Risk

Chapter LVIII

Let Love Be the Tie that Binds.

***** FOODIE CHAPTER ALERT********

T-03

The hustle and bustle of the house awakening does the same for Jax. The first night in his new house the dawn of his wedding to Alexis. It feels like he's barely been to bed yet. Thaao had kept him out til too darn early in the morning. Not drinking, he'd kept his wits about him but enjoying his reunion with Jerry and taking most of the pots at the poker table. Hell he's just about won enough to pay for the wedding. Rising from the bed, he grimaces at the sound of the activity in the house. There would time enough for all that later. Going into his closet he grabs his running gear and puts it on. First things first. He needed to be sharp for today. Need to blow the cobwebs out. There is really nothing left for him to do... but show up and not blow his lines.

A ways down the street, Stavros blows on the back of Carly's neck. His grin devilish. Carly brushes at the back of her neck impatiently not waking up. He blows a breath of warm air again on the nape of her neck. Carly opens one eye and glares at him. "I'm asleep; leave me alone."

"But my little cat, there is so much to do." Stavros teases.

"We've got our ticket we'll be on the ride. Jason is going to drop me off at the house so nobody will suspect. Not much chance of it being rained out now. Unless Alexis decides to flag down another semi." Carly grumbles.

"I've already spoken to the pilot. Her plane approaches with her on it."

"Woohoo." Carly says wryly. "You're not going to let me sleep, are you?"

"Nope. There are so many more interesting things we could be doing." Stavros sneaks a hand under the covers.

~~~~

Over on Spoon Island. Lucas and Stefan share an early breakfast. "I don't see why I can't go." Lucas says stubbornly. "I go to weddings all the time. Especially if Carly is going to be there. You guys went to Greece to see Carly. I didn't get to go then either. It's not fair. It's the weekend it's not like I'd even be missing school."

"Yes, well..."

Bobbie comes down the stairs already dressed in a lovely fitted suit that shows off her assets but will do nothing to distract from the bride. She is fastening an earring and hears her son's last comment to Stefan. Bobbie comes over and gives Lucas a kiss on the top of the head and then takes a seat across from him and next to Stefan. "You can't go cause I said so. Deal. You and Mrs Lansbury will just have to find something to do. Or call one of your friends from school. This is for adults. Adults only."

"Fine. Then let me go see Michael. He's back too right? Since Carly's back. I bet Stavros is going to the wedding with Carly too. He'll be all by himself with his tutor or something. That's what he says in his emails. His tutor is always going places with him."

Stefan has no problem saying no to this one. "No. Your reunion with your nephew will have to wait until we can all attend-- your mother and me. And I sincerely doubt my brother will be at the wedding."

"Why you think that?!" Lucas asks. "It's his sister too right?"

"If he was planning on attending he would be giving the bride away. Nikolas has been given that honor."

