"Ohhh, honey, look! More presents!" She exclaimed as her dark eyes began to dance with delight. He came up behind her with a chuckle and wrapped his arms around her waist as he glanced over her shoulder at the growing pile of wedding presents on the floor. "Well, what did you expect? We ARE getting married in exactly..." he looked down at his watch and dramatically announced, "...17 hours, 14 minutes and...39 seconds." She turned in his arms and wrapped her own around his neck as she looked up into his crystal blue eyes so full of love. "Wow! I'm impressed. You even have it down to the second." He shrugged as a slightly embarrassed smile came to his lips. "Yeah, well. What can I say? I feel as if I've been waiting for this moment all of my life. Is it any wonder I'd count down the seconds till the moment you become my wife?"

Her smile broadened as she shook her head slightly and gently ran her fingers through his hair. "No. And I feel the exact same way. You know, when I said we'd be dying to say our vows by the time we said them, I never once imagined it would take us so long to actually do it." Sobered suddenly by her own words, her gaze drifted away from his face, a worried line creasing her forehead.

"Brenda? What is it?" He took her small face in his hands and turned it so she was facing him. She let out a sigh as she looked back up into his eyes. "I don't know. All of a sudden I got scared, Jax." "Why?" His eyebrows came down in concern as he gently began to caress her face. "Well, we've tried this so many times before. I mean, what does this make now? Three? Four? I don't know...somewhere I've lost count. What if...what if something else keeps us from walking down that aisle and pledging ourselves to each other again?" Jax shook his honey-blonde head slowly as he brushed her hair away from her face. "Not possible. We were meant to be together...forever. Don't you know that by now? We were written in the stars, Brenda. I'm as sure as the sun on that one."

He smiled suddenly as a note of ironic laughter filled his voice. "I mean, think of all we've been through so far. Bullets, crashes, disease, fires..." "...my break down." Brenda added with a slight grin as she started to see his point. She'd always be amazed at how Jax's glass of life was forever full to overflowing. And now he'd taught her how to live that way too. "Yes. And that's not all. We've dealt with past loves, dead mothers and wives coming back to life...even your own 'death' couldn't keep us apart."

He tilted her face up toward his and made her a solemn promise couched in the lighthearted intonation of jest. "Now, you listen to me, Brenda Veronica Barrett, if I have to glue myself to your side for the next 17 hours to make sure you say 'I do' to me tomorrow, that's precisely what I'll do." Brenda smiled suddenly the light of love in her eyes dispelling the dark clouds of doubt that had been there moments before. "You promise?" She asked as she leaned up for a kiss. "I promise." Jax whispered before claiming her waiting lips as his in a slow gentle kiss that neither wanted to end. Pulling away from her reluctantly Jax grinned as he glanced back down at the presents and asked, "Now wasn't the plan to open one gift each tonight?" "Yes!" Brenda exclaimed as she jumped up and down then grabbed Jax's hand pulling him down to the floor with her. Jax started laughing at the way she began rummaging through the gifts, picking each one up in it's turn and shaking it to see if she could guess what was inside.

He had always loved watching her open presents. Somehow, he knew that's one thing that would never change. Just like their love. "Oh, honey, look. There are two wrapped in the same paper." She picked them up and glanced at the envelope on the first one. "To Jasper Jacks." She read out loud. "Huh. Guess this one is just for you." She handed it to him with a curious eyebrow raised then turned back to the second package still in her hand. "To Brenda Barrett. Well, looks like I got my own special gift too." Jax began looking over the box he held in his hands.

"They're the same size and shape. Same handwriting. Wonder who sent it." "I don't know." Brenda said with a shrug. "Why don't we find out?" Jax grabbed her hand just as it went to pull the ribbon on her package. "No, no, no. Now, just wait. You know you can only open one tonight. So, make sure this is the one you want." Brenda leaned forward and locked eyes with him her voice becoming low and seductive. "I know what I want." Jax leaned over and kissed her tenderly before pulling back and agreeing suggestively, "Mmmmm. So do I." He sat up straight and clasped his hands together as he looked down at the package in front of him. "Alright. Let's open these...quickly...so we can both get to what we really want." Brenda started laughing, "You got it, baby!" She immediately began tearing into the wrapping on her gift as Jax's process took a little longer.

