The Wedding Day that Was

On a Private Jet

"Jason, I hate doing this," Emily sighed as she stared out the plane window.  She had always hated the lying and manipulation that went on within her family. But somehow she became trapped in it.  Hell she even actively participated on occasion.  And now she was lying to the man she loved.  God it hurt not being with Zander.  Her hand went to her neck in an absent manner, but her necklace, her last physical connection to Zander was gone.  Feeling its loss only made it worse.

Shifting in his seat, Jason tried to think of something to tell his sister.  The guilt he felt for not being there when she needed him had only grown as he was forced to watch her struggle to walk again.  And now this.  Perhaps if he hadn't hurried to Emily's side she wouldn't be a target now.  But then again his enemies knew he had two real weaknesses – Michael and Emily.  Thankfully Elizabeth wasn't involved.  For the first time he was glad she was with Lucky.  If Elizabeth had been with him, she might be in as much danger as Emily.  He could hardly stand the current situation. He was certain he couldn't handle both of them being targets.  "I'm sorry … "

"Don't," she said more harshly then she meant to as she turned to face him.  Her dark eyes were filled with a mixture of pain and love.  "Don't," she repeated more softly.  "I love you Jason, and having you with me while …" tears that had pooled in her eyes began to spill over. "Having you with me means everything," Emily confided as she laid her head on his broad shoulder.

Lifting his arm, he pulled her closer so him.  They held each other in silence.  Emily was comforted by the sound of his heartbeat against her ear, and the rhythmic motion of his breathing calmed her harried nerves.  Jason ran his hand through her hair as he tried to think of something to say – to make it better, easier.  When he joined Sonny's organization there was no one he really cared about.  Then somehow Robin, Emily and Lila touched his heart, and his relationship with Sonny went from boss to trusted friend, mentor and a brother/father-like figure.  Next thing he knew Carly had become one of his closest friends and offered him the greatest gift, a chance to be a father to Michael.  The Quartermaines had warned him that the life he had chosen was dangerous.  That never bothered him.  In fact, he enjoyed that element of his work.  It kept his mind and body sharp and his blood pumping.  Jason didn't have any doubts about the choice he had for himself, but he could not deny that his work put the people he loved in danger.  That was the last thing he wanted. He wanted his family and friends safe, they deserved that, but it wasn't something he could always ensure.

Now because of him, his sister – the one who could barely stand up on her own – was on the run.  She was being forced to give up her family and friends simply to keep them safe.  It wasn't fair.  He knew that the moves and countermoves he and Sonny plotted against Sorel would put him in danger … the reason he had to lay low.  I should have stayed gone, Jason thought, but instead I went to Emily without thinking.  I knew she needed me and didn't even think about how I was putting her in the line of fire.

He knew she was furious at AJ and the newest addition to the Quartermaines, Skye.  She couldn't forgive AJ's fabrication of Zander, with Sonny's henchmen, forcibly ending AJ's sobriety.  And she was angry with Skye for going along with such crap.  They were supposed to be her family, but they didn't mind using her against Sonny and Zander.  Jason remembered how insistent she was about finding out which of the Quartermaines knew the truth and who was actually in on the plot to separate her from Zander.  Lila's non-involvement was a given, she would never intentionally hurt another human being.  Monica, Alan and Ned might be happy Zander was out of her life but they probably didn't know AJ had made up the story.  In any event, they wouldn't help Zander at all.  Jason knew Emily was resentful about that, but her real anger lay at AJ, Skye, and Edward's feet.  If it weren't necessary for them to be away from Port Charles, he'd take her home now … just so she could tell them off and fix things with Zander.

As it was she was basically cut off.  She and Jason would be moving constantly, physical therapist in tow, while he and Sonny set up a system to remain hidden – to fool everyone about their location.  All phone calls and letters would appear to come from the rehab center, but he and Emily would be long gone.  It simply wasn't safe to be stationary for long.  They could risk maybe a week, two tops, in any one place.

