Chapter 14

Today! Back to when they started climbing out of bed…

Actually, fast-forward to evening. The entire family gathered around the dining room table, and they ended up devouring a feast of three different kinds of Mary's pizzas. Laughing and joking came easily. Stories were told. Everyone relaxed and had a wonderful time.

Austin fit in easily, and Carrie and Marlena shared a private laugh when they heard John calling him, "Kid." They remembered that's what he'd called every young teenage boy whom Carrie had dated. Sami, meanwhile, looked at Austin all dreamy-eyed, her crush still in full swing, but Austin only had eyes for Carrie, and didn't even notice.

Then fast-forward again to later at night. Everyone was tucked in their beds. And in the master bedroom, John and Marlena were lying together reviewing the day.

"They all love it here, John."

"Yep, it seems so."

"Letting them help with the wine harvest was a great idea."

"Glad they enjoyed it. The harvest is going to continue for several more weeks at least."

John seemed distracted to Marlena. She asked, "Is there something else on your mind, John?"

"Actually, yes. I didn't want to mention it in front of everyone, but this afternoon, after we got up and they all returned to the house, I got two pieces of news."

Marlena moved so she could look at her husband. "What were they?"

"One was the results of another DNA test I had done to verify my Grafton parentage. They put a rush on it for me. It confirms that I am Christopher and Mary's son."

"That's good, John. That gives you another layer of reassurance."

"Yes, I'm glad. But, to tell the truth, I'm not entirely convinced that even this newest, very secret test is completely reliable.

"With the DNA test experience we've had, I totally understand." Marlena nestled closer, "What's the other news?"

"I got a letter, via fax, from Norman Burns. He and I were on the force together. Now, as I'm sure you know, he's the Salem Police Chief."

"What did he say?"

"He said he'd heard I was still interested in returning to policing, and he has a proposition he wants to talk over with me."

"That's all? He didn't give any specifics?"

"That was it. He said he would come and see me here in California if I was agreeable. This coming Wednesday, in fact. He's not making the trip just to see me, he said. He's got family in Sacramento."

"Rather cloak and dagger, isn't it? I mean about the letter being so vague. But hopefully something good?" Marlena was having a hard time determining whether John was excited about this development or not.

"Sure, it could be really good. But I'm not sure where this is coming from."

Marlena conceded, "The timing is strange. We only talked to Mickey about the possibility of meeting Ray Hill yesterday. Nothing's been set up yet."

John scratched his head. "Maybe Abe talked to Hill. Or perhaps he talked to Norm. Then again, maybe not. Abe and Norm were not really buddies."

"I don't know," Marlena answered. "But, John, this is positive, right? You might be able to be a cop again."

"I'll have to know exactly what Norm has in mind before I'll have any idea if it's right for me."

"Of course. That makes complete sense."

"But," he said, "Thank you, Doc, for making the inquiry with Abe in the first place, and then talking to him again - as well as Mickey - with me. I know you want to help me, and I appreciate it."

Marlena kissed him lingeringly before saying, "I definitely don't want to overstep, John. I don't want you to think I'm trying to fight your battles for you. I know you are completely capable of doing that yourself."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I know your intentions are pure." John grinned at her.

"Well, Mister, my intentions are not "pure" right now." Marlena kissed John again more lasciviously, and that diverted them both from this conversation.

Before they finally fell asleep though, Marlena did kind of sum things up, speaking drowsily in love-softened, mellow tones, "John, you have options - more seem to be opening up every day. Eric, Sami, Tommy, and I can adjust to whatever choice you want to make. We can be happy here or in Salem. Because, just as you said your true home is inside this family, this family's true home is with you. My true home is with you."

John spooned with her and said quietly in her ear, "I love you so much. I'm the most blessed man on earth."

Marlena replied, "And I'm the most blessed woman."

FIN