Jax knocks urgently at Brenda’s front door and rubs his hands together nervously. He prayed she was there and he could
knock some sense into her. If Brenda had already gone, he would have to go to Paris. Robin opens the door and frowns. “Hi
Jax,” she says uncomfortably and welcomes him in with some hesitation. “Robin, please tell me she is here or her plane has not
taken off yet,” Jax pleads with his blue eyes piercing sadly into Robin’s. “Jax, she left for Paris an hour ago…she took an earlier
flight,” Robin says, looking down at her feet.

“You are sure she is gone?” Jax asks raising an eyebrow in suspicion. “Yes, she said she could never see you again and so she
left early because she knew you would try to find her,” Robin replies. “Damn it…thank you, Robin…I will be going now,” Jax
says and runs out of the house and slams the door.

Robin sighs and looks up at the stairs to see Brenda’s tear-stained face and her lips trembling. “Bren, go to him,” Robin pleads.
“No…I cannot…it is better he thinks I am already gone and it has to be this way,” Brenda says turning and walking back up
the stairs. “No, it doesn’t, Brenda…” Robin whispers to herself.

************************************************************

Two hours later…

Jax walks into the small shop in downtown Port Charles. He knew Brenda was in the house and that Robin was lying. Poker
face was not one of Robin’s many charms…she had been lying and it was written all over her face. He knew Brenda was
stubborn and wanted him to think she had already left so he would move on. He would not let her do that…he loved her way
too much and he was going to the airport tonight.

“How can I help you?” the older man asks pleasantly and interrupts Jax’s thoughts. “I…uh…I need an engagement ring for a
very special woman,” Jax says nervously. “Ah…it’s the woman you love…what is she like?” the man asks. Jax smiles and says,
“She is the most beautiful woman you could ever see…hair and eyes that are the color of night and skin that looked like silken
honey. She giggles a lot and has the heart of a child and she loves to dance and she loves the beach. Anything else?”

The man laughs and says, “Well I can see you are madly in love with her and I think this ring would be perfect.” The man opens
a small black velvet box that revealed a shimmering pink diamond. “Wow,” Jax says with a smile. “It is rather expensive,” the
man explains. “Price is not an issue…may I hold it?” Jax asks. “Of course,” the man says handing it to him.

Jax holds the ring up to the light and it twinkled…it was perfect for Brenda. “I’ll take it,” Jax says with a grin.

*************************************************************
Three hours later…

Brenda sighs and gets out of her car and slams it shut. She walks down to the beach where Jax had taken her on one of their
first dates. She sits down and hugs her knees to her chest and smiles. She and Jax had been so happy here...they had run in
sand and splashed each other in the water. They had almost made love that night but she had stopped because she was scared.
And Jax had been so understanding and just held her that night…so tenderly and lovingly.

“I loved you the moment I saw you that night at the Cassadine’s,” Brenda whispers to the ocean. Who would have known she
would bump into her soulmate and that is what Jax was…her soulmate, her lover, her family…her best friend. Brenda bites her
bottom lip and tears form in her eyes.

Mmmm, Mmmm
Say good-bye to not knowing when

The truth in my whole life began
Say good-bye to not knowing how to cry

You taught me that

And I'll remember the love that you gave me
Now that I'm standing on my own

I'll remember the way that you changed me
I'll remember

Inside I was a child
That could not mend a broken wing

Outside I looked for a way
To teach my heart to sing

I learned to let go of the illusion that we can possess
I learned to let go, I travel in stillness

And I'll remember happiness
I'll remember [I'll remember]

Mmmmm.. [I'll remember]
Mmmmm...

Brenda stands up and whispers, “Bye Jax…”

***********************************************************************

An hour later…

Brenda stands in line with her ticket and turns to Robin. “Promise to come and visit me,” Brenda says and gives her a hug.
“Please, you know Lois and I will be there the first chance we have and make sure you are here for Lois’s delivery,” Robin
says with a chuckle. “I know…I would not miss it for anything,” Brenda says with a smile.

“You sure you want to do this?” Robin asks. “No, but I am going to do it…I do want this for my career,” Brenda says, trying
to sound confident. “I love you, Brenda and I am really going to miss you,” Robin says grabbing onto Brenda and hugging her
tightly. “Ditto, sweetie,” Brenda says, starting to cry. “Shhhh…don’t cry…Mademoiselle would say it was not good form,”
Robin says rubbing Brenda’s back. “I know…bye,” Brenda says and pulls away.

