Risk

Chapter LIX

All The Possibilities

The words to this ceremony are by the Rev. Dr. Richard W. Smith of the United Methodist Church of Boulder City, Nevada. He is deserving of any and all credit for these words. I just changed the names after finding the vows on a website; it might not be Greek Orthodox, but dang this guy rocks! Deb

"Dearly Beloved...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..."

Alice forgets herself and sits down on the couch next to Lila's chair as soon as she hears the words of the beginning of the ceremony. Stavros makes a minute adjustment that brings the signal into the clear and makes sure that the VCR is set to record. "Where's Mama?" Michael demands.

"She's holding the camera." Stavros reminds. "So we'll see everyone else but your mother. It will be like we are she. What she sees so shall we. Now quietly..." Stavros holds his finger to his lips. "We don't want to miss anything." Michael nods and sits crosslegged on the floor at Lila's side so he can see everything.

At the wedding Carly keeps moving until she is toward the front of the room along the side and can see the whole gathering but especially the nuptials. Excellent shot of Jax's back. She goes unnoticed as everyone else focuses on the couple at the front of the church.

"...Let your presence be welcomed, and let your hearts be glad." The Reverand tells those gathered. A skilled orator his joy in the wedding ceremony is infectious to the guests gathered with a few exceptions. People who know the truth of the matter. "For everything there is a season, a time and a purpose for every matter. And this is the time and this is the place to celebrate the marriage of Jasper and Natasha.

We've come to do all of those things both old and new that are appropriate to just such an occasion. To say solemn words, to confirm a covenant, to recognize in this event the place of family, friends, and the larger human community. To laugh and to cry, to sing and to feast and to dance but above all to celebrate love and all of its possibilities.

And you all have been called here to witness this wedding because of your special relationship to Jasper or Natasha or their families. And so I ask if you affirm this marriage and give it your blessing." The Reverand waits for this congregation to answer.

The guests reply "We do."

"And who presents Natasha to be married to Jasper?"

Nikolas replies, "Her family and I." But remains standing in the aisle as he had been directed by Elton.

"Natasha and Jasper, come now and really be together to make your vows. You've known each other for some time now, and through the first glance of acquaintance through this moment of commitment, at some moment along the way you decided to marry. From that moment of "yes" through this moment of "yes", indeed, you've already been making promises in an informal way. All those conversations that you held riding in a car, or over a meal, or on a long walk, all those sentences that began "When we're married," and continued with "I will if you will" and "we will." Those late-night talks that included words like "someday" and "somehow" and "maybe." Now, all those promises, and still all the unspoken promises of your hearts, those are the real things of a marriage and a wedding. The vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, "You know all of those things we hoped and dreamed? Well, I meant it. Every word."
So, Jasper, Natasha, I'm going to have you turn and face one another now and look at one another. Remember this moment in time. Before this moment you've been many things to each other. You've been acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, even teacher. For you've already learned much from each other. Now you will say a few words that will carry you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you two. For after these vows, Jasper, you will say to the world, "This is Natasha, my wife." Natasha, you will say, "This is Jasper, my husband."
And, Natasha, will you also carefully repeat after me...:

Alexis interrupts there, blurting out. "Alexis. My name is Alexis." Her interjection throws the Reverend off but he soon gets back his rhythm and makes the change in the program.

I, Alexis, take you Jasper, to be the husband of my days, the companion of my house, the friend of my life. We shall bear together whatever trouble and sorrow life may lay upon us. And we shall share together whatever good and joyful things life may bring us. With these words, and all the words of my heart, I marry you, and bind my life to yours.

"Jasper, I would like you to carefully repeat after me these words: "

Jax had grinned at Alexis' interruption the first real sign of his friend in his bride and makes one of his own. "Jax."

The Reverend sighs. "Jasper Jacks..."

"No, Just Jax." Jax interrupts again.

The Reverend sighs again and then makes the change. This should have been covered at the rehearsal.

I, Jax, take you, Alexis, to be the wife of my days, the companion of my house, the friend of my life. We shall bear together what trouble and sorrow life may lay upon us. And we shall share together whatever good and joyful things life may bring us. With these words, and all the words of my heart, I marry you, and bind my life to yours.

