“I love you. It’s that simple…I love you. I thought I’d lost you, and then I got you back. I got you back.” For a moment, Marlena marvels that her one true love is once again part of her life. “You know, I always believed that having someone come into your life that you can love as fully and as completely as I love you was very rare, and very special…and something to be cherished. And I do cherish what we had. I held onto that when you were gone, and it saw me through some unbearable pain. I’m so glad we had it. Most folks go through their whole lives and never have that, you know. Not us…we got to have it twice in this lifetime. I know what it’s like to be without you, for a month, or a week, or a day. I was. For seventeen months and three weeks and two days. That’s how long I hurt. That’s how long my heart ached to be with you.” John glances down at his hands, intertwined with Marlena’s, grief-stricken at the knowledge that he has caused her so much pain. He fights back the tears that threaten to fill his eyes, knowing there is nothing he wants more than to once again pledge his heart and soul to the woman of his dreams. “It was worth it though, to be back with you…now. We’re not just lucky you know, we’re more than lucky. We’re more than blessed. We’re twice blessed. I love you. I love you.” Gently, Marlena squeezes John’s hands, promising herself that she will never let this man out of her life again.
~
“Marlena…Marlena!” Alex North shakes Marlena’s shoulder roughly, trying to bring her attention back to preparations for their wedding.
Marlena gasps, trying to clear her head of the thoughts of John that seem to persist no matter what she does. “I’m sorry, Alex, what did you say?”
“I was asking you about decorating the church for our wedding, but you were a million miles away. What were you thinking about?” Subtly, Alex slips his hand inside his pocket, reassured by the comforting presence of his memory-erasing drug. Perhaps Marlena needs another dose…
Her smile a bit forced, Marlena can’t seem to shake the vision of standing in front of the altar at St. Luke’s with John as they pledge their lives to each other once again. She is shaken by the depth of the love for John the memory evokes, and replies absently, “I’m terribly sorry, Alex. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just can’t concentrate.” Giving her head a gentle shake, Marlena pats Alex’s hand and says, “I think I need a bit of fresh air.” She rises and walks to the door, Alex close on her heels. As she slips on her coat, Marlena kisses him and says, “Don’t worry, I won’t be gone long. I’m just going for a quick walk.”
Reassured by the kiss, Alex nods and replies, “Hurry back. We’ve still got a wedding to plan.”
Marlena smiles half-heartedly and escapes out the door, hoping that the cool, early-spring air and the bright sunshine will chase all thoughts of John from her head.
“Damn it, Doc, why are you determined to stay with that bastard?!” Angrily, John slams the door of his hotel room shut. He smiles wryly. Well, at least I’ve got a plan…There’s no way I’m going to let that North creep lay a hand on my wife. I’m done with being patient. I’m getting her away from him *today*.
As he shrugs on his black leather jacket, John walks to the window and gazes down at the deserted street below. Closing his eyes, he leans his head against the window frame, deep in thought. But how can I get to Marlena? Alex never leaves her side. Not that it matters, because she’d never willingly come with me anyway… John sighs and opens his eyes, his mind still mulling over Marlena’s situation. Suddenly he gasps and stares down at the street, his heart pounding in his chest. Walking alone on the empty street, like a vision, is Marlena. Without a second thought John races out the door and down the stairs, knowing that this is his chance. When he reaches the lobby of the hotel John stands for a moment at the glass doors and waits for Marlena to pass by. Finally, when she is a few steps past the door, he makes his move, stealthily exiting the hotel.
Marlena walks slowly, trying to sort out her confused emotions. I’m married to Alex. He’s the man I love, the man I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. We’re planning to renew our vows, for heaven’s sake! This should be the happiest time of my life, but I can’t stop thinking about John!
Silently John approaches Marlena and hears her murmur, “Oh, what is wrong with me?! Why do I keep thinking about John?!” When he hears Marlena’s whispered confession, John can’t help but grin. This might be easier than I thought…
John swiftly reaches out and pulls Marlena into his arms, whispering softly into her ear, “You can’t stop thinking about me because you know we’re meant to be together. You love me, Doc, not Alex.”
As terrified as she is to find herself being held roughly in John’s arms, Marlena can’t help the thrill of desire that runs through her body at the feeling of his warm breath tickling her ear and his firm, strong, muscled body pressed against hers. She gasps, “John! What do you think you’re doing?!”
He squeezes her tightly and scoops her slender body up into his arms. Immediately she begins to wriggle and protest, her heart racing as she realizes what John’s intentions are. “JOHN! Put me down! You have no right to do this! PUT ME…” Before Marlena can continue with her tirade, John pulls a roll of duct tape out of his pocket and puts a piece over her mouth, effectively silencing her. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t want to have to do this, but I can’t stand by and watch North hurt you.” He pauses for a moment, regretfully taking in Marlena’s wild, terrified eyes and panicked expression. Brushing his lips over her smooth, flushed cheek, John murmurs, “Trust me, sweetheart. I’d never hurt you, and you know in your heart that’s the truth.” For a moment, Marlena stops struggling, touched by the tenderness in his voice. John takes the opportunity to carry her to his waiting car, already packed for a long trip. When Marlena realizes that John intends to put her inside the car, she begins to fight again, smacking her “kidnapper” as hard as she can in as many places as she can, her screams muffled against the tape.
Finally easing her into the backseat, John slips in beside her. He attempts to tie her hands and feet together, a little impressed at her determination to fight him off. However, after receiving a particularly painful, well-placed kick to his lower region, John curses under his breath and roughly finishes the job, making sure, though, to remove the duct tape from her mouth. Sliding Marlena onto the floor of the roomy backseat, he tells her, “Now behave yourself. We’ve got a long drive ahead of us, so you might as well quit fighting.” Slamming the car door shut, he gets into the driver’s seat and turns on the car, glancing in the rearview mirror to see Marlena glaring at him. Nevertheless, she stops squirming and turns her head away, determined to ignore her kidnapper. John smiles, pleased to see her calming down and thoroughly enjoying her cute, defiant expression.
As John begins to drive, Marlena watches the familiar buildings of Salem fly past her window and disappear. They soon reach the outskirts of town, and Marlena realizes she is now at John’s mercy. Slyly, she peeks up at him, trying to discern his intentions for her. While she knows she should be terrified, Marlena can’t quite make herself worry very much. He’s my kidnapper, but…well, there’s just something about him…I know he’s not going to hurt me. His eyes aren’t those of a madman…they’re filled with sadness and desperation. He can’t accept the fact that I’m no longer his wife, that I no longer love him. An uncomfortable thought flitters through Marlena’s mind, a few buried emotions rising to the surface. The problem is, I’m not absolutely certain all my feelings for him are gone… She pushes away that thought and glances back up at John. He feels her gaze settle upon him and, without removing his eyes from the road, reaches a hand down to stroke her cheek for just a moment. Although she doesn’t respond, she doesn’t move away from his touch.
Lulled by the steady movement of the car and the warm sun shining through the window, Marlena’s eyes begin to close. As she drifts off to sleep, Marlena can’t help but wonder what John has planned for her.
Marlena awakens when the car rolls to a stop in front of a cabin that is nestled deep in the woods. Blinking her eyes rapidly, Marlena tries to make out her surrounding in the darkness that has settled while she was sleeping. Her voice hoarse, she murmurs sleepily, “John? Where are we? How long was I asleep?”
John smiles when he hears the drowsy, confused voice of his wife. “We’re at my cabin. We used to come up here sometimes when we wanted to get away from the rest of the world. No one besides the kids knows about it, so I thought it would be the perfect place to take you. You’ve been asleep for quite awhile—long enough for us to get a few hundred miles away from Salem…and Alex North.” John climbs out of the driver’s seat and walks around to the back of the car, opening the door to the backseat. He reaches in and once again lifts Marlena in his arms. She struggles against him and protests, “John! What are you doing?!”
He rolls his eyes. “I’m taking you inside. You didn’t think I was going to leave you tied up in the car all night, did you?”
“You’re crazy! You kidnapped me, for heaven’s sake! How should I know what you’re going to do next?”
John just sighs, carries his wife inside the cabin, and deposits her on the couch. Reaching down to the rope that encircles her wrists, he unties it, making sure to place gentle kisses over her delicate, slightly bruised skin. His efforts are rewarded when he feels Marlena’s pulse beat rapidly under his lips. When he glances at her face, he can’t help but notice the lust that glazes her eyes for just a moment. He releases Marlena’s ankles, and then takes her face in his hands, forcing her to meet his gaze. Kneeling on the floor before her, John says, “Now listen to me. I’m trusting that you will stay here while I take a shower and get us something to eat. There’s no point in trying to escape, because the car doesn’t have enough gas to get you anywhere. We’re in the middle of nowhere, so there’s no reason to try to leave on foot. Okay?”
Marlena sighs and nods her head, her lips forming a slight pout. “Fine. I won’t run. Just…leave me alone.”
John gets to his feet and heads upstairs, ready to take a shower and wash away some of the day’s exhaustion and stress. Well, I got her here. She might be furious with me, but at least she’s safe. As he stands under the hot, pounding spray of water, John finds his mind dwelling on the way Marlena’s body reacts to his presence. Her mind is telling her one thing…but I know her heart is telling her something else. He smiles, confident that his plan is working perfectly.
Downstairs, Marlena wanders around the living, studying the pictures that adorn the mantelpiece and tables throughout the room. The faces of Carrie, Eric, Sami, Belle, Brady, John, and Marlena herself smile happily in the pictures, evidence of the love and contentment in Marlena’s past. No matter what Alex says…I must have been happy with John and my family. These pictures don’t lie. There was obviously a time when I loved John very much. She finds herself smiling automatically at the sight of her children’s dimpled grins. I wish I could remember them. Especially Belle and Brady. Carrie, Eric, and Sami are grown, and they have their own lives now. But Belle and Brady…they’re just children. They need their mother, but I can’t be there for them. I’m just grateful that Shawn and Caroline are willing to take care of them while I can’t. Sighing, Marlena moves on to the next picture, taking it in her hands and studying it closely. It is obviously several years old, but the intensity of love captured by the photo leaves Marlena shaken to her very soul. In the black-and-white picture, she and John stare into each others’ eyes, oblivious to anything except their love, contented smiles lighting their faces. John holds Marlena close, and her arms wrap snugly around his waist. Wandering back over to the couch, still holding the picture, Marlena sits down and gazes at it, letting her eyes and mind relax. As she once again slips into dreamland, a very startling, very clear thought flashes through her mind: This love, this passion, that John and I shared…it isn’t over.
~
When John comes downstairs to make something for him and Marlena to eat, his eyes are immediately drawn to Marlena, sound asleep on the couch. A loving smile dances across his face, widening when he notices the picture she is clutching. He bends down, caresses his wife’s tousled blonde hair, and kisses her temple briefly. She stirs but doesn’t wake, and John goes into the kitchen to make supper.
Half an hour later, the tantalizing smell of cooking food wakes Marlena. Her stomach growls hungrily, and she realizes that she hasn’t eaten anything since breakfast. Before she can go into the kitchen to investigate, John comes into the living room, bearing a tray full of food. He chuckles when her eyes light up at the sight of him. “Well, you look happy to see me. Ready to eat?”
Marlena glares at him. “I’m not happy to see *you*, John. I’m happy to see *the food*. I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to feed me.”
Setting the tray down before Marlena, John responds, “Of course I’m going to feed you. I know how cranky you get when you’re hungry. I don’t want to face that.”
After giving John another evil look, she eagerly begins to devour the food he brought. They both eat in silence for a few moments. Finally, Marlena’s anger and frustration spill over and she asks, “Why did you do this, John? What do you think kidnapping me will possibly accomplish? Our marriage is over. I’ve told you—I have no feelings left for you. I’m married to Alex now and he’s going to rescue me, and you, John Black, are going to prison!”
Angrily, John responds, “You still love me. Alex has brainwashed you into believing that you love him, not me.” John pauses and kneels before Marlena, taking her hands in his. “Why can’t you see that he’s going to hurt you, Doc? I kidnapped you to protect you from that monster! God, baby, don’t you know I would do anything to keep you safe?!” John’s love and frustration combine, forming a sudden surge of longing and passion in his body. Roughly, he pulls Marlena to him, crushing her body against his, and takes her lips in a devouring, soul-stirring kiss. For a moment Marlena struggles against him, but finally melts under the feeling of his soft, supple lips.
After what feels like an eternity in heaven to Marlena, John pulls away. Meeting her shocked, tear-glazed hazel eyes, he murmurs gently, “Don’t argue with me anymore, Doc. Just trust me.”
Marlena stands up and turns away from John. She whispers, “Don’t call me Doc. Alex doesn’t like it. Alex loves me. He protects me. He’d never hurt me.”
Stepping behind Marlena, John wraps his arms around his wife, holding her protectively against his chest. “You’re my Doc. Nothing you can say or do will ever change that. Alex has brainwashed you into believing otherwise, but we’re going to fix that.”
Brushing the tears from her cheeks, Marlena shakes her head. “It’s late, and I’m exhausted. I’m certainly not sleeping on this couch, so you’d better have a bedroom for me.”
John chuckles. “Well, it seemed like you didn’t mind sleeping on this couch earlier. Or the floor of the car, for that matter.” Marlena smiles sheepishly, despite her annoyance at John. “But yes, your bedroom is upstairs. I’ll show you where it is.”
John leads Marlena upstairs to a spacious, beautifully decorated bedroom. It has obviously been well taken care of, as the whole house has been. Fresh-cut lilacs, Marlena’s favorite flowers, fill the numerous vases throughout the room. Taking in her surroundings, Marlena gasps, “Oh, John, it’s beautiful.”
“It should be. You decorated it. Actually, you decorated this whole house.” John gestures to the bathroom. “You can go ahead and take a shower if you want. I already took one earlier. There are clothes in the bureau for you, so grab whatever nightgown you want before you go in.” John shrugs. “I guess that’s it.” He pauses awkwardly in the doorway.
Marlena nods. “Thank you. I suppose I’ll see you in the morning then. Good night.” She pulls some clothes from the dresser and walks into the bathroom, shutting the door and locking it behind her. Once she is hidden behind the safety of the door, Marlena sighs and closes her eyes in relief. At least he’ll leave me alone now. I’ll be able to get some rest, and maybe I can figure a way out of this whole situation. She quickly undresses and steps into the hot, steamy shower, her tired body eager for bed.
On the other side of the door, John grins mischievously. Oh, no, Doc. You’re not going to get rid of me that easily. There’s only one bed in this cabin…and I’m not about to let you sleep in it alone.
When Marlena emerges from the shower, dressed in a silky, crème-colored negligee, the room is dark. The only light comes from the silvery moon, illuminating John’s long, lean form as he lies on the bed, clad only in a pair of black silk boxers. Marlena gasps, her mind whirling in confusion at the sight of this handsome, well-formed man on her bed. As her eyes drink in his broad, muscled chest and powerful arms, she asks unbelievingly, “John, why are…what…what are you doing in here?”
John rises, unabashedly admiring the full, luscious curves of Marlena’s figure, covered only by the thin silk of her negligee. “There is only one bed in this house…and since we’re married, sleeping in it together shouldn’t be a problem.” He walks toward her, his eyes never straying from her face. Slowly lifting his hand to Marlena’s cheek, John caresses the soft, smooth skin, his touch tender and pleading. Despite Marlena’s determination to fight her persistent feelings for John, her body betrays her. When his fingers brush over her skin, a hot, intense desire begins to burn through her veins. Her breathing quickens, and John, distracted by his wife’s body, places a kiss on the exposed upper curve of her breasts. Of their own volition, Marlena’s hands slide up John’s chest and come to rest on his broad, heavily muscled shoulders. John pulls Marlena close to his body, his exploring hands worshipping every inch of the woman he has loved and desired for as long as he can remember. Pressing his lips against the hot, flushed skin of Marlena’s neck, John murmurs huskily, “I think it’s time for bed.”
The words abruptly pull Marlena from the sensuous fog John’s hands and lips are weaving around her. She steps back, away from John and the heated passion he is creating inside her body.
“No, John, we can’t do this. You’re wrong. We aren’t married anymore. I’m married to Alex, and I have to be faithful to him.”
John once again closes the distance between them, and pulls Marlena to his body, the skin of his hands rough against the silken fabric of Marlena’s negligee. His mouth presses against Marlena’s possessively, a kiss born of desperate desire. A moan of suppressed passion escapes Marlena, and as her lips part on a soft breath, John’s warm tongue plunges into her mouth, sending a burning thrill through her body. John pulls away suddenly, and gazes intently into Marlena’s smoky, lust-filled hazel eyes. “Oh, baby, you’re my wife. There’s no arguing about that. We share a history, children, and a love that will overcome all obstacles.” As his hands make their journey over the swell of Marlena’s breasts, down across her stomach, and over the fullness of her hips, John kisses her softly. Pleasure runs through his body as her mouth willingly opens, their tongues dueling in a hot, passionate dance of love.
Unconsciously, Marlena steps even closer, her body and her soul craving to be one with John. She desperately presses herself against him, gasping as she feels exactly how much he wants and needs her. John groans with desire and lifts Marlena in his arms, carrying her over to the bed and gently laying her down upon it. She pulls him down on top of her, craving the weight of his body on her own. As John works the negligee off his wife, Marlena kisses his body hungrily, her tongue flicking out from between her rosy, kiss-swollen lips as they make their way across his shoulders and down his chest. Showering her with kisses, John’s mouth and tongue slowly explore every curve and hollow of her trembling body. Passion floods Marlena’s senses as the magic John is working with his lips brings her close to the edge and a desperate desire to become one with him overtakes her. Finally, Marlena can stand it no longer. Her body trembling with need for him, she whispers, “John…make love to me.”
He needs no more encouragement as he hears those soft, husky words escape Marlena’s lips. “Oh, baby…you don’t know how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that.” Marlena gasps when John enters her, relishing the feeling of him, strong and powerful, deep within her body. An exquisitely aching passion envelops her, and willingly Marlena gives herself to him, lets herself be overtaken by the delicious sensations John is creating inside her body, heart, and soul. And then, suddenly…she is flying…
~
“I love you, sweetheart. I love you so much.” John’s whispered words of love are muffled against Marlena’s lips as he kisses her gently. “Oh, baby, you don’t know how much I’ve missed being with you like this.” He cuddles her even closer, holding her tenderly in the warm circle of his arms. Teasingly, Marlena runs her fingers up and down his arm, her nails tickling his skin. Even though she knows she should be wracked with guilt at the knowledge that she has broken her marriage vows, Marlena finds it hard to feel anything besides comfort and contentment. Unbelievingly, she sighs. Oh my gosh, what did I just do? John kidnapped me, but here I am in bed with him. And strangely, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more protected and safe in my entire life.
As he watches his wife drift off to sleep in his arms, John feels a mantle of peace and happiness settle over him. Thank you, God. My wife is safe from that bastard Alex North, and she’s back in my life. Now if I can just keep her that way…
The bright, early-morning sun wakes Marlena the next day. She moans in annoyance, rolls over, and buries her face in the pillow, determined to get a few more minutes of sleep. After a few moments, she sighs. I need to get up. Alex and I still have the whole wedding to plan. Grudgingly, she opens her eyes and sits up, expecting to see the familiar walls of her bedroom. Instead, Marlena is startled to see the rustic walls of a cabin. In a rush, the events of the previous day—and night—come flying back to her. Aloud, she whispers, “Oh my gosh—last night! John and I…we…oh, what have I done?!” A blush suffuses Marlena’s cheeks as she glances down at the sleeping form of the man beside her. Still amazed at the passion of the previous night, she smiles, unable to keep her eyes off the perfection of John’s body, barely covered by a sheet. She snuggles back under the covers and lays her head on John’s chest, lulled by the steady beating of his heart. I know that this is wrong…after all, I’m married to Alex…but oh, I could lie here with this man for the rest of my life.
The warmth of Marlena’s body cuddled against his own gently draws John out of his slumber. Pulling his wife even closer, he caresses her hair and murmurs sleepily, “Morning, beautiful.” John lowers his lips to the nape of Marlena’s neck, kissing gently as he whispers, “I love you, baby. I’m so grateful to have you back.”
Abruptly, Marlena pulls away and sits up. Wrapping the sheet around her body, she says sharply, “John, I’m still married to Alex. Last night was…incredible…but it shouldn’t have happened.” She slides out of bed and walks to the window, John following close behind her. Marlena gazes out the window for a few moments, even the beauty of the sparkling blue lake and lush mountainside unable to ease her conflicted soul. John wraps his arms around her, and she leans into his chest with a sigh. “You need to let me go back to Salem. Alex is my husband, and I’ve got to honor the vows I made to him.” Her voice breaks on a sob, and John holds her even closer. “No matter…no matter what we may feel for…for each other…the passion and chemistry we have…it doesn’t make what happened last night all right. I promised to be faithful to Alex…and from now on, I’m going to stay true to him.” As she utters the words certain to break John’s heart, she realizes that she is effectively breaking her own as well. Her conscience tells her that she must be loyal to Alex, despite the fact that her body and soul crave to be with John.
John kisses Marlena’s temple thoughtfully. “Sweetheart, you don’t really mean that. Last night was right—that’s all there is to it. I won’t push you…but I’m not taking you back to Salem either.” He turns Marlena around and lifts her chin, forcing her to meet his intense blue eyes. “You’re not safe with North. I won’t stand by and let him hurt you. You can fight me every step of the way, but I will protect you—no matter what it takes.”
Marlena pulls away, relieved to be away from the heat of John’s determined, passionate gaze. In frustration, she replies, “You are WRONG, John. Alex would never hurt me. Why can’t you just accept the fact that our relationship is over? The love we once shared is gone!”
The pain on his face obvious, John says quietly, “No, Doc. A love like ours will never die…it will just last…and last…for all our lives…and into eternity.” He turns away, grabbing some clothes and heading for the stairs. “You’d better get dressed. I need to make some phone calls.”
Tears fill Marlena’s eyes as she hesitates in the middle of the room, torn between her vows to Alex and her passion for John. What is wrong with me? Alex is my husband, I’m supposed to love him. I shouldn’t have these feelings for John…I shouldn’t need him like this…but I do! A sudden vision of John’s heated body pressed against her own sends a tremor of desire through Marlena. Oh, God, this isn’t right! All I want is to throw myself in his arms and beg him to make love to me again, to feel his hands caressing every inch of my body, taking me to the heights of passion, satisfying me like no other man ever could. With a soft whimper of desperation, Marlena whips around, ready to give in to her burning, unquenchable desire. “Oh, John, wait…” Her voice breaks off as she realizes the room is empty, the closed door of the bedroom telling her that John left as she wrestled with her feelings.
~
John paces the living room downstairs, his cell phone against his ear. Come on, Caroline, pick up. John is about to give up when he hears a sweet, innocent voice say softly, “Hello?” A grin lights John’s face when he realizes that he is speaking to his daughter.
“Hey, Izzy. It’s Daddy. How’re you doing, baby?” John hears a giggle of delight from Belle. “Hi, Daddy! I’m okay, but I miss you.” She pauses. “Daddy…Alex was here this morning. He was yelling at Grandma Caroline, and then he kept asking Brady and me all these questions about Mom. I think she’s gone, Daddy.”
Evasively, John replies, “Really? She’s gone? Where does he think she is?”
“I don’t know, he didn’t tell us. But…I think I know where she is.”
In surprise, John asks, “Where do you think she is?”
Belle glances around the kitchen of the Brady Pub, making sure no one is around to hear her next words. “Is she with you?”
John chuckles. “You’re a good little investigator, sweetheart. Yes, your mother is with me.”
“Oh, good. You’d better tell Grandma Caroline and Brady, though. They’re both worried about Mom. Of course, Brady is acting all macho and pretending he’s not scared, but I know he is.”
Smiling, John replies, “He’s just trying to be brave for you, Izzy. Now I need you to promise me that you won’t tell anyone that Mom is with me. You can’t even tell anybody that you talked to me, okay?”
Solemnly, Belle nods. “I promise, Daddy. But can I tell Grandma and Grandpa and Brady?”
