Marlena Visits John In Napa – By Cordelia50

In this story, the original Roman’s disappearance followed the same timeline as on the show, as did Marlena’s. She was presumed dead four years. But, although RoJohn dated some women during that time, there was no Isabella in his life, and thus no Brady. So when Marlena returned, they started their life again –until Roman came back. When Roman displaced John, John left Salem instead of staying, so there was no affair and no Belle. John stayed away per his agreement with Marlena. Also, in this story, John’s actual identity is different than it was on the show. And, there isn’t any rapid aging of the children.

Now imagine the time being right for Marlena to see John again…

Chapter 1

Marlena Evans walked tentatively into the outer office, through a varnished wooden double door marked “President”. A dark-haired woman aged about 50 years looked up.

“Yes, may I help you?”

“I hope so. Is Mr. Black in? I’d like to speak with him if he’s free.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Mr. Black is out. Did he have an appointment with you?”

Marlena, already very nervous about even stepping foot here, felt partial relief at this reprieve, but disappointment rode along. She just shook her head, her mouth suddenly dry.

The executive secretary smiled and offered her something to drink. “Some water would be good,” Marlena gratefully managed. It was a fry-eggs-on-the-pavement hot August day, and even in the air-conditioned office, Marlena felt overheated.

Evelyn Kaine crossed to a little bar area and poured a glass of ice water which she then handed to Marlena.

Evelyn began working for John Black nearly three years ago, and this wasn’t the first time a beautiful woman had come to see him. This one, though, was unique. Evelyn had seen, in the right-hand, upper drawer of his desk, a framed photo of himself, somewhat younger, this woman, and three children. Diplomatic secretary that she was, Evelyn had never asked him about it, and he had never mentioned it himself. Instead, a string of women had been on his arm — most of whom he’d only taken out once or twice. They were distractions for him. He spent most of his time focused on his business — winemaking.

But one had been different. About a year and a half ago, he’d married Grace Collings, an enologist at the winery. Evelyn had thought it a good match — their love for each other showed. Ten months later though, Grace died from brain cancer. Evelyn was not sure whether they knew about the cancer before they married, or whether it was diagnosed after. With Grace gone, he’d returned to his earlier habit of casual dates, even less likely to marry again, she thought.

Turning her attention back to this stunning woman, Evelyn’s curiosity bubbled: who was this woman and why was she here? But her professional demeanor won the day. “Would you like to wait? Mr. Black is expected back within the hour.”

Marlena bit her lip subconsciously and let out a small huff of air. “Yes, I think I should,” she answered, giving the secretary a gentle, almost weary, smile. “Thank you.” She turned to the comfortable sofa along the wall. Sitting, she idly perused the color pictures of Grafton Wineries that decorated this outer office. She sat up straight, as if she might bolt at any moment.

The phone rang and Evelyn became immersed in the call.

Marlena sat quietly, but her mind, her emotions were all a jumble. She fenced mentally with herself — as she often did. Should I have come? We haven’t seen or spoken to each other in over three years. But here I am in Napa, California, in John’s new life. I have no right to be sitting here. I’m the one who made it impossible for him to stay in Salem. I’m the one who broke his heart into a million shards, demanding he stay away from me and the kids. All so we could try to rebuild life with Roman. I left him with nothing.

Gazing unseeingly out the window behind the secretary, Marlena saw, but didn’t take in, the rich green vines stringing along the valley and up into mild foothills. Rather, her mind’s eye preoccupied her with the image of John that last time they’d spoken. She saw the set of his jaw and the unshed wetness in his eyes. She saw the utter defeat in him, the anguish that had gripped him, as it had her. Hearing her ultimatum, he had finally given one short nod before turning on his heel and striding away. Later the next day, she learned that he’d left Salem. His loft was shut and empty.

John kept his word never to initiate contact with any of them. But Marlena knew that Carrie, Eric, and Sami had not abided by the no contact rule. Searching out how to get in touch with him, they had called him when Roman and Marlena weren’t around. They had written to him too. That had prompted John to send them birthday and Christmas cards which the twins hid in their rooms. Sami and Eric were almost twelve now, and Carrie was out of the house and living with her new husband, Austin. They had not really benefited at all from Marlena’s intention to reunite their original family. Neither had she.

Lost in her unhappy reveries, Marlena didn’t hear the quick, sure steps of the man who belonged in the inner office beyond. He hurried in, halting before Evelyn’s desk. “Mrs. Kaine, would you get me George Hansen on the –” He stopped when Evelyn rose and gestured toward his visitor.

“A lady here to see you, Mr. Black.”

Not turning yet, John was a little irritated. He didn’t have the time now for a woman. The vines were about to give up their fruit and he needed to be ready to pull in the full harvest. But then his finely tuned nose, which was a great help to him in wine-tasting, got a whiff of a perfume he knew…

Meanwhile, Marlena’s heart was pounding. She got to her feet and then promptly feared she might faint as a wave of light-headedness hit her. There he was. Not eight feet from her. The same sonorous voice. A little more grey in his hair, which was cut short at the moment. He’d rolled up his light blue work shirt sleeves to mid-forearm — one of his endearingly sexy customs — and perspiration darkened the shirt at his armpits. He exuded strength, both physical and inner. She stopped breathing when he did move to face her.

John would know that perfume and underlying femininity anywhere. His brain told him it couldn’t be. But there she was. He gaped at the vision before him. It was Doc. Here in his office. Where she’d never been before.

She was wearing a light cotton summer dress, a mellow yellow with small, light green feathery leaves as the pattern. Her blonde hair dropped to her shoulders, impeccably styled. Her face was the same incredibly beautiful one he’d turned away from on that fateful day.

He stated the obvious, “Marlena.” He hadn’t said that name out loud since the day he left Salem. He let the three syllables roll off his tongue with relish — and wonder.

“Yes, John.” Marlena offered a smile as she fought to still her rioting emotions enough to be able to have a sensible conversation with him. She willed her pulse to calm down. She stood straighter and took a deep breath. Then she said, “May I talk with you. In your office?”

Evelyn, who had been watching this reunion, knew enough to take her cue. She marched to the door to the inner office and opened it. Then she stepped back.

John nodded. Indicating the door, he said, “After you.”

Now both of them had to make their feet work, which they each did with some effort.

Marlena stepped into the masculine room. It seemed more functional than ceremonial. There were a few more images of the winery on these walls. The books on the shelves were about wines and winemaking. The furniture was deeply polished wood. The desk, which had few papers on it, probably was black walnut. There was one photo on the desktop, near the phone.

Marlena did not know much about John’s life here. But Eric had told her one day when she asked him what was wrong, “Mom, John said he was at his wife’s funeral yesterday.” Marlena assumed the framed picture was his deceased wife. But since it was facing away from her, she could not be sure.

This office too had a couch. John, following Marlena at a decent distance, encouraged her to sit there. He turned one of the two visitors’ chairs in front of his desk toward her and sat too. He wasn’t sure his legs, strong as they were, would keep him upright now. Evelyn had closed the door, so their privacy was ensured.

But now, alone together, they both felt awkward and unsure. John spoke first, “Where are my manners? Would you like something to drink? Perhaps you’d like to try a sip of one of our wines?

Marlena knew she needed to keep a clear head. “No, thank you, John. Not right now anyway. I’m sure you make delicious wines here, but I’d like to talk a little first if you don’t mind.”

“Okay. Not sure what there is to say. We’ve both been silent for a lot of years.”

“I know, John. And it’s my fault. I’m so sorry –”

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t need your apologies. In fact, you’ve got nothing to apologize for.” he interrupted more sharply than he’d intended. He didn’t want to revisit all that. He didn’t want to break open the wounds he had so ruthlessly closed and left in his subconscious to fester unattended. He wanted to change the subject, badly. “How are Carrie and the twinners?”

Marlena smiled, but he could see sadness in her eyes. “Eric and Sami are very impatient to grow up. I’m not sure what they’ll be like when they reach puberty. And Carrie and Austin eloped in May. I, frankly, wasn’t expecting that.”

“Yeah, must have been a shock. You think this Austin kid’s a good match for her?”

“I do think so, yes. I certainly pray so. Carrie said she sent you a wedding photo, so you know that Austin’s quite a handsome young man. They seem to be genuinely in love.”

“Mm, hm. She told me a little about him. She does seem head-over-heels. But she’s usually got good judgment. Hope he does too.” His mouth quirked. “Sami seems to have a little crush on him.”

Rolling her eyes, Marlena said, “Oh, boy. Does she. She looks at him all doe-eyed whenever he’s around.” She was surprised that they were having this fairly easy conversation about the kids.

“Eric said they sent you the photo of him and Sami in their costumes for the school play — the one in which Sami played Queen Guinevere and Eric was one of Knights of the Round Table.”

He chuckled. “They did, they did. They looked the parts to a tee.” A pause, and his face sobered. “Surprised they told you that. Thought I was the number one forbidden subject in your house. Wasn’t Roman upset?” Damn. The second it was out of his mouth, he wanted to stuff if all back in. There was no point in bitterness.

But Marlena did not rise to the bait. She studied John, a bit of the psychiatrist in her surfacing where it probably shouldn’t. Now, she noticed his discomfiture, his uncertainty about why she would be here. Then she said, “John, please listen. I have something important to tell you. It’s why I came.”

Eyeing her speculatively, in a low tone, he replied, “Okay, Doc. Shoot.”

Instantly she was catapulted back in time. First to their conversation in which she told him she was going back to Roman — the guy who had come back from the “dead” and whose DNA proved that John was not Roman Brady. Then, to their last talk when he’d said recklessly and hopelessly, “You might as well get out my old service revolver and shoot me dead.”

Shuddering slightly to shake off that awful memory, she started, “John.” She darted a look at her hands, took a deep breath, then looked back at his watchful face. ”Shane came to see me. He had some news.” She furrowed her brow and steadied her voice. “Maybe I better back up a little.” Pause — and no interruption from John. “Things didn’t work out the way I thought they might after you left. The kids and Roman did not re-bond. Roman and I did not regain anything close to what I thought we’d had before. He was always away on some lengthy ISA mission. He didn’t really return to the cop shop. He avoided us all, but especially me. I thought it was because he couldn’t get past the obvious barrier that I and the kids had shared our family with someone else — you.”

Not sure why Marlena seemed to be giving exaggerated emphasis to Roman’s name, he considered asking, but instead, when he spoke he said coolly. “Stands to reason, I guess. It’s not an easy thing to think you’ve been replaced.” He left unsaid the rest of that thought — that he had been in the same predicament.

Chagrin passed over Marlena’s face. But John continued quietly, “Still, Roman’s a fool not to take full advantage of being with you and the kids. It’s not like you and I ever did anything after he returned. I know we were tempted, but we didn’t. Once you knew, you were faithful to him.”

Now he ruefully chuffed, “It nearly killed us not to give in. Honestly, if I hadn’t left when I did, I don’t think I would have cared whether Roman was hurt or not.” He brought his hand up and pinched his mouth, then rubbed it, an action she remembered well. He then shifted so his upper body leaned forward toward her. “It was a shitty time. That’s a fact.” He looked down at his hands between his knees.

“John, yes, it was terrible. Especially for you.” Marlena knew she had to get on with it before they both wallowed in the pain they felt back then. “But I’m not bringing all that up to hurt you.”

Suddenly though, she just couldn’t make herself get to the crux of her visit. She took a side track again, and even though she was annoyed with what she almost considered babbling, she said, “John, you did make a good life for yourself here, right? I mean, when you found out that you were not Roman Brady, you were able to find your own actual roots — that you were born right here in Napa?”

John was willing to indulge this meandering. “Yeah, The evidence is that I was born John Grafton, right here. I apparently grew up here. When I was eighteen and had just started college, I was involved in a boating accident and declared missing and thought dead. I never returned home — until recently. There’s some evidence too that I was plucked out of the water by one of Stefano DiMera’s craft.”

“How do you know this?”

Not really looking at her, John replied, “Shane Donovan found some records at one of DiMera’s hideouts the ISA raided, and forwarded them to me.”

John continued, “According to those papers, it seems once I had recovered from my injuries, he tried to force me into working for his crime syndicate. When I wouldn’t, he brainwashed me, and erased all memories of my family and past. I still got away from him several times, and lived under a bunch of aliases, doing various things until his goons caught me again. Finally, he erased all the intervening memories again and implanted some memories of Roman Brady. How he did that, I have no idea. Then I was sent to Salem, and you know the rest.”

“And then, you were able to come full circle back to your family home and business.” She smiled at him encouragingly as he looked up at her, still kind of bent over, elbows on his legs.

“Plus,” she added quickly, “You married here. Eric told me.” Her face turned solemn. “He also told me that your wife passed away from cancer. I’m so sorry, John.”

Straightening up, he said, “Thanks. She was a good woman. I was very lucky to have her. But we knew we might not have long. She had been treated once already for brain cancer a few years earlier. We knew it could come back. I wanted her to be happy for as long as she had.”

Abruptly, he reached, without looking, behind himself and swiped the photo off his desk. He glanced at it, used his left hand to dust it off, and then reached forward and handed it to Marlena. At the same time, he told her, “That’s Grace.”

Pause.

“And that’s our son, Thomas Christopher Black. He’s nine months old now.”

Marlena was floored. “Oh, my gosh, John! I had no idea you had a son! He’s beautiful!”

The photo wasn’t professional. Marlena thought John had snapped it because he wasn’t in the picture. Instead, Grace sat in a chair outside somewhere, holding a little bundle with a cute knit hat on his head. Her face could be seen clearly. It looked as though she had lost a lot of weight, not just after pregnancy but probably due to the advancing cancer. But her hair, a little thin, was auburn, and when she was healthy, she had obviously been a very pretty woman. She still exuded a lively energy in the photo, and she smiled widely, having her son in her arms. The sleeping child looked to be only a few days old.

John shook his head, but had a twinkle in his eye, “ Women! Boys aren’t beautiful. That’s for daughters. Besides, he was only six days old in that photo. He still looked a little red and scrunched then.” Then he smiled proudly. “He’s my little partner in life now.”

Marlena felt the tears come. “Oh, John. John. He IS beautiful. I hope you’ll let me meet him.”

Seeing her crying now out of joy for his having a son overwhelmed John unexpectedly, and he felt tears, long repressed, come to him too. It felt good to give outlet to his long repressed emotions — for the end of his brief life with Grace, for the son he now had and cherished, and for this meeting again with Marlena, the love of his life.

He got to his feet, took a couple steps and gently pulled Marlena up and into his arms. He held her close. That is, until his phone rang. Carefully, he disentangled himself from her, muttering, “If I don’t get this, Evelyn, might come in here.” He snapped the receiver up and said impatiently, “What?”

Marlena found tissues in her purse and, using one on herself, she passed one across the desk to John who also still had tears on his cheeks.

John quickly ended the call and then he buzzed Evelyn and told her not to allow any more calls through and not to disturb them. He then gave Marlena an appraising look. “Doc, you didn’t come to talk about my past. What did you come for?”

Standing on the other side of the desk from him, Marlena said, “As I mentioned, Shane came to see me. He had two pieces of news. The first one was the man who came and told us all he was Roman was not.”

“WHAT?” John couldn’t believe what she’d just said. “What do you mean?”

“That man was a plant. He was sent to Salem to destroy our lives, John. By Stefano, we assume. He never cared about the children or me. He didn’t come to have a life with us. He came to destroy the good life you and I and the children had.” Now, Marlena wanted to cry again. Just hearing herself saying this crushed her soul.

John felt a rushing in his ears. He thought he might pass out. This couldn’t be. He leaned heavily on the desktop. “What about the DNA tests? The ones that said I wasn’t Roman but he was,”

Marlena’s eyes grew cold. “It was a set-up. His DNA really didn’t match the Bradys’, but someone was paid off to say it was so.”

SLAM!!!

She jumped involuntarily as John’s open palm slapped down hard onto the desk. “DAMN it. I knew we should have had those tests checked and rechecked at more labs!” He turned his body, hands on his hips, looking out his window, shaking his head.

She wanted to go to him, but knew she should not right now. She licked her lips and quietly pointed out, “John. We did have several labs do the tests independently. What we didn’t figure on was that people at all of those labs would be bought off to fake the results. Or, it could have been that some operative of Stefano’s switched the Brady DNA samples to samples from the imposter’s family so, of course they would have matched.”

He turned around, arms crossed, and perched on the window sill, anger and frustration playing his lean features. In a low growl, he said, “How did Shane get to the truth then?”

Her legs shaking again, Marlena lowered herself into the chair John had vacated and angled herself toward him. “He didn’t. None of us did. Not until it became so evident to us all that Roman [Marlena used air quotes when she said the name this time] was not going to ever take his place again in the family.”

John realized now why she kept exaggerating “Roman.”