~~~~

Nikolas bats at the alarm clock and then looks at it. There was still plenty of time. But one of the things he had gotten when he called Gia the night before was her agreement to go with him to the wedding. Invitations had gone out to the brass in Deception since it was his aunt. Gia had gotten her own invitation and RSVP'd as had Laura. Nik winces and says a silent prayer. "Please let my father and Carly stay away from the wedding today. Please. I don't ask for much really. Just this one thing." Nikolas climbs out of bed and heads for the showers. He might be able to be ready in about half an hour but Gia... "Better to allow plenty of time."

~~~~~

Emily comes to the breakfast table dressed in a robe with her hair done up in rag curls. "Good morning, Everyone" She says cheerfully.

Edward tilts his head for her kiss on the cheek before grumbling. "In my day, young lady, we dressed before coming to meals."

"Yeah, but what a hassle. I mean was I suppose to dress in what I'm wearing to the wedding and risk getting egg yoke on it? Dress in jeans and hear all about in my day, young lady... Face it, Grandfather. I'm confused." Emily crosses her eyes at him as she takes a seat next to Lila at the table after grabbing a crossiant. Reggie would be coming in soon with the hot portion of the breakfast. Emily's eyes go wide as she sees the maid entering the room.

"You the granddaughter?" Alice rumbles. Emily wordlessly nods. "Your grandparents missed you. Don't do that again."

"Alice, really. Emily just got back." Lila rebukes the servant.

"And she's going to be sticking around for awhile isn't that right, missy."

"Yep, sticking around that's me. Right here. Not going anywhere." Emily nods vehemently. She waits for Alice to leave before leaning in. "Ohmygawd. Where is Sally? She's okay right? She hasn't like disappeared somewhere?"

"Alice is very handy to have around." Edward says loyally. "Not only does she keep the riffraff out but she can field strip a car carburator and put it back together."

Lila indicates with the curl of her fingers for Emily to get closer. She says in a stage whisper loud enough for Edward to hear. "She has a bit of a crush on your grandfather. He's finally managed to find a member of the staff on his side."

Alan strolls into the living room and kisses first his mother's cheek and then Emily's before going over to the breakfast bar and getting his coffee and danish goes to the free seat at the table. He sighs and smiles broadly. "Now this is the way it should be. It's good to have you home, Em."

"Where's Mom?"

"Doing whatever mysterious things women have to do to make themselves beautiful. I think she looks fine." Alan says with some bewilderment.

"That's when she kicked you out right?" Emily laughs.

"How did you know?"

Emily downs the last of her coffee and grabs the croissant. "Well I guess I'll go keep her company and see if any of it rubs off."

T-02

Lady Jane and John Jacks arrive at the Jack's mansion. There is a controlled chaos to the situation. Like little worker bees the caterers staff is setting up. The Vienese baker is his own little world with his walkman on as he does the final construction on the cake on it's very own table-- tier by tier it is put together.
A delicate angel food cake that would melt in the mouth filled with coconut or pineapple in the alternating layers. The rich buttercream frosting too rich for but a sliver of the cake. He holds his breath as he puts the bride and groom topper on the fourth tier. Waiting that extra minute for disaster and then when everything holds takes out the piping bag filled with red icing and rather than roses adds a flourish of stylized ginger to the bottom tier that takes up most of the table. Standing back he places his hands on his hips. "Voila!" Lady Jane applauds drawing the baker's attention. "Frau Jacks!"

"Otto! It's amazing. Perfect."

"No. Perfection is in the taste." The baker says without humility. "Of course if anyone touches it before the bride and groom I shall have to kill them."

"Of course." Lady Jane agrees. "I will be the first to volunteer to hold them down for you."

Elton comes up at a run. He is wired with a headset with about ten different channels keeping up on all the details. From top to bottom from inside to outside. Sleep had been out of the question. Did any of these people realize what a bitch it was to decorate metal detectors? Ugly hideous utilitarian things. "Parents of the Groom! Excellent!" He makes a check off on his list. "Until we start seating, everyone is gathering in the study where the gifts are. I've made sure there is coffee and danish available for anyone that is feeling peckish.
No, no, no! Check the invitations at the gate! I don't care if they boarded at the Port Charles Hotel and are in one of our limos. They'll let anyone with the money stay at that hotel. I told you once. I told you twice. Invitations at the gate and then metal detector at the door. Security Security Security! Is there any sign of the bride?" Elton comes back to the Jacks from the conversation with the front gate. "Sorry. Where was I? Yes, coffee and Danish in the study. This way."

"Still no Alexis?" John asks Elton as they are ushered into the study.

"I'm sure it's fine. I'm sure she'll be here." Elton's smile is forced. "Excuse me. I need to speak with the valets."

~~~~~

"Alexis." Andreas says softly after knocking on the back cabin of the luxurious private jet. It has been a long flight. From Uganda to Europe, from Europe to the United States and then from a major US airport to the small airfield in Port Charles. It would have been longer of course if they'd flown commercial.

