To Have & To Hold
Prologue
Port Charles NY, December
Standing before the mirror, Jasper Jacks adjusted the white bow tie on his
tuxedo, while thinking of his wife in the next room. Just the thought of
her, was enough to bring a smile to his lips. Turning, Jax looked over at
his dark-haired brother, sitting a few feet away and said, "No stunts today
Jerry, I want everything to be perfect. Do you understand me?"
Looking as innocent as a new born babe, Jerry looked up from his newspaper
and replied, "Me? I wouldn't *dream* of ruining this day for you." Two years
ago, that had hardly been the case. Once Jerry had learned about Brenda Barrett,
and the way she had treated Jax, he had hardly been willing to forgive, even
if his younger brother had. It had taken a while for Brenda to finally prove
herself worthy enough to be Jax's wife in his eyes. Yet, Jerry only trusted
her to a certain degree, especially where his brother was concerned.
Giving his brother a skeptical look, Jax walked the short distance across
the room, to pick up his tuxedo jacket off the back of a chair. While shrugging
his arms into the jacket and adjusting the sleeves, Jax said, "I mean it
Jerry. Wipe that innocent look off your face, since we both know your assuredly
not that.”
Before Jerry could say a word, someone knocked at the door. Poking his head
in, a dark-haired man jokingly asked, “To whom should I send my condolences
Jax? You or your lady wife?”
“Jordan!” Jax continued, delight clearly in his voice, “I
thought you said you couldn’t make it?”
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I was unable to make it to
the first wedding, but only death alone could keep me from seeing you shackle
yourself willingly,” came Jordan Mallory’s laughing reply. Nodding
his head in Jerry’s direction, “Hey Jer.”
Putting down the paper, Jerry got up and walked the short distance across
the room, to shake Jordan’s hand.
As the three men, tried to catch up on old times, a small dark-haired boy
entered the room. Racing across the room, he grabbed a hold of Jax’s
leg and hugged it tightly. Bending down, Jax picked the little tike up into
his arms, and turned to Jordan, “This is my son, Logan Scott
Jacks.”
Logan looked back at Jordan, his sea blue eyes quietly watching the man in
front of him. Laying his head down on his father’s shoulder, he then
stuck his thumb in his mouth.
Chuckling, Jordan looked from Logan to Jax, and back to Logan. “He is
the spitting image of you Jax, right down to your blue eyes.”
Love, clearly written all over his face as he looked down at Logan, Jax replied,
“All but his dark hair, which he got from his mother.”
As suddenly as Logan had wanted to be held, he wanted down, and started squirming
in Jax’s arms. Chucking to himself, Jax carefully put him on his feet,
and watched him race across the room.
Pushing the door open and quickly glancing around the room, Ned Ashton spied
his prey running toward him. “There you are Logan.” Looking over
to Jax, smiling, he said, “It’s almost time, you might want to
head down.”
“Thanks Ned, I’ll be right down,” Jax replied.
Jax watched as Ned and Logan headed out of the room, before turning back
to Jerry and Jordan. “Jerry we need to head down. Jordan, I’ll
see you after the ceremony, when I’ll finally be able to introduce you
to my wife.” All three men left the room, and headed down the stairs
of the Quartermaine mansion
~~~~~~
Wearing the same white gown she had originally married Jasper Jacks in, two
years before. Brenda Barrett Jacks was about to say “I do” and
renew her vows to the man she loved. Their first wedding had been a simple,
private affair, with only close friends and family in attendance. This time,
they wanted to renew their vows with everyone present.
The wedding gown, was originally a late 1800’s creation, with a tight
fitted bodice. The gown had been altered slightly with lace and beaded pearls,
trimming the front of the bodice. The off the shoulder style, made the dress
an into a simple elegant creation.
Turning around in her gown, her face glowing, Brenda couldn’t believe
this day was finally here. Looking up as the door opened, and her son and
Ned entered the room, she walked over and took Logan from Ned’s arms.
Smiling she said, “I take it he was with his father?”
Ned laughed and asked, “How did you know?”
“You are defiantly daddy’s little boy, aren’t you Logan?”
she asked while running her fingers under his chin and then through the baby
soft hair on his head.
Squirming, Logan signaled that he wanted down, laughing Brenda put him down,
and watched as he raced around the room. She was so full of happiness, she
didn’t want the feeling to end, yet reality always had a way of crashing
in. Deciding it was best not to think about it, for soon enough it would
be time to pay the piper and tell Jax the whole truth.
Starting to feel cramps and light headed, Brenda grabbed the back of a nearby
chair for support. Looking over at Ned, she saw concern clearly written all
over his features.
“Are you feeling all right, Brenda?” he asked.
“I’m fine Ned,” seeing his skeptical look she continued,
“really I am.” As if to prove that she was more then all right,
Brenda let go of the chair and started to walk across the room. Before she
made it six steps, she started to see black spots, and suddenly Ned was rushing
toward her, then all she saw was merciful blackness.