He was half-heartedly opening his gift all the while getting such joy out of watching her tear into hers. He chuckled as Brenda pulled the top of the box off and flung it to the side. Silence filled the room as Brenda looked into her box at the present waiting for her within and Jax continued to unwrap his own. A look of momentary fear passed over Brenda's face and she swallowed hard hesitating before she reached inside to pull the contents out of the box. "Uh, Jax. You don't have another wife or girlfriend stashed away somewhere that you wrote love letters to, do you?" Jax looked up at her confusion clouding his face as he pulled the top off of his box and glanced inside.

"Absolutely not. Don't even joke about something like that. You know you're the only one." He glanced down at the items in her hand. "Why do you ask?" She lifted them up and turned them to show him. "They look like letters. They're in your handwriting and they're wrapped in a blue bow." "Well, they're not mine." He said with a shrug as a hint of mischief filled his eyes glancing back down at his box. "Are you sure you didn�t write letters to some dashing Prince while you were stuck on that island?"

A momentary flash of disgust caused Brenda to scrunch up her nose and make a face at the mention of her time kidnapped on the island. Shaking her head she reached over and wrapped her arm around his neck. "Oh, baby, don't you know? The only prince I ever dreamed about was you."

"Is that so?" Jax whispered just as Brenda leaned over and kissed him again. "Uh-huh." Brenda confirmed with a nod of her head as she looked into his eyes when they broke apart.

"Well, then how do you explain these?" Jax asked with a raised eyebrow as he lifted his own set of letters from the box he held in his hand. "They're in your handwriting with a pink bow." "You've got to be kidding me. Where did all of these come from?" Brenda exclaimed as she reached for the letters in his hand.

She glanced through them quickly as realization started to dawn in her eyes. A brilliant smile spread over her face as she exclaimed, "Oh, wow! I'd forgotten all about these!" She took the bundle and held it to her chest closing her eyes and breathing in deeply.

"Brenda? What are they?" Jax asked with a grin, his curiosity definitely peaked. She opened her eyes and looked back at him unabashed love written all over her face. "Honey, these are letters. Letters I wrote to a friend of mine. These are all about...you." A thought struck Jax as he looked back down at the letters on Brenda's lap and picked them up his eyes grazing the first page. As he glanced through them quickly a grin split his face.

"And these..." He said as he held them up in front of her. "...are letters I wrote to a friend of mine...about you. I can't believe I didn�t' remember these..." "You're kidding me!" Brenda exclaimed as she reached for them. "Oh my god! How funny is that? So, what do they say?" Jax held them out of her reach just as she was about to grab them. "Uh-huh. You first. What do yours say?"

Brenda eyed Jax carefully trying to figure out the best way to get what she wanted seeing the expression on his face was in full mischief mode. She could literally see the wheels beginning to turn in his head. Finally, she held up her hands in an attitude of surrender. "Ok. I've got an idea. I'll read you one of mine then you read one of yours. How does that sound?" Jax leaned forward and whispered as his eyes locked with hers. "Perfect. Just like you." His kiss was as sweet as honey and Brenda would have loved to follow in the direction Jax was leading if not for one thing.

The letters and her overwhelming curiosity. Brenda pulled away and put her finger against Jax's lips. "Read first. Kiss later." "Oh, you are so not fun." Jax remarked with a smirk. Brenda reached up and caressed his face. "I'll show you fun later. Right now I want to know what you said about me." "Well, then, what the lady wants...the lady gets." Jax stated as he picked up both packets of letters, got up and held his hand out to her. Brenda reached up and put her hand in his and giggled as he pulled her to her feet.

