to Jane and Jerry. When they were all safely in the waiting room, he walked over to wait for them near the elevators.
“How’s dad?” Jax asked when they reached them.
“He’s doing much better,” Jane said as she looked at them with a smile. “Monica is in with him now. If he checks out okay we can see him for a few minutes.”
“Good,” Jax said as he wrapped his arm around Brenda’s shoulders. “Here comes Monica,” he said as he nodded toward the hallway.
“Hello all of you,” Monica said as she walked through the door of the waiting room. “I hope you all got some rest.”
“Hello Monica. How’s my husband?” Jane asked.
“John’s doing very well,” Monica said with a smile. “If he keeps improving at this rate we’ll be able to move him out of CICU by tomorrow.”
Jane smiled in relief as she looked at Jerry then Jax. “Can we see him?” Jane asked as she looked back at Monica.
“Yes, but only for a few minutes and only one at a time,” Monica instructed.
Jerry, Jane, Jax, and Brenda looked at each other. “You should go first mum,” Jax said as he looked over at his mother before looking at Jerry and Brenda to see them nod their agreement.
“Actually, John has been asking for Brenda,” Monica said a little nervously.
Everyone looked at Brenda. “Me?” she asked softly. “Why?”
“I don’t know,” Monica said with a shrug. “But he’s very insistent that he talk to you as soon as possible.” Monica looked at the group of them. “I don’t want to tell you what to do, but for the sake of my patient I’d suggest that Brenda speak to him as soon as possible so that he’ll calm down.”
“I agree,” Jane said as she put her hand on Brenda’s arm. “Do you mind?”
“Of course not,” Brenda said as she put her hand on top of Jane’s. “Are you sure you don’t want to see him first Jane?”
“I think it’s important that you speak with him first. You heard what Monica said. John is insisting on talking to you. He shouldn’t be under any stress and the longer he waits to talk to you the more stressed he becomes,” Jane said calmly.
Brenda looked at Jax. “What do you think?” she asked uncertainly.
“I think it’s your decision,” Jax said with a smile.
Brenda smiled as she looked up at him. “I’ll talk to him.” She stood up on her toes to give Jax a quick kiss before turning to Monica. “Let’s go Monica.”
“Thank you luv,” Jane said in a shaky voice as she gave Brenda a quick hug.
“You don’t have to thank me Jane. I wouldn’t want to do anything that might hurt John,” Brenda said with a slightly cool tone in her voice. “Let’s go Monica,” she said as she gave Jax a quick smile and walked away from Jane.
As she watched Brenda and Monica walk away down the hall, Jane sighed. “She’s still angry with me,” she said sadly.
“Why do you say that mum?” Jerry asked. “She came here with us today didn’t she? She was willing to talk to dad so that he could calm down and relax. How can you say that she’s still angry?”
“Because she called your father and I by our first names instead of mom and dad.” Jane looked sadly at Jax who returned her gaze for a moment before turning to look out the window.
“Seems to me that she has every right to be angry with us,” Jerry said. “Look what’s happened to her because we kept a secret from Jax for all these years.” He walked over to stand next to Jax. “I also know that she loves Jax, probably more than any of us except for Jax can even imagine.” He smiled when he saw Jax glance over at him and nod slightly. “What I’m trying to say mum, is that she may be angry right now but she loves us and she’ll do anything in her power to help us - all of us!”
“I hope you’re right son,” Jane said as she walked over to Jax and looked up at him. “I love Brenda like one of my own, your father and I both do.”
Jax turned and looked at his mother. “She loves you and dad too, mum. But she’s had a lot to deal with the past two days - your secrets, Miranda showing up at our wedding and then finding out about my climbing accident. Add to that being hassled by Corrinthos and you’d understand why she’s keeping her distance right now.” Jax walked over to his mother. “Give her a some time and some space. She’ll let you know when she’s ready.”
“What about you, son?” Jane asked as she looked up at Jax.
“I need a little time as well,” Jax said sadly. “I’m not used to my family keeping secrets from me. It’s going to take me some time understand why you guys did it.”
While the rest of the family was talking in the waiting room, Brenda followed Monica down the hall to John’s room. They stopped outside his door. “Don’t stay too long. He needs as much rest as he can get.”
“I understand, Monica,” Brenda said. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She squared her shoulders, cleared her throat and walked through the door. She stopped at the foot of the bed, startled by how frail John looked. “Hello John,” Brenda said softly.
John slowly opened his eyes at the sound of Brenda’s voice. It took a few seconds for him to focus his eyes enough to see. When he realized that it was Brenda standing next to his bed he smiled. “Brenda, you came,” he said in a hoarse whisper.
“Of course I came,” Brenda said quietly as she sat on the stool next to the bed.
“Don’t give up on him Brenda,” John whispered as he reached for her hand. “Fight for him if you have to. Don’t let Miranda get her claws into him again,” John said quickly as he fought for breath.
Brenda was startled when the alarm went off on the monitor next to the bed. Two nurses came rushing into the room to check on John. They turned off the alarm and checked his vital signs. When they were convinced he was stable again they left, giving Brenda a signal that she needed to leave as well. She nodded to the nurse that she understood.