As soon as Jax has spoken his vows the Reverend continues. "For several thousand years men and women have exchanged rings as a token and symbol of their wedding vows. Jax and Alexis, these simple rings are not of great value in and of themselves, but what they come to mean today and what they will come to mean over time will be beyond price. The circle of life itself is contained in these symbols that you will now wear on your fingers." Thaao and Zander step forward with the rings and give them to the bride and groom for the next step in the wedding. Zander gives Alexis' hand a squeeze in silent support.

"And Jax, holding her hand in yours, would you repeat after me:
Alexis, I place this ring on your finger as a seal on the covenant I have made with you.
And Alexis, repeating after me:
Jax, I place this ring on your finger as a seal on the covenant I have made with you.

Now, Jax and Alexis, light the unity candle, symbolizing that in marriage they are no longer two people: they are becoming one flesh. Now I ask all of you who are gathered here today to join me in this pronouncement:

We your family and friends now pronounce you married.

Jax and Alexis, you have made vows and exchanged rings, so now on behalf of the state of New York and the larger human community, I say that what you have desired has come to pass. So, come let us celebrate. If a wedding is supposed to be joyful, I believe we've accomplished that, and more. Jax and Alexis, the spirit of joy here is one blessing among many. Another blessing is this gathering of families standing close to you. Another blessing is all these friends who have come here to witness this wedding on behalf of the larger human community.
But more than this, Jax and Alexis, may the sun of many days and years shine upon you both. May the love that you have for one another today continue to grow over time and hold you close. May the good true light within you guide you on your journey together, and may every one of your dreams come true. But when they don't, may new dreams arise in their place. So long long years from now you may be able to look at one another as you do today and be able to say, "Because of you I lived the life I always wanted to live. Because of you I became the person I always wanted to be."
You may kiss the bride."

Jax leans over and kisses Alexis softly on the mouth. Their only connection is their pressed lips and joined hands. A round of applause breaks out on half of the room. The Cassadine side is silent. For them the ceremony isn't over yet.

Alice sniffles wetly. Lila hands her, her handkerchief and Alice starts mopping up her face. "I love weddings." Alice sighs as she blows her nose with a loud snort. "It's just so romantic." Stavros rolls his eyes.

"What they waiting for, Stavros?" Michael looks up from his position on the floor. "Why are some of them clapping and everyone else just sittin' there."

Nikolas takes a deep breath and stands going up to the newly wedded couple. From out of his pocket he pulls a length of blue ribbon. Slowly and solemnly he wraps the ribbon around Jax and Alexis' joined hands while speaking in Greek. Lila shakes her head. "What is he saying?"

Michael frowns, he'd picked up some greek from hanging with some of the servants on the island over the winter. "Nana, I think he said from this life until the next..."

Stavros finishes. "Let Love be the tie that binds. It is a tradition our family took from the island after we arrived from Russia."

Stavros watches as Nikolas kisses Alexis on both cheeks and then does the same for Jax. And then Nikolas steps back and repeats in English. "Let love be the tie that binds." Then the Cassadine side of the gathering breaks out into polite applause. Nikolas turns to the gathering and announces. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Jax and Alexis Jacks." He steps out of the way. Zander and Thaao make their way down the center aisle and throw wide the doors. The musicians start playing again. Together Jax and Alexis walk back up the aisle together with everyone rising to their feet and applauding as they do.

Jax leans over to Alexis. "Let's get the hell out of here." He says softly once they reach the foyer.

Before they can make a break for it, Elton is right there in front of them. "Receiving line! Places... places everyone!" He blocks their path and sets them up on the marks in the middle of the bottom rung of the staircase between the two ficus trees.

"Where is my sister?" Alexis demands in a rush.

"Ned got her out of town."

"Good." Alexis exhales. "Good."

The living room empties of guests who start to mill around waiting for immediate family to greet the new bride and groom first. Lady Jane comes up to them both and give Jax a quick kiss on the cheek and a squeeze of the and before hugging Alexis. "I'm glad you finally came to your senses and took my boy back."

"Lady Jane..." Alexis protests.

Jane takes her hand and squeezes. "I know. I talked to Bobbie. There will be time enough to talk about that later. I just have one thing to say. "Welcome back to the Jacks family. We've missed you."