"Where are we going?" Brenda asked excitedly as she saw his eyes begin to twinkle with unspoken plans. "Don't you know? A momentous occasion like this requires the proper setting." Jax stated mysteriously. He winked at her as he inclined his head toward the stairs. "Come on. We've got things to do..."

~~~~~~~~~

"Jaaaax. PLEASE let me look now!!" Brenda pleaded with Jax as she bounced excitedly in the seat next to him. Her movements made scrunching noises on the leather seat of the limo Jax had ordered to meet them at the airport.

Jax hung his head and laughed at her eagerness. "Absolutely not. You're going to wait until I'm ready for the surprise." Jax reached up and grabbed her hands pulling them back down into her lap just as she was about to attempt a removal of her blindfold. "Brenda�" He said in a warning voice. "Don't you dare."

"I can't help it! I'm so excited. We haven't been on a trip together since you found me." She said as she bounced once more in her exuberance.

"That's because you haven't wanted to go anywhere. Not even Malibu." Jax commented.

Brenda smiled sweetly in the direction of Jax's voice. "Can you blame me? I didn't want to share you with anyone or anything�not even the ocean. Besides, Malibu is where we go when one or both of us need to heal."

"Yeah, you're right." Jax said softly. "I didn't need Malibu this time. Every piece of my heart fell back together the moment I saw your face on that island."

Brenda reached up and felt for his face, caressing it gently as she whispered. "Mine did too." A sly grin creased her face. "Which is why I'd love to see your face right now."

Jax started to laugh. "Nice try, Brenda. But I'm not going to remove your blindfold...and I'm not going to tell you where we're going."

"Just my luck�I had to fall in love with a brilliant one." Brenda teased. "Do you think it's too late to trade you in for an idiot? One who will bend to my will when I ask?"

"Hey, yeah. That sounds like a great idea." Jax agreed. "Maybe I can pick up a shallow, air-headed model-type to be at my beck-and-call while we're at it."

"Sorry, honey. Last I heard Ashley is engaged." Brenda said as she flipped her hair over her shoulder and scrunched up her nose in disgust. "You know, I never really understood what you saw in her�"

"She wasn't you." Jax said quietly.

"What?" Brenda's confusion appeared in the form of a raised eyebrow peeking out over her blindfold.

Jax smiled and took her hands in his. "At the time, I so desperately needed to not want you...to not love you. The only way I thought I could do that was to be with someone completely opposite of you. Believe me, I picked the right woman for that. Ashley was as different from you as night and day. She was just the distraction I needed."

Brenda leaned back against the seat and tilted her head to the side suddenly becoming more serious. "Did it work?"

Jax grinned at the absurdity of Brenda's question considering they were going to be married in a matter of hours. "What do you think?" Jax asked with a chuckle as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

He could just imagine how she rolled her eyes behind the blindfold as she pushed him away. "Of course not ultimately, silly. But�did she distract you�make you forget about me�even a little?"

"No one could ever make me forget you, Brenda." Jax said sincerely before answering her direct question. "And Ashley had an uncanny ability to make me miss you even more than I did before."

Brenda let out a contented sigh as a smile spread over her lips. "Well, I certainly never thought I'd see this day."

"What day?"

"The day I'd actually be grateful to Ashley Brent." Tilting her head to the side as if in thought Brenda made a suggestion. "Maybe I should send her a thank you note..."

"Maybe you should forget her." Jax countered as he leaned forward and began to place tiny kisses along Brenda's jaw line and down her neck. "I know I have."

A sly grin spread over Brenda's face as she gently pushed Jax away. "Honey, I'm serious. Don't you think we should do something special for her�" "Like what? Name our firstborn daughter after her?" Jax asked as he once more zoned in on the right side of Brenda's slender neck.

"God no! I wouldn't want to...be reminded...of her every day...for the rest of our lives." Brenda sighed as she snaked her arms around Jax's neck and shifted her position to move her left leg over his so that she was partly straddling him. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to keep her train of thought with the way Jax was setting her body on fire with his teasing kisses. Not to be easily conquored, Brenda cleared her throat and made a valiant effort to continue. "Besides, that would...go against our 'J' or 'B'...rule..."