When the nurses were gone, Brenda sat down again and rested her hand on top of John’s. “Calm down John, I’m not going anywhere - and neither is Jax. He’s my husband and I’m his wife. We’re together now and forever and there’s nothing Miranda or anyone else can do about it,” she said firmly. “Now you stop worrying about Miranda. Jax and I will take care of her - together,” she said with a reassuring smile. “I better go, Jane’s waiting to see you.”
“Brenda, about Miranda,” John started.
“Not now John,” Brenda said as she gently squeezed his hand. “There’ll be plenty of time to talk about all of this when you’re feeling better.”
John slowly nodded as he smiled at her. “Okay,” he said softly as Brenda got up and leaned over to kiss his forehead.
Brenda patted his hand again before turning and walking out. Once she was out in the hall, she turned and looked back at John. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly before heading back to the waiting room.
When she got to the doorway Brenda stood silently watching the rest of her family for several moments. She couldn’t help feeling sad as she saw the distance that had developed between them. Jax was standing staring out the window, his back turned to the rest of his family. Jerry and Jane were sitting on the sofa talking quietly, looking up at him every once in a while, and hoping he would turn and look at them. She could feel someone else in the room too - Miranda!
Jerry was the first one to notice Brenda. “Brenda,” he said as he stood up and started toward her. “How’s dad?”
“He’s very weak but he seems to be in pretty good spirits.” Brenda looked directly at Jane and gave her a slight smile. “He’s waiting for you,” she said before walking over to Jax and wrapping her arms tightly around him, her cheek pressed against his chest and her eyes tightly closed.
Jax could feel that Brenda was upset so he began to gently rub his hands around her back until he heard her sigh softly. After his mother was gone, he held her slightly away from him. “Okay, mum’s gone. What did he say to you that upset you so much?” he asked as he looked down at her.
Brenda pulled out of Jax’s arms and walked a few steps away before answering. She decided she wanted Jerry to hear what she had to say too. “He told me not to give up on you. He told me to fight her for you if I had to and he begged me not to let Miranda get her claws into you again.”
“What did you tell him?” Jerry asked nervously.
“I told him that I wasn’t going anywhere and neither was Jax. I told him we were married and there wasn’t anything Miranda could do about it,” she said firmly. “I also told him not to worry about Miranda, that we would take care of her - together,” she said as she looked over at Jax with a loving smile.
“Absolutely,” Jax said as he came over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Are you in?” he asked Jerry as he extended his free hand to his brother.
“You bet!” Jerry said as he took Jax’s hand and shook it. “I helped create this mess and I want to help fix it!” he said as he looked from Jax to Brenda.
“You better believe you’re going to help Big Brother,” Brenda said as she rested her hand on Jerry’s arm.
“What is she doing here Jax? This waiting room is only for the family members of patients!” Miranda demanded as she stood in the doorway, her feet firmly planted on the floor and her arms crossed in front of her.
“The question is what are YOU doing here?” Jax asked as he tightened his arm around Brenda.
“I came to check on John, of course,” Miranda said innocently as she came into the room. “I was also hoping to have a chance to talk to you, Jax. I wanted to explain.”
“This should be interesting,” Jerry said sarcastically as he crossed his arms across his chest.
Miranda glared at him and Brenda for a long moment before looking back at Jax. “Can we go somewhere to talk - in private?” she asked as she walked over and rested her hand on Jax’s arm. “Please?”
Jerry started to say something but Jax put his hand up to stop him. After looking at Brenda for a second and seeing her slight nod of agreement, Jax looked at Miranda. “Okay fine, let’s go for a walk,” he said without a trace of emotion in his voice. He looked at Brenda. “I won’t be long. I’ve got my cell phone. Call me if there’s any news on dad.” He held out his arm toward the door. “Shall we go? I don’t want to be away too long in case there’s news on my father.”
“Of course,” Miranda said as she smiled lovingly at Jax. She looked over at Brenda. “I’d think you’d have more important things to do than sit around here,” she said snidely. She was startled when Jax grabbed her arm and pulled her out the door.
Jerry and Brenda stood watching them walk down the hall. When they were gone Jerry wrapped his arm around Brenda and pulled her close to his side. “Are you sure that was a good idea?” he asked. “Maybe I should follow them,” he said as he turned his head to look down at her.
Brenda rested her hand flat on Jerry’s chest and looked up at him. “No, let them go,” she said firmly. “This is exactly what he needs to do. We need to figure out what her plans are and Jax is the only one who knows Miranda well enough to figure out when she’s lying.”
“No wonder my little brother loves you so much,” Jerry said with an admiring smile. “Little Bit, you are one smart lady.”
“Thanks big brother,” Brenda said with a chuckle as she wrapped her other arm around Jerry’s waist and rested her cheek against his chest. She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh.
“What’s this? Changing brothers already?” Sonny asked snidely as he leaned against the doorframe with his ankles crossed and his arms crossed in front of him.