John and Marlena casually made their way downstairs. Halfway down, there was a knock on the door. "It's probably Greta for our day of shopping." Marlena muttered and headed in that direction. John nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

Marlena opened the door and eagerly hugged Greta. "Good morning, Marlena. Ready for some shopping?"

"You bet I am." Marlena happily replied.

John emerged from the kitchen with a cup of coffee. "You ladies have fun now!"

"Are you sure you don't want to join us?" Marlena teased him. Instead he simply shook his head and gave her a kiss.

As Greta and Marlena entered a dress shop, Greta glanced up to the bright sky, "I can't believe how warm it is today."

"Quite amazing for it being late December." Marlena quipped before a lovely dress captured her attention. "Oh, Greta, look at this one."

"That would look great on you!" She squealed in agreement. Greta watched as Marlena removed it from the rack and held it up against her.

"Well?"

"I think you should try it on." Greta suggested.

"I think so too." Marlena headed for the fitting rooms, leaving Greta to search for a dress.

For Shawn-D, no matter how old he was, having breakfast with his father aboard the Fancy Face II was something he always enjoyed. "Dig into those eggs, Sailor Man." Bo dipped his fork into the pile of eggs on his own plate.

Shawn-D didn't hesitate to obey. After a couple bites in silence, he glanced over to his father. He noticed an alarming expression on his father. "What's wrong, Dad?"

Bo shook his head. "It's nothing."

"No, come on. You're worried about something." Shawn-D gripped his fork and swirled some eggs around on his plate. "Are you having second thoughts about the party?"

Bo sighed, realizing that he couldn't ever get one past his son. "No, son, I'm sure the party will be great and that our plan will succeed."

"Then what is it?" Shawn-D pressed again.

Bo set his fork down and stared pointedly at his son. "I think your mother tried calling here last night."

Shawn-D almost choked on his eggs. "What?" He took a drink of milk to clear his windpipe. "She called?"

"Yeah." Bo nodded. "I'm just as surprised as you are."

"What did she say?"

"Nothing." Bo replied.

"Then how do you know it was her?" Shawn-D was confused.

"Just a feeling." Bo leaned back. "But what I don't know is why she called. I mean, so far she's been making it clear that as Gina, she wants nothing to do with us."

Shawn-D watched his father a moment. "Maybe she…"

Bo interrupted, "Maybe she what? Tell me your theory, son."

Shawn-D shrugged, "I don't know. Well, she was pretty mad at us yesterday. But maybe still…being with us had gotten through to her."

"It's possible." Bo resumed eating. "A good theory." Shawn-D smiled. "And if your theory is fact…then it's only going to further help us tomorrow night." Shawn-D loved the sound of that.

When Gina emerged from her room, Stefano greeted her with news that they would enjoy breakfast together in the backyard terrace. She was still unnerved by the previous night between Stefano's advances on her and the half-attempted phone call to a man she wanted nothing to do with. Even so, she followed Stefano-only to be completely awed by the sight she walked into. Wearily she looked at him, "Are you trying to charm me into staying, Steffy?" She trailed a finger down his arm as she walked past him to the table. He gave her a broad smile before helping her into a chair and then seating himself.

"As much as I would like to hear that you've changed your mind, I cannot possibly keep you against your will, Gina." He proceeded to pour orange juice in a champagne glass.

"Well, then it's a very nice gesture." She took the glass and then sipped from it. Stefano handed her a Danish basket and with her free hand, she took one.

A nice gesture indeed. Gina, you have no idea that I am trying to worm into the spot you hold for John. I know that it was him you snuck off to dinner with. And I'll see to it to monopolize you all through the party tomorrow night. Despite his thoughts, Stefano held a lighthearted expression, completely keeping Gina from growing suspicious. "Gina, I hope you don't mind that I had ordered the most magnificent gown for you. It should arrive sometime today."

Gina broke into a grin. "Oh, Steffy." In her flirtatious way, she curled her hand into his. Her head tilted to the side, "I bet it's from that shop in Switzerland that I really admired."

Stefano chuckled and patted her hand before reaching for his juice. "You, my dear, are just too cunning." Her grin became a smile as she took a few more bites of her Danish.

"I learn from the best, Steffy." Gina turned to the side, watching as some of the servants busily decorated the backyard. "Hmm, I cannot wait for this party."

"You are going to be the talk of Salem for months." His compliment brought her gaze to his. She got up and moved behind him, slipping her arms around him as she leaned over to hug him.

"Just like old times." She randomly mumbled. Stefano rubbed her arm for a bit, until she stepped back. She looked at her watch and noted it was mid-morning now. "I should get back to Aldo's…finish that piece I was working on."

"Oh, you were painting with him?" Stefano turned just as she entered the Mansion through the French doors. "What were you creating, Gina?"

She paused and glanced at him over her shoulder, "Just a little something for the man I owe everything to." She motioned her hand in his direction as she spoke, indicating that he was the man she spoke of. Stefano smiled in amusement and settled to finish his breakfast alone.

After Shawn-D left to go visit Greta, Bo picked up his phone and began dialing. "The first time was a charm in getting her back, so I hope they are up to repeating our success." While he listened to the rings, Bo flashed back to the time Doug and Julie helped him reach Hope the first time. It was so painful for all of us to see her struggle that way, but it had to be done. I had to push for her. Bo paced in front of the table inside the boat and recalled last night's mysterious call. She tried to reach me again. I know that was her. He sighed and switched the phone to his other ear. Don't worry, Fancy Face…I won't ever give up on you.

Finally Doug had answered, "Hello?"

Bo lit up, "Doug…hey, it's Bo!"

"Bo! Have you gotten Hope back yet?" Doug got right into the thick of things.

Bo hesitated to reply, recalling the news he had to break to them upon his solo return to Salem. "No, unfortunately…but I'm close, I can feel it." Bo quickly explained. "I know she's waiting for me."

He heard a hint of sadness in Doug's voice, "Oh, well…is there anything we can do?"

"Yeah, as a matter of fact, there is." Bo felt hopeful. "I know it's kind of last minute, but could you guys fly in by tomorrow night-and make sure you're in something fancy?"

"What is going on?" It was Julie's voice. Bo grinned upon imagining that Julie wrestled the phone from Doug.

"Hi, Julie." Bo began. "Well, DiMera is hosting a party for Princess Gina tomorrow night-before she heads back to Europe permanently."

"Oh my!" Julie gasped.

"I know. But here's the deal. Since the party is here in Salem, all of her friends and family are going to be there. I'm hoping to use that to really get to her."

"Splendid idea, Bo." Julie gushed. "Doug and I will get the first flight back. You can count on us to help."

"Thanks. I really appreciate it." Bo replied.

"Bo?" It was Doug again.

"Don't worry, we won't fail this time." Bo interrupted, knowing full well what Doug wanted to say.