Brenda walks towards the gate. “Brenda, wait!” a male voice yells coming from the airport hall. Brenda turns around and sees
Jax running towards her. “Jax, why did you do this?” Brenda asks with her eyes moistening again. “Because I love you and I
have one more request before you leave,” Jax says, out of breath.

Robin and the crowd watch in interest at the interaction between the two of them. “What?” Brenda says. Jax cups her face and
says, “Bren, I loved you from the moment I saw you and I always will.” “Jax, I know…and you know I feel the same way but I
have to go,” Brenda responds.

Jax gets down on one knee and says, “Bren, the last request I have of you is that you marry me and if you have to go to Paris
right now that is fine as long as you say yes.” “What?” Brenda chokes as Jax pulls out a small velvet box and opens it. A pink
diamond comes into contact with Brenda’s eyes and she gasps. “Are you serious?” Brenda says, putting her hands to her
cheeks and her mouth dropping open.

“More serious than I have been about anything else in my entire life,” Jax says and takes her hand. “So will you marry me?” Jax
asks with a smile but holds his breath. “I love you so much…how could I say no?” Brenda responds and holds out her finger
for Jax to place the ring on.

“So I am assuming this is a yes?” Jax asks with a chuckle. “Yes, yes, and yes again!” Brenda exclaims and jumps into Jax’s
arms and he twirls her around. The crowd breaks into applause and Jax and Brenda begin to laugh with tears in their eyes.

“Hey, you still going to Paris, honey, after all of this?” someone yells from the crowd and everyone goes silent. Brenda looks up
at Jax and says, “You know I have always been searching for something that was missing inside of me and I thought maybe
going to Paris would fix it but I already have what I need…I need you.” “You are staying?” Jax asks with a grin.

“I am staying and I cannot wait to marry you,” Brenda says and wraps her arms around Jax’s neck. The crowd begins to
applaud again and Jax lowers his lips to Brenda’s. They are oblivious to everything around them.

Ooh...ooh...Oh...oh...Ooh...oh...oh...yeah
Mmm ... Mmm ... Mmm ... Mmm ...

This will be
An everlasting love

This will be
The one I’ve waited for

This will be
The first time anyone has loved me, oh...oh...oh...

I’m so glad
He found in time

And I’m so glad that
He rectified my mind

This will be
An everlasting love for me, whoa, ho

Loving you
Is some kind of wonderful?

Because you’ve shown me
Just how much you care

You’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime
And made me believe you’ve got more thrills to spare, oh

This will be
And everlasting love, oh, yes, it will now

You’ve brought a lot of sunshine into my life
You’ve filled me with happiness I never knew

You gave me more joy than I ever dreamed of
And no one, no one can take the place of you This will be, yes, siree, eternally

Huggin’ and squeezin’ and kissin’ and pleasin’ together forever through rain or whatever
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you and me

So long as I’m livin’ true love I’ll be givin’, to you I’ll be servin’cause you’re so deservin’

Hey, you’re so deservin’
You’re so deservin’, yeah, yeah, yeah

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
The love, the love, the love, the love, the love, the love, love, love, love, love

The love, the love, the love, the love, the love, the love, love, love
From now on, from now on, from now on, from now on

From now on, from now on, from now on, from now on
From now on, from now on, from now on, from now on

“I love you, Brenda Barrett…more and more everyday,” Jax says with a smile. “I know, silly…now kiss me!” Brenda says and
puts her lips to his and kisses him.

**********************************************
Music from this Chapter…
1.) “I’ll Remember” by Madonna
2.) “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole
 

The Morning after the Proposal…

“I cannot believe it,” Brenda says, her head resting on Jax’s chest as she holds up her hand and the engagement ring twinkles
under the morning sun. Jax chuckles and whispers, “I can…we are meant to be together.” “I know,” Brenda says looking up
and kissing his lips and pulls away with a grin. “I was so worried I was going to miss you,” Jax says, ruffling her hair. “I still
cannot believe you figured out Robin was lying and knew I had not left yet,” Brenda says, entwining her hand with his.

“I could feel you in the house,” Jax replies. “Really?” Brenda asks. “Of course…your prescence was still too close and one
another thing.” Jax says, raising his eyebrow. “And what would that happen to be?” Brenda asks with a grin. “Robin is a
horrible liar,” Jax replies and kisses her forehead. “Yeah, she is too sweet and pure to pull off a lie…thank goodness she is or I
might have gone,” Brenda says.