"Our 'J' or..." Jax's assault on Brenda moved to her lips where he took a few moments to teasingly nip at the corners of her mouth before delving in to taste her sweetness. "...'B' rule?" Jax finished breathlessly after spending a few lingering moments feasting on her full, delicious lips.

"Ummm-hmmmm." Brenda confirmed while Jax's lips began moving down the left side of her neck. "You know, where...all of our children's...names begin with..."

"J or B. I got it." Jax finished for her as he pulled back slightly with a teasing grin that Brenda could literally feel even though she couldn't see it. "You realize we'll never have to worry about children's names if you don't stop talking, don't you?"

"Really? You think that could be a problem?"

"Oh, yeah. In fact, you know what I think you need? A very serious distraction." Jax suggested the twinkle in his eyes that she couldn't see making it to his voice instead.

She leaned forward slightly and nodded her head. "Yes. A serious distraction. In fact, looking at scenery has always been a wonderful distraction for me�"

"Really?" Jax asked with amusement. "Somehow I don't that'll do it this time. I was thinking more along the lines of keeping those..." Jax let out a little sigh as he brushed his thumb over Brenda's lips. "...luscious lips of yours otherwise occupied. Something more like this�" Jax leaned over and captured her lips in a kiss that made her heart stop and start all at once. Her moan of pleasure mixed with his instantaneously and he had no more fear of Brenda trying to remove her blindfold. Her hands were 'otherwise occupied' with unbuttoning and sliding inside his open shirt, an action that sent his desire to feel her skin against his to feverish heights. Just as his hands moved to make those desires a reality, a voice over the limo's internal intercom system caused Brenda to pull away from Jax with excitement and eliciting a groan of protest from Jax.

"Mr. Jacks. We are approaching your destination. We'll be there in about 3 minutes." The limo driver informed the now breathless passengers in the back.

"Thank you, Don." Jax answered back before releasing the call button and turning back to Brenda with a disappointed sigh. Brenda let out a little squeal of delight that sent a wave of love and gratitude flowing through Jax. There were times even now he had to remind himself that all of this was real. That she was alive and well and happily, completely, head-over-heels in love with him. Things had never been more perfect.

"Jax?" Brenda called to him when she noticed his silence. Her statement once more reminded him just how in tune they were with each other's heart and thoughts. "Things are really perfect right now, aren't they?" Brenda sighed happily as she leaned back against the seat.

Jax smiled as he reached up and cupped the side of her face with his hand before whispering his agreement. "Yeah, baby. Things are perfect�and they're about to get even better�"

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ohhhhh, honey! It's our place!" Brenda exclaimed as Jax removed the blindfold and stepped back to watch her reaction. Brenda took a step forward and turned around slowly taking in her surroundings. Everything was the same. The luxuriant colors and plush fabrics. The large but quaintly covered bed. The doors that opened out onto the balcony allowing the evening air to flutter the curtains ever so slightly.

Brenda's hands were clasped in front of her as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears and her happiness radiated through her whole being. They'd come home. To their little place of perfection. Their haven of pre-honeymoon bliss. Their very own heaven� A radiant smile broke out over Jax's face at her exuberance. "Uh-huh. I figured what better way to share our memories and letters than here in our magic place. Our very own Hotel for Lovers here in New Orleans."

"Any place with you is a magic place." Brenda responded with a smile that lit her face. She rushed over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck with a whisper, "Thank you for this. It's really perfect. I love you." Brenda pulled Jax's head down to capture his lips in a kiss that almost made her forget why they were there�almost.

Pulling away instantly Brenda spun around and headed for the suitcases clapping her hands and leaving Jax trying to catch his breath as his eyes twinkled with amusement and delight. "Ok. Now, where are they?"