“Of course, sweetheart. You can trust them, but don’t tell anyone else. I want you to do everything Grandma and Grandpa tell you, all right? And listen to your brother, because you know he’ll take care of you. Let me talk to Grandma Caroline or Brady now, okay?”
“Okay. Love you, Daddy. Give Mom a hug for me.” “I will, baby. I love you too.” Belle scampers off to find her brother as John waits anxiously on the other end. Finally, Brady picks up.
“Hello?” John hears his son’s voice, strained with tension and worry for his mother.
“Hey, slugger.”
“Dad, where are you? You need to get here right away. Alex came over and was threatening Grandma. I was worried he was gonna hurt her and Belle or something. Mom’s missing, and Alex is really mad. You’ve gotta come find her, okay?” Brady is almost on the verge of tears.
Soothingly, John tells his son, “Brady, calm down. It’s okay, your mom is with me.”
The relief obvious in his voice, Brady replies, “She is? Is she okay?”
“Yeah, she’s just fine. We’re—well, we’re sort of on a vacation.”
Brady laughs. “That’s kind of funny, then. Alex is all worried about where Mom is, and he has no clue that she’s with you!”
Sternly, John says, “And we want to keep it that way. Don’t say a word about this to anyone, except Grandma and Grandpa and Belle. Make sure no one else hears about it.”
There’s a sudden commotion on Brady’s end of the line. John hears, “All right, *all right*, Grandma, I’m almost done talking.”
“It sounds like your grandma needs to talk to me.”
“Yep, she wants me to finish up.”
“Okay. Listen to me—I want you to take care of your sister. Watch out for her, and protect her. She looks up to you, and I know how brave you’re being for her right now. Don’t worry, after your mom and I are out of Salem for awhile, things will calm down. But I promise, we’ll be home as soon as we can. I’ll talk to you again soon, slugger. I love you.”
“Love you too, Dad.” He begins to hand the phone to Caroline, then suddenly pulls it back. “Wait—Dad, tell Mom I love her too.”
John smiles. “I will. I think you’d better let me talk to Grandma now.”
Anxiously, Caroline grabs the phone from Brady and asks, “John? Is that you?”
“Yeah, Caroline, it’s me.” She sighs in relief. “Oh, thank goodness. I was so worried about you…I suppose the children told you what happened this morning?” Noticing Belle and Brady hanging on her every word, she says, “Just a second, John. Kids, why don’t you go help your Grandpa at the counter.” Grudgingly, Belle and Brady obey. “All right, the kids went to help Shawn. We can talk now.”
“Belle and Brady told me that Alex came to the Pub this morning, but not much about what he said. Brady seemed to think he was threatening you—Caroline, is that true?” John asks urgently.
“No, he didn’t really threaten anyone—he was just very upset. Apparently Marlena has disappeared, and he has no idea where she went. She went out for a walk yesterday, and she never came back.” Caroline pauses. “John, I honestly believe that man has lost it. Alex kept muttering something about her being out from under his control. He was certain that I knew where she went, and when Shawn and I couldn’t tell him, he started yelling at the kids. I took them out of the room, but not before he had a chance to worry Brady. But for some reason, Belle seemed almost happy.”
John fights back a laugh. “Well, don’t worry. I talked to Brady, and he’s fine now. And…well, let’s just say that Belle is a very perceptive little girl.”
“Because you have Marlena with you now?”
John grins. “How’d you know?”
“Where else would she be? No one has ever been able to separate you and Marlena, and I didn’t expect Alex to succeed this time.” In a voice edged with frustration, Caroline continues, “Now, John, explain to me what’s going on.”
Sheepishly, John begins to explain. “Well…I sort of kidnapped Marlena.” He cringes, prepared to weather Caroline’s wrath. “JOHN! You did WHAT?! I know you want to protect Marlena, but this isn’t the way to do it! She’ll never forgive you for this.”
“Caroline, calm down. I just did what I had to do. You said it yourself—Alex is crazy. He wants to hurt her, and he would have if I hadn’t intervened.” He has a sudden vision of Marlena moving rhythmically beneath him, moonlight glistening on their heated, naked bodies as together they reach a shared ecstasy. Uncomfortably, John clears his throat and says simply, “And trust me, Caroline—Marlena’s not exactly complaining.”
“Well, John, Marlena may be okay with this but Alex is not. He’s trying to get the police to search for her, but they say she hasn’t been gone long enough to be considered a missing person. Besides, I think Bo has the same idea Belle and I had—that Marlena’s with you, and that she’s probably better off.”
John sighs, “Damnit, I was hoping we’d have a little more time before Alex tried to search for us. Tell Bo that Marlena is with me—maybe he can hold off the rest of the cops for awhile, if not completely.” He pauses, thinking about what to do next. “Listen, Caroline, right now Doc and I are a few hundred miles from Salem, but I think we’re going to have to go even further away. I probably won’t be in touch for awhile, not until Alex has had time to calm down—or leave Salem.”
“Well, if you’re determined to keep Marlena with you, I think that’s a good idea.”
“She’s staying with me. There’s no arguing about that. Will you and Shawn mind keeping the kids for a little longer? They love staying with you two, and that way I can be sure they’re safe.”
“Of course, John. We love having them here. Tell Marlena to take care, and that we love her.”
“I’ll tell her. Thank you, Caroline, for everything. Love you.”
“I love you too. Bye.”
“Doc…” John’s voice startles Marlena from her reverie. From her starry eyes and flushed cheeks, John can tell that she is once again reliving the events of the previous night. “Oh my gosh, John, I didn’t hear you come upstairs.” He doesn’t speak, just moves behind her and holds her close for a moment, enjoying the feeling of her body pressed against his. He chuckles mischievously and whispers, “You know, it’s kind of nice to hold you like this and not have you scream and run away.” She whips around, ready to protest, when he silences her with a kiss. When their lips part, both are smiling. “The hug’s not from me, though. It’s from Belle.”
Marlena smiles, a teasing glint in her eye. “So then who’s the kiss from?”
“Like you need to ask.” John bends down and takes her lips once again, the kiss becoming more and more intense as it lingers on. Finally, Marlena pulls away and asks breathlessly,
“When did you talk to Belle?”
“I called Shawn and Caroline to see how the kids are doing, and to tell them what’s going on. Belle answered the phone, so I talked to both her and Brady. I guess Alex had come by, acting like the lunatic he is, and upset them pretty badly. I managed to get them calmed down, though. Oh, and Brady said to tell you that he loves you. Shawn and Caroline send their love also.”
Marlena smiles briefly when John mentions their children, but is visibly upset by the news about Alex. “What was Alex doing?”
“He was sure that Shawn and Caroline knew where you were. Of course, they didn’t, and when they couldn’t tell him anything, he started yelling at the kids,” John finishes grimly.
In disbelief, Marlena sighs. “I can’t even imagine him doing that. They’re just children—how could he yell at innocent children like that? Especially when they’re *my* innocent children!”
“It’s okay, baby. They’re safe with Shawn and Caroline, and you’re safe with me. Alex can’t hurt any of us now. And I intend to keep it that way, which is why we’re leaving.”
Eyeing John with confusion, Marlena asks, “Leaving? Why do we have to leave?”
“Alex is trying to send the cops after us. They aren’t doing anything yet, but I’m afraid he’ll convince them to search for us. Even if he can’t, he might search for us himself. We need to be further away, at least for now.” John senses Marlena’s discomfort at the idea of being so far away from home. “Don’t worry, Doc, we’ll be back soon. The kids will be fine, and we’ll be in touch with them as soon as possible.”
Abruptly Marlena turns to face John. “Please, just take me back to Salem. This isn’t right—it isn’t fair to Alex. He’s my husband, for heaven’s sake! I care about you, John, I really do. But I can’t just run away with you! I need to deal with my marriage to Alex, and I need to be there for my children as much as I can.”
His anger and frustration boiling over, John grabs Marlena by the arms and pulls her to him. “Damnit, Doc, why the hell can’t you understand what I’m saying to you?! He’s a dangerous man, and he’s not your husband! So what if you two were married years ago? That’s history! It’s over and done with! I am your husband now, the father of your children. Until you got this goddamn amnesia, we were a family! You are the love of my life, and I’m not about to let you go!” Marlena struggles in John’s grip, trying to wiggle away from his clutching hands and desperate gaze. He simply holds her tighter and says, “We made love last night…you can’t try to tell me that you didn’t feel our connection—how strong, intense, and eternal our love is.”
Tears slip unheeded down Marlena’s cheeks as she whispers, “John, I can’t…” Roughly he crushes her mouth against his until he can feel her whole body tremble from the weight of their passion. He pulls away and gently caresses her cheek. “If you want to take anything along, you’d better get it packed. There isn’t much here, but we can buy whatever we need later.” John leaves the room, anxious to get their travel plans arranged. Limply, Marlena sinks to the bed, a rueful smile on her face. Wow…if he can do that to me when I don’t even remember him, I can’t imagine what it was like before…
Hours later, John’s private jet lands at the airport of a lush, secluded tropical island. When Marlena steps off the plane, John close behind her, she is speechless, in awe at the beauty surrounding her. A warm breeze caresses her face, bringing with it the aroma of the thousands of flowers blooming brightly on the island. In the distance she hears birds calling to each other, their voices mingling with the roar of waves crashing on the nearby beach. She turns to John, slips her hand into his, and gives it an affectionate squeeze. “Oh my gosh, John…this place is just incredible! We’re in paradise!”
John raises Marlena’s hand to his lips. “You sound surprised. Did you think I was taking you to the Arctic?” He wraps his arms around her, gently running his hands up and down her back. “This island is one of the most private, secluded spots in the world. In the house we’re staying, no one will bother us. Of course, if we ever need anything, the town’s just a mile away.”
A warm smile lights Marlena’s face. “What more could we possibly need? Just look around—the flowers, the sun, the beaches. This truly is paradise!”
“Well, I’m glad you like it. I don’t think it’s the flowers and the beaches that make this place paradise, though.”
Marlena coyly raises an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Then what is it?”
John’s gaze grows heated, his hands sliding down Marlena’s body. She gasps and her eyes widen as John’s fingers skillfully caress her curves. “Having you here with me…that’s what makes this island paradise.” Marlena blushes and steps back from John’s exploring hands. “John…we’ve talked about this…” Grabbing Marlena’s arm, John stops her from walking away. “I know, baby. I’m sorry. I won’t push you, not right now. But I promise you…” John lifts her chin, locking eyes with his wife. “I’m not giving up. I love you far too much to let you go.” Kissing her gently, he murmurs, “We might as well go up to the house and get unpacked.” Marlena nods and allows John lead her to the limo that is waiting to take them to the house where they will stay for the foreseeable future.
~
“And I thought the island was incredible.” Marlena stares admiringly at the huge mansion she will be living in, completely awestruck. She stands in the foyer of the house, taking it all in: the sweeping staircase, its wood polished to a mirror-like luster; an elaborate crystal chandelier, its hanging prisms reflecting thousands of dancing rainbows onto the hardwood floor; fresh flowers spilling out of vases, their sweet, heady scent filling the room. Smiling at Marlena’s amazement, he says, “I thought you might like it. At least none of my other prisoners have ever complained before.”
Marlena whips around. “Any of your other…JOHN!” He just gives her a teasing grin, his eyes shining with mirth. A mischievous smile crosses Marlena’s face as she tosses her head coyly and stalks away. “And here I was, thinking I was special because I was the first person you ever kidnapped…” A shout of laughter escapes her lips when John crosses the room and scoops Marlena into his arms. Playfully, Marlena whacks his chest. “Now what do you think you’re doing?!”
Huskily, his warm breath on her ear, John murmurs, “I intend to show you just how special you are to me.” A heated thrill runs through Marlena’s body when she hears the obvious desire in John’s tone. Lightly, John brushes his lips down Marlena’s neck, tenderly kissing the soft, exposed skin. Breathlessly, Marlena whispers, “John…we…we can’t…” She gasps as John runs his tongue over the outer edge of her ear and nibbles gently on her earlobe. A moan of pure, unadulterated desire escapes her lips as she says, “Oh, God…John…please…I’ve already told you…we can’t do this again.”
Grudgingly, John sets Marlena on her feet. “I won’t push you, Doc.” He brushes one finger along her full, slightly parted lips before kissing her softly. Still craving the warmth of his body, despite her protests, Marlena deepens the kiss, opening her mouth to meet John’s exploring tongue. Finally, John pulls away and stares deep into Marlena’s hazel eyes. “We *will* be together again, baby. I can promise you that. When you’re ready, I’ll be here for you. I’ll wait as long as it takes.” John grabs a couple suitcases and motions up the stairs. “We’d better go unpack.” Marlena nods and follows John, her mind still on his promise, wondering if he really meant it—and her body praying that he will be true to his word.
Marlena sinks down onto the window seat in her bedroom, gazing thoughtfully down at the beach. Only the roar of the waves, silver in the moonlight, disrupts the stillness of the night. The distant stars, twinkling faintly in the inky blackness of the sky, seem even further away than usual, pale in comparison to the brilliant, shining light of the full moon. Sighing in contentment, Marlena lets her eyes drift closed as her mind strays back over the past three months spent on the island. I know I shouldn’t be happy here with John. After all, I’m married to Alex, and I intend to be faithful to my wedding vows. And I have been…so far…well, except for that first night…Marlena smiles ruefully, a little secret thrill of happiness warming her heart. Oh, but it’s hard sometimes. The way John’s been romancing me—how long can I keep up this act of loyalty to Alex?
Marlena is startled out of her reverie by John’s voice, floating up from the ground on the sultry, tropical air. “Doc! Hey, baby, come down here!”
“John!” Marlena gasps. “What on earth are you doing?! It’s almost two in the morning!”
“I couldn’t sleep with this full moon shining through my window. I thought maybe you’d like to come with me for a walk on the beach.”
Marlena bites her bottom lip uncertainly, torn between her desire to be with John under the light of the romantic full moon, and her responsibility to Alex. Finally, she grabs her sheer lavender robe and pulls it on, calling down to John, “I’ll be right there.”
John smiles when he sees Marlena silently slip out the front door of the house. He is at her side in a moment and holds her close, taking her lips in a gentle, chaste kiss. “Thanks for coming, Doc.” Her hazel eyes are luminous in the moonlight when she glances up at him.
“Well, I couldn’t sleep either. The moon is so bright tonight—it’s as though it can’t bear for us to stay in bed. It wants us to be out here, with it.”
Chuckling softly at his wife’s vivid imagination, John replies, “I don’t know how the moon feels about it, but I certainly wanted you to be out here with me.” Marlena just smiles and pulls John toward the beach, the romance of the moon on the water calling her. She and John stroll along the shore in companionable silence for a few minutes. Finally, Marlena asks, “Have you talked to the children recently?”
John nods and squeezes Marlena’s hand tightly.
“Yeah, I called Caroline about a week ago. Just to tell her what was going on, that we are okay, that kind of thing. It had been a few weeks since I’d called her last, so she was glad to hear from me. I talked to the kids too.” He glances at Marlena’s face, trying to judge how much she can handle hearing.
“They asked about you—if you were having fun and if you were remembering anything.” Marlena smiles.
“What did you tell them?” “I just told them that we were enjoying ourselves, and that you were working hard to get your memory back. I also told them we missed them.”
Abruptly, Marlena stops and turns to John. “That’s true, you know. I do miss them—more than I ever imagined was possible. I don’t remember much about raising them, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel a connection. They’re my children—and I know that I…love them…very much.” Marlena’s voice breaks and John pulls her into his arms.
“Shh, Doc, it’s okay. They know you love them. They understand that what’s going on isn’t your fault. They miss you terribly—but they do understand.”
Roughly, Marlena pulls back from John’s tender embrace and turns away.
“But it is my fault. I don’t remember it, but I’ve been told why I have amnesia. I lost a baby—a baby that wasn’t yours.” John flinches uncomfortably when Marlena brings up her pregnancy.
“I understand that losing the baby was an accident, and that it was no one’s fault. But being unfaithful to you, and getting pregnant by Roman—that *was* my fault.” She begins to walk quickly down the beach, trying to get away from John. He grabs her by the arm and holds her back.
“No, Doc, listen to me. What happened between you and Roman wasn’t your fault. I don’t blame you at all. I don’t really even blame Roman anymore.”
Marlena shakes her head and tries to speak, but John presses a gentle finger against her lips, silencing her. “Listen to me. Tony was holding you captive. You didn’t think you’d ever get out of there. I understand why you two turned to each other. I know that you and Roman saw Kate and me…in bed together…via the live-feed TV. I can’t even imagine what that must’ve felt like, how that must’ve hurt you.”
Marlena gives a watery chuckle. “I suppose it felt pretty similar to finding out that your wife is carrying her ex-husband’s child.” John grins weakly. “Yeah, that sounds about right.”
Marlena nods and stands in silence for a few moments, her head resting comfortably on John’s chest. Finally, she looks up at him and says, “I’m sorry, you know. I don’t even remember any of that happening, but I am still so terribly sorry. It breaks my heart to know how much I’ve hurt you.”
John brushes back a lock of Marlena’s silky blonde hair and caresses her cheek before replying, “I know you’re sorry—you apologized as I found out the baby wasn’t mine. I forgive you—I forgave you a long time ago.” He kisses her tenderly, his touch as forgiving and comforting as spring rain. “I love you, baby.”
Marlena smiles and slides her arms around his neck, leaning into his body for a close hug. Finally, she grabs his hand, pulling him down the beach as they continue their walk. “It’s such a beautiful night. It’s a shame I didn’t bring my bathing suit with me. We could’ve gone for a swim.”
A wicked grin lights John’s face as he pulls Marlena close, his hand following the curve of her waist as it slides down her body. “Who says you need a bathing suit? There’s nobody watching but me—and it’s nothing that I haven’t seen before…”
Marlena playfully whacks him on the arm.
“John! You are so bad!”
He bends down, nuzzling her neck affectionately as he whispers, “But I’ve always wanted to go skinny-dipping in the moonlight with a beautiful woman.”
She pushes him back in mock annoyance. “Well, you’d better go find another woman, because this one is staying dressed!”
Teasingly, he begins to walk away. “Okay then. I’d better go find that woman. See you in the morning.”
Marlena slips behind him, molding her body against his own. Feeling her soft curves press against his firmly muscled back, John groans and turns around. “On second thought…maybe I’ll just stay here with you.”
Nodding, Marlena wrinkles her nose teasingly and whispers, “I thought you might reconsider.” His hands come to rest in the small of her back as he holds her close. Their eyes meet and lock, and in the moment before he kisses her, a sudden, undeniable flash of understanding hits Marlena: Oh, God…I need this man. I don’t think I can live without him. He means more to me than life itself…but what do I do now?
“John, I wish you’d tell me where we’re going.” As she stares out the window of the car, Marlena sighs and shifts uncomfortably. Finally, she gives up trying to discern their location and turns her gaze on John. A smile twitches the corners of his mouth, but he holds his gaze on the road. “Doc, I told you already, it’s a surprise.” Rolling her eyes, Marlena says, “You know I hate surprises, John. Come on, we’ve been driving for over an hour. Won’t you give me just a little hint?” Slyly, Marlena slides closer to John, the palm of her hand resting on the inside of his thigh, softly rubbing the taunt, hard muscle.
“Please?”
She whispers, her voice deceivingly innocent. Inwardly, Marlena smiles when John’s breathing becomes labored and beads of moisture appear on his forehead. John grabs Marlena’s hand before she can go any further, and after placing a kiss on her palm, sets her hand back in her lap.
“Nice try, Doc, but I’m still not telling you. Besides, we’re almost there. Just be patient.”
Pouting slightly, Marlena tosses her head and turns her eyes once more to the landscape that is flying by. Finally, John brings the car to a stop on the edge of a small field. Marlena’s eyes grow wide when she realizes what John’s surprise must be. A hot air balloon is suspended in the middle of the field, obviously waiting for its passengers.
“Oh my gosh, John…is that for us?”
John shuts off the car and turns to his wife. “That’s the plan. I thought you might like to see the rest of this island…from a slightly different perspective, of course.” He gets out of the car and goes to the passenger side, helping Marlena out of the car. “Are you ready?” She smiles and nods eagerly. “Let’s go.”
~
John gazes admiringly at Marlena as the hot air balloon begins to take off, amazed at just how beautiful his wife is. Her cheeks are flushed from the mid-morning heat and her wide hazel eyes shine with excitement. The wind tousles her blonde hair, and when John wraps his arms around Marlena, he smells its sweet, perfumed scent. She nestles back in his embrace, completely content and relaxed. The balloon soars up, over the trees and into the deep blue, cloudless sky. Below them, the houses that dot the landscape are nothing more than blurred shapes. “Hey, Doc, look. I think that’s our house right down there.”
Marlena moves to the edge and looks down, her eyes following John’s finger. She squints a little, looking for a familiar landmark. “I think you’re right…” Closing her eyes as a brief wave of dizziness passes over her, Marlena presses a hand against her queasy stomach. John immediately notices his wife’s discomfort. “Baby, are you okay? What’s wrong?”
Breathing deeply, Marlena meets John’s eyes, comforted by his concerned, steady gaze. “Oh, I’m fine. I just shouldn’t look straight down like that again. It’s better if I look out at the landscape.”
Not quite convinced, John replies, “Are you sure you’re all right?”
Marlena nods. “Yes, I’m fine. I promise. I just had a little dizzy spell for a moment, but it’s gone now. Don’t worry about me so much, John.” She pauses and leans back into his arms. “I can’t believe how beautiful it is up here. We seem so far away from everything—so separate from the rest of the world.”
“That’s a fact, Doc. I wanted to bring you up here so you could experience it. It’s like seeing the world in a whole different light.”
“Hmm…” Marlena sighs contentedly, then tilts her head up, kissing John softly. “Thank you, John. This has been wonderful.”
He grins and says, “Oh, baby, it’s not over yet. I’ve still got a few surprises up my sleeve.”
Marlena raises her eyebrows.
“You’re quite the man of mystery today, aren’t you?”
Winking at Marlena, John replies, “The name’s Black…John Black.”
~
“As much as I enjoyed the hot air balloon ride, I think I’m enjoying this even more.” Marlena rests her head on John’s chest as they lie on a blanket underneath the shade of a tree, the remnants of their picnic lunch tucked away in a nearby basket.
“Mmm-hmm…” John exhales slowly, his warm breath blowing Marlena’s hair across her forehead. His hand traces lazy circles on Marlena’s back, and her eyes slowly close, lulled by the soothing feel of John’s fingers caressing her body. “Oh, John…” She attempts to stifle a yawn. “That feels so good…you’re putting me right to sleep.” He chuckles softly. “You’re just like Belle. When she was little and couldn’t sleep, I’d take her in the den and we’d sit in the recliner. She’d lie on my chest, and I’d rub her back until she finally dozed off. It worked like a charm every time.” Marlena opens her eyes, touched by the sweet story. “You’re an incredible father, John, you know that?” She nuzzles even closer to his body, wanting to feel his arms around her. After a few moments of silence, Marlena asks abruptly, “Why didn’t we ever have more children?”
Shocked, John sits up quickly, pulling Marlena with him.
“What makes you ask that?”
“I don’t know, for some reason I’ve been thinking about it. It just seems logical that we would have wanted more children.”
John nods slowly and lies back down, smiling when Marlena automatically settles herself back down beside him. “We did want more kids, Doc. I guess…well, I guess it just never happened. We were both always so busy, and it seemed like something or someone was always interfering with our relationship.”
He glances down at the woman nestled contentedly beside him. “Why were you thinking about that?”
She shrugs. “I’m just trying to understand more about our life together, and the relationship we had. I suppose it’s sort of my way of piecing together the past.”
John kisses Marlena’s forehead, then rises, stretching his strong, muscled form. “Well, at the moment, I’m more concerned about our future together than our past.” He helps Marlena to her feet. “Are you ready to go?”
“Sure.” As they get in the car, each of them is wrapped up in a different world: Marlena, puzzling over the past and mulling over what might have been; John, looking forward to the coming day, ready to win back the love of his life and reunite his family once more.