She continued, “Finally, Shane secretly had a fresh test done right before his eyes by a doctor he trusted implicitly. When the test came back, he had other labs do the same tests and then the scam was over.”

Looking agonized, John said simply, “Shit. I should have done that. I SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT.”

Quickly, Marlena rose and stood before him, grasping his bare arms, “No. You can’t blame yourself. You can’t. Back then, when we first did the tests, Stefano’s people were watching every move. Shane was only successful because neither Stefano nor the imposter knew that after all this time, another test was being done.”

He didn’t look the least convinced.

“But there’s more, John.” Marlena had to tell him the rest. “Shane said they found the remains of Roman — the real Roman. They found them on one of Stefano’s many islands that they raided – just recently. The Roman I married died very shortly after he had that battle with Stefano. He may have lived for a brief span — maybe long enough for Stefano to somehow harvest the memories that he later implanted in you, but then he died, according to the medical examiner. Before you came to Salem.” A shudder ran down her spine as she spoke these awful words.

John’s face underwent a range of emotions as this news soaked in. Shock, pity, anger, sorrow.

He stopped leaning on the window sill and gently put his arms around her.
“I’m sorry, Marlena. I know you loved him very much,” he said in her ear. Unconsciously, he gently stroked her hair. After a few moments, because she didn’t really respond, he released her.

Still reeling from this news, John kind of collapsed into his own desk chair and waved Marlena back to the other one. Taking a breath he asked, “Listen, what happened to this fake Roman? Did they catch him?”

“No, he’s still at large. He’s on the run. I guess he knows that we know he’s a fake. I don’t think we’ll ever see him again.”

John drummed on the desk for a moment, thinking. “I’m sorry,” he said again, “I’m sure this must be a lot for you and the kids to take in. How are they doing? I guess that’s why they haven’t been very talkative lately? Were they waiting for you to break the news to me?”

“Well, we’ve had a little time to adjust. You’re the one who is just learning it. And, yes, I asked them not to say anything.”

She gave him a rueful look, and fixed her eyes on his. This was probably the hardest part for her. “John. I wasn’t married to that fake Roman. But I thought I was. And, as you know, we did live as husband and wife for a while. He kept up pretenses until you left. Then he made himself so scarce. I did think he was Roman.”

John looked away, but not before she caught the pained look in his blue eyes. Marlena thought she shouldn’t have said that. But she had a reason. She needed to know if John could deal with that fact. Marlena knew John was a man with an extraordinary ability to love when he wanted to. She knew he was a man who had once loved her unconditionally, and who had loved her and Roman’s children, even after he found out they were not his biological offspring after all.

John worked his jaw — another characteristic Marlena remembered so well. Then he looked back at her. Holding her eyes with his now, he got up and as he did so, he opened his right-hand desk drawer and pulled out another picture frame. Holding it face down, he came over to her and, with his free hand, he took her hand and lightly pulled her to her feet. He was standing about two feet in front of her. Then he gave her the picture. The one of her, Carrie, Sami, Eric, and him.

“Oh, John.” She felt her heart breaking again. Breaking for the lost years. For the silence between them. For trying to drive him out of her heart. For hurting him so much.

Peering at her intensely, John said, “I know why you just said that.” His voice was low and, despite herself, Marlena felt a tinge of sensuality in it. Marlena dropped her head so he couldn’t see her eyes. He gently raised a finger under her chin and brought her head back up. “So let me tell you this. You thought he was your husband whom you’d loved, come back from the dead. You wanted to do right by him. That’s a good and noble intention.

“He, that monster, is the one who did something wrong. He raped you because he went to bed with you under false pretenses.” John moved away and said grimly, “I should never have left Salem. I should never have left you alone with him.”

He looked at her, “You did nothing wrong. You were the victim, Marlena, of another of DiMera’s evil schemes.”

Closing the distance again, she put her arms around his neck with her mouth next to his ear. “Thank you for everything you just said. I love you so much. I always have, since the first time I met you. There is no one whom I have ever loved more than I loved and love you. I’ve missed you so much these last three and a half years. They’ve seemed like an eternity.”

John wasn’t saying anything, so she pulled back so she could see his face. She felt uneasiness ripple through her because he seemed so impassive. She decided she needed to take a step back; that she had just assumed too much. She continued, reserve back in her voice, “Of course, I know after everything that’s happened, we can’t go back to what we had. But I hope you will now feel free to see Sami, Eric, and Carrie again. And I, and I think they, would really like to be a part of your son’s life too if you’ll allow it.”

Abruptly, John also pulled back a little and said, “Are you planning on getting a divorce and an annulment?”

Marlena stared up in confusion at his unwavering face. “I’m sorry? What do you mean?”

“You and I were married. We were married after your prior husband died — you just told me that. The man who pretended to be Roman — after me, of course — “ he gave a baleful snort, “wasn’t your husband. That makes me your lawful husband and it makes you my lawful wife.”

She relaxed a bit and nodded. “You’re a smart man, John Black. You’re right. I even had legal advice to make certain. Even though we married with you using the name Roman Brady, the law considers the marriage valid because we both believed you were Roman. We married each other, regardless of the names used.”

One of John’s thumbs reached up to wipe away the remaining tears on her face, and then he put both his big hands on her shoulders, resting them there but not heavily. His face came closer to hers as he asked in his husky voice, “So what’s all this about visiting the kids and letting you have a part in Tommy’s life?”

“John. I’m springing this all on you. You haven’t had time to really process it. You’ve got a life here, and we’ve still got one in Salem. I just don’t want to ask you for anything right now because you do need time to think about it.” Then she added, “And, no, John, I have no intention of obtaining a divorce or an annulment.”

John sighed. “The therapist is out again, Doc?” Before she could reply, he continued, “You said, we can’t go back. And you’re right. We can’t.”

Marlena’s face fell. Hearing that from him was a dagger in her heart, even though she’d known when she came that a genuine reunion was a long shot.

Seeing her reaction, he said, “I’m not finished. We can’t go back. But we can go forward. You just said you loved me. You don’t know how often I’ve longed to hear those words again. You said them often when we were together. And I said them too. So I’m saying them now: I love you, Marlena. You are the one who gave me meaning when I didn’t know who I was. You are the one who made me whole. You are the one who stood by me when others wouldn’t. You gave me your love and yourself wholeheartedly, and I knew we were soulmates. It killed me to walk away from you. Really, I would have preferred a bullet to the pain of that loss.”

“John –” Marlena desperately wished she could erase that suffering he’d endured, especially since she had keenly felt at least a large portion of the same.

“You’re right, sweetheart, that I need time to process this. I need to see — with you, of course — how to make this work. This winery does mean something to me. But I love you and the kids. And I’d love Tommy to become part of that family. Hell, who knows, maybe we could even have a child of our own!”

With that jubilant declaration of hope, he hugged her tightly, and she held him just as tightly as she could. They fit together just the way they always had. After a few moments, John moved in for one of their classic kisses, and they clung to each other and their hearts sang together.

Chapter 2

Neither of them wanted their sweet embrace to end. It had been far too long a drought. And the extravagant feeling of once again sharing kisses was heaven.

But John reluctantly extricated himself from Marlena’s lips and arms. Kissing her fair cheek, he whispered, “To be continued, Doc.” They both laughed shakily.

Taking Marlena’s hand in his, he led her to the door, swung it open, and approached his secretary.

Now, Evelyn had been secretly wishing she were one of the hummingbirds that often hovered by the feeder outside John Black’s window. It was obvious these two had tremendously significant history together that she knew nothing about. Seeing her boss and this beautiful woman hand in hand, she was stunned by their glowing faces, and she marveled at the love she saw passing between them like live current.

What in the world, she wondered, could ever have kept these two apart?

“Mrs. Kaine,” John boomed, a big smile on his handsome face, “Let me introduce Dr. Marlena Evans — my wife.” He turned to Marlena, “Mrs. Evelyn Kaine, my trusty right hand.”

Evelyn, even more gobsmacked, fought to remain coolly expressionless.

John didn’t worry about her reaction. He lifted his wife’s hand to his lips and kissed it, then rattled out, “Doc, I have a few things I have to do here. The grapes are about to be picked, and I have several groups I’ve got to meet with today to make that happen. I want to show you this operation, but you shouldn’t have to be bored with details. Will you let me leave you in Mrs. Kaine’s capable hands for a couple of hours?”

Drawing a quick breath, he added, “Did you check into a hotel? You know you can stay with me and Tommy! We’ve got plenty of room.” He thrust his watch up to see how late he was running and sped up his speech even more. “Okay? I promise you a wonderful dinner later!”

Before Marlena could utter even a word, he touched her lips with his and vamoosed down the hall and into the stairwell.

Once he was out of earshot, the two women burst out laughing together.

“I’ve never seen him so hyper,” Evelyn observed.

Marlena chuckled. “I have.”

Still humming from this encounter with John she suddenly needed to sit, and conveniently, there was a plush chair within two steps. She sank down, trying to remember everything that had just cascaded out of John’s mouth. She gave Evelyn a shy smile, “It’s a very long, complicated story.” She added, “You knew I was the woman in the photo with John and the children, didn’t you, when I first entered?”

Evelyn, seated again too, nodded. “I was pretty sure.” She hastened to assure, “But I don’t know anything else. Mr. Black never spoke of the people in that photo.”

A shadow of sorrow crossed Marlena’s face. John was not the type to keep his life so rigidly compartmentalized. She knew she had been the cause of his inconsolable silence. But, she was too ecstatic to dwell on her sins of the past right now. She smiled and noted, “John isn’t usually so formal — I’m surprised he and you use last names.”

“Oh, he’s just deferring to me. When I took the job, I explained that in the executive offices where I’d worked, such formality was encouraged due to the number of VIPS who visited those offices. Maybe it’s not so necessary here, but he does meet with — and sometimes wine and dine — some big names in politics, commerce, the entertainment industry, etc. Not a lot, mind you, but now and then.” Evelyn knew he had dated some women over the years specifically to attend such functions.

Evelyn continued, “And he told me he needed all the tips he could get about the executive suite because he’d never been a company president before.”

A more sly smile crossed Marlena’s lips this time. “That’s true, so far as he or any of us knows.”

That’s an enigmatic statement, thought Evelyn, but Marlena said, “Would you mind if I called you Evelyn and you called me Marlena? I think we will probably get to know one another quite well.”

“My pleasure. Marlena.” Then Evelyn asked, “Do you have a place to stay?”

“Actually, since I was not certain how this conversation would go, I don’t have lodgings yet.” Wryly, she admitted, “I wanted to be unencumbered and go immediately back home if necessary.”

“May I ask where home is?”

“Salem, Illinois.”

Evelyn wondered if it was okay to make conversation. “Were you born there?”

“No, in Colorado.” She volunteered, “I was a twin — and I have twin children. The two younger ones in that photo, Eric and Samantha.”

“Those are lovely names.” Evelyn noticed Marlena did not say the kids were John’s. “It’s a beautiful photo of all of you.”

“Yes, it is.” Marlena’s mind drifted to that day when Caroline Brady snapped that picture of them in front of the pub. All five of them were grinning. They were about to take off on a little vacation together, and everyone was in fine spirits.

Abruptly back in the present, she said, “I suppose I’d better find a place to stay. Perhaps you can make a hotel recommendation?”

“Well, it sounded to me as though Mr. Black was offering his home to you.”

“I’m not sure…”

Evelyn got up and went to a large aerial photo labeled Main Grafton Winery. She pointed. “This is the building we’re sitting in. Mr. Black’s house is here. You can see it from the window in his office, and it is only a quarter of a mile away. Right up in the first little hill behind the valley. He usually walks there and back, but there’s a paved road, for cars too. He’s right. There is plenty of room. Six bedrooms. I’ve stayed there on occasion with Tommy when the regular housekeeper/nanny had to leave. Once in a while the house is full with business guests, but since Grace passed away, he hasn’t done much entertaining there.”

The phone rang and Evelyn returned to her desk to field it. Marlena looked closely at the map. She realized the walls held maps of other vineyards that belonged to Grafton Wineries too. It was quite an extensive operation.

When Evelyn returned, she said, “You won’t be imposing. And you might want to see where he lives.” It was a kind statement, not an intrusive one, and Marlena appreciated it.

“Perhaps I should.”

“This office will be officially closed in a few minutes. I can take you up there and introduce you to Peggy Hampton, who takes care of the house and Tommy.”

“Does she live there?”

“No. When Tommy was younger, she spent some nights there, but he’s sleeping through till morning a lot now. Peggy generally goes home when Mr. Black finishes work.”

Marlena couldn’t resist asking, “Did you know Grace well, Evelyn?”

As she puttered around the office making sure everything was shipshape to lock up, Evelyn smiled warmly. “You saw her picture, right? She was an enologist here, and her knowledge of wines and chemistry in general was prodigious. She was widely respected in the industry, and Mr. Black was very pleased when she agreed to come work here. They spent a lot of time together that was at first purely business. But something changed — I’m not sure what, but perhaps it was that she finally disclosed her cancer situation — and they got married soon after. Tommy was born just twelve days before she passed away.”

Feeling sorrow for them, Marlena asked, “What was she like personally?”

“Grace was kind of serious, and Mr. Black enjoyed making her laugh, which he could. She had great sensitivity and always tried to put everyone who came in contact with her at ease. She was a wonderful listener. She could focus on someone and make them think there was nothing she wanted more than to hear their life stories. And it wasn’t an act. She really wanted to know. She did not brood about her own misfortunes. She took life as it came and tried to make the world around her a better place.”

As she was recounting and remembering, Evelyn felt the sadness of Grace’s passing again. “She was only 36 when she died.”

“I’m so sorry. She sounds like a wonderful person, and definitely a woman who would be good for John.”

“Yes, they were good for each other.” Evelyn gave Marlena a thoughtful look and decided to be bold. “I take it that you and Mr. Black were married long before. You haven’t seen each other in years. But you’re still married? I know this is none of my business, but he would not have married Grace if he’d known that. So, he — and you — didn’t know?”

As they left the office, now locked, Marlena nodded. “As I said, it’s a very long and complicated story. But, yes, there were unique circumstances that prevented us from knowing that we were still married. Not knowing this has been a source of great suffering for him, and for me. And for the children involved too. John found out today, so he hasn’t had time to consider all of the ramifications. I’ve known a little longer, but I don’t know exactly how we will move forward yet either.

Marlena unlocked her rental and Evelyn slid into the passenger seat. As they drove slowly up to John’s house, Evelyn said, “My husband, Martin, says this to me sometimes, ‘Planning and living are two different things. God laughs at our plans, so don’t do a lot of planning, but do a lot of living.’ Seems like you two deserve to do the living part now. Maybe not worry about being too cautious.”

As they pulled up before the front of the house, Marlena stopped, and turned to Evelyn. Touching her shoulder lightly, Marlena said softly, “Thanks, Evelyn.”

Chapter 3

Still inside the car, Marlena looked at the house on her right. Its white clapboard shone in the slowly lowering sun. It appeared to be an older farmhouse that had been renovated from top to bottom. Shaped symmetrically and with two large gables on the second floor, it sported a covered porch all along its front. Marlena liked it immediately. Evelyn directed her into the driveway alongside the house that led to the three-car garage.

Out of the way of any incoming or outgoing traffic, Marlena turned the ignition off, and exited the car. Her luggage was in the trunk. She had not brought much, again, due to not being certain that she would even stay one night in Napa. Evelyn offered to help her, but just then the front door opened and John hurried across the lawn’s paver stones to her side.

He beamed at her, gave her a kiss on the cheek, saying, “Great. You’re here. Let me take that for you.” He smiled at Evelyn too. “Thank you very much for your help, Mrs. Kaine.”

“You’re welcome!” she replied. “I’ll be heading on home now, unless you need something else?”

“Nope. Not a thing. See you Monday.”

Marlena realized Evelyn was going to walk back. “Now that I know the way, I can take you back to your car, Evelyn…”

“Oh, no thank you. The walk will do me good. The parking lot is even closer than the office after all.” And she set off briskly.

No longer distracted by a third party, Marlena noticed that John had apparently already showered and changed his clothes. He now wore tan slacks and a soft, white, open-collared shirt. He ushered her into the foyer through the front door. Closing the door, he set down her two bags and said, “Welcome to my home, Marlena. Would you like a quick tour?”

Yes, of course she would. As John pointed out what was where on the first floor, she noticed the open floor plan of the Great Room and the kitchen and the dining room. She got a glimpse into his little office, and found out that two bedrooms were located on the first floor — the master bedroom, along with its beautiful bathroom and very generous walk-in closet; as well as another bedroom across the hall from it with the door closed.

She asked, “Is that Tommy’s room?”

John grimaced a bit. “Well, yes and no. I’m transitioning him into it. Up until now his crib was in my room, but his pediatrician did tell me that I should move him into his own room, so reluctantly, I’m doing that.”

