Gene and Jax' big day was approaching quickly. Madra, being the Matron-of-Honor (God, how she hated being referred to as "matron"), was giving Gene a bridal shower. She invited family and closest friends. They were all gathered waiting for the guest of honor to arrive. Gene thought she was accompanying Tyler for a fitting on Madra's dress for the wedding. As they approached the front door, Tyler couldn't help but think that she genuinely liked this young woman. A hush came upon the room as they heard Gene being escorted to the parlor by the butler. As she appeared in the doorway, the group all shouted "Surprise!" and it was obvious to all that Gene truly was surprised. Madra came up to Gene, gave her a hug, and said "We've been waiting for you!" "Oh, Madra," said Gene, "I had no idea." Mrs. Jamison came and gave her a hug then and said, "That's the whole idea, dear." With that the group all laughed, and the festivities began.

As the guests were all finishing their cake, Jax' sister announced that it was time for Gene to open her presents. "Yay! Presents" shouted the twins, "we want to open presents!" Madra admonished the girls telling them that this was Gene's special day and that she would be opening the presents, but that they could help by bringing the present to her. That seemed to appease them and they happily went off to perform their "duties." Gene received so many beautiful presents. Gorgeous china, crystal, monogramed towels, bedding, etc. There were many "oohs and ahhs" as she opened Tyler's present. Tyler had designed and created a beautiful white lace teddy for Gene's wedding night. "Oh, Tyler, this is just stunning," said Gene, but all she could think about was the fact that it just might not fit her on her wedding night. Madra thought to herself, I must get Tyler to design one of those for me!

Brianne had been sitting near Glynis and was waiting for her opportunity to speak with her. She almost felt sorry for her. She seemed so quiet and withdrawn, but it was her own fault, thought Brianne. She was stupid and brought this upon herself! Reaching over, she gently touched Glynis' arm and whispered in her ear, "Oh, Glynis, I hope you're feeling better. I noticed that you hardly touched your meal tonight and you look a little pale to me. Is there anything I can do to help? You know, I have a lot of experience with children....I am the nanny, after all." Glynis thought she would faint! Her face turned as red as her sweater and she felt the room spin. She couldn't possibly know, she thought. Madra would never tell her!

It was time for photos, and Madra and Gene were getting their photos taken with the girls. The girls were going to be the flower girls and they were very excited about it. However, the evening proved to be a little much for them, and little Emma fell asleep on Gene's lap.

~ * * * ~

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Jax was looking over a catalog while Gene was at the shower. He missed her and couldn't wait for her to come home. He noticed that she was acting a little strangely lately, but that was probably because she was getting nervous as the wedding approached. He jokingly told her that he would whisk her away on his horse and they could ride off into the sunset together and skip the formal wedding. She was not amused. He assured her that he was joking and she just smiled at him. Actually, he really was looking forward to the wedding. He had the wedding rings all purchased and the tickets ready for their departure for their honeymoon! He planned on giving Gene a honeymoon she would never forget! She told him how much she had always wanted to go to Italy, so Italy it was! Just the thought of Gene made Jax all warm and happy ~ he couldn't believe how she made him feel. He had never felt like this about anyone before. Oh, yes, he had the pick of any woman he wanted. They were all eager to be with him and he knew it. But, he had never met anyone that made him want to stay. Gene is the first woman I can truly say that I love and I won't let her get away. I hope she know how much I love her..... The ringing of the telephone broke his thoughts. He picked up the receiver and said, "Hello." There appeared to be no one on the other end. But, he thought he heard someone breathing.... "Hello?" he said again, "who is this? Hello?" Then the line went dead. Wrong number, he thought to himself.

To Be Continued.....