DGBCH1-6

Chapter 1

It's the first day of Spring, the air is warm but yet there is still a slight chill in the air. Ned is still trying to save his dyeing company while Alexis still fears for her life. Helena hasn't been seen in months.

Ned & Alexis are at the gatehouse, going over some paper work.

Ned: There has to be away to save L&B without, selling out.

Alexis: Well there's always Eddie Maine. (she smiles at him)

Ned: Sweetheart we've gone over this I don't know how many times. I'm not going to re live that part of my life.

Alexis: Ned we have to do something you don't have the money to keep this company going. You won't ask Chloe for help, and you don't want to sing again as Eddie Maine. So why not sing as Ned Ashton. (he gives her an evil look) Don't look at me like that, besides you know it's the only way to save this company. I also think.....

Ned: I am not going to sing....so forget it.

Alexis: Why not? I love when you sing.

Ned: Fine then(he walks over to her and places his hands on her face) I'll sing to you anytime you want. All you have to do is ask. (she smiles at him and he looks deep into her eyes) but I'm not going to sing in public ever....ever again. Understood? (he takes her head and shakes it up and down)

Alexis: (walking away from him and sitting on the couch) Well do you have any other brilliant ideas then.

Ned: (putting his hands over his face and placing his head back) No! Not at the moment. (he sits down next to Alexis) but trust me between the two of us we'll come up with something. (she gives him a I'm not so sure look) Hey have we ever failed at something before?

Alexis: Well...........

Ned: Oh shut up and kiss me. (they kiss)

Scene II

Interior living room of the Quatermaine mansion.

Edward is sitting on the couch reading the morning paper, while pondering how to get Ned back to ELQ. When who should walk into the living room but Ned.

Edward; Well good morning Ned.

Ned: It started out that way Grandfather, well that was until you bellowed. Now what is it that you want with me,(pouring himself a cup of coffee) like I don't already know.

Edward: (getting up from the couch) Ned you know ELQ is losing money everyday that your not running it. I need you to come back.

Ned: Well Grandfather that is something you should have thought about before you fired me.

Edward: I never fired you.(yelling) You walked out on me!

Ned: (yelling) and whose fault is that old man.

Edward: (lowering his voice) Okay Ned I'm sorry I should have never re-placed you with AJ. Now will you come back to ELQ?

Ned: (walking over to Edward and looking him straight in the eyes) NO!(he turns and walks away)

Edward: (following after him) Why not?

Ned: (they're now in the foyer) Because I have a company of my own to run.

Edward: Ned I told you if you come back to ELQ I'll underwrite your company.

Ned: Yes Grandfather but for how long? How long before you try and sell my company right out from underneath me?

Edward: I won't do that Ned. I need you.

Ned: (walking out the door) The answer is still NO!

Edward:(yelling while Ned slams the door) I'll even let you bring your back stabbing lawyer with you. (Ned opens the door) So do we have a deal.

Ned: (smiling) You know old man I have to give you credit. You know just exactly want it would take to get me back (Edward smiles) You have concern for my company, and you are even willing to go as far as to allow me to work with the woman I love. (Edwards smile slowly fades) But then you had to go and blow it by calling her a back stabber. (yelling) Good day Grandfather!

Scene III

Jax & Alexis are at the Gatehouse waiting for Ned to return.

Alexis: So how are things going between you and Chloe?

Jax: Pretty good. We're getting closer every day. I never thought I'd find someone to love again.

Alexis: You still miss Brenda, don't ya?

Jax: Yeah everyday but everyday it gets a little easier to deal with. Hey enough about me, what about you.

Alexis: Me.....

Jax: Yes you. So when are you and Ned going to get married. (she smiles turns and walks away)

Alexis: I wonder how much longer Ned is going to be? (Jax smiles at her) You know he's been up at the house an awful long time. I really hope Edward isn't giving him a hard time.

Jax: Oh don't worry about Ned he can take care of himself. (he walks over and grabs Alexis hand and walks over to the couch. They sit down) So you never answered my Question.

Alexis:(looking down) What....uh question would that be?

Jax: When are you and Ned getting married.

Alexis; Were not. Well not anytime soon. We're just going to stay engaged for a while and basically keep things the way the are.

Jax: Okay. (laughing) But do you plan on telling anyone?

Alexis: (getting up) like who I mean who really cares that Ned and I are going to be getting m.....m..... are engaged.