A chuckle escaped her. “It’s not easy taking those separation steps, is it?”

“No.”

“Is Tommy here?”

John shook his head. “Actually, not tonight. I asked his Grandma — Grace’s mother — who lives here in town, to take him tonight. She jumped at the chance because I’m usually jealous of my time with him.”

Because Marlena looked disappointed, John assured her, “Don’t worry, Doc. You’ll see him tomorrow. Ginny — Ginny Collings — will bring him back in the morning — or, I’ll go get him. But I thought it would be a good idea for us to spend this evening alone.” He looked at her. “Is that alright?”

She quickly nodded. “Of course, it is. You’re right. We should talk some more.”

Taking her luggage again, he led her up the stairs to the second floor. There, in a tight configuration around a loft landing were four bedrooms and various sizes of bathrooms. He indicated one of the two larger ones, and said, “I’ll put your things in here, okay? You can choose any room you like, but for now…” The room was light and airy with a full size bed neatly made up and a desk and its chair as well as an easy chair with strong light beside it. There was even a phone on the nightstand by the bed. And there was a bookshelf with a few novels and non-fiction books too.

“It’s very welcoming and comfortable-looking.”

John shrugged. “These rooms have been used by business guests mostly. Truth is, I hardly come up here.” Then he grinned and waggled his eyebrows at her. “But now I’ve got the best reason ever to!”

She laughed and said, “I see you freshened up. I’d like to do the same if you don’t mind.”

“Of course. This bedroom has the largest and best equipped bathroom, so by all means. Dinner — which I ordered — is warming in the oven. So when you’re ready come down, and we’ll eat, okay?”

Touching his arm, Marlena said, “Thank you, John. I won’t be long.”

A short time later, Marlena descended the stairs and crossed to the kitchen and dining area. Before her a table for two had been set meticulously and she could smell something delicious, but she wasn’t able to really identify it.

John looked up from his last-minute preparations as she approached. She had changed into a different dress. Rose-colored, it was also summery light but more tailored than the buttery dress of earlier. And it was modest. He guessed that she really did want to talk. “You look beautiful,” he told her earnestly. She blushed.

He came and pulled out her chair for her. “Thank you, sir.” she said.

Before she could ask, he told her, “A wonderful chef I know did me a great favor, and sent this meal for us. Sole Meunière with balsamic parmesan roasted asparagus and tomatoes and parsleyed small potatoes.” He had plated the food, and he brought it to the table. Then he showed her a bottle of wine that he had opened already. “This is one of our Chardonnays, which will pair very well with the fish” Carefully, he poured the jewel-like liquid into her glass, not filling it very full. Marlena noticed that his hand shook a little. Then he poured for himself, also moderately. He remembered what she’d said earlier about needing a clear head, and he thought they both still needed that tonight.

Sitting down so they were at a forty-five degree angle from each other, he raised his glass. She raised hers. Clearing his throat, John toasted, “To you, Marlena, for traveling here, for bridging the gap, and for reminding me today that one really can’t begin to predict what each day holds. I’m tremendously happy to see you. Salut.”

Blushing again, Marlena echoed his “Salut” and tasted the Grafton Chardonnay. It’s light kick of butter, vanilla, honeysuckle, and a touch of citrus really pleased her palate. “That’s delicious, John.”

He beamed again.

Neither of them had eaten for hours, so they relished the cuisine in silence. When their plates were polished, Marlena praised the meal enthusiastically.

“Would my lady care for dessert? We have fresh peach tart that my housekeeper baked today.

“That sounds very yummy. Would it be alright to wait a little while?”

“You bet. Let me just put a few things away in the kitchen. It might be nice to sit outside now. The temperature is dropping. We have a covered porch in the back too.”

“I’d like that.” But while John was cleaning up, Marlena wandered around the downstairs a little. She wanted to get a feeling for John’s home. Her first impression had been that the place was somewhat impersonal. But she realized she’d been wrong. John had just cleaned up a little. She now saw some of Tommy’s toys stashed behind the sofa. She spied a book John was apparently reading face down on the arm of a chair, and she remembered him doing the same thing in their home back when. She took notice now of the pictures hanging on the wall. The thing was, she didn’t know who the folks in them were. It reminded her sharply that he lived in a completely alien world now; one that she didn’t know and would be a stranger in.

John knew what she was doing, and he was pretty sure he knew what was running through her mind. He went to stand behind her and lightly placed his hands on her shoulders. She reached up her hands and caressed his fingers. Gently John moved her to the first picture. He raised his index finger and pointed at the man and woman in the black and white photo that had probably been taken in the 1930’s. “Those were my grandparents, Stephen and Laura Grafton. They started this winery. There is a very large color painting of them in the wine tasting room, which you can see tomorrow.

After a moment, he moved to another photo, quality color, this time. “That” — he indicated a photo of a man — “was my father, Christopher Grafton.” Next to him was a woman’s picture whom Marlena correctly surmised was John’s mother. “Yes, Mary was her name.”

“When were those taken?”

“In the seventies, after I went missing.”

Marlena stepped up to them to examine them more closely. She nodded. “You have your mother’s blue eyes and mouth and your father’s chin and nose. It’s as plain as day.”

“Yah, that’s what my mother said too.”

Turning to look at him, Marlena said, “So your parents were still here when you came home?”

“No. No, not my father. He died fighting a fire here in 1988.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, since I was their only son, their only child. and they thought I’d died, he had selected someone among his employees to succeed him as president, and that man ran the winery until he moved on to another opportunity, and I took over.”

“You know, Doc, Grace did know my father. She worked here briefly when she was just out of college, and had some interaction with him.”

“What did she say he was like?”

John was sitting on the arm of a chair now and Marlena decided to sit on the other arm.

“Well, she was a young woman then, and he was around fifty. But she said he was always the gallant gentleman. He did his best to mentor her and others who were starting out their careers. He was always working to improve the lot for the vineyard workers too, and she liked that. But he wanted Grafton wines to be premium wines and he also wanted to expand the land on which Graton wines grew. He was very driven by those two aims, she said. She heard from others that he could get frustrated if someone wasn’t giving the winery their best, and he wouldn’t stand for anyone who worked against his drive to make this winery constantly improve. Oh, yes, and she remembered seeing him and my mother dancing at a vineyard party. She said it was obvious they loved each other very much.”

John looked away, suddenly a little overcome. He still didn’t remember a single thing about his first eighteen years here. He was 99% sure he never would. But he was so grateful that his parents had loved each other — while he’d been with them and after he’d disappeared.

Reaching out she held his closest hand, squeezing it in solidarity and understanding.

“But your mother, John. You did see her again, right?”

Squeezing her hand back in a silent thanks, John nodded. “Oh, yes. After I left Salem, I went to St. Louis for a while. There was a former cop there who was now a private investigator, and I asked him to see what he could do about finding out where I came from. Then I sought out another fellow who was an FBI agent in D.C., and enlisted his help. I also contacted Shane, and he too agreed to see what he could do. Abe also checked some things for me. I followed up on some leads myself, and a few months later, the pieces came together.”

Cocking his head, John looked at Marlena’s beautiful face, “I’m sure it must have been scary for you to walk into the winery today. I know how you felt, I think. The same way I felt when I came here over three years ago. I couldn’t — and didn’t want to — talk to Mary Grafton first. So I made an appointment with the fella I mentioned — his name is Bob Harding — who was president here. I came in, armed with all my evidence that I was the long-lost John Grafton. But, I still didn’t have DNA proof. I would need my mother for that. So, I set it all out for him, and asked him to ease open the subject with her. I knew by then that she still had some say about what happened at Grafton Wineries. At the time, I didn’t have the least thought of actually taking up residence or working here. I just wanted to know if I really was John Grafton. Then I planned to go somewhere else — maybe even to the ISA.”

Marlena’s eyes grew wide when she heard that. “The ISA? Oh, John. I’m so thankful you didn’t do that.”

“I know. It was the way I felt then.” He shrugged. After a few moments, he resumed his story. “Bob Harding was naturally skeptical. He didn’t say it outright, but my guess is there were a few other men who had tried to claim the John Grafton identity. Around here, the disappearance and presumed death of — me — was still known by quite a few people. Anyway, I told him I really needed to know, and if he didn’t help me I would have to find another way. A few days later, he called me at the local hotel where I was staying. He said he had given Mrs. Grafton my picture and shown her my evidence. She didn’t care too much about the evidence, but when she saw the photo, she told him to send for me right away.”

“That must have been a nerve-wracking experience,” Marlena observed.

“Yeah, you’d think so. But it really wasn’t. Bob brought me to this house — although, the house was smaller and older-looking then — and before we got to the front door, my mother tore it open, and literally ran to me, calling my name.” John was starting to tear up at the memory, and Marlena’s heart ached for him. She knew if he started to cry, she would too.

Sniffling and clearing his throat, John continued, “She threw her arms around me, laid her head against my chest and cried tears of joy. She burbled, ‘You’ve come home, son. Thank God you’ve finally come home.’ It was kind of like the prodigal son coming back to his father, except it was my mother who welcomed me. Naturally, I started crying too, even though I wasn’t yet sure I was her son.”

Marlena got up, walked to his side of the chair and put her arms around him. “Oh, John, I wish I’d been with you and shared that moment. And I’m so sorry for all your pain in life. God knows you’ve had a terrible helping of it. What a grace it was that you found your family though — your mother anyway.”

John stood and he pulled Marlena properly into his arms, hers around his neck and his around her back. And they held each other like that.

Both calmed, John kissed her nose and said, “Shall we go outside? Maybe have that peach tart now? I can tell you the rest then.”

When they were settled on the porch chairs in the twilight and had eaten the delicious tart, John resumed right where he’d left off. “My mother was 32 years old when she gave birth to me, so she was in her seventies when I met her. We did the DNA tests –” Suddenly, John frowned.

“What is it?” asked a somewhat alarmed Marlena.

“I was just thinking that if there were problems with the DNA tests we had done with the imposter, maybe there could have been some tampering on these tests too!”

“No, honey, I don’t think so. You really do look like Christopher and Mary Grafton. And besides that you have an incredible sense of smell, which surely must mean that you were born into a winemaking family.” She grinned at him.

John laughed at her comment, but sobered quickly. “Still. I think I should do another test.”

“Can you? I mean, both of your parents are gone now, right?”

“Yeah, I have a way.” He shook off his sudden suspicions, and spoke a little more of his mother.

“She was not well when I met her. She was fighting breast cancer. Like Grace, this was also her second fight. She’d been clear for a few years, and now it was back. But she spent hours and hours with me, telling me about my childhood and showing me a great many pictures, trying to wrench some memories of that precious time for her out of me. I failed miserably at that. And I was no better at filling her in on my years from the time I had the boating accident until I met you, Doc. But I did tell her about you and the kids. I told her that incredible story. She’s the only one I told everything to here.

“She told me herself how much she loved my father, and she said to me, ‘John, some people are gifted by God with a surpassing love for one other human being. God gave me your father, and he and I had that kind of love. I’m looking forward so much to seeing him again when my time here is finished. You, John, have been given that kind of love too. I know you feel it is hopeless right now, but God works in His own ways. I believe you will get another chance with your Marlena.’ “

To keep himself from needing more tissues, John pushed himself out of his chair, and suddenly got on his knees before Marlena. He reached and took her hands in his. He looked into her watery (again) eyes. He said, “God is giving us that chance now. How I love you, Marlena. How I’ve missed you. Every day since we said goodbye, my soul has longed for you. I’ve got to take this chance. We’ve got to take this chance!” The fierceness of his determination reverberated between them.

But before Marlena could say “Yes, yes, I agree, we must,” John shot to his feet, and stood looking outward over seemingly endless stretches of vines.

“Earlier you said that I needed to think about the repercussions of finding out about the imposter and Roman’s death, and there’s one thing that’s like a vise around my heart.”

An intense feeling of foreboding enveloped Marlena at those words, because she thought she knew what he was going to say. She rose and went to stand beside him. “What’s that?” she asked in a whisper.

Grimly, desolately he said, getting louder as he punched out the words, “I should NEVER have left you, Carrie, Sami, and Eric with HIM. NEVER.”

He adjusted his decibel level downward but balled his fists in frustration and anger and continued his rant. “I should have stayed, I should have fought for you. I know you told me to go, but I shouldn’t have! I should have been strong enough to to resist the carnal temptations that plagued us. I should have dug deeper into that guy’s past then. I should have had other DNA tests done in absolute secrecy! I left you. I left the kids without ever really saying goodbye or giving them an explanation. What kind of father — even an adoptive father — does that? Not a good one, not a faithful one. I know I hurt them so much by abandoning them. I was the only real father they knew. I had to be their only parent for four years, and then, just like that, I’m saying adios, and leaving them to some man who looks like Roman Brady but seldom acts like it. They have every right to hate me.”

“They don’t!”

“‘I screwed up their lives, Marlena! My weakness, my cowardice hurt them when my duty and my true desire was to protect them and shepherd them forward on their drive to maturity. Did I think about what I was doing to them when I left? Not enough, that’s for damn sure.”

He was pacing the back porch like a ferocious tiger now.

This was what Marlena had feared the most. This bitter recrimination he was visiting upon himself. She had done the same thing herself already. She wasn’t sure she should tell him that.

Stopping in front of her, John beseeched her, “How can we put the family together again when I’ve screwed up so badly? How?”

“John!” she said forcefully. She gathered his still fisted hands and held them between hers. “Listen to me. Listen. I know what you’re going through right now. I know because I felt the same agonizing guilt when I heard the news from Shane. I beat myself up for having told you to go. I honestly thought then that removing you from the equation would reunite Roman (the genetic Roman Brady) with his children and his wife. It never occurred to me that the DNA tests could be faked at so many different laboratories. It never occurred to me that once you were gone, this so-called Roman would consider his mission completed and leave us to fend for ourselves. And even though he did that, I still thought he was Roman and that he had just been so hurt by all he’d gone through in those missing years and by finding out that I had thought someone else was him! I didn’t lay the blame on him, where it should have gone — along with on Stefano too. No, I was too eager to take the blame myself.”

John seemed almost mesmerized by her own rant. And she wasn’t finished either. “I should have called you, John. I should have come to see you when the imposter first started leaving for long periods. When he first moved into the spare bedroom. When he wouldn’t give the kids the time of day. But I didn’t. I was too afraid of what people might think! Can you believe it! I was afraid of scandal, of malicious gossip hurting the children, and, yes, hurting me. It didn’t occur to me that there was probably already gossip with so-called Roman hardly ever being home. I should have acted much, much sooner. But I failed to do so!”

John’s jaw tensed and his eyes went dark with helpless fury. He started pacing again. “It’s not your fault, Marlena. It’s mine.”

“No, John. It’s both our faults, and I still think more mine than yours. But even more it’s Stefano’s fault. It’s that imposter’s fault. It’s even the fault of people who carelessly and mindlessly judge what’s going on in other people’s families.”

She stepped in front of him to stop his relentless pacing. “Please,” she pleaded. “I know this is tearing you up inside. But the truth is, John, that we are all human. We are not perfect. Sometimes I want to be, and I punish myself in all kinds of ways because I’m not. I’ve always thought that you had a better handle on dealing with life more realistically than I. You forgive others so kindly, so willingly. And in our family, you were the one who knew how to deal with the kids on their level without it ever seeming that way to them. They loved that you came to their games, their schools, their events. They loved that you wanted to have conversations with them as well as play with them.”

John shook his head, his face screwed up in denial. “What matters is, I LEFT THEM, MARLENA! And I didn’t come back even when I got some hints from them — not so subtle hints from Sami — that “Roman” was just about completely AWOL.”

“No, John. What matters is that you love them. You truly love them. Eric and Sami are eleven years old! They still have years for a father who loves them to make a huge difference in their lives — in shepherding them forward on their drive to maturity, as you so eloquently put it. You can still do that for them. And as for Carrie, she is married now. But I know that she will still want your guidance about how to handle certain things. She loves you very much. She’s told me several times that she thought you were a wonderful father to her when Roman and I were both gone. ‘I don’t know what I would have done without John back then,’ she’s said. She knows why you left, and she understands, even though she’s missed you. One time I asked her what made you a good father, and Carrie didn’t miss a beat, ‘He has tremendous energy and he will expend it on us. He will help with homework problems, he will listen to my boyfriend travails, he will play cars with Eric and Chutes and Ladders with Sami, he will go to our graduations and the Father/Daughter and Father/Son dinners. He’s there for us because he loves being our father. What more could we ask?’ “

Again, John fumed. “But that’s just the point! I haven’t been there!”

“But you can be again now!”

John was trying to pace again, but Marlena stood in his way. She reached up and took his head between her palms. “John. The world isn’t perfect, as you so painfully know. None of us is perfect. We all make mistakes. We can’t go back in time and correct them after we’ve seen from the future what idiots we were. We can only go forward and do our level best to be good to others and to ourselves.”