"I'm awake." Alexis says quietly. She had yet to sleep.

"We'll be landing in approximately 90 minutes. The ceremony is happening in two hours."

"Not cutting it close much?"

"The layover in Athens was longer than anticipated." Andreas admits. He comes into the cabin and starts opening the shades to let sunlight into the cabin. "But they won't start without you."

"Right. Maybe Stavros can kiss the groom instead." Alexis says bitterly.

"Madame..."

"Don't."

"Alexis."

"I know, I know." Alexis reaches for her robe and wraps it around herself and goes back to the bathroom attached to the master bedroom. Turning the water on full blast she climbs into the shower and lifts her face to the spray. The shower stall is tiny but the water hot and the spray invigorating. Stepping out of the shower, she finds the undergarments that Andreas had laid out the night before, a merry widow style strapless corset that luckily fastens up the front and matching undies. Stockings that fasten to the merry widow. Alexis slides into the silk underwear and then reaches for the merry widow. Hook by hook she fastens it up. It does the job intended hugging her form closely pressing her breasts up and together. Not that she'd ever had a problem with cleavage but this thing would give Kate Moss cleavage. Alexis takes one stocking and rolls it up her leg fastening it at the thigh and then the other. Then she grabs her robe and goes into the cabin. "I can dress myself for court. But I had a lot of help the last time..."

"If you'll allow me?" Andreas suggests. He offers her a seat at a built in vanity. Taking a comb from the case of toiletries he first combs out Alexis' hair and then reaches for the blow dryer.

"You have a license to do this?" Alexis asks suspiciously.

"I won't be cutting or coloring."

"Damn-- that blonde was the one thing I liked about Helena. Her hair always did look great."

"Thank you. Relax and trust me."

"Ha! Famous last words." Still Alexis closes her eyes. There was just something about someone else messing with your hair that is so relaxing.

~~~~~

Nik glances down at his watch. "Gia! I know we still have a couple of hours yet but I should be there early in case there are any problems!"

"Don't rush perfection!" Gia calls from the bathroom She turns her head from side to side. Everything looked right but the hair. She sighs. What now?! Finally she gathers all her braids together in a single smooth ponytail running down the back of her neck and lifts the mass up and thru the ponytail making sure the elastic is covered and grabs a hand mirror to check the back.

"Gia! Please!"

"Fine. Fine. Don't get your panties in a bunch." Gia grabs a jacket from the back of the bathroom door and slides it on taking in the final effect. And gives herself a thumbs up. She walks out to the bathroom and strikes a pose. "Well?"

Nik is stuck dumb and then slowly grins. "You look great. Where did you get that?"

"Milan-- when I was shopping with Penny." Gia adjust the shoulders of the autumn hued multicolored silk quilted jacket so that it lays right. It worked perfectly with the solid colored deep pumpkin dress beneath. It's one of the colors she loves to wear since it's a color anglos can't wear without looking jaundiced. She sheds the swing jacket to give Nik the full effect. "You don't think it's too much?"

I guess it could be called a wrap dress, sorta. From the front the dress was perfectly appropriate maybe a little daring the way the front revealing long legs and ending just above the knee. From the back the dress is backless dipping low and making it obvious that a bra had to be built in to the dress. Nik swallows hard. "Well since it's Alexis' day maybe you should keep the jacket on."

"Right." Gia swings the jacket back on and then reaches down to grab the matching purse that is big enough to hold keys, driver's license and lipstick. "Okay I'm ready."