Jax:(standing up) Well I care for one.

Alexis: (rubbing the side of his face) It's so nice to see you care.

Jax: Of course I care come here. (he hugs her and kisses her check)

Ned: (walking in) Get your hands off my girl. (Jax & Alexis laugh)

Alexis: How did everything go with Edward? (Ned rolls his eyes) Or don't I even want to know?

Ned:(walking over and giving her a kiss) We'll talk about it later. (looking at Jax) What are you doing here, I thought you and Chloe were going away?

Jax: Well things don't always work out the way you hope.

Ned: Tell me about it.

Jax: Well listen I really only stopped by to see how things were coming along with L&B and to drop off these papers from Chloe. (he hands Ned a folder) I'll see you guys later. Oh and Alexis let me know when the party is.

Alexis: Ha Ha funny. (Jax leaves)

Ned: (looking at Alexis questionably) What party?

Alexis: Oh it's nothing(she starts to unbutton his shirt) just Jax's sense of sick humor. (she pushes him back onto the couch) Besides I don't really feel much like talking. ( she takes off her shirt and jumps on top of him) Do you?

Ned:(she now driving him crazy kissing his neck) Well your the one who wanted to know what Edward wanted.

Alexis: (picking up her head) Oh yea.(she starts to get up) Your right I did didn't I

Ned: (quickly grabbing her face) Oh so that's the way you want to play it, well two can play at that game. (he pulls her down into a deep passionate kiss and they make love)

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Chapter 2

The Gatehouse, Ned and Alexis are lying on the couch in silence after having just made love. Ned breaks the silence after about five minutes.

Ned: (playing with her hair) A penny for your thoughts

Alexis: (looking up and him and smiling before placing her head back on his bare chest) Oh darling it will cost your more then a penny.(kissing his chest) way more.

Ned: well how about a dime.

Alexis: Oh no. (she looks into his eyes) see money isn't exactly what I had in mind. (she kisses his lips, neck and back down to his chest.)

Ned:(hugging her tight, while enjoying the feeling of her lips kissing his chest) Well then counselor what did you have in mind?

Alexis: (she pulls her body completely on top of his and brings her lips oh so close to his) Well I'm not sure. But I bet between your mind and mine we could come up with something interesting.

Ned: (his hands slowly move up and down her back) Well...... right about now my mind is only set to one thing.

Alexis: Really so is mine.

Ned See great minds do think alike. (he leans up and kisses her as they once again make mad passionate love.)

Scene II

Ned & Alexis are still lying on the couch, holding on to one another.

Ned: You know we really need to spend more days like this.

Alexis: Now that's something I could get into. I don't remember the last time we made love all day long.

Ned:See and that's the problem. We shouldn't have to stop and wonder when, we should just make a pact to do.

Alexis: So before the next time I stop and try to remember when, I just say Ned we're going to spend the day together and that's that.

Ned:Right.

Alexis: Does that mean we get to spend the whole night together too?

Ned: of course, and the following morning......... but that's a given. (he smiles)

Alexis:You know this really does feel nice. I love being held by you.

Ned:Well I'm glad because do you know what I love more then being held by you?

Alexis: What?

Ned: Holding you.

Alexis: Aw. You always know just the right thing to say.

Ned: Well with you it's easy. I just look at you and the words just come out all on it's own. See you Alexis Davis are the most beautiful, loving, understanding, intelligent, sexiest woman I have ever meet. And I love you more and more each day. there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you.

Alexis: And you Ned Ashton are the most loving, understanding, intelligent, sexiest man I have ever meet. And I love you more then I could have ever dreamed of............... And there isn't anything in this world I wouldn't do for you.

Ned: What is this are you deliberately trying to out do me or what?

Alexis: (she laughs) I love you! (they kiss) Ned, can we really make a point to spend more days like this?

Ned: You bet.

Alexis; Thanks.

Ned: For what

Alexis: Just for loving me.

Ned: Anytime.

Scene III

Interior of Ned's kitchen.

Ned & Alexis haven't eaten anything so have decided to make an some what early dinner. He's wearing only a pair of blue sweatpants. While she's dressed in nothing but a pair of socks and his dress shirt. Ho looking through the cupboards as she stands behind him with her arms wrap tightly around his waist.

Ned:So what would you like to eat.

Alexis: (laying her head on his back) I don't care. What ever you want to make is fine.

Ned: (turning around to face her) Oh correction my dear what ever we make.

