New Year's Day was harrowing for Carly. With Dom and Troy not around to celebrate it with her, she stayed at home instead of attending Brady's New Year block party. Not even Bo was able to change her mind and she refused to see him or answer his calls; feeling far too depressed.

Seated on the couch, facing Marlena; Carly explained to her that while she felt she was feeling better, there were the few mornings she had to really force herself to get out of bed.

'It's gripping, Marlena. I get sad and then very angry and…' Carly rubbed the rings on her wedding finger with her thumb distractedly. 'Then I wish that I had something to numb the feeling, like you would numb a migraine with a painkiller.'

'You're afraid you might have a relapse.'

Carly nodded. 'My husband and my son are dead, Marlena. They were a new chapter in my life and now it's closed. I do try to focus what I still have; my brother, my older children and a grandchild on the way. Stavros, Irina and their families as well but…' she bowed her head, unable to continue.

'We can continue this another time, Carly.' Marlena said softly.

'No, it's okay.' Carly accepted the Kleenex handed to her and wiped her eyes. 'Yes, I'm scared I might do drugs again. I miss Dom and Troy; not just having them with me but what they represented. Besides Bo, Dominic Korinthos was the only other man who really loved me, the way a man loves a woman. And I was a new mother, with Troy. Look at what I was denied with Nick and Mel and what I was denied with Bo; twice. Yet, my new family was taken from me. While I know I won't forget them, I just don't want to be sad anymore.'

:::::::::

'I don't know how many times I can say I'm sorry Bo, you have to let this go sometime.'

'You didn't just humiliate Carly, you made a fool of yourself in front of the family; in front of Ciara. Our daughter had to stand there with her cousins and see her mother drunk. How am I supposed to let it go?' Bo asked harshly.

'Why can't you stop for a minute and think about how I feel? There's only been one man for me as opposed to you who has an ex fiancée and an ex wife. We've always found each other and now my life's over because you feel sorry for Carly.'

'I love her.' he corrected.

'Oh, that's supposed to make me feel better? I had to watch my rival handed over a Christmas ball and just go with the flow, just like that?' Hope said, angry tears falling down her cheeks.

'What is this really about Hope; us or the damned ball? Either way, you behaved terribly that night and no, I'm not going to let it go. It's over between us, of that you and I both know that's certain-more than time we've got nothing to fix, you know that as well so quit trying. And the next time you get drunk in front of our daughter, I'll sue for sole custody.'

Hope laughed harshly. 'So now you're threatening to take our daughter from me, on top of everything else.'

'You know me, I don't make idle threats.' Bo glared at her. 'It's a warning so ponder on that.'

'Lesson learnt!' Hope spat back at him. 'I assume we now have to tell everyone we're not getting married. When are you planning on telling your precious princess, or should I do it for you?'

'Hope, I'm warning you.'

Hope bit her lip then wiped her tears. 'I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry for the way I behaved, I really am. Please forgive me. For Ciara and Shawn D's sakes I still want us to have some form of relationship. Please.'

Bo stared at her, a frown still on his face. 'Fine. I want that too. So we're clear on this, Hope. No more shenanigans from you.'

She nodded humbly. 'None, I promise.'

::::::::

'How do you feel about Bo now?'

Carly blinked, taken aback. 'Bo? Why are we discussing Bo?'

'Bo was the reason behind your meltdown, long before Dominic came into your life. You were betrayed by a man you loved and betrayed so much. Now you're friends with him again, even though you felt it could never happen.' Marlena crossed her legs. 'But now you're hanging out with him; having lunch, going for coffee. Are you comfortable with him?'

Carly paused then shrugged. 'I suppose I am. He's been great since Troy's death… very protective. But that's Bo, he's always been protective of me, even before we ever became a couple. That's why I don't think he's merely atoning for the past, he's just being Bo. He's protective about the people he…' she stopped.

'Yes?' Marlena encouraged, wondering if Carly would finally catch on Bo was in love with her. She wasn't going to betray his confidence but she wanted to see Carly's feelings for Bo. After all, even in the middle of mourning Hope, Bo had admitted to Julie he loved Carly.

'The people he cares about.' Carly finished.

'Is that what you really think?'

'Three years ago I would've told Bo this; you don't break a woman's heart then say or show you still care about her. That's the reason why I didn't let him hug me when I lost a patient. I became an object of pity the moment he went back to Hope. I let him go because I knew he was going to break up with me, in spite of his denials. But now I've forgiven him and trying to forget what happened and apparently it's important to him. So yes, he's a friend who cares about me.'

'He and Hope are separated now.'

'And?' Carly shrugged again. 'It's just a tiff. They'll sort it out and get back together.'

'You sound so certain about that.'

'Bo can never really be completely at ease with another woman as long as Hope's still in the picture. He'll always love her, no matter how much they fight or disagree, they always find their way back to each other. But why are we discussing this?'

'Carly, I believe what you and Dom had was real. But Bo's not the type of man any woman can easily say goodbye to either. How were you really able to move on with Dom? Were you that angry with what Bo did that you stopped loving him? That's understandable of course.'

Long pause, Carly again touching her wedding rings with her thumb. 'When I finished my rehab…' she said at last. 'And moved on with my life, I realized there was still something in me. Rage instead of depression. Rage that after the way Bo treated me, I was still in love with him. He still had a hold on me and I hated him for that. And I actually hated myself for still loving him, even after everything. When I first met Dom, I hated him for reminding me so much of Bo. In some way, it was as if it was only Bo I could see in a man's face. But after a long time I saw Dom differently, really saw him and I fell in love with Dom, not who he reminded me of. He wasn't Bo, no matter the physical resemblance. And I wanted to be with him. So I let go of my love for Bo, I pushed it away because it was pointless and I focused on Dominic instead.'

