Chapter 20

'Carly Marie Manning, where the hell are you?' Bo demanded out loud. A week to their wedding date, they arrived at Chichén Itza and went straight to the home of their old friends, Professor Hank Moore and his wife Soledad, who couldn't believe their eyes on seeing them at their doorstep, delighted and thrilled to see them again and very pleased to meet Melanie, Nicholas, Brady and Abby. They'd talked the night away and Bo had woken up the next morning to find Carly gone. Expecting to find her at the Moore house, with Soledad, he was surprised to find she wasn't there. Cruz, Hank and Soledad's only son, suggested she probably strolled off to the Mayan court.

Ah… the Mayan court… where he first proposed to her so long ago. Nostalgia gave way to worry when he got there and there was still no sign of her.

'Carly!' he called again, really exasperated now. 'So help me when I find you, I'm going to…'

'What… spank me?' Carly called from several yards afar, grinning unrepentantly at him.

Bo glowered at her. 'I suppose you think it's funny making me come look for you. You have any idea how worried I was?'

Carly chuckled, which infuriated him more.

Bo suddenly realised her ploy and he began to laugh. 'I get it… a little trip down memory lane, right?'

'So glad you caught on quick, I was wondering how long you were going to stay mad at me.'

'Like I can stay mad at you, princess.' He held out a hand to her and she ran across the court, hair swinging and face alight; almost knocking him over when she flung herself at him.

'Hey… hey… easy, I'm an old man!' he joked, holding her tightly, lowering his head to kiss her, a kiss that expressed his deep love for her without words, feeling his princess press against as she fervently kissed him back.

'It feels just like yesterday, doesn't it?' Carly asked as he pushed back hair strands from her flushed face.

'It sure does,' keeping his arm round her shoulders, Bo looked around the magnificent ancient site, a few tourists about. 'I never imagined I'd ever see El Castillo again,' he added, his glance stopping at the looming old pyramid.

Carly realised Bo never returned to Chichén Itza after they went their separate ways years ago, not that she didn't understand. It would've been sacrilege if she'd come back here with Lawrence. 'Nor me.' She agreed.

Bo pressed his cheek against hers. 'Maybe our wedding here years ago was just symbolic but according to the professor, a man and a woman become spiritual partners and become a part of the cosmos; the bond never breaking until one of the two dies. That's why we found each other after so many years, when we least expected.'

'I never begrudged your life after me.' Carly turned to him. 'I'd long accepted my fate so when I came back to Salem, I kept reminding myself I was there to find my little girl and pick up the pieces of my life.'

Bo touched her face. 'I would've gotten you away from him if you'd called me, you know that.'

'I know but I couldn't let you risk your life. Lawrence hoped you would come for me; I think he tortured me the more so I would break and get in touch with you somehow. I couldn't let that happen… not to you.'

Bo hugged her tightly, pressing a kiss on top of her head. 'We promised not to talk about the past, remember? We're getting married in a week and there's a few things left to do. First off, in the spirit of re-enactment…' taking her hand, he took off her engagement ring. Then he knelt in front of her, her hand clasped in his.

'Carly Manning,' he said smiling up at her. 'We're older and I hope to God wiser…'

Carly chuckled.

'On a very sad day years ago, we went our separate ways. Then you came back into my life the same way you first came into it, a period when things weren't going well for me. I fell in love with you all over again but then forced you to make a very painful decision afterwards. But fate was kinder to us this time. We found each other again and we're much more aware of where we belong, with each other. And we have a very special gift, a beautiful little girl born from our love. From now on princess, you've got all of me. I love you very much and you'll be doing me a great honour if you'll have me as your husband.'

'I love you too,' Carly smiled down at him. 'I want to marry you, more than anything.'

Bo kissed her hand, sliding the ring back on; kissing her again on rising to his feet.

'Now let's head back and get some breakfast before Mel and the others go berserk and send a search party.'

Nicholas had rented a large villa nearby, to accommodate the several guests he was flying in from Salem on the Alamain jet and where the reception was going to take place. Melanie and Abby were already in love with Chichén Itza, wishing with all their might people were still allowed to climb up to the top of the pyramid. Brady sternly told Melanie there was no way he would let her go up there even if it was possible.

The wedding planner Nicholas hired, Maria Martinez, went over the plans with Bo and Carly. The food met their approval and aside from champagne, Xtabentún was also included. Temporary maids and a handyman waited on them at the villa and were also helping with the decorations.

Bo and Carly also spoke with the Shaman who was going to perform the ceremony; both in English and Mayan. Caroline had voiced her disapproval when she was told what sort of wedding it was going to be; only grudgingly mellowing after she was assured the ceremony was completely legal. And in accordance to Mayan tradition, the bride and groom where to undergo a ritualistic cleansing a few days before the wedding. 'Separately,' Carly emphasized, seeing the predatory glint in Bo's eyes.

