CHAPTER 21

A MONTH AND THREE WEEKS LATER...

Using her legs again still felt strange to Carly but she was thankful for every step she took; the doctors had told her she was very lucky her spine hadn't been permanently damaged from the fall; rigorous physiotherapy had more than helped in strengthening her legs and entire body.

During that time, Olivia had flown back to Salem accompanied by Naveen to choose a house for Carly and herself. They'd decided on a house on the beach; Carly wanted peace and quiet and the sound of the crashing waves, from her time in Tahiti, always had a soothing effect on her. For Olivia, it meant picnics on the beach, fishing and endless space to jog and ride her bike. The photos she'd sent of the rambling old house had won Carly's approval and she'd given Naveen the green light to close the deal with the realtor and Olivia carte blanche to furnish and decorate. Over the phone, Olivia said she was enjoying the job but Caroline, Kayla, Marlena, Sami and even Maggie Horton had insisted on helping out with the selections and organising. Frankie was given the task of shipping their things from the mansion in Alamainia, along with seeing the house was still well run in their absence. Olivia still wasn't sure whether to sell it or have it pulled down- she hated the house and all its memories.

Going back to Salem after 16 years felt stranger, especially as a lot of things have changed. On the plus side, no Lawrence to stalk her every move. The minus side... she and Bo weren't going to be like the way they were back in the day. Lawrence and Vivian had gotten their wish. But still, Bo was the father of her child... she'd finally given him the child they'd waited for so long and watching them forging a close and wonderful relationship was more than enough for her. She intended on keeping her word, she just had to do it.

Carly had travelled via a commercial flight, the Alamain jet having conveyed Frankie to London. She'd urged him to go ahead instead of travelling with her to Salem, knowing he had a lot to do. Frankie had reluctantly given in but promised to be in Salem for Christmas, their first Christmas together in years. The plane finally landed and Carly unbuckled her seat belt.

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Bo couldn't wait to hold Carly in his arms. For the past several weeks, they'd communicated over the phone; as more and more cases piled up he couldn't take time off, much to his frustration. She'd sounded warm but rather reserved and he figured she was rather stressed over the rigorous workout she had to do every day. She was coming back to Salem, back into his life. Standing with him were Olivia, Shawn Douglas and Belle who'd insisted on coming. Not willing to miss Carly's return, Shawn Douglas had told Belle to fly in with Claire. His handsome face was filled with anticipation of seeing his beloved foster mother again. Right now, the rest of the family were at Carly's house; Caroline and Bo's sisters had put together a Welcome Home party for her.

Olivia saw her first, walking with a cane, a porter bearing her luggage. 'Ma!' she exclaimed, running towards her on sneakered feet. Bo stood still for a while, savouring the sight of her. She'd lost weight but she looked devastatingly beautiful. There was more colour on her cheeks and her hair was longer than how she'd worn it back in the day; falling well past her shoulders. His heart surged as all the love he had for her made him smile widely.

'You're here; you're finally, finally here!' Olivia laughed as they hugged and exchanged kisses. 'You look wonderful!'

'It's good to be back.' Carly smiled wider as Shawn Douglas came up, staring at her.

'Shawn D...' she let go of Olivia to touch his cheek.

Choking, he enveloped her in a bear hug, sobbing against her neck.

'Oh, honey, don't... don't...' Carly pleaded, holding him close. 'No tears... there's nothing to cry about...' her own tears were beginning to form.

Shawn Douglas pulled away and Carly wiped his tears, holding his chin. 'Look at you, all grown up.'

'I've missed you so much Carly... so very much. I'm just so happy right now...' he stammered and hugged her again. 'I can't believe you're here and I'm actually holding you!'

Carly kissed him, holding him close. 'We have all the time in the world... to get to know each other again, son.' She smoothed his hair. 'More than enough time.'

Shawn nodded, kissing her hand.

'Hey, can I get in on the hugging?' Bo was at his son's elbow. Shawn Douglas moved aside and Bo and Carly stared at each other for a minute. In spite of her vow, Carly longed to kiss him. More than ever, she loved this man, even though he was no longer hers. It was going to be hard to hide her feelings; talking to him over the phone had been much easier.