Pausing just long enough to get a breath, Marlena added, “When I drove up here this evening with Evelyn she said her husband sometimes tells her that God laughs at our plans for our lives, so we should plan less and live more. We can’t live life like a chess game. Well, maybe Stefano DiMera can, but most of us can’t. We can’t think twenty or even four moves ahead with any level of certainty. We’ve got to do what war commanders do, I think. We’ve got to admit that once the war (life) is in play, all bets are off on plans. Plans don’t hold up to the reality of life on the march. I think Evelyn and her husband are right: we’ve got to live our lives and not think we can anticipate every eventuality.”

John sighed. “I think my brain is fried for the night, Doc. I think I’m all talked out.” He gave her a hug and a light kiss on the mouth. As he did that, he turned out toward the vineyard again and showed her the moon, still waxing, nearly full.

“This is a beautiful place, John.”

“It is that. You know, my mother was born in Napa. She and my father went to the same schools just a year apart. They dated in high school, and then they went to different colleges. Four years later, they returned (because my mother completed all her courses in three years instead of four), and my father started working at the winery full-time, while my mother worked as the high school librarian. They married a year later, but had no children until I finally came along. There were no more after me either. Eighteen years later, they lost even me, and it was just the two of them again. But they stayed here, they lived their whole lives here. Just like Shawn and Caroline Brady or Tom and Alice back in Salem. I guess my point is that rootedness seems to be good for marriages. Problem is, now I’ve got two places calling to me…”

He sighed again, looked down at her. “Guess I wasn’t all talked out yet after all. But now I am.”

Marlena nodded. She knew more talk was pointless right now. She felt at her side for his hand and squeezed it. The night coolness was taking over, and she was ready to go inside.

“I’m going to go up to bed in that lovely guest room, John. I’m still on Salem time, and I need some sleep. I love you, John Black. John Grafton. Roman Brady. I love you.”

As they meandered slowly into the house and through it, John answered, “I love you, Marlena.” Watching her climb the stairs to the loft, he said simply, “Sleep well.”

“You too, John.”

Chapter 4

Marlena’s eyelids fluttered, and she opened them cautiously. Where was she? She closed her eyes and let her brain wake up too. She was at John’s home in Napa, California, and she had slept straight through without a dream or an interruption of any kind. Even at home she never did that. Something always kept her awake: worry or loneliness or revisiting conversations of the day. Maybe she had just been too wiped out to follow her usual pattern. Or, maybe she and John going on a confession spree last night had given her a plateau of peace.

She checked the clock on the nightstand: 7:36. That meant it was 9:36 in Salem. She hadn’t called anyone back home last night. She reached for the phone, but then thought better of it. She had not told her family of her destination, not wanting to raise any hopes that might be dashed. They thought she was at a medical convention.

Getting out of bed and standing at the window, the new day was readying itself for more summer heat. She turned the window latch and breathed in the ripe grape smell of the surrounding vineyards. Today was Saturday and she had no idea what John did on the weekends. But his little boy would be coming home this morning — maybe he’d already been brought back.

Now she was in a hurry to take a shower, get dressed, and go downstairs. Soon she descended the stairs, wearing a pair of flax-colored linen pants, and a white blouse.

No one was up and around. It was just after 8 am now, and she wondered if this was John’s day to sleep in — especially with Tommy away. She weighed peeking into his bedroom, but talked herself out of that. Just then a woman, probably a little older than Marlena, bustled into the kitchen area from behind a door holding a large basket of freshly dried laundry. Seeing Marlena, she smiled and said, “Good morning! I’m Peggy, the housekeeper and Tommy’s nanny.”

“Good morning. Nice to meet you.” Marlena replied as Peggy passed her with the clothes.

“Sorry,” Peggy said. “I’ve got to get these put away. John left you a note on the kitchen counter.”

Opening the folded piece of paper, she read,

“Dearest Marlena,
I left early this morning to do some needed work. Tommy’s coming at 8:30 so I’ll be back by then. If you’re hungry, please help yourself. If you want to wait, we three can go out for breakfast if you’d like.”
Love,
John

Peggy returned. “Sorry about my rudeness just now.”

“You weren’t rude. You were busy,” Marlena assured her. “I’m Marlena Evans.” She held out her hand, and Peggy grasped it with just the right pressure.

Peggy explained that usually she didn’t work on weekends, but during harvest time, even the weekends were work days for everyone here. “They have to get the fruit off the vines at exactly the right time for the type of wine they want to make. And every morning, early, John and others go out and check the grapes. From what I’ve heard, they’re not quite ready to be picked. If they don’t start picking today, I’ll go home when John comes back. He forgot to tell me that Tommy wasn’t here.” She smiled.

“Oh, my. I guess I picked a hectic time to come.”

“Vineyards have their yearly cycles. There’s always something to be done. But there are a lot of good people here professionally doing their jobs. It’s a pretty well-oiled machine.”

Peggy, who was short but stout, with a kind face and a head full of curly, copper hair, started toward the front set of windows. A car drove into the driveway. “”Yeah, there they are. Okay, I’ll get my things and slip out the back before Tommy sees me, so we don’t have any drama.”

Marlena wondered if they were going to come in the front door or in through the garage. They chose the garage, and Marlena waited in the kitchen for them to emerge from the mud room. She was so excited to be meeting John’s son.

John was carrying and talking to Tommy, and the boy was nodding his head enthusiastically as she got her first glimpse of him.

Seeing her, John beamed again — she loved that. “Good morning, Marlena.”

‘Good morning to you!” she replied, all smiles too. He approached, making sure Tommy saw this new person. The boy looked at her, fascinated but a little shy, she thought.

“Hello, Tommy. My name is Marlena. I’m so happy to meet you.”

“Can you say ‘Hi’, partner?” His father prompted him.

Tommy cocked his head, still looking at her curiously. He gave a little hop upward in his father’s arms and sang out, “Da!” Then he looked at his dad and grinned.

John laughed. “Yeah, that’s me, kid.” John gave Marlena a “just wait” look and stepped over near the sofa in the Great Room. He put Tommy on the floor about five feet away. Tommy emitted a self-satisfied chuckle and scooted until he could pull himself up by it and stand there. He turned his head toward his father and shot him another grin. Then he gingerly maneuvered his body around so his back was to the sofa. “Da!” he said again. John knelt down on the floor a few feet in front of him and held out his arms. “Come on, Tom, you can do it. Come see Daddy.”

The little guy was not so sure. He looked a little suspicious of the length he’d have to walk. But he didn’t resort to the easy way and just drop down and crawl again. He steadied himself and then carefully he took a wobbly step and another while his father kept calling him. “Come to Daddy.”

Marlena thrilled at the boy’s steps. He almost fell but he trotted into John’s arms, giggling when his dad tickled him and praised, “That’s my boy! Good work!”

The child stood up holding onto his father, and John slowly maneuvered himself so Tommy only had one point of contact with him, his index finger. John ever so carefully got to his feet, still maintaining that contact. Then he took a tiny step and lightly led Tommy to walk by his side, bent over nearly double to accomplish that. Tommy saw they were walking together and he laughed shyly. John helped him reach another padded chair and as soon as Tommy had touched it, let go, again, praising Tommy. Tommy glowed with pride.

A big grin on his face, John looked at Marlena and said, “Tommy’s going to be walking all over the house in no time.”

She nodded vigorously. Tears in her eyes. John went to her and she said in a choked voice, “There are two incredibly adorable sweethearts in this room. One BEAUTIFUL little son, and one incredibly wonderful big, strong daddy.”

That choked up John too, so he held her close.

Remembering the picture of Grace, Marlena reflected that Tommy looked more like his mother than his father. His hair was her particular shade of honey auburn, and he had her slightly upturned nose. His eyes too were shades of faded green and grey, not blue. But he had John’s lips and, it seemed, his laugh and sense of good humor.

The boy watched his daddy with the new woman. He saw his daddy holding her. He decided he wanted to be held too, so he got himself over to their feet. He decided to pull himself upright with the help of the lady’s leg. And then he looked up at them and raised an arm to signal he wanted up.

Marlena quirked an eyebrow at John — the way he often had done to her. “May I? She asked.

“Sure, if he’ll let you.”

John gave her room to crouch down and carefully pick up the child. John thought Tommy might scream at being held by a stranger. But once Marlena had him, she stood, and Tommy found himself between them. He looked back and forth at them, his eyes following their movements, especially toward each other.

“Hi, Tommy.” Marlena practically whispered. She gave him a big smile and told him what a fine boy he was. Tommy smiled at her and laid his head down on her shoulder where he could look at his dad.

John’s view of Marlena with Tommy made his heart fill to bursting with love. Marlena already loved his son, and he was sure Tommy would love her too.

Chapter 5

Marlena savored the Sauvignon Blanc John had poured. It was a lighter wine than the Chardonnay they’d imbibed last night, but its finish wasn’t as mild. She was no wine connoisseur, but she thought she tasted a hint of peppery minerality along with hints of peach and lime.

It was evening now, and she sat leisurely on the back porch again, waiting for John to return from taking a phone call. She herself had called Shawn and Caroline’s earlier and spoken to the twins, just to check in and let them know she was thinking of them. Fortunately, they didn’t care about her “medical convention” so she didn’t have to dance around that white lie. Asked when she would be back, she said she wasn’t sure, but she’d let them know before she headed home.

On a table nearby sat a baby monitor, and Marlena could hear the regular breathing of a fast-asleep boy. It had been a long, busy day for all of them, and she thought she too would sleep like that when she finally went to bed.

They had gone out to breakfast at a busy diner with great food. Tommy ate cut pieces of his dad’s pancakes with his fingers, and John made sure the boy didn’t make a mess.

Since tourists were overrunning the winery, John said he would show her the tasting and aging rooms later when they closed to the public. They got into his Bronco and went to a park where Tommy could wear himself out, and then, with the child sleeping in his safety seat, John drove around to point out some of the other vineyards that contributed grapes for Grafton wines.

He also played tour guide and pointed out some landmarks in the Napa Valley as they drove. “That’s Auberge du Soleil up there on that hill. It’s a luxury resort, and my friend who made us dinner last night is a sous chef there…over on the left is another food landmark: Gott’s Roadside. The kids will love the burgers, but the place is famous for in-house ranch dressing…and, no, you’re not seeing things — that is a castle over there, Doc. Castello di Amorosa. It’s outfitted with a moat, a drawbridge, and other medieval attractions.”

“Eric and Sami would get a real kick out of that castle,” Marlena agreed.

Once again at home, Tommy was bright-eyed and energetic. After giving him a bottle, John put out a bunch of his toys, made sure all the doors were locked and let him play in the Great Room. There was a playpen, but John didn’t put him in it. Marlena got a couple of chances to hold the tyke again too. Sitting on the couch, with him in her lap, she read him one of his baby books. Every time she finished and closed the book, Tommy grabbed it and held it to be read again. Pretty soon, as she and Tommy turned the cardboard pages together she didn’t have to look down to “read’ the words. Instead, she smiled at John, who was watching them from the kitchen area where he was putting together some kind of meal for an early dinner since they’d skipped lunch.

The meal consisted of green salad, and spaghetti with meatballs. Marlena remembered it well — Sami and Eric had always loved it. Tommy got no sauce, but he ate, again with his fingers, a lot of cut up spaghetti pieces. He could also handle a sippy cup pretty well, although it did fall on the floor from his high chair a few times.

During dinner, they didn’t talk about anything serious. They just chatted about the day’s events so far, and they both talked with Tommy, who would sometimes string together a bunch of sounds in a very authoritative way, apparently telling the adults something very important that they couldn’t decipher.

After dinner, John strapped Tommy into a harness with the child looking forward and they walked down to the now-closed winery center. Unlocking it, and making sure to turn off the alarm, John pointed out that large painting of his grandparents. There was also one of his own mother and father. Both were moving portraits. Marlena wondered whether John had had a portrait painted of himself and Grace. She didn’t ask because there was no such third portrait on the walls.

Marlena had never been on a tour of the inside of a winery, and she was fascinated by the huge wooden wine casks and barrels. But there were also some modern metal ones which, John explained, allowed for a neutrality of flavor. Wooden ones imparted added flavor to their contents, but stainless steel allowed the innate flavor of the grapes to develop.

John also showed her the inside of the laboratory where they experimented with new techniques and new blendings of flavor. This was where Grace had worked for a time.

When Tommy got too restless and started crying, they went outside. John released the boy from his halter and carried him on his arm as they strolled around the premises some more. Tommy eyed Marlena a lot. At times he got shy if she met his eyes and smiled at him. But once he reached out his arms to her. John and Marlena were both surprised. John carefully passed him over to her and, once in her arms, Tommy reached out and felt her hair. He was curious about it. He made more near-word noises. Marlena said, “Hair, Tommy. That’s my hair.” She said it repeatedly, very clearly and touched it too. He peered at her mouth as she pronounced the word. “Er, er, er,” he chanted, delighted. The adults laughed, and John patted his back in encouragement.

Recalling the day, Marlena rose and walked off the back porch into the lawn area which was outlined in a variety of flowers and a solid, board fence only three feet high. Reaching the fence, she slowly turned three hundred and sixty degrees, taking in the fields, the house, the low hills, the fields again. This was a heavenly spot indeed, she thought.

John emerged from the house, and, picking up his own wine glass, came out to her.

“A dollar for your thoughts,” he said lightly.

Smiling genially, Marlena replied, “Just taking in the beauty of this place. I can really smell the vineyard, John. Such a musty sweetness.”

He nodded. “Yes, this place can really get into your bloodstream. It invades and stays.”

They both subconsciously moved along the fence perimeter until they were closer to the baby monitor on the table so they could hear it more clearly.

For a few moments they did not speak, but just inhaled the warm, but cooling, air.

“How are Sami and Eric?” John knew she’d called.

“They’re fine! I was lucky to catch them. They’ve been on the go — one thing after another. They were at summer camp already, and next week, I promised them they could go see my parents in Colorado.”

“Your mom and dad doing well?”

“Daddy is recovering from a triple by-pass. But Mom is doing fine.”

“Sorry about your father. Is he expected to fully recover?”

“We hope so. Daddy’s not exactly the best patient. But he’s up and around, Momma says.”

John began migrating back to the porch, and took Marlena’s empty glass from her. He noted to her as she walked alongside, “You’ve been blessed with loving parents, Doc. It’s really wonderful that you’re still so close with them.”

Marlena smiled with gratitude, “I have been blessed with them indeed.”

Back on the porch, John asked if she would like some more wine, and they both indulged in another half a glass. They sat, as they had the evening before, facing each other.

“It was a wonderful day with you and Tommy, John. Thank you so much for the tours, and for introducing me to your precious son. Thank you for the breakfast and for making your unforgettable spaghetti. I was thinking while we ate it how much the twins always loved that dish.”

“They did!” John grinned. “When they were little they made quite a mess if they got sauce. So Tommy’s going to have to wait for that until he isn’t such a messy eater.” He laughed.

Quiet ensued as they both indulged their memories and drank the wine.

After an interval, Marlena cleared her throat and said, “John. You really are settled here.” She looked at him closely. “When I came to see you, I thought maybe this was just a way station for you. But I see it isn’t.”

John looked down. He then got to his feet and stood at the edge of the porch facing her. “It’s true.” He turned his head to survey the darkening landscape. “I never expected it either, but this winery, these people have a place in my heart.” Leaning against one of the porch posts, he watched her reaction and saw her try to hide from him her unwanted but present apprehension.

“You know, Marlena, last night, in bed, I thought about going back to Salem, about being there with you and the kids again. And on the “ethereal plane” so to speak, I was all gung-ho. But my mind kept churning and kept putting the realities of life in front of me too. And one of those realities is that in Salem, what would I do for a living? I was really good at being a cop. I loved it –”

“I know you did,” she interrupted.

“Yeah.” He smiled sadly. “But you know they won’t let me be one anymore because I’m not Roman Brady. And I’m too old to go to the police academy now and get qualified and all that.”

“John –”

He held up his hand. “Wait. Those are the facts. I can’t change them. And so I’m back to what I’d do. Get a job in some office? That wouldn’t work for me.”

He shifted and continued, “You know, when my mother passed away seven months after I’d met her, I was the main beneficiary of her will. She left me her majority shares in this winery. She left me this house and private property. And she left me all her other investments, which are considerable.”

John paused. “So, technically, I guess I could go back to Salem and not have to work at a regular job. I could support myself and all of you — well, not you, Doc, because you earn your salary — on the tidy income from those investments. And I could do charity work and so on. There’s lots that needs to be done in that area, goodness knows.”

Hearing firsthand from John about his inheritance of more than just the winery, Marlena was a little shellshocked. She hadn’t expected that angle. But she also knew that John was only telling her that in the spirit of full disclosure, not because he actually wanted to live off the investments.