"Do you think he'll ever forgive me," Emily asked finally breaking the silence.  "Or ever be able to love me again?"

"Em you're protecting him.  If he holds that against you he's stupid.  As for loving you, I don't think he'll ever stop," Jason paused as he squeezed her to him.  "You did more than love Zander, you changed him for the better."

Turning her head, she studied her brother's clear blue eyes.  He had no doubts about what he said she could see that.  It made her believe him and gave her hope.

~*~

Puerto Rico

Alexis curled herself around the warm body that lay next to hers.  The first rays of sunlight streamed into the room, playing over them.  As she awoke slowly, she took stock of her surroundings.  Startled by the man next to her, she practically jumped from the bed, taking the sheet with her.  Lying there in the middle of her bed was a gloriously nude Sonny Corinthos.  How much rum did I drink last night, she wondered, as she backed into the cool wall that prevented her further retreat?

Sliding down the wall she curled onto the floor.  What the hell was I thinking?  I should be waking up at home, with Kristina in the next room, feeling tired because we were up late celebrating with Nikolas.  Squeezing her eyes shut Alexis went over the night in her head.  The dress, the gardenia, gambling, drinking, dancing, the fountain, falling into Sonny's arms … You can say anything.  It's your night Alexis.  Sonny's words replayed softly in her mind.  Say?!  God what did I say?

Something ridiculous about his eyes or was it dimples?  Did I kiss him or did he kiss me, she wondered?  And how the hell did we end up back in my room, naked?

Hyperventilating, Alexis didn't notice Sonny stir.  Seeing her on the floor caused a trace of worry to flash across his face.  Quickly and quietly he slid his boxers on.  What the hell have we done?  There was no way to rationalize it.  Alexis was his best friend and attorney.  Sure, there was strong attraction there, but he was still in love with Carly.  Not to mention that things were still unfinished between Alexis and Ned.  Sonny frowned as he thought … he didn't want Alexis to still be hung up on Ned, but he couldn't explain why, not even to himself.  Slipping on his wrinkled shirt on he made his way over to her.  "Alexis you have to breathe."

Her head shot up and her mossy eyes stopped him in his tracks.  She was glaring angrily at him.  "Breathe!  After what happened last night you tell me to breathe!  No good morning?  No how are you?  You just tell me to breathe while you hope to God that I'm thinking that this is just as huge mistake as you think it is.  That it was some kind of fluke.  Too much rum perhaps?  Damn it, Sonny! I just don't jump into bed with people.  Especially if I know that they're in love with another person.  No matter how psycho they might be," she uttered under her breath.  "So just don't stand there and tell me to breathe.  I know I have to breath.  Oxygen is fundamentally important to life.  I get that.  You don't need to instruct me to take a breath like I'm a two year old.  I'm a grown woman for Pete's sake."

When she paused, he asked.  "Are you done yet?"

"No!  How can you be so cool and collected?  I mean you do realize what happened between … well what happened last night … with us?"  Lifting her eyes to the ceiling she shook her head.  "I mean its not like I hadn't … but I never intended … we both know it shouldn't have happened.  I know … we both know that you still love Carly and I … well, who knows what I feel.  But this was lust, no, no!  I didn't mean that," she exclaimed looking him in the eyes again.  "Can you imagine lust," she said forcing a laugh, "between us?  Preposterous."

"Stop it, Alexis!" Sonny said loudly, trying his best not to yell.  "First it is not preposterous for us, me," he amended, "to have lustful thoughts about you.  You're a beautiful, intelligent …"

"Oh stop right there," she ordered as she struggled to stand up with the sheet wrapped around her.  "I don't need you to try to make this easier on me.  Sonny I've seen the other woman you've been with and I know I'm not your type.  And to tell you the truth you're not mine," she declared.

"Really," he asked smiling.

