The Language of Longing – By Nicole R

Watching her sleep, I still find it so hard to believe that she’s safe and we’re going to be together.

 

Reaching over to the table for some reading material to keep myself awake, I freeze at the cover of the first magazine.

 

It was a picture of two lovely girls, one dressed in gold and the other in ice blue.

 

That photo was taken during Samantha’s introduction to the press as the new face for Countess Wilhelmina cosmetics. Feeling foolish at my reaction of fear, considering I already knew just how the story ends, I pick it up and begin to read.

 

*~*~*~*

“Sam?”

 

She turned around and smiled as her fiancé came to her side. “Hi honey.”

 

Commander Roman Brady wrapped his arms around her and vowed never to let her go again. “Are you ready to go home?”

She nodded. “I’m ready to go anywhere, as long as you’re with me.”

 

He kissed her forehead, being careful not to harm her still healing wounds. “That’s a deal.”

 

As he helped her into her wheelchair, Samantha looked up and he smiled. “I’ll take you to her.”

 

She grinned. “I just need to see.”

 

Roman knelt down and shook his head. “You don’t ever have to explain honey.”

 

Sam nodded. “Yes I do. Roman, I pushed her away and yet here she stayed and she was willing to die to protect me. Roman, she fought the killer..”

 

Roman pinned her face in his hands.

 

“Samantha Emily Evans, Marlena adores you and I’ll admit that yeah you’ve been a bitch when it comes to her. HOWEVER, Marlena loved you enough to help with this and sadly we came to late to protect her. But she will live and you’ll get the chance to make it right with her.”

Sam looked uncertain. “I hope so.”

 

He kissed her gently. “I KNOW so.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

He leaned against the hospital rail and smiled as he played with Marlena’s hair.

 

“It’s going to be okay… when you open those beautiful eyes and smile at me… I have so much to say to you, you’re going to wish I’d shut my mouth.”

 

She didn’t move, only the beeping of the machines giving him any signal that she was still fighting.

 

Closing his eyes, John remembered the carnage that he and Roman burst in on, followed by Bo and Abe.

 

The fact that she survived that just proved to him that she truly was a little tiger.

 

“MY little tiger.” He rested his chin on his arm and watched her intently.

 

“When you wake up, I’ll be here.”

 

When Samantha Emily and Marlena Serena Evans were 2, the twin girls were described by those who knew them as the “Fighter and the Dreamer.”

 

Sam fought everything and everyone while Marlena had a grace around her that made people do a double take.

As they grew, they went their separate ways.

 

Samantha into modeling while Marlena became a psychiatrist.

 

They had no way of knowing that their professions were going to be the key to bringing a killer to justice and healing the rift that Samantha had created when they were in their teens.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“In local news, the Slasher struck again. Bringing a total count of victims to 20.”

 

Rolling her shoulders, Samantha Evans reached for the remote and shut the television off. Bringing her watch up to see the time, she felt the knife at her throat.

 

“Should have left the news on BITCH… count’s going to go up to 21 by the end of tonight.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Marlena Evans had been on her feet for nearly 24 hours and there was only one SOLID thought left in her mind.

 

“BED!”

 

That was what was leading her through the door of her penthouse, leading her through dropping her layers of clothes down the hall, not CARING that she was going to have to pick up the aforementioned clothes.

 

She was just laying her head on the pillow when the phone rang.

 

Fighting the urge to let the machine pick it up, she counted to ten in the hopes that the whine would disappear from her voice. “I hope you know what time it is.”

 

“Marley…”

 

Sitting up, she gave the lamp switch a smack. Wincing as the room filled with light.

 

“Sam?”

 

Her voice was almost childlike. “It hurts.”

 

“What hurts?” Marlena rolled her neck and heard it pop.

 

“He hurt me Marley.”

 

Disoriented, Marlena spoke. “I thought you said Roman was on stakeout tonight?”

 

“Not Roman … the blade glowed in the dark Marley.”

 

“Blade? Oh no.” Marlena was awake. “Sam, you should have called 911.”

 

She was slipping down further. “Oh no … I wanted you Marley.”

 

“Typical, she could be dying and she wants me to fix this.”

 

She felt the tears wanting to flow, tickling her eyelashes.

 

“Honey, hang on. I’m going to call Roman and the police. Don’t leave me.”

 

“It hurts..”

 

“I know it does, but please Sami.”

 

There was silence and Marlena screamed. “SAMANTHA!”

 

“Don’t yell…”

 

That was all Marlena needed to hear as she ran to grab jeans and a T-shirt, hoping that Samantha would still be there when she got there.

 

*~*~*~*

 

The blue eyes searched the room with an almost military precision.

 

“Boss?”

 

He shook his head. “It’s got to be here.”

 

The young man shook his head. “Sir, we’ve searched the whole crime scene. There’s NO white rose here. We have to face facts. This victim wasn’t one of the White Rose Killer’s.”

“Her NAME is Samantha.”

 

John turned around and nearly choked as Abe Carver stepped forward.

“Marlena, you shouldn’t be here.”

 

She turned her hazel eyes to Abe. “Samantha was hurt, where would you have me be Abe?”

John blinked. “I didn’t know she had an identical twin.”

“Mirror.”

 

He raised an eyebrow. “Pardon me?”

 

“We’re Mirror Identical Twins.” Marlena pointed to the mirror. “Sticker on the mirror.”

He turned and cringed. “She’s #21.”

 

Rather than leave his calling card, he placed a white rose sticker on the ornate mirror on the other side of the living room.

Marlena began to look wildly around, causing Abe to ask worriedly.

“Marlena?”

 

She bolted out of the apartment and Abe called to John. “Go after her.”

He looked at his friend, a look of disbelief in his eyes. “You want me to what?”

 

Abe shut his eyes. “Roman’s on his way here. Considering your last blow out, do you really want to be here when he learns about the savagery done to his fiancée?”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Let me take you to the hospital.”

 

She looked up. “No, I’m fine.” Standing up, she proved herself wrong.

“Try this again. Let me take you to the hospital.”

 

The hazel eyes grew defiant. “I suggest YOU go find who butchered my sister!” He knelt to her eye level. “I suggest that you act human and let someone take you to her before.” “Before what?”

 

“Before you regret spending precious moments arguing with someone you just met and who only wants to help.” They turned to find Bo Brady watching them. “Marlena, let him take you please.” Reluctantly, she stood up and Bo turned to John.

 

“They’ve taken her to University Hospital.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

They came off the elevator to find half of Salem waiting for word, or at least to an overtired and heartsick Marlena, it FELT like it.

Caroline Brady came and took Marlena away with her, leaving John to face off with his co-worker and long time rival, Roman Brady.

“Why the hell are you here?”

 

John glanced to the lounge where Marlena was sitting amongst friends.

 

“I brought Marlena.”

 

Bo and Abe came off the elevator just in time to issue a warning. “Not the place guys.”

 

John checked his watch. “The scene secured?”

 

Bo nodded. “Yep, they were just wrapping up when we came.”

 

Abe glanced at Marlena. “Any word?”

 

Roman shook his head. “No.”

 

As they began to close ranks around Roman, John headed for the elevator.

 

He thought no one saw him leaving, but a pair of hazel eyes followed his every move.

 

The images still haunted him, years after the fact.

 

Coming home and finding the apartment in ruin, Trisha lying face down in their bedroom.

 

Even now, he couldn’t get around the fact that such a tiny woman could lose that much blood.

That was why he had been assigned to the White Rose case.

 

Thanks to trying to hold Trisha together in a futile attempt to keep pressure on her wounds until help arrived, John had seen too much and knew too much, and cried too little.

 

That was why he felt so deeply about this case.

 

That was also why he was sitting in the chapel, praying to anyone who’d hear his pleas.

“There’s no one here.”

 

He turned around and found Marlena standing in the doorway.

 

“He never hears when people pray. How else do you explain so much heartache, so much sadness and needless suffering?”

John looked at his hands. “Someone has to keep you in a job?”

 

Looking up, he saw her expression and he quickly apologized.

She stood up. “Forget I came here.”

 

He caught her hand. “No, please stay.”

 

She looked reluctant and he pulled her gently down to the bench.

 

“I came here because of someone … something from my past.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

The scream of rage was something that verged almost on the primal.

 

He reached for the remote and going from channel to channel only served to increase his anger.

 

She escaped this one, but there wouldn’t be any second chances…

 

*~*~*~*

 

Marlena and John returned to the family in time to see the doctor coming out of surgery.

“Robert, how is she?”

 

He turned to his friend and shook his head. “Marlena, it doesn’t look good.” Roman let out a hiss of pain. “We managed to repair the damage, but with the blood loss.”

 

Marlena looked at Roman then the doctor. “Thanks Rob. The one thing I know with certainty is that Samantha is a fighter. She’s going to need that for this battle.”

 

Once he said he wanted to check on Sam in recovery, Marlena turned to John.

“Would you take me home?”

 

Roman spoke. “Marlena, I can take you.”

 

She shook her head. “I’d rather you didn’t. Your place is with Sam.”

Bo spoke up. “That’s right.”

 

Marlena nodded. “It will be okay Roman. Honest.”

 

As they left, Roman promised that he would call her the moment Sam woke up.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“So why would a beautiful woman like your sister want to take up with a beast like Brady?”

Marlena choked on her drink. “Because she loves him?”

 

John waved a hand, dismissing the idea. “Nah, try another one.”

 

Marlena began to laugh. “Yeah, I know love to you cops is a foreign concept.”

He turned into the Building’s parking lot. “Okay, let’s go.

”

She blinked. “Excuse me?”

 

“Upstairs.”

 

She shook her head. “Don’t believe in small talk much Commander?”

 

He reached over and unlocked her door. “I want to check your apartment before I leave you.”

Rolling her eyes, Marlena got out and waited for him to join her, muttering under her breath.

 

“And I thought Roman with Sam was bad.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“So may I go to bed now Uncle John?”

 

He turned around and her expression changed to one of pure innocence.

 

“I’m sorry, having been up close to two days straight is not doing me a thing.”

 

He nodded. “Amazes me how you doctors can do that.”

 

She blinked. “Amazes you, scares me.”

 

He checked his watch. “Go to bed Doctor, I’ll stay here until you wake up.”

That caused her eyes to widen. “Oh no you’re not!”

 

He nodded. “I go back to the hospital or the station and I’ll have Roman, Bo and Abe down my back and I don’t like Roman enough to want that. So please just go to bed.”

 

Counting to 10, she walked down the hall.

 

John watched her go with a smile. “Physician, heal thyself.”

 

“So?”

She peered up through her bangs. “So what?”

Laura grinned. “How’s life with your bodyguard?”

 

She groaned. “Does the term dragged through a hedge backwards mean anything?”

Laura sat her purse down. “Marlena, he’s gorgeous.”

 

Marlena leaned forward. “So’s my dentist, but he knows he has limits.”

She grinned. “Let me take you to lunch.”

Marlena shook her head. “Sounds wonderful.”

 

As the girls headed for the door and as if by magic, John appeared. “Oh not again.”

She turned and went back inside, followed by a confused Laura and an amused John.

“You know the drill Marlena.”

 

“Yeah I know the drill Sarge, you’ve drilled it into me for weeks.”

 

She sat on the edge of her desk, allowing her free leg to swing.

 

“Tell you what, YOU give me free time for an hour and I’ll let you take out Laura for lunch.”

Catching the look in her friend’s eyes, Laura began to lead the protesting John away.

 

Marlena propped her chin on her hand and waved as he glanced back at her. “Enjoy!”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Is she always this hard?”

Laura shook her head. “No, but you need to understand.”

 

He took a drink of his coffee. “Laura, I do. Her sister’s been brutally attacked and while there hasn’t been another attack or murder since, there IS the chance that the killer would come after Sam’s twin.”

 

Laura was silent, carefully choosing the words she would say next.

“When it comes to her twin … despite their differences, Marlena allows her love for Samantha to blind her.”

John raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

 

Laura looked at him with unshakable eyes. “I mean Samantha has not been the most pristine human being. Not saying that could be the reason why she was attacked because it’s probably not. HOWEVER, she’s run Marlena ragged and every time she’s knocked her down, Marlena’s come back with the typical “Oh please ma’am, I’d like some more beatings.”

John shook his head. “Family do that for each other.”

 

“Family do that for each other.” Laura mimicked him. “Not that duo. Marlena gives with her whole heart while Samantha takes and doesn’t look back.”

 

*~*~*~*

“Hey Blondie.”

 

She looked up and her smile faded. “Sam?”

Roman held up his hands. “Not what you think.”

She squinted. “She’s alright?”

 

He nodded. “As alright as someone can be with as many wounds as she has.” He sat down. “There’s no change. While she’s passed the first 48 hours, she’s still unconscious.”

 

Marlena lowered her head. “Roman, she’s not going to be alright.”

His eyes flashed fire. “What do you mean? Of course she is. You heard Robert, she’s alive.”

Marlena’s eyes grew shadowed. “Roman, Samantha’s self-confidence was her beauty. It’s gone with all of those scars. She’s NOT going to be alright.”

 

He came and laid his hand on hers. “With us beside her all the way, she will be.”

Marlena felt tears well up. “It’s not fair Roman.”

He nodded and hugged her. “I know that but maybe this is for the best.”

“Marlena?”

 

They came apart to find Dr. Horton standing there watching them. “Hi Tom. Roman gave me the news about Sam. No news is good news huh?”

 

He smiled. “Yes. But I came to remind you of something else.”

She blinked. “What?”

 

“The gala. It’s tomorrow and Alice wanted me to ask you with everything going on, did you still wish to attend?”

She made a face. “I can’t Tom. It wouldn’t be fair to Sam to have me being out and seen.”

Roman turned to her. “Marlena, you can’t stop living just because of Sam. You know that she wouldn’t want that for you.”

Marlena raised an eyebrow. “Right …”

 

“I actually think it is a good idea that you attend Marlena.”

They turned to find Laura and John in the doorway. “You do?”

John came in and stood inches away from her. “You need to be seen and as much as it pains me to admit, Roman is right. You can’t stop living because your sister is so ill.”

 

She blinked. “I’m not.”

 

John noticed that her hands were in tiny fists as she turned to face Roman. “You’re just as bad as Sam, pushing me to the point where all I can see is that I need to push back, but I can’t.”

 

She grabbed her things and ran out.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Why do you do this to me?”

She came in, closing the door as she came to sit beside her sister.

“Sam, it was always you and I can’t figure out who I am.”

 

She laid her things on the side table. “All my life it was how do I make Sam happy and now when people worry about me, all I can see is that their doing it for you.”

“You’re wrong Doc.”

 

She turned around. “John, why are you here?”

“Because I know you need a friend.”

 

She turned back to face Sam. “Well then FRIEND, you can take me to the Hospital Ball.”

Picking up her sister’s hand, Marlena said a quick prayer.

“I just hope I don’t regret this.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Stop FUSSING!”

 

“Who died and made you my mother?”

 

He held up his hands. “Next time I’ll warm them before I offer to help you with a necklace.”

She turned to face him. “My fault for snapping. A bad trait.”

He stepped away as if he’d been hit. “She APOLOGIZED!”

 

She shook her head. “I am wrong from time to time, as surprising as THAT is for you to hear.”

He smiled. “Without killing you with shock. Lady, you’re beautiful.”

She instinctively smoothed the folds of her skirt. “Thank you.”

 

He admired the soft iridescent purple taffeta ball gown. “It was made for you.”

Marlena grinned. “Do you want to see the reason why I bought it?”

 

As he stepped away, she gently began to swing her hips. “If you listen to it, the swishing sounds like a bell.”

He quickly latched on to her hand. “Let’s go.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

He watched them leaving the apartment building, the anger bubbling inside him like a volcano as he remembered seeing her at the hospital, wanting word on the status of her sister.

 

He messed up with the one but he made a vow, he would get the other one.

 

*~*~*~*

 

John could barely keep his eyes on Marlena, it was like watching a humming bird fly.

Finally as she drifted past him talking to Maggie, she grabbed ahold of him.

“Dance with me.”

 

Silent, he allowed her to pull him onto the dance floor.

“Why?”

 

She blinked and her soft perfume washed over him making it hard for him to hear or see anything other than her in front of him.

 

“Because I’m tired of listening to the board of directors. I just want to be away from all that.”

He found himself drowning in her hazel eyes and soundlessly nodded.

 

Marlena listened to the band’s version of “Could I have this kiss forever” and a smile came across her face.

“Have you ever been propositioned before?”

 

John raised an eyebrow. “Come again?”

 

She yanked him into an alcove. “Kiss me please and I’ll explain later.”

 

John took her in his arms just as a man went by. Despite it feeling too perfect, John stepped away. “I’m not going to be your substitute.”

She looked confused. “You’re not.”

 

He gestured towards the figure walking away. “Then who’s that?”

She glanced away briefly. “My former fiance.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Well goldilocks, its you and me tonight.”

 

He leaned forward. “How do I go about leaving a clue that even your friends at the Salem PD could figure out?”

He ran his hand through her hair. “Such a shame you screamed so much, we could have had fun.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“This was NOT how I figured I’d be spending my late night hours.”

Marlena grinned. “Answer the question.”

 

John growled. “No I don’t have an 8, go fish and answer MINE.”

 

Marlena shrugged, adjusting her cards. “What’s there to answer …”

 

John leaned forward. “Try why him and why you put cheese on your popcorn?”

 

She grinned. “It tastes good and Bill was my first friend here in Salem. It was easy and it felt right at the time.”

He laid a card down and instantly regretted it. “No, Oh no you don’t. Once down.”

He sat back in the chair as she sorted her cards and did a weird victory bounce. “I WIN!”

As he got up to stretch, his cell phone rang.

 

“We’re on our way, double the guards and call Commander Brady.”

Yanking on Marlena’s hand, John headed for the door.

 

“What is it?”

 

He answered in one word. “Samantha.”

 

“WHY WASN’T SHE PROTECTED!”

 

Marlena glared at her future brother in law. “YOU promised!”

Roman slammed his fist. “Don’t yell at me!”

 

She drew herself up to her full height and let it rip.

 

“Well I’d yell at the killer but guess what bright boy, he AINT here!”

 

John stayed silent, re-reading the report given by the guard.

 

“Changed over at 10, checked on patient and found white roses beside bed. Noticed that there was a puddle of blood that had seeped through the sheets. Called the nurse and reconnected the I.V.”

 

He glanced at Marlena, who again had her hands in tight fists and was ready to hurt someone, anyone..

Laying the file down, he reached for her hand and took her out of the room.

 

*~*~*~*

He leaned against her desk. “Are you alright now?”

She glared at him. “Guess not.”

 

She placed her hands on the arms of her chair. “I don’t understand. How in the hell could someone just waltz into a guarded hospital room and do what he did?”

 

John shrugged. “I’ve been a policeman for years and I’m still never surprised about the depths of the criminal mind.”

He checked his watch. “Marlena can I ask you something?”

She nodded. “You can ask me anything.”

 

He reached over and took her hand in his. “What’s with the fists?”

She tried to pull her hand away, trapping herself in the lure of his eyes. “Let go please.”

He shook his head. “Tell me Doc.”

 

She stepped forward and with her free hand, gently began to trace his face. “I’m scared.”

“Don’t be.” He slid his hand around her waist. “Trust me.”

 

She sighed and seemed to be as big as she was. “I do trust you, but I make fists when I’m scared.”

As her eyes grew bigger, she watched him bring one fist then the other to his lips.

“This can’t be happening.” She shook her head. “I can’t.”

 

He lifted his eyes to her. “It can happen, just trust it.”

He cupped her chin and claimed her lips.

 

Her hands acted on their own will, one coming to rest in his hair the other coming to rest in the small of his back.

“No … not here.” She pulled away, feeling dizzy and unsure. “John, I’m so sorry, but I can’t do this.”

 

He smiled and laid his hand against her cheek, watching her reaction of turning her face so that her lips grazed the center of his palm.

“You’re going to learn lady that when it comes to something I KNOW that I want, I have the patience of a Saint.”

She cracked a smile. “You’re going to learn that when it comes to patience, I don’t have any.”

 

He pulled her to him and inhaled the wild flower scent of her hair. “I promise you I’m going to keep you safe, You AND Samantha.”