Seated at the dressing table in her room, Marlena puts the finishing touches on her makeup. Her hand shakes ever so slightly as she puts the cap on her lipstick. Why am I nervous? For heaven’s sake, I just spent the whole day with John, and now the mere idea of having dinner with him has me on edge. An uncomfortable thought crosses her mind and reminds her exactly why she is nervous. Well, I guess there’s nothing left to do now but go find John…
~
Meanwhile, John stands on the terrace of the mansion, checking to make sure everything is ready for the evening he has planned. Tiny, twinkling lights are strung everywhere, giving the appearance of stars come to earth for a night of romance. Candles rest on the table, making shadows dance along the walls. Vases of lilacs, Marlena’s favorite flowers, perfume the air, mingling with the aroma of the ocean breeze. In the background, soft music plays, a collection of John and Marlena’s favorite songs.
His mind still on the appearance of the room, John doesn’t hear Marlena come in. He turns around and his heart begins to pound as he takes in Marlena’s beauty. A long, red silk, off-the-shoulder evening gown hugs her every curve, its plunging neckline tastefully displaying her ample cleavage. A few tendrils of her soft blonde hair caress her neck and frame the delicate features of her face, the rest twisted up elegantly. John steps close, wanting nothing more than to hold Marlena in his arms, and breathes in the distinctly seductive scent of her perfume. “Oh, baby…you look amazing.”
Marlena slowly slides her hands up his broad chest and rests them on his shoulders, her eyes roving over the sculpted, god-like body of the man before her. “You should wear a tux more often, John. You look incredible—and so very sexy.”
John pulls away slowly, trying to distance himself from the feelings she is invoking in his body. Uncomfortably, he clears his throat and gestures to the table. “Are you ready to eat?” Marlena nods and takes his proffered arm as he leads her to the table. When she is seated, he pulls the cover off the plates with a flourish. “Mmm, this looks delicious. John, did you cook all this food?”
Modestly, he nods. “I did indeed.” She smiles and takes a bite, a look of amazement crossing her face. “Oh my gosh…John…this really is incredible. I didn’t know you could cook like this!”
“I told you this afternoon that I was a man of mystery, didn’t I?”
“Well, you certainly are. You’re just full of surprises today.” She pauses.
“You know, John, I really did enjoy our date today. I don’t remember the last time I felt so comfortable and relaxed and…well, just completely at peace.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He waits a moment, unsure whether or not to go on.
“Baby, that’s the way I always feel with you. Comfortable and content…I know I’ve told you this before, but sweetheart, you really do make me complete. It sounds so trite, but…I can’t live without you.” John’s voice breaks and he stops speaking for a moment, trying to pull himself together.
Tenderly, Marlena takes John’s hand in hers and squeezes it gently. He looks up and meets her gaze, and she is shocked by the sadness and desperation in his eyes. “John…sweetheart, what’s wrong?” she asks, the endearment falling from her lips without conscious thought.
He appears to compose himself. “Oh, baby, nothing’s wrong. I just can’t help thinking about all the times you’ve been taken from me…and all that pain and anguish come back to me.” Marlena slides her chair close to his and rests her head on his shoulder, her hand intertwined with his.
“I’m here now, John. I’m not going anywhere. The past is behind us now…there’s nothing we can do to change what happened, so we might as well move on.”
John nods and kisses her the top of her head, her blonde hair soft and smooth against his lips. “I know, baby. I guess…I just can’t help but worry about losing you again. I’ve lost you so many times. But we’re here together now, and I thank God every day for that.” Marlena nods and closes her eyes, as she and John listen to the music playing softly from across the room.
There’s a saying old, says that love is blind
Still we’re often told “Seek and ye shall find”
~
“I’m a hell of a lot better than all right, Doc. I am perfect—perfectly in love with you…with all of my heart.” As they slowly sway to the music of the piano, John leans in and caresses Marlena’s cheek, then takes her lips in a heated kiss. Marlena moves even closer to John, her arms wrapping around him, and moans softly, a thrill of desire burning through her body. When he finally pulls back, she is breathless. A warm smile lights her face, and she asks eagerly, “Should we go upstairs?”
John steps back a little, certain that he won’t be able to wait that long. A mischievous glint lights his eyes as he says, “I’ve got a better idea.” With one swift movement, he has Marlena in his arms. In surprise, Marlena glances around the room, unsure where John is taking her. Slowly he carries her to the piano and settles her on its polished top.
“The piano player can’t see.” Marlena gasps in delight and laughs, her arms resting on John’s broad shoulders. His arms slide around her waist as he kisses her, then slowly moves his hand up into her hair. Their eyes meet and lock as Marlena lies back on the piano, one hand sliding down John’s muscled back and pulling the full weight of his body on top of her. John takes Marlena’s mouth in a devouring kiss as the final notes of the piano slip away in a passionate haze.
~
Abruptly, Marlena gasps and lifts her head from John’s shoulder. She moves away from him, still trying to process the glimmer of a memory that the song has invoked. John turns her face towards him, his thumbs tracing the line of her jaw. “Doc, what’s wrong?”
Marlena shakes her head, trying to clear it of the confusion she feels. “Nothing…it’s just this song…I think…I think I remember dancing to it before…with you.” Comprehension dawns on John’s face as he realizes what his wife is remembering. “You’re right—we have danced to it before. In fact…” John stands and offers Marlena his hand. “I would love to dance to it again.” Sensing Marlena’s hesitation, he says, “You never know—it just might bring back more memories.”
Marlena rises and slips her hand into John’s. Gently, his warm palm caresses her back and he holds her tightly, relishing the closeness of their bodies. With a sigh of contentment Marlena rests her head against his shoulder, her breath warm on his neck. For a moment, the rest of the world slips away, and all that is left is the rhythm of the music and the swaying of their bodies as they move in perfect harmony.
There’s a somebody I’m longing to see
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone who’ll watch over me.
Despite her happiness, Marlena feels an uncomfortable twinge of apprehension. I’ve got to tell him. He’s going to find out one way or the other…and it’ll be better if I just tell him the truth now. Tears fill her eyes and threaten to spill over as she holds John a little closer. But how am I supposed to tell him this? I don’t even know how to begin…
Unaware of Marlena’s inner struggle, John asks, “Is anything coming back to you?” When she doesn’t answer, John pulls back a little and glances down into her eyes. He is shocked to find them shining with tears. Immediately concerned, he asks, “Baby, what is it? Come on, sweetheart, talk to me!”
Marlena gives a half-hearted smile and replies, “It’s nothing. I’m fine—I just seem to be a little emotional lately. I wish I could remember more about my past.”
“But we’ve had a breakthrough tonight. It’ll take time, that’s all. You just need to be patient.”
Marlena nods and wipes her eyes. Still worried, John says, “Doc, are you sure that’s all that’s bothering you?”
Won’t you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh how I need
Someone to watch over me.
Marlena shakes her head. “No, that’s not all. John…there’s something you need to know. I just…I just don’t know how to say it.”
John’s deep blue eyes gaze lovingly into Marlena’s. “Whatever it is, baby, it’s okay. You ought to know by know you can tell me anything.”
Marlena just sighs and leans her head against John’s chest, enjoying the feel of his arms holding her tight. Finally, as the final notes of the song resonate throughout the room, she slides her arms around his neck and pulls him close. Hesitatingly, her warm breath tickling his ear, Marlena murmurs, “John…I’m pregnant.”
n shock, John sinks down onto a nearby chair. “You’re…but how…when…you can’t be…but you *are*…” He stares up at Marlena, trying to comprehend what she has just told him.
“You’re sure? You’re really pregnant?” Nodding, Marlena answers, “Oh yes, I’m absolutely positive, John. I’m really pregnant.” John takes Marlena on his lap and leans back in his chair, a million questions flooding his mind. Suddenly, a terrible thought strikes him. Oh, God, it’s Alex’s baby! Marlena is carrying that bastard’s child! Oh, God… Trying to stay composed, John asks calmly,
“Okay, let’s start at the beginning. How far along are you?”
Knowing exactly what John is trying to ask, Marlena rubs his arm comfortingly and says, “I’m a little over three months along. This baby was conceived the first night we spent together at the cabin.”
“So then how long have you…” John’s voice breaks off as the meaning of what Marlena just said finally sinks in. “The first night at the cabin…oh my God, Doc! Then…the baby…the baby is mine?”
A smile spread across John’s face as he realizes what Marlena is telling him.
“We’re having a baby…damn…I’m gonna be a daddy again!”
He pauses. “Doc…you’re absolutely sure it’s mine? I mean, there’s no way Alex…”
Marlena is quick to reassure him. “I’m sure, John. I never slept with Alex. You’re definitely the baby’s father.”
“Oh, Doc…” John kisses Marlena, pressing his lips against her cheeks, temples, eyelids, and forehead, before finally taking her mouth in a kiss that leaves them both breathless, a kiss full of dreams and promises.
For a few moments, they sit in comfortable silence, John still amazed at the knowledge that Marlena is carrying his child. Letting his mind wander, John briefly allows himself to imagine what their future could be like—a future together, raising their family in love and contentment. Despite the pleasant vision, a nagging thought plagues him.
“Doc?”
He glances up at Marlena, still cuddled in his lap, lost in a daydream, one hand absently caressing her stomach. “I am so incredibly happy about this pregnancy. You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to have another baby with you. But…sweetheart, I need to know how you feel about this.”
Confusion washes over Marlena’s face. “What do you mean, John?”
“Doc, I’m basically your kidnapper. I forced you to come with me, and then when we made love that first night…well, I know that getting pregnant wasn’t something you expected or planned on. What I’m trying to say is, I understand how uncomfortable this whole situation must be for you…and…well, I…” He pauses for a moment, unsure how to go on. Finally, John says, “I want this baby more than I can tell you…but I will support any decision you make.”
Shaken, Marlena pulls away from John and stands. One hand protectively covering the child growing inside her, Marlena says, “Oh, John, NO! I could never do that to our child. There’s no decision to make—I’m having this baby!”
John quickly rises and holds Marlena close.
“Sweetheart, you don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that.” Marlena relishes the feel of John’s strong arms around her, content in the knowledge that he wants their baby. “John, you have to know by now that I don’t think of you as my kidnapper.” She smiles teasingly. “Don’t you think if I really wanted to escape I would have already?” John chuckles. “Well, I’m never gonna let you go now. Damn…I still can’t believe it. We’re really having a baby!”
Marlena turns so that her back is to John and gazes out at the water, now the color of brilliant fire in the light of the setting sun. His arms slide around her again and hold her close against his body.
“I love you, Doc. You mean everything to me. Oh, honey, you are my life. As God as my witness, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way about me. Yours is one of the first faces I remember—and I want it to be the last one I see before I shut my eyes forever. And even then, our love will live on. It will just last and last…for all time.”
Marlena fights back tears, her heart aching to believe John’s whispered promise. John holds Marlena close until the sun has finally finished its descent below the horizon and the moon is shining over the water, bringing a chill to the evening air. Marlena shivers, despite the warmth of John’s arms around her. “Ready to go inside, baby? It’s been a pretty eventful night.” Marlena nods her head and yawns quietly. “Mmm-hmm. I’m tired.” John ushers her inside into the living room, where an inviting fire is blazing in the fireplace.
Marlena glances at John in surprise. “A fire? In this tropical paradise?”
John grins. “Well, I thought it would be romantic. Besides, it is cool out, even though it’s summer.”
Drawn by the inviting warmth of the dancing flames, Marlena sinks down onto a couch near the fireplace with a deep sigh. “Oh, that does feel good, actually.”
John sits down on the couch beside his wife. “I told you it would.” Marlena whacks at John playfully. “Don’t be such a know-it-all.” “Can I help it if I’m brilliant?” Rolling her eyes, Marlena rests her feet in his lap, nudging his hand encouragingly. Willingly, John slips off her shoes and rubs her feet, his exploring hands slowly making their way up her shapely calves. With a soft sigh of pleasure, Marlena’s eyes drift shut and she murmurs,
“Oh, you’re really good at that…”
John grins and says, “I know. I already told you, I’m brilliant.” Marlena’s eyes open as she shakes her head and teasingly responds, “Did anyone ever tell you, Mr. Brilliant, that you have some serious problems with modesty?”
He appears to consider the question, then grins mischievously.
“It might have been mentioned to me once or twice.” She just rolls her eyes and closes them once again. John slides even closer to Marlena, until she is almost sitting on his lap. “You know, baby…there are *other* things that I’m very good at…” His hand gently caresses Marlena’s belly.
“But I think I’ve already proven that to you…” Slowly, he begins to kiss Marlena’s neck, trailing kisses across her soft skin. Her eyes flutter open and she glances down at John’s hand resting protectively over their child.
“Yes, you’ve definitely proven you’re good at that…but…I think you could prove it to me again,” Marlena finishes in a breathy whisper. She places her hand on top of John’s and gives it a gentle squeeze. Needing no further encouragement, John rises and offers his hand to Marlena, helping her up off the couch. For a moment they simply stare at one another, their bodies not touching, but their hearts and souls as close as it is possible to be.
John’s eyes seem to question Marlena: Is this what you really want? Do you really want this…do you really want me? A smile touches Marlena’s mouth as she leans in slowly, answering John’s unspoken question not in words but in actions. The moment her lips touch his, John is lost, giving in to the desire and passion that has been denied for so long. As their kiss deepens, John’s fingers find the zipper of Marlena’s dress. His trembling hands caress her soft, heated skin as she steps willingly out of her dress, letting it fall unheeded to the floor in a pool of red silk.
Marlena tugs eagerly at the buttons of John’s shirt, placing kisses across his chest as she works the material off his body. Rolling his shoulders back, John slides out of the shirt. Unconsciously, Marlena licks her lips as she watches him take off his pants and boxers and then takes him by the hand, leading him in front of the fireplace. Slowly, she sinks down onto the cushion of pillows before the fire, pulling John down flush again her. The intoxicating heat of John’s body on top of hers sends a thrill of ecstasy through Marlena, and she wants nothing more than for their bodies to become one.
John holds his body mere inches above Marlena’s, drinking in the firelight beauty of her face and body. Her hazel eyes, glazed dark with lust, capture the light of the dancing flames and call him closer, their gaze one of complete trust and contentment. Aching to feel the beating of John’s heart against her own, Marlena slides her hands up, across his chest and over his back, urging his body to meet hers. John continues to tease Marlena, covering her trembling body with kisses, his lips leaving a moist trail across her heated skin. Marlena runs her fingers through John’s thick black hair, soft moans of pleasure escaping her swollen lips as his mouth worships her body until finally she can’t stand it any longer. Her words a breathy order, she whispers, “Oh, God…I need you…please, John…make love to me.”
Willingly, Marlena welcomes him into her body with a soft whimper of pleasure. John is still, letting her adjust to the feel of him, full and pulsing, deep within her body. At last Marlena brings her lips to his, and together they find the tempo that binds their bodies, hearts, and souls as one.
~
Afterward, John holds Marlena close, her head on his chest, as he traces lazy circles across her naked back with his fingers. She squirms and protests, “John, that tickles!” He just grins. With a wicked chuckle, Marlena rolls on top of him, pleased that she has managed to turn the tables. Her thick blonde hair tumbles down around John’s face, enveloping him in its intoxicating perfume as she whispers, “Make love to me,” before kissing him hungrily. John breaks the kiss and asks, “Is this what you call a pregnancy craving?” Marlena rolls her eyes and continues to kiss John’s neck, nibbling gently at his earlobe. “Pregnancy cravings are for *food* John, not for your gorgeous…naked…body,” she replies, kissing him between words.
John lies back, his hands slowly running up and down Marlena’s back, tracing her every curve. The exhaustion obvious in his voice, he says, “Oh, baby…you’ve got to be kidding me. I don’t know where all this energy is coming from, especially after the third…”
Marlena presses her fingertip against his full, sensuous lips to silence him. “I’ve never known you to be too tired before…” She grins and continues in an innocent tone, “Maybe you’re just getting old…you know, they say it’s the first thing to go…” Attempting to pull away from John’s body, Marlena is pleased when he rolls back on top of her with a growl. A shiver of desire runs through her body when she feels him, hard and ready, against her. “Baby, trust me…it ain’t going nowhere.”
~
Her body spent and satisfied, Marlena lies curled in the warm circle of John’s arms, sleeping peacefully. Slowly, the cool chill of the night encroaches upon the glowing embers of the fire. John holds Marlena closer, not yet ready to surrender to the cold and break the spell love has woven upon their bodies. His hands explore the curves of Marlena’s body, brushing over the swell of her breasts and down across her stomach. Tenderly he strokes her slightly rounded belly, still amazed that the love he feels for Marlena created the child she carries inside her. At John’s gentle touch, Marlena opens her eyes, a sleepy smile already on her face. Resting her hand on top of his, she says,
“You know, I still can’t believe it. For a long time, I was afraid to hope. I told myself that it wasn’t possible, that I just had an upset stomach, that I was just gaining a little weight. After all, we were only together one night. I never dreamed that I could be pregnant again. I couldn’t let myself believe it…because I couldn’t forgive myself for losing my last baby…and I was so afraid it might happen again.”
John’s warm gaze roves over Marlena, his blue eyes full of love.
“Doc, I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make sure both you and the baby are just fine.” He pauses, then asks curiously, “So when did you finally accept that you are pregnant?”
Marlena places a loving hand on top of her stomach. “You mean besides the morning I woke up and couldn’t fit into my jeans?”
John chuckles. “Yeah, besides that.”
“That night on the beach…when you forgave me for getting pregnant by Roman. I think…I think that was when I finally was able to forgive myself, and start to heal from the miscarriage. By the time we got back to the house, I couldn’t deny what I had already known in my heart for a long time.”
John smiles and kisses Marlena gently, then pulls away and stands, putting on his boxers. She watches him admiringly. He grabs his shirt off the floor and kneels before Marlena, sliding it onto her and doing up a few buttons. Confused, she asks, “John ,what are you doing?” He simply scoops her up into his arms and begins to walk towards the stairs. “I’m taking you upstairs…to *our* bedroom.”
Marlena raises her eyebrows. “*Our* bedroom, John? We haven’t slept in the same bed since the night *this* happened.” She pats her belly gently.
John finally reaches the master bedroom of the house, where Marlena has been sleeping alone. He lays her on the bed and stretches out next to her. Propping himself up on his elbow, John lovingly caresses her cheek and says,
“When I wake up tomorrow, I want the first thing I see to be your beautiful face. For the rest of my life, I want to feel your warm, sexy body next to mine as I sleep. I want to know that if I need you, all I have to do is reach out and you’ll be there. Please, baby, don’t make me leave. Tell me that you want me stay in here with you. I can’t spend one more night without you lying next to me.”
Marlena moves closer to John and stares into the deep, ocean-blue pools of his eyes. Finally giving in to the promptings of her heart, she nods. “Okay. Don’t leave—stay with me.”
John brings his lips to her in an infinitely tender kiss. “I love you, baby. So very much.”
“I know you do. I know.”
Early one morning a few weeks later, John sits in the kitchen, eating breakfast, when Marlena walks into the room. He raises one eyebrow at the sight of her, dressed in loose-fitting cotton shorts and one of his own t-shirts. Her hair is pulled up in a messy ponytail and frustration is obvious on her face. A mischievous twinkle lights his eyes as he says, “Interesting choice of clothing. Not exactly your usual classy and elegant look, but pretty damn cute all the same.”
Marlena glares at John and sits down in the chair beside him with a sigh. “This isn’t funny, John. I am four months pregnant—only four months, mind you—and I can fit into absolutely *none* of my clothes. I was never this big, this soon, with any of my other pregnancies.” She glances down and rests a hand on her swollen belly, shaking her head in disbelief.
John kneels on the floor before her, eye level with her stomach, and talks to his baby. “You know, I think your mommy is trying to tell me she wants to go shopping for new clothes that will fit both of you…rather than just her. What do you think?” Marlena whacks him on the shoulder, fighting back a laugh. “John!” Getting to his feet, John replies, “Come on, Doc, why don’t we go shopping today?” He kisses her thoroughly. “Even though you do look sexy in my clothes…” Marlena pushes John back, a teasing smile lighting her face. “I think that kind of thing is what got me into this situation in the first place.” John pulls her back into the warm circle of his arms. “What, are you complaining?” Their faces mere centimeters apart, Marlena whispers, “No…”
John grins. “Good. Are you ready to go?”
In dismay, Marlena glances down at her clothing. “I need to try to find something else to wear. I can’t go out like this.” She stands and starts to leave the kitchen. Quickly, John pulls her back, wrapping his arm around her waist so they are standing back to stomach. Settling his hand on Marlena’s pregnant belly, he says, “Doc, there’s one more thing. I think that when we’re in town today, we should stop by the hospital and get you and the baby checked out.”
Marlena is quick to protest. “John, I’m fine. The baby’s fine. I’m a doctor; I know my body. This pregnancy is progressing exactly as it should.”
“But, sweetheart, you’ve never even seen a doctor. We both know that the pregnancy is high-risk; don’t tell me you haven’t been worried about the baby.”
“Of course I’m worried about the baby! I’m not as young as I was when I had Belle, and I know that the chance of complications is higher because of my age. But…John, it’s so much easier to not know…than to find out that something is wrong.”
“Oh, baby…” John holds Marlena close, his heart breaking as he realizes how long she’s been hiding her fears. “Sweetheart, I really don’t think we have anything to worry about. I didn’t mean to upset you. All I’m saying is that a quick check-up won’t hurt anything—and just think, we’ll get to see our baby and hear its heartbeat.”
Not completely convinced, Marlena nevertheless gives a half-hearted smile and nods her head. “Okay. Maybe it’ll be better if we know…one way or the other.” She steps out of John’s embrace and sighs. “Now if I could just find something to wear to the hospital…”
“Why don’t we just go shopping first? You can buy something to wear to the hospital, because to tell you the truth, baby, I don’t think you’re going to find anything else that fits.”
One hand on her hip, Marlena strikes a pose of mock annoyance. “Well, whose fault is that? I didn’t exactly get in this condition on my own, you know!”
John grins and replies, “It’s not my fault you can’t resist me.” Before Marlena can react, he darts out of the kitchen. “Why you little….Get back here, John! I can still catch you, even if I am pregnant.” Laughing, Marlena runs out of the kitchen in search of John.
~
“I let you catch me, you know.” Marlena looks up from the rack of maternity clothes she is perusing. “Sure you did. Just keep telling yourself that. It’s better than the truth…that you’re slower than your pregnant wife.”
John looks at Marlena sharply. “My pregnant *wife*?” Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Marlena turns away, her arms full of clothes. “No, that’s not what I meant. It just came out wrong. I meant…slower than a pregnant woman. I’m not your wife.”
A tender smile on his face, John takes Marlena in his arms, unmindful of the fact that they are in the middle of a department store. “That’s what you meant. Don’t try to deny it, baby. You were right the first time. I’m your husband.” Marlena pulls away and begins to walk quickly to the dressing rooms, John close at her heels. “No, it was just a slip of the tongue. Don’t make more of it than what it was.” She steps into the women’s fitting room and slams the door. John stands just outside, determined to continue the conversation even as Marlena tries on clothes. “It wouldn’t have slipped out if you hadn’t meant it. Not something like that. The fact that you said it in relaxed conversation proves that you see yourself as my wife. You’re a shrink—you know how the unconscious mind works.”
As she buttons up a shirt, Marlena counters, “Can you blame my mind for being a little confused right now? For heaven’s sake, I don’t remember anything about my past, I’ve been kidnapped by a man who wasn’t ever even my legal husband, and now I’m carrying his child! My life is an absolute soap opera!” She tosses a pile of clothes over the fitting room door to John. “I’m getting these.”
“Ouch!” Marlena stands on her tiptoes and glances over the door. “What?” John rubs his head and holds out the purse that just hit him. “Your bag, dear.” Smiling sheepishly, Marlena asks, “Oh, was that in with the clothes?” John nods. “Yeah, it was, and what do you have in there, bricks?” Marlena steps out of the dressing room, comfortably clad in a skirt and loose-fitting blouse. “Very funny, John. Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah, if you’re done. We’ve just got to pay for whatever clothes you want.” He eyes the pile of clothing warily. “Of course, I don’t think I have enough money in the bank to support your shopping habit…” Marlena just whacks him in the stomach with her purse and leads the way to the register. Under his breath, he mutters, “What is with this woman and attacking me today?!” Marlena chuckles. “Blame it on hormones.”