~~~~~~

Liz sighs rubbing the scratch on the back of her hand. Well Gatsby hasn't changed. Sipping coffee she goes thru the mail beside the phone to see if there is anything she needs to deal with. She stops on the heavy vellum envelope that reads Audrey Hardy and Guest.

~~~~~~

"Are you sure Bobbie won't mind?"

Jason peels some bills off of a wad and lays them on the counter of Kelly's more than enough to cover the day's receipts. "Put a sign in the window that says closed for a private party and lock up."

"But don't you want to go with someone else, your family or something?"

Grimacing Jason shakes his head. "I'd rather have fun. It's already a long shot and I'd just go with someone who would look at it like the freak show it is."

"It's a wedding." Penny laughs.

"You in or not?" I still have to pick up Carly and drop her inside the gates of the Jack's place.

Tempted and shaking her head. "Turn the sign around. I have to go change." She runs up the stairs.

Lucky comes down the stairs dressed in a nice suit. "Jase. So you going to the wedding?"

"Yep. you."

"Yep. Thought I'd take my mom. That way if it comes down to it I can get between her and Carly." Lucky says wryly. "You?"

"The plan was to kick back at home. Maybe go over to see Grandmother while the rest of the Q's were at the wedding." Jason says disgustedly. "A perfect Saturday down the drain."

Penny comes down the stairs dressed in the morning version of dressed to kill. Lucky looks at Jason. "Maybe not down the drain. See you there."

T-01

Alexis opens her eyes and looks into the mirror. In the last hour she'd been made up, polished and coiffed. And she looks good. Not happy but good. She gets up from the chair and takes off the robe. Andreas brings over the dress and eases it over Alexis' head, Alexis smoothes it down while Andreas zips up the back. Alexis runs a hand over the bodice that falls off the shoulder. The sleeves are long and close fitting all the way down to her hands and the skirt is also form fitting. The lines are clean; the fabric heavy and rich. "You pick this one because I couldn't run in it?"

"Yes." Andreas says simply. "You look beautiful. Your husband is a lucky man. We'll be landing soon. Allow me to escort you to your seat." He holds out a hand to her.

~~~~~~

John wanders up to the second floor where Jax is getting dressed along with his best man. He shuts the door. "You're a lucky man, Jasper. Alexis is a good woman."

"Dad, if you are going to be giving me the birds and bees speech..."

"Well you didn't give me the priviledge when you married Mirander. And I was kind of having a heart attack when you married Brender. Didn't get the chance there. And then with Alexis the first time...."

"That wasn't real."

"Apparently more real than you thought at the time, lad." John moves closer and gets serious. "I have no qualms about Alexis. You know that right? I already love her as a daughter. How can I not after everything she's done for this family. And she needs family, son. And I don't mean those bloodsuckers she's related to."

"Now you're sounding like Luke Spencer." Jax says with some fake cheer.

"So he managed to get Jere's problems erased. Doesn't make me blind to the danger of the Cassadines. I've had my... Thaao, could you excuse us please?"

"Of course sir." Thaao excuses himself.

"I've had my run ins with the Cassadines." John hesitates and then admits.

"I know. Stavros told me. Said you'd had dealings with Mikkos. And then Jerry with Stefan."

"You need to be careful, son." John watches Jax's eyes carefully in the full length mirror. "I know you're... embarrassed by the things your brother and I have done over the years to get ahead. But the Cassadines they're different. They have hundreds of years of polish over their dirty dealings. That isn't right. They have hundreds of years of experience in covering their dirty dealings. Yes, your mum and I love Alexis. But we want her with us not you with them."

Jax meets his father's gaze resolutely. "That's what I want too, Dad."

"Then you have my blessing. Mine and your mums."

"Thank you." Jax turns around. "Where is mum anyway?"