She smiled and ran her fingertips along his jaw. “Promises like that are best left unspoken.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

John was reading the file he had begun on the twins.

Marlena followed a “normal” route, graduating from medical school and becoming engaged to William Horton, son of the chief of staff Thomas Horton.

 

Samantha had become a model at 18 and shooting up the ranks to become one of the best.

But somewhere along the way, she and Marlena had a falling out and the girls remained apart until two years ago when Marlena came to University Hospital, and they had become engaged to Commander Roman Brady and Dr. William Horton.

He was so engrossed in the file that he didn’t see Abe Carver watching him.

“Any luck?”

 

He looked up. “No … what?”

 

Abe came and closed the door. “The file, any luck while reading it?”

John closed it. “No, it just explains the twins history until now.”

 

Abe stretched as he sat down in the chair. “Bo is relieving me from watching the tapes. I was going cross eyed.”

John took a drink of his coffee while Abe watched him. “So want to tell your friend.”

 

He lowered the cup. “Tell you what?”

 

“What you were doing groping the pretty psychiatrist?”

 

John smiled. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

 

“No, but you are living in her Penthouse?”

 

John shook his head. “No, but am going to go live with her to make sure she’s watched 24-7.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Marlena was sleeping on the couch when the answering machine flicked on.

 

“Hi you’ve reached me, but I’m not here.. Want to leave me a message, wait for the beep.”

 

There was silence for a couple of moments then the voice, obviously distorted came over the speaker.

“Rockabye Marley, on the treetop…When the knife cuts the blood flow will rock…”

 

*~*~*~*

 

It was as if even the wind was in on wanting her scared out of her mind.

She sat smack in the center of the sofa, shaking as she stared at the security panel while clutching the cordless phone.

At yet another flash of thunder, she began to dial the phone.

 

“Hi you’ve reached Commander John Black. I’m either away from the phone or from my desk. Leave me your message at the tone.”

Beginning to hear creaks in the penthouse, she threw the phone down and grabbed her purse, leaving the penthouse.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Damn it!”

John hung up the phone and checked his watch. “Girl get off that damned phone!”

 

A burst of thunder set the hairs on the back of his neck off and he suddenly thought of her.

“Hang on Doc.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

The back of her head hurt and the concrete against her cheek was so cold.

She tried to remember what had gone on and felt like she was going to be sick.

“I’m going to really enjoy our time together, the first of many more to come.”

She fought the nausea as the knife’s side ran across the nape of her neck. “You and I are going to take things slow before I kill you. I won’t screw up as I did with her.”

 

“Who?”

 

He made a clucking sound. “Marlena, you know who I mean. I was talking about our former little doll, your sister Sam.”

Former little doll.. she heard someone say that about Sam once before.

Why couldn’t she remember?

 

Everything was on fire as she tried to move but she froze mid-way as she heard the footsteps coming closer.

“He’s back, oh god he said if I stayed still he’d not be back. John where are you.”

 

She saw that she was close to a car and so remembering the lecture that Roman had given both she and Sam, she rolled underneath.

Curling tightly to avoid being seen, she couldn’t stop shaking. “Who is that?”

“John, her car is still here.”

 

She began to cry as she heard John panic over the state of her car. “He’s been here.”

“Oh you got that right bright eyes.”

 

She stuffed her fist to her mouth to get herself under control.

She saw a pair of feet come close to her and she shot her hand out.

“WHAT THE!”

Abe knelt down and froze when he saw just who the hand belonged to.

“JOHN!”

 

He got there just as Abe helped Marlena get out from under the car.

“He…”

 

As he engulfed her in a hug, Marlena began to spill about the ordeal she had just undergone.

“He’s coming back.”

 

Planting a kiss on her hair, John shook his head as he looked at Abe over Marlena’s head.

“I’ll kill him first honey, he won’t get near you again. EITHER of you.”

It was as if she was soulless, sitting on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her.

She watched everyone buzzing around her, Laura and Maggie sitting with her on the couch, but yet she couldn’t get herself focused on the world around her, but yet she felt so detached.

“Honey, would you like another cup of tea?”

 

Marlena lifted tearfilled eyes to her friend and shook her head no.

“Want to go change into some pajamas?”

 

Again she shook her head no, looking so small and helpless that it tore her friends apart, wanting to help her but not knowing how.

Worried for her, Maggie got up and went to where John, Roman and Abe were.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but John can I speak with you for a moment?”

“Sure Maggie.” Excusing them, he went with her into the kitchen.

“What is it?”

 

She looked down for a moment. “I think we need to get Bill here to see Marlena.”

John shook his head. “I don’t know.”

 

Maggie raised an eyebrow. “She needs help John. I’ve NEVER seen her like this.”

A piteous cry broke the stalemate, sending them rushing back out to the other room.

Laura was cradling her, crooning to her as if a mother to a small child.

“Maggie, call Bill and get my bag from the door.”

 

Handing over the bag to Laura, Maggie did as requested while Laura looked at John. “I need you to hold her.”

Sensing what was coming, Marlena’s head shot up. “Laura I don’t WANT it.”

They locked eyes. “Honey, please. It’s going to make you sleep.”

 

Marlena shook her head and glanced to John, as if knowing he’d support her.

“Please, don’t make me. I don’t want to sleep, I’ll dream and I can’t dream … I can’t relive it.”

John was about to speak when Laura slipped the needle into Marlena’s arm.

“Why did you do that?”

 

Laura looked every inch the worried friend. “Because you need to rest.”

As she drifted away, she heard a knock at the door and Bill’s voice.

 

*~*~*~*

 

She was walking through the underground parking lot when she felt a hand come out of nowhere and cover her mouth at the same time a sharp pain cracked the back of her neck.

 

She began to fall while the darkness claimed her.

 

She felt a heavy weight settle on her back, grinding her face into the gravel and she tried to wriggle but her head was rudely snapped back and the knife came to her throat.

“NO!”

She sat bolt upright, finding it hard to breathe as she looked around the room and realized she was here safe in her own home.

Looking down at the bed sheets, she realized she was dressed in her pajamas.

Memories of what Laura did came back and she realized that explained the vividness of her dreams, plus how fuzzy she felt now.

She always tried to avoid medications to help her sleep, preferring to either read or a bath. Which is why she fought so hard for not having the sedation.

Checking the time, she slipped on her slippers and crept out of her room.

 

*~*~*~*

 

After Maggie and Laura got her safely into bed, John ushered everyone out of the apartment.

“What about you?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Sorry Roman, I get to stay.”

Once they were gone, he propped himself on the couch but had fallen asleep mere moments later.

He was still there in that position when Marlena came out.

Raising an eyebrow, she stood at the edge of the sofa and admired the way he looked when he slept.

Having the sudden urge to run her hands over his chest, she came around the side of the sofa and knelt down.

Her fingers were inches from his jaw when he woke up.

“Doc?”

She shook her head. “I can’t sleep.”

He sat up so that they were eye to eye. “Nightmares?”

She nodded, biting slightly on her lip. “Laura’s intention was good, but they wore off and I can’t do this.”

He nodded and brushed her hair from her face. “You can and I’ll tell you why.”

He stood up and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s go.”

She blinked. “What?”

“Back to your room.”

She shook her head. “Uh huh, I had a nightmare Commander. It’s not an offer to seduce me.”

He twirled her. “Let’s go.”

As he watched, she climbed back into bed.  “Now what?”

To her surprise, he joined her. “Now come here.”

She swatted at him. “I TOLD you!”

He reached for her and cradled her close to him. “Oh for pete’s sake.”

“Have you practised this method of calming hysterical women before?” She lifted her head to peek at him.

He grinned. “Nope, your my first.”

She let out a snort. “Yeah right … more like first one today.”

He smiled and began to play with her hair. “I want you to close your eyes and drift back to sleep.”

She shook her head. “John, I can’t. I TOLD you!”

He gently laid a kiss on her forehead. “You can cause I’m telling you. I am not leaving. I’ll hold you all the way through.”

As she listened to his heart, she gave the last word. “Your arms are going to be so sore.”

He chuckled and inhaled the combination of orange and vanilla shampoo that she used.

“Good Night Gracie.”

“It’s not Gracie, it’s Marlena.”

He snuggled her closer. “Trust me, I know you.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

He didn’t know what time it was as he continued to stroke her hair and listen to her softly breathing.

He was so relieved that she was sleeping peaceful that he forgot the sensations of fear and worry when he couldn’t reach her and again when he saw the trashed car.

The sensation of calm was disrupted by her soft whimper.

“Doc?”

She smiled. “Please dance with me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because I want to feel your arms around me.”

Biting his lip as to not laugh, he looked at her. “I can’t dance.”

She shifted so that she was practically on top of him. “Oh it’s easy, it’s like whistling.”

He counted to ten, hoping she wouldn’t say it.

“You do know how to whistle don’t you John?”

“If I can’t beat her, might as well join her.” He looked down at his sleeping charge.

“Yeah I do. You put your lips together and blow.” He cupped her chin, lifting her face up to his. “Like this.”

Marlena’s eyes shot open as she realized what was going on.

Pushing at him, she looked shaky and John felt silly. “I’m sorry.”

She smiled and ran her fingers over his bare arm, watching his reaction. “I’m not.”

She climbed over so that she was sitting on his legs. “I’ve wanted you to do that since Abe helped me out from under the car.”

Rolling her back so that she was cradled in his arms, he laid his fingers on her lips.

“You mean that?”

She nodded with a smile, her eyes sparkling in the dim light of sunrise.

“Lady, when I thought that we had lost you.” He shook his head, feeling close to tears.”

“You haven’t lost me.” She moved his fingers to the top button of her pajama shirt.

“I’m here, your here and I think it’s safe to say that we both want this.”

Unable to speak, John could only nod as he began to undo her buttons, each one undone was followed by a kiss on the bare skin exposed.

Rising up, she pushed him off. “You want me to stop?”

She shook her head and pulled at her pajama top. “No, I want your hands on me and you’re just too slow!”

He smiled and pushed her back against the pillows. “Excuse me?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Newsflash … we’re a team now and she who is bossy gets her way.”

He kissed the hollow of her throat. “Doc, ever hear slow and steady wins the race?”

She slid her bare leg over his. “Nope, cause I don’t want to be slow and steady.”

His hands kneaded her breasts as his lips hovered at her ear. “What then do you want?”

Her hands slid over his bare back and came to rest on the waist band of his sweats.

“I want you.”

Her hips began to move out of instinct, trapping him inside her. “Well you have me.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Every bone in his body ached as John opened his eyes to find he was alone in a rather feminine delicate bedroom.

A bedroom belonging to his charge, who was nowhere in sight.

“Doc?”

Searching for his sweats and surprised that unlike her pajama shirt they weren’t in shreds, John pulled them on and began to search the penthouse.

“MARLENA!”

His eyes fell on a piece of paper taped to the answering machine. Detaching it, he began to read and he felt a rage coming over him.

“I’m going to beat you!” Crumpling it up, he ran to get dressed.

 

*~*~*~*

 

She was sitting quietly at the Java Cafe, reading a file when he came storming up to her.

“Why?”

She looked up and blinked. “Just because we made love, doesn’t mean that I need a Nanny to watch me. In case you didn’t notice Commander, I’m a big girl and CAN cross the street by myself.”

He leaned forward and the rage in his eyes was barely under control, sending chills of suspense through her. “I don’t believe you. Last night.”

She interrupted. “Was last night and it’s a whole new day and I WILL not let this maniac dictate to me what I can and can’t do so stop LECTURING me!”

He was about to speak again when she held up a hand. “Sit down.”

“No, I don’t think so.”

Marlena raised an eyebrow, her eyes growing equally as dark. “I said SIT DOWN!”

Before he could speak, she continued. “You’re causing a scene and I’d rather you sit down when I give you this.”

He ignored her. “Listen to me and listen good, Little Miss Pollyanna today’s a bright new day. Last night found me watching YOU try to sleep, being racked with nightmares over a near miss. Do you have ANY clue just how close you came last night? Doc, you may not be so lucky next time and trust me there IS going to be a next time …. IF you’re not careful.”

She glared across the table at him. “If you’re trying to scare me, congratulations. ”

He shook his head, the professional being replaced by the man who was falling in love. “I’m trying to make you see sense.”

Her hand was in a fist. “I don’t need to see sense. When I close my eyes, all I see is the concrete, all I HEAR is that voice and all I can think of is if I don’t fight and do as he says, I won’t end up like Sam.”

She felt tears welling up and she vainly attempted to brush them away.

“And to top it off, I had to go and fall into lust with a loud mouth cop.”

He blinked. “Pardon?”

She glared at him, reminding John of an angry kitten. “If you THINK I’m going to admit to the OTHER L word after your bully tactics, well you have another thing coming.”

She shot the gift across to him. “Open it you ignorant pig.”

He took the long package and opened it.

“Oh Doc.”

She smiled. “It’s nothing extravagent, so you don’t have to say you won’t accept it. BUT I wanted you to have a protector of your own, as you’ve become mine.”

John slipped from the velvet container, a silver St. Michael’s medal.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“You gave me this the day of our first fight.”

He laid it against the flower arrangement that he brought that morning.

“It’s Christmas. Did you know that?” He shook his head, feeling so utterly useless against the nameless foe who kept Marlena in the world all her own.

“I know you don’t know that.” He looked down at his hand that held hers and felt like lying down and crying.

“Lady, I can’t protect you anymore. Believe me that I want to more than anything in this world. But apparently, this is up to you now. Dr. Curtis and the rest of the team on your case can’t do any more. Medical science has no more answers.”

He brought her hand to his lips. “Marlena please come back to me.”

“Well?”

Roman glared at him from the doorway. “Well what?” He shook his head. “Black, do you have ANY clue what time or day it is?”

John paused and raised an eyebrow. “Saturday and it’s after 10.”

Samantha’s voice came from behind the door. “Roman for pete’s sake, let him in before he catches a cold!”

Roman counted to ten. “Can’t I keep him here?”

Pushing past him, she smiled at John. “Come in.”

Taking his jacket from him, she told him to go sit on the sofa.

He listened as she instructed Roman to go make a pot of tea. “And could you please bring my medicine?”

He nodded, kissing her cheek. “I’ll be right back.” He glared at John. “Don’t tire her out.”

Once Roman was gone, John raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want to spend the rest of your life with him?”

Sam smiled. “Yes I’m sure. Just as I’m sure that Marlena’s going to be alright.”

John’s sparkle faded. “I wish I was. Samantha, you didn’t see her when we found her.” His voice faded. “In all my years on the force, there had never been such carnage.”

“DOC!” He willed his voice to stay strong as he called out in the warehouse.

Then he saw her and his heart stopped, for she was lying face down in the middle of the floor, covered in blood.

As the others spread out to look for the assailant, John ran to her side.

Turning her over, he felt a rush of nausea as he saw what hell she had endured.

“I FOUND HER!”

He didn’t know where to start putting pressure on her wounds, there was that many. But he kept repeating to her over and over one thing.

“I love you till the moon and back Princess.”

Samantha laid her hand on John’s. “Roman told me what Marlena did, in drawing the killer out.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe that he would do such a thing. To both of us.” She looked up at him. “Did he ever say why he did this?”

Roman reappeared. “He did it because he was sick baby.”

“Don’t come any closer.”

Roman, John, Abe and Bo stood in shock at the man who had caused such carnage.

“Why did you do it?”

“Because I wanted her to hurt. Hurt as much as I do and have since the day she told me that our engagement was off.”

He lifted the knife and slowly drew it across his hand so that tiny drops of blood spattered against the floor.

“This is what my heart felt like each time I saw Marlena after she called off our wedding.”

He smiled and looked at Roman. “That’s why it was so easy to go after the pretty doll.”

John froze.  That had been the clue to Marlena’s realization she knew the killer.

Dr. William Horton had always referred to Samantha as the little doll.

“I never expected Marley to figure it out. But somehow she did.” His face contorted into a rage. “That bitch ruined my plans for everything.”

“That bitch realized that you were a sick son of a bitch who doesn’t deserve to live.”

Bill smiled. “I do, for you see I’m Dr. William Horton and I save lives.”

“That’s why you killed that prostitute, Karenna. You tried with Samantha and it looks like you succeeded with Marlena.”

Before John could react, Bill lifted the knife and ran for he and Roman.

The gun going off was like a cannon and when the smoke cleared, Bill was down.

“You’re going away for the rest of your life.”

Bill opened his eyes and shook his head. “I’m going to join Marley.”

Before they could stop him, he plunged the knife into his chest.

“John?”

He blinked and found Sam staring at him.  “It is over.”

John nodded. “Yeah it is. You’re alright and back on your feet. The SOB who harmed the three of you is dead. I’d just be able to put the cap on it if only.”

“If only she’d wake up?”

He nodded again. “That’s why I’m here.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Samantha looked at Roman as they stood just at Marlena’s door.

“It’s going to be okay Sam.”

She leaned in for a kiss and then went inside, leaving Roman to join back up with John, who stood by the nurse’s station.

“This has to work. Roman, I can’t lose my girl.”

Roman nodded. “You’re in the same spot I was in when I thought I’d lose Sam.” He suddenly made a face. “I want to know, what are your intentions towards Marlena.”

John’s eyes bugged out. “Pardon me?”

Roman glared at him. “You heard me. What’s the intentions for her. If you marry her and I marry Sam, we’re related and I can’t handle that. So whazzup sherlock?”

John stormed off as Roman started to laugh.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Hey Sleepy, it’s me.”

Samantha sat down in the chair beside Marlena’s bed and rested her chin on the arm that was on the hospital rail. With her other hand, she brushed the hair off of Marlena’s forehead.

“Marley mine, you saved me and now it’s time for me to help you.”

She reached into the bag she had beside her purse and pulled out a rather disheveled doll.

“I brought you Ruby.” She adjusted the doll’s skirt. “Remember when we were small and I was scared of the dark. You fought your own fear to bring me Ruby so I wasn’t scared.”

She bit her lip. “Marley, I’m so sorry for all the times I shut you out, making you go back alone in the dark.”

As she laid the doll in the crook of Marlena’s arm, she saw Marlena’s fingers move.

Sitting down again, Sam’s eyes were wide with shock. “Marley?”

Watching the face so like her own, Samantha watched as Marlena’s eyes began to open.

Stunned, she began to scream.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Oh get back here you big wuss.”

John spun around and pointed at Roman. “It’s none of your business just what my intentions towards Marlena. You should be watching your own back with Samantha. Just what in the hell is up with your caveman charlie routine anyways?”

Roman was about to speak when they heard Sam scream.

They looked at each other, and as they broke into a run they both agreed on one thing…

“We’ll finish this later!”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Roman hit the room first followed by John.

As John went around the other side of the bed, Roman asked Sam what was wrong.

“Marley!”

John looked down at the bed and broke into a huge grin.

Leaning over, he reached out a hand and smiled.

“Welcome home Sleeping Beauty.”

She continued to fight to open her eyes.

“I’m here and so are Sam and her lugnut fiance. We’re not going to leave you baby. It’s all over.”

The reward for all his patience, all his devotion was given with her wide eyes staring back at him.

Her throat hurt so bad, so her first words were scratchy.

“Sam?”

As her sister came into Marlena’s line of sight, she burst into tears.

Sam took her hand in her own and flashed an identical smile.

“Honey, it’s okay. I’m almost all healed and doing great.”

Marlena pouted, eyes welling up with tears.

“Doc?”

She looked at Roman and laid her hand on her throat.

“WATER?”

She nodded and began to cry.

“Black, I’m not her slave. You love her, YOU get her a pitcher of water.”

John came around and thumped him on the arm. “Gee Brady, just stay as sweet as you are!”

As he came back with the water, he poured a glass of it and brought it to Marlena.

Carefully he helped her sit up and take small sips of water.

The moment that Blue locked onto Hazel, Samantha knew they weren’t needed.

“We’ll be back tomorrow.”

John and Marlena both turned and smiled. “Thank you Sam.”

She grinned and yanked Roman. “Don’t mention it.”

Once they were gone and the door closed, John was up sitting on the side of the bed, facing her and with a shaking hand caressing her cheek. “You’re really awake.”

She smiled and a tear rolled down her cheek. “It’s really over?”

He nodded and came off the bed. “It is over.” He pulled the chair closer.

