~ Chapter 15 ~

Alex felt his heart skip a beat. Had he heard correctly? Had Marlena really said what he thought she did?

"I'm sorry. Could you repeat that?"

"I still love this mystery man from my past. My feelings for him are so intense, and they're coming back to me, more every day."

"Even though you don't remember his face or his name."

"Yes. It's odd, but it's almost as if a veil has been lifted. Like these feelings were very deeply buried, but something has happened to unearth them. I'm not sure how, or why, but it's wonderful."

She looked up and smiled, a smile so bright it dazzled him. Why had he ever agreed to give her up? He must've been completely insane. To think that he had missed all those years when he could've been by her side, sharing her joys, her sorrows, the delightful minutiae of everyday living… He shook his head, trying to clear it of his regrets in order to focus on the here and now. He had her in his arms. Life didn't get much better than this.

As Alex's thoughts drifted, Marlena remained silent. Leaning against his side, she was so comfortable and relaxed that her eyes closed momentarily. When she opened them again, she watched a myriad of emotions play across his handsome face. Feeling his hold tighten, she snuggled even closer into his embrace.

How was it possible that she felt so at ease with this man? Although snippets of the time they had shared were coming back to her, she still didn't have all the pieces to the puzzle that was her past.

At this point, I'd be happy just to be with him, even if my memory never returns.

The realization shocked her, but it was true. There was something about Alex that made her want to be with him forever. And yet… She'd just told him that she still loved a man whose face she couldn't even remember. What was wrong with her? How could she love one man while having such strong feelings for another? The only thing she knew for certain was that John held no claim to her heart. He was a hindrance, an obstacle preventing her from finding the answers she was seeking, and if she couldn't eliminate his presence from her life, she'd at least have to figure out how to reduce his interference.

Lost in thought, it took her several seconds to become conscious of the fact that Alex was speaking to her.

"Sorry?"

"I was asking if you'd be interested in going for a hike. It would be a shame not to take advantage of the trails here on such a beautiful day."

"What a wonderful idea. I'd love to."

As they rose from the bench and stood side by side, she laced her fingers with his. He led her towards a well-worn path, and they strolled leisurely together.

"Does any of this look familiar to you?" Alex asked after a few minutes.

Marlena's brow furrowed as she stopped to examine her surroundings.

"I can't say that I recognize the woods or this specific path, but I definitely can sense that I've been here before. This place clearly holds meaning for me, and despite the sadness that I experienced here, I'm at peace."

"I am, too."

As he spoke the words, he realized just how true they were. It had literally been years since he'd felt this kind of peace. His life had been filled with negative emotions – sadness, guilt, remorse, frustration and, most of all, loneliness – for so long that he fervently wished time could stand still, so that he could simply bask in the joy that surrounded him at this moment.

They picked up the pace. Conversation flowed freely and easily between them, punctuated by frequent peals of laughter. Neither of them wanted their time together to come to an end, so they followed the path for several miles. Eventually, as the sun moved towards the west, they reluctantly turned back. They walked in comfortable silence for over an hour, until they found themselves in the clearing once again.

Alex wrapped his arms around Marlena and, turning her to face him, flashed her a crooked grin.

"Penny for your thoughts."

"They're worth much more than that," she countered, a teasing lilt to her voice.

"You're right, of course. I'm prepared to offer you…" He paused, as if considering a suitable price. "A dollar?"

"Still not nearly enough."

"A hundred dollars?"

"That's it?" Her tone was one of mock outrage.

"Okay, okay. Would you settle for half my worldly goods?" His eyes sparkled, and her heartbeat accelerated.

"Hmm… Better, but not quite what I had in mind."

"Well, there is one other thing that might meet with your approval…"

"Yes?"

Her eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly. The attraction between them flared.

"Would you accept… this?"

Her breathing quickened as his face inched closer, her every nerve ending tingling in anticipation. Finally, their lips met. The kiss was slow and gentle, and filled with longing. When they broke apart, they continued to hold each other, their hearts beating wildly. As their gazes locked, Marlena suddenly felt as if the fog that had enshrouded her memory for so long was dissipating. She stared at the man before her in amazement – and recognition.

"You're… him."