"Don't pull your dimples into this," she scowled.  "You're so not my type.  You're too, too … well you're just not," she said with a flourish as she swept her hair from her face.  "What," she asked indignantly as Sonny just smiled at her.

"You're sexy when you're riled."

"I'm not sexy.  I mean I'm not riled.  Being a married man you shouldn't notice anyway."

"You should know better than most that I'm not going to be married much longer," he pointed out.

"Stop," she cried as he stepped closer to her.  "I mean it Sonny.  This is wrong for both of us," she protested.  For every step he took towards her, she took a step back until once again she was up against the wall.  "Why are you doing this," she asked distressed.

"Has it occurred to you that its because I want to.  That I want you," he asked, his dark eyes glinting in passion.  Sonny wasn't really sure what he was doing.  He knew whatever this was could ruin their friendship, but at the same time it felt right.  There was no one like Alexis.  He trusted her, he could talk to her and underneath all those mousy business suits she was gorgeous.

"Sonny you know this can't work."

"I know it won't if we don't try," he countered.  He came to stand just inches from her.  He could see her weakening.  "Come on, Alexis. I dare you."

Her eyes narrowed.  Can't you get a date any other way, the retort popped into her head, but she left it unsaid.  He … they would be a challenge.  There was nothing she loved more.  Remember you're the new spontaneous Alexis, so what would she do?  "You're on Corinthos," she said huskily before planting a kiss on his lips.  A bit surprised, Sonny wrapped his arms around her waist as they moved back towards the bed.

~*~

Port Charles

"The next time you want to try to ruin one of my deals at least do it out in the open and not behind my back," Jax said annoyed as he stared Skye down.  His accent was thicker because he was upset.

"Please," she scoffed.  "You pretend to be charming, but you're a user.  You want Sonny to pay and you'll irritate him anyway you can.  Through me.  Through Carly.  It doesn't matter," she spat. 

"What is this really about Skye?  I gave you want you wanted.  You have my proxy for the next vote, what more do you want?"

"Nothing," she said shaking with fury.  Her red hair shimmered in the light, and if looks would kill Jax would have been dead many times over.  He had been so charming she fumed; so concerned and considerate.  Like he had …

"Skye, we made a business deal.  I'm simply doing the same with Carly, because she happens to have a good idea.  I shouldn't have to defend my business practices to you or anyone!"

"Then why are you?"

"Truthfully I don't know," he replied.  Was it the vulnerable side he saw of her?  He didn't know.  The woman did nothing but aggravate him no end, but he didn't want to hurt her.  Sighing, he said "Just stay out of my business."

"Please. Like I want to be in it," she retorted as she turned to walk away.  It was foolish, she reminded herself, to think Jax had ever wanted anything more.

~*~

Two Years Later

Quartermaine Mansion

"I don't see why Sonny Corinthos has to be here," Alan sighed watching with pride as his daughter put the finishing touches of her wedding attire.

"I don't like it any more than you do Dad," Skye replied fastening the pearl and diamond teardrop earrings in place.  "But Alexis is Jax's best … well, whatever, and Sonny is her husband.  So we get stuck with him for the day."

"AJ and Carly won't like it."

"Hey, now.  Well the new Mr. and Mrs. will just have to deal.  This is my day and they can wait to throw a fit tomorrow," she said turning to give him a glance of the final look.

Alan's smile broadened.  "You look fantastic."

Skye blushed.  "You think," she asked.

"I know," he assured.  He placed a quick kiss on her forehead.  "I just wish your sister could be here."

Her old retort would have been nasty.  But Skye missed Emily too, and had ever since Em left for rehab over two years ago.  Not to mention the guilt she felt.  Emily politely refused to come home, too many bad memories.  She occasionally caught up to one them while they were out of town, but even after she learned to walk again she stayed far away from Port Charles.  And that was partly her fault.

"I'm sorry sweetheart.  I didn't mean to bring you down."