Alexis: We...........as in you and me?

Ned: That would be the only we in here.

Alexis:Ned darling sweetheart you know I can't cook. Heck I can't even boil water.

Ned: (handing her a pot) Well I guess it's time you learned. (he walks behind her and turns on the water. He grabs her hand and places the pot under the water, filling it half way. Then together they place it on the burner)

Alexis: (sarcastically) Wow! That was fun now what?

Ned: (grinning at her) You turn the stove on.

Alexis:Okay, so be my guess.

Ned; (laughing) Oh no ladies first.

Alexis: Okay I can do this.(she stares at the stove about three minutes before Ned places his hand on hers and helps.) Well that was easy. Now what?

Ned: You wait for it to boil.

Alexis: For what exactly?

Ned: Good question. (he walks to the cupboard and pulls out a box of spaghetti) How does spaghetti sound?

Alexis: Sounds good to me. But I really hope you don't expect me to help you make the sauce.

Ned; Don't worry it's in a jar.

Alexis: Oh good.

Ned: All you have to do in find a pot, open the jar, pour it into the pot and place in on the stove.

Alexis:Sounds easy enough. I guess I can handle that.

Ned: Great then (he walks over to her hands her the jar and kisses her) I'll be right back. (He starts to leave) Oh and when the water starts to boil just add the spaghetti.

Alexis: (with a scared to death look on her face) Um Ned sweetie where are you going?

Ned: Oh it's a little cold in here so I'm just going to run upstairs and get a shirt.

Alexis: I can do that for you.

Ned;No really it's fine I'll get it myself. (he kisses her forehead and heads up stairs. Once he's out of sight starts laughing)

Alexis: (just stares at the pot of boiling water on the stove) No problem I can handle this. Besides how hard can it be?

Ned: (yelling from up stairs) Oh and honey make sure the sauce doesn't burn.

Alexis: (yelling back) Well how do I keep it from burning?

Ned: (yelling back) Just keep stirring it.

Alexis seems to have everything under control. She's managed to put the sauce on the stove with no problem.The spagatti seems to be boiling fine as well. She's standing in the kitchen stirring the sauce,when the spagatti starts to over boil.

Alexis: (screaming) Oh no now what?(she picks up a spoon and begins to stir the spagatti, when the sauce starts to boil over) Ned..........Ned I need help in here. (she is totally unaware that Ned is standing behind her laughing. Well until he starts to laugh so hard she can't help but hear him) Oh so you think this is funny do you.

Ned; (laughing so hard you can see tears in his eyes) Actually now that you asked yes I do.(he walks over and turns both burners off and pushes the pots back)

Alexis: (yelling at him not thinking this to be funny at all) You left me here on purpose didn't you?

Ned: (Still laugh so hard it hurts) Now would I do a thing like that to you?

Alexis: Yes you would!

Ned: (placing his arms out) Oh come here(she yes gives him the evil eye) Come here ...........please.

Alexis:NO! Forget it!. (she throws the spoon into the sink and starts to leave)

Ned; (grabs her and kisses her) Um you taste like spagatti sauce. (he kisses her neck)

Alexis: If you think your getting any.............. you have another thing coming mister.

Ned: (still kissing her neck while his hands are placed on her butt) That's okay I don't like burnt sauce anyway. (he starts to kiss further down her neck towards her chest)

Alexis: I wasn't talking about the sauce. (she moans) Oh god that feels good.......(Ned caress the side of her body while he moves his hands upward and begins to unbutton her shirt. Alexis remembering that she's mad at him grabs his hands) I told you, you weren't getting any. (he grabs her face and kisses her deeply as they slowly fall to the kitchen floor and make love)
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Chapter 3

The next morning Ned & Alexis are in bed sleeping when the phone rings.

Ned: (slowly rolling over) Yes! Fine...........I'll take care of it don't worry. Listen I'll meet you in an hour. Whatever.....fine two hours. Bye.

Alexis (rolling over) Who was that?

Ned: Oh it was just another L&B client threatening to jump ship.

Alexis: I'm sorry honey.

Ned: Well It's not like it should be any surprise.(sitting up) We just don't have the means to keep this company a float any longer.

Alexis: (sitting up) Sweetheart I was thinking maybe I.........I could invest some of my money into...........

Ned: NO! Alexis I'm not going to take you down with me.

Alexis:Ned I want to help, beside I get paid very well by the hour.