'Hi.' She said quietly, blushing.

Without a word, Bo took her in his arms, almost crushing her, pressing his cheek against her soft one. How'd he'd missed the feel of her body against his! If the kids weren't present, he would have planted several kisses on that familiar mouth and made sure she responded as of old. He couldn't wait to tell her how he felt for her, couldn't wait to have her back in the truest sense of the world. But in the meantime he had to be contented with kissing her cheeks and holding her close, smiling warmly at her. 'Welcome home, princess.'

Carly returned his smile with a shy one. 'Thank you, Bo. It's wonderful to be back home.' Carly then turned to the slim blonde young woman who was standing next to Shawn Douglas. 'This is my wife, Belle.' Shawn Douglas introduced. Belle smiled and hugged Carly as well. 'I've heard so much about you these past weeks. Welcome home, Carly.'

Carly smiled at her and looked at Bo again, unable to tear her eyes away. He must have seen something in her eyes because he slipped one arm round her and the other round their daughter.

Looking at Carly, then at Olivia, he said emotionally, 'I'm so grateful... for both of you!' He held both of them tightly in his arms, fighting back his tears. Shawn Douglas moved forward, slipping his arms around them, his chin resting against his sister's head. Belle stood back, watching the moving sight, brushing back a tear. Having heard all about Carly Manning from Shawn Douglas recently, she couldn't help but see there were still strong feelings between her father-in-law and his ex-fiancée. From the moment she'd seen the stately lady walking towards them, she could see why. Carly Manning radiated warmth and serenity and she was glad to see Bo looking so happy again. Fate has brought him this second chance and she silently wished them good luck and a wonderful future to look forward to.

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Shawn Douglas drove; Olivia shotgun; Belle just behind the driver and steadfastly ignoring Bo and Carly, not at all suspecting the quandary Carly was in. Bo had taken hold of her hand and was slowly kissing her fingers, one by one and she forced herself not to look at him or quiver at the touch of his lips against her skin. She wanted to pull her hand away and yet didn't want to; Bo's animal magnetism was way too strong for her; just like back when they were young- when he'd pushed her away constantly, until he finally acknowledged his feelings. Why was he doing this; he was making it very hard for her to hold a neutral facade. And he was married... to Hope. He'd chosen her over Billie; he would've done the same with her, much as it hurt her to accept it. But here he was kissing her hand, invoking feelings she hadn't felt in a long, long while, feelings only he could stir in her.

They've had rough patches during the years; many of them…but somehow they've always managed to find their way back to each other, Jennifer's words flashed in her mind like a beacon.

Today... Carly thought, only for today, I'll pretend he's still mine. It's wrong but it's just for one day at least.

With that in mind, she gave in to impulse and rested her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes as she felt his other hand stroke her hair.

Bo smiled when he realised Carly was avoiding his eyes. Back in the day after they'd finally become a couple, he'd ardently kissed her anywhere and everywhere; even in front of his family which had rendered her very shy. None of that, however, whenever they were alone; Carly's inhibition level was zero- she gave as fiercely as she received- her green eyes almost feline when they kissed or made love. She would've given him that look now if the kids weren't in the car with them. God, he loved her! If she would only look at him and see just how much.

Right now, he was in the middle of the divorce. It hadn't been easy; Hope even tore up the papers in front of him - daring him to force her. Shawn Douglas had been furious and told her to her face she was hanging on to his father out of sheer perversity, leading to a shouting match that Bo had to break up. Hope had then accused him of turning their son against her.

Bo had stopped Shawn Douglas from answering back, sending him out of the room. Facing her, he was cold but firm. Hope was being ridiculous holding on a husband who no longer loved her, who wasn't even living under the same roof with her. She could refuse to sign but he's said all he had to say, he was NOT CHANGING HIS MIND. She'd burst into tears and fled upstairs. Two weeks later he'd found the new divorce papers on his desk at the station, with her smudged signature on them. Victory at last but Bo knew he would breathe a whole lot easier after the process was through and he and Carly can begin their fresh start. Bo pulled her closer against him. The future, for the first time in years, was bright.