Carly paused again. 'I think I now know why I kept pushing Bo away; why I didn't want his friendship. It's not just because I was still very angry with him and incapable of ever trusting him again. I was afraid the love I let go of might resurface. And if that happens, I'll end up hurt all over again since I already know Bo doesn't love me the way he loves Hope.'

Marlena nodded. 'But now you've stopped pushing him away. Does that mean you're no longer afraid it would resurface?'

'By being friends with Bo, I'm showing him I really forgive him. And if I feel afraid it might resurface, all I have to do is remind myself it would only bring me pain. I can't allow it, Marlena. Not one more time.'

:::::::::

'Hi.'

Carly was momentarily speechless at the sight of Hope hovering at the doorway of her office. 'Hope.' She said at last.

Hope fidgeted. 'Can I come in?'

'Sure… sure.' Carly waved her in.

Hope closed the door behind her and sat opposite Carly's desk, staring at her humbly. 'I want to apologize for what happened at Victor's. I had too much to drink and I didn't know what I was doing, or saying.'

Yeah, right…thought Carly.

Hope went on. 'Everyone's mad at me, Bo especially of course. I can't excuse my actions Carly, all I can say is that I'm sorry. Please, forgive me.'

'It's okay, Hope.' Carly replied quietly, wondering why Hope really came to see her. It took a lot for Hope Williams Brady to apologize or admit a wrong. Aside from the embarrassment she experienced, Carly was mortified Ciara and the other children witnessed the whole scenario. 'Let's just get past it.'

Hope nodded. 'Thank you. I also came to ask you a favor.'

'Hope, you don't have the right to ask me for anything…'

'Just hear me out, please.' Hope said, her voice still calm. 'I don't have the right to ask you but I really do need your help.'

Carly folded her arms, waiting.

'I know you and Bo are friends again. There's this bond between you two and I accept it. Shawn Douglas told me how you were there for him when he was a boy and I realized more than ever how unfair I was to you. I have made bad choices and never took responsibility, all I did was blame you. And I did worse by sending Bo away to deal with his problem instead of helping him and then went ahead to forbid you from doing what I was meant to do. I'm sorry for all that. But Bo's distancing himself from me again and I don't know what else I can do to show how sorry I am. I love him so much, Carly; see? I want us to be a family again, it's what both our families want.'

'What do you need me for then?'

'Bo listens to you, Carly. It's a lot to ask but can you put in a good word for me? Persuade him to give me another chance; I know he still loves me, he's just angry and hurt. Could you do that for me, please? Ciara misses her dad and it would mean a lot to her.'

So now she was to serve as a mediator. Carly felt she was in the middle of a very crazy dream. Hope was looking at her so expectantly that Carly sighed and nodded. 'It's not my place but all right, I'll talk to him. And you're right, Ciara does need both her parents.'

Hope smiled, her eyes warm. 'Thanks a lot.'

'No problem.'

Hope left the office, feeling more than satisfied. The seed was planted.

'Hi, what are you doing here?' Jennifer ran into her at the lobby and the cousins hugged.

'I… uh… actually came to see Carly. To apologize, that's all.'

Jennifer's eyes were filled with suspicion. 'Is that right?'

Hope sighed. 'I've said I'm sorry Jennifer, is everyone going to keep me in Coventry just because I had one too many drinks that night?'

'Carly's my best friend, Hope. What you did, what you said to her in front of the family was so uncalled-for. Given what she's gone through.'

'I get it, Jen. Carly's willing to forget and I hope everyone will as well. Come on… this is me, I would never willfully hurt anybody.'

Jennifer shrugged, still unconvinced. 'I just hope you mean it, Hope. Carly's been hurt enough. And I know for a fact Melanie has promised to literally kick your ass the next time you insult her mother.'

Hope winced and ducked her head, inwardly not caring what Carly and Daniel's child thought of her. 'I get it, point taken. I'm ashamed enough as it is. What to grab some lunch?'

'No, Daniel and I already have plans.' Their long postponed wedding, thanks to her son's disapproval, was soon going to be a reality and Jennifer wanted to begin preparations.

'Rain check then.' Hope tweaked her nose and left, feeling that things were going her way.

:::::::

'Have you considered going home anytime soon?' Carly asked Bo tentatively as they had lunch at the Brady Pub. 'Mend things with Hope?'

'Why do you ask?' Bo asked, surprised.

Carly shrugged. 'I feel you guys have been estranged long enough. You've been sober for months now and I like to think you've dealt with your demons concerning Dom. Hope wants to make amends, why not give her another chance? She's your wife…'

'She's not my wife.' Bo swiftly corrected.

'Bo , that's not important. You've been together for a very long time; she's the mother of your children. And she loves you as much as you love her. What is this, pride?'

Bo couldn't believe what Carly was saying to him. Didn't she see the signs, that she was the one he wanted to be with?

'Besides, since when do you care about technicalities? You called me "Mrs. Brady" half the time even though our own wedding was symbolic. What are you smiling at?'

Bo's smile widened. 'This is the first time in a long while I'm hearing you going down memory lane.'

Carly realized what she'd just done. 'Oh… I guess I did.' She shrugged, smiling back. 'I guess I can look back now and not feel sad anymore.'

Bo reached out to take her hand, his fingers rubbing the top. 'Really?'

'Yes, really. They belong to me after all, I can't keep rejecting them. And they are wonderful memories.' That smile, the warmth of his eyes. Firmly, she moved back to the discussion at hand. 'Screw it, Bo. Go home… make things formal at City Hall or wherever you guys prefer. Ciara would be very happy about it.'

Bo shook his head. 'No can do. Not this time, Carly.'

'Why?'

'Because Hope and I are through. It's no point trying to stay together just for Ciara's sake; we've simply outgrown each other. She knows it too.'

'But she loves you.'

Bo shook his head again. 'it's not the same anymore Carly. There's simply no point.'