“The best thing, is that I got my Christmas Wish.”

She blinked. “You did?”

He kissed her hand, keeping it to his lips for a moment. “Uh huh.”

He smiled. “I got you back.”

She nodded and grew distant. “John?”

He was on alert. “What honey?”

She seemed hesitant and scared. “Will you hold me?”

He grinned and stood up. “Love, I will gladly hold you the rest of our lives and NOT complain.”

As he re-joined her on the bed, he carefully drew her to him and gently laid a kiss on the top of her head.

Wrapping his arms around her, he softly asked if that was alright.

She snuggled closer. “This is perfect.”

As they sat quietly talking over what she missed, his watch beeped.

He looked at it and then smiled. “Merry Christmas Doc.”

It was when she didn’t respond that he found she had fallen asleep.

Worried for a moment, he poked her and in return got a weak punch to the arm.

“Your not back in the coma.” He kissed her forehead again. “Merry Christmas Baby.”

He woke up with a jolt and found himself back in his chair beside her bed.

Disoriented slightly, he felt feverish and heartbroken as he remembered what had gone on just hours before.

“It was just a dream.”

Running one hand through his hair, John looked around the room trying to find an answer to his one question. “A dream?”

But the position of her hand just over top of his proved his theory wrong.

Running his free hand through his hair again to try and get his mind focused, he leaned forward and whispered into her ear.

Slowly her eyes opened and she focused on him with a smile that warmed his heart.

“Merry Christmas to you too.”

*~*~*~*

John was like a man possessed as he moved from shop to shop within the Salem Place Mall, his antics catching the eye of an amused Samantha, who was sitting with Caroline enjoying a hot chocolate as they waited on Roman and Shawn.

“Hey Cowboy.” John froze and saw Sam waving at him. “Yeah you, c’mere!”

With a smile, he did as requested and came around the table to kiss her cheek. “Are you supposed to be outside yet?”

She waved her hand. “I made Roman bring me out, I wanted to buy some special last minute things for Marley and you.”

John blinked. “Me?”

Sam nodded. “You helped end this mess and you love my sister. Reason enough to be considered family to me and to earn the right to be shopped for.”

He was about to protest when Caroline stopped him. “Best not to go against the Christmas Nazi.”

He began to choke. “Say again?”

Sam propped her chin on her hands. “She means me.” She grinned. “Can’t help it. I just LOVE Christmas and so in turn, I make sure everyone else’s Christmases are perfect. Right down to their gifts.”

“And all other things that go with it. Everyone says I’m a dictator when it comes to this holiday, but hey what the hell. Martha Stewart makes everyone miserable, why can’t I?”

“Because hon, you’re NO Martha Stewart.” Roman stopped as he saw John. “What in the world?”

John shrugged. “Blame the CN, I had nothing to do with this.”

Sam grinned. “So when can Marley come home?”

John smiled back, liking her. “Well she’s got some more tests today, but I’m hoping to have her home by New Years Eve.”

“Which explains the gifts right?”

He nodded. “Sort of, I’m going to give her Christmas in the hospital.”

As if on cue, Samantha’s cell phone rang.

“HELLO there.” She grinned. “John was just talking about you.”

She pulled the phone from her ear. “Is she this loud with you?”

The foursome heard Marlena very clearly. “Only with you, now get back here!”

As Sam excused herself, John made his excuses. “Got more gifts to buy and a person to go see.”

*~*~*~*

John came to the hospital and found Marlena’s room empty.

Panicking, he rushed back out to find Marlena sitting in a wheelchair being pushed by Sam.

“Hello CN.” He leaned forward and bussed Marlena gently on the lips. “Hey you.”

She laid her hand on his cheek. “Hi.”

Sam cleared her throat. “Wanna take this to her hospital room?”

They both turned and smiled. “Okay okay so then don’t. Never took my sister to be an exhibitionist.”

Marlena raised an eyebrow. “What I do in the privacy of my bedroom has no bearing on you.”

John grinned. “She’s back to normal.”

She rolled her eyes. “No, will be once I get to go home.”

Sam grinned. “Well here comes the man who may get to give you your Christmas wish. Hi Dr. Wesley.”

Craig grinned. “Hi Sam, John.” He laid his hand on Marlena’s shoulder. “Marlena.”

She made a face. “Hi Craig.”

John chuckled, they had spent an interesting hour one night talking about Marlena’s role as chief psychiatrist and her comments about the aspiring chief of staff had him in stitches.

“So Doctor Wesley, when can I take this lady home?”

Craig opened the chart he was holding. “How does Tonight sound?”

Marlena started to cough and John looked panicked.

“How am I going to pull off her surprise?”

She gazed at Craig. “You mean it, I can go home?”

Craig smiled. “As long as you have someone to help you the first few days?”

John shot a glance to Sam, who nodded. “I’m going to go and tell the family the great news, talk to you later sweetie.”

Marlena didn’t even notice she was gone. “John can help me.”

He grinned. “You better believe I can.”

*~*~*~*

The elevator doors opened and John stepped out first.

“Wait!”

She groaned. “John, I am an adult. I CAN walk you know.”

He nodded, a distant smile on his face. “Yes you can and very nicely too. BUT you’re just out of the hospital and shouldn’t overdo. So play along and humor me while I do this.”

“Do what?” She saw him approach her and she began to protest. “Really don’t!”

“Too late!” He scooped her up and went to open the door. “Leave the bags, I’ll get them in a second. You first.”

After carefully depositing her on the couch, he prayed that Sam did what he asked her and quickly went out into the hall.

“Okay, let me take this upstairs and we can decide on what I’m ordering for dinner.”

He paused as he found her dozing. “Doc?”

His whisper was like a gun going off as she lifted her eyes. “John, I’d really like to take a bath. Can I come upstairs?”

“Uh no.” She froze. “Say again?” He improvised. “I’m going to take these up and then I’ll help you upstairs and into a bath. Let me go draw it.”

He practically flew up the stairs leaving Marlena to sit and wonder what the hell had just occurred in her living room.

*~*~*~*

“Can I PLEASE get out of the tub, John the water’s FREEZING!”

He gave the bedroom the once over and called out. “Yep. Want me to help you?”

She began to laugh. “I can dress myself, but thank you for the offer.”

Putting his finger to his lip, he tiptoed over to the bathroom door, just as she opened it.

She was dressed in white silk pajamas with her hair loosely pulled up in a ponytail.

“I said I could dress my.” He pulled her to him for a kiss.

“I know you could, but I wanted to do that.” She smiled. “Why?”

He covered her eyes and moved her to mere inches in front of the bed.

“So I could show you this.”

Taking his hand away, Marlena saw on her bed a tiny basket with an equally tiny puppy in it. “OH MY GOD!”

Squealing, she carefully climbed on the bed mindful not just of her injuries but also of the tiny shih-tzu.

“Merry Christmas Doc.”

She grinned. “A Puppy?”

He watched the two of them get acquainted and smiled until she found the second part of his surprise.

She turned and found John on one knee.

“Would you hand me that so I can do this right please?”

She nodded wordlessly, tears already appearing in her eyes.

“Lady, I never expect to be in this position. When I lost Trisha, I felt that it was best to stay alone in that no one in the future could be taken from me. Color turned into black and white..”

He looked at the tiny gift bag. “Then I was assigned to this case and I met you.”

She smiled, her free hand brushing her tears away.

“Lady, you’ve become my whole world and I see color. You have me wanting to dream dreams of forever again and I owe you everything.”

His eyes grew shadowed. “When I thought that I lost you to his vendetta, I wanted to die.”

She leaned forward. “Baby, you didn’t lose me.”

He nodded. “Watching over you and waiting for you to be alright, to wake up taught me one very important thing. I can’t go without you in my life lady. Marlena, I love you so much.”

She laid her hand on his cheek. “I love you too.”

He covered her hand with his own. “Good. So this makes part two of my surprise so much easier.”

The puppy leaned forward and bussed John on the nose. “You agree too?”

They both laughed. “Doc, will you do me the greatest honor and marry me?”

The puppy jumped off Marlena’s lap into it’s bed, watching the proceedings with amusement.

“Yes, yes, yes.” It’s mistress’s smile could not be any bigger as she nodded. “Yes, I would love nothing more than to be your wife.”

She watched him slip the ring on her hand. “So then we agree.”

She turned slightly to check on the pup. “John, I lied.”

He stood up. “About what?”

“There is something I want more than our promise of forever.”

He shrugged. “Okay, what?”

She gestured to the puppy. “What is it’s name, what kind of puppy is it and what gave you this idea?”

He climbed on the bed beside her, gently coaxing the puppy forward.

As it settled on to his lap, John smiled. “It’s a she, Zoey’s part shih-tzu and part poodle.”

As if attempting to talk and say that’s right, the little puppy snuffled while watching Marlena.

*~*~*~*

“It’s going back NOW!”

Sam grinned as she tickled the ewok’s belly. “No it’s not.”

As if on cue, the fat puppy rolled over back onto his feet and glared at Roman. “Why would he do it?”

“Because you’ve been a real SOB to him, so as the saying goes my darling. Payback no matter how short it is or how many legs it has is a bitch.”

Zack growled and Samantha began to laugh. “Sorry sir.”

John’s note said simply that when he went to get Marlena her puppy, he found a brother and sister that were devoted to one another. He knew he wanted to give Zoey to Marlena, but he wanted to keep the puppies close together. So he wanted to give Sam and Roman a housewarming gift.

“After all, in a big house that will one day be FILLED with kids. The one accessory you need is a dog.  Because Roman’s been such a capital guy with me, I decided to give him a dose of his own medicine but in a doggie form. Zack’s a take no prisoners type of pup. You’ll love him. Roman, well that’s up to him to decide …

Merry Christmas Sweet Sam,

John.”

*~*~*~*

“How long?”

John shrugged. “I dunno, the breeder didn’t say.”

Marlena chuckled as she peered anxiously at the little bundle that was snuggled in between the two of them on the bed.

“John, we can’t sleep like this tonight. It’s not going to be comfortable.”

He reached across and caressed her cheek. “Well let’s think of it this way. We get to practice with fuzzy here what our life is going to be like in say maybe a year or two from now.”

“Lost me.”

He smiled. “Well my theory goes like this. We have a child of our own and I have NO doubt that we are going to be spending hours like this in our bed watching he OR she sleeping just like the pup here.”

Marlena began to chuckle. “Well as much as I love our little mixed pup here, John I certainly hope a child of ours doesn’t look like her. Cute as she is though.”

They shared a quiet silence for a moment and then she looked up at him.

“John, this is the first time you mentioned kids. How many do you want us to have?”

He smiled, loving the whole concept of the new road his life had taken in just a few short hours.

“Well as it’s not actually ME having them, I’d say 2. Personally, I’d love four.”

Marlena grinned. “Well you best hope for a medical science breakthrough and then practice your Lamaze breathing sweetheart because there is NO way in god’s green earth I’m having four.”

He leaned over Zoey, who’s breathing finally indicated she was asleep enough to be moved off the bed into her own little bed and claimed Marlena’s mouth for a kiss.

“Well then, let’s make a bet. Let’s see in two years just how many children we have.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Two and if I win what am I getting?”

John paused. “Sailing around the world. Four and if I win, what do I get?”

She hesitated. “Put the puppy to bed and I’ll show you what you’ll win.”

Smiling, he did as she asked.

Coming back, he found her standing beside the bed. “Give me your hand.”

Doing so, she led him out into the hall. “If you win and we have four children in two years from this very date.” She led him into the guest room and turned on the light.

“This is what you win.”

“The guest room?”

She nodded. “I have that many children in that short space of time, YOU will be in this room for the rest of our married life.”

She stood up on tiptoe to gently kiss him. “Goodnight honey.”

As she walked away, John slumped onto the bed.

Of all the ways he thought they’d spend their engagement night, it was certainly NOT like this.

He knew as her injuries were still healing, they couldn’t be physical.

That was fine.

But to be put into the guest room?

Shaking his head, he let out a snort of aggravation.  “Women!”

Counting to 10, he got up and went to the bedroom.

“DOC!”

She peeked around the door and smiled. “Give up on that idea?”

His answer was to open the door and take her into his arms. “Nope. 2, 4 or 404 I do NOT want to be in the guest room on this night of all nights.”

She looked at him and shook her head. “I know it can’t be physical and that’s fine with me. But I want to wake up in the morning, in YOUR arms and now from here on out that is how it’s going to be.”

She stood up on tip-toe, gently sliding her arms around his neck.

“Promise me.”

He lowered his lips to her own, kissing her with a promise of their dazzling future.

“Now and forever.”

 

“How’s life John?”

The bleary eyes looked up from the file and Bo nearly choked. “That good?”

“I escaped from home. I had no choice. But I really thought my intentions were good.”

He blinked. “I wanted to see what our lives would be like with a child, so I got her Zoey.”

Bo nodded. “Sister to my new nephew.” He began to laugh. “Sam said to say thank you because Roman’s now on a ritual of exercise that she’d NEVER be able to get him going on without the help of Zack’s new habit.”

“Which is?”

“Jumping on Roman’s chest at 5 and growling until he wakes up.”

John began to laugh. “Sorry, I know that he’s your brother and all. But if I can’t sleep at our house, then I’m thrilled HE aint sleeping either.”

Bo sat down. “How is Marlena?”

John’s face lit up. “She’s doing great. Having Zoey there makes her not focus on her injuries.”

“How much longer on the therapy?”

John’s gaze fell on the photo on his desk. “Three more weeks.”

“Have you two?”

John made a face. “I beg your pardon? Do I ask you about how you and Hope bump uglies?”

Bo threw up his hands. “I’ll have you know our lovelife is a beautiful thing.”

John grimaced. “Pass on telling me the antomy lesson. But to answer you Curious George, no we haven’t.”

Bo picked up the pamphlet. “So that’s what’s up with the travel brochure?”

“No, that’s the honeymoon pamphlets I picked up for her.”

“Black, if you ever have any more bright ideas for gifts for Sam and I.”

They turned to find Roman looking as grey as John.

“If I do, I’ll run them by Sam.”

*~*~*~*

“Hey girls, I’m home!”

John laid his jacket down on the chair and smiled as Zoey’s little face appeared around the corner of the sofa. “Hello girlie.”

As the little dog sashayed towards him, John asked her where her mistress was.

The crash from above them sent John flying up the stairs.

*~*~*~*

He found her crumpled up on the floor in front of what was once their dresser mirror.

“Doc?” He knelt down. “Honey???”

She just sobbed harder, a hand shooting out to shove him away. “What is it?”

He noticed then what she was wearing and cringed. He had forgotten what today was.

While he was at work, she had gone with Sam to the doctor’s for her final check up on the injuries. At this appointment, she would have learnt if the wounds healed or if she would be needing plastic surgery for the scars.

She hadn’t seen the wounds, John and Sam and the doctors hadn’t let her see, choosing to keep her distracted.

“I just wanted to take a bath.” His eyes closed, his thoughts were right. “I came home, slipped out of my clothes turned around to get the robe I left on the dresser and that’s …” Her sobs grew harder.

“That’s when you saw them.”

She nodded, still refusing to look up. “I saw them.”

He came around, laying his hand on the small of her back. “Doc, come on honey. Let’s get you up off the floor, there’s glass everywhere.”

She was a far cry from the self assured Psychiatrist. “John, why are you still here?”

“I’m here because I adore you. We’re going to be married and make an honest puppy out of Zoey.”

As if on cue, the worried puppy poked her head in the room and let out a yip for her Mistress.

“I’m serious. John, you can’t possibly love me looking like this!”

He stood up and gathered her close. “I can because I love the whole package that makes up YOU.”

“But I look like.” He laid his finger against her lips. “You look like Dr. Marlena Evans soon to be Black.”

He brought her to the bed and nestled her against the pillows.

“Just because YOU see these, doesn’t mean I see them.”

He ran his fingers over her feet. “I see a sweet personality, tending to be on the stubborn side, an enormous heart and spirit. A beauty inside and out, scars fade sweetheart.”

He gently tugged her to lie down. “I love you all the more because your my precious angel.”

Planting kisses on her flat stomach, he began to explore her. “For sickness and in health, for good times and bad.” He laid his ear against her chest, listening to her heart beating. “I think it’s safe to say we’ve had all four in the past few months.”

She felt on fire, but yet laid still for him to continue.

“I’m here for always lady. You can’t get rid of me. Try it and you’ll have me right back here no matter what.”

She sighed. “John.”

His hands cradled her as if she was china and yet his lips roamed her skin knowing she wasn’t.

She blinked. “I want  ….”

He lifted his head. “You want what?”

He carefully laid on top of her, most of his weight in his arms.

Hazel met Blue and she smiled. “I want you.”

“What my lady wants, she shall get.”

As he began to plunge into her, he found himself saying a prayer of protection for her.

*~*~*~*

She was lying beside him, nestled safely in his arms and contented.

But John was having one small problem as he slowly drifted awake.

When did Marlena become so hairy?

As he opened one eye, he found Zoey staring at him and seeing him awake she slobbered a dainty kiss on his nose.

“DOC!!!!”

She appeared from the bathroom. “What?”

He sat up, cradling Zoey in his arms. “I thought she was YOU and boy baby, I was going to tell you that you REALLY need to see someone bout Electrolysis.” Without a warning, Zoey dove off the bed and tried to climb under it.

“What did I do?”

Marlena cringed. “Nice going hotshot!”

“What?”

She began to try and coax her out from under the bed. “You hurt her feelings.”

“Dogs have feelings?” He made a face. “God help Zack then.”

She peeked over the edge of the bed. “I read the puppy book. Their sensitive and they know when your teasing them.”

John bit his lip. “I have a LOT to learn about Parenting.”

She got the puppy. “Yes you do.”

Laying her on the bed, Marlena wrapped her arms around John. “Apologize to the puppy.”

Scooping her up, John pet the little dog who was wanting to be anywhere BUT with him.

“Sweetie, I’m sorry.” He turned her to face him and bit back a laugh as her tongue lolled out.

“Can we call a truce?”

Marlena smiled. “I think it can be negotiated outside for a walk.”

*~*~*~*

“Samantha Evans and Roman Brady request your prescence for a Party in honor of Dr. Marlena Evans and John Black to Celebrate Their Engagement.”

Marlena shook her head. “How did I let you talk me into this?”

Sam grinned. “It was easy because we BOTH know you deserve this.”

Marlena closed her eyes. “I’m just engaged.”

“You saved my life, you found the sick pervert that did this to us both. I want to do this.”

“Why?”

Sam threw her hands up. “Because you stubborn little cuss, I want to make things right.”

“By throwing me a party?” Marlena raised an eyebrow, which sent Sam laughing. “Does John know you stole his mannerism?”

“Samantha please, I would really rather just work quietly. We don’t need a big brass band.”

Samantha smiled. “That’s good because I didn’t hire a big brass band. It’s going to be at the Penthouse Grill and it’s tasteful and you’ll love it.”

Marlena grimaced. “You ran this by Roman right?” “Yep and he’s all for it.”

Marlena sighed. “Okay, when and where?”

Samantha threw her arms around her sister. “Penthouse Grill on Friday. Dress formal.”

*~*~*~*

“FORMAL?”

John turned. “Doc, do I have to?”

Marlena appeared dressed prettily in a red strapless evening gown, her hair flowing down her back with her bangs held in place with a matching red clip. “If I have to dress like this, then yeah you have to dress like that. So suck it up and put on your monkey suit.”

As she came towards him, his hands slid around her waist in an attempt to draw her closer.

“Did I ever tell you what a woman in red does to me?”

She raised an eyebrow and continued to do his tie. “No.”

Her eyes widened as he whispered it into her ear. “No way, this is OUR party and Sam will kill us both if we’re not there. So be a big boy and maybe I’ll let you do that on the way home.”

He grinned lasciviously. “Promise?”

She blew lightly on his face. “As long as I don’t have to go see the chiropractor, your safe in assuming I’ll try ANYTHING once.  If I like it, then all bets are off.”

They began to laugh and he claimed her lips for a kiss. “Let’s go before I lose my nerve and take you here.”

She allowed him to lead her out. “Promises … Promises.”   

“Would you so kindly take your hands OFF my butt?”