~
Marlena paces nervously around the exam room at the nearby hospital, one hand on her belly. John watches from his chair, his concern building. Finally, he stands and stops her. “Baby, you have got to relax. All this worrying isn’t going to help you or the baby.” Marlena swallows hard and tries to fight back tears. “I know. I can’t help it.” She looks up at John, desperation and fear in her eyes. “I’m so scared, John. This baby means the world to me. I don’t think I could stand it if…” Her voice breaks and she begins to cry. John quickly pulls her into his arms and holds her tight, murmuring words of comfort against her ear as he caresses her shining blonde hair. “Hey, hey, it’s okay. I’ve got you, baby. Don’t worry.” He looks down at her, his eyes shining with love, and brushes the tears from her cheeks. Marlena buries her face in his chest once again, wanting only for him to hold her and love all her fears away.
A knock on the door causes John and Marlena to pull apart. While Marlena wipes her eyes, John calls, “Come in.” A woman comes in, a patient chart in hand. She pauses at the door, a bit disconcerted by Marlena’s tearstained face. Gently, she asks, “Are you all right?” Marlena tries to smile. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m just…a little worried, I suppose.” The doctor nods understandingly. “About the test results?” Quietly, Marlena says, “Yes. I know what the risks are for this pregnancy. I’m just a little concerned about my baby.”
The doctor gestures to the exam table. “Well, why don’t I try to put your mind at ease? If you’ll just hop up there, we’ll go ahead and start the exam.” Marlena slides onto the exam table, clutching John’s hand. “First of all, I’m Dr. Montgomery, and they tell me I’m one of the best OBGYN’s around. You don’t need to worry, you’re in good hands.” She glances at Marlena’s chart. “So, Mrs. Black…” John glances at Marlena. “You signed in as Marlena Black? But I thought you…” With one sharp look from his wife, John is silent.
Ignoring the interplay between John and Marlena, Dr. Montgomery continues. “First, let me tell you that we’ve already ran your blood work through, and everything looks perfect. But as you obviously know, the risk of complications during this pregnancy is much higher for you because of your age. Therefore, I’d like to do a sonogram to check everything out. From there, we’ll also be able to tell how far along you are and figure out your due date. Go ahead and lie back and we’ll get started.”
Marlena leans back on the exam table, still clinging to John’s hand. Feeling her tremble, John gently runs his thumb across her palm, doing his best to soothe her. He pushes back a lock of blonde hair that had fallen over Marlena’s forehead and whispers, “Baby, come on, relax. We finally get to see our baby, remember?” With a nervous smile, Marlena nods and lifts her blouse, revealing her rounded abdomen, and Dr. Montgomery begins the exam. When the sound of a steady heartbeat fills the room, both John and Marlena’s eyes fill with tears. The doctor takes a few measurement and smiles, saying, “You can relax. Everything looks perfect. There don’t appear to be any of the congenital defeats common in later pregnancies, and the baby is strong and healthy.” She is silent for a moment. “But I’m sure you can hear that for yourself. Just listen to that heartbeat.”
A warm smile lights Marlena’s face. “Oh, I know. It’s like music to my ears.” John squeezes Marlena’s hand, relief and joy apparent on his face. “Mine, too.” Marlena nudges him with her elbow. “And you acted like you weren’t even nervous.” John just grins.
Dr. Montgomery continues with the exam, and says, “From the looks of things, I’d say you’re about four months, ten days along, putting your due date around December 28.”
John’s lips brush Marlena’s forehead. “Almost a Christmas baby.” Dr. Montgomery nods. “Well, you never know. The baby might…” Her voice breaks off as she looks intently at the screen. John feels his stomach tighten with worry as Marlena squeezes his hand with a vice-like grip. Her lips white from nerves, she whispers, “Is something wrong?”
The doctor stares at the screen for a few moments. “Not wrong, exactly. I just noticed one common…well, *occurrence* in late-in-life pregnancies that I forgot to check for.”
Her heart pounding, Marlena asks, “And that is…?”
“Twins.”
John and Marlena stare at each other in shock as Dr. Montgomery moves the paddle over Marlena’s stomach. She points to the screen, tracing the outline of a tiny figure. “See, here’s baby number one…” Her finger follows the form of another baby. “And here, hiding behind its sibling, is baby number two. It’s behind the first baby, so it’s a little harder to see. The heartbeat is also quieter, but just as strong.”
John shakes his head in disbelief. “Damn…twins…Doc, we’re gonna have twins!” He looks at Marlena, a wide grin lighting his face. She smiles and gently brushes his cheek with the palm of her hand. “I know. Well, this might start to explain my clothing issues…” Noting the doctor’s confused expression, Marlena continues, “I’m only four months pregnant, and absolutely nothing I own fits me.” John gives Marlena a teasing glance. “That’s a fact. Of course, some of *my* clothes fit her, but probably not for long…” Marlena groans in dismay. “Oh, John, that’s not even funny!”
Her expression becomes serious as she asks, “Are you sure that both babies okay?” Dr. Montgomery nods. “Yes, they both seem to be doing just fine. They are fraternal twins, and both appear to be developing normally.” She wipes the gel off Marlena’s belly and pulls down her shirt. With John’s help, Marlena sits up, one hand gently rubbing her swollen stomach. Before she can hop down off the exam table, Dr. Montgomery stops her. “Just a moment. Before you leave, I want to caution you to take very good care of yourself. This pregnancy was high-risk before we knew you were carrying twins—now the risks are even higher. The best thing you can do is try to relax; don’t do anything strenuous, and stay off your feet as much as possible. If you’re still on the island in a month, I want you to come back. If not, I expect you to check in with your own doctor as soon as you return home.” She smiles. “That being said, let me assure you that so far everything is perfect. I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t be able to carry these babies to term, as long as you take care of yourself.” With one last smile of encouragement, Dr. Montgomery leaves the room.
Marlena slides off the table and moves eagerly into John’s embrace. He holds her close for a few moments. With laughter in his voice, he says, “Well, *Mrs. Black*, I’d say we’ve outdone ourselves this time.” Marlena pulls away and rolls her eyes. “John, don’t make more of that than it is. I just thought it would be easier if the doctor believes I am your wife. After all, do *you* really want to explain this whole situation to a stranger?” John shakes his head. “No, but I don’t think she would’ve said anything about us not being husband and wife. It’s not like you’re a teenage girl in trouble.”
Marlena sighs. “No, I’m definitely not a teenager…”
“Baby, you know I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know you didn’t. But it’s true.” She turns to John, worry written all over her face. “What if I can’t carry these babies to term? You can’t deny that complications are a possibility.”
“No, I can’t. I would give anything to be able to see into the future and reassure you that our babies will be healthy. But I can’t do that.” Marlena turns away, tears in her eyes. Quickly, John wraps his arms around her and whispers into her ear, “Sweetheart, I honestly believe that everything will be fine. You heard the doctor; everything looks perfect, and I’m sure it’s going to stay that way. The best thing you can do for yourself and for those babies is to just trust that everything will work out.” John watches Marlena tenderly, his blue gaze willing her to believe his heartfelt words. She stands before him, her soul pained and conflicted with worry. Finally, some of her tension drains away and she seems to believe him. Leaning forward, Marlena places a soft kiss on his lips. She then pulls him close, hugging him tightly, murmuring, “Thank you, John. I couldn’t do this without you. I need you so much.”
John’s hands slide down Marlena’s body, finally coming to rest on her swollen belly. “I love you, baby.” When Marlena doesn’t respond, John says, “Well, are you ready to go home?” Marlena nods. “Oh, yes, I’m ready.”
~
Silence descends over John and Marlena as they walk along the beach later that evening. The sun has already set and stars twinkle dimly in the sky, far above the world they gaze down upon. A cool breeze dances around the couple, filling the air with the sweet, spicy scent of tropical flowers. The only sound breaking the stillness of the sleeping world is the steady pounding of the waves crashing on the beach. No words are spoken as they stroll along the sand, their hands intertwined with the ease of familiarity. Finally, Marlena says quietly, “I wish the children were here with us. They’d love it here—playing and exploring on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and…oh, John, you don’t know how much I miss them. I don’t have any memories of raising them, but they are my children. I know they need their mother, and I’ve been away from them for so long. I feel like I’m missing so much.” She glances at John. “I can’t even imagine how hard this must be for you.” John nods. “It is. But, Doc, I made the decision to bring you here. I knew what I would be giving up, at least for a little while. Besides, I’ve kept in touch. I call them a few times a week, just to check in. Caroline knows how to get a hold of us too, just in case.” They walk in silence for a few minutes, John deep in thought. Finally, he stops and turns to Marlena. “You know, Doc, I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t come stay with us. At least for a little while, maybe until school starts again. That would give them at least a couple weeks with us, by the time we get arrangements made and they get down here.”
Marlena’s face lights up. “Oh, John, that’s a great idea! We could ask Caroline to come too.” John chuckles. “After all these months with our kids, she could probably use a vacation at the beach.” With a grin, Marlena replies, “And the poor woman doesn’t even know that there’s two more on the way!” John pats Marlena’s belly gently. “We might want to warn her before she sees you. I think finding out about the babies will be a shock for her…and probably for the rest of Salem too.”
“I think it will be…” With a sharp intake of breath, Marlena’s hand falls to her stomach. His face etched with concern, John asks, “Doc, what is it? Is something wrong? Is it the babies?”
Marlena nods, her eyes glistening with happy tears. “Yes, it’s the babies…” She takes John’s hand and brings it to her rounded belly.
“Feel that…” His eyes wide, John slides his hand across her stomach, awestruck at the fluttering movement of his children cradled within her womb.
“Oh my God, sweetheart…those are my babies in there…growing inside you. I mean, we’re really doing this. We’re going to have two new little babies.” She smiles. “I know, John. It makes it seem so much more real when I feel them moving inside me. It’s just…incredible.”
John takes Marlena in his arms and holds her close, still feeling the babies wriggle as Marlena’s stomach presses into him. “What do you say we go up to the house and call Caroline? I think we’ve got a lot to talk to her about.” Marlena steps out of John’s embrace and gazes at him, a heated desire burning in her hazel eyes. The moonlight shines on her golden hair and creamy skin, turning her into a silver angel of the night. “I don’t think I want to go in just yet.” She slowly begins to unbutton her blouse, John completely mesmerized by the sultry movement. Absently, his eyes on the skin that is being revealed inch by inch, he replies, “Oh, really?” Marlena smiles and slides off her blouse, letting it fall to the sand. “Mmm-hmm. I was thinking about the last time we went walking on this beach. I wanted to go swimming, remember?” She unzips her skirt and lets it slip from her body. Aching to touch his wife, John replies, “I remember. But you didn’t have a bathing suit. I didn’t think that would be a problem, but you…” Marlena interrupts him. “But I did.” She takes a step towards John, her fingers touching the buttons of his shirt teasingly. Leaning forward, she breathes softly on his ear, “Well, I don’t think it’s a problem anymore.” With a growl, John grabs Marlena and takes her mouth in a searing kiss. She kisses him back willingly, hungrily, whimpering softly when he pulls away and begins to ravage the soft skin of her sculpted shoulders. Tugging desperately at John’s shirt, Marlena finally groans in frustration and pulls with all her strength, buttons flying through the air as she tears the material from his body. With the same desperation, she unzips John’s pants, pulling them from his hips and letting them fall to the ground, his boxers close behind.
Marlena presses her lips against John’s, a kiss of burning desire. Together they sink to the ground, the still-warm sand a cushion beneath their naked bodies. As John worships every inch of her body with his exploring lips and hands, Marlena feels her body tremble with an unquenchable passion. John blue eyes, almost black with lust, stare deep into Marlena’s hazel orbs as she moans softly on a ragged breath and whispers, “Now.”
Their bodies become one on the sand in the moonlight, the waves breaking over them. In the moments before she surrenders to the total, complete ecstasy John is creating inside her body, Marlena has a moment of unalterable clarity. This isn’t just a physical connection; what John and I share…it’s something deeper, something unbreakable, something eternal. It binds our hearts and souls together as one. As much as she tries to avoid it, the word comes to her. Love. Pure, unchangeable, undeniable love.
“I think I still have sand in my hair.” John, stretched out on the bed, glances admiringly at Marlena as she walks out of the bathroom, dressed in a short pink nightgown. “I offered to come in the shower and help you.” He grabs for her, but she quickly swats at his reaching hands. With a smile, she replies, “John, if you got me in that shower, we’d never come out again.” “What’s wrong with that?” Marlena rolls her eyes and sits down on her side of the bed, leaning back onto the pillows with a deep sigh. John moves close to her and glides his hand over her round belly, grinning when he feels the babies squirm against his palm. “So what do you two think? Are you excited to meet your big brother and sister?” Marlena places her hand over John’s. “I don’t know how the twins feel about it, but I certainly can’t wait until Belle and Brady are here. Do you think we could call Caroline tonight and see when they can come?”
John is off the bed in a flash. “I don’t see why not. It’s a few hours earlier in Salem, so they should still be awake.” He grabs his cell phone from the dresser and sits down in a nearby armchair. He looks at Marlena, still resting on the bed, his eyes twinkling. “What are you doing all the way over there?” He pats his lap and opens his arms to her. “Come sit here. That way you can hear what’s going on.” A doubtful expression crosses Marlena’s face and she glances down at her swollen stomach. “Well…” John grins. “Oh, come on. It’s a big armchair, all four of us will fit.”
Marlena laughs ruefully. She climbs off the bed and settles herself in his lap. John cuddles her close and whispers, “So, are you ready to tell them the news?” Uncomfortably, Marlena replies, “I can’t even imagine how they’re all going to react.” “It’ll be a shock, but the kids will be ecstatic. And can you imagine how thrilled Caroline will be?” Marlena doesn’t respond. “Baby, I know it’s a little awkward. But they’re going to find out one way or the other. I think it’s better to tell them now than for them to find out for themselves.” Caressing her belly thoughtfully, Marlena says, “You’re right. I don’t think I would be able to hide this pregnancy from Belle and Brady if they come visit…and I definitely couldn’t fool Caroline!” John nods and opens his cell phone, hitting the speed dial for the Brady’s. “Good, then it’s settled. Do you want me to break the news to Caroline?” “Yes…but I’d like to talk to the kids if they’re still awake. It’s been so long since I’ve heard their voices.”
After a few rings, Caroline picks up. “Hello?” “Hey, Caroline, it’s John.” Her face lights up in delight. “John! Oh, the kids just went to bed. Wait a minute and I’ll go get them.”
“No, Caroline, don’t wake them up. I’m actually calling to talk to you.” Caroline’s brow wrinkles in concern. “What is it? Are you okay? Is Marlena still all right?” John chuckles and winks at Marlena. “Oh, yeah, Marlena’s just fine. In fact, she’s right here with me. We’re actually calling with some great news.” Caroline gasps. “Marlena has her memory back?” “Well, no, not yet. I’m hoping it’ll come back soon, but…” He pauses, a little uncertain. “I’m exactly sure how to say this…Caroline, maybe you’d better sit down.” “What is it, John? I thought you said you had good news!” John is quick to reassure her. “It is good news, it is. It’s just…surprising. Caroline…Marlena’s pregnant.”
Silence on the other end. Marlena nudges John. “What is she saying?” John shakes his head. “Caroline, are you still there?” John’s voice shakes Caroline from her shocked reverie. “Yes, I’m here John. But I must be hearing things. It sounded like you just said Marlena is *pregnant*!”
His voice edged with frustration, John replies, “You didn’t hear wrong. Marlena *is* pregnant.”
“Oh my goodness! Well, obviously Alex doesn’t know. He’s still here in Salem, and I’d think he’d want to be with her if he knew. Has she tried to contact him?”
Shocked, John inarticulately grunts, “Huh?” Her confusion mirroring John’s, Marlena glances at him and mouths, “Alex? Why?” John just shrugs his shoulders and asks curiously, “Why would Marlena want to tell Alex? It doesn’t really involve him. Besides, Caroline, you know damn well that I took Marlena out of Salem to get her away from that bastard. I’m not about to let her contact him now!”
“I know, John, but the situation is different now. He has a right to know that Marlena is carrying his child!” Stunned, John just shakes his head and looks at Marlena helplessly. She fights back a laugh as she takes the cell phone from him. “Caroline, it’s Marlena.” “Marlena, dear, how are you doing? Congratulations, John told me about the baby!” Finally recovering his voice, John tries to grab for the phone. “Thank you, Caroline. It was quite a shock, but I’m so incredibly happy.” In annoyance she swats at John’s hand. “John, no! You had your turn, now I want to talk to Caroline.”
On the other end, Caroline hears a muffled struggle as John and Marlena fight for possession of the phone. Finally, Marlena wins out and perches smugly on the bed, John disgruntled in the chair. “Sorry about that.” She rolls her eyes as John whispers, “Tell her the truth, Doc! There’s no way I’m letting her believe these babies are Alex’s!” Marlena turns her back on John and continues speaking. “Caroline, I was listening when you were talking to John. I think…well, apparently John didn’t explain what is going on very well. You see…John is the father…not Alex.” Caroline’s voice is filled with joy and relief as she says, “Oh, Marlena, I’m so happy for you—and for John! He must be thrilled!” Marlena smiles and replies, “Well, he’s not exactly complaining.” She and Caroline continue to chat.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Marlena, John leaves his chair and stealthily creeps behind her. As she talks to Caroline, John slides onto the bed and lifts Marlena’s hair from her neck, placing kisses across the sensitive skin. “Yes, we’ve known for awhile…mmm-hmm…well, we just…” Her voice tapers off as she moans softly, distracted by John’s ministrations on her body.
Caroline’s forehead wrinkles in confusion. “Marlena…are you still there?” Abruptly, Marlena pulls away from John.
“For heaven’s sake, John, don’t do that when I’m on the phone! Sorry, Caroline, John was…distracting me.” Caroline chuckles.
“You don’t have to explain. I remember how much he used to love to…*distract* you…any time you two were together.”
A warm smile on her face, Marlena replies, “Well, he’s very good at it, to tell you the truth.” She stands up and takes John’s hand, placing it where she can feel the babies moving inside her. As he places gentle kisses on her rounded belly, she caresses his dark hair lovingly. “Maybe a little too good.”
Her hand still playing with John’s hair, she continues. “Caroline, the other reason we called is to ask if you would consider bringing the kids out here for a few weeks. Both John and I miss them terribly. We’d love it if we could at least spend a little while with them, at least until school starts up again. Of course, we want you to stay too. I’m sure you could use a vacation.”
“If you and John think that it’s safe for the children to come stay with you, I know that they would love to come. It’s been so hard on them, being separated from the two of you.”
Marlena’s eyes fill with tears. “It’s been hard on us, too. I just feel like…like I’m missing so much of their lives.” Gently, Caroline says, “Marlena, it’s not your fault. There’s nothing you can do about having amnesia.” Wiping her eyes, Marlena responds, “I know. But I already don’t remember raising them; now I’m missing out on the memories that I could be making with them.” At the sadness in his wife’s voice, John wraps his arms around her, holding her close in his warm embrace. “Baby, why don’t you let me talk to Caroline now?” Marlena nods. “I think I’m going to let you and John work out the details now. Give the Belle and Brady a kiss for me, and tell them I love them.” “Are you sure you don’t want to tell them yourself? I can go wake them.” Despite desperately wanting to talk to her children, Marlena says, “No, just let them sleep. With any luck, we’ll all be together very soon. Here’s John.”
John takes the phone and he and Caroline get down to business. “Okay, first I need to know exactly what Alex has been up to. Has he been trying to find Marlena?”
“I assume that he has. Of course, the police haven’t been much help, thanks to Bo. Alex comes here periodically to question us about Marlena, to see if we know where she is. But don’t worry, John, we’ve never given him any reason to believe that we’ve been in contact with her…or you.”
Pacing the bedroom, John asks, “Does he know that I’m not in Salem?”
“I’m afraid so, John. I think he assumes Marlena is with you.”
John is silent for a few moments, thinking. Finally, he says, “Okay, this is what we’ll do. To avoid suspicion, tell the rest of the family that you’re just taking the kids on a vacation for a treat before school starts. I don’t care where you say you’re going, just make it believable. Don’t tell anyone, even Bo, where you’re really going. Do you think Shawn will come?”
“I doubt it. He has to stay here with the Pub. But I will have to tell him what’s really going on.”
“Yeah, of course. Listen, I would like to have you come on my private jet, but I think that will look too suspicious. I’ll get you first-class plane tickets, and send them to you soon.” John pauses. “Hey, Caroline…don’t even tell the kids where you’re taking them. It’s just better if they don’t know. It’s safer for them.”
“I know, John. I’ll see you soon.”
“*Very* soon. Bye, Caroline.”
Anxiously, Marlena sits at the airport waiting for Caroline, Belle, and Brady to arrive. John is seated beside her, his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. Her foot taps nervously, and John can feel her trembling inside his embrace. Slowly, he runs his hand up and down her arm, trying to soothe her. Placing a gentle kiss on her temple, John says, “Baby, calm down. They’ll be here soon.” “I know. It’s just been so long…and so many things have changed.” Nervously, she rubs a hand across her belly, trying to calm the restless babies squirming inside her. “I think even the babies are a little anxious. They’ve never been this active before.” Resting one hand on Marlena’s stomach, John replies, “They can probably sense some of your anxiety.” He grins. “And I’m sure they’re excited to meet their big brother and sister for the first time.”
Marlena nods absently. “Mmm-hmm.” A sudden thought strikes her. “John, do you think Caroline has told Belle and Brady about the babies?” John shrugs. “I don’t know. Probably not, since I told her not to let the kids know where they’re headed. Actually, I don’t think Caroline even knows we’re having twins.”
“Oh my gosh, we didn’t tell her!” “Well, we can tell them all at the same time.” He glances out the window and sees a large passenger jet landing. “Look, Doc. I bet that’s them.” He gets to his feet and offers Marlena his hand. She takes it and rises slowly, one hand supporting her back. Nervously she smoothes her hair and takes John’s hand. “Let’s go.”
As they wait at the gate, John senses Marlena’s anxiety and takes her into his arms, regardless of the others milling around the airport. “They are going to be so incredibly happy to see you, you know that? There is nothing to be worried about, okay?” Marlena wraps John’s arms more tightly around her body. “But I don’t know that. I’ve been…unreachable…to them for so long. They have every right to be upset with me. I can’t even imagine how they’re going to react to seeing me again after all this time.”
John turns Marlena in his arms and takes her lips in an infinitely loving kiss. “Sweetheart, I’ve told you before. Belle and Brady understand that this whole situation is absolutely not your fault.” Marlena gives John an uncertain glance. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Before John can respond, passengers begin to file off the airplane. Both turn and scan the crowd eagerly, searching for Caroline, Belle, and Brady. Soon, they are rewarded with the sight of Caroline, holding each child by a hand. For a moment, Marlena is breathless, her tear-filled eyes drinking in the sight of her children. John’s hand tightens on Marlena’s, and he pulls her forward, trying to get Caroline’s attention. When she sees the couple, Caroline stops short. In confusion, Belle and Brady look around. At first their eyes pass over their parents as their gazes scan the airport. Then, suddenly, Belle’s eyes grow wide and she gasps. “Mom? Daddy?” Brady stands frozen in disbelief.
Marlena nods, tears of pure joy slipping down her cheeks, and immediately opens her arms. Belle stumbles forward into her mother’s warm embrace as Brady leaps forward into his father’s arms. Holding Belle close, stroking her long blonde hair tenderly, Marlena whispers, “Oh, sweetie, I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you so very much.” After a few moments, Belle releases her mother and is scooped up into her father’s waiting arms. After he steps away from John, Brady stands shyly behind his grandmother, shifting uncomfortably from side to side. After giving Caroline a quick hug of welcome, Marlena sinks to her knees in front of Brady and gently caresses his fine brown hair. Cupping his chin in her hand, Marlena studies his innocent face intently. “Hi, sweetheart.” A dimple appears in his cheek as a smile lifts his lips. “Hi, Mom. I haven’t seen you for a long time.” Marlena nods. “I know, baby. I’m so sorry. I’ve missed you…more than you could know.” With one finger he traces the line of her cheek, still wet with tears. “I missed you too. But don’t cry anymore, all right? We’re all together now, so everything’s okay.”