Carly was silent. 'I'm sad for you.' she said at last. 'but in a way, I'm relieved.'

Bo felt a rush of hope. 'Yeah?'

'Yes, because I'm not the one to blame this time. At least, everyone won't be able to find a reason to blame me for this. But I still feel that you should try. Like Jennifer said, you'll always be connected. Your time on the run proved that.'

Bo noted that Carly said this in a matter of fact way, instead of the former bitterness. 'And?'

'And you can reconnect, when you least expect it.' Carly leaned forward. 'Enough with the pride, Bo. You'll always love her no matter what you think you feel right now.'

'I know exactly what I feel Carly,' Bo said firmly. 'I do know. And why are you being so unrelenting about all this?'

'Because I want you to be happy and lord knows you can't be happy without Hope.'

'I was happy with you too.' Bo reminded her, watching her intently. 'Years ago, on the boat; you and me and Shawn D. If Larry and Vivian hadn't…'

'Bo, please stop…' Carly whispered.

'You need to hear it once and for all. That day in your hotel room, when you asked if Larry hadn't taken you away and what would've happened between us when Hope came back… I didn't give you an answer. Carly…' his hand gripped hers tighter. 'Yes, we would've still been together.'

Carly stared at him, shocked. 'Why, why… didn't you tell me that day?'

'I didn't want to think of the life we never got to spend with each other, it broke my heart. I knew that we would've had a wonderful life and I felt I was comparing the life we never had with the life I had with Hope for so many years. It felt…'

'Disloyal?'

'At the time, yeah.' Bo stared at her. Now was his moment to tell her. But before he could, Carly's beeper went off. Heart sinking, he watched as Carly pulled it out of her jacket.

'I have to go, it's the hospital.'

'Sure.' Bo rose as Carly got up and took her purse. Of all the lousy timing!

Carly gave him a small smile then turned to Caroline, who walked up and kissed her on the cheek.

'Did you tell her?' Caroline asked after Carly left the pub.

Bo shook his head. 'I came this close.'

'Well, better luck next time. I just hope she'll be ready to try again with you. Or rather, willing to try again. Somewhere deep down, I think she still loves you, son.'

'Yeah?'

Caroline nodded. 'Yes. I believe she does. But I also think she's too scared to give in to her feelings and you can't blame her. Speaking as a woman and putting myself in her shoes, of course. She's lost so much; she wouldn't want to bare herself to more hurt.'

'I just wish I wasn't the reason, Mum.' Bo said soberly. 'Not just for leaving her for Hope; but how Dom died.'

'You've been through this with her.' Caroline said, wishing he would bury that ghost once and for all. 'Dominic Korinthos saved your life; it wasn't you who pulled the damned trigger that night. I never knew him well, none of us did but clearly he was a good man. The way he did what he did without hesitation… that was pure selflessness; especially since he had Carly and Troy at home.'

Bo sighed heavily, again refusing to picture Carly with Dom; just like he'd refused to picture her with Lawrence for many years. He could still remember the night at the club; Dom and Carly dancing up against each other, his hands on her waist… everybody cheering…

'I feel so sad for her,' Caroline went on. 'You know this already, if this is what you really want; do your best to make her happy again.'

Bo hugged his mother gratefully.

::::::

'I feel something happening,' Carly confessed to Melanie after her ultrasound.

'What do you mean?' Melanie asked, buttoning her blouse.

'Bo and I've been hanging out for a while now and I feel…' Carly shrugged. 'more and more comfortable with him. And it scares me.'

'Oh Mum… you're not falling in love with him all over again, are you?'

Carly told Melanie half of what she'd told Marlena and her daughter listened in silence.

'You think I'm being stupid, aren't you?'

'No, no... it's sort of the way I dealt with my feelings for Nathan.' Melanie said slowly. 'There was so much misunderstanding between us and I married Phillip thinking he didn't want me. I figured I was being stupid holding on my love for a guy who just seemed uncaring and disinterested. I loved Phillip too, just not in the way I loved him before I met Nathan. Phillip and I were through when I ran into Nathan here. But I knew I still loved Nathan even on my wedding day; I came this close at backing out. Especially since I wrote a letter to him, wondering if there was a chance for us after all. I guess we're more alike than I thought, Mum. You aren't being stupid; you do have a history with him.'

'Yes, I do; I can never escape that no matter what I do.' Carly replied. 'But one thing you need to know honey. My marriage to Dom was not like the one I had with Victor. I married Victor as a stupid way of forgetting Bo and every night I dreamed of Bo, ached for him. But before Dom ever asked me to marry him; I let go of my pointless love for Bo and it gave me room to love Dom. And you know what? There was never a day I ever regretted being Dominic Korinthos' wife, not one. Now he's gone along with Troy and Bo's been so great to me and what I'm fearing just might happen.'

'Your love for Bo resurfacing?'

Carly nodded. 'I can't handle that, Mel. Bo doesn't love me and I've never been good at hiding my feelings when it comes to him. Besides, I'm not going to lose my relationship with the family all over again. Hope's the mother of Bo's children, more than ever they want them to settle things between them, even if he feels he can't.'

'Can't or won't?' Melanie said sarcastically, not liking the idea of Bo luring her mother back into his bed.

Carly shrugged. 'All this time, he still doesn't know what he wants. I almost feel sorry for him.'

'If a grown man like him can't decide what he wants then he clearly has a lot of issues!' Melanie said impatiently. 'And you want my advice Mum… I think you should stop hanging out with him so much. You don't want the feelings you can never really get rid of to resurface? Then don't give them an opportunity to. You'll be sparing yourself a lot of pain.'

Carly nodded in agreement.