Marlena rose and moved closer to John. “Honey, you and I both know that although charity work is wonderful and essential, it isn’t the primary reason you were put on this earth.”

He looked at her plaintively. “So what is that reason? To run this winery? To be with you and the kids? To do something else I’ve never even thought of?” Before she could reply, he added, “Last night I wracked my brains for an answer to that question. I prayed that God would make my way clear to me. But so far, I don’t have an answer.”

Marlena took his hand. “Perhaps it’s a little early to expect clarity. I turned your world upside down again yesterday, John. While in one sense the news that we are still married overjoys us both, on the other hand, there are practical considerations that complicate the joy.”

Squeezing his hand before letting go, she said, “Hold me.”

Gathering her in, he fitted her to himself and held her. His right hand touched her hair and her cheek. Her arms around him too, they enjoyed the closeness. After a bit, John moved and kissed her gently. Then with more ardor. She responded and they took up easily their old familiar building of passion.

But Tommy has other plans, and the baby monitor broadcast his sudden crying. At first, neither of them really heard it, but Tommy persisted and got louder in volume. Finally, John broke away. “I better check on him. I put him in the other room again tonight, and he’s not really used to that yet.” He went inside. After a moment, Marlena followed. She watched from the bedroom door as John reassured Tommy that even though he was in another room, his dad was not far away. He picked him up, checking to make sure the boy didn’t need a diaper change, and rocked him gently, speaking words of comfort to him and encouraging Tommy to go back to sleep. John put the pacifier Tommy had dropped in his bed back in the boy’s mouth and gently laid him back down in the crib.

Marlena again felt a rush of love for John and Tommy. She stepped back when John carefully backed out of the bedroom. He did not shut the door completely, so they moved away from it before speaking.

John shot her an endearing look. “Children do curtail their parents’ love lives, don’t they?”

She nodded. “Little ones are notorious for that.”

John put his arm around her shoulders and walked with her to the door leading to the backyard. He closed and locked it, oblivious to the fact he’d left the two wine glasses there.

He turned on a soft light that hadn’t been needed earlier in the Great Room, and he and Marlena relaxed on the comfortable couch. He put his feet up on the coffee table and she folded hers under her as she had done so many times in their Salem house. She rested her head against his broad, muscular chest, listening to his heart beat.

“Oh, John. This is another perfect moment in this perfect day.” She snuggled against him even more.

He played idly with her hair, almost the way Tommy had earlier.

After a while, Marlena moved. She laid her head in his lap and looked up at him. She saw the confusion in his face. She knew it wasn’t confusion about them, but about how they could move forward.

“John, I love the Bradys, you know that,” she said, gently rubbing a hand up and down his arm. “But maybe it is time for me and Sami and Eric to make a move ourselves. Maybe Salem isn’t where we’re meant to be anymore.”

John crooked an inquisitive eyebrow at her.

“I mean, I’m just thinking out loud here, and we would have to talk to the kids — and to Carrie and Austin — to see what they think. But I think Napa is actually a larger town than Salem, so there’s that. We’d have to check into the quality of the schools to see whether they should go to public or private school, but when Sami and Eric graduate high school, there are a lot of first-class colleges and universities in California if they want to go here.

“Also, I can obtain a license in this state to practice psychiatry here. I’m not sure how long that takes, but I bet Tom Horton can help smooth the path for me. The kids — and we — can still go visit the folks in Salem, just as they go to Colorado now to see my parents. We’d keep in contact — we’re so fortunate to live in the time of good-quality long distance communications and travel. And the internet seems to be developing pretty fast. It might keep us all connected too.”

“You’ve already given that some thought, haven’t you?” John urged her up so they could look at each other normally. His hand continued to gently stroke her cheek.

She blushed. “Well, as I’ve said, John, I had the advantage of hearing the news about the imposter and Roman before you. So, yes, I have turned over a lot of ‘what ifs’ and ‘maybes.’ The first night after Shane told me, I also spent a large part of it wide awake, churning everything over in my mind. Then, I knew the only thing to do was come and see you. I had to see you here. I had to see how you lived. I had to know what your reaction would be.”

She confessed, “Last night, in your home, I fell asleep almost immediately and I slept the whole night without a single nightmare or dream. It was as if, despite the uncertainties we still have to work out, I was at peace. I finally felt that I could leave my anxieties behind and just rest.”

John reached out and pulled her toward him. He whispered in her ear. “I’m so glad, Doc. Not only for you, but it gives me hope that I’ll get to that point too.

“You will. I have full confidence that you will.”

John pulled back. “But what if Sami and Eric just don’t want to uproot themselves and take a chance on a new life? Kids don’t like leaving their friends or extended family.”

“I think the best way is to bring them out here for a visit. Let them see this place. But more importantly, let them see you again. Get reconnected. Not say anything about moving here yet. They may fall in love with your home just as I have, John.”

His eyes lit up. “You have?”

“Yes. Oh, yes.”

“You know, Doc, it’s more of a rural setting here than in Salem. That’s something you should consider. You’re a lady of refinement and culture…”

“San Francisco isn’t far, John. There’s a concentration of culture there. And Napa’s not a backwater town, right?”

“It’s not backwater, no. Even here at the winery we do have some distinguished guests. But my point is that the grapes are the center of activity. They really dictate what I and the Grafton team do here. It’s not usually glamorous. It’s just following nature and transforming a fruit of nature into the best drink we can make.”

Sitting up flush next to John, Marlena laid her head on his shoulder and held his hand. “Well, we have three choices, right? First, we could go back to Salem and live there. But, from what you’ve said, that may not work for us. Secondly, we could live here. That’s definitely on the table. Thirdly, we could pull up stakes from both Salem and here and find ourselves a new place. But then, the question would be, what would you do there? Every state in the union has some vintners. Maybe it would be a challenge for you to start a new winery? If you sold your interest in your family’s winery, you’d have the funds to do that. Or, you could keep your interest in Grafton Wineries and solicit funding for a new winery from backers. That might be the better idea because, after all, Grafton is your heritage, even if you don’t remember it.”

“Grafton did all right when Bob Harding was running it. I learned enough from him to allow me to take the reins when my mother passed, and he left for greener pastures down in San Bernardino County. I have increased our market share, and many of our wines get higher ratings on the 100 Point Scale now. But that doesn’t mean that Grafton couldn’t benefit even more if I stepped down and hired someone really well-qualified to continue the work.”

John gave her head a little nudge with his. Marlena knew he was working through the possibilities and remained quiet.

“As for starting another winery, I probably wouldn’t. Being a vintner may be in my blood, but until I came here, I sure never had a hankering to be one — at least not that I can recall. I have been content to be president here, but if I gave it up, it wouldn’t be a big loss for me. Having you and the kids again far outweighs any other aspect of my life.”

He sighed. “Still, that brings me back to what I would do…”

“We have time to think about this more, John. You don’t have to do a thing about it one way or the other right now. As you’ve said, you’re about to start bringing in those grapes. That’s got to be your priority right now.”

“Yeah. I’ve got to get up early again tomorrow and go out and check the sugar, acid, and tannin levels.”

“Well, lucky you, John Black, You’ve got me to stay here with Tommy until you get back.”

“You know, I didn’t think of that bonus,” he kidded her. “So, Peggy will be here tomorrow when I leave. And that will let you sleep in a little longer.”

John adjusted his position so she had to raise her head from his shoulder. He looked her in the eye. “That reminds me of something else I wanted to discuss with you.”

“What?” she asked a little anxiously.

“Last night we slept in separate rooms. And tonight I think, reluctant though I am to say it, that we should too…”

Marlena had no idea where this was going.

Taking both her hands in his, John asked, “Marlena, would you please consider going with me to church and renewing our vows? I’d like us to have our marriage blessed before we make love again. And, I can’t speak for you of course, but I don’t think I can wait too long. I put in a call to the pastor and asked him if he would do that for us tomorrow afternoon — if you agreed, of course. And he penciled us in for 2 p.m.”

“Oh my. John. I don’t know what to say.”

“Please say yes!” His entreaty was so heartfelt. “This isn’t a legal step. We’re already married in the eyes of the law. It’s a spiritual one, and also a way for us to exchange rings again.”

“Uh, as you can see, John, I stopped wearing my wedding ring when I found out that Roman at home was an imposter. It was the ring I first received from the original Roman, the same one you put on my finger when we married. It’s at home.”

He nodded. “And there it should stay! We’re renewing our vows, but you should have a new ring that comes from me. As it happens, among the items my mother left me were some pieces of jewelry. Some were hers, some were her mother’s, and some were from my father’s side of the family. There are several gold wedding bands there. If you want to, you could choose one of those — just as a temporary measure. I’ll get you your own new one next week when the jewelers are open.”

He hurried on, “As for me, I still have the wedding band you gave me. It’s in the safe in my room — along with the other jewelry.”

“Are all the wedding rings labeled so you know which is which?” Marlena joked.

John winked at her. “You better know they are. I know exactly which ring you gave me even though I haven’t worn it since we parted. I think it should still fit. It better.” Suddenly he rose from the couch. “Hold on, I’ll show you.”

Before she could stop him, he had bounded out of the room and disappeared into the master bedroom. She didn’t follow him. A few minutes passed before he returned with several small white envelopes. Laying them down on the coffee table, he arranged them so their labels were visible. And sure enough, one was labeled simply “John.”

John said, “Will you come with me tomorrow? We don’t need to be fancy. This is just to renew our vows before God and each other.”

Marlena could not refuse. And she didn’t want to refuse. “Yes, John, I will go with you. It’s a wonderful idea, and I want to do this with you.”

He did what she expected. He beamed with happiness and anticipation. Then he hugged her. Then he pulled the coffee table toward them, and popped open the “John” envelope, sliding the ring out. He slipped it on his own ring finger, and yes, it fit like a glove.

“May I see it?” Marlena asked.

John pulled it off and handed it to her. This ring in her palm brought their August 22, 1986 wedding back to the forefront. For a moment, the memories cascaded in her mind.”

“What are you thinking about? John asked. As if he couldn’t guess.

Softly she said, “You know. So many exquisite memories from our wedding.” She handed back the ring.

He put it back in the “John” envelope and deftly shifted it to the side. The others said, “Laura/Stephen,” “Violet/Henry”, and “Mary/Christopher.” She did not see an envelope marked, “Grace/John,” and assumed he’d left that in the safe. John took the one with his parents’ names and opened it. Carefully, he shook out the two rings. Picking up the smaller one, he gave it to Marlena to try on. It was a little tight. He opened the other two, being sure he separated them on the coffee table so he wouldn’t mix them up. She tried on Violet’s ring — John acknowledged her guess that Violet and Henry were his grandparents on the maternal side — and then Mary’s. Violet’s fit the best.

John took Violet’s ring and put it in the “John” envelope, before he quickly replaced the other rings in their respective holders and whisked them all back to the safe.

Returning to her, he said, “Tomorrow is going to be a spectacular day for us. And” — he waggled his eyebrows seductively — “tomorrow night will be even more spectacular.” He hugged her and they kissed deeply. Then he broke apart and said, “I better get some shut-eye. Maybe tonight I’ll sleep that way you did last night.”

As they went toward his room and the stairs, Marlena said, “Oh, John, I hope so. I hope we both sleep soundly and well.”

Kissing again at the foot of the stairs, they went their separate ways.

Chapter 6

In the morning, Marlena’s first thought, after wondering what she should wear this afternoon at 2 pm, was whether she should call Sami and Eric and see about changing their travel plans. She would have to check with her parents too because they were expecting the twins next Wednesday.

“Eric, would you have Sami get on the extension, please? I’d like to speak with both of you at once.”

When both were listening, Marlena said, “I’m going to fly home tomorrow. But then I’d like to fly out again with both of you.”

“You going to come with us to Colorado?” Sami wanted to know.

“Well, yes, that’s probably going to happen, but first I want to take you somewhere else.”

“Where?” they chimed.

“To California. To see John.”

The twins were stunned into silence. That was the last thing they’d expected. They knew that the imposter Roman wasn’t coming back. And they knew their biological father was dead. But no one had said anything about John to them until now.”

Sami clued in first. “Mom, are you with John now?”

“Not right this minute, but yes, I went to see him.”

When Marlena hung up, her heart was full. The kids were eager to come. Of course, she would have to tell John she was going to be leaving him tomorrow. She hoped to be back with the kids on Wednesday. And that reminded her to call Colorado and postpone that trip.

Then she made a third call to Abe Carver. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, Marlena got down to business. Abe, of course, also knew about the imposter and Roman. Marlena told Abe that she had gone to see John and that she hoped to bring the kids out to visit him in the next few days. Abe was happy for these developments.

“That’s great, Marlena. I hope it really goes well.”

“Thanks, Abe.” She paused. “I want to ask you a hypothetical question.”

Abe laughed. “If you want to invite me to your second wedding to John, count on me!”

Marlena chortled too, thinking that it would be nice to have friends at their vow renewal, but knowing she’d rather do it without them so she and John could resume their married life pronto. “No, Abe, what I want to ask you is whether there is any way that the Salem Police Department would reconsider and let John return to the force?”

“But, Marlena, I thought you weren’t keen on Roman or John being on the force?”

“Well, like any police officer’s spouse, I inevitably worried when they were on duty. Just like Lexie worries for you. It comes with the territory, and I knew that when I married Roman. But the thing is, Abe, John was devastated when he had to leave the force. You know that.”

Abe’s voice held guilt and regret. “Yes, I do know that. I’m sorry he was treated that way. That shouldn’t have happened. But it was the police commission and the police chief who made that decision, not me. And, honestly, Marlena, I’m still not senior enough to rescind that fateful decision. I’m sorry.”

“How about the mayor? Can he order them to reinstate John?”

“Not directly, no. He can ask them to, and they might do it because he requested it, but they are not bound to.”

“But legally, the police commission could reinstate him if it wanted to? What about the chief? Could he do it on his own authority or does he have to get the commission’s permission?

“In order to reinstate John at Commander rank (his rank when he left), the commission and the chief would have to sign off.”

“Abe, is there someone in Salem with the influence to persuade the commission and the chief to do this?”

“Well, you didn’t hear this from me, but former police chief and commissioner Ray Hill just might be able to swing it. He’s retired, but you can contact him. Ask Mickey to set up an appointment with Ray for you and go see him. It can’t hurt.”

“Thank you, Abe. I’m so grateful. And don’t worry, my lips are sealed about your help. My best to Lexie. Goodbye now. I’ll see you soon.”

Marlena readied herself and went down to breakfast.

Chapter 7

John looked at his watch: 8:54. He really was running later than expected. He threaded his way through the vine rows, and back to his Bronco. This was the fourth of the Grafton vineyards he and his team had visited this morning. Good thing the properties weren’t too distant from one another. The others with him had already departed, but he had stayed behind for a few more minutes. He pulled another grape from a vine and tossed into his mouth. Closing his eyes he savored the pop of the taut skin and the juicy flesh. He knew the scientific names for the parts of a grape berry, but, hey, “skin” and “flesh” were more enjoyable ways to think of this fruit for a sensual man like him. Especially today.

Swallowing, he knew again that the team’s collective decision was the right one. They would start picking the grapes in several of the vineyards tonight while it was cool. This particular one though was not quite ready. In a day or two, its turn would come.

As he fired up the Bronco and headed back to headquarters, he knew he needed to stop by the office again first and look at the big board checklist in the conference room. Once the grapes were harvested, the rest of the process had to run without a hitch. The de-stemmers, the presses, the fermentation vessels had to be ready. Those in charge of these machines were expected to update the board promptly with any changes, and he had to check the current status.

Today, being Sunday, visitors were not invited into the tasting rooms or for tours until after 11 am. But the Grafton Wineries visitor parking lot was not blocked off. John noticed a few cars in it he didn’t recognize. That wasn’t unusual. Driving up to his parking space he stopped and got out. Out of the corner of his eye he saw some movement — a figure on foot stopping, partially hidden from view by some shade. A man seemed to be looking at John. The figure disappeared, and John thought he might be headed to the visitor parking lot. He decided to investigate. A little warning bell rang in his head, and he refused to ignore it. He jumped back into the Bronco and turned it into the visitors lot, He would just see if any of the cars were occupied. None were. He saw no sign of the man. Where had he gone then? Something about him had seemed familiar, but John couldn’t put his finger on why he felt unnerved by sighting him.

John returned to his parking space, deciding the little warning bell was just on hair-trigger. The door to the office was unlocked because, he knew, some of the team was inside. John opened the door and entered.

BAM! Lights out for John.