Ned: Yea (getting out of bed and standing by the window) by your paying clients.

Alexis: (trying to lighten the mood) You pay me in other ways.

Ned: (rolling his eyes) Don't you see sweetheart. (walking back over and sitting down besides her) Your a first rate attorney working for a second rate loser.........

Alexis:Your not a loser...........

Ned: You should be getting paid for all the hard work you do for me. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Alexis: Well lord knows after last night you won't starve to death that's for sure. (Ned half laughs and kisses her)

Ned: Your not going to quit or you.

Alexis: Never!

Ned: Well then I suppose we should get back to the payroll.

Alexis: The payroll?

Ned; Well you did say I paid you in other ways. I just want to make sure I over pay you and not under pay you.

Alexis: (smiling and wrapping her arms over his shoulders)Oh well see actually I don't really care if your under
or over me.

Ned: (pushing her back on the bed, falling with her) Well then maybe I should just pay you both ways.

Alexis: I like the sound of that.

Scene II

Alexis comes downstairs dressed in a lavender business suit, trying to put her earrings in. Ned comes walking out of the kitchen.

Ned: Wow! Now here before me stand the most attractive business woman in the world.

Alexis: Well you don't look half bad yourself.

Ned: You know now that I think about it you look to good. I could never let you just walk out that door. (he glides over to her picks her up off her feet and kisses her)

Alexis: Don't you have a business meeting your self to attend?

Ned: Well yea but I will cancel mine, if you cancel yours. (he kisses on the neck)

Alexis: Ned you can't cancel this meeting. You can not afford to lose another client.

Ned: (Looking up at her in defeat) Okay fine I won't cancel it

Alexis: Good now put me down I need to get to work.

Ned: Okay be that way. (he gives her the look of a little lost boy)

Alexis: Ned Ashton what am I going to do with you. (he picks her up again and she screams) Ned! What are you doing we just went over this, you can't cancel your meeting.

Ned: (carrying her up stairs) Fine then I'll just postpone it!

Scene III

Interior of L&B

Alexis: (walking through the door) You know the traffic out there is crazy.

Chloe: Tell me about it. (looking at her watch & smiling) Aren't you a little late this morning?

Alexis; Yea well I spent the night at Ned's and well you know how that goes...........

Chloe: You know Alexis I don't understand why the two of you don't just live together.

Alexis: We both happen to like things the way they are. (changing the subject)So anyone call?

Chloe: Yes Jax did and he wanted you to call him and let him know when (looking confused) the party was?

Alexis: Don't worry Chloe there's no party, except maybe the one in Jax's head. (they laugh)

Just then Jax comes walking through the door.

Jax: Oh sure here I come to lighten up this dull place and your both laughing at my expense.

Alexis: Oh I'm sorry. But there is no PARTY!

Chloe: What party?

Nik. (coming out of the back room) Hey is someone having a party. Cool Am I invited.

Alexis: NO!

Jax: What your not going to invite your own Nephew to your engagement party.

Nik: Your getting married, when?

Chloe; OMG see I knew Ned would pop the question soon. SO have you pick a date?

Alexis: (yelling) HOLD IT! One there is no party. Two Ned and I are not getting married, so there for we didn't set a wedding date, and three if I were having a party yes Nikolas you would be invited. Now if anyone needs me, I'll be in my office. (Alexis leaves and everyone starts to laugh)

Scene IV

Ned is at the Grille sitting alone at a table, looking like he's already had one drink too many. Jax walks in the restaurant and notices him.

Jax: Mind if I sit down?

Ned; Be my guest,(he holds up two fingers to the waiter) would you like to join me in a toast.

Jax: Sure why not. What are we toasting to?

Ned: (the waiter places two drinks on the table. They both pick one up) To the end of my company. (Ned takes a drink)

Jax: Ned it can't be all that bad. (Ned shakes his head) Okay so maybe it is that bad, but hey there's always Eddie....

Ned: No please don't say it. (Ned motions to the waiter) I'm not going down the path again.

Waiter; Yes Mr Ashton would you like to order lunch now.

Ned: No what I'd like is another drink.

Waiter:Yes sir.

Ned: You know what just bring the damn bottle. Today my friend and I are celebrating.(he leaves)

Jax: Do you real think getting drunk is the right answer.

Ned:No but for now it will make me feel better. Tomorrow well tomorrow is another day.

