Chapter 54

That Saturday Vivian was cremated with no memorial service or no mourners. Soft hearted though she was, Carly felt no sorrow and refused to pretend to feel any. If she hadn't stolen Nicholas in the first place, he would have grown up beautifully with Shawn Douglas and Boas a father figure instead of being strongly influenced by her and Lawrence. As she watched the plain casket disappear in the crematorium, Carly felt a strong sense of liberation. The woman who had caused her pain and heartbreak for so long has ceased to exist. With her and Lawrence gone, she was finally free of the Alamains and the painful memories.

Justin, who had accompanied her in Bo's stead, drove her to The Java for coffee. Bo had asked him to accompany Carly as an urgent case required his attention along with strict instructions to keep her away from the Brady Pub; Caroline was putting together a surprise party for her and Olivia who was coming home from the hospital later that day.

Justin was only too happy to; since Carly's return he hadn't spent enough time with her and looked forward to an afternoon of real catching up. He vividly remembered their first encounter in Tahiti twenty years ago, on his honeymoon with Adrienne. She was twenty four then but looked like a seventeen beach bunny which was why he'd refused to believe she was a qualified doctor when she offered to treat his stung foot. Before he knew it, he and Adrienne had befriended her and it was actually thanks to them that Carly Manning came to Salem and later on healed Bo's broken heart. Just like she'd just done again, if the warm twinkle in Bo's eyes these days was anything to go by.

If he wasn't so fond of Bo and Carly, Justin would be feeling bitterly jealous. Bo was devastated when his marriage ended but miraculously got Carly back while he, Justin, had no one after his own painful divorce from Adrienne. Looking at the way Bo and Carly acted around each other, it was as if the sixteen years' apart never happened in the first place. The sullen, unhappy man he was last year was replaced by one happy and very much in love and as for Carly; no lingering signs of her ordeal from Lawrence, if anything the years had only enhanced her staggering good looks.

'Have you guys fixed a date for the wedding yet or are you just going to be living together like before?' he teased.

Carly chuckled. 'No definite date because I have to talk it over with Olivia; she's going to plan it. But soon enough. Will Adrienne be able to come?' She winced at the clouded look on Justin's face. 'Oh, I'm so very sorry...'

'Not at all, not at all.' he waved his hand dismissively. 'I'll let her know once you do fix a date. The situation's not so bad that we can't stand being around each other.'

Carly shook her head. 'What did happen between you two all this time?'

'Search me.' Was the flat, bitter reply. 'All of a sudden we were no longer compatible and before I knew it she served me with the papers. Till now I keep asking myself where and when I went wrong.'

'You still love her?'

'What difference does that make? Her mind was already made up before I even had the chance to talk her out of it.'

'It makes all the difference in the world, if you still love her like you did when you first got married, that should make you use everything you have to get her back. Talk to her.' Carly urged. 'I saw how you two were, it can't be really over.'

Justin shook his head. 'Just because you and Bo have the proverbial story book ending doesn't mean the rest of us are destined to have the same thing, Carly. You two were obviously made for each other from the start.'

'And you and Adrienne?' Carly argued. 'You don't believe you were made for each other as well? You could be wrong you know, just like you're wrong not doing something about it. You haven't answered me, do you still love her?'

Justin sighed. 'Yes. But she chose to end our marriage; she did it- not me. That should give you a clue we're no longer the couple you ran into in Tahiti back then. Time only stood still for you and Bo, not for the rest of us. While you were gone, people and relationships changed.'

He glanced at the ring on the finger of Carly's left hand. Though he was of Greek descent, he knew its significance- Love, Friendship, and Loyalty. Those three pillars kept Bo and Carly together in spite of Victor then later Lawrence and drew them back after so many years. If things had been different, Justin thought as he looked up at her intently, I might have asked her out myself. Bo's damn lucky to have her.

Carly's slim fingers reached out and he enfolded them in his. 'I understand. But at the same time, better to find out if it's really over for her than not knowing at all. Take an old friend's advice, call her. Better yet, fly over there and thrash it out once and for all.' she shrugged. 'It's worth a try.'