"Jane, you're hoarding our girl!" John declares. When Jane is clear, John leans over and gives Alexis a kiss on the cheek. "She's always wanted a daughter. As have I." Their heartfelt welcome gets to Alexis who gives John an extra hug. Over John's shoulder she can see Stefan waiting, hanging back. John gives her a pat on the back and then moves off to the side over next to Jax with Lady Jane.

Stefan steps up. He hugs Alexis close and whispers in her ear. "I'm sorry. I should have seen this coming. I should have been able to found you sooner. I should have...."

"Stop." Alexis demands. "It serves no purpose."

"I only found out you were in Africa yesterday... and then it was too late."

"It was too late the day Helena pulled him out of the icebox and you and I both know it."

"He has changed... some. Been more forthcoming..." Stefan suggests awkwardly.

"Yes." Alexis agrees with a nod. "Now I know exactly why he hates my guts."

Jax wraps an arm around Alexis' waist and presses a brief kiss to her temple. "Not here, Darling. Not when there are so many guests waiting to greet us."

Alexis looks out at the sea of guests and smothers a groan. She can see Jax's point as there are too many Cassadines relatives here. "Did you put guards on the food? I don't think there are too many volunteers in this country for taste testers."

"Elton has been keeping on top of everything." Jax can see that is not convincing. "Yes, both your brother and I investigated anyone that was involved in the wedding."

Stefan steps to Alexis' side bringing Bobbie with him even as she tries to blend back into the gathering. Nikolas shakes Jax's hand and then steps infront of Alexis. He reaches over to cup her face. "Are you okay?"

Alexis half snorts. "Okay is relative."

Nikolas winces. "I tried to talk to.... He wouldn't budge. He said you picked Jax. Just like Stefan picked Bobbie and for us that means there is no going back."

"I'm not going to discuss your father with you." Alexis says flatly. Then she thinks about it. "All I can say is Thank God this happened before Gia agreed to marry you. She can see the Cassadines in all their Glory."

Nikolas steps back as if slapped. Zander steps up in the gap. He grabs Alexis by the waist and lifts her off her feet in a huge hug. "Bout time you got back! I was ready to rob a bank."

Alexis laughs. "That's really funny cause I know you're kidding. You're kidding right?"

Zander grins. "You were cutting it close." Zander puts her back on her feet. He leans in and whispers in her ear. "Em's brother got Kristina out of town. Stavros is here in Port Charles. And I think Carly's here. I think I saw her outta the corner of my eye in the other room. But there are so many people here. Elton is out of valium. It could get ugly. I'm your guy. Whatever you need. You tell me and I'll handle it."

Meanwhile at the back of the room still have in the living room where the nuptials had been spoken, Gia eases up on Carly. "How did I know you were going to be here." She says wryly.

"Had the invitation to get by the press at the gate." Carly says cheerfully. "Say hi to Stavros."

"Excuse me?"

Carly rubs her thumb along the velvet choker she is wearing. At the center of it is a large cameo. "Wired for picture and sound." She leans in to keep their conversation confidential from the other guests. "He and Michael are visiting with Lila."

Gia steps in front of Carly and makes a little wave. "Hey Michael!"

"Looks like I'm not going to be able to say hey to Mama. She's busy up there with the receiving line. Who else is here." Carly slowly turns so that the camera can get a panaramic view of the guests there. "Stavros? Anyone you want to talk to?" Carly nods at the voice in her ear. "Come on keep me company. He wants to thank Jason again for smuggling me in." Carly strings a hand thru Gia's arm. Carly stops dead in her tracks when she sees an unexpected guest. "What the hell is he doing here? Damn it, Mister! You so have some explaining to do."

Over at the Quartermaine mansion, Michael straightens defensively. "What did I do?!"

"I think she means me, Michael." Stavros says wryly. "Your mother has just discovered my gift to the groom."

At the wedding, all thoughts of being discreet have fled Carly's brain as she pushes and shoves thru the other guests to get to one. "Well, well, well. Look who the cat drug in." Carly snarls at Jerry. "Don't think just cause you waltzed back into town that you're gonna mess up my mother's life again. Stay away from her. Stay away from Lucas. Crawl back under your rock."