The family arrived from Cancun, Ciara running straight to Bo's arms; giving Carly a warm hug too. As Melanie and Abby were her bridesmaids, Ciara was the ring bearer.

'It's so good to be back here!' Marlena exclaimed.

'Hasn't changed, much.' John added, nostalgia hitting him as it was here Isabella had told him she was pregnant with Brady.

Shane and Kimberly had come along too and Carly got an even more pleasant surprise. 'Marcus! Marcus, is that you?' she exclaimed rushing into his outstretched arms.

'You're sure a sight for sore eyes, Manning.' Her old colleague kissed her on both cheeks. 'Hey hothead,' he grinned, hugging Bo as well.

'Where the hell did you spring from?' Bo demanded, very pleased to see him too.

'Thank a very determined young woman who tracked me down through her connections,' he said with an amused look at Melanie. 'She told me who she was and requested I do her a huge favour by attending your wedding.'

'It's not something we could afford to miss,' Shane beamed.

'No indeed, especially since a lot of us didn't get to see the first one,' Kimberly laughed.

Melanie delighted to see the happy look on Carly's face on sighting her old friend, Marcus Hunter. Nicholas had helped locating him and after the introductions were made, liked him just as much as she liked him during her time travel with Isabella. Someday, she would tell Carly about it.

Shawn Douglas came with his wife Belle and Carly got to meet her and Shawn D's little daughter, Claire; Carly causing Bo to chase her about after insistently calling him "Grandpa Bo." Kayla, Daniel and Jennifer were among the guests who came; Molly, Tanner, Adrienne, Maxine (at Carly's special invitation) and her obstetrician, Karen Long.

Maggie was also invited and although she warmly hugged Carly, telling her how happy she was for them, Carly noticed she looked rather pensive.

'Aunt Maggie's filed for a divorce.' Jennifer explained after Carly asked her about it.

'Oh no…'

'"Oh no", nothing. She's better off without Victor and to be honest, she should never have married him. It's no point hanging on to a marriage where the husband just can't get rid of his flaws. Maggie just couldn't ignore them any more.'

Carly couldn't pretend to be sorry about it, if there was a man who deserved Maggie Horton, Victor Kiriakis definitely wasn't him.

'By the way,' Jennifer added, 'I've got a gift for you.'

'Oh… that's so sweet.' Carly took the wrapped box.

'It's not from me,' Jennifer said. 'It's from Hope.'

Carly was startled. 'Hope? Why would she send me a wedding gift?'

'It's her way of asking you for a truce. She told me to make sure you get it. Open it, let's see what it is.'

Carly was touched by Hope's gift, vintage handkerchiefs with delicate handmade lace. Guilt was a strong thing but Hope obviously wanted to make peace and this was a thoughtful gesture from her. Carly wasn't sure if they'll ever be close friends but at least they won't be any animosity between them from now on.

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It was a perfect day for a wedding. The sky was blue and the weather was reasonably cool which was lucky as Chichén Itza was known for its hot weather. The banquet was ready and more than enough to feed the guests, the three tired cake taking centre stage on a flower bedecked table.

Soledad Moore skilfully wove colourful flowers in Carly's hair while Melanie made up her face.

'You look beautiful, Carly. That dress really becomes you.'

'Thank you, Soledad.' Carly smiled at her, running a hand over her wedding dress. Melanie and Abby were also in white native costumes, lilies in their hair and no jewellery except dangling earrings. Carly however was wearing a jade and gold necklace and matching earrings- Bo's wedding gift to her and on her right wrist, a pearl bracelet, a gift from Abby. Aside from the wedding party, all the guests were required to wear white, according to tradition.

'Excuse me,' Soledad quietly withdrew.

Carly got up to pace, her hands shaking with anticipation. 'I'm so nervous, after all this time; it still feels like a dream.'

'It's perfectly natural Carly, after everything you've been through but you're about to embrace your future, your happy ending.' Abby soothed.

Carly halted. 'Yes that's true. I'm so glad you're both here to celebrate it with me.' She took Abby's hand and then Melanie's. 'I love you both. You did a lot for me and I can never thank you enough. Abby, I'm especially grateful to you. Melanie told me it was your idea to send for Bo in the first place. I'll never forget that. And I hope in time, we'll get to celebrate your wedding with Nicholas.'

'Thank you.' Abby beamed.

'Group hug?' Melanie proposed.

'Oh absolutely.' Carly enveloped the girls in her arms.

'Carly?' Frankie knocked on the door and poked his head in. 'You set?'

'Yes Frankie,' Carly picked up her bouquet of tuberoses. 'Oh where's Ciara?'