"You didn't.  Nothing could.  But I do miss her," she confessed.  "But when she found out Zander would be here there was no convincing her."  Another strange fluke she thought, befriending Courtney Corinthos before she found out about Courtney's family ties -- then it was too late.  They were friends and she wasn't going to let Sonny ruin that.  Of course it didn't help her own guilt that Courtney was dating the one guy that Emily loved.  The guy who would have been with Emily had it not been for the wretched plan AJ cooked up and she supported.  "So, is it time yet?" Skye asked to shake herself away from such negative thoughts.

"I'll go check and make sure everything is ready," Alan said.  "Then we'll get this show on the road."

Fifteen minutes later she stood in front of friends and enemies alike in the Quartermaine's ballroom.  Smiling widely at Jax she said, "I do," with more happiness than she had ever felt in her life.

"If anyone knows why these two should not be joined in matrimony speak now or forever hold your piece.  Now …"

"I do," a strong feminine voice rang out.

"What?" the priest asked surprised.  It was customary to stay those words, but he had never conducted a ceremony when someone objected.

The shocked murmuring of guests filled the air and grew louder when a second voice, a male voice, echoed the sentiments.  Shock and surprise filled everyone's eyes as Emily and Jason walked down the aisle.

"Emily …  Jason," the Quartermaines gasped.

"The hoodlum.  No wonder," Edward muttered.

"Emily," Zander said softly drinking in the sight of her walking.

"Em what a surprise," Skye said excited to see her sister.  "I thought you said you weren't coming."  She hurried down the aisle and meeting Em halfway.  When she went to hug her, Emily took a step back.  "What's wrong?"  Jax came to stand behind her, and she could feel his hand on the small of her back.

"Is something wrong here," he asked.  Something was odd about Emily and Jason showing up together.

There was nothing more Emily wanted to do than to ruin Skye's chance at happiness as Skye had ruined her own.  The entire flight home she had been debating what to do.  Jason promised to take her lead.  Still her decision was unclear.  Looking at Jax, she knew it was more than one person's happiness at stake.   Skye and AJ had destroyed two people that day, and while she might be able to live with hurting Skye, Jax's only crime was being in love with Skye.  "Sometimes love is what we need," she said under her breath.

"What was that," Skye asked beginning to feel nervous.

"It was foolish of me to decide not to come.  I can't very well let my only sister get married without me," she said before she accepted the hug offered just moments before.  Jason relaxed as the two women hugged.  Knowing that nothing truly horrible was going to happen he took a moment to study his other sister.  He saw a liar and a user, just as he saw when looking at most of the Quartermaines.

"Come on," Skye said dragging Emily with her.  "You don't mind, do you Court?"

"Of course not," the pretty brunette said handing her flowers over to Emily.

"Thanks," Emily said with a smile.  She nodded to Jason who went to the back, scanning the crowd.  Her heart nearly broke when she saw the old maid of honor practically sitting on Zander's lap.  She knew Zander had moved on, but she had no idea with whom.  Tearing her gaze away she concentrated on what the priest said.

~*~

A Half Hour Later

"May I have this dance," Elizabeth asked, taking Jason by surprise.

Jason smiled down at her.  If it were possible she was prettier than the last time he saw her.  "I didn't know you were here."

"I'm Gram's date," she confided.  Since hearing his voice her heart had been racing.  He was back.  The time he was gone didn't seem to matter now.  It felt like no time at all really.  "Please?"

Never able to resist her, he nodded in agreement and took her arm.  As they walked to the dance floor he checked her hand for a wedding ring but saw none.  Was it unrealistic to hope that she wasn't involved with Lucky or anyone else?

Emily watched with a grin as Jason and Elizabeth danced.  She had already weaseled it out of her friend that she and Lucky had broken up a year ago.  She was over him, but hadn't been dating.  As for an old torch, well that could be relit at will.

"Long time no see," Zander said softly catching Emily off guard.

"Zan … Zander," she said breathlessly.  Her eyes filled with emotion before she could hide it from him.

"We need to talk," he said cupping her arms and lifting her from the chair.