Jerry sighs and rolls his eyes. "Carly. Been hearing lately about the company you've been keeping. Making a mess of Bobbie's life is a speciality we share. You've been busy."

"The company I've been keeping is the only reason why you are here! And believe me he and I are going to have a little chat."

"Oh to be a fly on the wall for that." Jerry fakes a yawn and covers his mouth.

"I can arrange that." Carly threatens.

Just then someone grabs Carly's arm from the side in a bruising grip. "Where is he? Where is my grandson, you gold digging bitch!"

Carly wrenches her arm away from Monica. "Monica, how lovely to see you-- NOT."

"One phone call and you're in jail. You're in violation of a court order! AJ has rights! He's Michael's father."

"It's all coming back to me now." Carly taps her lips. "The reason why I left Port Charles to start with. Everyone here is so rude. I was just having a little chat with Jerry, you know the brother of the groom 'cause we're at a wedding. Have you said anything nice to the bride and groom yet? Like Goodbye?"

"Monica."

Monica turns aside as she hears her name being spoken quietly but firmly. "Jason. I should have known you would come to her defense!"

"Actually I'm coming to yours." Jason says wryly. "This is neither the time nor the place. You wanna make an appointment to see Carly some other time and I'm make sure she's there."

"Bullshit." Carly snarls at Monica. "I never have to see your smug mug again in my life! You have nothing I want and I have nothing of yours. Stay out of my face." All of a sudden Carly takes a deep breath and there is a long pause. "Fine. Pick the time and place. I'll be there."

Jason's eyes narrow at the quick reversal and realizes that Carly is more than carrying a camera and wonders what the heck Stavros is up to. "Call the penthouse and leave a message."

Jason takes Carly by the elbow and bypasses the Receiving line to where Elton is directing traffic at the entry way to the dining area. The tables are clustered around the head table leaving a little room for a small dance floor even though the bulk of the dancing would happen back in the living room where a crew of workers are already breaking down the chairs and clearing the space. Already there are problems with the seating. Emily and Jerry are new additions to the already laid in stone plan. Elton groans when he sees Jason approaching with Carly on his arm. "Do something with her." Jason demands.

"Mrs Corinthos!" Elton screeches. He gives her a hug and air kisses. "You look Fabulous! Oh that tan-- I'm so jealous. Where have you been?! Oh wait... you naughty girl. Switzerland right?"

"Mostly Greece. How are you, Elton?"

"Oh honey. There isn't time! We have to get together and dish." Elton's eyes go wide. "Does Mrs Spencer know you are back?"

Carly looks over Elton's shoulder to where Lucky and Laura have just entered the dining room. She makes a little wave and wiggles all her fingers playfully. "She does now." Lucky spots Carly at the same time and checks the seating chart rapidly and steers his mother toward their table, gratefully on the far side away from Carly and Elton who is steering Carly to Jason's table. Elton keeps moving funneling people to tables around the head table to the tables around the room that he and Kristina had planned: Jacks, Cassadine, Quartermaine, Deception, Morgan and funneling around around the room from there until all of the guest are taken seated. Familiar with all the problems going on with Elizabeth Webber is the hardest of task and finally he mentally throws up his hands and just seats her where he'd planned on seating Audrey... at the Quartermaine table.

The last to be seated are the people who had been part of the meet and greet in the receiving line-- Stefan, Bobbie, John, Lady Jane, Thaao, Zander and The Bride and Groom. As soon as they are seated, the servers start coming around with the lunch selections moving smoothly and rapidly. Elton and Kristina had settled on a menu, a buffet they'd both decided would have been a logistical nightmare. Everyone in the know is reaching for the chilled bottle of champagne in the middle of the tables and pouring glasses for their tables. Jax looks over at Thaao in a silent communication. Thaao shrugs and stands he raps on his champagne glass to get everyone's attention.
"Well the day has come that I thought I'd never see." Thaao shrugs. "The day that my good friend, Jax would find the one woman for him and..." he shudders dramatically. "...wed." Those familiar with Jax start grinning. "But I shouldn't be surprised. The decision made and a week later here we are. The stories I could tell... but I won't because I like my face the way it is. I don't know the bride but I know already that she is the best because Jax has moved heaven and earth to be with her and believe me I tried to talk him out of it. He could not be dissuaded." Thaao lifts his glass and waits for the gathering to join him. "Here is to the Bride and Groom, may the path they take together be wide enough for them to walk side by side, winding enough to never be boring, with no mountain or valley they can't traverse together. To the Bride and Groom."

