Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Obviously, their storyline would've played out far differently if I did. The Carpenters' You isn't mine, either.

~ Chapter 25 ~

Alex poked his head out into the hallway, instantly detecting the satisfying click of the door as it closed behind John. Seconds later, the whir of the elevator assured him that his rival was being transported to the ground floor, and out of Marlena's life – at least temporarily. Alex harboured no illusions. He realized that, although he could claim victory in this particular battle, the war was far from being won.

Back in his room, he replayed the snippets of John and Marlena's conversation that he'd overheard. She'd actually kicked her husband out of the penthouse! This latest development, though welcome, was also unexpected, and it had thrown a wrinkle into his carefully orchestrated strategy. He needed to gather his thoughts and figure out his next move. What he wanted was to sweep Marlena off her feet and make mad, passionate love to her, but the timing was completely wrong. She needed to remember her past first, and he needed to find a way of making that happen sooner, rather than later. After all, without John's interference, it would be much easier to recreate moments they'd shared, the better to jog her memory.

Casting about for ideas, he examined and discarded several before hitting upon one that he judged as having the potential for success. It was simplicity itself, and now, he merely needed to set it in motion. With his immediate course of action decided, he headed for the shower, eager to start the day with the woman he loved.

Mercifully relieved of John's presence, Marlena paced. Insisting he leave had been a drastic step, but one she'd felt she needed to take, and she had no regrets. With Alex so close, it had grown increasingly difficult to hide her feelings for him, and she had no desire to keep doing so.

Her lips curved upward, and she sighed his name. Alex… It had been ages since she'd felt as happy and contented as she had that morning, waking up beside him. If she had her way, each and every day from now on would start in that very fashion. She shivered in anticipation of what lay ahead. Although she was well aware that he wouldn't let things progress beyond a certain point until she had regained her memories, there was still so much to look forward to. As she tugged on the covers to make her bed, a hauntingly familiar tune came, unbidden, into her head, and she began to hum softly. Her hands stilled as images flashed before her – wonderful images of dancing with Alex, their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Soon, she found herself singing quietly, as the words bubbled up from within.

You are the one who makes me happy
When everything else turns to grey
Yours is the voice that wakes me mornings
And sends me out into the day

You are the crowd that sits quiet
Listening to me
And all the mad sense that I make

You are one of the few things worth remembering
And since it's all true
How could anyone mean more to me
Than you

Her voice trailed off as she suddenly realized that her cheeks were wet. The song had clearly evoked some powerful feelings, and she struggled to hold on to the memories that were rising to the surface. She was so close to retrieving something important, if she could just focus… A light bulb went off in her head.

Of course! Why didn't I think of it sooner?

The man who held the key was just a few feet away, and there was no one around to interrupt them. Alex could help, she was sure of it. Hurriedly, she strode down the hall to his room. When her knock elicited no response, she turned the knob and let herself in. The sound of running water answered her unspoken question, and she pivoted towards the bathroom. Passing the bedside table, she spied a framed photograph that she hadn't noticed before. Stepping closer for a better look, she was amazed to discover that it was a picture of herself and Alex at what was clearly a dance. They both appeared to have eyes only for each other, and the smiles on their faces reflected their happiness for all to see.

"We were so in love," she murmured. Easing herself on to his bed, she was transported back in time…

Soft music. A warm embrace. Nothing had ever felt so right to her before. As she glanced up at Alex, she couldn't hide the joy that was threatening to overwhelm her. This wonderful man was her fiancé. Soon, they'd be married, and they'd start their life together. She tore her eyes from his, and rested her head on his shoulder.

"This is perfect."

"You're perfect," he responded.

Lifting her chin with his finger, he captured her mouth with his. The kiss was gentle, but the look he gave her as her lids fluttered open caused desire to smoulder inside her. A disembodied voice broke the spell.

"And now, a very special song for a very special lady," the DJ intoned. "Marlena, this is for you."

Surprise and delight flitted across her face as Karen Carpenter's melodious voice filled the room, and the first strains of 'You' wafted from the speakers.

"Oh, Alex…" she whispered, as she melted into his arms.

"The song says it all, Marlena. No one means more to me than you."

They swayed quietly until the last notes faded away. As they pulled apart, he was both surprised and confused to see that she was crying. Reaching up with his thumb, he wiped away a tear that was threatening to spill from her lashes.

"What is it? What's wrong?" His voice, laced with concern and so very tender, simply provoked more tears.

"I'm sorry," she sniffled. "This is going to sound silly, but… I'm just so… happy."

He gazed at her, his expression baffled, yet with infinite patience in his eyes.

"I've never had a moment like this. You asked me to marry you, and I can't wait to be your wife. I don't want anything to change."

"And you're afraid it might."

"You understand!" Her relief, that this man knew her so well and accepted her so completely, was unmistakable.

"I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to keep things just as they are, forever."

A smile broke through her tears, and they sealed his promise with a kiss.

Immersed in her memories, the sound of the bathroom door opening barely registered. Suddenly, Marlena sensed that she was being watched. Looking up, she discovered Alex crouched in front of her. She inhaled sharply, then quickly averted her gaze.

"Are you alright?"

"I… I…"

She stammered, unable to string two coherent words together. The sight of him, naked except for the towel wrapped around his waist, had totally flustered her, driving all thoughts of their long-ago dance from her mind.

"You're shivering," he noted, as he moved to sit beside her. Pulling her into his arms, he held her close. "I'll warm you up in no time."

She opened her mouth to protest, then instantly shut it. Her trembling hadn't been temperature related, and the warmth that was spreading through her could only partially be explained by the body heat Alex was generating. She wanted him, plain and simple. Yes, she'd felt this desire before, but there was an intensity to her yearning now, fuelled by the feel of his skin, the knowledge that they were alone, and the vivid memories she had just relived. She leaned into him, unable to tear herself from his embrace, as she fought to control her raging emotions. Pulling away slightly, she turned towards him. Their eyes met, and locked.

"Alex, I…"

"Shh… Let's not talk right now," he whispered, totally mesmerized by the woman at his side.

"Okay," she agreed readily, as their lips inched closer together.

He hesitated, a hint of rational thought beginning to stir in the recesses of his brain.

"We shouldn't…"

"You said no talking," she reminded him.

Her wicked grin sent his pulse racing.

"You're right. No talking. No thinking. Just this…"

Their mouths met, and passion exploded between them. He threaded his fingers through her hair as she caressed his jaw, each needing the other to be as physically close as possible. They gasped as they came up for air, hearts beating wildly.

"You're mine again now, you know," he declared, believing without a shadow of a doubt that it was true.

"And you're mine," she responded softly, as certain of it as he was.

One thing was abundantly clear to them both. From this moment, nothing would ever be the same.