When John regained consciousness and could take stock of his surroundings, he realized he was lying on the floor of a little supply closet in the office building. He had a raging headache. Touching the back of his head, he felt a big knot and some wetness. It was very dim in the closet so he couldn’t tell if the wetness was blood or water. He did not taste it to find out. Slowly he got to his hands and knees, feeling desperately dizzy. He felt until he hit the wall and then pulled himself upright on a cabinet. Clenching his hands and closing his eyes, he fought the nausea. Finding the door, he staggered out into the empty corridor.

Shouting for help to any of his team was his first inclination. But then again, he wasn’t sure if his attacker was still in the building. Perhaps the man (if it was the same man who’d watched him outside) was a druggie who wanted cash for a fix. Maybe he was long gone. John listened and heard nothing. He didn’t think he had the strength to go through the office building, checking each room. He hoped the man was not still there. That he hadn’t hurt anyone else.

His car was closer than his office, and it had a car phone in it. John would call the police. So, he used the wall to steady himself enough to get to the door leading outside. He noticed the door was now locked, but he turned the bolt and unlocked it. Once outside, he saw an empty parking space where he had parked his car. There were also no other cars in the employee lot. Checking his pockets, he had no keys. Damn it! The perp had stolen his Bronco.

Chapter 8

Marlena looked at the Great Room clock: 9:37. When she had taken the liberty of assuring Peggy that she could handle Tommy until John came, it had been 9 o’clock and she and Peggy both thought he would be home again in just a few minutes. But there hadn’t been any word from him. Not that it was any burden to spend time with Tommy. She loved this little one so much already. Tommy was playing with his blocks close behind the couch (where he could easily raise himself if he wanted to) and Marlena was, at this point, wandering around the downstairs and keeping a close eye out for John’s Bronco.

Just then she heard it drive past the house and she assumed John would drive it into the garage and come in that entrance. But she didn’t hear the garage door open. Instead after a little delay, she could see the front of the Bronco through the front window. John had parked it on the street by the mailbox. She only got a view of the car, not John. And then there was fumbling at the front door. Thinking John had forgotten his house key, she went to the front French doors, unlocked them, and before she could open them, the person on the other side jerked the handle down and burst the doors open, propelling Marlena backward.

Marlena gasped.

The doors promptly shut again as Roman the Imposter virtually hurled himself inside, pointing a handgun, with a silencer screwed on it, at her.

Fighting shock and fear, she said in a lethal, low voice, “What are you doing here? How did you get John’s car?” She didn’t want Tommy to hear — and she didn’t want this man to know there was another soul close by.

Roman sneered at her. “I’m here for you. And I stole it, obviously. Come on, Marlena, get the old gray cells working.”

“Roman, or whatever your name is, I’m not going anywhere with you. Why did you show yourself again? You must know a lot of people are looking for you. Do you want to spend the rest of your days in some supermax prison?”

“Don’t worry, DOC, I’m not going to get caught. You’re coming with me. I’ve got orders to bring you to Stefano on one of his islands. You’ll be stayin’ for quite a while. Your bratty kids will grow up without you. Oh, and this time they won’t have John either, I’m making sure of that.”

Marlena felt icy cold as her fear ramped up exponentially. What had he done to John?

Roman held out a pair of metal handcuffs. “Put ‘em on. NOW.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Mr. DiMera said to bring you to him. He didn’t say I couldn’t injure you to get you there. If you want a kneecap blown out, just keep resisting.” He pointed his gun at her legs.

Marlena put on the cuffs and ratcheted them closed, although not too tightly. Desperately she tried to calm herself. She was a psychiatrist after all. She knew something about dealing with disturbed individuals. She had to keep him talking. But she didn’t want to do it inside because she knew any moment Tommy would make enough noise that Roman would discover him. God knows what he would do with the child.

“Alright,” she said heavily. “I give up. Let’s go.” She nodded at the doors.

The imposter obviously wanted to leave asap. But getting her out and across the open front lawn to the car with a gun in his hand would leave him vulnerable. He wished now that he had gone with his first thought — to park the car by the garage and then take her out the back way. But it was too late now.

Backing up, he slowly, cautiously opened one of the French doors. Then moved to the side and gestured with the gun. “Go ahead of me. But don’t try to run, or I will shoot.”

Tommy picked that very moment to raise himself up and make himself visible to the stranger. “Da ma gool ba!” he exclaimed in his loudest baby voice, almost as if he were challenging the invader of his home.

Roman was definitely startled by Tommy’s cry. He grabbed Marlena’s arm and said, “Go get the kid. He’s coming too.”

“No, Roman. He’s not mine. He’s not John’s either. He belongs to the housekeeper. Maybe you saw her leave a while ago? I told her I’d keep an eye on him until she came back. And she is coming back. If we go before she does, you won’t have to worry about another person. Leave the boy here.” She tried to pull him toward the open door. She hoped to God this imposter hadn’t come here better informed about John’ life than she’d been. She hadn’t known about Tommy. She gambled now that neither did Roman.

Making up his mind, the imposter abruptly dangled the Bronco’s keys in front of Marlena. “You’re going to drive.” She grabbed them from his hands, and he shoved Marlena through the open door. He needed to make his get-away with her, and the kid, whoever he was, was a complication he didn’t need. Stefano only wanted Marlena, no one else.

As Marlena stumbled out the door, she caught a glimpse of some kind of bulk to her left, hidden from inside view by the stone door framing and the clapboard siding.

As soon as she was clear, and Roman emerged hastily through the door, that bulk brought down with great force a hefty piece of firewood on the imposter’s gun arm. The firearm flew from Roman’s grasp. And then the bulk, who had become identifiable to Marlena as John, tackled Roman, the two of them falling to the ground like football players in the Superbowl. Their fists flew, both landing blockbuster blows. Marlena tried to pick up the gun, but the two men were struggling too close to it. There was no doubt that the two were trying to kill each other. John managed to get the gun, but he dropped it again when Roman smashed him in the side of his head. Now, both of them had a piece of the gun and were struggling madly for control. Marlena, terrified, danced around them and picked up the log. If she could just get a window of opportunity, she would bring it down on Roman and knock him out cold. But she just couldn’t get that opportunity as the men rolled around chaotically. Marlena heard a muffled gunshot and stared fearfully at the fighting lump that oddly didn’t still. The shot had gone wild, apparently. Their desperate struggle continued, and another shot whizzed right through the open door into the house! Marlena’s blood ran cold. She scrambled and slammed the door shut, praying that the shot just fired had not hit Tommy. She again tried to find an opening to use the wood in her hand.

John, still heavily incapacitated from the blow he’d received in the office building, could not fight at full power, and this was elongating their struggle. Apparently he had not — as he’d hoped to — broken Roman’s arm when he’d sent the handgun flying. Now, he was just trying to do anything he could to knock the other guy out. Suddenly, he had full control of the gun, and he swung it with all the strength he could muster at Roman’s nose. As the sound of a big crack was heard, the imposter let go of John. John pulled himself to his knees and leveled the gun at Roman’s midsection.

“Freeze!” commanded John in a sharp bark that cost him all of the little air he had in his lungs.

Roman, holding his profusely bleeding nose with one hand and propping his upper body up a little with the other, glared malevolently at John and taunted. “Go on. Kill me, John. You know you want to. Go on. Do it. You know if you don’t, I’ll come back again some day.”

John was barely holding on to consciousness. Marlena saw him rocking a little. Fearing that the imposter might see it too, she moved up behind Roman and smacked him on the top of his head with the log. That put him out.

Dropping the firewood, she ran to John and dropped down on her knees. She couldn’t put her arms around him because of the handcuffs. “John, John, are you alright?”

He said vaguely, “Yeah, Doc, yeah. Are you?” He lowered the gun to his side.

“Yes!” she said. “But we have to check on Tommy. He’s inside.”

John managed to stand up and even helped Marlena up. He gave her the gun. “Stand back and watch him, just for a second. I’ll get Tommy and something to tie him with.”

She nodded and he went inside, looking like a drunken sailor. In less than a minute he returned with a drapery cord and securely trussed up Roman.

“Tommy’s fine,” he croaked. “Just a little scared. I’ll go comfort him more in a minute.”

He stood up and produced the handcuff key he’d found in Roman’s pocket. He unlocked the cuffs for Marlena, and they hugged mightily.

They went inside. John, to pick up Tommy and reassure him. Marlena, to call the police. She also called an ambulance. “Let the police take care of getting him treated, Doc.” John said. He had put Tommy down on the couch and sat down himself. He still felt terribly dizzy.

“The ambulance isn’t for him, it’s for you, John.”

“I’ll be okay. Just need to catch my breath.”

Marlena was nervously flitting between keeping an eye on her attacker outside and on her knight in shining armor inside. “No, John. You need to go to the hospital. You probably have a bad concussion.“ She had felt that big bump on the back of his head. “In fact, let me check you out. She took off his leather jacket that served him well in early morning coolness and had protected him somewhat in the fight. Then she saw some blood seeping through his shirt about where his arm met his chest. “And,” her voice wavered, “You’ve been shot, John.”

“What?” he said. “No.” He gingerly shook his head. He really didn’t feel any pain in his body except his driving headache.

“Yes,” she said. Marlena got him to sit again and she carefully pulled away the bloodied shirt from that area. There was a wound, but it wasn’t bleeding much. She found a clean tea towel in the kitchen and put it over the wound, pressing.

Meanwhile Tommy was quite confused. When John sat down again, Tommy climbed on his lap and laid his body against his dad’s.

Marlena heard sirens and told John to hold the tea towel. She rushed outside and made sure the emergency vehicles came to her. Roman had just regained consciousness and he was swearing a blue streak at being tied up. Marlena had also put the handcuffs on him for good measure.

Soon the imposter was scooped up by the officers, and the EMTs came in and put a protesting John on a stretcher and loaded him into the ambulance. Marlena didn’t know where the hospital was. She wanted to go with John in the ambulance but they said she couldn’t take Tommy. Tommy was crying because his daddy was being taken away. “Marlena,” John said, “call Peggy, please. She can get you to the hospital and watch Tommy.”

Marlena did that immediately after they wheeled John out. Peggy only lived about five minutes away by car. She appeared in three. She did drive Marlena to the hospital, and she stayed in the waiting area with Tommy while Marlena went into the emergency room to find out what was happening.

It seemed like forever before a doctor came. “You are Mrs. Black?” he asked.

“Yes, Doctor. I’m also a physician. Please tell me exactly what you found.”

“Of course. We took x-rays of his head injury. He does have a concussion. He did drop into unconsciousness in the ambulance. However, once here, he woke up and was able to carry on a limited conversation. And his pupils were not dilated. So, you’ll need to see if he has any danger signs before you let him go to sleep tonight. But I think the symptoms will go away pretty quickly if he takes it easy.”

The doctor continued, “He has a lot of bruises and contusions. He’s going to have at least one black eye. His right hand sustained a couple of sprains that will be painful for a few days. And then, he was shot in the pectoralis major. The reason there was so little blood was that the bullet entered on its side and did not penetrate far at all. In fact, we were able to remove it in the emergency room with just local anesthetic. His arm should be in a sling for a few days, maybe a week, but as long as the bandages are changed often to avoid any infection, he should be fine.”

“Does that mean you’ll release him today?”

The ER resident, whose name tag she could clearly read, nodded and smiled. “Yes, we will.”

Marlena beamed at him. “Thank you, Doctor Amaso. Thank you so much.”

Chapter 9

The third evening of Marlena’s trip to Napa saw her ensconced in a very comfortable easy chair arranged alongside John’s bed in the master bedroom. Ordinarily, the chair sat facing the same way as the bed and farther from it. But tonight Marlena faced toward John so they could more easily see one another. She was not in bed because John needed rest, and she didn’t want to hinder the fastest possible recovery.

John’s eyes and lips were puffed and discolored. The bandage under his arm revealed only a dab of blood. His pupils were regular, no dilation. Marlena could not hold either hand right now because of the sling he wore on the left one and the tenderness of his right hand sprains The rest of his body was one big bruise too, pretty much. So they contended themselves with this arrangement.

Tommy has spent a good part of the afternoon lying next to John, sleeping. The ragged excitement of the day had worn the boy out, but he didn’t want to leave his dad’s side. Now, though, Tommy was in his own bed in the other room, and thankfully, he seemed to slumber there without nightmares.

They had had to cancel their vow renewal. By the time they got John home again it was nearly 4 o’clock. Marlena asked John for the number and called his priest to make their apologies for not showing up. Once she had explained, Father Cannon offered his prayers and assured her that he would be happy to do the vow renewal with them as soon as they were able.

The police also visited and asked them to give statements. They both provided a rough outline of the morning’s events, but promised they would make formal statements tomorrow or the next day.

Marlena called back Sami and Eric, as well as her parents. Now, her mother would go and get the two kids and they would stay in Colorado for at least a week, maybe more. Marlena assured Sami and Eric that she still wanted them to see John, but she said, not telling the scary events of the imposter’s appearance, that there was just too much going on at the winery right now, and if they waited a little, John would have more time for them.

Both Marlena and John had eaten a light repast just about an hour ago. Now, they sat in genial silence. Marlena wondered if John would just fall asleep. She wondered if she would.

Although John’s fat lip made him sound a little funny when he spoke, he said, “I’m sorry the kids can’t come as soon as planned, Doc. I really do want to see them.”

Marlena yawned, but quickly covered the yawn with her hand so he wouldn’t stop talking. “They want to see you too. They were disappointed to have to postpone it.” She added, “But, I want to be here with you while you recuperate, John.” She grimaced. “You wouldn’t have sustained these wounds if I hadn’t come.”

“Oh, Marlena, don’t blame yourself. I was just inconveniently in his way, but you were the target. Stefano and his henchman, this imposter, are the ones to blame. I just thank God that he wasn’t successful in his evil mission to abduct you again.”

“Thank God — Yes. And thank you, John. If you haven’t come and saved me, I’d probably be flying over the ocean in a private plane, maybe drugged out of my mind.” She shuddered at the thought.

“Well, not to compound worry unnecessarily, Doc, but since the imposter failed in his mission — and will be behind bars for a long time — I can’t help but think we need to be prepared for Stefano sending more men to try to abduct you. We’ve got to keep you protected.”

Marlena groaned. But she knew John was right. Stefano didn’t give up.

John’s blue eyes bored into hers. “What?” she asked.

“I’m sorry that we can’t be together in this bed tonight. This morning when I woke up at the crack of dawn, that was the first thing I thought about.”

Marlena shot him a sexy smile and said, “We’ll have to make do with a little more anticipation.

“Sweetheart, over three years of waiting is too damn long.”

Marlena nodded wholeheartedly.

To get their minds off what they were missing, John told her, “Some of our vineyards will start harvesting the fruit tonight.”

“You have humans pick the grapes, right? Not machines? I’ve seen some machines that pick other types of fruit, but I don’t recall ever seeing a mechanical grape picker.”

“Right. We do it by hand. But you know, some wineries here don’t even have their own vineyards. They contract with growers who have grapes but no processing facilities.

“Does Grafton have contracts like that?”

Sometimes. It depends on what kind of wine we want to make. If it requires a variety of grapes that we don’t grow — or don’t grow much of — we will. They did it more when Bill Harding was here than we do now.”

Marlena asked, “John. If you could freely choose any job available in the world now, what would it be?”

John laughed a little uncomfortably. “Isn’t that a question more for a five-year-old: what do you want to be when you grow up? I’m sure my parents must have asked me that question. Too bad I have no idea what I told them.”

“You didn’t talk about that with your mother when you met her?”

“Sort of. I mean, she did tell me that I loved baseball. And I still do, but I wasn’t quite big league material. And she said, not surprisingly, I played soldier, fireman, cowboy, g-man, etc. with my friends when I was little. She said I talked quite a bit becoming a policeman or a priest in high school. I think she said I wanted to join the FBI during my senior year. I guess I didn’t show a lot of interest in the wine business. Maybe I disappointed my father on that score, but when I asked her, she said he had only wanted me to fulfill my potential, and he was content to let me find my own way on that.“

Marlena chuffed gently. “You a priest? Gosh, I can’t quite picture that. A cop, yes, of course. The FBI? That makes a lot of sense. But it’s hard to imagine you being happy as a priest.”

“I know what you mean. When she told me that, I joked with her. I said, that kid can’t have been me, after all. You’ll have to keep looking. But she shook her head at me, and I’ll never forget what she said: ‘John, God knows you. He knows all your secrets, even those you keep from yourself. God knows why you had that desire when you were young. He also knows why you aren’t a priest now. Just as He knows why you wanted to be a police officer when you were a boy but aren’t one now,’ And I told her, ‘The difference is I was a cop for a while. I wasn’t a priest.’ She nodded and changed the subject.”

“That’s very interesting,” Marlena wondered if there was a message there that neither John nor she understood.

“But now, John, I really would like to know. If you could be anything you wanted to be now, what would it be?”

“Seriously, I’ll tell you. When I die, I want my gravestone to read, “He was the best husband and father. We couldn’t have asked for more.”