"They? They who?" Jax teased as he took a deep breath and tried to control the rapid beating of his heart.

Brenda turned and looked at him with her hands on her hips. "You know�the letters. That is why we're here, isn't it?"

Jax moved to her side and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her close to him. "Oh, I don't know. That kiss just reminded me of the reason we came here the first time�to consummate our marriage�"

"And consummate we will�" Brenda promised as she gave Jax a playful push with one slender hand. "�just as soon as I find out what you wrote about me."

Jax's face fell into a disappointed frown. "But, what if you don't like what I wrote and it doesn't put you in the mood?" Brenda pulled back as a slender eyebrow raised. "Why? Did you say something�bad about me?"

"I don't know. Did you say something bad about me?" Jax asked back with a slight grin and a shrug.

"Oh, I get it�you're trying to fish for hints as to what I wrote about you." Brenda shook her head as her eyes began to twinkle with mischief. "Nice try, but it's not going to work. You forget, Mr. Jacks, just how well I know you..." She tilted her head to the side and started to play with one of the buttons on Jax's shirt as her expression became somewhat sheepish. "Besides...I don't really remember everything I wrote..."

"Your impressions of me were that memorable, huh?" Jax teased while pulling her closer. "So memorable you'd forget them..."

"Hey. I may have forgotten...some...of what I wrote, but..." She smiled up at him sexily. "...there is no way I could ever forget the most important thing..."

"Really? What's that?"

"How great you look after a morning's swim in the ocean. Like my very own Adonis..."

A faint blush rose over Jax's cheeks as he an embarrassed grin touched his lips. "Yeah, well. You know what I'll always remember about you?"

"No, what?"

"Your culinary skills...and how you don't have any." Jax remarked before receiving a playful punch to his arm. "Owww!"

"It's comments like that that will affect my mood, so if I were you..."

"Well, it's true..." Jax began to chuckle as he launched into a tale. "Do you remember that first breakfast you cooked? You know I've loved you like no other, but that had to be the worst food..."

"Watch it�"

"Actually, 'food' really wouldn't accurately describe what that was. That was more like�" Jax continued as if not hearing Brenda's warning.

Brenda clapped her hand over Jax's mouth with a playful warning look. "I'm warning you, Jax..."

Unexpectedly, Jax's expression dramatically changed. One moment he was teasing and happy, the next his eyes held a look of fear and uncertainty. "Honey, what is it? What's wrong?" Brenda's concern was evident by the way she reached up and tenderly held Jax's face in her hands while searching his eyes.

Jax looked away for a moment. "I don't know...when you said I hurt you�" He brought his gaze back to her patiently waiting eyes. "All of a sudden I got the feeling that maybe this isn't such a good idea. Neither of us really remember what's in those letters. How can we be sure it won't open old wounds?"

"Don't you remember when we were here last...the fortune teller...she said that love heals everything..." Brenda began to remind him.

"Actually, you're the one who said that." Jax corrected her as his eyes softened to reveal how much he needed her reassurance right in that moment.

"Yeah, well...I was right, wasn't I? Love has healed everything...for both of us."

"I know, but...we didn't have the straightest, smoothest road to travel you know." Jax stated quietly as his expression suddenly became serious. He ran his fingers through Brenda's hair as he continued. "I'm sure there will be a lot of that pain reflected in our letters..."

"Yes..." Brenda agreed quietly as she looked up into Jax's eyes with so much love it took his breath away. "...but they'll also reflect all of the love that got us through the pain. That's what's really important. Remembering our love...the strength and beauty of it. Somehow, I think it will make our wedding vows so much more meaningful when we see where we've been and where we are now. I never want to take us for granted, Jax. This just might be the way to accomplish that."

Jax nodded as a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "How did you get so wise?"

"By watching you love me." Brenda replied as she pulled his lips down on hers for a gentle kiss full of love. Pulling away she let out a little sigh. "Jax...if you really don't want to do this..."