Ciara ran in as she spoke, also in white, a white ribbon decorating her hair. 'You look great!' she gasped, eyes widening.

'Thank you sweetie,' Carly leaned down a bit to kiss her.

'Here's the rings and for heaven sake, don't drop them for any reason.' Melanie warned.

Ciara pouted, her hands holding the folded lace cloth where the platinum wedding bands were. 'I won't, I'm not a baby.' She said indignantly.

'Okay guys, while we're young.' Frankie said briskly. As the bridesmaids and Ciara walked out of the room, Frankie took his sister's arm. 'Ready?' he asked, knowing the answer.

'More than ready.'

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At the altar, at the foot of the majestic El Castillo, surrounded by friends and family, Bo Brady and Carly Manning at last took their marital vows. The Mayan priests blew on the sacred conch shells and even Caroline couldn't help being fascinated by the solemn ceremony. For Rafe, who was of Spanish descent, it was a spectacular sight to behold.

'Bo, is it your complete will to be here today, to join your life to Carly's; your thoughts and heart complete?'

Bo, handsome and dashing in his white shirt and pants looked at his beautiful bride, love for her running deep. 'Yes.'

'Carly, is it your complete will to be here today, to join your life to Bo's, your thoughts and heart complete?'

'Yes.'

The Shaman touched their foreheads. 'You are the husband, you are the wife. Only death can bring you apart.' After the exchange of rings, the Shaman joined their hands together, placed a rosary over them, securing it. 'This is a sign of your commitment before the Great Lord.'

The priests recited some words in Spanish as the Shaman held up a small wooden receptacle. 'This is the sacred drink, brother and sister; which I give to you in order to seal the signal they receive from your power. May it instil in your lives eternal bliss.' He passed it to Bo who took a sip before passing it to Carly.

'The power of God be with you.'

Lightly sprinkling them with a bunch of wet leaves he continued, 'May your future be a happy one and May the power of the Great Lord be with you always.'

As the conch shells were blown, Bo slipped his arms round his wife, kissing her deeply, amidst a round of applause and loud cheers. Some tourists, happening on the scene and allowed to stay, took photos with their phones and tablets. After Bo and Carly signed the marriage register, their children enveloping them in warm, heartfelt hugs.

At the reception, Roman; Bo's best man led the toast, wishing them a lifetime of happiness. After Bo and Carly had their first dance as Mr and Mrs Brady, Shawn Douglas danced with his stepmother, while Bo was grabbed by Melanie. While the cake was being cut by the couple John, Roman and Marlena in unison instructed Bo to behave himself and not do what he did last time. With a gleam of mischief in his eyes, Bo held the piece of cake in his hand, looking as though he would squash it on Carly's carefully made up face. A stern warning look from her prevented him from doing so, so instead he fed it to her, planting a kiss on her mouth to a round of cheers.

Frankie hugged Bo tightly afterwards. 'Congratulations bro.' he said. He was now back in the fold, having forgiven Bo, Jennifer and the family at last.

'Thanks, Frank. I'm going to make her and Starr very happy, I promise.'

'I know you'll keep it,' Frankie nodded, smiling.

'Shawn D, can we renew our vows with a ceremony like this?' Belle asked hopefully, causing Shawn Douglas to laugh indulgently.

'To be honest, I would love a wedding like this,' Melanie said as she danced with Brady.

Brady gave her a playful look. 'Are you proposing to me?'

Melanie's arms tightened round his neck. 'Maybe.'

'Uh no… I'm the guy, I get to do that.'

'No pressure or anything but when will that be?' Melanie retorted.

Brady only smiled and pulled her closer.

Nicholas already had Abby's ring in his suitcase in their room and planned on proposing to her that very night.

Kayla watched her brother and sister-in-law dancing, turning when Frankie tapped her shoulder and claimed a dance with her. Ciara sat with her grandmother who had Starr in her arms. Roman and John chatted with Hank Moore while Marlena and Soledad strolled about the villa's courtyard, deep in conversation. Everyone agreed on the same thing, it was a wedding to remember.

Especially the bride and groom. While the festivities were still going on, Bo and Carly slipped away with their bags to the already booked boat which took them to Cancun, where they spent a blissful two weeks. The beginning of their new chapter.

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Epilogue:

Dear Diary,

We're all set for tomorrow's celebration. Starr's cake is ready and everyone's promised to come. She's going to look so sweet in her dress and the diamante tiara Bo got for her. It's hard to believe she's already a year old, babies really grow up so fast.

I'm watching Bo right now playing with her and Ciara. The loving look on his face makes me feel so warm inside and I find myself loving him more. Now I know, really know the joy of having a husband who loves you and goes out of his way to show it. And Bo's been doing that, every day since our wedding. Every morning when I wake up in his arms, I say to myself , 'I'm so blessed.'

THE END.