"Down doing her thing." John says wryly. "Your mum is playing mother of the groom to the hilt. It might be the only chance she gets."

~~~~~

The chairs are filling even if it is still more of a social situation with renewing of old aquaintances and maybe even a few business deals made. The Quartermaines have arrived. Laura Spencer accompanied by her son. Nik is helping people find their seats and periodically checking on Gia who is being greeted by those starstruck by having a model in their presence. He is stiffens as he sees the person at the door. He walks up to an unwelcome presence. "The bride or the groom?" he says coldly.

"The groom, I think." Liz says just as coldly.

"You shouldn't be here."

"I was invited." Liz holds up the invitation.

"Your grandmother was invited."

"She's out of town." Liz takes a seat on the Jacks side of the room and starts looking around at all the other guests. "Emily!" Liz pops right back out of the chair and goes over to her good friend.

"Elizabeth, HI!" Em gives her a hug. "I missed you so much I had to come home."

Liz holds Em at arms length. "You look great! Where did you get that fabulous dress?"

"This old thing?" Em quips. "Literally. It belonged to Grandmother's mother. I didn't know I was coming back to a wedding. I tried you at Kelly's and your studio yesterday."

"Grandmother took a job out of the country so I'm house/cat sitting." Liz gives Em another hug. "It is so good to see you."

Nik goes over to Gia and leans over her back and whispers in her ear. "If you ever loved me get Emily the hell away from Liz."

Gia grins and talks thru her teeth so that nobody can read her lips. "I thought this was all about keeping Carly away from your mother?!"

"Please." Nik pleads.

"You so owe me."

"You'll collect. It's only one of the many little things I love about you." Nik whispers in her ear.

"Just don't ask questions about how." Gia strolls away from Nik and over to where Jason and Penny are sitting. Jason is wishing he was home and Penny is busy checking out people she's only seen in the papers. "Penny. Hot Outfit."

"Back at ya." Penny grins. "Did your brother like the autograph?"

"Lets just say I could probably premediatedly kill a half dozen people and he'd get me off." That gets Jason's attention and he snorts. "Penny, I think it's about time for Em to talk to Jason rather than the pasty face bitch."

"Yeah. No problem." Penny rises from her seat and makes her way over to Emily. "Long time not seen, Girlfriend."

"Penny! How are you?!"

"Still working at Kelly's... Bobbie made me manager."

"Congratulations."

"So when you coming back to work?"

"Never." Em laughs. Then she gets serious. "I can't be on my feet that long. What are you doing here?"

"Your brother invited me." Penny looks over her shoulder at Jason. "You guys want to spend some catching up time?" Her voice drops to a whisper. "I hear the bride isn't even here yet!"

"Sure." Emily looks over at Liz. "We need to catch up. You want to get together tonight after all this is over?"

"I have a lot to tell you." Elizabeth says earnestly.

"I bet you do." Penny agrees.

T-30 minutes.

Alexis stands in the cabin of the airplane that has come to a halt on the tarmac. Her spine straight as forged steel and her face blank. Much the way one of the royals would have faced the gallows or even her ancestors the bullets of the communists. Andreas comes up behind her and places a fur lined ivory wool cloak over her shoulders. Coming around to the front of the bride, he waits until Alexis has buttoned the single button at the neck and then carefully brings up the hood so that Alexis is protected from head to toe. Then he goes over to the door looking out the window to see the waiting limo. He lowers the staircase. "Madame." He extends a hand to her.

Alexis places her hand in his and allows him to take the lead down the stairs and then seating her in the back of the heated limo.

Andreas opens the intercom to the driver. "The Bride has arrived."

~~~~~~

"So we're going to see Nana?" Michael says cheerfully as he tromps thru the woods that run along the lake behind the Quartermaine Mansion.

"Yes. Your mother thought this would be a good time. Evidently your... Nana doesn't get out as much as she used to. And this way we will be able to bring the wedding to her."

"Cause of the camera Mama is wearing."

"Correct."

"Nana is on wheels." Michael blurts. "And she smells like flowers."

"I like flowers." Stavros says kindly.

"Me too." Michael agrees.

"Do you remember which room is your Nana's?" Stavros asks as they approach the mansion by the french doors off the living room."

"She's on the main floor. Cause of the wheels. I figure."

"Excellent." Stavros looks thru the sheers covering the French doors. "I believe we have a Nana sighting."

Michael grabs the door handles and pulls the door open. "Nana!" He goes racing over to her.