“And then step two would have come into play,” Jax says. “And what was that?” Brenda asks. “I was going to come to Paris
and propose and sweep you off your feet,” Jax responds, smiling. “You already do, sweetie,” Brenda says, kissing his cheek.
“Good…so when and where are we getting married?” Jax asks.

“Oh…I have no idea…but I have to tell Lois as soon as she gets home from her honeymoon and we have to find Julia and
Jerry to tell them,” Brenda says and sits up. “Last I heard, they were in Argentina,” Jax says. Brenda laughs and says, “It
figures.” “And my parents and Jilly have to know,” Jax says. “Jilly is going to be here in a couple of days…I know she will want
to plan the wedding with us,” Brenda giggles.

“And then I will be dressed as a Backstreet Boy and you a Britney Spears impersonator,” Jax says with a hearty chuckle. “You
are right…but I do have to ask her to be a bridesmaid and Julia, Robin, and Lois,” Brenda says in excitement. “How about
Chloe, Hannah, and Miranda?” Jax asks with a playful grin. “NO!” Brenda yells and laughs as she hits Jax with a pillow.

“But Bren, I know how much you adore them all,” Jax says, trying to keep a straight face. “Ha…you are so funny!” Brenda
says and jumps out of bed. “Last one to the shower is a rotten egg!” Brenda says. Jax shakes his head and lunges for Brenda
and pulls her on top of his body and whispers, “I think we can stay in bed a little longer.” “I would have to agree,” Brenda
responds with a giggle and kisses Jax softly.

********************************************************************

Later that afternoon…

“Jax, where are we?” Brenda asks with her eyes closed, holding onto Jax’s shoulder. “You will see in a second…I thought you
liked surprises,” Jax responds. “I do but you do it so much, and I never know what to expect,” Brenda replies with a small
smile. “Well I think you will really like this one,” Jax says. “I always like them, silly,” Brenda says as Jax stops and she almost
trips.

“Whoa, be careful,” Jax says and catches her. “I know we traveled by boat and we are not too far from Port Charles,” Brenda
says. “Right…and this place is “near you always,” Jax says with a large grin. “Jax, are we at the Cassadine garden where we
first danced and we danced to that song “Near You Always” by Jewel!” Brenda says in excitement.

“Take a look,” Jax says and pulls off the blindfold. “It is!” Brenda says and hugs Jax tightly. “Yes, I asked Stefan and he said
we could have the whole patio for the whole evening,” Jax responds. “Oh this is so sweet…you could not have given me a
better surprise,” Brenda says and claps her hands, together. “Not even a trip to the mountain where we had our first date or to
Bermuda where we first made love?” Jax asks.

Brenda smiles and shakes her head, “No, because even those places are special too this place holds the most for me because
this is where I first saw you and fell in love with you.” “Me too,” Jax says and takes her hands in his. “I was so nervous when I
was dancing with you…my heart was racing,” Brenda says softly. “And we hid from Chloe,” Jax responds, chuckling. “Yes!
And you kissed my hand that night and I just melted,” Brenda says.

When I first saw you I already knew
There was something inside of you

Something I thought that I would never find
Angel of Mine

I look at you looking at me
Now I know why they say the best things are free

Gonna love you boy you are so fine
Angel of Mine

How you changed my world you'll never know
I'm here for now, you helped me grow

You came into my life
Sent from above

When I lost the hope
You show me love

I'm checkin for you, Boy your right on time
Angel of Mine
 

“This place is pretty magical,” Jax says. “It truly is and I will never forget it,” Brenda says, looking off into the water. “Well,
what would you say if we asked Stefan if we could have the wedding here?” Jax asks. Brenda’s eyes light up and she says,
“Really? That would the most perfect thing I could ever imagine.” “I am sure it can be done,” Jax says. “With you, anything can
be done,” Brenda says and begins to blush.

“Why are you blushing, Miss Barrett?” Jax asks. “Because I just remember how I felt the first time I was here with you…like
such a giddy, little girl who was dancing with his gorgeous, worldwide millionaire, man,” Brenda says. “And now you are a
woman,” Jax says. “Yes, I suppose I am now…I guess I have grown up a lot in the last seven months.” Brenda sighs.