Marlena pulls Brady into her arms, rejoicing at the feel of his childish arms wrapped around her. Against his ear, she whispers, “I know, sweetie. I’m just so happy to see you all again.” One hand on Brady’s shoulder, Marlena gets to her feet. Caroline smiles as she takes in Marlena’s swelling figure. “Well, look at you. You’re absolutely glowing.” With a smile, John sets Belle back down and turns to Caroline. “She certainly is.” He steps behind Marlena, his arm wrapping around her waist as he settles his hand on her round belly. Awkwardly, he turns to Belle and Brady. “Kids…if you haven’t already noticed…your mom and I have something we need to tell you. Your mom…well, your mom is pregnant.”
Belle’s face lights up. “You mean I’m going to have a baby brother or sister?!” She laughs in delight. Brady gives a bemused smile, his reaction that of a young boy with little interest in babies. John glances at Marlena. She nods and says, “I’ll tell them.” She turns to her children. “Actually, Belle…you’re going to have *two* babies to play with. Your daddy and I are having twins!”
In mock dismay, Brady groans. “Oh, no…now there’ll be *three* little squirts bugging me all the time instead of just Belle!” Her little hand on her hip, Belle whips around to face her brother. “I’m not a squirt, Brady Black! And I have better things to do than waste my time bugging you!” She sticks her tongue out at her brother. Brady makes a face a Belle and mutters under his breath, “I sure hope I have two new brothers…one sister is all I can take!” Before Belle can make a move, John steps between them. “All right, you two, that’s enough. No more arguing or we’re not going to the beach when we get back to the house.”
Their fight instantly forgotten, Belle and Brady ask in unison, “The beach?!” John chuckles and nods. Caroline grabs each child by the hand. “Come on, both of you, let’s go get our suitcases.” They take off, John and Marlena a few steps behind. A mischievous look on her face, Marlena grabs John’s arm and whispers in his ear, “And just think…we’ve got two more on the way!” John groans and gives Marlena a pained look. “Well, at least life will never be boring…”
~
John and Marlena stand on the beach as the sun sets, gazing at their children laughing and running barefoot on the warm sand. Moving behind Marlena, John slides his arms around her, the intoxicating scent of her sun-kissed blonde hair floating around him. With a sigh, Marlena leans back in John’s embrace. “This just seems so right, doesn’t it? Being here, with the children…together. The way we should be. I just wish it could last forever…but I know that it can’t.”
John turns Marlena in his arms and gazes into her eyes, still brilliant in the light of the fading sun. “Why can’t it last, baby? You said it yourself, this is right. It doesn’t have to end…not if we don’t want it to.”
Marlena runs her hands across John’s sculpted chest and shoulders, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt bunch and ripple as her fingers move over them. John pulls her close, his hands sliding sensuously down her body, stopping at the small of her back. Holding him tightly, Marlena buries her face in his neck and breathes deeply, comforted by the familiar scent of his cologne. For a few minutes, they simply stand there, holding each other, reveling in the feeling of being in each others’ arms. Finally, John places kisses along Marlena’s neck, jawline, and cheeks, before finally claiming her mouth in a breathtaking kiss. Marlena melts into John, letting the rest of the world slip away in a passionate haze. All that exists is the burning desire between them…and one long, slow, achingly sweet kiss.
Oblivious to the rest of the world, John and Marlena don’t hear Caroline’s approaching footsteps. Smiling, Caroline says, “I hate to interrupt you two, but…” Their lips part and Marlena, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, just smiles. John chuckles and asks, “You’re back soon. Did you talk to Shawn?”
A shadow of uncertainty passes over Caroline’s face. Uncomfortably, she glances at Marlena. “Well, yes, I did…but…John, we need to talk.” Sensing that Caroline wants to speak to John in private, she steps out of his embrace and says, “I think I’ll go and see what the kids are up to. You two can talk.”
Caroline gives Marlena a smile of thanks. John and Caroline watch in silence as Marlena walks down the beach, kneeling down beside Belle who is busily digging in the sand. Finally, Caroline turns to John and abruptly says, “Alex left Salem. Bo had put a few cops on surveillance duty, watching Alex. According to them, he left on plane yesterday. He left just a little after we did. Bo told Shawn that they don’t have any idea where he was going. Apparently, he chartered a private jet and made sure he couldn’t be traced.” When she stops speaking, John is silent for a few moments. “Does Bo think that Alex followed you?”
Caroline shrugs. “He doesn’t know. Alex could have gone anywhere. But…well, Bo thinks Alex is still trying to find Marlena. It’s likely that he is suspicious and has tried to follow us.” Caroline glances up at John and is shocked by the determination in his steely blue eyes. “What are you going to do?”
John shakes his head. “Nothing. But I won’t let that bastard hurt Marlena or my children. It’s that simple. If he comes here, I will…*eliminate* the threat he poses to my family.” Caroline gasps. “John…please…don’t do anything you’ll regret.”
“Marlena and I can’t run for the rest of our lives. At some point, we will have to face Alex again. Marlena will have to deal with whatever he meant to her in the past. I’m not going to force it…but I’m not going to prevent him from finding us, either. I promise you though…he won’t hurt my family again.” He looks at Marlena playing in the sand with their children. A smile lifts his lips as he watches her kneel between Belle and Brady, working intently on a huge sandcastle. Belle leans comfortably against her mother, their eyes on Brady as he patiently digs the sand away from their masterpiece to make a moat. Marlena whispers confidingly in her daughter’s ear and kisses the top of her silky blonde head. John’s eyes grow warm with love as he watches his family, the picture of happiness framed in the brilliant glow of the setting sun.
Following his gaze, Caroline asks softly, “What will you do when I have to take the kids back to Salem?”
John shrugs helplessly. “I don’t know. I mean, look at them. Look how happy Belle and Brady are with Doc. They need their mother—and she needs them. The past few months have been hell for her, being separated from her children. And now, with the twins on the way…it will break her heart when they leave again.”
Caroline squeezes John’s arm. “And it’ll break yours too.” Slowly, John nods his head. “Yeah. Mine too.”
As the hot summer sun beats down, John lies stretched out in a chair beside the pool. His eyes closed to block out the glare of the midday sunshine, he is deep in thought and doesn’t hear Marlena as she comes down to the pool. She is the image of natural angelic beauty, pregnant and glowing, her long blonde hair loose in its natural curls, her face flushed and rosy from the heat.
Without a word, Marlena comfortably settles herself in John’s lap, shaking him from his reverie. His eyelids flutter open, and a pleased smile grows on his face as he takes in his wife’s beauty. “Hey, pretty lady. Caroline still with the kids in town?” Marlena nods as she leans back into John’s chest. “Mmm-hmm. She promised them ice cream if they behaved while she did the shopping.” “Do you think that bribe is gonna work?” Marlena shakes her head ruefully. “I don’t think it really matters. Knowing Caroline, they’ll get ice cream either way, so…” “So it could be awhile,” John finishes for Marlena. She nods.
John links his hands over Marlena’s belly, a wide smile lighting his face when he feels the strong movements of the babies within. “I can’t believe how active these two are getting.” Marlena laughs wryly and rubs a hand across her swollen stomach. “Oh, I can believe it. They’re quite the little acrobats—especially late a night.”
“Yeah, I noticed you haven’t been sleeping too well. Anything I can do?”
Marlena chuckles. “Nope. You know I don’t mind it. Sometimes, though, I wish they would get some of the wiggling out of their systems in the day…and sleep at night!”
John cuddles her closer. “Well, Doc, maybe they just take after their mother.” Seductively he begins to kiss Marlena’s neck, nipping gently at the smooth skin. Exhaling on a soft breath, Marlena asks, “What does that mean?” Moving his lips down across her collarbone, his touch as light as a butterfly’s kiss, he replies, “It means that their mother is always more active at night…especially when I’m around.”
“John!” Marlena gasps in protest. John abruptly silences her when he claims her mouth with his. As they lips part, Marlena sighs in pleasure and lays her head on John’s shoulder, her fingers gently tickling him, tangling in the dark hair of his bare chest. His hands slowly run up and down her back, relaxing her completely. Lulled by the warmth of the sun and the feel of John’s hands on her body, Marlena murmurs, “This feels so good, John. I don’t even want to move.” Into her hair, John replies, “Then don’t. We can just lie here forever…or at least until the kids get home.”
Marlena shifts in John’s embrace and sighs. “I can’t believe how fast these past three weeks have gone.” She sits up and looks at him. “Do you realize they have to leave next week?” Slowly, John nods. “I know, baby.” Carefully, he studies her face. “Do you think you’ll be able to handle that?”
Fighting back tears, Marlena turns away. “I don’t have any choice. They can’t stay here forever.” John turns her face back towards him and takes her hands in his. “Neither can we. Doc, we’ve got to go back to Salem sometime, and I was thinking…I want us to go back with Belle and Brady.”
Quickly Marlena stands and pulls away from John, her arms wrapped protectively around her body. “John…” He rises and grabs her arms, forcing him to meet his gaze. “No, Doc, listen to me. We cannot hide on this island forever. I brought you here to keep you safe from Alex, not to let you run away from your problems. That danger is gone now; Alex is out of Salem, and no one knows where he is. Belle and Brady need to be with their parents. We have to be there for them now. It’s time to go home, Doc. It’s time.”
“But, John, Alex will come back. You know that. As soon as he hears I’m back in Salem, he’ll come for me.” John sighs. “Doc, in about four months we’re going to have two beautiful little babies together. I want those babies to be born in Salem…where the rest of their family is…where they can grow up with their brother and sister. We need to go home, baby. Please…when Belle and Brady leave…let’s go with them.”
Marlena stands silently for a few moments, struggling with her fears for the future. Finally, she turns to John, an uncertain smile on her face. “Okay. Okay, let’s do it. Let’s go home.” In happy relief, John takes Marlena in his arms. “You’ll see, baby. Everything will be fine. Once we get home…it’ll all be perfect.”
Marlena pulls away. “John, I’d like to believe that, but…well, when we get back to Salem, there are a lot of…*issues*…that have to be resolved.” A look of confusion crosses John’s face. “What issues?”
“Alex. John, I know that for these past few months we’ve basically lived like husband and wife…and maybe I shouldn’t have let that happen. It wasn’t fair to you, getting your hopes up that way because…Alex is still my husband.” Furiously, John says, “Damnit, Doc, don’t you…”
“No, John. Let me speak. Alex is my legal husband. There’s no getting around that. I know now that I don’t love him…could never love him…but I am going to have to try to resolve the relationship I once had with him.”
Relaxing a little, John replies, “Doc, that’s easy. All you have to do is get a divorce.” Slowly, Marlena shakes her head. “No, John, you don’t understand. I don’t love him…but I do have feelings for him.”
“But not the same kind of feelings you have for me.” Marlena shrugs uncertainly. “No, maybe not. But John, don’t forget, I have no more memories of our relationship than I do my relationship with Alex. I somehow need to piece together what I feel…for both of you. And to do that…John, we can’t be together…not right now…not the way you want us to be.”
A painful silence fills the air. Finally, John turns to Marlena, anguish written on his face. “How can you say that, Doc? You have no real relationship with that man. He is nothing more to you than a mistake you made a long time ago. How can you even compare the love we share to some long-forgotten feelings you have for Alex! For God’s sake, Marlena, what does it matter if you don’t remember our past, if you don’t have memories of our relationship?! What about the memories we’ve made these past few months…what about these two *children* we’ve made?! What about Belle and Brady?! Don’t they count for anything?! Damnit, we have a history…a family…a *life* together! How can you consider just throwing that all away…after everything we’ve overcome to be together? After all the times we’ve found our way back to each other, despite everything life has put us through, how can you tell me that we can’t be together now?! What do I need to do to prove to you that we belong together? How can I show you just how special and unbreakable our love is? Tell me what you want me to do!”
Her eyes filled with anguished tears, Marlena turns to John. In a choked, pain-filled voice, she whispers, “I don’t know, John. I just don’t know what to do anymore. There’s no solution…”
Roughly, John pulls Marlena into his arms. Pressing his mouth against her ear, he whispers, “Yes, there is. It’s simple. Let me spend the rest of my life proving just how much I love you. Please. Stay with *me*. Love *me*.”
Desperately, Marlena tries to fight the long-buried feelings deep in her heart that try to rise to the surface. “No…no, John…I can’t…because…” With a deep breath, Marlena faces John, hazel locking with blue. Softly, she whispers the lie that has the power to utterly and completely break John’s heart. “I have very deep feelings for you…but…John, I….I don’t…love you.”
Exhaling sharply, John releases Marlena, pushing her out of his arms with a sudden, rough movement. He quickly turns away from her, but not before she sees the intense hurt and heartbreak wash over his face. Tentatively, she reaches out to touch his arm. “John…”
He quickly steps back from her gentle touch. “No, Marlena, don’t. Not now. Please…go away. Right now, I just can’t be with you. Please, leave.”
A sharp pain pierces her heart as Marlena realizes what she has done, how deeply she has hurt John. A sob catches in her throat as she whispers, “No, please, John, wait. I didn’t…”
Angrily, he turns on her. The fury on his face is only heightened by the tears glistening in his eyes. “Damnit, Marlena, I said LEAVE! You said you didn’t want to be with me, so get out of here!”
Sobbing quietly, she turns and runs from the pool. Blindly, Marlena races through the garden of the huge house until she finally feels the hot sand of the beach on her bare feet. Completely spent, she collapses at the base of a large tree one the edge of the beach, crying her heart out. Over and over in her mind she sees John’s heartbroken expression, his words of rage still ringing in her ears. So intense is her despair that she doesn’t hear the footsteps approaching her.
He gazes down at her, utter loathing filling his eyes. Standing close beside her, watching her sob, he simply waits for her to recover some kind of control. Finally, Marlena’s sobs lessen and she sits up. As she glances up, her luminous, tear-filled hazel eyes grow wide. In a voice husky with crying, she whispers, “Alex?”
~
Restlessly, John paces the balcony of the mansion. Damn, why did I yell at her like that? God, she doesn’t even know what she’s saying! That bastard had her so confused…hell, I know it will take time! What did I expect, for her to just fall in love with me right away?!
Staring blindly out at the ocean, John curses himself for being so impatient. His eyes scan the beach, hoping to find Marlena so that he can beg her forgiveness. However, what he sees on the beach leaves him shaken. His terrified words almost a prayer, he whispers, “Oh my God…Doc!” Hoping he won’t be too late, John tears out of the house toward the beach, gun in hand.
~
Shaking, Marlena rises to face Alex. “How…Alex, how did you get here?” He smirks and replies, “Well, it took some work. John covered your tracks surprisingly well. I just can’t believe he was stupid enough to bring Caroline and your children out here. After that, following you was fairly simple. I’ve already been here a couple weeks. It was just a matter of getting you alone…and unprotected.”
Her voice deceivingly calm and steady, Marlena replies, “You’ve just wasted your time, Alex. I’m not going back to you. I’m…I’m with John now.”
His eyes rove over her, pausing for a moment on her swollen belly. “Yes, I can see that. I guess some things never change. Even after all this time, you’re nothing more than a whore…a knocked-up slut with no morals. From the looks of things, I’d say you didn’t even manage to respect our marriage vows for more than a day.”
Silently, John creeps up upon Marlena and Alex, his blood boiling when he hears Alex spewing filthy lies at his wife. He takes grim comfort in the cold metal of the gun in his pocket. His heart aches as guilty tears slip down Marlena’s cheeks. Pleadingly, she says, “Alex…I’m sorry…but you have to understand…”
He interrupts her. “It doesn’t matter. Not anymore. All that matters is that we’re together now.” Alex runs an ice-cold finger down Marlena’s soft cheek, smiling when she flinches and pulls away. “And more importantly…after all these years…you will *finally* get what you deserve.”
Fear flashes in Marlena’s eyes when she hears the venom in Alex’s voice. “Alex, what are you going to do?”
John’s heart begins to pound as Alex gives a twisted smile and reaches into his coat pocket. In a sudden moment of clarity, he knows exactly what Alex has planned. Before John can move, Alex pulls out his gun, training it on Marlena. “I am going to make you pay for everything you did to me all those years ago.” He rests his hand on the trigger. “Goodbye, my dear.”
“NO! DOC!!!” In the split second before Alex fires the gun, John jumps in front of Marlena, pushing her safely out of the path of the bullet. Marlena screams, the sound seeming to stretch out, unbroken, for all eternity, as John crumples to the ground. For a moment, all is still, as Marlena stares in horror John. Desperately, she kneels next to John, pressing her hands against the wound in his chest, staining her hands deep red with his blood. “John…no…oh, God, please…no…”
Finally, in a vengeful rage, Marlena rises, John’s gun in hand. Her hand surprisingly steady, she points the barrel at a shocked Alex. Her voice a quiet, deadly whisper, she says, “You *bastard*! You goddamn evil bastard! You shot my husband!” She tightens her finger on the trigger. “And for that…may you rot in hell for all eternity!” Marlena pulls the trigger and Alex falls to the ground.
Marlena begins to shake uncontrollably, and releases her iron-like grip on the gun, letting it drop from her hand onto the soft sand below. Blindly Marlena sinks to her knees beside John, still trying with her trembling palm to staunch the blood that flows steadily from John’s chest, taking his life with it. “John, wake up…please, open your eyes…come on, honey, look at me…”
Slowly, John’s eyes flicker open. He smiles slightly, and raises a hand to her cheek. “It’s okay, baby. You’re all right. That’s all that matters. Doc…oh, baby, I’m so sorry.” Tears slide down Marlena’s face and down the fingers of John’s hand pressed against her cheek. “There’s nothing to be sorry for, John. Nothing at all.”
Letting his hand drop to Marlena’s belly, John smiles when he feels the life moving within her. “Oh, yes, Doc, there is. I’m so sorry…to be leaving you. And our children…these babies…oh, God, sweetheart, I’d give anything to be able to hold our babies in my arms before I die.”
“NO!” The anguished cry catches in Marlena’s throat.
“No, John, don’t say that. You will! You will hold these babies, and watch them take their first steps, and hear them say their first words…You’ll be there with me…don’t you dare tell me you won’t!”
John smiles gently, running one finger across her cheek. “I love you, baby. Always remember that…I love you…” The last word fades out as John gives a deep sigh and his eyes slowly close.
A heart-wrenching moan escapes Marlena’s lips as she stretches out beside his still body. “No…no…not now…don’t take him…oh, God, please, don’t take him…” Her head on his chest, soft honey-colored curls mingling with crimson blood, she whispers “Don’t leave me, John. Please don’t leave me. I need you.” Pulling him closer, she murmurs brokenly against his ear, “I…love…you.”
Marlena lies by John’s side, her body still except for the occasional sob that shakes her. Her mind begins to drift, vagrant thoughts swirling through her subconscious, mingling, until they finally begin to settle down into something tangible. Completely spent, she doesn’t fight it, and lets memories of the past overtake her.
~
It’s daybreak
And you are asleep
I can hear you breathe now
Your breath is deep
“Stefano?” John asks with disgust. Marlena wraps her arms protectively around herself and nods. “That’s funny.” Running his hand through his hair in frustration, John continues. “All the while I was John Black I kept trying to find out who I really was. Now I know…and I feel more like John Black than anybody.”
Marlena turns quickly and replies desperately, “So do I. I feel the same way. I feel like you’re more John Black than you are Stefano too.” John leans forward eagerly, only to be rebuffed by Marlena’s next words. “It doesn’t change anything!”
Angrily, he replies, “Doesn’t it?!” Marlena just stares at him, eyes wide. Slowly, John moves forward, reaching a tentative hand toward Marlena. Softly, pleadingly, he asks, “Couldn’t I…just be John Black for one night?” His deep blue eyes, brilliant even in his filthy face, beg for acceptance…and love.
Uncertainly, Marlena stutters, “I don’t know…I…I…” John tries to reason with her. “Look, it’s going to be a long, cold night. If you won’t let me hold you…let John Black.” As he whispers his pleading words, John is unable to deny the real reason he wants to hold Marlena. Even though he knows it’s wrong, there’s nothing he wants more than to feel the warmth of Marlena’s body close to his own, to wrap his arms around her and never let her go. Sensing her hesitation, John continues. “Because if you don’t you might freeze, and I don’t want that to happen.”
Finally, with a sigh of resignation, Marlena whips around and allows John to take her in his tender embrace. Gently, he pulls her body flush against his, reveling in the knowledge that, if only for a short time, she is willingly in his arms.
But before I go
I look at you one last time
I can hear a heart beat
Is it yours or is it mine?
Anxiously, Marlena glances up there stairs and makes sure Roman is out of earshot before walking over to John. She gently runs her hand up and down his arm, trying to soothe away his frustration. “Are you okay?”
John just stares at her for a moment, longing and desperate desire burning in his eyes. “I can’t take this anymore. I just want to hold you in my arms, I don’t care if the whole world knows that you’re mine…” Nervously, still listening for Roman’s approaching footsteps, Marlena interrupts, “John…John!”
His agonized voice getting louder every moment, John continues. “I want to tell him! I want to tell him the truth right now!” Desperate to silence his pleading, Marlena quickly responds, “Oh, for God’s sake!” Her voice softens as she tenderly caresses John’s cheek with her hand. “You know that I love you with all my heart. You know that. Last time we gave into our passion, it almost killed Roman! And he…he was strong, and healthy then.” John pulls back slightly, realizing that once again Marlena is going to protect Roman, let the guilt she feels for the past deny the love she and John share. “I…I just can’t cause him that kind of pain until he is completely recovered. I can’t do it, not yet.”
Grudgingly, the pain obvious on his face, John replies, “Fine. But I can’t stay in this house with you and him another second. Watching the two of you together is too damn difficult. I’m just acting like some damn stranger, I gotta go!” Unable to contain his anger, John turns his back on Marlena and walks toward the door. Marlena whips around, tears shining in her hazel eyes. She grabs desperately for his arm, trying to stop him. “John, please. What am I going to tell Roman?”
John just shakes his head and scoffs. “I don’t know. Make up something.” He pulls on his coat quickly, eager to get away from the penthouse and Roman and Marlena’s sham of a relationship. “Just…uh…tell him that I went to the cop shop. Maybe Abe can use my help.” Still struggling with his coat, John turns to leave. He pauses. In that one moment, he becomes even more determined to fight for what is his—Marlena’s love. He pulls Marlena to him in a rough, possessive kiss. A choked sob rises up in her throat as John covers her mouth with his, reminding her once and for all where her loyalty lies. Their lips part, and for just a moment, John locks eyes with Marlena. When he walks out the door, Marlena fights back a tortured sob and moves toward the door, desperately wanting to follow him. Finally, she stops herself, tears blinding her vision. For better or worse, she’s made her decision…to protect Roman…at least for now.
I look at your lips
I know how soft they can be
Did they know what they wanted
The times they kissed me?
Strawberries and whipped cream sit on the table, completely forgotten. John and Marlena are cuddled on the couch, oblivious to the rest of the world. All that matters is the intoxicating passion that is taking over their heated bodies and the undeniable love that they share. As John’s lips brush over the sensitive skin of her neck, Marlena murmurs, “Tell me how you remembered.” “I don’t know, it just came to me.” Ever inquisitive, she continues, “But where *were* you? What were you doing?”
John closes his eyes and moves in for a kiss. “What difference does it make?” Not to be distracted by his tender ministrations on her body, Marlena murmurs, “It’s research.”
“Research this.” Marlena sighs in frustration. “It’s *important* research.” Willingly, Marlena’s head tilts back to give John’s lips better access. “Yeah, well, so’s your neck…your lips…and your nose. Did I ever tell you how much I love your nose?”
“You do?” “Mmm-hmm.” Marlena smiles, sliding her hand inside John’s shirt, her smooth palm caressing his heated skin. “ Honey. Tell me.”