:::::

Jennifer and Daniel finally set a proper date for their wedding; February seventh. Jennifer realized her mistake at the look of pain on Carly's face and swiftly apologized, offering to pick another one but Carly felt she had postponed it long enough. The main reason was Jennifer's son's objections to Daniel but now J.J has accepted his would-be stepfather; admitting he'd been silly to have objected in the first place.

Jennifer settled on a full length cream dress to get married in and chose Abby to be her maid of honor; the other bridesmaids Hope and Melanie, while Carly was Daniel's best man. Bill Horton arrived in Salem to give his daughter away, accompanied by Jennifer's brother Mike. Her mother Laura couldn't come but sent her a large present through Doug and Julie.

The wedding was taking place in Victor and Maggie's house and Carly hoped there would be no drama from Hope this time. While she was still rather upset Jennifer picked this particular date to marry Daniel, she didn't want anything to ruin it.

As she went upstairs with Jennifer's "something borrowed" and Maggie was downstairs supervising the staff; Carly's mind went back to that night in 1992…

'This has been a very special time for me and there's been a very special woman who shared this time with me. And she was right there by my side the whole time down at Chichén Itzá; and together we climbed the Castillo and we pledged our love to one another. Right now, tonight; I would like to make it official for all my family and friends to see.'

She stared at Bo who was looking so handsome in his tux; his eyes filled with so love for her it took her breath away.

'A month from tonight...' he kept his eyes on Carly, 'on February seventh, I would like you to become my wife,' his devastating grin grew wider, 'that is if you'll have me.'

Wiping sudden tears, Carly entered Jennifer's room.

'Finally, my something borrowed!' Jennifer clapped her hands.

Carly forced a smile. 'It's definitely "something borrowed", this belonged to my mother. Which means it's going to Melanie eventually.'

'Wow, Dr. Manning …' Abby stared at the diamond necklace Carly unwrapped.

Melanie's eyes were in stalks as she stared at the heirloom she was going to inherit. 'I don't think I've ever seen diamonds more perfect.' She murmured.

'I remember this; you wore it on the New Year's Eve party, 1990. You looked so beautiful that night.'

Carly blushed. 'Thanks Julie.' She muttered.

Julie Williams watched Carly carefully as she slipped the necklace round Jennifer's neck. Carly was still uncomfortable around her especially and she was sorry about it, she wished Carly could get past her unfriendliness in the past.

Melanie tried to lighten the mood. 'So what did Mum wear that night?' she asked.

'This incredible dress with a square neckline and long sleeves, full skirt.' Julie replied, smiling. 'And Carly wore her hair back more often back then.'

'A sleek chignon I recall,' Jennifer added. 'She was the belle of the ball that night.'

'Yeah… back then.' Carly said gruffly. 'I was twenty five with a tiny waist.'

'And I think I still got pictures somewhere for you guys to see.' Jennifer said.

'I can't wait,' Melanie flashed her mother a mischievous smile. 'Tiny waist, huh?' Abby laughed with her.

'Right… make fun of your middle aged mum/godmother, you two. I have to go get dressed myself.' Kissing Jennifer on the cheek, Carly left the room.

'Carly.'

She turned to see that Julie had followed her, her still striking face anxious. She walked up to Carly and took her arm.

'Carly, I want us to be back the way we were. When you could tell me anything, when we were more than comfortable with each other.'

'Julie, this is Jennifer's day; I really don't want to do this. I don't want to think of the time everyone I loved were strangers and blaming me for something that wasn't my fault. You especially… you know me but did it anyway.' Carly said bitterly. 'I loved you; you were the same person who organized my bridal shower- twice. Even if you would naturally side with your sister, and I understand that; you knew me. Like I said, I don't want to think of that time at all. Excuse me.'

'I did know you,' Julie said gently; not allowing Carly to walk past her. 'That's what makes me feel so bad. I judged you and laid the blame on you. It's just… we've been so protective of Hope for so long that we're blind when it comes to her.'

Carly swallowed, turning her face away.

'Please Carly,' Julie's hand squeezed Carly's arm; her face sorrowful and earnest. 'Can you ever forgive me?

Carly was about to reply when Hope appeared, looking at them curiously. 'Everything okay?'

'Fine.' Carly replied. 'Jennifer's almost ready and I have to get dressed. Excuse me.' However she patted Julie's arm reassuringly and got a grateful smile in return.

'What's going on?' Hope asked as Carly turned round the corner.

'We were just talking; Hope and you probably guess what.I hope you're trying hard to settle things between you and Bo, because I'm not passing blame on Carly again; I was wrong to do that in the first place.'

'Carly's actually helping me with that; I asked her to talk to him.'

'My God, Hope.'

'She's not interested in Bo, she made that clear.'

'But it still kind of tactless, don't you think?' Julie exclaimed.

'She's his friend and she did promise to help me; I didn't do anything wrong.' Hope protested.

'Hope I just…' Julie shook her head. 'I don't know what you're doing but asking Bo's ex to talk to him for you is just not right. And I can't believe she would actually agree to it.'

'It's sort of a sign of faith, isn't it? I trust her to help me with Bo; how wrong is that?'

Julie sighed, shaking her head. 'I just hope you know what you're doing. To me, it's rather cruel. But we're not going to talk about that now. Let's finish getting Jen ready.'

Meanwhile, Carly got ready. For a year after Dom's death she had worn nothing but sober black, and then began wearing black again after Troy's. But today she chose a knee length, very light pink dress with thin straps. Brushing her hair, she reached for a pearl necklace and slipped it on, then applied a little makeup.

Bo was in the living room with the other guests, chatting but he saw Carly when she walked in; looking like a breath of spring in her dress. Her eyes caught his but immediately she looked away abruptly. Bo wondered if she was thinking about the wedding they never had, today would have been their twenty first anniversary. If only Jennifer didn't choose this date of all dates to get married; Carly must be feeling as bad as he was. He wanted to hold her in his arms and tell her so many things, above all wanting to make up for the past.