Justin nodded, remembering how happy he and Adrienne had been back in the day, despite the heartache and pain she'd suffered as a teenager and Victor's disapproval of their relationship. They had beaten a lot of odds so why not try to scale through this one like Carly says he should?

Changing the subject he asked, 'What's going to happen with Vivian's estate? With Lawrence and Nicky gone...'

'Oh, I forgot to tell Bo. Naveen called me this morning after he left; Vivian's lawyer got in touch with him and Frankie. Apparently she'd originally willed her estate to Nicky but after...' she swallowed, 'he got killed, she changed her Will leaving everything to Lawrence. And since at the time of his death he was legally Olivia's father...'

'Everything goes to Olivia.' Justin guessed.

'Yes. Frankie's going to bring the necessary papers over for her to sign as soon as possible.' Carly sighed. 'She's not going to be thrilled about this.'

'Neither will Bo; Lord knows how many fortune hunters and leeches will go pawing at her if word gets out. With this and Lawrence's enormous fortune she inherited, your daughter's one of the richest young women in the world. It's a good thing she keeps a low profile.'

'And that Bo's her father. There's no danger of him promising her to some titled spoilt brat like mine did. My life would have turned out so different if I didn't have Lawrence and Vivian in it!' Carly said. Though it was a very long time ago, the bitterness she felt towards Henri still lingered. He and Francesca couldn't care less about her feelings or Frankie's- all they cared about was marriage for business and alliance purposes. But thank God, her own daughter will never be subjected to that.

'That's all behind you Carly. You have a terrific kid and you're soon going to be a terrific guy's wife. You have to let it go.'

'I know... I'm sorry Justin. But when you've lived through a lot of pain and fear like I did for so long, it takes a while to adjust it's really finally behind you... that the people who hurt you can't anymore.' Carly shook her head. 'this is the first time, the real first time that I feel completely safe... that no more shadows from the past will suddenly pop up and ruin everything again. Vivian stole my son, then tried to kill my daughter...'

'Carly, she's dead!' Justin gripped her hand. 'Dead and gone, she's not coming back- ever. Everything she and Lawrence did, forget them. Bo would be telling you the same thing if he were here so come on, stop all this and start thinking about your wedding.'

Carly blinked her eyes hard , forcing herself to leave all dark thoughts behind. Bo had already urged her to believe nothing could ever go wrong between them again and she didn't doubt Isabella's words. But still...

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The cell phone's shrill ringing made EJ jerk awake. Cursing loudly, he sat up on the couch where he'd been dozing to grab the offending object vibrating on the coffee table.

'What the hell...' he muttered, blinking at the Caller ID. It was Victor Kiriakis. Victor hardly ever called him.

'Hello?'

'Did I call you at a bad time?'

EJ gritted his teeth at the thought of the dream he was forcibly pulled from. 'Not exactly. What do you want?'

'It's more like what you did for me. My granddaughter's alive because of you.'

'I wasn't expecting any form of reward...' EJ began.

'Be that as it may,' Victor went on, 'as a businessman I make it a habit of paying my debts. So I'm inviting you to a dinner party I'm throwing for her. Next week Saturday- formal of course. That should make us about even.'

Much as EJ couldn't believe his luck, he wisely kept his tone neutral. It would be a disaster if the perceptive Victor Kiriakis ever suspected his feelings for Olivia.

'I hardly think that the Commissioner would be thrilled by my presence, or Roman for that matter.'

'It's your decision to attend or not; either way it's no skin off my nose. I'm simply doing the right thing.'

Bastard, EJ thought, disgusted. If only he knew.

'You're right, it would make us about even so I accept. What time?'

'Seven o' clock and don't be late.' Click.