Marlena teared up. “Oh, honey.” She couldn’t stop her voice from breaking. “God forbid you need a gravestone — not for another sixty years at least — but you have already earned that epitaph many times over with us.”

He smiled sadly at her. “Thank you for saying that, but I can’t forget my shortcomings. I can’t forget that I skipped out on the family.”

Marlena nodded solemnly, wiping away her tears. “I can’t forget my shortcomings either, John. Maybe that will make us both better people in the future. I hope so.” She added, “Besides, you were there for me today — just when I needed help the most with the imposter. Thank you again so much.”

“Tweren’t nuthin’, Ma’am.”

“Oh, yes, John. It was something. You gave me my life and my future. I will never forget that.” Then she gave him a saucy smile and said, “You wiggled out of my question in the most gallant of ways. But seriously, if you could pick any profession, any line of work, what would it be?”

John ignored his bruised lips and made an “O” with them and blew out some air. “Whoo. You know the answer to that, Marlena. I’d be a cop. I don’t know what else I did during the times I got away from Stefano. I’ve never been able to overcome the block on my memories from birth until I came to Salem. Oh, I guess once in a while I get some kind of image that might be from that time, but those are so fleeting and out of context. I could have been a housepainter one time or a railway steward. I might have gone to sea. Maybe I even enlisted in one of the services but then went AWOL. I don’t have the foggiest. And I don’t know, therefore, if I might have enjoyed any of the jobs I took when on the run from Stefano. But I do have my memories starting when I met you, and when I was your husband and the father of Carrie, Eric, and Sami, and I was a cop. Then, my life was complete.” He wiped his eyes and his upper lip because his emotions were causing his eyes and his nose to run.

Seeing him do that reminded Marlena that his nose had run at their 1986 wedding. She had wiped it for him. She now wiped her own cheeks which had tears on them too.

“This is hypothetical, but if you received notification from the Salem PD that you could return to your position as Police Commander, would you? Or do you think too much water has gone under that bridge no matter how much you loved being a cop?”

“Oh, Doc, that’s so hypothetical that I’m not sure I want to touch it. I can’t imagine that happening after all this time. I made an effort to be reinstated when I was forced out, and my petition was denied. Even though I was good at my job, I had not attended the police academy, completed any administration of justice courses. I had not gone up through the ranks. Roman was a lieutenant, as you know, when I came, so that’s where I started, and then I did earn my promotions to captain and commander. But those earned promotions and my own service record were not enough to offset the rest. I can’t imagine that if I filed a petition again, it would be accepted this time.”

John cocked his head at her and smiled endearingly. He shrugged.

Marlena softly said, “I understand, John. I just wonder. Roman isn’t there. He was when you had to leave. Maybe, things could be different now.”

“I love you for thinking about it. But I’m sure they’ve got someone waiting to come up the ranks.” John yawned.

Marlena took that as her cue and folded the recliner leg rest. She rose. Time for them both to get some sleep. “Okay, Sailor, I’m going to bed. You need your rest, my knight. She leaned over the bed and gave John a kiss.

John looked at her longingly. “You could sleep here, you know. I’m not in any shape for ‘gymnastics’ with you so…” He faded out.

Marlena gave him a sweet look. “I love you! Heal up quick so we can perform ‘gymnastics’ together.” She turned out the light in the room and was guided to the stairs by a fairly strong night light that burned between the master bedroom and Tommy’s room. She heard John’s sigh as she ascended the stairs.

Chapter 10

Two weeks later…

John and Marlena lay cuddled together, legs entangled, in the queen-size bed in the master bedroom. They were alone in the house, and they were making the most of it. Marlena kissed John’s chest and said in a low, post-coital voice, “Now that’s the kind of gymnastics I love, Mr. Black. You get the highest scores.”

John chuckled, “Thank you, Mrs. Black. We’ve still got it, Doc. No doubt about that. And you know what? I bet when we’re twice as old as we are now, we’ll still have it. Because we were meant to be together. That’s a fact.” He kissed the top of her head and pretty soon the fire of love started burning out of control again for them.

The next time they lay together satiated, Marlena observed, “You really are a fast healer, John. Your sprained fingers, your bullet wound, your mega bruises, including your black eyes have all healed. Even your hard head seems back to normal. Thank goodness.”

“Yeah, I’m glad we didn’t go renew our vows while I looked like a refugee from a war zone. Besides, the delay gave me the chance to buy you a new wedding ring.” At the mention of “ring” both of them simultaneously held up their left hands and admired the gold on their fingers.

“It was very thoughtful of you to offer me a wedding ring that had been worn by a woman in your family. I would have been honored to do that.”

John reached over with his left hand and raised hers again. There were the precious symbols of their marriage, together, the way they should be. This time the ring on her finger was not Roman Brady’s. It was his. They both admired the shiny gold.

Marlena said, “I will always remember your words at the vow renewal, John.”

Marlena, my wife, the days of my life are all in your hands. They always have been. Without you, I cannot be whole, I cannot be fully happy. I thank you with all my heart and soul for taking the first step of coming to me so we could reunite our family. Carrie, Eric, and Samantha are my own just as Tommy is. You are the center of my heart and my being, and I will do everything in my power to assure we’re never separated again. I love you more than I can ever express in words or deeds. You are my soulmate, and I pledge to you everything I am and have. Even in eternity, I believe you and I will never be parted.

John responded, “Words are just so inadequate though. Even our passionate lovemaking can’t capture everything we feel for each other. But I’ll never forget what you said either.”

John, when we were married in 1986, I called you “Roman.” Since then so much has happened to us both, but you never left my heart. In fact, you have been my heart since we met ten years ago. It was love at first sight, and I’ve often wondered if even that meeting wasn’t just a reunion. We are one. I am grateful beyond words that you are as eager as I am to reunite — not just with me but with Sami, Eric, and Carrie. I’m also thrilled that Tommy will be joining our family. I love him incredibly already. John, you are my life. I love you with my whole soul, mind, and body. I will never stop loving you.

Marlena took John’s hand and kissed his wedding band. They had actually renewed their vows last Sunday. John hadn’t been completely healed then, but enough so that he just couldn’t wait any longer And they had shared the bed that night. But John’s concussion had given him an especially splitting headache for being so active that day, and he and she had simply slept.

In the first days after the fight with Roman, John had delegated his work to his team, getting many reports from Evelyn and others who trooped or drove to the house to speak with him in person. Part of him felt he was letting the winery down by being laid up, but another part of him wasn’t so concerned. Grafton Wineries had been the main feature of his life these last three years. Even when he and Grace married, they both still spent long hours at work. In that first week, having Marlena back, and looking forward to when he would see Sami, Eric, and Carrie again, the needs of his winery were not uppermost in his mind any longer.

“What are you thinking about, John?”

John came back to the present. “Oh, sorry, Doc. Didn’t mean to fade out on you.”

Tucking her head more closely into his side that hadn’t been shot, she replied, “No worries. I’d really like to know.”

“Well, I was just noticing that the winery isn’t my whole life anymore. You’ve changed that.” He kissed her hair. “I don’t think I can give it the kind of attention that I used to.”

“And you feel a little guilty about that?”

“Ah, Not sure ‘guilty’ is the right word. But I want to do the right thing to make sure this winery flourishes. A lot of people are employed in the winemaking industry. A lot of them here at Grafton. I need to make sure it’s got the best leadership I can find. Somebody who will give it that full-time attention again.”

“Do you have someone in mind?”

“There are a couple guys who might be really good candidates. One works for us already. The other one is a competitor.”

“John, I don’t want you to make a decision in haste that you might regret later.”

“I know that. I don’t feel any pressure from you, sweetheart. This is me, rearranging my priorities.” He paused. “And you know, it’s so wild. Just over two weeks ago, that Thursday, it was just another busy day at the winery. Then, Friday afternoon, you walked into my office, and, baby, it was a whole new ball game.”

John looked at his watch. “I guess we should get up. The gang will probably be back pretty soon.”

“Mm-hm.” Marlena raised herself on her elbow so she could look at John’s face. Laughing she said, “Little Tommy sure is getting a lot of attention and stimulation with all his new brothers and sisters. It’s so sweet how he’s taking to it.”

Grinning, John raised his head and kissed her loudly. “At first he was so shy, peeking at people and then hiding his face when someone met his eyes. But it didn’t take him long to start relaxing and going with the flow.”

“Well, John, you’re a people person. It’s looking like he is too.”

They started climbing out of bed…

Chapter 11

Four days before that…

John couldn’t stand still. His nervousness caused him to pace and he constantly kept his arms in motion from one position to another.

Freed of the sling, his wounded arm still ached, especially since he’d stopped taking pain pills yesterday. And Marlena had persuaded him to let her carefully apply a smidge of concealer on his face where a few black and blue bruises hadn’t yet faded completely on their own. She’d done it expertly, and she was sure no one looking at him would be the wiser. Generally, though, he was in good shape. The headaches and dizziness had abated, and the goose egg his head had sustained had shrunk to nearly being undetectable. He was putting in regular hours at work.

At present though, they were both staring at the exit door where Flight 117 from Denver to SFO would be deplaning passengers any second now.

Marlena’s dad had intended to fly with Sami and Eric, but he’d sprained his ankle yesterday and had to stay home to nurse it. Marlena’s mother offered to come instead, but, when this was discussed on the phone, Sami and Eric said they’d be fine if she just put them on the plane. Marlena and John reluctantly agreed, knowing they would be at the other end of the flight.

Marlena smiled sympathetically at John, understanding his jitters. She put a comforting arm around her fidgeting husband. “Honey, it’s going to be fine. It’s going to be great. You’ll see.”

He looked so vulnerable.

The door to the jet way opened. But no one emerged. Finally, a woman with a baby walked out and into the arms of her husband. Then a man who was probably 95 if he was a day was wheeled out by a flight attendant. Next came another cabin attendant in her blue uniform accompanying two children — Sami and Eric.

John and Marlena surged forward. The kids caught sight of them and pointed them out to the woman by their side. In a moment the kids were enveloped in hugs and kisses, and they gave as good as they got. Everyone spoke at once in greeting, and then Sami began crying. That started John off. Marlena and Eric laughed instead, and a hodge podge of emotion spilled over with their joy. As a huddled group, they maneuvered out of the traffic stream, halting for a minute by the giant windows that revealed the plane the twins had just exited.

John declared, “I’m so happy to see you both. I’ve missed you something fierce.” He was about to brush away the tears on his face, but Marlena beat him to it, and, with a tissue, very delicately dabbed his cheeks to prevent the bruises from showing.

Eric hugged John again. He didn’t mind speaking for Sami, “We missed you too, So much.”

Sami wiped her eyes before Marlena could give her a tissue. “So much,” she echoed.

Marlena’s smile couldn’t have gotten wider. She hugged the two again and said, “We’ll have plenty of time to talk. But let’s get your bags first, okay?”

It was hurry up and wait at the baggage claim and the family chattered excitedly. Eric noticed the shining rings on John and Marlena’s fingers. “You’re married!” he exclaimed.

John and Marlena put their arms around each other’s backs. They both smiled broadly, and Marlena said simply, “Yes.”

Sami, round-eyed, said wonderingly, “That was fast!”

Marlena gave each of the twins a loving look. She had not explained the legal situation to the twins before she went to see John. “Not really,” she said. “I promise we’ll explain it all to you when we have some privacy.” She didn’t want to tickle any eavesdropper’s ears with the details of their unique situation.

John asked the two about their visit with their grandparents in Colorado, and they were content to tell some stories, including how their grandpa hurt his ankle.

Once in possession of the luggage — none of which was lost in transit — they proceeded to short term parking and climbed into John’s Bronco. It was 1:43 pm when they left SFO, so at least the traffic wasn’t horrible. Estimated time to reach Napa: about an hour and 15 minutes.

Sami said, “We don’t know much about where you live.” She paused. “Um, And what should we call you?”

Marlena saw that the driver, her husband, was a little choked up by that question. She said kindly, “What would feel comfortable to you, Sami and Eric?”

Eric didn’t hesitate. “We always called you ‘Dad.’ Can we again? If you’re married, that’s okay, isn’t it?”

John cleared his throat and glanced up at the rear view mirror to catch a view of the twinners in the back seat. “It would be VERY okay!” he said huskily.

Marlena touched his arm, understanding his emotion. She was so happy! She shifted around in her seat to look at the kids. “That would be wonderful,” she told them.

Sami smiled and said, “Okay, Dad, we don’t know much about where you live….”

“Sami and Eric, I live on a combination vineyard/winery. We grow the grapes and then press them into juice which ferments in barrels, for a year or two or more. When it’s time, we sell the wine.”

“Like Gallo?”

“Yes, but we’re after a more refined palate.”

“You mean you make better wine.” Sami said knowingly.

“Bingo!” John laughed.

“Do you have animals? Horses?” Sami had been on an equine-loving kick recently.

“No, afraid not. Horses and grapes don’t mix so well. Horses need good pastures. But if you want to go riding, Sami, Napa’s got some good stables and some great open areas and horse trails all over.”

“Do you have a dog?” Eric asked.

“Nope, sorry. For most of the last three years I’ve been pretty busy with the business. There are a few pretty tame barn cats around the winery buildings. You’ll probably run into one or two. But no dogs.”

Checking his rear view again, John saw that Eric looked a little crestfallen, so he continued, “But, hey, maybe soon a dog will fit into all our lives. You’d like a dog, Eric?”

“Yes!” he said firmly. “A beagle or an English Springer spaniel would be great” He quieted, “But Mom didn’t think one fit into our lives either.”

John shot a sidelong glance Marlena’s way. “Think you might change your mind?”

Marlena smiled. “We’ll see.”

John asked them, “Do you have any pets? A hamster or a turtle, maybe?”

“We hatched some chicks for a school project last year,” Sami informed him. “That was quite cool.”

“But we gave them to a hatchery when they were a couple weeks old. They were getting kind of stinky,” Eric said.

“Do you live close to the ocean?” That was Eric again.

John replied. “The distance to the coast from Napa is about the same as from the SF airport to Napa. That’s a big difference between Salem and Napa — going to the ocean is doable here. Muir beach is one. Or Salmon creek another — often sea lions sun themselves on a little bar of sand there. We’ll be sure to take you. Other natural sites to see are the Russian River, and the Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga (almost a suburb of Napa), and so on.”

“Do you like it here, Dad?” Sami asked.

How John loved hearing that word from the twins! He took a moment to savor it before responding, feeling emotion beginning to well up. Marlena thought the words might be stuck. But then he spoke, “This is a good area. I was blessed to be able to come here. But the fact that you twinners and your Mom weren’t here meant it could never truly be home for me. Because my true home, I am convinced in my heart and soul, is inside this family, wherever we may be — as long as we’re together.” John’s voice cracked and he said no more.

Marlena stepped into the breach. She turned again to gaze at her offspring. “And our family is a little bit bigger now too. When we get to Napa, you’ll be able to meet Tommy, John’s son.”

“Wow,” Sami breathed. “How old is he?”

“Almost ten months,” John said proudly.

“Does he walk and talk yet?” Eric wanted to know.

John chuckled. “He’s working on it. He’ll be toddling around daring people to catch him any time now. But really talking will take longer. He babbles right now.”

Marlena added, “Tommy does say ‘Da’ to John already. And I’m sure once he gets used to you, he’ll bring you his books to read — over and over — to him. He’s still a little young, but, Eric, he’s got some big cars he can’t swallow, so you can play race driver with him.”

Then Eric said the sweetest thing, “Hey! A little brother! After only having sisters around, I’m cool with that.”

John beamed. “It’s tough on us guys when the ladies outnumber us, isn’t it?” he commiserated.

Marlena chuffed at that. “Well, now you ‘guys’ will have the majority for a change. Just don’t get too puffed up about it, or we girls will have to depuff you,” she kidded.

They continued their happy chatter until they reached Napa Valley. Then Sami and Eric looked out their windows ready for John to turn into the winery.

As they drove through the Napa Valley, Erik noted, “There sure are a lot of grape vines here. Do you like making wine?”

“You know, I do. If anyone had told me I’d be a vintner some day back when I was a cop in Salem, I’d have had a hearty laugh. But it is satisfying to make a product from the fruit of the earth that so many people enjoy.”

“But wine tastes kind of sour,” Sami said. “I’d rather have a Coke.”

Marlena laughed. “Wine is meant for an adult palate, I think. But even for adults, it can be an acquired taste.”

Sami and Eric saw the sign at the same time. “Grafton Wineries.”

Sami spoke again, “So, I’m confused. Your family’s last name is Grafton, Dad?

“Yup.”

“Okay, but you’re still using Black as your last name?”

John chuckled good-naturedly. “Yes, that probably is confusing, Sami. Well, you see, when I reverted to John Black as my name in Salem, I had it made my legal name again. When I found out that I was born John Grafton, I made the decision not to change my legal name again. I was kind of done with name changes.”