He watched as Lucas walked up to her, chatted then leading her to a seat; sitting next to her. The sooner he let her know how he felt the better; he was already feeling a slow burn seeing her with another man, even though they were only talking.

'I'm surprised you came.' Carly was saying to Lucas.

Lucas shrugged. 'Watching my sister marrying the man who destroyed my marriage is not exactly fun for me. But it's important to Jen; I can't ruin it by not coming. And you? How do you feel?'

Carly shrugged.

'Are you and Bo talking?'

'A lot better than we did before. But things are getting awkward again.'

'Why's that?'

'I don't know. Maybe it's just me.' Carly shrugged again.

'You can tell me, you know. What is it?'

'I can't tell you; I'm not even sure what it is myself.' Carly's voice cracked but firmly controlled herself before giving way to tears. 'Just forget I said anything, Lucas.

Lucas patted her hand, wondering why Carly Manning Korinthos was looking so unhappy; wishing he could help her.

Bo saw the look on her face too and decided it was definitely time to tell her. He will make sure of that at the reception.

Jennifer came down with the bridesmaids so Carly got up to take her place with the others, smiling at Daniel who had the look of happy anticipation on his face. As the ceremony began, Carly's mind went back to her last wedding.

'No second thoughts, I hope?'

'Of course not. I'm just hoping we aren't going to get married by an Elvis impersonator.' She adjusted the cowl neck of her knee length silver grey dress. 'So… I look alright?'

'You're breathtaking, sweetheart.' He assured her; kissing her on the mouth and led her into the chapel.

Luckily for them, the minister was a portly man in his sixties with kind, twinkling eyes. With the minister's wife standing in as a witness; Dr. Carly Manning and Special Agent Dominic Korinthos became Man and Wife, promising to love each other for as long as they both shall live.

Carly thought about Dominic; remembering how much she'd loved him. July will make 2 years since his death and he's been fading from her. She still missed him but no longer felt the stab of pain she still felt for Troy. And she was becoming more aware of Bo these days. She glanced at him and saw he was looking at her intently; not seeming to notice that Hope's hand was resting on his. She wondered if he remembered today, February 7th; the date they both picked to get married. She turned away again; focusing on the couple standing in front of the judge.

Finally, Daniel Jonas and Jennifer Deveraux were pronounced husband and wife and Carly joined in the happy applause as Daniel kissed the bride.

::::::::::::

Bo found Carly outside; a cashmere shawl covering her shoulders against the cold.

'Hey.'

'Hey.'

'It's kind of cold out here, why don't you come inside?'

'It's not so cold. Besides I feel like being alone for a bit.'

'Are you okay?' Bo moved closer to her.

Carly looked at him. 'Sure. Why?'

' I watched you during the ceremony; your mind wasn't there. What were you thinking about?'

'My wedding in Reno.' Bo's heart sank then lifted when she added, 'and the wedding we never had. This was the date we picked.'

'I know. It's not something I can forget either. Jennifer didn't mean to hurt you by picking this date.'

'I know; I told her it was okay. And I'm glad she and Daniel can finally be happy.'

Bo nodded, hands in his jacket pockets. 'Yeah, me too. You know the more I think of what would've been twenty years ago today; the more I hate Torres.'

'It wasn't just Torres.' Carly replied quietly. 'But I'm not dwelling on what might have been; at least I'm trying not to. At least you were able to lead a wonderful life all these years; with Hope and your children.'

'It wasn't all that perfect as you imagine, Carly.'

'Oh Bo… what marriage is completely perfect? You fight, you move on.'

'Was yours perfect? You and Dom I mean.' Bo said, jealousy in his tone.

'It was happy if that's what you mean.' Carly said simply, not noticing how he sounded. 'More than I can say about previous ones. To Victor, I was a wife to flaunt, possess and control. To Lawrence, once the novelty of finally having me wore off, a punching bag to rape and torture. But I was happy with Dominic, I was safe.'

'We didn't have a formal marriage Carly but you were safe with me; we were more than happy. I told you…'

'I know… I know… you wouldn't have left me. But on the other hand, who's to know what would've really happened?'

'You would still be my wife now, that would've happened.' Bo said forcibly. 'We would've been a family with Mel and other children we might have had.'

Carly's face was sad. 'Let's not talk about this anymore, Bo. Let's just go back to the party.'

'Carly wait…'

'Damn it.' Carly's pearl necklace had fallen from her neck as she was about to go back inside. Bo stooped down to pick it up before she could.

'Turn around.'

His warm fingers brushed her skin as he refastened the necklace and Carly wondered if he could hear her heart beating fast.

Bo realized Carly was trembling; whether from the cold or because of him, he couldn't tell. Turning her back to face him; he saw that her vivid green eyes were frightened. She was afraid of him!

'Don't be scared of me princess,' he whispered, calling her by her nickname for the first time in a very long time. Carly flinched but said nothing.

One hand still on her shoulder, Bo touched her face; his fingers moving across her cheek and jaw then to her mouth, his thumb rubbing her lower lip. But then Carly pulled away abruptly, blushing red as she adjusted the shawl more securely on her shoulders.

'Princess…'

'I don't know what's going on here but I won't be a part of it.'

'Hang on a minute; I got a lot to say.' He pleaded, grabbing hold of her arm.

'No, Bo. I will not be the other woman again. Make up with Hope; it's what she wants and it's what you really want even if you don't know it yet. So stop punishing her and stop tormenting me!' Carly cried, pushing him away and running back inside.

Bo felt like screaming his seething frustration out loud. He marched in after her; his eyes scanning the crowd of people, trying to find her. He was more than ready to declare his love to her in front of everyone even if meant stealing Daniel and Jennifer's thunder! But no one seemed to know where she was. And as if he wasn't frustrated enough, Victor; who was dancing with Hope pushed her towards him and he was forced to take over.