"To the Bride and Groom" All reply and drink.

Zander leans into Alexis and hisses. "A speech? I'm suppose to make a freaking speech? Elton didn't tell me anything about a speech. He said a haircut and not to lose the ring!"

Zander is just being so Zander that Alexis can't help but smile and chuckle. "Don't worry about it. You don't have to do anything."

Zander takes a deep breath and another and then exhales and hauls himself to his feet. His shoulders kinda hunch in and he clears his throat. "Thaao and I are in the same boat. He doesn't know Alexis and I really don't know Jax. Spent some time with him getting this shindig together but that's about it. Alexis is the best. She's always been there for me, fought for me, wanted the best for me. I haven't always taken her advice and have always ended in a shi.. in trouble because of it. Jax is a lucky guy." Zander looks over at Emily who is watching him from the Quartermaine table. "He got a second chance. Everyone deserves a shot at the brass ring... or in this case the gold one." Zander lifts his champagne glass. "To Alexis and Jax, luck and happiness always."

"Luck and Happiness." All reply and drink.

Zander sits back down and tries to turn invisible but it's impossible after Alexis leans over and takes his hand and squeezes it. "Thanks. And if you liked the advice I gave you before then here's some more. School. You should be in school."

"Alexis..." Zander protests.

"We're going to talk. I'm back now."

Once the servers have gotten all the meals delivered, the converstations center around the individual tables. Alexis doesn't eat anything doesn't even make the pretense of picking at the meal placed infront of her. "Alexis..." Jax begins.

"Not here. Not now." Alexis demands. Her gaze falls on Carly sitting at the table with Jason. Her brother's agent is firmly intrenched watching every move.

Andreas comes up behind Alexis and sees that she is not eating. "Madame, I supervised the preparation and serving of the meals for the head table. Your caution is admirable but not necessary."

Alexis nods picking up her fork. "I want out of here. ASAP."

"Yes, Madam." Andreas fades back into the background to find Elton.

"He was with you the whole time? Helena's henchman?"

"Yes. You might say I inherited him. I was his reward for aiding Stavros in bringing down Helena."

"His reward?!"

"His new assignment." Alexis corrects herself. She turns away from Jax to Zander. "Emily is here."

"I know. She got back yesterday. She won't talk to me, not really. She said after the wedding but she's ducking me. You know she believes AJ." Alexis just gives Zander a look. She knows exactly how much Zander was involved in the meat locker incident. Zander looks down sheepishly. "I know; I know. But it would never have happened if Em was still in town."

"Hope you don't plan on using that line when you do talk to her. Blaming your... stuff on her absence."

"No, you're right. That wouldn't be fair. I did it. But she has to understand."

"No, she doesn't. I didn't. I still don't."

Jax leans over to Thaao. "Could you do the meet and greets? I don't want to leave Alexis..." Thaao nods and picks up his champagne glass and the chilling bottle off of the table and starts making a round of the tables doing what he does best... socializing. He starts with the Cassadine table. Nikolas sees what he is doing and figures it's the best way to get from the Cassadine table where he's seated-- to the Deception table where Gia is sitting with his mother and Lucky. As soon as Thaao leaves, he grabs his glass and another bottle of champagne and starts making his rounds too, working in the opposite direction. It's a good thing that everyone came to this event by limo. Elton after a heated discussion with Andreas calls the musicians back from break and has them set up in a corner of the room.

Andreas comes up to the head table and clear plates handing them to the server assigned to the table and when he gets to Alexis leans in. "Two dances, Madam. With your new groom and the father of the groom since your father cannot be here. The ceremonial cutting of the cake inbetween the two dances."

Alexis look over at Andreas only hearing one part of the plan. "Don't tell me that Helena had him popsicled somewhere too!"

