Chapter 13

The first person Hope turned to the next day was Maggie, leaving nothing out. 'Carly's got no reason returning to Salem, except to get back at me especially.'

'You can't just assume that, honey.'

'Assume? Carly hates us, but it 's pretty obvious who she hates more. But all Bo cares about are Carly's twins and her. He was desperate enough to go to Celeste for help, Aunt Maggie! What do you expect me to think?'

'I can only tell you to keep calm. Whatever reason Carly's coming here, it's not to "get back" at anyone.' Maggie said firmly. 'She's probably coming back to reconcile with Melanie, everyone knows they parted on pretty bad terms. And I hope they do, that poor girl's been really miserable without Carly.'

'And I should be reassured by that?'

'Yes you should, because not everything's about you.' Maggie Horton Kiriakis' tone was mild but firm. It's no point looking at me that way, Hope. I say this because it's true and I'm not about to let you have another excuse to make yourself crazy.'

'I can't believe you're defending her like this.'

'What would you rather I do, honey... continue pretending it was Carly's fault your marriage was on the rocks in the first place?'

Something in Hope snapped. 'Why is Bo's mistress the one being cloistered and his wife's being made to look the bad guy here? So, I made a mistake but she's the one who was sleeping with my husband...on our bed! Five years later and I'm still paying for that mistake, with Frankie and Rafe blaming me for her assault! And Bo blaming himself because ... because he was with me when it happened! So, don't expect me to believe Carly doesn't have some ulterior motive up her sleeve and if it's a fight she really wants, she can bring it. I'll fight for my marriage, with everything I've got.'

Maggie shook her head, exasperated beyond words. But there was nothing she could do to curb her angry niece. She, as well as everyone else, thought the exact same thing when Carly first returned to Salem- that she wanted Bo back at all costs. No one gave her the benefit of the doubt, not even after the discovery of Melanie's paternity and conveniently laid so much blame on her and not Hope when Bo appeared very happy with Carly. They'd all accepted, except for Victor, that they hurt Carly very much. They weren't going to make the same mistake again, but clearly, Hope was yet to learn from her own.

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Melanie's spirits were now lifted at the news of her mother 's return, certain Time has finally softened Carly's heart enough. And with Nicholas staying in town for a while, they both had a chance to make amends.

'At least I can finally give Emma some good news,' he said. 'Have you told Colin?'

'Colin was raised agnostic, he'll just laugh if I tell him. I'm sure what Celeste told Bo is real but at the same time, I really hope she's right. I mean... after all this time, I'm almost afraid of getting my hopes up. But I told Brady, he promised not to tell anyone else.'

Nicholas looked thoughtful. 'Do you suppose Bo has informed his wife?'

'I don't know. Why?'

'Well... given the drama that occurred here 5 years ago, I don't want Mrs Brady to make any sort of trouble for Mum.'

'Hope got Bo back, why would she want to give Mum trouble?'

'Please Melanie, I'm not a fool. The man's obviously still in love with her, you saw how he almost ripped my head off when we were at his house. And you've had a close relationship with him all this time, are you honestly going to tell me you aren't aware of his feelings?'

Melanie flushed, not wanting to betray Bo's confidence. She knew he still loved Carly but she was yet to know just why he let her go again. He clamped up, refusing to answer her question up on Brady's roof but she clearly saw the look of pain on his face.

'I don't know what his feelings are, it's sort of a closed subject.' She lied. 'But what I do know, he's been living with so much guilt these past years, Nick. He can't get past the fact that Mum was assaulted after they broke up and she was pregnant. How do you think he feels, the twins growing up not knowing him?'

'Personally, I don't think he deserves them having anything to do with him.' Nicholas replied, his tone harsh. 'He didn't waste any time judging me, when he was the one who left her pregnant and alone, after leading her on! Bo Brady's the one who deserves Mum's forgiveness the least.'

'Don't say that.' Melanie pleaded. 'It was years before you found out who your parents were, the same with me. The twins deserve to know who their father is and he badly wants to know them, and make amends with Mum... and Uncle Frankie.'

'That's all, just amends?'

'Just amends.' Melanie insisted, even though she had no idea if that was really Bo's intention.

'Whatever. It better not be more than that or Commissioner Brady's going to see just how much of a protective son I am this time.'

Melanie winced at his tone and was about to speak when she suddenly waved. 'Hi, over here.' Turning to Nicholas she added, 'it's about time you two met. Brady Black, Nicholas Alamain.'

Brady was the first to extend a hand to Melanie's brother, whom she'd already told him about. 'Pleased to finally met you, Nick.'

Nicholas shook hands with him, liking Melanie's friend already.

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Chicago

The calm and controlled woman at the podium gave the conference's keynote speech with perfect aplomb and rounded off to a thunderous round of applause. Carly smiled faintly at the gathering, her smile widening a bit on seeing Marcus among them, clapping as well; a look of pride and affection on his face. Dear Marcus, her rock. He'd led her back to her room after consoling her, urging her to get a sound's sleep and not think about Bo. She'd felt angry with herself for going all to pieces because of that stupid song... and Bo. I'm not weak, she kept reminding herself. I'm a survivor.

'You were great up there, honey.' Marcus kissed her on the cheek as soon as she was able to tear herself away from the enthusiastic crowd.

'Thanks, at least that part's over.' Carly replied, relieved. 'Two more days and I'll be home with my babies.'

Marcus placed his arm around her waist as they walked out of the hall to the massive dining room where a lunch buffet was waiting for all of them. He was yet to define what he now felt for Carly and if he was willing to take it beyond friendship. Even if he was sure, will Carly be willing to?

What am I thinking? He thought. The last thing she wants right now is romance and certainly not with someone she considers a brother... who considers her his sister. But her happiness is important to me, I want to protect her every day of her life. And I love the twins like they're mine. What do I really feel for her right now?

Carly looked up from filing her plate with salad to smile at him and Marcus found himself lost in her vivid green eyes. There was definitely a vibe going on within him.

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Back in Salem... 11.30 p.m

The two Salem Inn receptionists at the desk and a few guests milling around jumped in fright at the sound of shots fired. Rushing outside, the security guards found Nicholas Alamain sprawled on the steps, bleeding profusely.