Fed up with her questions, John pulls back slightly and asks, “Doc? Do you want me to stop?” Marlena responds innocently, “No.” He gazes into her eyes. “Then shut up…” John brushes his lips against hers. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” John moves in for another kiss, nuzzling Marlena’s neck tenderly. She isn’t about to be distracted. “Tell me.” His voice gruff with annoyance, he whispers, “What?”
“Tell me what triggered it or I’ll get you.” “You.”
Marlena leans forward into John’s body, her hands moving teasingly across his skin. “I love it when you do that.” Both are laughing, reveling in the closeness of their heated bodies. As she tickles him, John’s whispered confession begins to sink in. “Right there? Is that it…me? I wasn’t even with you when you had your breakthrough, it couldn’t have been me…oh…I love it when you do just that…” She whimpers softly as John nibbles on her ear. Gazing into Marlena’s eyes, his words almost a promise, he murmurs, “You’re always with me, Doc.”
And your hands
That I held in mine
Now they’re reposing on the pillow
Will they ever miss me sometime?
“I can’t believe this is happening, I have so much I want to say to you.” Her tear-filled eyes drink in John’s muscular form as he fights against Stefano’s men. Desperately, he leans forward, staring intently at Marlena’s face, still so beautiful despite the tortured agony she feels. “I have something I want to say to you too, Doc. You be strong. You be strong, and you never stop trying to escape.” Marlena nods as she wills herself to believe his words, a shaky breath escaping her lips. “Abe’s gonna find you. And when he does, when you get back to Salem…” John pauses, fighting back tears as he realizes he will never see those he loves again. “You take good care of the children.”
A sob racks Marlena’s body as she promises, “I will. I will, you know I will.” John nods, tears flooding his eyes. “Doc…” He tries to take step forward, desperate to take Marlena in his arms, only to have the men roughly pull him back. She clasps her hands together tightly, trying to keep from reaching out and caressing John’s beloved face.
“Enough!” Stefano bellows. Disgusted by the true love binding these two souls together, he orders, “Keep them apart.” As the men reach for Marlena, she gasps, “Wait!” She gazes at John, love filling her eyes, she promises, “I will see you again in heaven. I know that’s true. But until then…you must know…that I love you. I always have, and I will love you forever.”
As Marlena utters the sweetest words he could ever hear, John whispers in a choked voice, “I love you, Doc.” Marlena breaks down and sobs. In a sudden upsurge of strength and determination to be with the woman he loves, John fights desperately to escape Stefano’s men as they pull him to the waiting gallows, determined that this will not be the end.
I’ll remember you
You will be there in my heart
I’ll remember you
And that is all that I can do
But I’ll remember
John walks through the mist that obscures everything around the pier, haunted by thoughts of Marlena. He turns away, ready to escape the ghostly fog and the memories it drudges up within him. Suddenly, a beloved, familiar voice stops him in his tracks. “Roman…” His heart pounding in his throat, John turns slowly, praying that the apparition standing in front of him won’t fade into the mist and disappear. Tentatively she moves forward, haze giving way to the beautiful face that has filled his dreams every night for the past five years. “It’s Marlena.”
He shakes his head in disbelief, terrified that this is yet another dream. “No…” Drawn together by some powerful, undying force, John and Marlena move towards each other. “Yes.”
Eyes wide, John stares at Marlena. He raises a trembling hand to her face, anxious to know if she’s real and terrified that she’s not. As his fingers brush her cheek, John’s heart soars when he feels soft, warm, *living* flesh beneath his palm. Marlena gasps when John touches her, praying for him to take her in his arms. His voice filled with joy, John whispers, “Oh, God, Doc, it’s you. Oh my God, it’s you!”
Sobbing, Marlena find herself in his warm embrace, relishing the feel of his arms, strong and protective, holding her close. His hands slide down her back, over her arms, and tangle in her hair as he makes sure that this isn’t a dream…that it’s reality…that the woman he’s loved for as long as he can remember has really come back into his life once again.
Your eyes
That always make me shiver
Now they are closed
They just sometimes twitch a little
“How can you look at me?” Marlena’s tear-filled hazel eyes stare downward, unable to meet John’s loving gaze. Unbearable guilt and sadness torture her as she tries to comprehend what John is telling her she has done. “How can you be in the same…” Her words break off as a sob rises in her throat. Finally she continues, the pain and anguish in her voice resonating through John’s body. “How can you be in the same room with me?!” Marlena holds her head in her hands, hiding her face, as John looks on helplessly, wishing he could do something to ease her suffering.
“Marlena…you and I have spent a lot of time together.” He looks at her intently, willing her to believe his heartfelt words. “I’ve loved you…a part of my heart will always belong with you. You’re not responsible for what’s going on here. You’re ill. It’s as simple as that. And there’s a medical explanation for everything that’s happened.”
Tears slide down Marlena’s face as she whispers, “I’ve hurt people so badly. I can’t believe I would ever hurt you, I can’t…I can’t…oh…” Unable to be strong any long, Marlena breaks down and sobs uncontrollably. Tentatively, John moves close, slowly sliding an arm around her. When she feels the comfort in his embrace, Marlena completely lets her guard down and cries, “I’m scared!”
John holds her close as she cries, gently rocking her back and forth, anything to try to ease her unimaginably intense inner pain. Marlena clings to him, finding comfort and relief in his arms. Murmuring words of comfort into her tousled blonde hair, he does the only thing he can do right now for the woman he loves…stand by her, and never let her face this unknown terror alone.
And your body
I could hold for an hour
It sent me to heaven
With its heat and power
“It’s just…you’re so much a part of my life…I don’t know what I…I don’t know what I would do…if you weren’t…” The tears that had been gathering in Marlena’s eyes slide unheeded down her cheeks. Pain etched on his face, John fights his own tears. “Doc…hey, come on, don’t be unhappy. That’s the last thing I want.”
Angrily she cries, “This doesn’t make you unhappy at all?!” Terrible sadness wrenches his heart as John realizes exactly what it is he is giving up. “I’m past that, Doc! I’m freefalling…with just the idea that I am *never* going to see you again! I am never going to hear you laugh. I’m never going to smell your perfume and I’m never going to *touch* you…” Desperately, John reaches out and grasps Marlena’s hand, his deep blue eyes locking with Marlena’s hazel gaze. Unbearable pain tears Marlena’s heart when she feels John’s hand envelop hers and she sobs, “Oh, God!”
Roughly, John grabs the lapels of Marlena’s coat and pulls her up to meet his hungry kiss. Still sobbing, Marlena’s arms slide up to encircle John’s neck as his lips devour hers with a passion born of years apart. Finally, John breaks the kiss and gazes hotly into Marlena’s eyes before roughly tearing her coat off and easing her back onto the couch. Once again he claims her mouth in a searing kiss. John kneels over her trembling body, sliding his coat off, only to have Marlena reach up and pull him back down flush against her heaving chest. Their lips never breaking contact, John slides Marlena’s dress from her shoulders and leans her back on the couch. John showers kisses down her neck and continues down the hollow of her throat as Marlena closes her eyes in ecstasy.
John pulls away, tearing his shirt from his body, startling Marlena from her passionate haze. Softly, she asks, “What are we doing?” John leans back down, his voice husky with desire. “What we’ve been wanting to do for weeks.”
Rain lashes on the windows of the plane, but John and Marlena, completely oblivious to the storm, are aware only of the desire building between them. They are lost in each other, in the feel of their heated bodies, apart too long, finally reunited. In that moment, there is no right or wrong. All that exists is the passion overtaking their senses…and the love that binds their souls together.
I’ll remember you
You will be there in my heart
I’ll remember you
And that is all that I can do
But I’ll remember
~
As sirens wail in the distance, Marlena lets one last shuddering sob escape her lips. Suddenly, her eyes fly wide open. “Oh God…I remember…I remember everything.”
“It’s been a month, John. One very long month.” Marlena glances down at John, lying motionless on the bed in a sterile room at University Hospital. She receives no answer, nor does she expect one. The only sound in the room is the steady hum of the machines that are keeping John alive.
Taking his hand in hers, she rubs it gently, trying to bring some warmth to his cool, lifeless fingers. “The doctors don’t know if you can even hear me…they’re starting to give up hope, John…but I’m not. I know you’re in there. I know you’ll come back to me…to our children…” Marlena voice breaks and she rises suddenly, trying to fight the overwhelming sadness that plagues her heart. She moves to the window and gazes out at the street below as tears course down her cheeks.
Finally, she turns back to John. “Belle and Brady are coming soon. Caroline’s bringing them. They want to come every day, but…well, I don’t think it’s good for them. They’re taking it so hard, John. Brady’s so quiet anymore. I haven’t seen him smile for such a long time. He tries to be brave for Belle, but I can see how the hurt is just tearing him up inside. And Belle…you know how she is, always so happy and giggling, but now…she’s as quiet as Brady. When we’re all at home, they won’t leave my side for more than a moment. It’s almost like they’re afraid to let me out of their sight. I think…John, we came so close to losing you…and we still don’t have you back…they’re afraid of losing me too.”
Her hand caresses her belly as the twins take turns kicking her.
“The babies are getting so big, John.” She smiles wryly and glances down at her swollen stomach. “So am I, actually. I went to the doctor yesterday. Dr. Bader says the babies are doing great, and everything looks perfect. Only three months left, John. There’s still so much we need to do. We need to pick out names, finish the nursery…I’m not going to do all that alone. I’ll wait until you wake up, and we’ll do it together. I promise you…we will.”
Slowly Marlena sinks back down into the chair beside the bed, one hand supporting her back. For a few moments, she just gazes at John, the love she feels for him almost unbearable in its intensity. Her voice soft, she says, “Sami has been here almost every day, did you know that? I think this situation has opened her eyes to what really matters. For so long she was mad at you…at us…but I don’t think she ever believed that the time could come when you wouldn’t be there for her anymore.”
Finally, Marlena’s resolve breaks down and she begins to weep softly. Laying her head on John’s chest, she cries, “I need you so much, John. I can’t do this without you anymore. It’s so hard to be strong when you’re not there. I wake up at night, in that huge, empty bed, and I’m terrified…terrified that I’ll never feel your body next to mine as you hold me all night long, terrified that for the rest of my life, this is all I’ll have…a husband in a hospital bed who doesn’t even know I’m there.” Tears stream down Marlena’s face as she prays, “Please, God…don’t take him from me. Bring him back. Give my children their daddy. Give me my husband. We all need him so very much.”
Lost in her thoughts, Marlena is soothed by the steady beating of John’s heart beneath her ear. This is how Caroline finds her several minutes later, sleeping, her head resting on his chest. Softly, she whispers,
“Marlena?” Caroline walks quietly to Marlena’s side, sorrow and pity on her face. Her touch gentle, she rubs Marlena’s shoulder.
“Marlena, dear, wake up.”
Slowly Marlena’s eyes open, blinking in confusion at seeing Caroline standing beside her. “Caroline? Where are the children?”
“They’re with Sami in the cafeteria. I wanted to check on you before they came up, and I found you sound asleep.”
Yawning, Marlena nods. “I’m just a little tired. It’s been a long month.” Worry creases Caroline’s brow. “Marlena, you’re more than just a little tired. You look completely exhausted. For heaven’s sake, you’re six months pregnant, with *twins* mind you, and you’ve been spending every waking minute in this hospital! When Sami brings Belle and Brady up, I want her take you and the kids home after their visit.”
Marlena is quick to protest. “No, Caroline. I’m not leaving John.”
“Marlena, you have got to get some rest. Staying in this hospital so much isn’t good for you or the babies. Besides, Belle and Brady need to spend some time with their mother, and you need them too.”
Marlena nods. “I know. It’s just…it’s so hard to be at home…without John. The place is haunted by so many memories. When I go into our bedroom…Caroline, I can’t even sleep! Without John’s arms around me, without his warm body next to mine…it’s too hard. It’s just easier to be here, with him.” She turns away from Caroline, brushing tears from her cheeks. Gently, Caroline turns her back and envelops her in a hug. “I know, Marlena. I know. Don’t give up hope. We’re all praying for him—and we’ve got Alice praying too, so you know it’ll work.”
Marlena chuckles weakly. “That’s good to know.” The women turn as the door opens, revealing Sami with Belle and Brady. Both children run immediately to their mother’s side, and Sami stands by John, taking his hand in hers. “How’s he doing?” Marlena shrugs. “No change. His vital signs are still good, but the doctors…” Her voice tapers off and she glances at Sami, her eyes full of meaning. Sami nods, understanding what Marlena won’t say in front of the children. “Yeah, Mom, I know.”
~
An hour later, Sami is getting ready to take Belle and Brady home. Concerned for her mother, she asks, “Mom, are you sure you won’t let me take you home? Grandma Caroline is right; it’s not good for you to spend so much time here. You’ve got to rest.” Marlena smiles and cups Sami’s face in her hand. “Thank you, sweetie, but I think I’ll stay here, at least for a little while. I don’t want to leave John alone.” Nodding, Sami replies, “Okay. I understand.” She hugs Marlena tightly. “I love you, Mom.” “I love you too, Sami.”
Marlena turns to Belle and Brady, standing silently beside their father. Belle’s little hand gently strokes John’s large one as Brady watches with sad eyes. Moving behind them, Marlena takes her children in her arms. Both hold her tightly as she gives them each a kiss and whispers, “Okay, you two, Sami’s going to take you home now. I’ll see you later tonight.” They nod and grudgingly release their mother, following Sami out the door. Watching them go, Marlena sighs and says to Caroline, “This is just tearing them apart, seeing their father like this.”
“And seeing you like this, Marlena. They’re picking up on your sadness and worry too.” When Marlena doesn’t respond, Caroline continues. “Well, I’d better go. Try to get a little rest, okay? You’re not helping John by wearing yourself out.”
“I will. I’ll try to take a nap later.” Only slightly reassured, Caroline gives Marlena a hug and leaves. Marlena moves to John’s side and presses her trembling lips against his, just for a moment. Gently, she smoothes a hand over his brow and whispers, “I wish I knew what is going on in your mind. What are you dreaming about, John? Whatever it is, I hope it’s something happy…”
As Marlena waits faithfully by John’s side, the events of the past few months replay over and over in his mind like a movie reel with no ending. For a moment, he has just brought Marlena to the cabin and they argue outside.
“I’m taking you inside. You didn’t think I was going to leave you tied up in the car all night, did you?”
“You’re crazy! You kidnapped me, for heaven’s sake! How should I know what you’re going to do next?”
Suddenly, they are upstairs in the bedroom, Marlena’s body trembling with desire at John’s presence even as she claims loyalty to Alex. John’s hands explore her body as he reassures her that what is about to happen is right…that *they* are right.
“No, John, we can’t do this. You’re wrong. We aren’t married anymore. I’m married to Alex, and I have to be faithful to him.”
“Oh, baby, you’re my wife. There’s no arguing about that. We share a history, children, and a love that will overcome all obstacles.”
Once again he feels Marlena’s body beneath his, their heated desire filling the room as they give into the passion that has been denied for so long.
“John…make love to me.”
“Oh, baby…you don’t know how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that.”
In the blink of an eye, John and Marlena are on the island, strolling companionably along a moonlit beach. For the first time in a long while, Marlena lets her guard down and pours her heart out to John.
“I do miss them—more than I ever imagined was possible. I don’t remember much about raising them, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel a connection. They’re my children—and I know that I…love them…very much.”
“Doc, it’s okay. They know you love them. They understand that what’s going on isn’t your fault. They miss you terribly—but they do understand.”
The next moment, John is holding Marlena in his arms as the dance on the terrace, the sweet aroma of lilacs perfuming the air. Sensing that more is bothering her than her brief and confusing memory flashes, John presses Marlena to open up to him.
“Baby, what is it? Come on, sweetheart, talk to me!”
“John…there’s something you need to know. I just…I just don’t know how to say it.”
“Whatever it is, baby, it’s okay. You ought to know by know you can tell me anything.”
In absolute amazement, John tries to comprehend her whispered confession.
“John…I’m pregnant.”
In joyful surprise, John once again listens as Marlena lets it slip just exactly how she views her relationship with him.
“Just keep telling yourself that. It’s better than the truth…that you’re slower than your pregnant wife.”
“My pregnant *wife*?”
Suddenly, John is standing on the beach at sunset, Marlena in his arms, as they watch their children play in the sand. Completely content, Marlena leans back against his chest with a sigh of happiness.
“This just seems so right, doesn’t it? Being here, with the children…together. The way we should be. I just wish it could last forever…but I know that it can’t.”
“Why can’t it last, baby? You said it yourself, this is right. It doesn’t have to end…not it we don’t want it to.”
Once again, John’s heart breaks as he and Marlena argue about what the future holds for them and their family.
“Let me spend the rest of my life proving just how much I love you. Please. Stay with *me*. Love *me*.”
“No…no, John…I can’t…because… I have very deep feelings for you…but…John, I….I don’t…love you.”
Unbearable anguish takes over John’s soul as he believes he will never again have Marlena’s love. He finds himself lying on the beach, a terrible, sharp pain flooding his body, as Marlena lies beside him sobbing. As he begins to give in to the warm, comforting light taking over his body, Marlena’s desperate, whispered plea pulls him away from death’s embrace and back into her arms.
“Don’t leave me, John. Please don’t leave me. I need you…I love you…”
~
“Don’t worry, baby. I’d never leave you. I love you too…so much,” John murmurs. Slowly, her heart racing, Marlena raises her head from where it lies against John’s shoulder. Gently, she brushes back the dark hair from his forehead, her touch soothing against his skin. Her voice filled with hope, she whispers, “John?”
His eyelids flicker open, revealing eyes as blue as the ocean waves. He smiles and raises his hand to Marlena’s cheek. “Hey, baby.”
In disbelief Marlena traces the planes of John’s face with her finger, tears of joy coursing down her cheeks. “John…oh, thank God…you’re awake! Oh, honey…” She leans down and takes his lips in a tender kiss, as John slides his hand through her hair, urging her closer. When they finally pull apart, confusion washes over John’s face. “Doc, what happened? How…?”
John is interrupted as the door opens, revealing a very concerned nurse with a doctor close behind. The nurse says to Marlena, “Dr. Evans, your husband’s vital signs have drastically improved so…” Her voice fades away as when she sees John looking at her, smiling slightly. The doctor, his face incredulous, says, “Well, I suppose we know why your vital signs are up. Welcome back, John.”
With a mischievous grin, John replies, “Thanks, doctor. My wife always has that kind of effect on my heart rate.” Marlena rolls her eyes. “John Black, if you hadn’t just woken up from a coma, I would…”
The doctor chuckles and interrupts before Marlena can finish her threat.
“Dr. Evans, I’d like to examine your husband, so if you wouldn’t mind leaving the room for a few minutes…”
Marlena nods and presses her lips against John’s forehead. “I’m going to go call Caroline and tell her the good news.” Before she can leave, John grabs her by the waist and pulls her down to meet his lips in an infinitely tender kiss. When John pulls away, Marlena smiles and gently traces the line of his cheek with one finger. “I’ll be right back. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby.”
~
Marlena stands in the hallway outside John’s room, nervously waiting to hear what the doctor has to say. I’ve never heard Caroline so happy. And Belle and Brady—it’s like Christmas morning for them. They finally have their daddy back, after all this time. We finally have him back. And as God as my witness, we will never lose him again.
The doctor steps into the hallway, bringing Marlena from her thoughts. Anxiously, she asks, “So how is he doing? Is everything okay?”
“He seems to be recovering very well, and shows no sign that the extended coma harmed him in any way. In my opinion, John should be well enough to go home in about a week or so, provided he gets plenty of rest and doesn’t overdo.”
With a sigh of relief, Marlena asks, “May I go in now?”
“Of course. I’ll be back later to check on him.”
When Marlena enters John’s room, he immediately glances up and grins. “Hey, baby.” He opens his arms to her. “It’s pretty damn lonely in this bed. Why don’t you come over here?” Eagerly, Marlena crawls into bed with him, taking comfort in his loving embrace. “I’ve missed you so much, John.” Placing kisses on the sensitive skin of Marlena’s neck, he holds her even closer and murmurs, “Why don’t you spring me out of this joint and we’ll go home and make up for lost time.” Marlena whimpers softly at the feel of John’s lips worshipping her skin before pulling herself together again. “John, you just woke up from a month-long coma. You need to rest…and recover. The doctor said you’ll be out in a week if you don’t overdo.”
He nibbles gently on Marlena’s ear. “Oh, baby, come on…”
Marlena pulls back and gives him a stern look. “John Black, you will stay in this bed and rest even if I have to sit on top of you to make you stay.”
John grins suggestively and slides an exploring hand down Marlena’s body. “Baby, you on top of me in this bed is *not* going to help me rest.”
Despite herself, Marlena elbows him playfully and laughs. “You might be right. But you’re still staying in bed.”
Defeated, John settles back in the bed and wraps an arm around Marlena. “Well, then I guess you should catch me up on what’s been going on.”
He glides a gentle hand over her rounded belly, love in his eyes.
“Damn…I can’t believe how much these two have grown.” John gives Marlena a wicked grin. “And how much *you’ve* grown.”
Marlena laughs ruefully and pats her swelling belly. “I know. I haven’t seen my feet for weeks. Only three months left, though.” Marlena slides his hand across her belly to where she can feel one of the babies kick. “Here, can you feel that?”
A smile lights John’s face and he places a kiss on Marlena’s temple. “I love you so much, sweetheart. And these babies…I don’t know if you realize how much they mean to me. One of my biggest regrets is that I wasn’t there for you when you were pregnant with Belle. I missed so much. Everything that we should have experienced together—Roman was there with you instead. I don’t blame him for that, but…”
Marlena squeezes John’s hand comfortingly. “I remember how much you wanted Belle to be yours. That day, in the chapel, when I told you the baby was Roman’s…”
“I was heartbroken,” John finishes.
“I really believed that the baby was mine—or at least I had managed to convince myself that it was. The day I learned you were pregnant, it was like everything that I had been denied for so long was suddenly within my reach. I imagined exactly how the future could be—we could raise our baby together, with Brady, and I would finally have my family back. But then, when you told me Roman was the father, my whole world crumbled. The only thing that kept me going was the knowledge that your family would stay whole. As long as you had Roman, Carrie, Sami, and Eric, I knew you would be happy. But damn, Doc, it hurt knowing that you were carrying his baby, not mine. Even after all that time, in my heart, you were still my wife.”
Marlena brushes tears from her eyes. “I’m so sorry, John. Even back then, I knew how much it hurt you, knowing that the baby was Roman’s. All I wanted was to keep my family safe. I couldn’t even accept the possibility that the baby could be yours. I denied it for so long…” She turns to John. “I don’t think I ever told you this, but…even when I got the tests results back…part of me knew it wasn’t the truth. As much as I tried to fight it, in my heart I knew Belle was yours.”
Incredulously, John asks, “Doc…you remember all that?” Marlena gazes deep into John’s eyes, love obvious on her face. “Yes, John, I remember it. I remember everything. I remember you, Belle, Brady, Sami, Eric, Carrie…all our family and friends. I remember the first moment I laid eyes on you, how my heart stopped when I saw your handsome face. I remember believing you were Roman…the first time we made love…the night you found me on the pier…the night we created Belle…our wedding. But most importantly, I remember how *much* I love you…and that it was your love that saved me, time and time again.”
“Oh, baby…” John claims Marlena’s mouth in a heated kiss, its intensity born of true love, lost and found again. Finally, their lips part and John asks,
“When did you remember?”
Gently Marlena runs her fingers over John’s still-bandaged wound, covered only by his hospital gown. “You were lying on the beach. There was so much blood…I couldn’t stop it. Everything was red…even the sand was crimson. You had saved me…but I couldn’t save you. I thought I was losing you, and then…”
Marlena stares down at her hands, avoiding John’s discerning gaze, tears flooding her eyes. “I was losing you, and I couldn’t bear it…and I knew then how much I love you…how much I need you. So I stopped fighting it. The love came back…and so did the memories.”
