Alexis stood with Jax outside the Jacks family home waiting for his parents to open the door and wondering why on earth she had come. She had spent the entire trip feeling nauseous and trying to hide this fact from Jax.
"Jax darling, and Alexis what a wonderful surprise," Lady Jane sounded genuinely pleased to see them both when she opened the door. "John darling come see who Jax has brought with him."
"You didn't tell your parents I was coming?" Alexis whispered furiously at Jax.
"I thought it would be a nice surprise, relax they're thrilled to see you." As if to prove his point John came into the room and quickly gave Alexis a fatherly hug.
"So dear, tell us how you're doing." Lady Jane invited while John led her over to the couch and away from Jax.
"Hey what about me, your son, remember?"
"Oh hush, we haven't seen Alexis in ages." His mother scolded, sitting down beside John. Alexis had forgotten how wonderful it felt to be a part of the Jacks family and she quickly began to relax. Jax watched from the other side of the room. So far things were going perfectly.
"Well I know you don't like being ignored but it would be easier not to ignore you if you came out from hiding." John teased his son. Jax came over to where his family was gathered and joined Alexis on the couch, lightly draping his arm over her shoulder. This did not go unnoticed by Lady Jane or by Alexis who began to ramble nervously.
"I was just telling your parents about Kristina and how you found her for me."
"Well what else are ex-husbands for than to find long-lost-presumed-dead little sisters for their ex-wives?"
"I can think of a few other things," Alexis mused and then blushed furiously when she realized the implications of her words. Jax could not help but laugh at the expression on her face. Alexis quickly tried to explain herself to his parents. "He lifts boxes and stuff for me, I mean, he comes in handy for the physical stuff, I mean..." Oh God could she dig herself in any deeper. She anxiously looked over at Jax but he was in the midst of laughing hysterically and therefore not much help. John took pity on her and changed the subject unknowingly making the whole thing worse.
"How were your holidays dear? Did you do anything special to ring in the New Year?" Alexis blushed to an even deeper shade of red and Jax continued laughing. Lady Jane finally decided to rescue Alexis by taking her took upstairs to see the guestroom, leaving Jax and his father alone.
"So son how are things going?"
"Not bad but I have a feeling they're going to be getting a lot better," Jax grinned.
"Alexis looks well," John stated with deceptive casualness.
"Yes she does."
"Why you ever divorced that woman is beyond me."
"I was an idiot." Jax replied deciding he had to tell someone how he felt about Alexis.
"No, maybe just a little blind where your true feelings are concerned but I have a feeling you've seen the light."
"Dad how did you know..."
"That you're in love with Alexis? I'm sorry son but it's fairly obvious to anyone who knows you."
"It doesn't appear that obvious to her." Jax stated sullenly.
"Well then why don't you tell her?" John asked with the obvious logic that only a parent could come up with.
"The room is beautiful Lady Jane, thank you."
"I'm glad you like it dear."
"I'm sorry that you didn't have anytime to prepare, I thought Jax had told you I was coming."
"Alexis you're family, we're always happy to see you whether its expected or not."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me, I should be thanking you." Lady Jane continued as she walked from the room, "I don't know what you've done but I haven't seen my son this happy in a long time."
The next couple days passed in a fluffy of activity, as everyone got ready for the upcoming party. Alexis had been pretending to sleep in until almost noon every day, which was about the time her morning sickness was usually under control. Thankfully Jax accepted her new schedule as the result of being overworked before coming.
"She awakes, and its only 11," Jax teased when she came downstairs on the day of the party.
"Oh leave her alone son the poor girl works too hard, she deserves a vacation." John reprimanded. "Are you feeling all right dear?" he added taking in her rather wane appearance.
"Yes I'm fine." Alexis stated trying her best to sound convincing.
"Are you sure?" Jax asked becoming worried.
"Of course she's fine Jax," Lady Jane said as she came out of the kitchen with a large mug in hand. "Why don't you go with your father to see that the men are putting the tables and chairs in the right places for the party."
"Well I guess we've been dismissed." John said leading Jax out of the room.
"Here you go, try this." Lady Jane said offering Alexis the mug. Alexis took it and sat down on the couch before taking a sip.
"Mmm its delicious," Alexis stated, "What is it?"
"An old family recipe, it alleviates morning sickness. I don't know what I would have done without it when I was pregnant with Jax." Alexis nearly spilt the contents of the mug as Lady Jane continued. "It wasn't quite so bad with Jerry, but he made up for that later in life," she laughed.
"How did you...?"
"Know you were pregnant? It wasn't that difficult to figure out dear." She spoke gently. I'm surprised Jax hasn't realized yet, but then men can be a little dense at times. So why haven't you told my son that he's going to be a father?"
"I am planning on telling him, I just haven't found the right time."
"Anytime is the right time for good news."
"That's just it. I'm not exactly sure that he's going to be happy about this." Lady Jane sat quietly allowing Alexis to continue. "This wasn't exactly planned and well we're not really together, so I'm just not sure what to do."
"You have to tell him, he's going to be thrilled. You may not have realized this Alexis but my son is in love with you, I think he has been for quite awhile."
"Did he tell you that?" Alexis asked hopefully.
"He didn't have to, I know my son." Alexis wanted to believe her but she was very aware of the biases involved and she just couldn't bring herself to do it.
"I will tell him. I promise, after the party." She wanted to have one more night with him before he knew. She wanted to pretend, just for tonight.