"Not now."

"Yes now," he said directing her out to the patio where they could talk in private.  "This conversation is long over due."

"Look I know that," she replied stepped away from him.  "I also know what you're going to say."

"Yeah, and what would that be?"

"That you didn't help Sonny hold AJ down and ply him with Vodka," Emily answered.  "Am I right?"  Zander nodded tersely.  "Wanna hear something you weren't expecting?"

"Sure.  Enlighten me," he said not able to help the anger he felt.  Emily had thrown everything they were away because of lie without letting him even defend himself.  He couldn't help feeling resentful for that.

"I knew AJ was lying."

"What," Zander roared.

"Shush," Emily scolded and pulled him further from the house.

"Wait, you knew," Zander asked harshly once they were in the rose garden.

"Yes … but let me …"

"What," he asked cutting her off.  "Explain?  How can you explain walking away from us?"

"Because I was a walking, pardon the bad pun, target Zander.  I didn't want to get you hurt," she explained.  "And don't give that disbelieving look!  Sonny ordered Jason to handle something, some people, and after I got hurt Jason came to be with me.  When the bad guys figured out that they could use me to get to him they tried to take me. When they failed, Jase and I just started moving around.  The last thing I wanted was for them to use you to get to me.  Hello -- that's why you sent me away in the first place."

"That was different," he protested as he tried to take in the news.  She had never given up on him.  Did that mean she had never stopped loving him?  Could that even matter now that he was involved with Courtney.

"Please, it is so totally the same and you know it," Emily countered.

"I didn't leave you thinking that I didn't love you," Zander shot back.

"And I didn't want to leave you waiting for me.  There was no telling how long …"

"Did Sonny know?"

Emily was taken aback by the question.  "Not … not at first, not until later.  Jase had to set some stuff up -- stuff that he needed help from Sonny.  That's when Jason told him."

"And he didn't tell me," he asked feeling betrayed.

"You were already involved with someone," Emily said gently, though it sounded more like an accusation.  "Listen, I shouldn't have come."

"Then why did you?"

"I just had to face some old demons."

"Am I one of those," he asked hoping that he wasn't.

"No, of course not," Emily said touching his cheek.  "Some of my best memories are of you Zander.  I just wanted you to know that I knew you were a better person.  A person who wouldn't and couldn't do what AJ claimed."

"Em …"

"Don't," she said covering his mouth.  "It's too late anyhow.  Just know … know that I … I love you," she finished softly.  She kissed his cheek and then hurried away.

"I love you too," he whispered as he watched her run back toward the mansion.

~*~

Three Months Later Las Vegas, NV

"I never would have figured you for a Las Vegas wedding," Emily giggled as she clinked champagne glasses with Elizabeth and Jason.

"Me either, but it fits," Elizabeth said as her fingers locked with Jason's.

"Well it's good to see the two of you happy, and finally together," Emily said beaming at them.  "This is a wedding day that should have happened long ago."

"It's happened that's all that matters," Jason said bringing Elizabeth's hand up to his lips and kissing her wrist gently.

"Isn't he the sweetest," Elizabeth cooed, moon-eyed.  She couldn't remember feeling this happy.  It was like she was free, but held at the same time.  It was so hard to explain.

Emily rolled her eyes at her best friend.  She had a feeling that the honeymoon was gonna be a long one, like for the rest of their lives.  "How about another toast?" she asked pouring more bubbly.

"I do want to be sober for tonight," Elizabeth cracked but picked up the glass anyway.

"I'm sure Jase will find ways to sober you up," Emily said raising her eyebrows.

"Em," Elizabeth squealed.

"Umm," Jase said his cheeks slightly pink.  "You had a toast?"

"Right," Emily said lifting her flute high.  "To the wedding day that was …" she dropped off and waited for Elizabeth and Jason to finish.

"The best decision I ever made," Jason said while Elizabeth said concurrently, "The happiest day of my life."