"Not the proper place for that discussion, Madame. Then you can excuse yourself to change into attire appropriate for traveling. Throw the bouquet and leave. I have found your rooms and laid out garments for you. I will need to make sure that the limo is prepared. Who do you wish to have assist you in changing?"

"Jax's mother." Andreas nods at Alexis' suggestion and moves off again.

"Slick-- but I don't think Elton is going to let us out of here that easily." Jax says wryly.

Alexis looks at her new groom with a small smile. "My money is on Andreas."

Elton comes up in front of the head table and announces. "It's time for first dance!"

"Told you so." Alexis holds a hand up to Jax who assists her in rising and walking around the table. The musicians start a long intro into the song waiting until Alexis and Jax are in the middle of the small clearing before breaking into the song. "What is this song?" Alexis asks Jax as he takes her in his arms.

"Hawaiian Wedding song. Elton and Kristin decided on it for the theme of the wedding."

"I've never heard of it."

Jax clears his throat and then begins to softly sing more in a whisper than anything else... humming the parts that he doesn't know.

"This is the moment
I've waited for
I can hear my heart singing
Soon bells will be ringing
This is the moment
Of sweet Aloha..."

Meanwhile Andreas has made his way over to the Jacks table. Taking the bottle of champagne off the table he refills the glasses and ends up between John and Lady Jane. His voice is low. "The Bride and Groom are anxious to leave and spend some quiet time together. Madame, Alexis has requested your assistance in changing from her gown. If you will come with me and then with your husband's cooperation ending his dance with the bride at that door right over there..." Andreas nods in the direction of a side door.

Lady Jane nods while watching her baby dancing with his bride. "Of course." As the song ends. Two servers wheel the four tiered cake to the front of the head table where everyone can see. The baker hands the ceremonial knife to Jax. The designated photographer for the event gets into position. Carly also stands up to get a better view. Jax hands the knife to Alexis and then puts his hand on top of hers as they make a smooth cut into the cake and then the next taking the slice out and putting it on a waiting dessert plate.
Grabbing a fork, he sections out a small bite and then picks it up with his fingers and offers the bite to Alexis who takes the bite. Jax runs a thumb over Alexis' bottom lip to catch a stray crumb. Alexis sections off another piece of cake and offers it to Jax. Elton lets go of the breath he'd been holding. He didn't know how many weddings he'd been to where the couple had spent thousands of dollars on the ceremony and then treated the cake cutting like an invitation to a food fight. Or how many couples had ended up in divorce after having their faces smeared with buttercream frosting. The cake is wheeled off to the side where the catering staff start dismantling it and cutting pieces off for the guests.

John makes his way over to the couple and holds a hand out to Alexis. "I believe this is my dance with my new daughter." Alexis takes his hand and moves off with him. Jax realizes that his mother is absent and realizes this is part of Andreas plan. He goes over to the Cassadine table and offers a hand to Bobbie. "Shall we?"

"Love to." Bobbie says startled but going along. She moves into Jax's arms. "And aren't you glad Helena isn't here!" Jax nods and laughs.

Now that there are two couples on the dance floor it breaks the ice. Zander makes his way over to the Quartermaine table. "Em, are you up to it?"

"Now, just wait a minute, you hoodlum!" Edward protests.

"Sure." Emily grabs Zander's hand and almost races to the dance floor to get away from Edward's bluster.

Thaao meanwhile has finally arrived at the Morgan table after doing his duties socializing. "Mrs Corinthos, we meet again."

Carly looks at him blankly for a minute and then remembers where she'd seen this guy before. "You're Mrs Pappas son! How is she?"

"Very well. Shall we?" He holds out a hand to her.

"Love to." Carly takes Thaao's hand. "Although I prefer music from this century." She warns.

Thaao kisses the back of her hand. "Yet another thing we have in common, beautiful lady."

Jax keeps an eye on the minute dancefloor. As soon as everyone had cake they'd be moving back to the larger dance floors that had been set up around the house. He feels a tap on his shoulder. "May I?" Jerry asks.

"Of course." Jax steps back and moves over to a nearby table. Laura Spencer is sitting there talking to Elizabeth Webber. "May I have this dance?" Jax requests of Laura. Laura rises and moves onto the dance floor. It the time it had taken him to get Laura on the floor he glances around and Alexis is gone along with his father.

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