::::::::::::

Searching for Carly herself, Melanie finally found her in one of the rooms, curled up in a ball on the huge bed and crying quietly. 'Mum! Are you alright? What's happened?' Melanie exclaimed, shaking off her shoes and climbing onto the bed. 'What's wrong?'

Carly didn't answer. 'Mum, please… I can't stand it. You're upset; what's wrong?' Melanie pleaded, slipping her arms round her mother from behind. 'Please let me help you; that's why I'm here.' She rubbed her shoulder. 'Are you thinking about Dom and Troy?'

'I always think about them. But I'm fine, really. Weddings tend to make me a tad emotional.' Carly sniffled.

'I think it's more than that, Mum. You're in pain and it's eating you up. And it's making me sad seeing you this way. Talk to me.'

Carly sat up, wiping her tears with her fingers. 'I told Jennifer it was okay to pick today to get married, but it's harder to deal with than I thought.'

'Yeah, I heard Caroline mentioning something about that; what's so special about it?'

Carly sighed, then looked at Melanie. 'This was the date Bo and I picked to get married years ago.'

'Oh no…' Melanie shook her head. 'How could Jennifer actually…'

'No, don't blame her, she simply forgot then when she realized it, I told her it was okay. But Bo and I started talking about what might have been and then…' Carly's eyes filled with tears. 'Oh Mel… it's happened. It's resurfaced… just like I was afraid it would.'

Melanie pressed her cheek against Carly's, still holding her.

'I keep trying to conjure up Dom's face; trying to remember how happy we were, how we loved each other and how we were even happier when Troy came into our lives… and what Bo put me through, how I forced myself to let go of him. But it's no good, it's just no good…' Carly covered her face with her hands. 'I don't know how to be around Bo anymore.'

'You need to tell him you can't be around him anymore, Mum. I don't know what the hell he's playing at with Hope but he needs to settle it and not have another affair with you.'

'He said it's over between them.'

'Bo Brady's a liar.' Melanie said in a fierce voice. 'Don't believe anything he says. Hope will always be his number one, no matter what he thinks right now. You're stronger than you think, Mum; I believe it and you should too. Come on, let's bathe your eyes and go back down. Jennifer and Dad are leaving soon.' She led her mother to the bathroom.

'There you are, I was wondering where you were. Are you okay?' Jennifer asked, looking at Carly's rather pale face with concern.

'Fine, Jen.' Carly smiled with an effort; refusing to look at Bo who was also looking at her with concern. Seeing this, Hope hastily said, 'Time to throw the bouquet!' Everyone agreed loudly, urging her to throw it already.

'Okay, okay… ladies in position!' Jennifer Deveraux Jonas turned her back to the assembled single ladies. Carly discreetly moved out of the way.

Hope deftly caught it and everyone applauded, whistling. 'You're next Hope!' Jennifer blew a kiss to her, Daniel's arm round her waist.

Hope grinned, holding the flowers to her chest. 'Soon I hope!' she replied, turning to Bo, who was standing nearby, and planted a kiss on his mouth to more applause. Carly watched bitterly, she and Melanie's conclusion proven beyond reasonable doubt. How she despised him for thinking he could play her a second time!

As for Hope, she saw from the look on Carly's face that she was succeeding at keeping them apart. It was vindictive and so unlike her and part of her felt guilty but Hope was desperate. She almost lost Bo last time because she stood back and let Carly have him; she didn't fight for him at all, instead she went about feeling sorry for herself and took pills to sleep better… and nearly killed Bo in the process. For a long time she nursed an agonizing fear that maybe deep, deep down in her heart she'd really wanted to hurt Bo for having an affair with Carly but sessions with Marlena had dispensed that fear. Marlena and Bo and the rest of the family had assured her she was incapable of hurting anybody- she didn't know what she was doing at the time. She couldn't lose Bo, she loved him too much and she needed him to realize they will always be connected. Warning Carly off with that kiss and making her see the family's response was worth the scolding she knew she would get from Bo later. He can't convince Carly he loved her now!

::::::::::

Back at the cottage, Carly took a shower and slipped into sweats before going downstairs to fix herself a light snack. Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" played on the stereo as she stared at Dom and Troy's framed photographs which stood along with Melanie, Nicky and Frankie's on the mantelpiece; she'd moved them from her room to order to stop crying herself to sleep every night. Even though she knew what lay in her heart now, she also knew they'll always be a part of her- that will never change. The only problem now, she felt lonelier than even ever before and facing a very uncertain future.

The doorbell rang as she was rummaging the fridge. Leaving the bread on the counter, Carly went to see who it was. Through the door's glass, she saw it was Bo. Carly found herself not the least bit surprised. Bracing herself, she unlocked the door and Bo stepped back inside, slamming the door shut behind him; eyes not leaving her face as she backed up. 'What are you doing here?' she said quietly.

'I told you at the party I have a lot to say to you.' Bo replied back, also quietly. Like Hope predicted, he was furious at being put on the spot like that; right in front of everyone, in front of Carly- barely listening to her apologies. As soon as he dropped her and Ciara off, he'd changed his clothes and set off to Carly's house; determined to tell her the truth. But seeing her now, looking so beautiful with her tousled hair and crumpled sweats, he found himself lost for words.

'Whatever it is… I'm not interested to hear it.' Carly replied, shaking her head, wishing he would leave, wishing she didn't love him so much. He was moving up close to her and she found she was trembling.

'What the hell…' Bo replied, reaching out to touch her hair, lowering his hand to grasp her by the neck, drawing her close. 'We don't need words anyway.'

He held her face with both hands. 'I can't do it, princess.' He whispered hoarsely.

'Can't what?' she asked, her voice shaking, a bit frightened.