 He grinned. “Aw but baby, it’s such a nice butt.” He stepped closer so   that she could feel his breath on the back of her neck, his hands roaming over her coming to rest at her waist.

 “Keep this up and I’ll just have to.”

 He nibbled on her ear, causing her to back up and pin him against the   wall of the elevator.

 Smiling, he whispered. “Have to what?”

 The ding of the elevator caused her to turn slightly. “Have to wait   till later so I can show you.”

 He grimaced as she pulled his hand to get him out of the elevator. “Why   didn’t I hit emergency stop?”

 She pulled him to her. “Because you’re not as quick on your feet as you   keep telling me.”

 He lowered his lips to hers, wrapping his arm around her for support.   “Oh I’m quick, let me show you how quick I can get you out of that gown?”

 Laughing, she rested her head against his shoulder as Sam approached.   “Oh for god’s sake can’t you let go of her for a little while Caveman?”

 He grinned. “No, me Tarzan … THIS” He pointed to an amused Marlena.

 “This be little woman.”

 She rolled her eyes. “Engaged less than 72 hours and he’s already   copping a chauvinistic attitude. God help me.”

 Sam grinned and took Marlena’s hand. “Come on Marley.” She reached for   John. “Nice try but can’t escape.”

 He shrugged. “Who wants to escape?” He pulled Marlena away again to   kiss her. “I got my girl, who could ask for anything more?”

 As they came into the decorated Penthouse Grill, the assorted guests   began to applaud.

 *~*~*~*

 “So, how does it feel?”

 John looked up at Craig Wesley, who was smiling,

 “How does what feel?”

 He took a sip of his drink. “How does it feel to take the most eligible   girl from the hospital OUT of circulation?”

 John turned to see Marlena laughing with Sam, Hope Brady and Abe’s wife   Lexie.

 “It feels like I’m the most luckiest man in the world.”

 “That’s because you are.” Marlena suddenly appeared with the men.

 “Hi Marlena.” She smiled and kissed Abe’s cheek. “Hi Abe.”

 John raised an eyebrow. “You drunk?”

 She smiled. “Not at all. I can see 1 of you and that’s good. When I see   five then we’re in trouble.”

 She held out her hand. “John, will you dance with me please?”

 He brought it to her lips. “I would love to.”

 *~*~*~*

 “Why are we out on the balcony?”

 She grinned and turned around to face him. “I wanted an excuse to have   you warm me up that COULD be done in public.”

 She grinned and John began to laugh. “You are SO drunk.”

 She blinked. “And what if I am?”

 He came closer and smiled. “I think I should take you back inside.”

 “And?”

 He claimed her lips for a brief kiss before whispering into her ear.

 Moving away from her, he was rewarded by a sultry smile. “Okay.”

 *~*~*~*

 “Should I worry that you know your way around the Titan boardroom?”

 She smiled. “Nah, I’ve been here for meetings. I am their psychological   advisor.”

 He went and hopped onto the table, smiling. “So what are we going to   do?”

 She came towards him and matched his smile. “Play checkers…”

 At his frown, she undid his tie. “Now you’re a bright boy, you tell me   what do YOU think we’re going to do?”

 “Take advantage of me?”

 She grinned and lowered him to the table. “Oooh, got it in one.”

 She managed to climb on top, arranging her skirts to be able to   straddle him.

 “I love you Doc.” She undid his shirt and ran her hands over his chest.   “I love you too.”

 *~*~*~*

 “Great, I throw her this party and she runs away?”

 She turned around. “Roman, stop laughing.”

 He hugged her. “Honey, this is YOUR idea of a party not Marley’s and   certainly NOT John’s.”

 She made a face. “Want to tell me how you know what John wants, likes   OR dislikes?”

 Roman gestured to his tux. “Do you REALLY think guys like wearing   these?”

 Sam came towards him and winks. “James Bond seems to.”

 “Well keep that up and I’ll leave YOU shaken and not stirred.”

 She kissed him. “Promises …. Empty Promises.”

 *~*~*~*

 John loved the way she looked when they made love.

 Her normal porcelain complexion was rosy and her eyes were almost   closed.

 She arched her back to give him better access and she was lost to all   but the rhythm their bodies were creating.

 He lowered his head to the hollow of her throat and felt her pulse   against his lips.

He loved listening to her soft whimpers, knowing he was the only one   who could make her do that now.

 “I am the only one, now and forever.” He lifted his head to find her   watching him.

 “What are you thinking?”

 He brought first her left hand and then her right to his lips.

 “I’m thinking that for so long, I was so cold..” He blew on the spot   where his lips had been, earning a shiver in response.

 “I couldn’t find warmth.” He lowered his lips to first one breast and   then the other.

 “Then I found you and it was all warmth. I couldn’t get enough.”

 His hands began to wander. “Your lips, the inside of your mouth.”

 She buckled as his fingers went lower, brushing her thighs. “deep   inside you.”

 Hazel eyes began to glow amber. “I just want all of you.”

 She nodded wordlessly and allowed him to enter again.

 *~*~*~*

 “Well, where in the hell have you two been?”

 John grinned and blocked the door, giving Marlena a last second to   readjust her dress.

 “The same place you two have been apparently.”

 Sam began to laugh just as Marlena appeared. “Let’s get back upstairs.”

 Roman raised an eyebrow. “Don’t say a word Black.”

 John looked at Marlena, who put her hand into his.

 “What is it with the Brady’s and sex?”

 “He’s just jealous of you and me.” She whispered “He has Sam.” and John   laughed.

 “I agree, nothing and no one compares to you and I baby.”

 

Marlena lifted her head from the back of the couch.

“John, promise me that when we’re married that I’ll NEVER drink that much again?”

He came and sat down beside her. “Only on nights when I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

She laughed and peered at him with one eye. “Baby, you don’t need the booze to do that.”

He propped his head on one hand while the other roamed freely over her bare arm.

“Oh yeah, you want to tell me what I DO need to be able to do that?”

She turned her head. “Just need you, that pistol your packing and those baby blues.”

As he leaned in to kiss her, Zoey appeared and seeing her Mistress and John safely home, flew across the room and landed smack into John’s lap.

Looking down in amusement, John grinned at the puppy.

“Are you sure your not a chaperone in disguise?”

Zoey stood up, placing her paws on his chest as if to say. “Try me.”

Marlena began to laugh. “Face it buster, till we say I do, yer shot down faster than a plane in a simulation.”

John playfully scowled at the tiny shih-poo, who thought he was hilarious. “Your supposed to be on MY side there shortstuff.”

“Well she’s MY puppy and she’s outvoted you.” Marlena sat down on the stairs. “Face it hon, you are the weakest link and Zoey’s here to tell you goo’bye.”

He scratched Zoey’s ear, earning a grateful snort in response. “How bout you and I taking a walk little legs? I think we have some issues to discuss.”

As they headed out, Marlena began to laugh. “If you think YOUR having it rough, think about how Roman’s coping with Zack, Sam says those two hate each other.”

“That’s the only reason I’m taking this abuse by little one here, she loves me as much as her brother detests Roman.”

“See you when you come back.”

*~*~*~*

Hell had a name and to Roman Brady, it also had four legs, floppy ear and a “Mess with me and I’ll rip your face off” mentality that seemed to be in place for only him.

For Samantha however, the two faced little gremlin was a “love me and I’ll wuv you” cuddly bear and it was driving Roman around the bend.

“He said NO, Roman did you hear him say it!”

He peered at the dog with disdain and shook his head. There was NO way in hell that he would try and get that dog off the couch. “Sam, it’s a dog.”

She glared at him. ” I KNOW that but I swear that growl he did at YOU was sounding like NOOOOO.”

“Sam, I love you but your just as insane as that tribble is.”

Zack rolled over and peered at Roman from under his bangs, seemingly saying. “Bite me cop boy!”

Sam stood up. “When you finally get around to making an honest family of Zack and I, he’s going to be ring pup.”

Roman raised both eyebrows. “Like HELL!”

“Grrrrrrrr.” He glared at the puppy, who was gnawing on a rawhide. “Shut your face ewok.”

To his amazement, Zack toddled over and peed on his golf bag.

“Guess that showed you now didn’t it laughing boy?”

Sam burst out laughing and glared at Roman. “You provoked him, don’t you dare hit him.”

“I provoked a dog?” He threw up his hands. “So help me the asylum is being overrun by the two inmates.”

As he went storming upstairs, he heard Sam placating the dog.

“I can’t win in my own house.”

*~*~*~*

“YAY!”

John woke up with a jolt. “What the?”

Marlena turned around. “Sorry honey, I didn’t mean to wake you from watching the baseball game.”

“I wasn’t sleeping.”

She grinned. “Yeah right sure.”

She turned back to Zoey, who was chewing happily on her piece of cheesie.

“Hey sweetie, let’s show big boy what new trick I taught  you.”

“Should I do a drum roll?” Marlena sshed him so that she could place the Cheesie on the bridge of the puppy’s nose.

“NOW!” With one movement, the pup had gulped the cheesie.

“Oh gawd, she eats like YOU do.”

They began to laugh as the phone rang. “Doc, we’re going to discuss why you think the dog eats like me in a moment.”

“I hate your guts.”

John blinked. “Hi ya Roman and gee I am having a great day thank you for asking.”

“You smug son of a b…”

“My parents were married so that does NOT work and if we’re going to start doing My Momma disses let me warn you, I’ll whoop your ass.”

He watched Marlena cover the puppy’s ears.

“Get over here and take that dog back.”

“He’s outsmarted you AGAIN?” John shook his head, watching Marlena get up and leave the room. “Wait till I tell the boys at work, they aint going to BELIEEEEEEIVE this one.”

“Shut the hell up and get the dog.”

Before John could speak, there was a muffled comment and the phone seemed to be passed to someone else.

“John, ignore him. Zack stays right where he is and Roman is just being an overgrown baby.”

He began to laugh. “They said Revenge is a dish best served cold, but they never said a thing about small hairy and smarter than the average human being.”

Sam chuckled. “Roman’s been up against some of the toughest and smartest criminals in the world, but never been beat until now.”

“So Babyface Bubba strikes again?”

Sam smiled, letting Zack get out of her arms. “Yep, the little master criminal is off to plot a new attack.”

She began to laugh. “However like most arch-criminals, Little Bear needs a nap and has passed out in Eugene.”

“Pardon me?”

Sam giggled. “Didn’t Marley tell you, she bought Zack a bed in the shape of a bear. The name tag on it says it’s name is Eugene the big brown bear.”

He turned to look at Marlena, who returned with Zoey dancing attendance on her heels. “No she didn’t.”

“I didn’t what?”

He covered the speaker. “Eugene?”

She grinned. “Zack’s my only nephew the way Roman’s been shooting so I wanted to spoil him.”

“Tell big mouth that we’re not ready to have children, Roman has nothing to do with it.”

John clamped his eyes shut at the visual of Roman having sex. “Doc, Sam says to lay off the shooting blanks comment.”

She crossed her arms. “Tell her to suck it up.”

“Sam, Marley can’t come to the phone right now because she’s been vewy vewy bad and has to be punished.”

Samantha let out a snort. “Yeah sure she has and I know the kind of punishment you’ll give her. Frankly I’m disgusted with the two of you perverts.”

Marlena slung her arm around John’s neck and spoke into the phone. “Jealousy will give you wrinkles so be a grown up and just admit it.”

“Not on YOUR life.”

“John’s got to go now, he needs to spank my butt.”

Hanging up the phone, Marlena doubled over laughing.

“Admit what?”

Marlena blinked and straightened up. “We had a bet, I’ve won it hands down and yet she won’t admit it.”

“Again I have to ask, admit what?”

She grinned. “That I have the better looking guy who also is able to tame our puppy.”

He winked and pulled her to him. “I also managed to tame you.”

She leered at him. “Oh you think so?”

He nodded. “I think I best remind you.”

Before she could react, he had her slung over his shoulder and rushing upstairs.

From her vantage point of chin bouncing on John’s shoulder, she caught sight of the puppy and called out.

“Zoey, won’t you help me?”

Asking that question again as they were going upstairs, Marlena began to laugh as she watched the puppy put her paws over her face as if to say.

“Your on your own.”

 

“Hi hon!”

The pretty blonde was snared in an embrace that would do most romance writers inspiration for years.

Her eyes that had been wide with surprise suddenly grew drowsy as her hands slid around his neck.

Which surprised not just the blonde’s sister but also her fiancé.

“John?”

The kissing continued as Marlena and Roman looked at each other and the name was called again.

“John!”

Finally with help from Roman, John was made to turn around in time to see Marlena staring at him, Zoey in her arms.

“Oops.”

Sam looked at her sister. “Marley, I can explain.”

She shook her head. “Save it. It was just an accident as usual.”

“Always is.”

Without missing a beat, she turned and walked away. Pausing only to lower the puppy to the ground.

Roman looked to John. “You best get after her.”

*~*~*~*

“There is only one woman for John Black and honey, I’m not it.” Samantha knew Marlena hadn’t hung up because she could still hear her breathing.

“Marley, answer me!”

Roman, sitting on the couch watching the exchange spoke the truth.

“Accident’s happen and that’s a fact. However Sam, you’ve burnt way too many bridges and she’s still too gun-shy to deal with you. Especially where John’s concerned.”

Samantha glared at her fiancé. Roman really had an annoying habit of being right.

“Marlena, I’m coming over there and I am hoping that you’ll be there when I arrive.”

To her surprise, the phone was dropped and there was only dead air.

*~*~*~*

“How in the hell could I have been so utterly STUPID!”

Abe chuckled. “Loaded question there buddy. How could you NOT notice that while their twins, Sam and Marlena DO have differences?”

“Difference #1 would be that I have way more better taste than to wear a leopard print fun fur coat out in public.”

They turned to find Marlena standing there, a raised eyebrow the only indication of her mood as she leaned against the doorway.

“Difference #2, my perfume is not that eye wateringly strong.”

Abe stood up. “I’m leaving.”

Marlena smiled. “Thank you for calling me Abe.”

As he walked away, she turned back to John. “Should I go on to reason #3 or are we going to discuss this rather alarming new habit of yours?”

John came around the desk. “I thought she was you. Honest.”

She shook her head. “John, she’s about 2 inches taller than me.”

He held up his hands. “Doc, she was sitting down.”

“She’s got darker blonde hair than me.”

“She was sitting under the Java Café awning.”

She rolled her eyes. “She’s been trouble since hour zero. She flirted with the doctor the moment she came out of the womb.”

He came around the desk and leaned against it. “She flirted but you stole his heart by a smile.”

He reached out and hooked his thumbs through the slim denim loops of her jeans.

Pulling her to him, he crooked a boyish smile. “Tell me your not mad.”

She shook her head. “Sorry, smiles aren’t going to do it bright eyes.”

He pulled her tighter against him, hooking his legs around her in a prison he had NO intention of getting her out of.

“How about me taking you home and seducing you?”

Her answer to that was a head shake. “I should sure as hell HOPE you took me home to seduce me. There’s NO way in hell your having your way with me on a cop’s desk.” She gazed around him. “I’ve seen how you, Bo, Roman and Abe eat on these things. You’re all slobs.”

She made a face. “I’d say pigs but I’m not trying to sweet talk myself out of a ticket.”

He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck. “You’re right, your perfume is so distinctive.”

His hands moved to her face and cradled it, making sure that there was NO way she could mistake his meaning.

“You are my soul and the only reason for my being here. Doc, I can’t lose you and while I am human, that means you’ll have to understand that I’m going to screw up.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

He blinked. “That was too easy.”

She shook her head. “I’m forgive you this so that you can take me home and make it up in another way.”

She walked away and grabbed his coat. “I do believe the offer was that you’d take me home and seduce me?”

He groaned and slipped on his jacket, following her out of the office.

“I get it, your going to kill me right?”

She turned and kissed him, slipping her tongue gently into his mouth. As he sank into her, she pulled away and hit the elevator button.

“But what a way to go.”

*~*~*~*

They were in front of the fire, facing each other as Marlena’s hands explored over his bare chest the path that her lips had traced just seconds before.

“I want to make love to you.”

Her drowsy eyes looked up. “And you will, once I make sure of one thing.”

He lowered his lips to the hollow of her throat. “What’s that?”

She rested her chin on the top of his head. “That you didn’t get no Samantha cooties.”

Her chin began to bounce as John broke out laughing. “Aw Man.”

Pulling away, he pushed her against the pillows. “Marlena Evans.”

She giggled. “What?”

He separated her legs and slid carefully inside. “That’s NOT funny.”

He loved how her eyes twinkled. “Oh I thought it was hilarious and frankly I am serious. I am NOT making love to anything or anyone that my sister has touched. Gives me the icks.”

He felt her legs drawing up over the back of his own. “Icks … honey is that a word.”

She closed her eyes, feeling the waves washing over her as he pounded into her. “Umm.”

He grinned as he watched the emotions play over her. “I’m waiting here Doc.”

She shifted and soon lay on top of him. “I’m still trying to figure that out.” She gently rocked her hips to watch John’s reaction.

“What are you doing to me?”

She lowered her lips to his ear, giving a playful tug.

“Giving every part of you that touched her, a through going over and believe me baby, you are going to get a THROUGH going over.”

*~*~*~*

“You look like the cat that swallowed the canary.”

Marlena raised an eyebrow as her sister joined her at the table.

“No, actually it’s more like the look of a woman who’s been made love to all night long.”

She blinked. “Not that you’d know cause I don’t kiss and tell, neither does John. SO you’re just going to have to use that overactive imagination of yours to figure out what I’ve been up to today.”

Samantha cleared her throat. “Marlena, I’m sorry.”

She held up her hand.

“It’s not your fault. It’s mine. Sam, you’ve changed and I know that. I’m so proud of you about how far you’ve come. BUT when I saw you with John, all I could think of was that the past was coming for me again. YOU were coming for me again.”

She held out her hand. “I’m sorry.”

As they smiled, Roman came up and handed Zack to Marlena. “Here.”

Marlena regarded her adopted nephew with an eyebrow raised. “Not my size Roman.”

He chuckled. “You’re babysitting.”

He turned to Samantha. “YOU are coming with me.”

Before she could reply, Roman had her over his shoulder and stormed off past John, who rubbed his eyes.

He came towards Marlena, who was having a staring down contest with the puppy.

“Hey Sam.”

He came to sit with her. “Now that I’ve blown off Doc for the day, how bout you and I sneaking off and having some fun?”

Marlena handed Zack to John. “You really want to get hurt again don’t you?”

He hugged her. “Oh I love it when you get all tough like that baby.”

 

“How hard is it to have a wedding in Salem?”

Marlena draped herself over John’s arm and stole a French fry from his plate.

“Well if that little brunette over there doesn’t stop staring at him like he’s the blue plate special, it’s going to be VERY hard to have AND plan one because I’m going to kill her and will be behind bars.”

At the tone in her sisters voice, Sam’s eyes widened. “Marley?”

John began to choke and Roman grinned. “Told you to get rid of the chippies Black.”

Marlena leaned back in her chair. “I’m not jealous, I’m really not. I mean I AM the woman he’s marrying in about 4 months BUT..”

John turned her face to him and claimed her mouth in a kiss that deepened with his tongue slowly probing into her mouth.

“But nothing, I’m yours and that’s all it’s going to be.”

“John?”

Samantha hid her face in Roman’s shoulder as the chick approached.

Before they could react, Marlena lunged out of the chair and disappeared.

~*~*~

The bartender rang the gong beside the bar.

“We have a singer!”

“Roman, I should go find her.” He shook his head. “I know her enough to know that your ass is going to be ground beef. That chicky was all over you not physically but mentally and to her..”

Samantha began to choke on her drink. “Oh I think Marlena’s just fine.”

The French are glad to die for love A kiss on the hand may be quite continental But diamonds are a girls best friend

John watched Roman’s eyes widen and he turned around.

“Doc SINGS?”

Roman laughed. “Apparently so and she’s also a believer of Revenge served best cold.”

He watched his soon to be sister in law dancing with another guy.

“In this case, it’s um … rather WARM.”

A kiss may be grand but it won’t pay the rental On your humble flats or help you feed your office cat

The hazel eyes locked on to the trio just as she was lifted onto the stage.

Men grow cold as girls grow old

She blew a kiss to John, who was quickly restrained by Sam. “Don’t bait her.”