If he wasn't in love with Olivia and badly wanted to see her again, EJ would be feeling more than insulted. When he'd left the hospital room, he was furious but not at Olivia; at the circumstances keeping them apart- the feud, his father's past and reputation as well as his own, which was why no one would ever believe that there was no hidden agenda behind his good deed. Even Lexie thought he was going to use it to force Olivia fall for him. Give a dog a bad name and hang him.

Well they'll just have to see it's not true then, EJ thought to himself. Olivia more or less admitted she had feelings for him too and until she said otherwise, he wasn't going to give up on her. Next Saturday couldn't come soon enough.

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Olivia ran a brush through her long curls, grateful she was finally going home. The blood tests had yielded positive results; no trace of the poison whatsoever and except losing some pounds, she felt more than fine. She would have loved to spend a little time with Nathan before her Dad picked her up but to her disappointment he was in surgery, according to the nurse who brought her release papers. Maybe once she was back in the warm comfort of her home, she'll be able to think more clearly about the two men occupying her mind. Her face clouded as she thought about EJ. He'd looked so hurt when he left her that day; but she had to make sure he wouldn't nurse any false hope about them ever getting together.

'I'm being realistic here. It's not just the age difference, I'm a Brady and you're a DiMera... you're my cousin's ex-husband for God sake!'

'If I wasn't a DiMera, will all that matter to you?'

'Olivia, tell me the truth... do you love me?'

'I don't know.'

'You hate me?'

'No.'

Olivia jumped at the sound of knocking on the door. 'Come in.'

To her surprise, it wasn't her father but Max. 'Hi beauty.' He grinned, hugging her.

'You're the one picking me up? Where's Dad?'

'He got tied up at the station so he sent me. Disappointed?'

'Don't be daft, of course not.' Olivia picked up her denim jacket. 'I'm all set.'

'Tell you what, how about we stop at the Pub and get you some real food, you're all skin and bones.'

Olivia chuckled. 'That's about right and I'd like to see Grandy for a little bit, so why not?'

Max smiled to himself as he slung her overnight bag over his shoulder. The plan was going perfectly and she didn't suspect a thing. And he was glad to have her to himself for a few minutes. She took his breath away; her looks, the way she spoke, the thoughts she shared with him and he was eager to spend more time getting to know her better and forge a proper relationship, if she would have him.

'Would you like to go to the movies with me tomorrow?' he asked as they drove away from the hospital.'

Olivia glanced at him. 'Are you asking me out?'

'Yes,' Max glanced back briefly. 'You don't sound thrilled... you have a boyfriend I don't know about?'

Christ, not another one. Olivia groaned inwardly.

'No. And I would have thought someone with your looks would have someone back in London.'

'Nope, nada.' Max shook his head firmly. 'all my relationships so far barely last two months so I gave up for a while...' he turned back to smile at her. 'At least till I met you. So how 'bout it?'

Olivia hesitated then replied. 'Sure. Sure... I'll go with you, why not?'

Why not indeed. Anything to forget her inner dilemma for a while. And as Max's an adopted Brady, there was less chance of EJ venting any form of jealousy on him if he happened to see them together.

Oh God, I really need to get him out of my mind and concentrate on Nathan! I want to be in love with Nathan, not him!

'Beauty?' Max's concerned voice broke into her thoughts. 'Look... you don't feel up to going out...'

'No, no... Max I said I'll go. Don't mind me; I'm just a little tired. Really, I want to go.'

'Are you sure?'

She patted his shoulder. 'Positive, I look forward to it.'

Max relaxed, she'd sounded somewhat distant in her answer but was probably just tired like she said. He truly hoped their first date would be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

'Ma!' Olivia hurried to hug Carly who was just getting out Justin's car. 'What are you doing here; I thought you'd be at home.'

'Your father's still at the station and Justin suggested we come here to grab some dinner. How are you feeling?'

'Loads better and very hungry. Hi Uncle Justin.' She greeted, kissing him on the cheek.

'Fade out the "uncle" kid, I'm still young.' Justin kissed her in return as Max and Carly laughed. 'Come on ladies, there's a clam chowder in there with my name on it.'