'I can't keep pretending anymore.' He pulled her roughly against him and began kissing her passionately; grasping her behind with both hands before lifting her by her thighs to straddle his waist. Walking backwards he placed her on the hall table, knocking off a vase of flowers. Neither noticed nor cared. Carly kissed him back fervently, gasping against his lips as he pressed himself hard and flush between her legs; his hands stroking her hair before moving down to fondle her breasts.

'No, no…' she pushed at him; breathing as heavily as he was. 'What is this?'

Bo held her face, brown eyes dark with passion. 'Princess, you want this as much as I do.' He kissed her again, quick, hot kisses that shook her to the core. 'Don't you?'

'We shouldn't do this…' she began then Bo kissed her yet again.

'Say the word and I'll stop.' His warm brown eyes however pleaded with her not to deny him.

God help me; I want him so bad! Carly shook her head and they resumed kissing, unable to get enough of each other. She tore at his jacket and shirt and he impatiently got of rid of them before planting more hungry kisses on her lips and neck, her legs tightly wrapped round his waist. Bo lifted Carly and carried her up the stairs, into her bedroom where he stripped her, causing her to moan by kissing her breasts; her fingers running through his hair. Laying her down on the bed, Bo took off his black vest and got rid of his pants then lowered himself on her; kissing her again. 'You're so beautiful…' he whispered, his hands and lips feverishly worshipping Carly's body before parting her legs. Carly's nails left faint pink marks across Bo's back as he repeatedly thrust into her powerfully; his lips running down her ear and neck. She clung to him in a throbbing ecstasy of passion, returning his brutal kisses and caresses and wallowing with pleasure under his warm, hard body and when the moment came; she heard him hoarsely cry out her name and felt his hand grab hers, entwining their fingers as the pulsating heat of total fulfillment shook them. Spent, they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms afterwards.

::::::::::::

'Good morning.' Bo slipped his arms round Carly from behind as she was making coffee. Carly stiffened, moving away from him.

'Princess, what's wrong?' He asked anxiously. He was disappointed to find her gone when he woke up. Usually they would wake up together or he would open his eyes to see her staring down at him, her finger exploring his face. Last night had reminded him how much he'd missed the touch of her soft body and the passion they'd shared. Today was a new beginning.

'Last night was a mistake.'

Bo didn't think he heard her right. 'What?'

She finally turned round, her face expressionless. 'What we did was wrong, it shouldn't have happened.'

'Carly, what happened between us wasn't some drunken one night stand; we made love.'

'Just stop!' Carly snapped, raising her hands as though she was fending him off. 'Let's not kid ourselves Bo; we both know what it was.'

'Why are you being like this with me?' Bo demanded, baffled and hurt by her attitude.

'Remember the last day I ever said I loved you?' Carly asked, her tone now bitter. 'You couldn't even say it back. Because that would've been too much of a lie. One night of madness doesn't exactly change what I know, Bo. You admitted it, when we said goodbye at the station that day. I resigned myself to that ever since, that's why I'm not going to live in a fool's paradise again.'

'This isn't what you think.' Bo gripped her shoulders. 'Last night I came to tell you that I love you.'

'How dare you…' Carly choked, attempting to push him away; furious he would stoop that low with such a lie.

'Why would you think I'm lying?' Bo snapped. 'This is what I really feel for you. I love you, Carly Manning. You must have seen it the whole time, why do you think I've wanted to be with you so much?'

'If things were okay with you and Hope, you wouldn't be with me at all.' Carly finally managed to slip out of his grip. 'You don't have to pretend you love me when we both know who your real soul mate is. I'm not asking or expecting anything… I don't even want anything from you.'

Bo closed his eyes, understanding her doubts but also needing to convince her he was being sincere about this.

'Carly, I know what I want now; and that's you. The whole time I kept on about wanting us to be friends again; it wasn't just to be there for you or make up for what happened… it was the only way I could be near you and make you see how I feel.' He pushed back her hair, framing her face with his hands but she abruptly turned away. 'I wish you would believe me.'

Carly turned back to face him; her green eyes very cold. 'So when did this sudden change of heart happen, huh? Was it when Dom started dating me or after I married him? Tell me!' she snapped the last two words.

Bo bit his lip, not willing to lie to her but not willing to tell her, she would surely consider him as shallow as they come.

Carly rightly guessed it and her eyes grew even colder, her expression scornful. 'This is just so classic…'

'It's not like that…' Bo pleaded.

'You suddenly deciding that I'm the woman for you, after I get involved another man. Oh, when has that happened before?!'

'That was a totally different situation and you know it! You know damn well why I couldn't be with you and Victor tricked us both; he took advantage of us being apart that time.' Bo didn't want to remember that very painful time.

'Maybe. But there were many things you could have done then. For example, admitting what you really felt for me to my face instead of sending me that damn note through Emmy… a girl you knew hated me,' Carly shouted back. 'And you only decided to do that after Victor asked me to marry him! How can I believe anything you say right now, Bo? You suddenly get an epiphany after another man made me happy…' Another thought struck her and she covered her mouth with her hands, shocked. 'Oh my God…so that's why you treated Dom the way you did; you were jealous!'

Bo tried to take her arm again but she shrank away from him, tears falling down her cheeks. 'Carly…'

'Don't you dare stand there and tell me that you love me again. I don't believe you. Now I see that it takes another man to have me before you decide that you want me after all.'

'That's not true… I swear it's not!'

'That's your own way of "loving" me, isn't it Bo Brady? You just want what you can't have, something you enjoy having it until Hope suddenly snaps her fingers at you and you go crawling back to her!'