And we all lose our charms in the end But square-cut or pear-shaped

She examined her ring and then blew John a kiss, leaning forward so he could see her properly.

These rocks don’t lost their shape

“That’s IT!”

She saw him break away from Sam and Roman and quickly jumped off the stage and met him half way on the dance floor

Diamonds are a girls best friend ..Tiffany’s…Cartier…

“She was a one night stand.”

Marlena shook her head. “Hands OFF!”

Cause we are living in a material world And I am a material girl

She blew him a kiss. “Maybe its best that you and I have a cooling off period because ya know what. I don’t like being jealous.”

She spun around and let out a whistle that would make most guys jealous

Come and get me boys

He lunged at her and pinned her to him. “Oh and we think I DO?”

She remained silent, only grinding herself against him and turning her head slightly to see what he would do.

With a seductive wink, her hands moved behind her coming to rest on his belt buckle

Flat..star…rough…core

She turned around, the challenge plain to see as she shrugged.

Talk to me Harry Finn and tell me all about it

She began to skip, her finger thrust into his chest.

There may come a time when a lass needs a lawyer But diamonds are a girls best friend

He closed his eyes. “Doc, please.”

There may come a time when a hard-boiled employer Thinks you’re awful nice Get that ice or else no dice

Samantha grinned and looked at Roman. “Aren’t you glad you have the more QUIETER sister?

They broke out laughing. “Wanna bet who’s going to win this battle of wills?”

He’s your guy when stocks are high But beware when they start to descend

He crushed her to him. “Doc, shut your pretty mouth for a few seconds so I can say this!”

Diamonds are a girls best Diamonds are a girls best Diamonds are a girls best friend

She grinned. “I know they are, but I want you to know I AM human and that little display of your past could very well screw up your future if it goes on again. Capisce?”

He brought her hand to his lips. “I want only you.”

“Gee that’s just so big of you.” He grinned and pulled her to him. “I thought so.”

Her eyes widened and his lips claimed hers, as her hands slid around his waist.

As she stood still against him for a moment, he whispered into her ear.

That’s big enough

She could only nodded and whisper a soft

Yeah

Roman appeared. “Okay before the two of you get us arrested for indecent public behaviour, time to get OFF the dance floor.”

Marlena’s head sank onto John’s chest and she shook her head as she piteously whimpered. “Aw but Dad, I was just about to get my first kiss!”

He pulled her away from John. “No buts dear, plenty of time for kisses. But I told you to stay away from bad boys with a bike.”

“You have a bike?”

John grinned as they came to sit down. “Yeah and if your REALLY nice, I’ll let you sit on it later at home.”

She patted his cheek. “I bet you will.”

~*~*~

“No.”

She came inside and waited for John to punch in the security codes. “I’m serious.”

He watched her sit down on the couch. “So am I. Marlena, if it makes you feel better.”

She shook her head and clamped her hands over her ears. “No, no no no no!”

He sat down beside her and uncovered her ears. “Marlena.”

She stared at him. “John, I wasn’t thinking clearly and therefore, should not have what I said at that bar thrown back at me. I love you and I DO want to marry you.”

He peered closer at her. “If you’re getting cold feet.”

She threw herself on him so that she was staring into his face. “I’m NOT getting cold feet. I just was jealous and kind of hormonal.”

He tucked her hair behind her ear. “I am glad of one thing. I have now seen all sides of you now.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Think so?”

“Yep and so now when we get married, I’ll know when to duck.”

She began to undo his shirt. “Smart man.”

~*~*~

“So did you two make up?”

Marlena looked up from having a final fitting on her wedding dress. “Do I look like a woman who slept alone in bed last night?”

“No, Zoey was with you I know that.”

Marlena broke into giggles. “If Zoey saw what we were up to last night, then I really think she’s going to need a pet psychiatrist.”

“That good huh?”

Marlena winked. “Making up cause a partner is jealous sex is pretty amazing.” She blushed. “I CAN’T believe I just said that in front of YOU. Sam, you are a bad influence!”

Samantha held her hand to her chest. “I’ll have you know that Roman thinks I’m an angel.”

“True love is deaf, dumb AND blind.”

Sam shook her head. “No, that’s the Who’s Tommy.”

Marlena turned back to the mirror. “Well?”

She smiled. “I love it.”

Sam smiled as she examined it. “I think he’s going to love it too.”

~*~*~

They were coming out of the bridal shop when Samantha banged into someone.

“Oh I’m sorry.”

Lawrence Alamain smiled and helped her grab the bag she was carrying. “No, it’s my fault. I was in a hurry and I didn’t see you there. Are you alright?”

Marlena came to help. “We’re fine. She’s a klutz.”

As he smiled and went on his way, Marlena froze. “Where have I seen him before?”

~*~*~

“Yeah come on in.”

Lawrence sat down across the desk from his brother’s chair and waited.

“What in the hell are YOU doing in town!”

Larry grinned.

“I’ve come to support my baby brother in his big day. Why didn’t you tell the family you were getting married?”

Marlena was in the doorway. “John, I have to talk to you.”

The men turned and Larry smiled. “Hello again.”

John’s eyes widened. “You know each other?”

Lawrence turned. “No, I banged into this lovely creature and her sister this morning.”

“You two know each other?”

Lawrence nodded and left the introductions to his obviously uncomfortable baby brother.

“Yeah Doc, we do.”

“Forrest, be nice and tell her.”

“Forrest?”

John looked ready to kill and Lawrence nodded. “That’s his real name. Forrest Leopold Alamain.”

She blinked. “Best thing you’ve done is change it honey.”

John shook his head. “No, marrying you is.”

“So YOUR the bride to be.”

Marlena’s eyes grew serious. “And you are?”

“I’m John’s brother Lawrence.”   

“So that’s your brother?”

John remained silent focusing on the road. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

He didn’t take his eyes off the road. “Yes that’s Larry and I would rather not speak about him right now.”

Marlena rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right okay. Don’t speak of the brother.”

He pulled into the Building Parking Lot.

“Doc, I don’t want.”

She held up her hand, “I get it. Don’t discuss it. I may have been born at night, but it wasn’t LAST night. You want it dropped, consider it dropped.”

She was out of the car before he was and in the building waiting for the elevator when he caught up to her.

“Honey.”

She stepped away from the elevator. “When you’re ready to tell me about what in the hell kind of bug is up your ass, then tell me. As of now, I don’t want to know.”

*~*~*~*

“So this is your fiancé.”

John tried to struggle in his chair, the bindings cutting further into his arms, burning deeper into his flesh. “Oh she’s lovely.”

John felt anger washing over him as he fought to lunge out of the chair to get to Marlena, who was pinned against Lawrence.

“And she will be mine, just like everything else.”

“NO!”

He sat bolt up right, gasping as he felt the cool night air washing over him.

Peeking around the room, he called out her name.

Worried he grabbed for his t-shirt, throwing it over his chest and he headed downstairs.

Marlena looked up from her notepad when she saw a bleary eyed John watching her from the stairs. “What’s wrong with you?”

He came across the living room. “Why aren’t you in bed?”

She gestured towards the wedding information she had scattered around her.

“Cause I have to meet with the wedding planner later on this afternoon and I wanted one final look over everything.” She focused on him a smile that took his breath away.

“I’m marrying you in less than 72 hours and I want everything and I MEAN everything perfect.”

She took a second glance at John and froze.

“Honey, do you want to tell me what’s wrong now?”

He surprised them both by nodding. “I think it’s time you knew.”

*~*~*~*

Marlena stared at her fiancé with tears in her eyes. “How could they have done that to you?” She laid her hand on the back of his neck. “Honey, you were just a little boy.”

He turned his head and peered up at her through his hands. “I wasn’t THEIRS. I was born from my mother’s dalliance with another man.” He straightened up.

“That excused any and all of the things that they did. It didn’t matter if I did or didn’t do anything that I was blamed for, all they saw was that I wasn’t a legitimate Alamain.”

He looked at her and in a voice that Marlena had to strain to hear, John said.

“I still don’t know who my real father is.”

She continued to rub his back. “Honey, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

Before he could protest, she continued.

“It doesn’t matter because you’ve managed to grow on your own and become from the sounds of what you told me, to become the most amazing man.”

She smiled. “A man who I love more than words and who in time I KNOW without even the shadow of a doubt, will make the most amazing daddy.”

He brought her hand to his lips. “Thank you lady.”

She drew her head to rest against his. “Nothing to thank me for honey, it’s the truth.”

*~*~*~*

Lawrence studied the file with disgust. “He won.”

Vivian Alamain looked at her nephew. “Did you ever doubt that he wouldn’t?”

“A beautiful and devoted fiancée who is a psychiatrist, friends and a career as a cop.” He slammed down the glass of brandy.

“What are you thinking Lawrence?”

He smiled. “Nothing Auntie Viv. I’ve come to Salem to be with my brother on his big day. Shame on you for thinking the worst of me.”

She smirked. “That’s cause I KNOW you nephew.”

*~*~*~*

“So how’s my favorite soon to be sister in law?”

Lifting her head from her notebook, Marlena grinned. “I’m great how bout you?”

Roman sat down across from her.

“Fine now that my golfing buddy is visiting the Vet.”

She began to laugh. “Sam told me he likes chasing golf balls.”

“Likes?” He shook his head. “Not the right word. Buddy LOVES golf balls.”

Marlena took a sip of her drink. “Roman, there’s a reason why I called you here.”

He nodded. “Thought so, not that I’m such a bad lunch date and all.”

She grinned. “Such a funny guy. Seriously, I need a favor.”

*~*~*~*

“Good Afternoon, I’m here to see Dr. Evans.”

Cynthia was about to speak when Marlena saw him.

“What would you need to see ME for Mr. Alamain?”

He looked to his future sister in law and then to her secretary, who was looking very interested.

“May we please speak in private?”

Marlena winked at her assistant. “Certainly.”

As they went into her office, Marlena stopped to ask Cynthia to page her if Roman was to call her.

“Now that we’re alone, just what do you want with me?”

Lawrence turned from examining her diplomas. “Nothing.”

She raised an eyebrow. ‘Then why are YOU here?”

He smiled and reached into his jacket pocket.

“I’m here to make you an offer.”

“And that is?”

“That we give you this little endorsement and YOU leave my brother alone.”

 

“You have got to be kidding me.”

Lawrence raised an eyebrow, unnerving Marlena who was more used to that gesture coming from the man she loved.

“I’m assuring you that I’m not. This is a gift from our family.”

She shook her head. “I’m assuring myself that I’m NOT going to tell you where to stick that little piece of paper. There’s NO way that I’m backing out of my marriage to John. I love him and he loves me.”

Lawrence rolled his eyes. “Please, save me the hearts and dramatics.”

She reached over and took the paper from him. “Oh I’ll save the hearts and dramatics.”

He crossed his arms. “I knew you were far shrewder than I gave you credit for.

She smirked. “I’ll save them and raise you this.”

Shredding the cheque, Marlena’s voice was like ice..

“Again, I’m going to forget that we had this chat other than to say that you really are a self serving son of a bitch. I’m not going to discuss this with John because his regard for you is already at the bottom of the barrel. Do us all a favor and just simply LEAVE.”

Watching her go, Lawrence closed his eyes. ‘If at first you don’t succeed, go to your brother’s more primal urges.”

*~*~*~*

Roman was coming into the hospital when he ran smack into his furious sister in law.

“What’s wrong?”

She shook her head. “Nothing that a good scalding hot shower can’t fix.”

He peered closer. “Come again?”

She waved a hand. “Doesn’t matter.” She looked at him. “Do you have anything on him?”

Roman shook his head. “No I’m sorry Marlena. There’s no record on him.”

Her hazel eyes became dejected. “That can’t be right.”

Roman nodded. “It’s almost eerily too good to be true.”

She raised an eyebrow. “And that means?”

He chuckled. “It means, we’re going to do more investigation.”

*~*~*~*

John was coming out of the station when he saw Lawrence.

“What, no hello?” He chuckled. “Mother taught you better than that.”

John stopped in front of his brother. “Go to hell.”

He shook his head. “First your lovely fiancée and now you.”

That got him. “What about my fiancée. Larry what the hell were you doing with her?”

He smiled. “I gave her a gift and she accepted it.”

John was stunned silent. “In fact, I think she’ll be phoning you from somewhere warm very soon to say just how sorry she was that you had to be hurt.”

He went for Lawrence just as Roman, Bo and Abe came back from lunch.

“John, NO!”

John heard but yet his hands were acting of their own accord, tightening around his brother’s neck.

“You selfish son of a bitch, you PAID her off!”

Larry smiled. “Not my fault she TOOK the money.”

Bo glared at him. “Alamain shut up!”

Roman looked at John. “She didn’t take any money, she’s at the hospital working.”

John didn’t respond.

“John, I just talked to her about an hour ago. She didn’t TAKE any money.”

He wrenched his fingers off Lawrence. “I’m warning you brother mine, stay the hell away from MY family or I’ll make you pay. DO you understand me?”

Lawrence adjusted his suit. “Oh I understand perfectly.”

Marlena was working on a file when the door whipped open and there stood a very uncertain man, who looked very familiar.

“John?” She smiled. “What is it honey?”

He came towards her. “You didn’t …”

She blinked. “I didn’t what?”

He sank into her couch, head slumping into his hands. “I saw Larry.”

She nodded, hoping that his brother hadn’t said a thing about that exchange. “And?”

He turned to her, staring at her as if it was the first time.

“He said that you had taken the money he offered, that you had run away.”

She laid her hands on both sides of the face she loved and spoke from the heart.

“Honey, you know better than that.”

John nodded and searched her eyes. “I love you and I’m going to marry you.” She smiled. “That’s what I told him AFTER I ripped up his cheque.”

They broke out laughing and John moved away slightly so that he could rest his head against the back of the couch.

“I really thought that I could keep you away from him. Keep you safe.”

She propped her head on her hand. “Honey, as long as you and I stick together, he can’t and NOBODY can hurt us.”

He brought her hand to his lips. “Promise me.”

She smiled and began to play with his hair. “I promise that to you.”

He let out the breath he was holding and shook his head. ”I love you.”

She ran her hand down the front of his shirt. “Tell you what, why don’t you take me home and show me?”

Pulling her to him, he gently nibbled on her lip. “Sounds good.”

*~*~*~*

She sat in the middle of the bed and arched her eyebrow. “Well?”

John grinned and began to move slowly up the bed so that their faces were mere inches apart. “Hi there.”

She leaned forward and claimed his lips.

“I think I should really, REALLY help you out of this shirt.”

He remained still as her fingers skimmed across his chest and a playful smile flashed across her delicate features.

“Gee think I’ve had practice doing this before?”

He growled. “If I find out his name, I’ll rip out his heart.”

She leaned forward, lightly kissing the hollow of his throat. “Can’t do that.”

She scurried back to rest her back against the headboard of the bed.

“Why not?”

She grinned and beckoned him to her. “Because I have his heart.”

He reached behind him and caught a hold of her legs. With a raised eyebrow John found that lightly tugging on them soon had her lying beneath him.

“You own my heart and soul.”

She reached up and pulled him to lie on top of her. “As you do mine.”

He cupped her chin. “I want you.”

She nodded and wrapped a leg around him, blocking him from anything else but taking what belonged to him.

“Then take me.”

He lowered his lips to her throat and began moving lower following the path set out by his hands.

Their lovemaking was getting heated when the phone rang.

“Hi you’ve reached 555-7812 and I’m sorry we’re unable to come to the phone at this time, leave me your name and number and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”

Marlena, who was straddling his hips leaned forward.

“Touch that phone John and so help me I’ll get off this ride of yours and go home.”

John was about to answer when he heard the voice on the machine.

“John, I need your help.”

Marlena froze looking at John’s face. “Who’s that?”

He sat up and his face looked horrified.

“She’s dead.”

Marlena blinked. “Who’s dead?”

He turned to her. “Trisha.”

*~*~*~*

Marlena looked furious. “If it’s not bad enough that I have to now deal with Lawrence, I now have his ghost coming back from the dead?” She threw up her hands. “I’m living in a soap opera. The next thing we know I’ll be possessed by the devil.”

Sam grinned. “You wish you’d be so lucky as to live in a soap opera.”

Marlena glared at her sister. “I’m postponing the wedding.”

Sam choked. “Your WHAT?”

Roman came in at the same time. “What’s going on?”

Sam pointed at her sister. “She’s postponing the wedding.”

He grinned. “Way to go!”

Sam shot him a look of annoyance. “That’s NOT funny Roman.”

He looked at Marlena. “Honey, why are you postponing the wedding?”

She shrugged. “I’ve NOT decided I will. But he got a call from someone who claimed to be Trisha and I can’t compete with a ghost.”

She stood up and went to the window. “I love him but the times he’s talked about her seems to me that he loves her more and it’s best if I give him the space to figure out just what’s going on.”

Roman surprised them both. “I think you need to talk to John.”

The phone just behind Sam began to ring and she reached for it.

“Hello … Oh hi Cynthia, yep she’s here one second.”

Marlena took the phone and her face went white.

“The test was positive?” She looked to her ring. “Your positive that’s what Dr. Bader said?” She shook her head. “I’m not saying that you took it wrong, I just wanted to make sure.”

Sam’s eyes widened. “Dr. Bader?” Roman turned to her. “What’s up?”

Samantha looked at her sister. “If I’m remembering that doctor’s name right, her complicated world has just gotten even MORE complicated.”

*~*~*~*

John was coming out of his apartment building when he saw her.

She was standing across the street with her hair pulled back the way that he used to love seeing it and she was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.

As soon as she saw him coming at her, she ran and apparently disappeared behind a bus that was turning onto Main.

“What’s going on?”

*~*~*~*

“Marley?”

She looked up. “I want your word. The both of you.”

She turned icy cold. “I mean it. NEITHER of you is to tell him about this. Until he knows which end is up, he is NOT to know about me and the baby.”

“His baby.” Marlena glared at Sam. “MY baby until he decides what he wants.”

“You weren’t with him when he heard that voice Sam.”

Samantha Evans looked at her sister. “I WAS with him when he thought he had lost you. Marlena he LOVES you.”

She shook her head. “I’m going home and I mean it. If he so much as hears a whisper of my pregnancy until I’m ready to tell him, I’ll disappear with so much as no goodbye. Do you understand?”

Roman and Sam exchanged glances. “We do.”

*~*~*~*

John came in the apartment and found a message flashing on the machine.

“Hi honey, if your there please pick up.” He could hear mumbling behind Marlena’s voice.

“I guess your not there and out doing who knows what or chasing that lead. Anyways, I’ll see you around sometime within the next few hours.”

The second was from her.

“I’m sorry for coming back to you now. Your new love seems very pretty.”

He sat down. “She seems like everything you’d want after losing me. We need to talk and I think you should come to my hotel.”

*~*~*~*

She was back at her desk when the phone rang.

“Cynthia, I asked that you hold my calls for a few minutes.”

”I know Dr. Evans, but it’s your fiancé.”

She blinked. “Okay, put John through.”

She cleared her throat. “Evans here.”

“Hey Doc, can you do me a big favor?”

She found herself smiling. “Sure, what?”

“I was following a lead and the car died at the St. Moritz hotel. Could you come by and get me?”

She smiled. “I’ll be there in 20 minutes.” As they hung up, Larry smiled and turned his attention to the two figures behind him.

“I knew my impression of John would come in handy some day.”

*~*~*~*

“Hi, I’m here to pick up my fiancé. He was having car trouble?”

The girl behind the reservation desk smiled and reached for the key. “Mr. Black got oil on him from trying to repair his car and rented a room to shower and change. He asked me to give you this so that you could go up and meet him.”

Smiling and saying thanks for the key she headed for the elevator.

Once she was out of earshot, the girl reached for the phone.

“She’s on her way.”

Lawrence hung up the phone. “You know what to do?”

The young woman smiled. “I was born knowing what to do.”

They heard a key in the door. “Well get to it little girl.”

Lawrence hid in the bathroom just moments before Marlena came in.

“Ooh honey, I forgot just how incredible we could be.”

Marlena froze at the sight of the couple in what appeared to be the middle of making love.

Feeling nausea coming over her, she ran from the room.

Not noticing the blonde watching her from the bed.