"Michael? My Goodness Michael!" Lila gushes. "My darling! It is so good to see you? Is your mother with you? Carly? Darling the coast is clear they are all at the wedding. Don't stay out there in the cold."

"Caroline is at the wedding." Stavros says calmly as he steps into the room.

"Oh my." Lila reaches up and presses a pendent on her neck. "I wasn't expecting to see you."

"Tales of your kindness have reached distant shores, Madam." Stavros bows.

The doors to the foyer burst open. "Ya doin' okay, Mrs Q?" Alice rumbles. Then her eyes narrow realizing why Lila had hit her panic button. "I know you. You're that Cassadine dude everyone was lookin' for a couple months back. Guest come by the front door, buddy! How about I show it to you. You leave quiet right now and I won't have to break you." Alice threatens rolling her shoulders forward and placing her hands on her ample hips.

"Nana, why is she being mean to Stavros?" Michael whispers to his grandmother. "We just wanted to watch the wedding with you."

"Watch the wedding?" Lila says curiously looking at Stavros.

Stavros takes off his backpack and pulls out a receiver. "Yes, if there is a room with a television... Caroline is wearing a camera and we'll all be able to watch the nuptials. You are of course invited as well... Alice I believe?"

"Mrs Q?"

"Edward's study please, Alice."

"You got it." Alice comes over and wheels Lila to the study leaning over to say quietly. "You wan' me to call the cops?"

"Not yet."

"I'm not leaving ya alone with that one." Alice glares at Stavros.

"Perhaps just for refreshments for our guests."

Zero Hour.

"Oh thank you, God, thank you, God, thank you, God." Elton races to the room off the living room where the men are gathered. "The bride is at the gates. Everyone take your places. Places everyone. Talk about an entrance!" Elton inspects each of the men as they walk past him. He puts a hand on Zander and fussily fixes his tie. "You have the ring right."

Zander pats his pocket. "I think you're about ready for another tictac, Elton."

"One more, dear boy, and I'd be blubbering in a corner." Elton looks around. "Prince Nikolas, with me! We must greet The Bride." Elton strides up the center aisle with Nikolas in his wake. "Everyone take your seats take your seats we're almost ready to begin." He goes out into the foyer. Shutting the doors behind him. Just as Andreas is opening the door for Alexis. "Thank God! I thought you'd never get here. Let me take your coat."

"No. I will take care of that." Andreas gets between Alexis and the rushing Elton.

"Well I never!" Elton protests.

"Prince Nikolas, if you will wait just inside the doors." Andreas directs.

"Who do you think you are?!" Elton protests more loudly.

"I am Andreas Andropolis. I serve the Cassadine. Step aside."

Nik looks from Andreas to Elton to his silent Aunt. "Alexis."

"Wait inside the doors, Nikolas." Alexis says softly.

Nikolas goes back in the living room and closes the door standing to the side. Jax looks at him in some bewilderment and starts down the dias. Just then Elton opens the double doors and steps out of the way. Alexis walks thru the doors still wearing the cloak. Andreas walks in front of her and unbuttons the single button and eases off the hood and then walks around Alexis and removes the cloak. There is a quiet murmur from all the guests this is just so freaky and so solemn. Alexis holds a hand out to Nikolas. Nikolas takes Alexis' icy hand and places it atop his. Looking neither left nor right, Alexis looks only toward her groom as she walks up the aisle. Elton's eyes go wide and he waves at the quartet in the back corner who begin to softly play. At the end of the aisle, Nikolas kisses Alexis hand and then offers it to Jax who takes it and assists Alexis up the dias. Nikolas steps back.

"Dearly Beloved..."

Andreas feels the doors behind him move and looks back. Carly slips in and holds a finger to her lips. He nods and indicates a place along the side where the view would be unobstructed.

"We are gathered here together in the sight of God and this company to join Natasha Alexis Davidovich Cassadine and Jasper Jacks in holy matrimony..."

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