'Carly, you're not being fair.' Bo finally got a word in. 'Hope and I reconnected and you got hurt and my guilt kept me away from you; I will never forgive myself for that. And I'll never forgive myself for letting you walk out of the station that day; or letting you walk out of the boat years ago. I should've stopped you; both times! But you're wrong about something. Victor and Dom didn't make up my mind for me- my heart did. I knew I loved you before Victor ever proposed, I loved you so much it scared me! Yeah, I realized how much I loved you after you got involved with Dom but not the way you think…'

'I don't want to hear anymore of this.' Carly interrupted, more tears pouring down her cheeks. 'We both went crazy last night; it had nothing to do with love, for either of us. I won't play the fool again, Bo. Get out of my house and don't ever come near me again. This time I mean it. Get out now.'

'Carly…'

'Just leave me alone, leave me alone; I won't let you hurt me again! Get out!' she shouted.

With a very heavy heart; angry and sad, Bo did was told. As he drove away, wiping angry tears from his eyes, Carly sank on a kitchen stool and wept for a long time.

:::::::

' If you look at it from her point of view, you'll see her reaction was justifiable. Come on, look at everything's she's been through. You honestly think she has any room left to let you back in just like that?' John said after hearing the whole story. Bo suddenly longed for a drink, he needed one to quell the sting of Carly's rejection.

'Don't even think about it,' Roman warned, clearly reading his brother's mind. Giving Roman his best "eat shit" glare, Bo ordered a plain club soda.

'This is pretty much a cliché but I'll say it anyway; give her time. You haven't given up on her, have you?' John asked.

'Of course not.' Bo said brusquely. 'But I've really screwed everything up. I was working on making her fall in love with me again and then I lost my head; now she thinks I only went to bed with her because… damn it, she thought I was using her, that it was just some sordid booty call.'

Roman grunted and Bo glared harder. 'It wasn't!'

'Sure, I believe you. But I'm not the one who needs convincing that it wasn't.'

John's lined but still very handsome face looked thoughtful. 'I don't think you messed things up entirely either.'

'What do you mean?'

'Remember I was here when she first came to Salem; I got to know her very well. Carly's good at keeping secrets but not so good at hiding her feelings. We all knew she was still in love with you when she married Victor. Oh, she tried very hard to hide it but she couldn't fool any of us. My Izzy B kept saying it, so did Marcus and Kayla. She's a very strong person but she's human and every human's got a breaking point at some level.'

Roman caught on what John was trying to say. 'When you two broke up, she was obviously hurting so bad, to the extent she…' he paused seeing the pained and very guilty expression on Bo's face but continued, 'she fell into substance abuse to numb her pain. We're not saying she didn't love Dominic. But you've been hanging out with her a lot lately so doesn't you think maybe she's already fallen in love with you all over again, but she's just too scared to believe or trust you?'

Bo stared at his brother then at John, whom he still regarded as his second brother despite his discovered and very odd history with Hope; which he didn't give a damn about anymore. 'You think so?'

'Her reaction good as showed you, she's in love with you but this time she wants to protect herself and that's only natural. Look at what happened last time, you left her standing there.' John said, anger in his voice. 'As long as she feels Hope will always be a huge part of your life, you can't expect her to believe you love her. Give her time to cool off then do all you can to convince her.'

Giving her time was something Bo found difficult to do; after the wild and very incredible night they had, he needed to let her know he wasn't playing. He didn't want to lose her all over again. But yes, she needed the time to calm down. Then he will try again, with everything he's got to get his princess back.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

After crying her eyes out that day, Carly called in sick and stayed in bed; plagued with a raging headache. Melanie arrived an hour later with soup which she heated and made her mother eat; worried at her pale face and red eyes. Eventually Carly told her what happened.

'And I sent him away. It broke my heart but I had to do it; I couldn't listen to his lies for one more minute. And I feel so stupid giving myself to him like that, knowing he will definitely go back to Hope in the end. If you want to condemn me, go ahead.'

Melanie squeezed her shoulder, compassion on her face. 'I'm not the judgemental brat anymore, Mum. And I'm sorry you're so much in pain all over again. I thought when you came back from that trip; things will get better.'

'I thought so too. I only have myself to blame… again. I just haven't learned anything when it comes to Bo Brady.' She rubbed her eyes as the tears fell. 'But I think I've given him enough reason to come to his senses and finally marry Hope. He realized who he wanted before, he's going to realize that again now. It's always going to be Hope and I'll be damned before I play the fool again. And do me a favor honey; don't go to him about this. I just want to move on, okay?'

Melanie had planned on doing just that. She was rather resentful at being told not to but she was forced to make the promise. If she did go to see Bo and make a scene, Hope could find out he and Carly slept together and humiliate Carly again. It was probably for the best, yet Melanie Horton hoped her mother would eventually get some peace in her life.

Carly went back to work the next day, dreading Bo coming to look for her but he didn't and he didn't call her either. It hurt greatly but she'd made her feelings clear that morning. No point in both of them living a lie the second time. But she missed Bo more than ever and kept thinking about him and that night; going about looking so worried and unhappy that Melanie, Kayla and Adrienne couldn't bear it; asking Marlena to see if she could do something for her. But this time, Carly preferred to keep her misery to herself; Marlena's counseling couldn't cure the nagging ache in her heart. She went on with her rounds and Chief of Staff duties as an attempt to forget about Bo but even that became an effort after a while. She was tired all the time but refused to rest despite Melanie, Maxine, Kayla and Nathan's protests. When Jennifer and Daniel came back from their two week honeymoon, they were shocked at the pallor on Carly's face. Caroline brought a casserole hoping she would regain her appetite but food seemed to disagree with Carly all of a sudden.

One morning, Lucia came by the cottage to return her key and pick up a box of china plates Carly bought her. She and her former sponsor were getting married and moving to New Mexico so she was no longer in Carly's employ. She found Carly lying on the floor in the kitchen, still dressed in her bathrobe. 'Dios mio!' she shrieked in terror, rushing to her. 'Mrs Carly! What's happened to you?!'