John tilts Marlena’s face up to meet his eyes. “It was never gone, baby. The love was always there. It was just…hiding for awhile.” Marlena gives a teary smile. They sit in silence for a few minutes, simply enjoying the feeling of being in each other’s arms once again. Then, abruptly, Marlena says, “I shot him, John.” John is startled. “Who?” Her voice an almost inaudible whisper, Marlena answers,
“Alex. I took your gun, and I shot him. They took him to the hospital, but I don’t know what happened to him after that, how long he lived. After you were stable enough to be flown back to Salem, Abe finally got in touch with the authorities down on the island. He was told that Alex was gone.”
Marlena’s words release a dam of pent-up emotion inside her. Her eyes wild, she turns to John.
“I killed him, John. He’s dead because of me. I killed a man. I…”
In concern, John pulls Marlena on his lap and gently rocks her, murmuring words of comfort into her hair. His hand running comfortingly up and down her back, he tells her, “Doc, listen to me. If you hadn’t shot him, he would have killed you. He would have killed our babies. Maybe he would’ve even gotten to Caroline, Belle, and Brady. You didn’t have a choice, sweetheart. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Marlena shakes her head. “He was sick, John. He wasn’t in his right mind. I’m a psychiatrist, I should have been able to calm him down.”
“Doc, look at me.” When she refuses to meet his eyes, John cups Marlena’s chin in his hand and brings her face up to meet his, hazel locking with blue. “There wasn’t anything you could do. You can’t blame yourself for what happened. He wouldn’t have listened to you; he was too messed up. You saved my life, and the lives of our children. You have nothing to feel guilty about.”
Marlena shrugs uncertainly. “Mentally, I know that. But emotionally…”
“It’ll take time, Doc. That’s all. Right now, we need to concentrate on our future, and let the past stay where it is—in the past.”
Marlena nods, a mischievous smile growing on her face. “You’re right. What we need to concentrate on right now is getting you…” She kisses John thoroughly, “well enough to come home so we can…make up for lost time.” A shout of laughter escapes her lips as John pulls her to him with a growl of desire and takes her mouth in a soul-stirring kiss.
“John, you were just released from the hospital. Don’t you think we should go back to the penthouse rather than driving who knows where?” Marlena sighs in exasperation when John grins. “We’re not just driving around aimlessly, sweetheart. I know where we’re going. That’s why I’m driving.”
Marlena rests a hand on her belly and smiles wryly. “No, you’re driving because I don’t fit behind the steering wheel, not because I think you know where we’re going.” Without removing his eyes from the road, John takes Marlena’s hand and plants a gentle kiss in her palm. “Just trust me, baby.”
“It’s not a matter of trusting, it’s just that I don’t want you to overdo. It’s only been a week since you woke up from a *month-long* coma. You need more than just a week in bed to recover.” She glances around, peering at the unfamiliar scenery outside her window. “Where are we, John?”
“Salem.” Marlena rolls her eyes. “I know *that*! But specifically *where* in Salem are we? What are we doing here?”
“Patience, Doc. You’ll find out soon enough.” Turning her gaze on John, Marlena questions, “What are you up to?” John just shrugs, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Marlena gives up and leans back in her seat, her mind still puzzling over John’s mysterious destination.
Finally, John pulls the car up to a beautiful, very spacious house. “Well, here we are.” Confused, Marlena asks, “I can see that…but exactly *why* are we here?”
John gets out of the car and walks to the passenger door, opening it and offering his hand to Marlena. She slips her hand into his and rises a little awkwardly from her seat. Sliding an arm around Marlena, John answers, “I wanted to spend a little time alone with you. You know that when we get back to the penthouse everyone will be there waiting.” He leads her to the front door of the house, which to Marlena’s surprise, opens easily.
A little alarmed, Marlena asks sharply, “John, you do realize this is considered breaking and entering?”
“First of all, the door was open. We didn’t break anything to get in here, so technically we’re not breaking and entering, we’re just entering.” A warning note in here voice, Marlena starts, “John…” He interrupts. “And secondly, the owner knows we’re here.”
Her eyes search the darkened foyer, lingering on the beautiful oak staircase leading upstairs and the rich, plush carpet of the rooms beyond. Marlena asks absently, “Might I ask who the owner is?”
John slides his arm across Marlena’s shoulders and turns her to face him. Gazing warmly into the hazel eyes of the woman he loves, he brushes his lips against hers and replies, “Well, if you like the house…we’re the owners.”
“*We’re* the owners?! Oh my gosh, John…how did you…?” John grins. “You’d be surprised what I can do even from a hospital bed. Besides, I was checking out this place while we were still on the island, kind of as a welcome-home surprise for when we arrived back in Salem. I know how much you love the penthouse, and if you want we can still keep it. But with everything that happened there…my relationship with Kate, your miscarriage, your relationship with Alex…and now with the twins on the way, I thought it was time for a new house. A whole new beginning for us, a place we can start over.”
Marlena looks up a John with shining eyes. “I don’t even know what to say…” John wraps her in a tight embrace and whispers in her ear, “Why don’t we look around a little. We can decide from there what to do. If you like the place, it’s ours.”
Marlena nods and together they explore the house. “John, this is just incredible…a pool, even! Can you imagine what the kids would say?” John chuckles. “Yeah, they might enjoy that. And the kids can all have their own room, even the twins when they get older. We’ll still have plenty of guest rooms left too.” He gives Marlena a suggestive look and pulls her to him, his warm breath on her ear sending a rippling thrill of desire through her body. “And of course, there’s always the master bedroom…”
Stepping even closer, Marlena molds her body to John’s, running her hands over her broad, muscled shoulders and down his arms. An ear-to-ear grin lights John’s face when he feels the twins move as her pregnant belly presses into him. He wraps one arm around her back, holding her tenderly, his other hand on her stomach as the babies kick against his palm. In a voice laced with desire, John murmurs, “Baby, you have no idea how sexy it is to know that you are carrying my children…and that I helped to create the lives growing inside of you.” Bringing his lips to hers, John kisses her lightly. Marlena moves into the kiss, her lips parting to welcome John’s exploring tongue. Finally, breathless, Marlena pulls away. She gazes up at him seductively, her eyes dark with lust. “Why don’t we go upstairs and see what the master bedroom is like?” “You read my mind, pretty lady.”
John follows Marlena up the stairs, then takes her hand and leads her to the closed door of the bedroom. A smile lifts the corners of his mouth as he opens the door and steps back, allowing Marlena to pass through. “After you, sweetheart.”
When she enters, expecting to see an empty bedroom Marlena gasps, her eyes wide. Deep crimson roses, the flowers of love triumphant, fill the room, glowing brilliantly in the light of the setting sun. Shadows dance on the walls, born of the light from flickering candles. The balcony doors are thrown open, revealing the sun sinking below the horizon, a red-gold orb framed by masses of fire-kissed clouds. Awestruck, Marlena takes John’s hand as she gazes in wonder at the beauty surrounding her. “Oh, John…how did you…?” “I already told you that I can do a lot from a hospital bed. And Caroline helped too.” Marlena smiles and kisses John softly. “Thank you, John. This is amazing.” He smiles. “Oh, but the night is still young, baby.” Rose petals make a path to the balcony, and John leads Marlena outside to watch the sun set.
Leaning back in John’s loving embrace, Marlena whispers. “Do you know how much I love you, John?” Nodding, his face buried in her fragrant hair, John replies, “Oh, yes, I do, and I love you just as much.” He turns her in his arms, one finger gently tracing the delicate lines of her face. Their gazes meet, and for a moment, they are quiet, their souls meeting in silent communion.
Finally, in a voice husky with emotion, John whispers, “You are the most beautiful, loving, compassionate woman on the face of this earth. I love you with an intensity that takes my breath away. Every morning when I wake up, I thank God for bringing you into my life. Each day I spend with you is a treasure, and I promise you, I will spend the rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me.” Gently, he releases her and drops down to one knee. Tears of joy glisten in Marlena’s eyes as John asks, “Dr. Marlena Evans, will you marry me…again?”
Taking his hand, Marlena helps John to his feet and claims his mouth in a soulful kiss. When their lips finally part, John smiles and brushes a tear from her cheek. “So that’s a yes, right?” Marlena laughs. “Mmm-hmm, that’s definitely a yes.” After brushing his lips against hers once more, John slips a hand in his pocket and pulls out a jewelers’ box. He flips the lid open, revealing a radiantly sparkling diamond surrounded by richly glowing sapphires, set in a white gold band. Tenderly he takes her left hand in his and slides the ring onto her finger. In the fading light of the sun, the gems seem to be lit from within, gleaming on Marlena’s hand. “Oh, it’s just beautiful, John.”
After kissing her one more time, John says, “Well, Mrs. Black-to-be, what do you say we go home and tell everyone the good news? I bet we’ve got a houseful of family members anxiously awaiting our return.”
“I bet you’re right. But we’ll be back soon?” John nods. “Very soon. And as soon as we’re moved in, we’ll be back here to stay…forever.” Sliding her hand into his, Marlena agrees. “Forever.”
John and Marlena stumble out of the elevator, locked in a heated embrace. Pulling his lips away from Marlena’s for just a moment, John groans, “I *really* hope the family gave up and went home.” As her hands explore John’s body, working desperately at the buttons on his shirt, she murmurs, “Mmm-hmm. At the moment, a family party is the last thing I want.”
Sliding one hand underneath Marlena’s blouse, caressing her hot, soft skin, the other reaching for the doorknob, John replies huskily, “Yeah, I was thinking of a more *private* welcome-home celebration.” The door clicks open, revealing a darkened living room. John grins. “Oh, thank God.”
Suddenly, the lights come on and Shawn, Caroline, Sami, Lucas, Carrie, and Austin call out, “Surprise!” John groans and says into Marlena’s ear, “Maybe I spoke too soon…” Elbowing him in the ribs, Marlena whispers, “Be good, John.” She gives him a quick once-over and wipes some of her lipstick off his mouth. “And button up your shirt.” “Well, it’s not my fault it’s unbuttoned. You’re the one who couldn’t keep your hands off me.”
Marlena rolls her eyes and steps into Sami’s waiting embrace. “Oh, sweetie, you didn’t have to go to all this trouble.” Sami hugs her mother tightly. “Mom, it wasn’t any trouble. We just wanted to make sure you and John had something nice to come home to.”
“That is so sweet of you all. John and I were just talking about how we thought the house would be empty when we got home.” Overhearing Sami and Marlena’s conversation, Carrie laughs and straightens John’s collar with a smile. “Yeah, I can see that you two weren’t exactly expecting us.” Marlena blushes and leans forward to give Carrie a kiss on the cheek and a hug before being swept up into Shawn’s arms. John glances around the room. “Hey, where are the kids?”
Austin grins. “Well, they were here waiting with us about an hour and a half ago. But around eight thirty, Will started getting kind of restless, as most six year olds will do, so we sent Belle and Brady into the den with him to play. When I checked on checked on them ten minutes ago, they were all sound asleep on the couch.”
Sami smiles and says inquisitively, “We expected you a couple hours ago. I thought John was being released from the hospital late this afternoon. What happened?”
John and Marlena share a quick glance. He raises his eyebrows, and she nods her head. “We need to tell them.” A little alarmed, Caroline asks, “Tell us what, Marlena? Nothing’s wrong, is it?”
John is quick to reassure them. “No, everything’s fine. They were just a little late getting me discharged, and then…well, we took a detour.”
Sami raises her eyebrows. “Should I ask what this detour was, or is it the kind of thing that, as a daughter, I’m better off not knowing?”
John just grins and nuzzles Marlena’s neck suggestively. Laughing, Marlena hits his shoulder playfully and pushes him away. “You bad boy, our whole family is here.” Sami nods knowingly. “Yep, I think I’d rather not hear this.”
“No, no, I’ll make John behave. You’ll want to hear this.” Marlena gestures toward the living room. “Why don’t we all sit down, and John and I will explain everything.” Austin sits down in an armchair, Carrie on his lap, Sami and Lucas on the couch facing them. Marlena sinks down beside Sami, John close beside her as he slides an arm around her shoulders. When they’re all settled, John says, “Well, after I was released from the hospital, I had a little surprise planned for your mom. It was supposed to be a welcome-home present for when we arrived back in Salem, but with my getting shot…” John’s voice trails off.
Impatiently, Sami ask, “John, just tell us already! What is it?”
Marlena laughs and tells her daughter excitedly, “John bought us a new house!” John takes over. “See, with everything that had happened in the penthouse, and now with the twins on the way, I figured it was time for a change.”
“That’s great, you guys!” Sami leans forward and gives her mother another hug. Carrie adds, “John’s right, with two new babies coming, you all definitely need more room. So when are you going to move?”
John glances at Marlena and takes her hand. “Actually, we want to get moved in as soon as possible. The house is in perfect condition, so all we really need to do is get all the furnishings for the house there. We were thinking probably the end of this week…right after the wedding.”
At the word “wedding”, an amazed silence fills the room. Finally, Sami moves forward and hugs her mother. “Congratulations, Mom! I’m so happy for both of you!” Sami’s obvious excitement at the news seems to shock everyone else into action. In the flurry of hugs and congratulations, John tentatively takes Sami in his arms, unsure how she will react. To his surprise, she returns his hug warmly, whispering in his ear, “I’m so happy for you two.”
Love for the girl he raised as his own in his eyes, he gazes down at Sami and asks, “Are you sure, sweetheart?”
Sami nods. “Of course I’m sure. After all you and Mom have gone through, you deserve to be happy.” She grins. “Besides, it’s about time you made an honest woman out of Mom. I’m just glad you’re marrying her before she’s far enough along to go into labor during the ceremony!”
Laughing, both John and Sami turn as Caroline asks, “So when exactly are you two planning on getting married?” “We were thinking this coming Saturday. So…about five days from now,” Marlena answers. Disbelief on her face, Carrie asks, “Do you really think you can get a wedding planned in five days? I mean, you have to get a dress, book the church, invite guests, find a caterer…”
“Well, first of all, it’s not going to be a big wedding. We’ve done that already, a few times actually, so this will just be family and a few close friends. John called Father Jansen, and the church is free on Saturday, so that’s all arranged. We were planning on having the reception at Chez Rouge, so we’ll call Maggie tomorrow.” Marlena turns and wraps her arms around John. “Besides, I’m marrying the man I love…what else could I possibly ask for?” John smiles and kisses her tenderly.
Caroline sighs with contentment. “You have no idea how good it is to see you two together like this again.” Everyone nods in agreement. After a moment’s pause, Lucas slides his arm around Sami’s shoulders. “You know, we should probably get going, let these two relax by themselves for awhile. I’ll go get Will.” Nodding, Carrie pulls Austin to the door, Shawn and Caroline close behind. “We ought to be leaving too. We’ll talk to you soon, okay?” Marlena nods, and as the door closes behind them, turns to John with a seductive smile. “Alone at last.” She slides her arms around John’s neck. “Kiss me, sailor.”
John grins and holds her a little tighter. “Not so fast, pretty lady. Your daughter and her husband are in the den with your grandson.” Marlena wrinkles her nose and steps out of John’s embrace. “Let’s go get rid of them.” John nods, his exploring hands sliding across the curves of Marlena’s body. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”
They meet Sami and Lucas at the door of the den, a very sleepy little Will in Lucas’s arms, Sami still trying to slip a jacket on her son. When he sees his grandmother, Will immediately perks up and grins. “Hi, Grandma!” “Hi, sweetheart!” Marlena kisses Will’s rosy cheek. Finally succeeding in getting Will dressed, Sami says, “Well, I think we’re ready. Belle and Brady are still in the den. Brady might be awake, but Belle is sound asleep.” She gives John one last hug. “I’m glad you’re finally home, John.” Lucas slips an arm around Sami and says, “Night, everybody. We’ll see ourselves out.”
Finally alone, Marlena turns to John. “We’d better get the kids in bed.” She leans forward, pressing her upper body into John’s chest. Her warm breath tickling John’s ear intoxicatingly, she whispers, “And then I believe I promised to welcome you home properly.” John groans in desire, his blue eyes dark with lust. “I believe you did…”
They enter the den to find Belle asleep on the couch, Brady beside her with a book in his hand. When he sees his father walk into the room, Brady jumps up and runs into John’s arms. “Dad! You’re finally home!” “Yeah, I’m home, slugger. Not so loud, though, we don’t want to wake your sister.” Brady grins. “Sorry. I’m just excited.”
As father and son talk, Marlena moves to the couch and sits down beside Belle, gently stroking the soft blonde hair that caresses her daughter’s flushed cheeks. Belle’s eyelids flutter open, revealing eyes as startlingly blue as her father’s. John kneels beside Belle and scoops her into his arms. “I’ll carry her up to bed.” Nodding, Marlena slides an arm around her son’s shoulders. “And it’s bedtime for you too, young man.” Brady sighs. “Aw, Mom, do I have to? Dad just got home, can’t I stay up a little while?” Brushing the hair away from his forehead, Marlena looks down at Brady lovingly. “Sweetheart, you can talk to your dad more in the morning and every day from now on. I promise, your dad is never going away again.” She smiles at John and brushes his lips with hers. “We’re all going to be a family again, the way we’re supposed to be…forever.”
~
After changing into her pajamas, Marlena sinks tiredly onto the bed. “I’m exhausted.” Leaning back against the pillows, she sighs uncomfortably and rubs a hand across her swelling stomach. “I just hope you two will let Momma get some sleep tonight.” John smiles at his wife and slides his shirt from his shoulders, dropping it onto the armchair. Marlena watches with interest as he unbuckles his belt and takes off his pants, leaving him clad in only a pair of boxers. He stretches out on the bed beside her, slipping one arm underneath her shoulders and pulling her close so she is lying comfortably against his body. Marlena closes her eyes, one hand trailing slowly over John’s broad, muscled chest. “I missed this. Just being with you…your arms holding me close, feeling your heart beat next to mine. For the past month, it broke my heart not to fall asleep in your arms…and to wake up in the morning and not see your sleeping face on the pillow next to me.” John brushes a kiss on Marlena’s forehead. “Baby, I promise you, for the rest of our lives we will spend every night in each other’s arms. There isn’t a force in heaven or earth that can tear us apart. Our love is strong enough to overcome anything or anyone.”
Marlena brings her lips to John’s. “We’ve proven that, time and time again. Even the devil himself couldn’t destroy the love we share.” John brushes his lips against Marlena, his touch feather-light, showering open-mouthed kisses along her jawline and down her neck. With one finger, he hooks the strap of her nightgown and slips it to the side, worshipping every inch of the creamy, beautiful skin with his mouth. “I think you’re a little overdressed for the occasion, don’t you?”
“I think you might be right.” Marlena pulls away and kneels on the bed, sliding the nightgown off her body slowly. John watches, eyes glazed with desire, aching to touch every inch of the sensuous woman before him. Deliberately, she licks her lips and pulls John close. Still kneeling on the bed, their lips meet once again as they lose themselves in the passionate web they are weaving around each other. Marlena moans softly as John’s hands work their way lower, gasping in ecstasy as his warm hands engulf her breasts. Raking her nails down the rippling muscles of his chest, Marlena kisses John’s neck and shoulders hungrily, her tongue flicking out from between rosy lips, tasting his hot skin.
John moans in desperate need and pulls away slightly. “Baby, if you keep that up, I’m going to have to take you right now.” He gazes down into her hazel eyes, dark with passion and mischief. When she smiles seductively, he realizes that was her intention all along. “Then take me, sailor. I’m all yours.”
arlena enters the penthouse, her arms full of shopping bags, Sami and Belle close behind with even more packages. Collapsing on the couch with an exhausted sigh, Marlena says, “Oh my gosh, we must’ve visited every store in Salem.” Sami nods and sinks gratefully into a nearby chair. “And I think we were in a few of them twice. My feet are killing me. How are you doing, Mom? You’re six months pregnant—you must be exhausted!” Marlena kicks off her shoes. “Just a little. Thank goodness we got everything we done. This wedding might actually happen if only we can survive the next two days.”
Belle sets down all her shopping bags. “Mom, can I go help Daddy now?” Marlena sighs and rubs her temples, trying to massage away the throbbing pain in her head. “Oh, sweetie, I don’t know. I don’t think I feel up to driving all the way over to the new house.” “But, Mom, I haven’t even got to see it yet! Brady’s been up there two times already! Can’t I please go?” Belle pleads. Marlena just sighs. “Okay, we’ll leave in a few minutes.” Belle grins.
Sami glances at her mother. “What’s John doing up there, anyway?” Marlena shakes her head. “I’m not really sure. We’ve already moved everything we don’t need to use in the next two days, as I’m sure you can see.” She gestures around the half-empty living room. “John claims he’s touching up some paint on the walls, although I think he’s just trying to escape the wedding plans. Brady is up there with him.”
Laughing, Sami replies, “I’m sure you’re right. Lucas tried everything under the sun to avoid talking about dresses and flowers.” Marlena smiles and stifles a yawn. Watching as her mother’s eyes drift shut, Sami says, “Mom, why don’t I take Belle up to the house? I haven’t had a chance to see it yet either…and actually, I’d like to talk to John.”
Marlena smiles gratefully at Sami. “Sweetheart, that would be wonderful. If you’re sure it’s not too much trouble…”
Sami gets to her feet and grabs Belle’s hand. “Not at all. I’m really excited to see this place—word has it that there’s a pool…” She winks and nudges Belle playfully. “Come on, Belle, let’s leave so Mom can get some rest.” Sami drops a kiss on her mother’s forehead. “Bye, Mom. Talk to you later.” Marlena nods sleepily, already dozing off.
~
As she drives up the driveway of the new house, Sami’s jaw drops. “Whoa…what a house! Belle, do you have any idea how lucky you are?!” Belle grins and nods. “Yep.” Sami laughs and parks the car. “Well, at least you’re honest. Let’s go in and find your dad.”
They finally locate John in a bedroom, paintbrush in hand. “You know, Mom thinks you’re just trying to avoid wedding plans.” John jumps and turns quickly to find Sami and Belle standing in the doorway. He frowns in mock annoyance. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack, sneaking up on me like that?” Sami shakes her finger at him. “Don’t avoid the question.” John grins and gestures to the wall. “The wall needed painting.” Raising her eyebrows, Sami answers, “Uh-huh. Sure it did.”
Eager to change the subject, John asks Belle, “So what do you think, Izzy? Do you like your new house?” Belle nods. “It’s *big*! Is it true that we have a pool?” John chuckles and nods. “Yeah, we sure do. Brady’s upstairs; go find him and he’ll show you.”
Belle runs off, calling for Brady, and Sami wanders to the window and gazes idly outside. After a few minutes of silence, John clears his throat uncomfortably. “Thanks for bringing Belle here. She’s been begging to come see the house for the past three days.”
Sami nods. “Mom was going to take her, but after shopping all day she was pretty beat, so I offered to do it.”
“Poor Doc. This pregnancy is taking a lot more out of her than she’ll admit. Did you get all your shopping done?”
“Yeah, after going to about a hundred stores, I think we got everything we needed. Belle has a dress, I have a dress, Mom has a dress, we all got shoes, we ordered flowers…we did it all.” John shudders. “And that’s why I’m here painting a wall that doesn’t need painting.”
Sami rolls her eyes. Then, becoming serious, she tells John, “I don’t know how she’s doing it. She’s had to deal with so much in the past few months…her amnesia, getting “kidnapped”, Alex shooting you, your coma, her memory finally returning…” Her voice becoming louder and louder, she finishes, “And in the meantime, you manage to get her pregnant!”
Hurt, John turns to Sami. “Yeah, she has dealt with a lot. Your mother is an incredibly strong woman. But our babies are *not* one of the terrible things she has had to deal with.” He grabs Sami by the arms and forces her to look at him. His voice firm but gentle, John says, “Listen to me, Samantha. It took both of us to create those babies, not just me. This pregnancy wasn’t planned, but I thank God it happened. I truly believe that it was what brought your mother back to me, back to her family.” A thought strikes John, and he abruptly releases Sami, a pained, forced smile on his face. “Oh, of course. That’s what you’re really angry about—that Marlena and I are back together and planning our wedding. I thought you were happy for us…that you had finally accepted our relationship.”
In a voice laced with sarcasm, Sami replies, “Sure I am. I’m ecstatic that you and Mom will have your perfect little family back. You, her, Belle, Brady, and two new babies on the way! What could be more wonderful?!”