'Lead the way then!' Olivia grabbed Max's arm then halted, suddenly frowning. 'Why's the Pub dark? What happened to the lights?'

Justin managed to keep his tone puzzled. 'I don't know... a blown fuse? Come on Max.'

Max opened the door for the two women and Carly stepped in calling out, 'Caroline, are you there?'

The lights suddenly came on, accompanied by the shout , 'Surprise!' and a round of thunderous applause from the family gathered en masse , a large banner with the words WELCOME HOME OLIVIA AND CARLY hanging over the bar.

The two guests of honour glanced at each other speechless for a few seconds; everyone laughing at the stunned look on their faces. Bo walked over to them grinning, then immediately got a whack on the side on the head with the edge of Carly's purse. 'Ouch! What was that for?'

'You promised you weren't going to do this to me again Bo Brady...you promised!' Carly hobbled after him as he ducked away from her blows. 'I should have known you were up to something... get back here!'

'You bloody git.' Olivia hissed at Max who was shaking with laughter before turning to hug Caroline then Ciara, who joyfully leapt into her arms.

'Pax, Pax!' Bo seized Carly's arms. 'Stop hitting me! I'm sorry, okay. But in my defence, the party was Mum's idea and it was my job not to tell you about it.'

'And it being a surprise adds more to the fun dear, don't you think?' Caroline smiled, one arm round Olivia. 'Come on now, kiss and up.'

Came the universal chant: 'Kiss her, Kiss her...' accompanied by clapping. Carly tried to maintain a stern expression but failed miserably when Bo grabbed her, bent her backwards in an exaggerated tango stance and planted a deep kiss on her, amidst yelling and catcalls. Justin rolled his eyes as Carly's arms went round Bo's neck and kissed him back. 'Christ you two... get a room!'

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Refreshments were passed round and the guests of honour were made to eat their fill; Olivia didn't mind since the hospital fare hadn't impressed her while Bo and Ciara spoon-fed Carly with ice-cream over weak protests from her.

In the middle of it all, the same question was asked from all and sundry... when was the wedding?

Bo turned to Carly, raising his eyebrows. 'The ball's on your court, princess. When?'

'You haven't even set a date yet?' Sami exclaimed. 'What are you guys waiting for, till you're both 90?'

'Or maybe they're going into domestic partnership.' Max suggested, making everyone roar with laughter. Carly grinned, shrugging.

'Bo knows very well I want to marry him... and I don't think I can wait any longer, to be honest. 'Why can't we just get a JP and just do it tomorrow?' She suggested, knowing how loud their daughter was going to scream and she wasn't disappointed.

'Absolutely not!' Olivia exclaimed. 'You aren't going to ruin my plans!'

'Well, whatever plans you have can you please speed them up?' Bo pointed out. 'You know, before your Uncle Frankie has me lined up in his shotgun sights?'

Everyone laughed again.

'You're planning the wedding, dear?' Caroline asked, surprised but interested. 'I hope you don't plan on doing it all by yourself.'

'Of course not, Tamara's going to help and I was meaning to ask Stephanie, Arianna and Sami...'

'Sure we will,' Sami agreed, Arianna and Stephanie nodding as well. 'We'd be more than happy to.'

'Nothing elaborate honey, all we want is a simple wedding.' Carly insisted.

'Oh, it's going to be simple and beautiful at the same time Ma... you wait and see.' Olivia promised, smiling. 'And everything should be ready before the, let's say the second of April.'

'Well I sure don't my wedding day to fall on April fool's Day.' Bo replied, laughing. 'That's sounds about perfect... April 2nd it is.'

Everyone cheered and applauded at the wedding date, Ciara as well.

'Will I be a flower girl?' she asked excitedly, tugging at Carly's skirt.

'Of course darling, you and Claire and Ally will be my flower girls.' Carly assured her.

'Yay!' Ciara jumped up and down, Phoebe barking on cue. 'What am I going to wear?'

'I don't even know what I'm going to wear yet.' Carly laughed. 'Olivia?'