"No. I want to." Jax's eyes began to shine with confidence once more.

"You're sure?"

"Absolutely. There's nothing in those letters that can hurt us now." Jax leaned down and gave Brenda a quick kiss. He wrapped his arms around Brenda's waist before pulling back slightly to look down at her. "So, soon-to-be-Mrs. Jacks...what do you say?"

Brenda's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I say..." Brenda slowly pulled out of Jax's embrace running her hands over his chest with a wicked smile. "...last one to the balcony has to read theirs first..."

Brenda squealed as she pushed Jax back against the bed and ran out to the balcony with a giggle while Jax shook his head with an amused chuckle. "Will I ever learn?"

"Jaaaxxx...come on...get out here quick. I miss you already..." Jax shook his head at his own question as love filled his heart. "I certainly hope not..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wrapped in each others arms, Jax and Brenda lounged against cushions that Jax had pre-set for them on the balcony by the hotel. Champagne was chilling in a bucket next to the blanket they were laying on and a velvet covered box sat in front of them. They sat staring at the box, neither of them making a move to open it.

"Well?" Jax finally broke the silence.

"I guess we should open it now, huh?" Brenda answered Jax's unspoken question.

"Might be a good idea." Jax stated with a grin as he pulled her closer. "How else will we know what's inside?"

Brenda chuckled and swatted Jax's arm playfully. "Fine. I guess I'll do the honors."

"No." Jax stopped Brenda's hand as she reached out to unlock the clasp. Seeing the question in her eyes he smiled down at her. "Let's do it together..."

Jax and Brenda both knew in the journey they were about to relive they hadn't alway been by each other's side. Now, more than ever, they needed to take each step, no matter how small, together. Realizing the hidden meaning of Jax's words, Brenda reached up and caressed his face lovingly with a smile.

"Always. Now and forever..."

Jax nodded and leaned forward for one last kiss to solidify their commitment then they turned the lock together and opened the lid. Brenda looked inside and pulled out the top letter on Jax's pile. Turning to hand it to him she smiled victoriously.

"Losers go first..."

"You cheated though..."

"I did not..." Brenda said with a pout.

Jax reached up and grabbed the letter from her hand. "Fine. I'll go first...even though you still cheated..."

Jax opened the letter with a flourish, cleared his throat and began to read:

"Well, my friend. I've landed�finally. And you wouldn't believe where this trip has taken me. To a small community in New York called Port Charles. It may be small but it certainly abounds with beautiful women. In fact, I'm in pursuit of one now and her friend is just as gorgeous and intriguing as she is." "Actually, more so. Her name is Brenda Barrett. She's a model, but I swear she not like any model I've ever met before. She's not only beautiful, she's smart and savvy. Intuitive. Loyal. Opinionated. Fiery. And full of dreams she won't speak. Her eyes speak them to me instead. I have a feeling I'm in for the time of my life�"

Jax's voice trailed off and Brenda turned to look up at him. "What? What else did you say?"

Jax shook his head. "Nothing apparently. Not about you at least. It just kinda cuts off after that." Jax shrugged with a grin. "Oh well. I guess that just means it's your turn to read."

"Awww, that's not fair. I wanted to hear more about how wonderful I am..."

"You know the deal, Brenda." Jax chuckled. "I read one. You read one. It's your turn. Now, play nice." Brenda pulled the letter out and began to read�.

"It's February 14th�Valentine's Day�and I'm all alone�yet again. Sonny's probably off celebrating with his new wife somewhere�while all I can do is sit here, think about him and cry. I'm so miserable right now and haven't the faintest idea how to stop being this way. Or even if I want to. At least in the midst of my pain I'm with Sonny�somehow it connects us when we look at each other from across the room and know we're suffering the same way for the same reasons. Tell me�do you think that's why love has to hurt so much? Just so I won't be alone?"

Brenda stopped reading and swallowed hard. "Wow. Can you believe I actually wrote that?" She turned and looked up at Jax her eyes wide with unbelief. "I don't...Jax, I don't know if we should do this after all..."

to be continued...