Jax: Okay well before you get to drunk to remember Chloe & I would like to invite you and Alexis to the Penthouse for dinner tomorrow night.

Ned: Fine we'll be there, heck it isn't like we've got anything more pressing to take care of.

The waiter starts to place the bottle on the table when Alexis shows up and takes it from him.

Alexis: (looking at the waiter) Thank you but he won't be needing this.

Ned: And there's the woman I love, here to save the day.

Alexis: (sitting down) So I take it our client back out.

Ned: He not only back out he went running for his life. And hey whose to blame him. Why did you send my bottle away?

Alexis: Because you don't need any more, that's why. Come on we're going up to my suite.

Jax: (getting up) Well do you need any help getting him up stairs.

Ned;The day that happens someone please just shoot me. (Jax laughs)

Alexis:No that's fine, we'll be okay. Bye

Jax: Bye then (he leaves)

Ned: (Getting up and placing his arm around Alexis's waist) You know I haven't had that much to drink. (his hand now covering her left breast) We could still go upstairs and......

Alexis: (pushing his hand down) And give you a cold shower.

Ned: Only if you join me, (whispering in her ear, as there walking) because darling not even a cold shower will stay cold for long with you in it.

Alexis: (smiling) On second thought why don't I just put you to bed?

Ned: Now that's more like it.

Alexis just shakes her head knowing that once his head hits that pillow, he's out.

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Chapter 4

Alexis's suite later on that evening. Alexis is sitting on the couch starring out into space when Ned comes slowly into the living room. He lays down next to Alexis and places his head in her lap.

Ned: (placing his hands over his eyes) What time is it?

Alexis:It's around 3 am. How are you feeling?

Ned: Like I've been run over by a Mack truck?

Alexis: Well I guess that's good because that's about what you look like.

Ned: I think I drank a little too much.

Alexis; Really how can you tell.

Ned:(looking up at her) Ha HA very funny. I don't suppose you have any aspirin?

Alexis: (picking up a glass of water and two pills off the table next to her) Here I figured sooner or later you'd need these.

Ned: (sitting up and taking them) Thanks your so good to me.

Alexis: Just returning the favor. So now that your awake are you ready to go in the other room and continue what you started last night.

Ned: Oh please don't tell me I did something I'm going to regret.

Alexis: No, you just tried your hardest to get me to go to bed with you.

Ned: Did we have.....sex?

Alexis: (toying with him) You mean to tell me you don't remember? Ned how could you, that was the best time we've ever had. I think you should get drunk more often. (he just looks at her) It was totally amazing, I have never heard you scream so loud.

Ned: Of course I remember, I was only messing with your mind.

Alexis: (smiling and trying not to laugh)So then you enjoyed your self as much as I did.

Ned: Like you said it was the best.

Alexis:(laughing) well nice save, but we never made love last night.

Ned: Oh good because truthfully I don't remember much after trying to remove your clothes in the elevator. You know we could have done it right there and then and nobody would have even noticed.

Alexis: (getting up and taking his hands) Maybe not, but they would have noticed me dragging you out of the elevator after you passed out on me. (they walk to the bedroom)

Alexis tucks Ned back into bed, she lays down next to him. They just lay there holding each other as they fall asleep.

Scene II

Alexis is still in bed sound asleep until she rolls over and Ned' not there. She gets up and puts on her robe, she walks out into the other room and he's not there. She looks for a note but finds nothing, so she decides to take a shower. While she's in the shower Ned comes back with to the suite caring a dozen red roses and a small box. He's also order breakfast which arrives at the same time. Ned tips the bellhop and places the box on the cart. He then walks into the bedroom and lays on the bed with the roses off the one side of the bed out of sight. Alexis comes out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel.

Alexis;So where did you run off to so early?

Ned: I had a small errand to run.

Alexis: What kind?

Ned (he pulls up the flowers) This kind.

Alexis;They're beautiful.Thank you.

Ned: Well I figured after last night they were the least you deserved.

Alexis: (walking over and kissing him good morning) Everyone is entitled to a bad day. So what do you say I get dressed and we go downstairs and have breakfast?

Ned: Well I've taken the liberty of ordering us breakfast, it's in the other room.I hope that's okay.

Alexis: That's great, thanks. Okay we'll I get dressed and then we can eat.

Ned: (handing her a bathrobe) Why go to all that trouble, you'll probably just be taking them off after we eat.

Alexis just smiles at him and they walk into the other room.