“Poor John, losing your fiancée that way.”

She climbed out of bed. “I want my money Lawrence.”

He nodded and waited until she was dressed before giving her the money.

“Job well done.”   

“All I ever wanted was to have a little one just like you and now.”

Her hand went to her still flat stomach. “We are and my whole world is falling apart.”

She tilted her head. “You don’t understand the slightest thing I’m saying to you do you Rosie?”

14-month-old Rose Mariah Ashby, known only to her godmother Marlena as Rosie grinned.

“Thought so.”

As they continued to rock together, Marlena spoke to the person in the doorway.

“Thanks Nic.”

Dr. Nicole Ashby, Marlena’s friend since day one at Salem University Hospital grinned.

”Your more than welcome.”

As she turned, she called out. “Come down when you and Rosie are finished your powwow.”

*~*~*~*

“Do you love him?”

She nodded. “Nic, I love him more than life but that’s not the point here.”

Nicky shrugged. “Then what is the point?”

“I caught him in bed with another woman. A woman who he almost married and who he thought was dead. I can’t compete with that.”

“Even now?”

Marlena covered her stomach. “Especially now. Nicky, I don’t want him to be with me because of this baby. I want him with me and our baby out of love, not out of obligation.”

“Seeming awfully presumptive to me here kiddo.”

Marlena took a sip of her ice water. “I don’t want to be. But I know what I saw.”

*~*~*~*

John felt as if his head had been kicked in and the inside of his mouth lined with the fuzz skimmed from a thousand garbage cans.

Rolling over to his side, his partially opened eyes shot open when he saw a familiar body in a nearby chair.

“Well hello sleeping ugly.”

John sat up, wincing and double-checking that his head WAS still attached to his neck.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Larry leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. “Ooh that’s a good question.”

John regarded him wearily. “What do you want Larry?”

He straightened up. “I want you to watch the Television.”

John reached for his clothes. “I’m a big boy now Larry, I don’t watch Sesame Street.”

Larry turned slightly and hit play on the remote.

John’s blue eyes widened at the display on the screen. “That’s enough Larry.”

Larry shook his head. “Not nearly enough.”

John watched the camera pan from the twosome in bed to the door.

Marlena stood there, a silent horrified wraith.

John felt sick. “Oh Doc.”

She ran out and the video mercifully went black.

“What do you want Larry?”

He smiled the victorious smile of a cat that had the mouse and was inches away from ending it all for the mouse.

“Everything.”

*~*~*~*

Marlena slept over at Nicky’s and left the next morning with Rosie in tow.

“Thanks for watching her for me.”

Rosie waved her bunny at her mom while Marlena ducked the fuzzy animal. “My pleasure.”

“Bye bye.” Nicky rolled her eyes and grinned as she caught her daughter’s fist to kiss. “You be good for Aunt Marlena.”

As they drove away, Marlena started singing to the little girl and giggled as the bunny went flying to the tune.

*~*~*~*

“John drink this, it will help.”

He took the drink from a worried Sam. “Thanks.”

She sat down beside him. “She’s alright.”

He shook his head. “Sam, you never saw her. She looked devastated.”

Sam didn’t tell him of the previous night’s promise, saying only.

“I know Marlena and she’d know to be careful, especially now.”

John’s eyebrow shot up. “Why now?”

Before John could press further, they heard the key in the lock. “See I told you.”

The door opened and in shot a tiny blonde, dragging a bunny.

“ROSIE!” Sam crouched down and the little girl came flying to her. “Hi.”

She turned to a stunned John and Roman. “Only word she knows.”

“Not true, knows Mommy, Daddy and Marley.”

The foursome turned and found Marlena watching them. “Sam, give me back your key.”

“We were worried about you.”

She glanced to John warily. “I bet.”

“How’s your little bedmate?”

Samantha saw the barb hit its mark and she issued a warning. “Marley.”

She shook her head. “Don’t tell me what to do and how to react okay SAM.”

“You don’t know the whole story.”

Marlena laid down her shopping bag. “Newsflash, I don’t want to know.”

John looked up and his eyes were nearly black. “Doc honey, let me explain.”

She shook her head. “I saw enough.”

”Two sides to every story and you taught me to be fair. Marlena please listen.”

Rosie went to the bag and pulled out a book. “Story.”

“What to expect when you’re expecting?” He gazed to the toddler.

“Sweetie, I think you’re a little too small to be worrying about this.”

He gazed to Marlena, who was blushing and tried to divert attention from her condition.

“Who wants a cup of tea?”

Sam bit her lip. “Come here Rosie, lets see what else is in the bag.”

“I love you forever. “She tickled the little girl. “Lets read this one okay?”

John ran after Marlena. “Oh no you DON’T!”

She ran for the kitchen and put the island between them. “Your pregnant.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Might as well tell the truth. Yes I am.”

He looked hurt. “You weren’t going to tell me were you?”

She blinked. “Why should I have?” She looked away. “You were chasing after a ghost and I was made to feel that OUR life was second rate compared to her. We were something you settled for cause you couldn’t have her.”

She held up a hand. “John, I SAW the look in your eyes when you heard that message.”

He remained silent. “Listen, I’m not saying that you can’t have had things in your past but I figured that they were just that, the PAST and I could have lived with that and been fine. But with that look, John it made me realize, I can’t compete with her.” He raised an eyebrow. “Are you finished?”

She raised up her hands. “Doesn’t matter.”

He groaned and came around the island. “Stay still.”

Face to face, he reached out and touched her cheek.

“Lady, Trish is dead. That woman.”

Marlena felt sick. “That woman I SAW.”

He felt hopeful when she didn’t pull away. “That woman was part of Lawrence’s team.”

He reached out a hand to dry her tears. “Love, you’re my life and all I could ever want.”

She looked weary.

“Doc?”

She leaned forward. “I want to believe.”

He drew her to him. “Then do believe me. Marlena, I would never intentionally hurt you. Especially now.”

“Now?”

He practically glowed. “Yeah now, lady you’re carrying my baby.”

She held him off with one hand. “You sing that song and so help me their going to find parts of your sorry carcass in at LEAST 9 states.”

He chuckled. “No, I won’t sing but I am beyond words. We’re having a baby.”

He reached out and laid his hand on her stomach.

She grinned. “John, I won’t break.”

Lowering to the ground, he lifted her shirt out of her jeans and laid his lips against her stomach.

“Hi in there, its me.”

Marlena rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah, like it’s going to know you right this moment.”

“Ignore your momma, she’s goofy right now.”

She tugged on his hair. “Pardon me?”

He kissed her skin. “It’s me and I’m your daddy.”

She made a face and allowed them to bond for a moment, grinning as John told the baby about all they would be doing.

”Honey, this is all really lovely but shouldn’t you remember that the baby is still not HERE yet.”

He winked. “Son, consider this our long range planning.”

She let out a snort. “Honey, Momma knows your going to be a girl and so we’re going to just ignore Daddy’s little slip of the tongue. I mean we know that men can’t get things like this right.”

He stood up and grabbed her. “Oh yeah, I’ll have you know that it’s the men who decide the sex of the child.”

“Oh so if I don’t have my daughter then I can take it up with you?”

He claimed her lips for a kiss, stifling the laugh that nearly was about to double her.

*~*~*~*

“So?”

She lifted her head from his chest. “I’m NOT moving her.”

He grinned at her. “That’s not what I was referring to.”

She peered at him. “Then what WERE you referring to?”

He glanced at the bundle on his chest. “I was going to ask what time Nicky was picking up Rosie Posie.”

“Oh so it’s Rosie Posie?”

He shifted his head to check on the little girl, who took a liking to John from his sitting with her and playing with her dolly, “Pwoor Pitiful Pwearl.”

“Just think Doc, in a few months we’re going to be doing this with our baby.”

She smiled and nuzzled closer. “Pretty nice huh.”

“But if you listen to Nicky and her husband Dave, this is a fluke. Their NEVER this quiet.”

He looked offended. “Are you saying a child of ours could NEVER be this quiet?”

She nodded. “Especially ANY child of yours yep.”

John was about to reply when there was a knock at the door.

“Saved by the bell.”

John seemed reluctant to let the little girl go.

“Johnny, it’s okay if you’re a really good boy I’m sure that Nicky would let you go and play with Rosie another day.”

He pulled her to him and clamped his hand over her mouth.

“Dave did you have to put up with this type of abuse?”

Nicky smiled as she dressed her daughter. “Oh please. He loved the abuse.”

Dave shook his head. “Had no choice, I didn’t want to sleep on the couch.” He broke out laughing.

John glanced at Marlena who was glancing at him with a raised eyebrow. “Oh I hear ya.”

“Before John digs himself into an even deeper hole, we’re going to go now.”

As Marlena kissed her goddaughter, Dave told John to give him a call anytime.

“I mean us new fathers have to stick together and pass on the wisdom as much as possible.”

Nicky rolled her eyes. “Try BS.”

As they walked them to the door, Nicky kissed her friend’s cheek. “Congrats you two. You deserve every happiness.”

John closed the door and faced Marlena, who was watching him with a smile.

“Now to mend fences with you.”

She smiled. “No fences to mend.”

He came closer. “Yes there are. I hurt you and I never meant to.” He reached for the collar of the shirt she was wearing and pulled her to him.

“I want to be with you.”

She wrapped her arms around him and claimed his lips with a playful nip.

“Then be with me.”

His kiss deepened and she pulled away. “AFTER you grovel.”

“WHAT?”

She grinned. “Kidding.”

He tugged at the front of her shirt. “For that, we’re playing MY way.”

*~*~*~*

“Touch me while I’m doing this and I’ll stop.”

He lay still as she finished playing with the taps on the tub.

“Better?”

He groaned. “No.”

She turned around and stared at him through the mounds of bubbles.

“You made the mistake of telling me you never and now baby you have to indulge me.”

John pulled her to him so that she lay on top of him. “I should have told you I had never made love in a tub before.”

She paused and nipped at the side of his neck. “Yeah you should have.”

She shifted so that he was quickly inside her and braced her arms on either side of him on the sides of the tub.

The heat from the water was making her feel weightless as he thrust into her again and again, while her soap slicked skin made it easier for her to slide to meet him as his hands roamed over her skin and came back to rest against the small of her back.

As they climaxed, he whispered into her ear. “Turn around.”

He drew her against him and reached for the big sea sponge that she used.

Lathering it up, he began to wash her stomach.

“John?” He whispered into her ear. “Sssh.”

She sank against him as he drew lazy circles against her skin.

“I can’t wait to watch you change, watch your breasts become more fuller and the tips become more darker.”

She shivered against him as the sponge and the cool air outside of the tub collided against her nipples.

He pressed his lips to the nape of her neck. “I can’t wait to be able to watch all of this and know that I’m the one who helped create this.”

His hands slid lower and she watched them disappear into the bubbles.

He rubbed the sponge against her and she bucked against him for a moment only to thrust against him as his fingers entered her.

He whispered into her ear. “Does that feel good?”

She could only whimper as he continued the onslaught against her senses.

He raised her up and repositioned her, bending her against the side of the tub.

Sliding in between her legs, his hand sliding under her for support, John began to thrust into her as she pushed back against him.

His hands cupped her breasts, his fingers rolling her nipples as she raised up and slid her arm around his neck.

John lowered his lips to the side of her neck and then whispered into her ear.

‘I love you.”

 

“Ow.”

She opened one eye. ‘Is that an OW I just hurt myself or is that the Ow of some amazing earth shattering lovemaking that gave your poor body a workout?”

He grinned and kissed the top of her head. “No, that’s the OW of a man who’s hurt BECAUSE of some amazing spine shattering lovemaking.”

She propped her head on her hand and looked at him, a hint of mirth sparkling in her amber eyes. “Want me to kiss it better?”

He began to laugh. “You kissing it better is what caused it in the first place.”

“Don’t whine.”

He reached out and pulled her on top of him. “Who’s whining?”

She nibbled on his lip. “I think I heard you.”

His hands slid under the pajama top. “Wasn’t me unless I was saying.”

Her hand shot under the sheet and he let out a low moan.

“Yep that’s what I heard.”

He pulled her hands and pinned them in his.

“Its 3 in the morning and you my little mother to be are going to need to get SOME sleep.”

She grinned. “As long as I can with you holding me.”

He nuzzled her hair. “That’s a promise I will gladly keep.”

 

“HOLD IT!”

Marlena turned around with a paintbrush in her hand. “What?”

John shook his head. “What in the blue hell’s name is that color?”

Marlena looked down and then back to John. “It’s called cream.”

John raised an eyebrow. “No self respecting son of John Black is having his room painted cream. Doc, that’s not fair. Think of his developing psyche here.”

Marlena put her hand on her hip. “John, I’m going to do a paint effect and it requires a base coat. Which is what is on the paintbrush. So do me a favor and go OUT of this room now before I have to hurt you.”

He smiled. “So no cream?”

“10, 9, 8, 7.” She blinked and looked at John. “No, when you come back it’s going to be blue and white clouds. Now GO!”

“Clouds in a boys room?”

Marlena groaned. “John, I’m not having a baseball stadium motif in this room especially when it could very well be a GIRL in here so go downstairs and call Abe and see if he could come play with you or maybe take Zoey over to Roman and Sam’s?”

Sensing her pressure rising, he quickly came at her. “I love you Doc.”

She flicked the paintbrush at him. “OUT!”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“All I said was …”

Sam grinned. “I already heard from her while you were on your way over here. You were told not to get in her way when she was being on a artistic bent and yet you went ahead anyways.”

“I just wanted to give my two cents.”

She ruffled Zoey’s hair. “John, I told you. Let her go and get it out of her system and just stay out of her way. She’ll see it’s okay or not and get back to normal.”

He looked pitiful. “I hope so. I’m just a delicate flower of manhood and I can’t HANDLE this. It’s like flicking channels, I never know who I’m going to be greeting at the door at night. Martha Stewart, Chyna or that chick on TV, the one who puts up with that cheating chip head of a husband.”

Sam grinned. “Now it’s not that bad. Days of Our Lives is very interesting.”

“It’s Nauseating and I can’t handle this anymore.”

Sam reached behind her for the calendar. “She’s five months along now. You have four more to go.”

“Can I come live with you guys?”

Sam choked on her soda. “Now if YOU want to come live with Roman.”

John nodded. “Then it’s THAT bad, yes.”

She grinned. “Suck it up Daddy, you got her up the stump and now you have to live with the results.”

He grimaced. “Do you kiss Roman with that mouth?”

She winked. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Marlena was sitting quietly in the living room with her embroidery when John came in with Zoey.

“Hey there.”

He gestured towards the stairs. “You’re all done?”

She nodded. “Uh huh, Roman came by after you left and he helped me if you want to go see.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Roman … as in your sister’s Roman?”

She paused. “Yes, as in your co-worker and my sister’s fiancé.”

He bolted upstairs. “This I HAVE to see.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Marlena came up to find John standing in the middle of the room, his mouth agape.

“You did all this?”

She nodded. “I told you, with help from Roman.”

The room’s ceiling was blue with fluffy clouds and the wall had a painted mural. The furniture was whitewashed maple and in the corner in a pride of place was an enormous big bear.

Above the crib was a mobile with Winnie the Pooh characters.

Giving Tigger a swat, John turned around. “This is incredible.”

“It’s neutral because as you so wackily reminded me this morning, we don’t know who our child is.”

He hugged her. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “For what?”

“I don’t know. Just feel the need to apologize for something.”

As they laughed, Marlena ran her hand through his hair. “Here’s an idea. I do have an appointment in about an hour with Dr. Bader, why don’t we ask to find out WHO is coming to live with us?”

He paused and laid his hand on her stomach. “I think that would be a great idea.”

His face contorted. “John, what’s wrong?”

He looked at her stomach. “You have gas.”

She began to laugh and slumped against him. “It’s not gas.”

“It’s not?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s our child.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Hi Marlena, John.”

Marlena shifted her head and smiled. “Hi Robyn.”

John nodded. “Hi Dr. Bader.”

“So I hear that you would like to know the sex of your baby?”

Marlena looked at John, who nodded. “Not that I don’t mind Marlena calling our child Little Roo, but it would be nice to know officially.”

Robin grinned. “What happened to Baby Love?”

Marlena shrugged. “Couldn’t keep calling it that, John was getting queasy.”

As Robin finished getting things ready, Marlena grinned. “Ready Daddy?”

He leaned over and kissed her. “More than ready.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“So that’s official?”

Robin grinned. “Well it’s looking pretty official. BUT, knowing the two of you, I think it would be safe to say that the baby could still surprise us. Technology is good, but it can still be bombed by Mother Nature.”

Marlena grinned and John shook his head. “Don’t you dare.”

She held up her hands. “My Bad.”

Robin smiled and finished jotting some notes onto Marlena’s chart.

“Okay, so we can check it again in a few weeks if John’s still a little nervous about this, but everything is going great and is on schedule for your due date of the 15th.”

Marlena finished wiping her stomach. “Sounds great.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Abe came walking into the office and found John staring off into space.

“Hey Buddy, want to go get a bite to eat?”

John blinked. “What?”

Abe came and sat down. “Are you okay?”

His friend broke out into a grin. “I’m fine, just getting my head around something I learnt today.”

“Obviously it’s good news.”

John nodded. “Yeah it’s great news. Doc and I went to a checkup and I heard my baby’s heartbeat.”

Abe smiled. “That’s great.”

“And that’s not all.”

“Yeah?”

“Brace yourself Abraham, I’m going to be the father of a bouncing baby girl.”

Abe grinned. “Well this is a reason to celebrate. Lets go get a bite to eat!”

John got up out of the chair. “Let’s go and celebrate my daughter.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Marlena sat out on the patio with a notebook and a smile as she listened to a CD of John’s waft through the living room speakers.

“Hello Little One.”

She paused and collected her thoughts before continuing.

“This is a journal that I’m starting for you, full of my thoughts, wishes and things that I want you to know and have when you’re old enough to understand. About how Your Daddy and I met, about all of your family and of course all about YOU.”

She finished her page and was closing the cap of her pen when she felt John’s lips on the back of her neck.

“What’s up Doc?”

She reached her arms up, placing them around his neck and pulled him closer to her.

“I’m just writing to our daughter.”

He grinned and came to sit just beside her. “What are you writing?”

She smiled as he reached for her feet and laid them on his lap.

“I’m just writing about Baby Dreams, everything that I want her to know about you and I and just how much love has brought us and her to this point.”

He tilted his head. “Sounds like pretty nice thoughts.”

She smiled. “I just can’t wait to see you with her.”

He reached across and laid his hand on her cheek. “Makes two of us.”

 

Marlena stood in the middle of chaos with a smile on her face.

“Don’t you even THINK of touching anything that is above your shoulder height!”

She turned slightly as John slid his hands around her waist.

“Do I make myself even remotely clear?”

Grinning, she nodded as John nuzzled her ear. “Crystal.”

She turned to face him. “So that means then that I can’t do this?”

Ruffling his hair, she grinned and stood up on tiptoe. “Or do this?”

John caught his breath. “Yeah, especially don’t do that.”

He pulled her to him. “Especially NOT in a public place.”

Her smile faded as Sam came towards them.

“That’s what got you INTO this mess, Marley.”

“Why haven’t we eloped?”

John hugged his fiance and turned to face his future sister in law.

“Because the Christmas Nazi wouldn’t have the enjoyment of planning this soiree for us.”

Marlena made a face. “How many more hours before this event?”

Sam shook her head. “Don’t you even THINK of going into labor, got me?”

Marlena grinned and went to sit down on the first row pew.

“Just because I had ONE set of braxton-hicks.”

“One’s too many for a sister who’s overseeing your wedding girly girl.”

She held up her hands. “I won’t go into labor. BUT, I do have to go to the hospital.”

Sam and John turned instantly. “For WHAT?”

“Chill both of you, I have two more clients to see before I’m officially off duty for our wedding, honeymoon and maternity leave. So help me up and let me go.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

John sat at the desk and continued to write in the baby journal.

“Well this is it, we’re finally coming down to the wire here. I’m going to marry your Momma in approximately 24 hours, 14 minutes, 30 seconds and so on. I can’t wait to finally have your mom as my wife and then to be able to look forward to holding our little girl in our arms.”