Gently, John says, “You know you’re a part of that family too, Samantha.” Sami rolls her eyes. “Sure I am. Just like I was a part of your family until you found out who you really were. After that, Carrie, Eric, and I didn’t matter anymore. We weren’t really your kids, so you didn’t want us.”
“Samantha, you know that’s not…” John reaches for Sami.
“You left us!” Sami stares up at John, eyes blazing. “For five long years, you were all we had. You meant the world to us! Do you have any idea how it feels to have the one person who you think would never leave just abandon you?! Mom had been gone *five years*, John! She was wonderful, but…we didn’t know her. And Daddy…he was a complete stranger! A complete stranger who we were supposed to love unconditionally, just because he was our father. Carrie, Eric, and I…we were left with them—two parents we didn’t know as the man who raised us walked out of our lives forever. How could you just leave us?! Didn’t you realize that we didn’t care about biology—we wanted to be with our father, the man who raised us—you were our *real* father!” Sami’s voice breaks off as she sobs.
John makes a move to pull Sami into his arms, but she pushes him away. In an anguish voice, he tells her, “God, don’t you think it killed me to leave you three?! When I thought your mother was dead, you were the only reason I stayed alive! Do you really think I gave a damn about whose genes you had? I did what I thought I had to—I had no right to keep you three. Not when you had a father and mother who loved you so much. After everything that had been taken from Roman, all the time he had lost…I couldn’t take his children from him. He didn’t deserve that. So I stayed away.”
“But you couldn’t quite stay away from Mom, could you? In the end, you broke our family up anyway. You loved *her*, you were willing to fight for *her*, but not for us…not for your children.” Sami turns away sadly and moves toward the door.
“Sweetheart, I *never* stopped loving you. That was never an issue and you know it. If I thought it would have done any good, I would have fought for you all. But how would have that helped anything? It just would have hurt everyone else even more than Stefano had already. I am so sorry for hurting you and your brother and sister. But, Samantha, now it’s up to you to let go of all that anger and hurt you feel and move on.”
Sami replies in a small voice, “I don’t know how. It’s been so long…” John brushes a tear from her cheek. “It’s over, Sami. There’s nothing you can do to change the past. But you have a say in what the future holds. You’ve just got to decide what you want.”
After a moment of silence, Sami looks up at John. “I should go. You’ll take Belle and Brady home with you, right?” He nods and she turns to go. In one swift movement, John takes Sami in his arms and hugs her tightly. “I love you, sweetheart. I want you to remember that.” Her voice a hushed whisper, she says, “I know, John. I’ll see you at the wedding.” He releases her and she walks from the room. As her car pulls away, John stands at the window watching, praying that the wedding will be a new beginning, not just for him and Marlena, but for the whole family.
John paces restlessly at the front of St. Luke’s, already dressed his tux. Candles fill the church, casting a warm glow on the regal lilies and tiny, delicate star flowers spilling from vases all around the room. As he glances at his watch for the fifth time in two minutes, Abe chuckles and claps him on the shoulder. “Buddy, you’ve got to relax. What do you have to be nervous about? You’ve already married her twice!”
With a grin, John says, “Yeah, but apparently it wasn’t ever legal before. And I’m not nervous about the wedding, I’m nervous because my best man is late!”
“He’ll get here, don’t worry. We’ve still got a half hour until the wedding starts.” Abe smiles when he sees Sami walk up the aisle with flowers in her hands. She grins and twirls around, showing off her rose-colored gown. “Do you like it?” His eyes warm with love, John nods. “You look beautiful, sweetheart. I can’t believe how fast the time has gone—you’re all grown up and married already.”
Sami blushes with pleasure and pulls two flowers from the bunch she is holding. “Here are your boutonnieres.” She hands one to Abe, who, sensing that John wants to talk to Sami alone, says, “I think I’ll go find Lexie and see if your best man has arrived yet.” He makes a quick escape.
Grabbing another flower, Sami stands on her tiptoes and slips it in the buttonhole of John’s suit. He grasps her shoulders and gazes down at her. “Have you given any thought to what we talked about earlier?”
Sami nods. “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it anymore. The past is past, and I want it to stay that way. Today is going to be a good day—you’re marrying Mom and we’re going to be a family again…right?” She meets his eyes, a question on her face.
Knowing what Sami is trying to say, John nods and tenderly pulls her to him. “That’s exactly right. We’re all going to be a family again.” Brushing a hand over her suspiciously shiny eyes, Sami gives John a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’d better get back to Mom. I have some things to talk to her about too.”
“I think that’s a good idea. I’ll see you in a bit.” She leaves and John goes back to his pacing. The minutes pass, and John, wrapped up in his reverie, doesn’t the footsteps approaching him. “You know, you’re going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up.”
John looks up sharply, then grins at the tall, blond young man standing before him. “Eric!” Grinning, Eric hugs John. “Hey, John.”
They break apart, and John taps his watch. “You’re cutting it awfully close, kid. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show.”
“Like I was going to miss this wedding. Besides, we’ve still got twenty-five minutes until the ceremony starts—and knowing how long it takes Mom to get ready, we probably have longer than that.” John chuckles. “You might be right about that.” Both men are silent for a moment, Eric fiddling uncomfortably with the flower in his buttonhole. John grins and gestures at the flower. “I see Sami found you.”
“Yeah, she did. She and Grandma Caroline were trying to coerce Brady and Will into wearing their ties when I got here.”
“How was that going?”
Eric grins. “Not so well.” John nods. “I didn’t think so. Have you seen your mom yet?”
Shaking his head, Eric replies, “No, not yet. I wanted to talk to her before the ceremony, but I don’t think I have time now.”
“Actually, I think you do. She doesn’t even know that you’re coming, so why don’t you go surprise her. She’s in the bride’s room, and I think Sami’s with her by now.” Eric turns to leave, but John stops him. “And, Eric…thanks for coming. I know it’s hard for you to come back, but it means a lot to your mom and me.” Eric shrugs uncomfortably. “It’s strange being here…but it’s good to be home, at least for a while. And like I said, I wouldn’t have missed this wedding for the world. I’ve missed enough already.”
~
“You look so beautiful, Mom. John won’t be able to take his eyes off you.” Marlena smiles and turns to see Sami standing in the doorway. “Thank you, sweetie.” She takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. “Well, I guess it’s time, isn’t it?” Sami nods. “Pretty soon. But before we go, I just wanted to let you know how happy I am that you’re marrying John. I know that over the years I haven’t always been supportive of your relationship…” She pauses, fighting back tears. “And I know I’ve hurt both you and John so many times…”
Marlena cups Sami’s chin in her hand and brushes a tear from her cheek. “Oh, sweetie…” Pulling her mother close, Sami hugs her tightly. “I’m so sorry, Mom. I love both of you so much. I just want us to be a family again.”
Her own eyes shining with tears, Marlena smiles. “I want that too. I truly believe that today will be a new beginning for all of us. After all these years, we finally have a chance to start over. We’ve all made mistakes and we’ve all been hurt. But time and love have healed those wounds, and we’re ready to move on.” Marlena kisses Sami’s cheek. “I love you, sweet girl.”
Both women turn when they hear someone knocking. Marlena moves to the door and opens it to find Eric standing there, a sheepish smile on his face. “Surprise, Mom!” With a gasp of excitement, Marlena pulls Eric into her arms. “Oh, Eric! I didn’t know you were coming!” Eric grins. “Well, John called me and said he needed a best man. So here I am.”
Marlena turns to Sami, a wide smile on her face. “Sami! Your brother is here!” Sami laughs. “Yes, Mom, I can see that. Actually, I already knew he was here.”
“And you didn’t tell me?!” Eric covers for his sister. “John wanted it to be a surprise, Mom. I made Sami promise she wouldn’t tell.”
Marlena shakes her finger in teasing disapproval at Sami, who grins at her mother. For the first time, Eric notices his mother’s swelling figure. In disbelief, he says, “Whoa, Mom! I guess my arrival wasn’t the only secret being kept around here. Why didn’t anybody tell me that you’re having a baby?”
A teasing glint in her eye, Marlena replies airily, “Oh, I suppose because I’m not having a baby.”
Eric eyes his mother in confusion and disbelief. “You’re not? Are you sure?” Marlena nods. “Yes…I’m not having *a* baby…I’m having *two* babies.”
Eric chokes. “Twins?!”
Sami laughs. “Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction too.”
Marlena smiles and turns her attention back to Eric. Her hands resting on the shoulders of her tall son, she gazes at him with pride. “Oh, look at you. You’re just so handsome.” He grins at his mother. “Don’t you think you’re a little prejudiced? After all, you are my mother.”
Sami chimes in, “Yeah, I’d say you have one of those faces only a mother could love.” Eric glares at her in mock annoyance as Sami’s eyes twinkle teasingly. Marlena sighs. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, you two are worse than Belle and Brady!”
Before either one can retort, there is another knock on the door. Carrie pokes here head inside. “Can we come in?” Marlena nods. “Of course.”
Carrie, Belle, Brady, and Will enter the room. Belle spins around, the skirt of her light pink dress twirling around her. “How do I look, Mom?”
Marlena smoothes Belle’s long blonde hair and straightens her ivory sash. “You look perfect. You make a beautiful little flower girl.” She bends down to Brady, who is tugging uncomfortably at his tie. Laughing, Marlena gives it a quick adjustment and tells him, “You’re just like your father. He can never get his tie straight either.” Brady grimaces. “If it’s not straight, can I just not wear it?” Marlena chuckles. “Nice try, but I fixed it. And you look very handsome, all dressed up like that.”
“So are you ready, Marlena?” Carrie asks. “I think so—I even have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” She touches her neck, fingering the creamy pearls resting against her throat. “My pearl necklace is old, of course. My dress is new, and well…” One hand caresses belly as she continues, “I suppose the babies count too. I borrowed these earrings from Sami, and my engagement ring has blue sapphires in it.”
“Then I guess it’s time.” Sami gives her mother one last hug and takes Will’s hand. Marlena nods and gazes around the room, contentment shining in her eyes as she takes in her children and grandson surrounding her. “It’s time.”
The whole group troops out of the room and clusters outside the closed doors of the sanctuary. Eric sneaks inside the church and walks up to the altar to stand beside John and Abe. John leans forward and asks Eric in a quiet whisper, “Is she ready?” “Yep, she’s ready and so is everybody else. And let me tell you, John…she looks gorgeous…and very pregnant.” Eric shoots his stepfather a wry glance. “Why didn’t anyone tell me about that?”
John gives Eric a pained look. “Do you really want to get into that now?” “Well, I just think you could’ve…”
Abe clears his throat as the pianist strikes the first chord. “Hey, you two…I hate to interrupt this little father-son conversation, but I think we’re going to have a wedding here.”
Eric smiles sheepishly as John winks at him. All turn their attention to the back of the church as the doors slowly open to reveal Belle with Brady by her side. With a grin, he offers his little sister his arm and they begin their slow walk down the aisle. Close behind is Will, nervously clutching the pillow holding John and Marlena’s wedding rings. Glancing around the packed church, his eyes grow wide. He turns back and looks at Sami, who is standing close behind him. She winks encouragingly and gives him a little push, sending him down the aisle.
After a moment, Sami takes her first step into the church, smiling as Will grins at the congregation and waves happily. She exchanges a contented glance with Lucas, her eyes shining with love for her husband and son.
She is followed by Carrie, whose excitement-flushed cheeks exactly match the rosy pink of her dress. Catching Austin’s eye as she walks down the aisle, she smiles, the love she feels for him beaming from her face.
John watches with pride as his children make their way to the front of the church and each one takes his or her place by the altar. At the first strains of the wedding march, the congregation rises and turns toward the door. Marlena steps into the church, and all John can do is stare at the beautiful vision floating up the aisle to meet him. Her ivory wedding gown exposes the creamy skin of her sculpted shoulders and slender arms, its delicate material flowing gracefully from the empire waist to just brush the floor. Soft tendrils of blonde hair slip from the golden mass twisted up on her head and caress her cheeks and neck. Ivory lilies and star flowers of the softest pink spill from her hands.
She meets John’s gaze, and for just a moment the rest of the world falls away. All that exists is the two of them and the love they feel for one another, the love that has brought them together to once again seal their commitment in front of their family and friends.
Finally, Marlena reaches the altar and John holds out his hand to her. He kisses her softly on the cheek and murmurs in her ear, “Baby, you’re absolutely breathtaking.” Marlena squeezes his hand gently. “And you look incredibly handsome.” John locks eyes with Marlena. “Ready?” She nods and they turn to face Father Jansen, ready to once again pledge their hearts and souls to one another for all eternity.
“Happy, Mrs. Black?” Marlena sighs with pleasure, completely content in John’s arms as they sway to the music. “You know I am.” She gazes fondly out at the crowd of family and friends surrounding them. Austin holds Carrie in his arms, whispering in her ear. Nearby, Lucas holds a sleeping Will on his lap as he watches Sami and Brady dancing together, Brady keeping a close eye where he puts his feet. Belle’s melodic giggle floats through the room as Eric spins her around the dance floor.
John slides one hand down to the small of Marlena’s back, pulling her closer to him. In the other he holds Marlena’s hand as it rests just over his heart. He brings his lips to her ear and whispers, “I love you so much, baby. This is going to be a whole new beginning for all of us, I can feel it. After everything we went through these past few years, I didn’t know if our relationship would ever be the same again. And, sweetheart, I was right. It’s not.” Marlena pulls away slightly, hurt and confusion on her face. “John, what do you…?” Pressing a gentle finger on Marlena’s lips, John silences her. “Our relationship isn’t the same. It’s better, even stronger than before. We have proven that there is nothing that can come between us. Not the DiMeras, not lies, not deceit, not even death can overcome the power of our love. It is unbreakable, timeless, and eternal.”
Marlena’s eyes shine as John whispers his sweet promises of love in her ear. She pulls back slightly and meets his gaze. “John, there were many times this year when I lost faith in our love…when I tried to fight it and refused to even believe it existed. I thought that because I had no memories of the love we shared that it had died, faded away into a past I couldn’t remember. I believed that with no memories, there could be no love.” John glances down, reminded once again of the painful months he spent without her. Marlena smiles and tilts his head up as their gazes lock. Her voice strong and sure, she whispers, “I was wrong. Our love is everlasting. It needs no memories to exist…it just *is*. No beginning, no end. I will love you, John Black, now and forever, for all eternity.”
The final notes of the song resonate throughout Chez Rouge as John pulls Marlena close and kisses her, the touch of his lips a tender promise of love that will last a lifetime and beyond.
As the next song begins to play, Belle comes running up to John and Marlena, Eric close at her heels. Breathlessly, she says, “Did you see me and Eric dancing? Eric is a *very* good dancer, and he says I am too!” Grinning, Eric tugs gently on Belle’s long blonde hair. “That’s right, squirt, you are pretty good.” He turns to Marlena and offers her his hand. “If I remember right, so is your mother. Mom, may I have this dance?”
Marlena smiles and slips her hand into her son’s. “Of course you may.” After giving John a quick kiss on the cheek, she follows Eric back onto the dance floor. He gets right to the point and asks Marlena the question that has been bothering him. “So, Mom…would you like to explain to me now why no one bothered to tell me that you’re pregnant?”
“Sweetheart, I’m sorry you didn’t know sooner. But no one in Salem has really even known for that long. John and I were on the island for five months, so of course nobody knew I was pregnant when we left.” Marlena gives her son a wry glance. “Actually, *I* didn’t even know I was pregnant when we arrived on the island. While we were away, we didn’t contact anyone except for your grandmother. We’ve only been back a little over a month, and for most of that time John was in a coma…so, we had a lot on our minds. I truly am sorry, though. We should have told you.”
Eric shrugs. “It’s okay. I’m not upset…just very surprised. And not just that you’re pregnant, although that was kind of a shock.” Marlena laughs. “Oh, don’t worry about that, you’re not the only one. I was amazed too when I realized it. And John thought the baby was Alex’s!”
“Why would he think that? Hadn’t you two…” Eric’s voice tapers off as he realizes what he is asking and whom he is asking it to. “Uh, never mind. I don’t want to know.” Marlena laughs quietly. “So what else were you surprised about?”
“Maybe surprised isn’t the right word. It’s just that I realized that I’m not a part of anything that happens here in Salem anymore…and that makes me kind of sad. There’s so much I’ve missed, and not only the good stuff. Like when everyone thought both you and Dad died. I should have been here with my family, and especially with Sami.”
Tenderly, Marlena brushes the hair from Eric’s forehead. “Sweetie, I know how hard it would’ve been for you to come back. Everyone understood.”
“Yeah, but now I feel like there’s so much I’m missing. I mean, I’m here for your wedding, but who knows when I’ll be back? After you have the babies, it might be months or even years until I get to see my little brothers or sisters. I always plan on coming home, but I never get around to it. It’s just really made me think about how I want to live my life.”
Marlena asks gently, “And what are you thinking?” Eric takes a deep breath. “I’m thinking that I want to move back home. I want to be back with my family. I’ve been gone way too long.”
Her eyes glistening with tears of happiness, Marlena hugs her son tightly. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so happy to hear you say that!” After a moment, she pulls back and looks at Eric questioningly. “So what are you planning on doing? Where will you stay?”
“Probably at the pub with Grandpa Shawn and Grandma Caroline, at least until I find a place of my own.”
“Sweetie, you know that John and I just bought a new house…” Eric nods. “Yeah, that’s what John was telling me.”
“What I’m saying, Eric, is that you’re more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you like. The house is huge, and we’ve got plenty of room.”
Eric grins at his mother. “Thanks, Mom. That really means a lot to me.” Marlena sighs and looks up at her son. “But…”
He shrugs. “But I think right now it’s better if I just stay at the pub.” Seeing the hurt on his mother’s face, Eric quickly continues, “Mom, you know I’d love to stay with you and John and be closer to my family. But with the twins coming in a few months…well, you’re going to be busy enough without one more person in the house.”
“But, Eric…” “Mom, I’m right and you know it.” Marlena nods slowly. “All right. But you’re welcome to come any time, and you know I’m always here if you need me.”
“I know, Mom.” She smiles and hugs him close once again. “Oh, Eric, I’m so happy you’re finally moving back home. It seems like we’re all becoming a real family again.”
Eric’s eyes sweep the room and land on Sami, dancing with John. Noticing her contented expression and the easy, relaxed conversation flowing between the two, he thinks to himself, They look so comfortable together…just like a father and daughter…the way they used to be when we were little. To his mother, Eric replies, “Yeah, Mom, I think you’re right. It’s like it used to be.”
When the song ends, John and Sami make their way over to Marlena and Eric. Sami quickly grabs Eric by the hand and pull him out onto the dance floor. John slips an arm around Marlena and whispers in her ear, “So, baby, are you about ready to get out of here?” Marlena grins teasingly and turns in his arms to face him. “We still have to cut the cake.” John groans. “Damn, forgot about that…” He leans in and captures Marlena’s lips with his own. With a soft sigh of pleasure, her arms slide around his neck, and they lose themselves in the moment, completely oblivious to the party going on around them.
“Marlena, isn’t that what got you in this condition in the first place?” John and Marlena’s lips part to find Bo grinning at them. Chuckling, John settles his hand on top of his wife’s stomach as she blushes. Hope rolls her eyes at Bo and smiles understandingly at Marlena. “Ignore him.” She hugs Marlena and says, “Congratulations! And not just on the wedding—how much longer until the babies are due?”
With a sigh, Marlena leans back into John’s chest, and he holds her close. “I still have almost three months to go.” Bo shakes his head in disbelief. “Wow, you two sure didn’t waste any time, did you?” John grins and presses his lips to Marlena’s temple, his hands resting protectively over her belly. “Nope.”
With a wry smile, Marlena says, “Well, I never expected to be six months pregnant on my wedding day…especially at this point in my life!” Hope laughs. “Oh, Marlena, don’t worry about that. Until Alex came back, we all thought you and John were married already. Today is really just making the commitment you and John have always had to one another official.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” His eyes warm with love, John brings his lips to Marlena’s for a tender kiss.
Mickey and Maggie walk over and join the conversation. Pulling Marlena into her arms as Mickey shakes John’s hand, Maggie hugs her friend tightly. “Oh my, look at you! I can’t believe how big you are!” Marlena laughs. “Thanks, Maggie…I think.”
“I still can’t get over the fact that you’re pregnant. It’s just incredible—awhile ago you were planning to marry Alex North. Then you disappear and come back to Salem months later, carrying John’s babies!”
With a smile, Marlena assures Maggie, “It was a surprise to us too, believe me. The pregnancy wasn’t something either of us was expecting, especially under the circumstances. I was sure that Belle was my last baby…but then suddenly, my body was telling me that she definitely wouldn’t be.”
“Well, we are all so happy for both of you. No one deserves a new beginning more than you and John. After everything you’ve been through the past few years, this wedding is the perfect way to start.” Marlena takes Maggie’s hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you, Maggie.”
“So where are you two going on your honeymoon?” Hope asks Marlena. Glancing at John, she smiles and replies, “At the moment, nowhere. We were away from Salem and the children for so many months. Right now, we’re going to just stay with them and get settled in the new house. After the babies are born and get a little older, we might take a trip, but for now, we’re content right where we are, with our family and friends.”
John grins. “Of course, Belle and Brady will be staying with Shawn and Caroline tonight…” He nuzzles Marlena’s neck suggestively. Her head tilts back in pleasure, exposing the soft, creamy skin of her throat. His fingers trace the curve of her cheek as he claims her mouth in a sensuous kiss, full of promise and desire. With a soft moan, Marlena finally pulls away. Breathlessly, her lips mere centimeters from his, she whispers, “Cake first, John. Cake first.” He groans and nods.
An amused smile on her face, Hope says, “I’ll tell Caroline you’re ready to cut the cake.” She grabs Bo by the hand and they leave to find Caroline.
John slips an arm around Marlena’s waist and leads her to the cake table. Caroline, accompanied by Bo and Hope, gets everyone’s attention. Finally, Eric, looking a little self-conscious, clears his throat and holds up a champagne glass. “I’ve been told that, as the best man, it’s my job to make a toast. So before my mom and John cut the cake, I’ll say a few words.” He turns to John and Marlena. “Well, I could say a lot of things now. I could talk about the incredible love the two of you share…how you’ve proven time and time again that you can overcome any obstacle to be together…that your love only grows stronger as the years go by…and that the connection between you two can’t be broken by anything or anyone. But everyone knows that already. All we have to do is look at the two of you together to know that what you share is something truly special. With both of you in our lives, it’s easier for all of us to believe in the magic of true love.” Eric raises his glass, and the rest of the family and friends gathered do the same. “So all I’ll say is congratulations and may you have many, many, many more years together with your family and friends.”
John takes two champagne flutes from the table and winks at his wife. “White grape juice, for the mother-to-be.” Their arms intertwined, John and Marlena drink from each other’s glasses, then set them aside. Together, they cut the cake. Taking a small piece in his hand, John gazes at Marlena, his eyes shining mischievously. She takes a small step backward. “Don’t even think about it, John Black.”
He chuckles and pulls her back. Their gazes lock, and John slowly touches the cake to her mouth, covering her lips with frosting. Dropping the now-frostingless piece of cake back on the table, John captures Marlena’s lips with his, making sure to remove every bit of frosting from her mouth. When their lips finally part, Marlena smiles playfully. “Delicious…and I don’t mean the cake.” The crowd laughs as another song starts to play. Couples pair off, and dancing begins once more.
John pulls Marlena into his arms and kisses her once again. “Have I told you how much I love you?” With a grin, she answers, “Hmm…I’m not sure I remember.”
He brushes his lips against hers once again and whispers, “You remember exactly how much I love you. I’ve told you before.” “What do you mean, John?” Taking her hands, John plants a tender kiss in each palm. “I love thee, Marlena Evans Black, to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight.” Marlena’s face lights up as she remembers standing on the beach with John as they profess their undying and eternal love to each other. Softly, she replies, “I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life…John, I just love you so…” Her last words are lost against his mouth as John takes her lips in a soulful kiss.
When they finally part, both are breathless. His voice husky with desire, John asks, “You ready to get out of here?” Marlena nods eagerly. “Let’s go.”
The Jarlena Journal 