Alexis; So what did you order for breakfast?

Ned: One of everything.

Alexis:(walking over to the cart) Do you plan on eating this morning or is your stomach not quit up to it?

Ned: Well actually my stomach feels just fine, I do however still have a slight headache.

Alexis: (noticing the small wrapped box and picking it up) What's this?

Ned:A present.

Alexis: For me?

Ned: but of course, go ahead open it.

Alexis:It's not my birthday....and it's not.......

Ned: Will you just open it.

Alexis: (opening the box) It's beautiful, I love it. (she holds up a diamond linked bracelet) Thank you.

Ned: (walking over to her and helping her put in on) I'm really glad you like it, it looks great on you.

Alexis;If this it what I get for you getting drunk one night, (laughing) I just might have to let you drink more often.

Ned:Actually I bought that yesterday morning before I meet with my now deceased client.

Alexis: Well either way it's gorgeous, I love it, and I love you too.

Ned: Does that mean we get to skip breakfast and go back to bed?

Alexis: (dropping her robe and throwing her arms over his shoulders) Well what do you think? (he puts his arms around her slightly picking her up, and kisses her. They slowly walk into the bedroom while there lips never part, Ned reaches behind him and closes the door.

Scene III

About an hour later there is a knock on the door. Ned goes and answers it.

Jax: (walking in) Don't you people ever work anymore?

Ned: Well good morning to you too!

Jax: Correction it's afternoon.

Ned;(looking at his watch, shocked) Wow! is it that late already, I haven't noticed. (Alexis comes walking out of the room)

Jax: (looking at Alexis whose still in her robe) Apparently.

Alexis: So Jax did you come by.....to just throw insults at us?

Jax: No I came by to tell you dinner will be at six.

Alexis: Dinner?

Ned: Oh yea I forgot Jax & Chloe invited us for dinner tonight.

Jax: Well it's nice to know you remembered, anyway don't be late.

Alexis: We won't I promise.

Jax: All right then I'll see you guys later, unlike you two I have work to do. (he leaves)

Alexis: Well what would you like to do for the next 5 hours, I need at least an hour to get dressed.

Ned: (looking at her seductively) Well we could always.......

Alexis: (giving him a shocked look) Ned Ashton we just did that.

Ned:And your point would be?

Alexis: Nothing!...............(smiling) Race ya! (they both run off towards the bedroom as he grabs her from behind and she screams)

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Chapter 5

Interior of Jax's Penthouse.

It's about 5:30 and just about all his guest have arrived. Among the attend is Chloe, Bobbie, Nikolas, Elizabeth,Emily, & even John & Lady Jane who flew in for the special occasion.

Jax:(walking over to Chloe) Are you sure the Quatermaines are coming.

Chloe:Yes I told Lila everything and she assured me they would all be in attendance.

Jax: Well in looks like it's going to be an interesting evening. (Nikolas & Emily walk over to them)

Nik: Hey guys, are you sure Ned nor Alexis don't know anything this.

Jax; Positive. They just think Chloe & I wanted the four of us to have a quite dinner together.Nikolas don't worry they'll be here.

Emily: (looking over at the door and seeing her family entering) Well let the games begin. (Jax walks over to greet them)

Chloe: What are you talking about Emily?

Emily: You mean Jax didn't tell you?

Chloe:Tell me what?

Nikolas:That Edward doesn't know that Ned & Alexis are engaged. (they all turn to look at Jax and the Q's)

Jax: Well hello Lila. You look wonderful this evening I'm so happy you could make it.

Lila:I wouldn't have missed dinner tonight for anything.

Jax;Alan, Monica It's nice to see you as well.

Monica:Why thank you Jax, it's nice that you thought to included us tonight. (looking up and noticing Bobbie) Oh there's Bobbie I need to speak with her about something....... Come on Alan.........Jax if you'll excuse us. (he nods his head as they walk away)

Jax: Edward, what can I say.........

Edward: That this whole night is a bad dream and soon it will all be over. (wheeling Lila to the other side of the room) Come on Lila let's go see how Emily's doing. (Jax just laughs as Chloe approaches him)

Chloe: Well Jax everyone here.

Jax: Yea everyone but the guest of honor. (looking at his watch) It's 6 o'clock, I wonder what's keeping them?

Chloe:Jax they're engaged what do you think is keeping them? Come on let's go entertain our guest.

Scene II

Living room of Alexis' Suite.