“Oh, okay,” Sami said, “That makes sense.”

John pulled into the drive. He indicated what the various buildings were as he slowly navigated, always aware of the visitors who could pop up right in front of him any moment. Sami and Eric craned their necks and twisted from looking out one side to the other. Then John drove up the private driveway to the house, stopping in front of it so they could see. Marlena thought it’s only been 13 days since I saw the house for the first time, but it feels like it’s always been home because John’s there.

“Wow — it’s big,” Sami breathed.

In a minute or two they exited the Bronco inside the three-car garage, and everybody took some of the kids’ luggage. When they entered, Peggy and Tommy were not to be seen. But the doors to the backyard were unlocked, and John saw them outside. Tommy was playing with some toys in a shady spot. John put down what he carried and told the family, “I’ll give you a tour of the house in a bit, but come outside and meet Tommy.”

The twins followed him and Marlena. Peggy got up from the chair where she’d been reading and smiled in welcome. “Hello!” John introduced her to the kids. Meanwhile Tommy saw his Dad and the new people. He tried to hoist himself up on his legs, but there was nothing close by to hold onto, so he promptly sat down again. “Da!” he cried, grinning.

John strode over and pulled his son into his arms. “Hi, buddy! Did you have a good time with Peggy today?” Tommy gurgled and touched his father’s face. But when the rest of the group approached them, he put his fingers in his mouth and laid his head against John’s shoulder.

John gave him a reassuring squeeze and said, “Sami, Eric, this is Tommy. Tommy, meet Sami and Eric (he put his free hand on their shoulders to identify them for Tommy), a new part of your family.”

Sami grinned at Tommy. “Hi.” Sami had long, straight, blonde hair, and Tommy was fascinated with it. He reached out a little hand and touched it.

Eric said hi also, but Tommy focused on Sami. So Eric surveyed his surroundings, telling John, “Nice big backyard — a lot bigger than ours at home.”

“Sometimes it’s too hot to take advantage of it,” John replied. “But today — maybe in honor of your arrival — we got a little reprieve.” He gently disengaged Tommy from Sami’s tresses. “Let’s go inside, and we’ll show you where you can put your things,” he told the twins.

Peggy said her farewells for today, but the rest of them, after a look around downstairs, trooped to the second floor. “You can each choose a room.” John nodded at the larger ones first, then the two smaller ones. “Oh. When Carrie and Austin get here, they should probably stay in one of the larger bedrooms, so be prepared.”

“This is a big space,” exclaimed Eric. “If you put a kitchen up here, it could be a separate residence.”

“Good thinking. Except there’s no separate access to the outside, other than the fire ladder, of course.”

Sami was curious. “Why do you have so much room? Wasn’t it just you and Tommy when Mom suddenly showed up?”

Both Marlena and John smiled. “It was. These bedrooms up here were for guests — mostly business guests before, Sami, but now they are being put to much better use — you two!”

Marlena pointed to the bedroom she’d stayed in. “I can vouch for that room. I slept very soundly there when I first came here.” Sami called dibs on it. But Eric surprised them all by choosing the smaller room across the landing from Sami. “Then we won’t have to argue about which of us is going to give up their room to Carrie and Austin.”

Marlena hugged her son, and then went to hug Sami again also. “I’ve missed you both!”

Tommy was still in John’s arms, and before John could set the suddenly fussy little fellow down, he went to the top of the stairs and set the baby safety gate in place. Moving back into the loft common area, he put Tommy on the floor by the little couch there. Tommy pulled himself up and surveyed all the people with his dad. Sami went to him and held out her fingers to him to grab. “Want to walk a little?” she asked.

Tommy looked quizzically at her. Then, leaning against the couch to keep his balance, he raised his arms. “Pah!” he said firmly.

John grinned, “He means, “Up!” He continued, “Here, Sami, sit down on the couch, and you can hold him if you’d like.”

She did, and John put Tommy on her lap. Of course, Tommy again went for Sami’s hair.

“Does he do that to you too, Mom?” Sami asked.

“Yes, but since mine isn’t so long, he doesn’t have so much to pull and play with.”

Eric said down next to Sami and Tommy. “My hair is short so he won’t do that with me.”

Marlena produced one of Tommy’s books which she’s snagged on the way up here. “Would you like to read to him, Eric?”

Sami carefully transferred the little boy to Eric’s lap, and Eric read. Tommy kept switching between checking out the familiar book’s pictures and checking out Eric.

John put his arm around Marlena. “Now there’s a picture to behold,” he said, happiness just coursing from him.

Chapter 12

Two days later, Carrie and Austin arrived, driving themselves from the airport, and Tommy’s family expanded again. Carrie was overjoyed at the John/Marlena reunion.

Hugging them fiercely, she said, “Oh, John, Marlena, it’s wonderful to see you together again. And, John, I’m so happy to see you!”

“I’m so happy to see you too, Carrie. I’ve missed you. I’m sorry I wasn’t at your wedding — but then, again, no one was since you eloped, right?. But from the looks of you and Austin, the two of you are crazy in love, and that couldn’t make me prouder or more thankful. Your happiness means the world to me.”

She hugged him even harder. “Thank you, John. The truth is, our wedding wasn’t complete without you there. In fact there’s been a big hole in my life since you left. Now, that empty space is full again with your presence.”

“Same here. No one but you can fill the special place that is always yours in my heart, Carrie. I loved being your dad. And even though you are a married woman now, if ever you need me for anything, I’ll be there for you. You have always been part of the Brady family. You are a Brady. I’m not, but Marlena and I are re-building our family, and you are an integral part of that family. Whether we’re here or in Salem or somewhere else, you and Austin are always, always welcome any time, day or night. Our home is your home. Our time is your time if you need us.”

Chapter 13

One day ago…

John and Marlena were both in his winery office. They were on a conference call with Mickey Horton about some legal questions..

Prior to that they’d called Abe. Marlena had told John about her conversation earlier with his former police partner about options for his being reinstated on the Salem PD. The three had talked over the possibilities again, including the idea of contacting Ray Hill.

As soon as they concluded the call with Mickey, which had ended also with a brief discussion about possibly setting up an appointment with Ray Hill, Evelyn buzzed. “Sorry to interrupt, Mr. and Mrs. Black, but Father Cannon and Father Rossini are here and would like to speak with you, Mr. Black.”

John didn’t know any Father Rossini, but he gave Marlena a “I-don’t-know-what-this-is-about” look and bid Evelyn to show them in.

Walking toward the door, John greeted Father Cannon, who was a good friend of his. “Mike, good to see you.”

Introductions were made all around.

Mike Cannon explained that Father Rico Rossini was the brother of his own brother-in-law. “He’s in town for a spell, and he and I were catching up a couple days ago, and I told him that I had had the pleasure of presiding at the renewal of your vows. I ended up telling him some background about your very unusual story, John and Marlena. I also mentioned the intruder you had at your home and the article in the paper about that.” Mike looked at Rico.

Rico Rossini nodded. “I saw a copy of the paper and saw the photo of you, John — may I call you John?”

John said, “Of course.” He had no idea where this was going.

Father Rico continued, “ When I saw your picture, I thought No, it couldn’t be. But now that I see you in person, I think it is you.”

Marlena said, “Is who, Father?”

Father Rico explained, “In the late 1970’s and 1980, I attended St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, New York. There was a fellow seminarian there by the name of John Gardner. I knew him quite well. We were good friends, in fact. Just before the class that both he and I belonged to was to be ordained, he disappeared, and was never heard from again.” Father Rico said, “I think you were that man, John.”

John shook his head. “I think you’re mistaken, Father.”

Father Rico answered, “Mike told me that you don’t remember anything before late 1985, so I understand your skepticism.” He had a gray folder with him that he held out to John. “I got St. Joseph’s to send me the picture of John Gardner it had in its records, and also copies of a couple from the year books too.”

Marlena stood by John’s side, waiting for him to open the folder. After a moment’s hesitation, he did. Both he and she remembered what he’d looked like when he first came to Salem. Although a doctor has claimed John had had plastic surgery, they later knew that wasn’t true. So. when they saw the face of a man obviously younger but with the same basic facial features, they both involuntarily gasped.

John gave a pained smile and shook his head, more in defeat than in denial. He said, “This doesn’t jibe with what I’ve been told. How long did you know John Gardner? Did he ever disappear earlier?

“No,” Father Rico said. “He was there the four years I was. But, he never went home to visit his family because he said he didn’t have any that he knew of. And once in a while if we were out somewhere, he’d get a little paranoid. He worried about people following him.”

Marlena asked, “Was he the same height as John is now? Did his voice sound the same? Did he like baseball?”

Father Rico said, “It was a while ago, but yes, I think he was the same height. I remember standing and talking to him, so I recall pretty well how tall he was. And, of course, that could be checked in physical exam records at the clinic where seminarians were treated if they injured themselves in sports or something.

“Yes, his voice was very similar, if I remember correctly. And, yes again, he was a big baseball fan. He loved to play on the seminary team.

“You know, St. Joseph’s would probably allow you access to John Gardner’s seminary file if you asked, John. You might have to go there in person though.

“I’m sure this is a shock to you. To both of you. Mike here told me that you, John, have not expressed any interest in taking a role in the Church. I mean not as a permanent deacon — they are usually married — or anything like that. So, it seems that whatever happened to you when you disappeared really caused you to entirely forget that part of your life too.”

“Yes, everything before I came to Salem in 1985 is a blank to me. Even when I discovered that I was apparently born John Grafton here in Napa and was reunited with my mother after about 24 years, I still didn’t remember anything about my childhood. As I told Marlena, my mother told me all sorts of things about the first 18 years of my life, but she couldn’t break through my memory barrier.

Father Mike asked, “Did Mary Grafton show you pictures of yourself from your childhood, John?”

“Yes, she did. She had quite a few,” John admitted.

“So, when you look at those – especially, let’s say your high school graduation picture — and compare to what you see here, are they a pretty reasonable match also — like the photos Rico brought? I mean if it was you at St. Joseph, you were in your later twenties by then, but…” he trailed off.

“Yeah, Mike. I know what you’re saying.” John wanted to give the folder back to Father Rico, but the priest waved it off and told him he could keep it. John glanced at Marlena, and added, “I haven’t had the chance to show the childhood pictures to my wife yet. But, I have to admit that when she sees them, she will probably see, as I do, the physical similarity between the various pictures of my younger days and the ones in this folder too.”

Marlena decided to be a little bit bold, “I think one of the reasons for caution is just that the criminal who was responsible for wiping John’s memory — Stefano DiMera — is famous — infamous — for playing vicious games with people’s lives. So, it isn’t that John or I doubt you gentlemen. It’s just that neither of us is certain that he might not be playing another game here.

“This criminal has been known to place ‘body doubles.’ I know that sounds incredible, but it’s true. So, please forgive us both if we are not sure what to think.”

Father Rico nodded. “Mike told me that you’ve both been the victims of some very cruel machinations. So, yes, of course I understand. And please forgive me for springing this on you so abruptly. I have to get back to my parish in upstate New York tomorrow, so I prevailed upon Mike to come with me to see you before I went back.

“John, I’m pretty sure you were the friend I knew back then. I’m really glad to see you again. Maybe we’ll have the chance to spend some more time together.”

After a little more conversation, John shook hands with Rico Rossini and also with Mike Cannon, and they left.

John and Marlena sank down on the office couch together. They didn’t speak for quite a while as they both tried to wrap their minds around what had just happened.

Finally, Marlena said, “Your mother did tell you you wanted to be a priest and a cop when you were a boy.”

“Yes, that’s what she said.”

“Okay, so maybe what happened was that the first time you got away from Stefano, you went to college somewhere under some alias, and then Stefano pulled you in again, but you escaped him again and went to the seminary. And he didn’t find you again for another nearly four years”

“Could be, Doc. That guess is as good as any.” He rubbed his slightly raspy cheek. “Well, if that John Gardner was me, my mother was right about me having a desire to become a priest. She can’t have known anything about me at St. Joseph’s though because she thought I was dead then.

“But, you know, God knew what He was doing in preventing me from being ordained. Maybe back then I was okay with celibacy, but once I came to Salem and met you, sweetheart, the married life was what I wanted.”

“But maybe you should go visit that seminary, John, and see what they can tell you. Maybe their records would be valuable in some way to you. Maybe they would lead you to other people who knew you before 1985.”

“I don’t know. Right now, it just seems like an unwanted complication to me. But maybe after this grape harvest, and after you and I decide what we’re going to do and where we’re going to live, I might give that trip some more thought.”

Marlena put her head on his shoulder and hooked her arm through his. “I guess we have to prepare ourselves for unanticipated events in your past coming at us from out of the blue.

“Stefano is still out there, and not only do we have to be on the lookout for kidnapping attempts on me (or, God forbid, the children), but we have to be vigilant for any kind of new plot he might instigate against you.

“I love you so much. I thank God every day for giving us to each other. And especially, giving us back to each other now.”

John touched her chin and guided her lips to his. Afterward, he smiled and said, “Ditto.”

Chapter 14

Today! Back to when they started climbing out of bed…

Actually, fast-forward to evening. The entire family gathered around the dining room table, and they ended up devouring a feast of three different kinds of Mary’s pizzas. Laughing and joking came easily. Stories were told. Everyone relaxed and had a wonderful time.

Austin fit in easily, and Carrie and Marlena shared a private laugh when they heard John calling him, “Kid.” They remembered that’s what he’d called every young teenage boy whom Carrie had dated. Sami, meanwhile, looked at Austin all dreamy-eyed, her crush still in full swing, but Austin only had eyes for Carrie, and didn’t even notice.

Then fast-forward again to later at night. Everyone was tucked in their beds. And in the master bedroom, John and Marlena were lying together reviewing the day.

“They all love it here, John.”

“Yep, it seems so.”

“Letting them help with the wine harvest was a great idea.”

“Glad they enjoyed it. The harvest is going to continue for several more weeks at least.”

John seemed distracted to Marlena. She asked, “Is there something else on your mind, John?”

“Actually, yes. I didn’t want to mention it in front of everyone, but this afternoon, after we got up and they all returned to the house, I got two pieces of news.”

Marlena moved so she could look at her husband. “What were they?”

“One was the results of another DNA test I had done to verify my Grafton parentage. They put a rush on it for me. It confirms that I am Christopher and Mary’s son.”

“That’s good, John. That gives you another layer of reassurance.”

“Yes, I’m glad. But, to tell the truth, I’m not entirely convinced that even this newest, very secret test is completely reliable.

“With the DNA test experience we’ve had, I totally understand.” Marlena nestled closer, “What’s the other news?”

“I got a letter, via fax, from Norman Burns. He and I were on the force together. Now, as I’m sure you know, he’s the Salem Police Chief.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he’d heard I was still interested in returning to policing, and he has a proposition he wants to talk over with me.”

“That’s all? He didn’t give any specifics?”

“That was it. He said he would come and see me here in California if I was agreeable. This coming Wednesday, in fact. He’s not making the trip just to see me, he said. He’s got family in Sacramento.”

“Rather cloak and dagger, isn’t it? I mean about the letter being so vague. But hopefully something good?” Marlena was having a hard time determining whether John was excited about this development or not.

“Sure, it could be really good. But I’m not sure where this is coming from.”

Marlena conceded, “The timing is strange. We only talked to Mickey about the possibility of meeting Ray Hill yesterday. Nothing’s been set up yet.”

John scratched his head. “Maybe Abe talked to Hill. Or perhaps he talked to Norm. Then again, maybe not. Abe and Norm were not really buddies.”

“I don’t know,” Marlena answered. “But, John, this is positive, right? You might be able to be a cop again.”

“I’ll have to know exactly what Norm has in mind before I’ll have any idea if it’s right for me.”

“Of course. That makes complete sense.”

“But,” he said, “Thank you, Doc, for making the inquiry with Abe in the first place, and then talking to him again — as well as Mickey — with me. I know you want to help me, and I appreciate it.”

Marlena kissed him lingeringly before saying, “I definitely don’t want to overstep, John. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to fight your battles for you. I know you are completely capable of doing that yourself.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I know your intentions are pure.” John grinned at her.

“Well, Mister, my intentions are not “pure” right now.” Marlena kissed John again more lasciviously, and that diverted them both from this conversation.

Before they finally fell asleep though, Marlena did kind of sum things up, speaking drowsily in love-softened, mellow tones, “John, you have options — more seem to be opening up every day. Eric, Sami, Tommy, and I can adjust to whatever choice you want to make. We can be happy here or in Salem. Because, just as you said your true home is inside this family, this family’s true home is with you. My true home is with you.”

John spooned with her and said quietly in her ear, “I love you so much. I’m the most blessed man on earth.”

Marlena replied, “And I’m the most blessed woman.”

FIN