“I have so many dreams and things that I want to teach you and it’s getting to be like the countdown to Christmas for me, because I want you here *NOW* and it takes the infinite patience of your mommy to make me see that I have to wait.”

Putting the pen down, he picked up the baby book and checked over the pages that had been folded over by Marlena.

“Emily, Emma, Claire, Sydney, Caroline, Michelle, Jessica, Madeline.”

He rolled his eyes. “No no no.”

Reaching over with his left hand while riffling through the baby book, he clicked on the bookmarks and went to the baby name site.

“Little Roo, I have to save you and me from a lifetime of girly girl names. Your Mom is trying to kill me.”

Grinning, he began to search.

 

*~*~*~*

 

Marlena hid her face in her hands. “I’m not apologizing for it.”

Laura grinned. “Well I’m sorry according to this game of Sam’s, your comment on this seventh gift is what you’re going to be saying to John on your first post baby night of sex.”

Marlena shook her head. “I’ve seen it before and so there’s NO way I’m saying that.”

Laura leaned over and conferred with Sam. “Sorry. Judge says “OH THAT’S HUGE” stands.”

Marlena’s head shot up. “Well I’m sorry, but did you SEE the size of that pram?”

As they all laughed, Marlena felt a sharp pain and had to get up to walk it off.

“You okay?”

She nodded. “Foot fell asleep.”

Laura was about to speak when Sam came rushing to her. “Tell me you’re not having a contraction!”

Marlena shrugged. “Okay I’m not having a contraction.”

As she came back to the group, she had to grin.

“I want to thank you all for this amazing baby shower that you threw. It’s amazing to know that my baby is going to be coming into a world of such wonderful friends and family.”

Sam let out a snort. “Amazing, she only used it twice in that speech.”

Lexie smiled. “Well there’s one more gift and this is from Abe.”

As she went to get it, Laura grinned to Marlena. “You’re going to love this.”

“I told Abe about this lady who can make either a sketch or a doll of what your child will look like at a year or whichever age you want. Abe was so excited that he requested to show you what little Miss Black will look like when she’s grown.”

Curious, Marlena and everyone watched as Lexie brought the huge package to her.

“Close your eyes.”

Doing so, she felt Lexie and Laura lead her to the wrapping. “Just open the lid.”

As she did so, Marlena looked down and began to laugh.

“What?”

Laying her hand on her cheek, Marlena began to shake. “Oh dear god my child is ugly!”

John stuck his head out of the box. “Hey, I resemble that remark.”

Marlena pinned his face in her hands. “Yes, yes you do!”

 

“So we’ve got everything put away for her upstairs.”

John turned from the computer and nodded to her. “Did you have a good time at your shower Doc?”

She went to sit down, a smile on her face as her hand strayed to her stomach.

“Yes, yes I think we both did.”

He finished printing and came to join them on the couch.

“What’s that?”

He gestured to the papers. “This?”

She nodded. “Yeah that.”

“Well, I’m marrying you tomorrow and making you a vow in sickness and in health.”

She smiled. “Yeah you are.”

“Well I’m also committing myself to this little one and I can’t do that without knowing her name.”

“Well we agreed that for her first name, she shouldn’t be named after someone we know.”

He smiled and ruffled the papers. ‘That’s what THIS is for.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Don’t look at me like that, you haven’t HEARD the names yet!”

She cringed. “Why am I suddenly so scared?”

He kissed her nose. “Because you’re a chicken.”

She saw one of the names. “SCOUT?”

“I was just warming up.”

She crossed her arms. “You best be. There’s no way in this huge world I’m naming our DAUGHTER Scout!”

He grinned. “Shall I continue?”

She gestured. “Go right ahead.”

“Schuyler?”

No response and so he continued. “Season, Selina, Seiko.”

“What’s with the S’s?”

He grinned. “1 down, 24 letters to go.”

She threw a pillow at him. “Damned right, you wanted to name our daughter after a WATCH?” She shook her head. “What’s wrong with you?”

She pouted. “Next you’re going to want to call her Land Rover after your SUV.”

“That’s RANGE Rover and I’m not that heartless.” She glanced at him.

“I was saving that for a boy.”

She glared at him. ‘Yeah Range Black, yep that’s about your speed”

He was about to speak when the phone rang.

“Oh would you look at that, saved by Ma Bell.”

Getting up to answer the phone, Marlena got another twinge.

“No, before you ask I’m not having any.”

“How did you know it was me?”

Marlena shook her head. “Call Display.”

Sam rolled her eyes. “I thought Motherhood was supposed to make you mellow.”

“Well I was, but John started to read Baby Names to me.”

“So?”

She turned to rub her side so that John couldn’t see.

“SO she says, So the problem is John wants to name our sweet daughter after in no order a Watch OR his SUV.”

“Serena Aislinn Black?”

“Get away from Shawn’s Guinness or I’ll swat you!”

Sam began to laugh. “What did he say now?”

“Now he thinks he’s Shawn’s.”

Sam began to laugh. “No because then he’d be Roman’s brother and they’d kill each other. Tell him to try again!”

“Speaking of Roman, where is he with my dog?”

“They just left here, he wanted to drop off Zack before giving you guys Zoey.”

“How did the groomers go?”

“Fine, but Zack’s rebelling about wearing his collar.”

“Tell him so’s John and to just suck it up and be a sweet puppy.”

“WOOF!”

“What was that?”

Marlena began to laugh, ignoring the pain. “John’s impression of Zack.”

“Sam, I want to get this name settled before I leave here for the Inn, so would you mind if I let you go?”

Sam smiled. “Good luck.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Well did you two settle it?”

 

John smiled. “Yes, yes we did.”

 

Abe shrugged. “And?”

 

John finished dressing. “And you’ll hear her be introduced at the wedding.”

 

Abe groaned. “I’ll just go see Marlena.”

 

John chuckled. “No no you wont. Because it’s bad luck for the godfather to see the mother to be before the wedding.”

 

“Says who?”

 

“Says the groom.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Everything was a blur to Marlena as she got ready, all she knew was that the pain that had been coming off and on during the later part of the night before, was now in full force, pains coming almost 20 minutes apart. “Marley if you don’t sit still, I can’t put the rest of the flowers in!”

 

Her gown was inspired by a painting of Juliet that she had seen, it was of blue chiffon, each layer a lighter shade that lay gently over the swell of her stomach.

 

Her hair was pinned up and held in place by tiny white roses.

 

“Stop fidgeting.”

 

She glared to Sam. “Bite ME!” She doubled over. “Oooh.”

 

“I KNEW IT!” Marlena straightened up and let out an unladylike burp. “Thank god, I thought that gas would never leave.”

 

Sam rolled her eyes. “Oh that was attractive.”

 

Shifting in her seat, Marlena bit her lip and thanked god she had a drink of soda a few minutes before and had to burp.

 

Silently she said another prayer. “Please little one if this is what I’m thinking this is, hold on just a little while longer.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

John had to smile as the bridesmaids came down the aisle, led by a proud Zoey who finally had got the gist of carrying a tiny basket down the aisle. “How did she do that?” John grinned. “Milk Bone bribery.” Finally Marlena came walking down the aisle, both Sam and John noticing that she seemed a little more paler than normal but chalking it up to her bridal nerves.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Do you Marlena, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold in sickness and in health …” John watched her face pale and her head lower. “I do.”

 

His eyes widened, listening to Marlena promise forever in love to him as her grip on his hand became nearly death like. “Ow.” The priest looked first to a composed Marlena to John. “Are you alright John?” Sweat began to appear on his forehead. “Fine.”

 

“John do you take this woman, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold in sickness and in health.”

Under her breath, Marlena spoke. “In possible labor and in great pain.”

 

Sam caught that and her eyes widened to look at Roman, who was confused. John was about to speak when Marlena doubled over. “DOC!”

 

Sam and John helped her to the floor. “Honey?”

 

Samantha glanced at her brother in law and shook her head. “Answer her because if I’m not mistaken and I never am.”

 

“Suck it up you wench.”

 

She ignored her sister, who was in great discomfort. “As I was saying.” Marlena reached over Sam’s arms and clutched John’s lapels. “As big mouth was saying, Answer the good Father honey because I think our daughter is beginning to make her appearance felt!” John’s smile faded. “WHAT!”

 

She gestured to Sam to help her back up as the guests began to realize what was going on. “I have probably a good 30 minutes before all hell breaks loose so to speak. I want to be married and by god and the guests, YOU are marrying me so speed it up bright eyes!”

 

John stepped closer, supporting her as he looked into her eyes.

 

“I promise to be true to you, to love you with all that I am and all that I have. I will be a good father to our children and especially Emily Claire, who is showing her Momma’s sense of timing and wanting to share this joyful day with us.” He laid his hand on her stomach. “Emily, just let us get through this please.”

 

She pinned his face in her hands. “John say it!”

 

Father Tim grinned. “John, I wouldn’t fight with an expectant Momma.” He smiled. “Who’s fighting, she just didn’t let me finish.”

 

“Doc I never loved you more than this moment when I see this future, OUR future so clearly. I have everything I could ever want and I can’t wait to grow old with you. Lady the best is yet to come.”

 

Marlena crumpled into his arms and so he threw a glance to Tim. “I do!” “HALLALUAH!” He kissed her as Tim proclaimed them man and wife and Roman yelled for someone to call an ambulance.

 

*~*~*~*

 

Their guests enjoyed the reception while various people checked for word at the hospital. Lexie came back to them. “Momma’s still in labor, Daddy’s totally lost and it’s all happy chaos.” Bo smiled. “Sure it is, I saw the marks in John’s hand!”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“You should be sleeping, Dr. Bader said that Little Roo is due anytime and you’re going to have to push.”

 

She shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. “I’m sorry about your hand honey.” He waved his hand. “Just a flesh wound. I’ll live.” She sighed. “We’ve done it. We’re really married.”

 

He nodded. “Not the hearts and flowers routine, but it’s official.” “Official and since I didn’t get to really enjoy this, I think we should do it again NEXT year.” He smiled. “Honey, how long have you been in labor?” Her answer freaked him out. “Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

 

“There were a few close calls, but I wanted so badly to be married before Emily came.” She began to cry. “They hurt so bad.” They listened to their daughter’s heartbeat for a moment and John laid his hand over the spot that Emily would kick at when he sang to her.

 

“If I could have taken the pains from you, I would have.” He lifted his eyes. “Tell me you know that?” She nodded. “I know, but you’re here with me and you’re not leaving and I love you for that.”

 

He stood up. “Let me cradle my girls for a bit so you can sleep.” She smiled and did as he requested. As she settled into his arms, he lowered his lips to her hair. “John, would you sing to us?” With a smile he began. “Someday, when I’m awfully low…”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Doc let me hold you.” She shot him a glance of pure venom. “That’s what got us here in this mess!”

 

Counting to ten, she glared at him again. “Laugh and I’ll rip your tongue out!” “Then I can’t sing to you lady.” She began to push. “I’ll buy the CD!” “Just a little more!”

 

Marlena rolled her eyes, swatting his hands away from her.. “That’s what he said TOO!” Dr. Bader choked back a laugh. “Marlena, I can see her head but I need to have you push for me just a little more.” John perked up. “Does she have hair?”

 

Marlena raised an eyebrow. “She’s YOURS so yes she’d have hair!” Sabyn grinned. “One more big push.” Marlena reared her arm back and pushed John off the chair. “How’s that?” “Not that BIG Doc.”

 

Her face contorted in concentration. “Worked for me.”

 

“Children please, wouldn’t want Little Roo picking up bad habits.” Marlena began to laugh. “Why not, he’s going to have her trained to raise her eyebrow up at the end of the first week.” Sabyn gestured to the nurses. “Okay on 3 get ready to welcome your last wedding guest!”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Abe sprinted to the podium and got the musicians to stop and play Rockabye Baby.

 

“I’ve been given this news bulletin from Stork Central, the littlest Black arrived at 10:30 and weighed in at a delicate 7pd 15oz and is 17 inches long.” “Her name Abe?”

 

“For those who didn’t hear it at the ceremony, her name is Emily Claire Black.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“She’s real Doc.”

 

Marlena lifted her head from his shoulders. “Yep she is very real Daddy.”

 

He beamed. “Daddy, that’s the second title of mine that I’ll never get tired of hearing.” “What’s the first?” He leaned into gently claim her lips. “Marlena’s husband.” They studied their daughter, who was fast asleep. “Let me put her in the bassinette.”

 

She watched him do that and he was coming back to her when he stopped to put on the radio. “What are you doing?”

 

He came to her side of the bed and bowed before gently picking her up into his arms. “Our darling girl denied me the right of my first dance with my bride and we’re going to dance now.”

 

She shook her head. “John, I just gave birth.” He cradled her closer. “I know that and that’s why we’re going to take it nice and gentle. I won’t hurt you and I’d never let you fall.”

 

They moved quietly to the strains of the way you look tonight and got lost in their new world of being new parents and a new married couple all in the space of one night…

 

“So your finally a father.”John turned to find Roman standing inches away from him with a smile on his face.

 

“Yes I am.” He pointed to a bassinette just inches away from the window.

 

“She’s beautiful John.” Before John could speak, Roman continued. “Obviously gets her beauty from Marlena.” John grinned as Emily began to cry and asked Roman. “And her big mouth is a gift from you?”

 

“No, it’s an Evans gift. You should hear Sam when she’s mad.”

“Hey, I resemble that remark.”

 

They turned to find a smiling Sam coming towards them.

 

She stood up on tiptoe. “Congratulations Daddy, she’s absolutely lovely.”

 

John broke into another grin. “Oh god, I thought you were dotty for Marley, now your down right goofy over this baby.”

He nodded. “And your point is?”

 

“My point is.” She broke into a smile. “You have every right to be.” Roman blinked. “In all this excitement, I forgot to ask. How’s Marlena?” John looked at his wedding ring. “My wife is great and fast asleep.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

The glass hit the wall and showered crystal shards to the carpet. “Oh that was nice Lawrence. If you even THINK Ivan is cleaning that up.” Larry turned stonily gray eyes on his Aunt. “You have a great niece.” Vivan’s eyes widened. “Pardon me?”

 

He leaned forward. “Forrest’s new wife gave birth to his daughter last night.” She sank into a nearby sofa. “Oh dear.”

 

He began to laugh, a creepy sound that sent shivers through Vivian. “Oh dear she says. He has a child Aunt Viv, do you have ANY clue what that means?” She nodded. “Your position of power was just eroded by a little mouse.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“So how’s our new Mom?” Marlena opened her eyes and looked at Mike, a distant smile on her face. “I’m fine.” He came closer to the bed, drawing up the chair. “Are you sure?” She nodded. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

 

She shrugged. “I have a beautiful new baby, a new husband and my life is pretty amazing right now.” Mike observed her for a minute. “Don’t look at me like that Dr. Horton.” He laughed. “Like what Dr. Evans Black?”

 

She fidgeted with her wedding rings. “Like a Physician.” He blinked. “I thought that was what I was?” Their train of conversation was cut short by John coming into the room, escorting Emily.

 

“Good Morning!” Mike could see the switch come on and she turned a sparkling bright smile to her husband.

 

“Congrats Daddy.” He nodded at Marlena. “If you two will excuse me, I’ll go do rounds.” Once he left the room, he made a mental note to go talk to a friend concerning Marlena…

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Doc honey, it’s okay.” She turned tearful eyes to John, who was sitting beside her on the edge of the bed. “No it’s not!” Swatting at the tears, she glanced at the bassinette as if it was an enemy.

 

“The one thing I KNEW that I wanted to do for her without a shadow of a doubt and I couldn’t do it.” He reached out to dry her eyes. “Honey, it’s only the first day.” She swatted at his hand. “The books YOU gave me made it sound so easy.”

 

He looked puzzled. “Doc, what did I do to have you bite my head off?” She slumped into the bed. “Nothing.” Turning stormy hazel eyes at him, she shrugged.

 

“I’m just tired I guess and being rejected by our  daughter did nothing to improve my mood.” He smiled. “You’re kind of cute when your cranky.” He came around to sit beside her. “Come prop your head on my shoulder.”

 

As she did as requested, he smiled and entwined their hands.

 

“Listen to me, you know what Michelle said at the last class.”

 

She buried her face in his shoulder. “Don’t bring HER into this.”

 

He grinned. “Chelle said to us both, my darling perfectionist of a wife that breastfeeding would take time.”

 

She wagged a finger at him. “Go marry Michelle then.”

 

He chuckled. “No, I got caught by a pair of lovely hazel eyes.”

 

“Had to be Michelle’s, cause mine are contacts.” She sighed and smiled.

 

“Time you say.” He nodded. “I did indeed.” She raised an eyebrow. “Okay, I’ll give it some time.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Mom?” Laura looked up and found Mike standing there with a worried look in his eyes. “Hi son, what’s up?”

 

He closed the door. “I think I’d like you to do a professional favor for me.” She blinked. “Sure and what’s that?

 

He looked at his signet ring. “I need you to talk with Marlena.”

“What for?”

 

He looked unsure as to how to proceed. “I suspect she may be suffering from early stage post partum depression.” Laura shook her head. “Michael, she had Emily and was married less than 24 hours ago. It’s probably just tiredness and unwinding.” He nodded. “I know that Mom.”

 

“But I would just feel better if you can talk to her?” She nodded. “Okay I’ll go check in with her.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

John sat on the edge of the bed with wide eyes.

“Doc?”

 

She turned around. “What?”

 

“What are you doing?”

 

She turned and held up her hair brush. “What’s it look like?”

 

He shook his head. “You’re packing?”

 

She grinned. “I knew you were so smart.”

 

“Why?”

 

She turned around. “Cause I want to go home.”

 

“Why?”

 

She pulled her hair into a ponytail. “Cause I want to recuperate at home with YOU and our daughter alone.”

 

She turned back to face him. “I feel great and there’s no reason for me or Emily to be here for a week.”

 

He blinked. “Uh Doc, what about the breast feeding situation?”

 

She threw the brush at him. “What the hell is with the breast fixation?”

 

He swerved to miss the brush. “What the hell is with your throwing that?”

 

“I want to go home. I want to be with YOU and OUR daughter outside of this hospital and you’re questioning me?”

 

She reached in her overnight bag. “Check this out. It’s called a Cell Phone.”

 

“This is how I will be keeping in touch with Michelle so I can get help.”

 

“Can I come in?”

 

John nodded. “By all means Laura, try to convince my blushing bride that she should stay in here for another few days.”

She turned away from him. “Go kiss my ass.”

 

John’s eyes widened and Laura fought back a laugh. “Honeymoon’s over and you haven’t had it yet John.”

 

He shook his head. “She keeps this up and I’ll trade her in for another model.”

 

“Sorry, want another one that looks like me and you’ll have to fight Roman for her. Names Samantha.”

 

Laura looked at John, who looked close to blowing his temper. “Go for a walk, check on Emily and count to ten by halves. Do it several times.”

 

As he closed the door, he heard Laura. “What is up with you?”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“You and I both know what’s wrong with you.”

 

“Wrong?” Marlena looked at her friend “There’s nothing wrong.”

 

Laura raised an eyebrow. “Marlena, your a psychiatrist.”

 

“Who just got married and had a child. I’m exhausted.”

 

Laura’s voice was matter of fact as she simply announced. “You have post-partum.”

 

Marlena turned around. “I do NOT.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Shouldn’t you be with your wife?”

 

John looked at Roman. “Uh no.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Cause right now, I want to smack her.”

 

Roman shook his head. “Way too much information as to your sex lives.”

 

John looked at Roman as if he had three heads. “You’re a pervert.”

 

“The reason I’m feeling like this is because she’s freaking out. Laura’s with her.”

 

Roman’s eyes widened. “Should I go call Sam?”

 

John sighed and shook his head. “No. Marlena told me that if I wanted a duplicate to go fight you for Sam.”

 

He rolled his neck. “That’s paraphrasing the light of my life.”

 

Roman blinked. “That’s not like Marley.”

 

John nodded. “I’m starting to see that.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“So what do you want me to do?”

 

“You know what you’d need to do.”

 

Marlena rolled her eyes. “Have I told you your acting like a Mom?”

 

Laura grinned. “Honey, I’m acting as a friend.”

 

Marlena couldn’t help but smile. “Who happens to be my shrink.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

John came back and waved a tissue ahead of him.