Alexis:Ned sweetheart come on we're going to be late, heck we're already late.

Ned:(walking out the bedroom playing with his tie) Darn I can get my tie straight.

Alexis: (walking over to him) Here let me help you.

Ned: I don't even know why I have to wear a tie anyway, we're just going upstairs to have a simple dinner with Jax & Chloe.

Alexis:I don't know, how about the fact that........ he asked us to.

Ned: Yea but why?

Alexis: Ned let's just humor them and go have dinner. (turning around and pulling him behind her towards the door) Come on we're late.

Ned: (stopping dead in his tracks and pulling her towards him)Well since we're already late.

Alexis: Ned! Forget it let's go.

Ned;(letting her go) Well if your going to be so adamant about it then fine........ will go.

Alexis: (walking towards the door)Good because I hate being late and here it is five after already. (she looks at him while he walks out the door) I'll make you a deal if you promise to be on your best behavior we can leave early.

Ned:(grabbing Alexis and kissing her) I promise.

Scene III

Interior Living room of Jax's Penthouse.

Edward: Okay Jax. Chloe invited us all here for dinner so where is dinner. Lila said we can't go home until after we've eaten so let's eat.

Jax: We'll eat as soon as the guest of honor gets here.

Edward; What guest of honor? What's going on here? (just then Emily closes the door, which she's been picking through)

Emily: They're here.

Jax: Everybody grab a glass.

Edward: What's going on?

Lila: Edward shhh's

There's a knock on the door.

Jax: Come in, it's open.

Ned & Alexis walk through the door. They both look totally shocked to see everyone.

Ned: What's going on here.

Jax: Your late!

Alexis:Late for what.......... exactly?

A waiter walks over and hands both Ned & Alexis a glass of Champaign. Which they reluctantly take.

Jax: For your surprise party.

Edward: What the hell are you talking about?

Jax: (raising his glass)Everybody I'd like to make a toast, to the future Mr. & Mrs. Ned Ashton. (Alexis's face turns white) May they live everyday with more love then they could ever imagine possible. To Ned & Alexis.

Everyone: To Ned & Alexis.

Edward: Your getting married? (Alexis seems to be getting whiter by the second) Why the hell wasn't I informed of this..........(yelling ) before tonight.

Ned: Don't worry Grandfather your not the only one they got the better of. (raising his voice) Jax your going to pay for this.

Alexis: Excuse me I don't feel to good. (she runs upstairs towards the bathroom)

Ned: Great now she'll probably never marry me. (running after her)

Edward: Good cause the last thing this family needs is a good for nothing Cassidine.

Emily: Grandfather!

Monica: Edward!

Edward: Oh the hell with you all Lila let's go home.

Lila: Your more then welcome to leave Edward but I'm staying. (he just shakes his head)

Chloe: (talking to Jax) I hope Alexis is going to be okay. Maybe I should go check on her.

Jax: She'll be fine, I just think she's a little overwhelmed at the moment, besides Ned will take care of her.

Chloe: I guess your right, I just hope she's not to upset with us. (Jax just grins & shrugs his shoulders)

Scene IV

Upstairs bathroom.

Ned: (Who is standing outside the door) Alexis sweetheart are you okay.

Alexis: (opening the door) Ya I'm fine. (he wraps his arms around her) I guess it's just something I ate.

Ned: Lack of food sounds more like it. We really haven't eaten anything all day.

Alexis: Yes we did you ordered a ton of food for breakfast.

Ned:Which if you recall we never ate.

Alexis: Oh yea.......but then we ordered lunch......(looking up at him) which we

Ned & Alexis: never ate.

Ned: Maybe we should go back downstairs and get some food.

Alexis: Do we have to?

Ned: Yea

Alexis: Oh

Ned:Ladies first..

Alexis; If you don't mind I'll just follow you. (Ned laughs as they head down stairs)

Chapter 6

Interior Jax Penthouse.

Ned & Alexis walk downstairs and re join the party. Monica walks over to them.

Monica:Alexis are you feeling any better?

Alexis:Yes Monica I'm fine.

Monica:Are you sure you don't look to well?

Ned:She'll look better after she eats something. (looking at Alexis) Come on sweetheart let's go get you something. (they walk over to the table where the food is) What would you like?

Alexis: (has her arms around Ned resting her head on his shoulder) Honey I'm really not hungry.

Ned: You need to eat......... something.........anything.