Olivia shook her head. 'It's a surprise because your wedding has a theme.'

Carly groaned and Bo laughed. 'I DO NOT like surprises. If I had a nickel for the times your father here drove me nuts with surprises and wouldn't give me a clue...'

'This surprise is for you both and trust me, you'll love it.' Olivia's smile widened.

'Can't we get a hint at least?'

'Sorry Mumie. Not until I say so.'

'You're as bad as your father!' Carly huffed and the family laughed again.

Roman raised his glass. 'But in the meantime...to Bo and Carly and their upcoming wedding!'

'To Bo and Carly!' was the general shout.

Bo kissed Carly's cheek, holding her close. 'Excited?'

'I almost feel like jumping around like Ciara's doing right now... I'm more than excited!' Carly grinned happily.

Caroline slipped her arms round Olivia. 'Whatever you have in store for your parents, I know it's going to be lovely, dear.' She said her words for Olivia's ears alone.

'Oh it is, Grandy... really it is and they deserve to have this type of wedding after all this time.'

Caroline kissed her forehead, looking pensive. 'More than ever I wish your grandfather were here. Your Grandpa Shawn I mean.'

Olivia nodded soberly. 'Yes. I really wish I'd known him.'

'He was a wonderful man... so full of life, warmth and laughter.' Caroline sighed. 'I miss him every day.'

Olivia rubbed her arm consolingly. 'I like to believe on Ma and Dad's wedding day, he'll be with us in spirit.'

'Oh, speaking of which...' Caroline went round and brought something out from behind the counter. Olivia's eyes widened at the beautiful old guitar her grandmother held out to her.

'This is lovely. Was it Grandpa's?'

'Yes, honey.' Kayla said, recognising the old instrument, her eyes filling up. 'Pop used to play Irish ballads for us with this when we were kids... didn't he, Bo?'

Bo nodded memories of his father, his father in the true sense of the word, playing that guitar flooding in; his deep, baritone voice pouring out the words.

'Consider this sixteen birthdays' worth of presents from us, darling.' Caroline placed it in Olivia's hands, stroking her hair. 'With this, you'll always feel Grandpa's with you.'

'Oh Grandy...thank you.' Olivia whispered, deeply touched. She already had a guitar but this was more precious, more valuable... an instrument that had belonged to Shawn Brady, who she never got to meet. Blinking back tears, she ran her slim fingers across the strings.

'Play it.' Ciara piped up.

'Yes, give us a song!' everyone pleaded from all sides.

What to play? A song was already coming to mind... one she's always liked, whose words and melody she'd memorised. Sitting down on a stool, she cleared her throat and began to play, her voice soft and sweet:

What lies before me

What stands between

No one can tell me

What I have seen

Some see the tarnish

I see the gleam

I have to wonder

I have to dream

One dream can change you

One dream can make

All the difference

One heart can take

I dream of flying

I'm in mid-air

I have to wonder

What's out there

The sky's the limit

Today's the day

Heavens are still there

When skies are gray

Some days are better

Than they seem

Some days are better

Because you dream

On rainbows to rainbows

On starlight to star

To dream isn't that what

Tomorrow is for

Only a dreamer knows what I know

What it's like to wonder

And then let go

On rainbows to rainbows

I know what I seem

I have to wonder

I have to dream

The applause was thunderous and the praises enthusiastic and Olivia found herself swarmed with hugs and kisses, Caroline's hug more emotional than the others. From where he sat, Bo watched his older daughter admiringly; loving her so much. Everything she did or said seemed to bring out a ray of light, just like with Ciara.

'She's something else, isn't she?' he murmured to his fiancé.

Carly smiled at him. 'She's your daughter, why wouldn't she be?'

'Oh no... She has more of her mother's magic.' He kissed her. 'And her beauty, her natural grace, her smile...'

'But also her father's resilience,' Carly interrupted softly. 'His kindness, his charm, his love for family.'

Bo kissed her again and held her tight in his arms, thinking that his life just couldn't get any better than this wonderful family moment.