“And I feel very lucky to watch it happen,” Jax says, brushing her cheek. “Thank you for being in my life, Jasper Jacks,”
Brenda whispers. “Hey…ditto,” Jax says, resting his chin on the top of her head.

***************************************************************
“You are crazy!” Brenda exclaims as the waiter brings out their dinner. “I wanted to remind you of the meal we had on our first
date when we saw the Russian ballet,” Jax says as he takes a bite of his meal. “And you had Chinese lanterns hung like you did
in Bermuda, and you even brought the picture of us in Alaska when we visited your parents,” Brenda exclaims. “I wanted to
combine all of our special moments together,” Jax says with a grin.

“I cannot even believe it…next thing you know the Coral Beach Hotel from Bermuda is going to pop up in the water,” Brenda
says, shaking her head. “I tried but they were booked,” Jax says jokingly. “Remember the night that I had dinner at your house
and we almost made love for the first time and Jilliane came home with Nikolas, Emily, Liz, and Lucky?” Brenda asks laughing
hysterically.

“Yes, I could have killed her that night…and Robin and Lois when they walked in on us in your room,” Jax says. “Yes, you had
caught me in the tub singing and you tried to seduce me!” Brenda exclaims. “You wanted to be seduced…I seem to remember
someone coming over in a tiny, white bikini to seduce me in my pool!” Jax shoots back.

“Oh yes…I forgot…and Jilliane and Jerry interrupted us,” Brenda says and turns red. “And Robin and Jason walked in on our
first kiss,” Jax says, shaking his head. “Well, we were saved by bell…things got a little too HOT that night,” Brenda says. “I
know…that is why I was so mad,” Jax says while laughing.

“You know what night I remember all the time?” Brenda asks. “What?” Jax asks. “The night in New York City when you came
to see me perform and we danced in the rain,” Brenda says dreamily. “On the top of the Empire State Building,” Jax says.
“Another magical moment,” Brenda sighs. “And we have a whole lifetime to make more,” Jax says, taking her hand from across
the table.

“I have another surprise…see that box over there,” Jax says, pointing to the white box sitting on the patio lounge chair.
“Yes…what is it,” Brenda asks. “You will see…go put in on and be back in a half hour,” Jax says, standing up and walking into
the house.

Brenda shrugs her shoulders in confusion and walks over and picks up the box. She takes the top off slowly and brushes aside
the tissue paper and smiles when she sees the pink full skirt. It was the dress she had worn here when she had first danced with
Jax here at the Cassadine estate. She grins and runs into the house.

***************************************************************

A half-hour Later…

Jax hears a skirt rustling on the ground and he turns around. “The same tux,” Brenda says softly and smiles. “You look like a
goddess,” Jax says, taking her hand. Brenda had taken out her ponytail and let her hair fall in soft waves down her back and a
light pink gloss sat on her lips. “This is perfect!” Brenda exclaims. “No, in a second it will be perfect,” Jax says and snaps his
fingers. “The song…” Brenda says with a grin. “Of course,” Jax says.
 

Please don't say I love you,
those words touch me much too deeply

And they make my core tremble
Don't think you realize the power you have over me

And please don't come so close
it just makes me want to make you near me always

Please don't kiss me so sweet
it makes me crave a thousand kisses to follow

And please don't touch me like that
makes every other embrace seem pale and shallow

Please don't look at me like that
it just makes me want to make you near me always

Please don't send me flowers
they only whisper the sweet things you'd say

Don't try to understand me
your hands already know too much anyway

It just makes me want to make you near me always
and when you look in my eyes

Please know my heart is in your hands
it's nothing that I understand, but when in your arms

You have complete power over me
so be gentle if you please, 'cause

Your hands are in my hair, but my heart is in your teeth
and it makes me want to make you near me always

I want to be near you always
I want to be near you always

I want to be near you always
 

Jax and Brenda’s lips meet in a sweet kiss and she says, “I never want this night to end…”

****************************************************************
Two hours later…

“Oh Jax, it was so perfect!” Brenda exclaims as they enter his house. “Yes, it was and now that we are getting married, we can
even more night like these…for the rest of our lives.

Suddenly, something drops in the kitchen and Jax and Brenda run in and flip on the lights. “Oh my god!” Jax groans when he
stares into his own oceanic eyes. “You two are getting married?” Jilliane asks, raising an eyebrow.
 
 

*************************************************

Music from this chapter…
1.) “Angel of Mine” by Monica
2.) “Near You Always” by Jewel