Edward: (walking over to them) What the hell do you think you are doing Ned? You can't honestly tell me that you have any intention of marring (looking at Alexis, who now has her head up and is standing behind Ned)this.....this.....

Ned: Watch it Grandfather! (Ned Pulls Alexis in front of him and holds her tight) I love Alexis and that should be enough for you.

Edward: Ned we need to discuss this outside away for her.

Ned: Your more then welcome to leave Grandfather but if I go Alexis comes with me and I have no intentions of leaving.

Edward: Ned you can't do this to the family. Marring a Cassidine is out of the question.

Emily: (walking over with Nik on her arms) Really Grandfather well maybe Nikolas and I will get married as well. (Alexis & Ned somewhat laugh)

Edward: Young lady that isn't even remotely funny.

Jax: (from the other side of the room) Great then now it's a double engagement party. (raising his glass)To Emily & Nikolas

Chloe: (pulling down his hand) Jax stop your only making things worse.

Ned: (yelling) You know what Jax why don't you and Chloe join in on the occasion as well.......

Edward: (yelling) over my dead body.

Ned: Well that could always be arranged. (looking over at the opening door) and know the night is complete..............the family drunk has arrived. Welcome Junior care for a drink?

AJ: Go to hell Ned.

Ned: Trust me Junior I'm already there.

Edward: It's your own damn fault. You know Ned it's one thing to sleep with a Cassidine but why do you have to go off and marry one.

Alexis: (totally upset by Edwards last remark) Our relationship is not just about sex.

Ned:Don't try to defend your self Alexis.......it's not worth it. (They walk away)

Scene II

Alexis is sitting on the steps, when Jax walks up to her.

Jax: (sitting down) Are you okay.

Alexis: (half smiling and taking his hand) I'll be fine Jax...........It really is a lovely party. Thank you.

Jax: You mean your not mad at me?

Alexis: For what announcing to the world that Ned & I are engaged.

Jax; Well yea.....

Alexis: No.......really I'm not.Heck if anything you probably did us a favor.

Jax; How do you figure?

Alexis: Well I was scared of telling anyone because as long as other people didn't know I never really had to accept it my self. I mean I love Ned so much and I do want to spend the rest of my life with him, it's just marriage is such a big step. It's like there's no going back.

Jax: Well that's because there isn't any.

Alexis: (smiling) I know and that in it's self scares the hell out of me.

Ned: Well you know it scares me too.

Alexis: Ned I didn't know you were there. How long have you been listening?

Ned: Long enough. Jax if you don't mind I'd like to talk with Alexis in private.

Jax: No problem.......you can use my study if you'd like.

Ned:(taking Alexis's hand and pulling her up) Thanks.

Scene III

Jax's office.

Ned is leaning against Jax's desk, he's holding Alexis in front of him, with his arms wrapped around her waist.

Ned; Alexis you do know that you are the love of my life right......(she just stares into his eyes) There is anything I would do for you..........there is anyone I'd ever let hurt you..........(placing his hands on her face) You are my light, my inspiration,................and the music in my soul. Before I meet you......... I was just a shell of my former self. (Alexis smiles as the tears slowly run down her face and Ned wipes them away) I was a man whose only purpose in life was to get up each day and destroy other people in business. My personal always came second............ You gave me..........give me the one thing in life nobody else could.........unconditional love. (Alexis puts her arms around his waist and falls against him, his arms now placed behind her) ohhhhhh.......you'll never know how much it means to me that you can love me for who I am

Alexis:(picking up her head to look into his eyes) I'll always love you.

Ned: and I'll always love you.........you accept me for who I am. I did the one thing for you that I couldn't even do for Lois or my unborn child............ I walked away .....from everything...............from ELQ..........from my family. But I did it because you gave me the courage to believe in me.

Alexis:(leaning in and kissing him a moment before pulling away) Ned you did the same for me. You taught me the one thing I never knew existed a life outside the Cassidine family.

Ned: Well it's only taken me.....what.........3 years.

Alexis: (laughing) I love you.

Ned: and I love you Mrs Ashton............That is if you still want to become Mrs. Ned Ashton?

Alexis: More then anything ..........(he smiles at her) anything at all.

Ned: Good because I was starting to worry a little there (she just smiles at him) now there's a party going on out there and we are after all the couple of the hour.

Alexis: (starting to walk out with him) Only the hour.

Ned: every hour.