 

“You can come in.”

 

He stuck his head in. “You sure?”

 

Laura looked at Marlena. “Tell him.”

 

”Yeah I’m sure. I apologize for being a total brat.”

 

He kept a straight face. “I wouldn’t say Brat.”

 

There was something about his expression that made Marlena smile.

 

”Oh and what WOULD you call my performance?”

 

John fell for it.

 

“Rhymes with Witch.”

 

“Well honey, guess what?”

 

Lunging for him, she began to tickle him. “Ding dong the witch is dead.”

 

Laura rolled her eyes. “I’m leaving now.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Zoey heard the car pull in and her tail began to shake before she hit the door.

 

Sitting down just inches in front of it, she smelt a smell that made her tail wag harder.

 

John opened the door. “Let me carry you over the threshold.”

 

Marlena grinned. “No way. Carry our daughter instead.”

 

As soon as the little dog saw her mistress, she began to wiggle and tried to climb up Marlena’s legs.

 

Crouching down, Marlena cooed over her other baby. “We have someone to introduce you to honey.”

 

Scooping her up, Marlena brought Zoey closer to the baby who was still strapped into the carry seat.

“Zoey, this is Emily.”

 

John fought a laugh as Zoey tilted her head and looked at Marlena as if she understood.

 

“Zoe bug, this is your baby too.” Marlena cuddled the puppy closer. “You have to help take care of her.”

 

“Trying to stave off sibling rivalry Doc?”

 

Marlena let the puppy down. “I’m not risking the baby.”

 

John nodded. “Makes sense. Could be worse. Imagine what Zack would do.”

 

They burst into laughter and quickly stifled it.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Doc?”

 

John came into their room and found Marlena passed out fast asleep on their bed.

 

Reaching for the blanket at the end of the bed, John tucked her in and went back downstairs.

 

Sitting on the couch, he grabbed the phone and began to dial as he patted Zoey.

 

“Hi it’s John.” He smiled. “She’s fine and their both sleeping.”

 

He watched Zoey for a moment as he continued telling Alice all about the newest lady in his life.

 

“Actually she’s part of the reason why I’m calling. I have a favor to ask and was wondering if I could stop by?”

 

“So?”

 

John lifted his head, the only thing his wife would allow and his eyes widened. “It’s really not that hard, either this one.”

 

She held up one tiny bottle and jiggled it at him. “Or, this one.”

 

He groaned. “You’re going to kill me lady.”

 

She leaned over him and claimed his lips, playfully tugging on his tongue with her mouth.

 

“But you’re going to be going with a smile.” She raised an eyebrow in challenge.

 

“What about our daughter?” Marlena grinned.

 

“Emily is going to grow up knowing that her mother and father adore each other and certainly are not afraid to show it.” She moved away, watching the contrast of the cool air effects on his skin from where her skin had been moments earlier.

 

“And you’re trying to distract the situation Black, which bottle and tell me now. Don’t make me mix them.”

 

He suddenly felt heat warming him as he watched her studying the bottles, her expression one of pure menace and desire.

“Doc?”

 

She blinked and appeared all innocence, which contrasted with her voice.

 

“I’m going to brand you.”

 

“What?” If he felt fear, he was good at bluffing.

 

She nodded and laid one bottle on the floor beside the bed.

 

“You’re mine now and I want the world to know it.”

 

She unstopped the bottle and applied some to her hands, rubbing them together to warm the oil.

“Top or bottom?”

 

Lost in thoughts of what was to come, John squeaked. “What?”

 

She climbed off the bed to examine him. “Where do I start top or bottom?”

 

His eyes closed. “Choose?”

 

Her voice was at his ear, tickling him. “Are you sure about that?”

 

Straddling him, she began at his neck pausing only to kiss the hollow of his throat before she continued to blaze her way across the man she loved.

 

Reaching his stomach, she began to wiggle against the hardness that was reaching for her, wanting to claim her.

 

“Hold still, I’m not done yet.”

 

Slowly climbing off of him, she saw as it strained to attention.

 

Smiling, she took it in her hands and began to coat it with the oil.

 

“Did I tell you that it was edible flavored oil?”

 

His wide, dark eyes smiled into hers as she licked her lips again and took him into her mouth.

 

John groaned and fisted her hair in his hands, trying not to move and push himself further into his salvation.

 

Her tongue was doing amazing things to his body and he shivered with the sensation of it. The suction was incredible.

 

Her mouth moved over his straining member slickly and easily, while her tongue swirled and licked the sensitive underside. She held firmly to his hips to keep him still until she felt his tension peak.

 

John tried to pull away from her, knowing what was going to happen, but Marlena would not allow it. She retained a firm hold on his hips and redoubled her efforts.

 

John had never felt anything so incredible as the warm, wet, suction pulling the pleasure from him..

 

His head fell back as his hands lightly held her head to him and his orgasm ripped through his body, spilling his seed down the back of her throat.

 

His body jerked convulsively, several times as the waves rolled over him and his hoarse breathing was the only sound in the room.

Marlena pulled back and licked her lips, loving the taste of John on her tongue. She’d wanted to do that for a long time. This was their time to fulfill their fantasies, and now seemed like a good time to start.

 

John pulled her back up to him and slid his hand around her neck pulling her forehead down to rest against his own, capturing her mouth in a slow kiss that explored her mouth thoroughly. He tasted himself on her tongue and that turned him on even more, that she would do that for him.

 

Her eyes glowed amber as she whispered against his lips. “Only for you.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Strawberry, why am I smelling like strawberries?”

 

He glanced at his wife, who was wide-eyed but laughing against the side of his chest. “Answer me wife!”

 

She grinned. “Because my favorite scent is strawberries and I told you that I was going to brand you, how else but with something that’s mine.”

 

He watched her slip out of bed and he noticed that she had slipped into his baseball jersey before coming back to bed.

 

“Doc, I love that idea but strawberries. Their … the scent is..”

 

She grinned. “The scent is girly and since its just you and me here baby, I get to have my husband smelling like.”

 

“Fruit.”

 

She burst out laughing. “Okay so I guess it’s time to share the other half of my surprise then.” She tilted her head. “What do you think?”

 

He growled at her, earning a laugh from his wife. “Yep think that was a yes.”

 

She leaned over and gently whispered. “Close your eyes.”

 

“Why, so you can turn me into a banana?”

 

She collapsed laughing as she slipped back out of his shirt. “No, I need your eyes closed for a reason.”

 

Making a face, he did as requested and soon found something sweetly spicy being waved under his nose. “Cinammon?”

 

She rubbed some into her hands and told him to open his eyes. “This is what I smell when I taste your skin.”

 

She began to rub it against her skin, moving in small circles as he watched spellbound. “Spicy and hot but yummy and all mine.”

 

She lowered herself so that she was mere inches to him, smiling as his hands shot out to pin her against him.

 

Rolling her so that she was under him, they listened as their heartbeats settled into one melodious rather languious cadence. His hands joined hers for a moment in the slippery oil and began to rub it in as she laced her hands around his neck and tried to make him part of her.

 

“Now you’re mine.”

 

She arched her back. “I’ve always been yours.”

 

He licked first one nipple then the other, smiling as they pebbled to his touch.

 

The sensations made patterns against her closed eyelids and she let out a whimper that was soon silenced by his lips claiming hers.

As they drifted back to land, he heard her softly whisper and he smiled.

 

“Happy honeymoon Doc.”

 

Shall I claim thee by sunlight Ravish thy lips by moonlight Swear I love thy heart, soul and mind I do but all this each time I call thy name.

 

“Who knew, that all this time while I married you for your looks, there inside was the mind of a poet.”

 

He ran his hand over her bare arm and nuzzled her neck. “Had to keep something under my sleeve.”

 

She grinned and shivered as his lips grazed her ear. “What sleeves?”

 

Marlena stared off into space and he whispered. “She’s alright you know.”

 

She tilted her head slightly to look back at him. “I know she is.”

 

Standing up, she pulled him up to his feet. “I just love her as much as I do you and I worry about her. This is the first time that we’ve been away from her.”

 

He drew her to him, gently kissing her nose. “Honey, we’re newlyweds.”

 

She pouted. “Can’t we at least phone them?”

 

John rolled his eyes. “No.”

 

He paused. “Well, at least not until later.”

 

Marlena pulled away, jumping up and down. “I KNEW IT! You couldn’t stay away from her either!”

 

John tugged her closer to him again. “What can I say, I like to keep my women close to the vest so I can keep an eye on ’em.” She stopped and her hands began to roam against his bare skin.

 

“Well I can’t speak for Miss Emily Black, but her mommy likes it better when you’re NOT wearing a vest so I can keep my hands on you.”

 

Her hands roamed lower and she winked. “Did I tell you oh say in the past five minutes or so that I really like your butt?”

 

He began to play with her shirt. “Um no, if I had to press my mind.”

 

She grinned as he pulled her to him. “Oh press it anytime there baby.”

 

They burst out laughing. “Will this ever end Doc?”

 

She blinked. “What?”

 

He gently nibbled on her lip. “My wanting you as badly as I do every time that I see you?”

 

She paused from her job of undoing his belt buckle. “I hope not.”

 

She laced her fingers into his hair and smiled. “Cause I feel the same way about you.”

 

He slowly undid her top, revealing creamy skin. “Bright eyes, did you ever make love in the woods before?”

 

She was about to speak but stopped with his lips roaming. “Uh … no.”

 

He paused. “What was that Yogi?”

 

She backed up against a tree and undid his jeans. “What’s wrong with your hearing Booboo, I said that NO I haven’t made love in the woods.”

 

She raised an eyebrow as she slipped out of her shirt. “Up for a picnic with me?”

 

*~*~*~*

 

She had to bite her lip. “Doc, if you’re laughing.”

 

Tears were shining in her eyes as she wordlessly handed him the salve from outside the door. “Marlena, answer me.”

 

She turned on the water and got a drink first. “MARLENA!”

 

She put the glass down. “I’m NOT laughing!”

 

He stormed out and sat on the edge of the bed with a wince. “I don’t believe you.” “For better, for worse, in richer for poorer, in wild sex and splinters.”

 

He growled and she burst out laughing. “Did I tell you to brace your butt on the back of Mrs. Horton’s outdoor shower?” She came around the other side of the bed and draped herself around his shoulders.

 

“Honey, look at it this way. It really could have been worse then it is because what would have happened if while we were getting…um, getting down with nature, a skunk should have wandered across our path while your levis were down around your feet.

 

You would have gotten sprayed and in the confusion fell over the tree stump and been injured worse than the splinters.”

 

He turned to look at her. “See there IS a positive if you’d only look.”

 

John pulled her around and landed her in his lap. “You’re insane Doc.” She nodded and draped an arm around him, cuddling closer.

 

“Of course I am, blind devotion and raw sexual passion has me at my wits end.”

 

He burst out laughing at her expression. “Okay you win.”

 

She grinned back. “Of course I do.”

 

She rested her forehead against his. “Secret to long marriage. Agree with your wife, keep her happy.” He kissed one eyelid then the other. “That I can do.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Roman and Sam had taken Emily with them to the Brady Pub for a family evening, which had been fun and ended with teasing as to when Emily would have a cousin of her own.

 

“She’s already got JT, but as for us well…as soon as I can sit on this woman and make her give me a date.”

 

Sitting in a booth with Emily cuddled close, Sam yelled out. “This Saturday.”

 

He came to her. “You’re serious?”

 

She nodded. “About as serious as you when you challenged me.” Roman scooped up his neice. “Hear that, she set a date.”

 

Sam stood up. “I can’t wait anymore to be your wife Brady.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Marlena woke up in John’s arms, sweat pouring off of her and the overwhelming need to call Salem. “Doc, we promised.”

 

“No YOU promised.” Tucking her hair behind one ear, she waved at him to be silent.

 

“Hi Sam, it’s Marley. Call me when you get this okay, I got this really weird feeling that something’s wrong. Yes, it’s my overactive twin sense kicking in.”

 

John came to stand beside her. “Doc?”

 

She looked helpless. “The last time I felt this way, she was.”

 

Quickly he drew her to him and held tightly. “It’s going to be okay honey.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

The smoke was pouring out from under the hood with the remainder of the car looking like a scrap-yard reject.

 

“Sam?”

 

Weakly, Roman tried to call for her but got no response. Fearing the silence that was engulfing him, he tried to call to the baby.

 

And got no reply as the darkness claimed him again, while the smoke continued to billow out from the wreckage. John was about to tell her to sit down, that she had paced a hole clean through the carpet when his cell rang. He reached it first and held out his hand to still her.

 

“Hi yeah it’s me.” His eyes widened. “Calm down Bo.”

 

She knew it without having to hear John confirm it, the pain that had been in her heart was on a rampage, moving through her head and soul with equal violent speed.

 

Crumpling into the sofa, she gathered a pillow close and began to cry softly for one thing.

 

“I want my baby.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

The ambulances brought the victims in, the sirens breaking the quiet of the early evening.

 

She was drifting further away from him and it was scaring him.

 

“They’re going to be fine, Roman’s a policeman, he’s trained in defensive driving Doc.”

 

He reached over with his free hand, only to have her pull away and lay her head against the cool glass of the window. “This is my fault.”

 

“What?”  He looked over at her. “You drove the other car?”

 

She shook her head. “It’s my fault because I was off kilter after Emily was born. If I hadn’t have been so stupid, I would have my baby.”

 

“You will have your baby honey. Emily was strapped into her seat and she’s going to be fine and waiting for us when we get there. Just try to rest honey.”

 

John felt fear creeping slowly up his neck. “Please keep them safe until we get there.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Bo didn’t know where to go first, his brother and fiancée had been brought in with baby Emily as well as his own little boy JT had to be rushed in with another attack of his FAS.

 

JT had been named for Jennifer’s husband Jack, who had helped Hope at the hospital while she was in labour waiting for Bo and of course for Hope’s beloved grandfather Tom.

 

Trying to keep it together for both sides of his heart finally had him slumped in a chair waiting for John and Marlena.

 

Being with JT was driving him to distraction with wanting to shield his little boy and he was physically with the infant. He couldn’t even dream of what John and Marlena were going through, having been on their honeymoon while this occurred.

 

Hope came out with a tear-streaked face just as Marlena and John stepped off the elevator.

 

Not knowing of their little boy, the other couple misunderstood and Marlena began to cry.

 

Bo caught it and as he drew his wife to him, shook his head at the other two.

 

“Its JT. He’s very sick.”

 

Hope lifted her head and came towards the other shell-shocked woman. “Marlena, I’m so sorry about Emily and Sam.”

 

Marlena could only whisper her baby’s name before she burst into tears as she was drawn into Hope’s embrace.

 

*~*~*~*

 

The foursome came to join the vigil in the waiting room with the others when the Doctors came to see them. “I need to speak with the baby’s parents.”

 

Marlena paled to the point where John thought she was going to go down, but surprisingly, her voice was strong. “We’re her parents.”

 

The doctor smiled. “She’s going to be fine, she’s got a few cuts and scratches but your little lady is perfect.” Marlena spun around into John’s arms and began to sob while he gently stroked her back. “See I told you.” His smile was huge as he thanked the paediatrician.

 

“Doctor Goldsmith, can we see Emily?”

 

She smiled. “We’re going to be moving her into the nursery for just in case observation and I’d think the best medicine for her is to see you two.”

 

John started to go with the doctor, but Marlena spotted Craig.

“How’s Sam?”

 

He spoke honestly. “She’s still in surgery as is Roman. As the impact came at them head-on, their injuries are equally severe. But there’s still a few more hours to go before we can give a final verdict.”

 

He smiled. “So go and see your little miracle and say a little prayer.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

John smiled at his wife and daughter, safely cuddled in a rocking chair. “Mommy is so sorry love that I wasn’t here with you.”

 

Marlena gently kissed the tiny fist she cradled in the palm of her right hand.

 

“But Mommy is never ever going to go away from you again. Daddy and I will always be with you sweet girl.” John knelt down and laid his hand over the top of his daughter’s head.

 

“Don’t listen to your silly mommy, she’s just upset that we nearly lost you today. We’re going to let you dream your own dreams and sail your own ship Miss Emily.”

 

She lifted her head. “I’m being one of those Mommies again aren’t I?”

 

He nodded, laying a hand on her cheek. “Yep, sadly you’re one of Michelle’s Worry Momma’s.” They smiled.

 

“John, I’d like to go back downstairs.”

 

He shook his head. “Tell you what, you two hang out here and talk about things. I’ll run down and go see what if any word we have on Roman and Sam okay?”

 

*~*~*~*

 

John came back down and found Caroline in quiet reflection.

 

“Where is everyone?”

 

She looked up. “Their in chapel. I felt that I could have my time with him here and wait for word.”

 

John sat with her. “How’s Emily?”

 

He smiled. “She’s fine and upstairs with her Momma. I got Marlena to stay there while I came for word. Those two had a bit of a rocky start to their relationship and that hit home tonight for Doc.”

 

Caroline smiled. “I’m glad one of my two grandbabies are okay.”

 

“How’s JT?”

 

“Hope’s with him till he falls asleep. This whole mess is so hard. FAS is a disease that takes many forms.”

John nodded. “Bo said that before.”

 

She lowered the rosary that she held. “JT is a wonderful little boy and he will be okay.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Till my body is dust Till my soul is no more I will love you Love you

Till the sun starts to cry And the moon turns to rust I will love you Love you

But I need to know Will you stay for all time Forever and a day?

And I’ll give my heart Till the end of our time Forever and a day

And I need to know Will you stay for all time Forever and a day?

And I’ll give my heart Till the end of our time Forever and a day

 

Marlena’s soft voice continued to croon to her little daughter who was fighting so hard to stay awake, transfixed on her mom’s face.

“I nearly lost you tonight and I promise from here on out, I will take you as the most wonderful gift in the world Emily mine.”

 

Marlena gently stood up and cuddled her girl closer. “I will never lose you again.”

 

Checking the clock, she laid her daughter down. “But I need to go check on your Aunt Sam and Uncle Roman.”

“Momma will be right back.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Well?”

 

Craig smiled. “Their out of surgery and going to be alright.”

 

As the cheering started Marlena appeared. “Oh Doc.”

 

She looked at John who came to her. “What?”

 

He hugged her. “God smiled on us tonight.”

 

She burst into tears. “Oh thank you.”

 

As she composed herself with John’s help, Shawn began to led the family in a prayer.

 

Each person held hands as they came into a circle, listening to the lilt in Shawn’s voice as he gave thanks for JT, Emily Claire and of course Sam and Roman.

 

“And may the sun always shine on the backs of my family dear lord to remind them to take each day as a gift.”

He caught John’s eyes and smiled. “You are a Brady lad, I could never figure out why you reminded me of Bo and Roman, then it hit me while I was in our attic at the Pub.”

 

John shrugged. “Lost me there Shawn.”

 

“You’re my brother Patrick’s, he had been in Alamainia and fallen in love with a local lass, who was married.  They had a few days before she left him. He never knew about you lad.”

 

John nodded. “When you come over to the pub, I’ll give you his things.”

 

Marlena laid her head on his shoulder. “Now you have a new family.”

 

He kissed the top of her head. “That I do.”

 

8 months later.

 

“I Samantha, take thee Roman for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health.”

 

John leaned over and gently smiled at his wife, who was standing just behind Sam and holding both bouquets.

He had noticed that she had been distracted during the ceremony, but chalked it up to nerves.

 

“With the power invested in me by the city of Salem, let me know pronounce you husband and wife, Roman you may kiss your wife.”

As the family broke into applause, the couple led the procession out.

 

John slipped his hand into Marlena’s and leaned in. “What’s wrong?”

 

Marlena smiled. “Nothing is wrong, everything is perfect.”

“It is?”

 

She nodded. “Got them finally married and I have a wonderful husband and a daughter that I adore. On top of that, I also got a phone call this  morning.”

 

He shrugged. “You did?”

 

They stopped to applaud the kissing newlyweds. “Yep. It was from Robyn.”

 

He stepped in front of her. “Robyn, as in Bader?”

 

She nodded, a playful smile creeping over her. “Congratulations Daddy, apparently you just may get your little boy after all.”

 

He drew her to him and kissed her. “Happy Father’s Day John.”

 

The End

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