Chapter 59

Olivia waited a week before going to see Nathan. The look on EJ's face when she'd said goodbye to him at the park haunted her for a while and she truly felt terrible for hurting him even though there was simply no possibility they could ever have a relationship. She could only hope he was sincere when he said he would never come between her and Nathan and eventually get over his obsession with her. And why wouldn't he; he was handsome, rich and sophisticated enough to lure women of all shapes and sizes to him.

At the hospital, a smiling Maxine directed her to the doctor's lounge where Nathan was resting after assisting in a tedious surgery. Entering the spacious room she found him stretched out on a divan still in his scrubs, fast asleep. Sitting down beside him she kissed him, deepening the kiss as she felt him stirring.

Nathan had only kissed them once but he knew those pair of lips anywhere. Immediately he put his arms around her neck, slowly sitting up and kissing her in return, eagerly and possessively.

'Mmm...' he murmured against her mouth, pulling back a bit to grin at her. 'Now this is a huge wonderful surprise.'

'I'm glad you think so.' Olivia said softly, planting a kiss between his eyes, his chin, and the tip of his nose. Nathan had the strong feeling that something wonderful has happened judging by the kiss and the almost shy look she was giving him.

'So...what do I owe this surprise visit?'

Olivia smiled at him, feeling very happy. 'I love you.' she said simply.

Nathan's eyes widened, unable to say anything. Instead he pulled her onto his lap, slipping his arms round her, pressing his face against her soft cheek. He'd waited, dreamed for this moment and now that it's finally happened he was at a loss for words. Needing to make sure he still wasn't dreaming he kissed her again, hungrily devouring her mouth, running his fingers through her curls.

'I think this has to be the best day of my life.' he murmured, hugging her tightly. 'I love you too... so much.'

'I'm sorry it took me so long to realise it.'

You know now and that's what really matters, isn't it? Don't beat yourself up so much, Sweetness.'

Olivia pulled back a bit, stroking his cheeks covered by a five o' clock shadow. 'I'm hardly sweet, love. I have a terrible temper; I have the tendency to use my fists...'

'You're wonderful, kind, unique and the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and I'm a very, very lucky guy.' He kissed the tip of her nose. 'I would never change anything about you... ever.'

Not wanting any secrets between them, Olivia murmured, 'there's something else you have to know.' Quietly she told him the whole truth and her meeting with EJ at the park. Nathan wasn't surprised, remembering his own exchange with EJ when Olivia was in a coma. Alice had assured him that Olivia would never fall into EJ's trap and her prediction has come true. Even better, he was Olivia's choice and DiMera was out in the cold like he deserved.

'Nothing and no one matters except us and what we feel for each other.' He assured her.

'You're not angry with me?'

'Of course not, you needed to be sure and here we are now.'

Olivia planted another kiss on his mouth before slipping her hand into the pocket of her denim jacket. 'I bought you a little something on my way here.' she handed him a small velvet lined box. "The little something" was a solid gold medal attached to a matching chain.

'It's a St. Luke medal... the patron saint of physicians and a symbol of my love for you.'

Touched, Nathan took it out of the box, holding it up. 'Sweetness... it's beautiful, thanks. But you didn't have to do this.'

'I did it because I wanted to, to show you just how much you mean to me.' Olivia stroked his face lovingly. 'Take a peek at the engraving in the back.'

Turning it he read, "Forever Love." He looked back at her, his handsome eyes glowing. 'You bet it's forever love, lady. Because I've never loved anyone as much as I love you and I'm never letting you go. ' Pulling her back in his arms they kissed again and again; the young couple finally happy and secure in their world.

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

The family followed Bo's lead; Victor was firmly ostracised and no amount of letters imploring forgiveness made them change their minds. Phillip resigned from Titian and moved in with Stephanie, accepting John's offer to work for him instead. The old grapevine swung into action and everywhere Victor went he was stared at, pointed at and loud whispers stung his ears. Unable to put up with it any longer, Victor left town for a long sojourn in Greece leaving Justin, who'd kept his promise of not attending the party, in charge of his business concerns. Much as Justin didn't want to have anything to do with him after hearing the whole story, he resignedly took on the reins. After all, someone had to do it.

Carly had informed Bo about Hope's visit and she confirmed what she'd said to Carly after Bo asked her about it and apologised to him as well. Bo brushed it aside.

'I'm just glad we can finally move on with no lingering grudges.'

Hope nodded. 'You and Carly have been so great about this considering the way I behaved. I never thought I'd say this but she's an amazing woman. I really hope you'll be very happy.'

'Thanks, Hope. I appreciate this.'

No more Fancy Face... thought Hope sadly in spite of herself. Pulling herself together she went on. 'By the way... I'm taking a month's leave of absence. Dad and Julie are going to Paris and they asked if I wanted to go with them. Ciara of course will stay here with you and Carly.'

She obviously didn't want to be around on the day he and Carly were going to be married but Bo knew only too well it would be tactless if he attempted to dissuade her from going or worse, invite her to the wedding. It was actually best for both parties Hope was out of town that day. The only Hortons who showed any interest in coming to the wedding besides Alice and Will were Lucas, Jennifer's brother Mike who called him to ask the date and of course Jennifer herself.

'Sure. I hope you have a great trip.'

'And I hope you and Carly have a great wedding.' Hope's tone was sincere. 'And a wonderful life.' Impulsively she hugged him, struggling not to cry. It was so painful not knowing what you had until on a sudden moment of stupidity made you throw it away and never get it back.

Bo in turn hoped the trip would do Hope a lot of good and she'll come back much better than she was now. She was clearly unhappy despite her kind words but he wasn't going to feel guilty because of it. That ship has sailed for good.

Pulling away, he patted her shoulder. 'Thanks again. I have to head home now.'

Home to where Carly was waiting for him. Carly, who in a few weeks was going to be Mrs Brady at long last.

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

Olivia threw all her energy planning her parents' wedding which Frankie insisted on paying for as his wedding present. At first Bo flatly refused but Frankie pointed out that according to tradition the bride's family normally foot the bill. So Bo reluctantly agreed but drew the line on certain details like the honeymoon trip to Cancun, not even Olivia was allowed to handle that. After much pressing, Olivia had finally told them her idea for a Mayan themed wedding which immediately won their approval.

'A way of re-enacting what you two did at the top of El Castillo only this time with a minister and more elaborate,' she explained enthusiastically. 'I did a lot of research; Mayan weddings are usually performed in tranquil, natural surroundings like a beach or a tropical forest to absorb nature's cosmic energy. See...' she opened the folder showing Carly a photo. 'That's the Mayan Wedding altar and this...' handing her a list. 'This is what's usually served but if you want to add more choices, no problem, the caterers are more than ready.'

Carly read through it thoughtfully, nodding. 'We'll need to add Nachos, salad, salmon, chicken and steak and of course champagne and soft drinks besides the Xtabentún.'

Olivia added everything to the list. 'Anything else? I've already booked the cake.'

'Ice cream. Ciara and the other kids might get the cravings. What about the invitations?'

'Tamara, Ari and Steff are handling that; I gave them your list and Dad's. Flowers, no problem. The caterers are flying in from Yucatán with the cases of Xtabentún... the caterers here can handle the non-Mexican dishes.'

'Everything sounds lovely... thanks for doing all this, honey.' Carly kissed her. 'This is going to be a wonderful wedding.'

'Oh wait till you see your dress.' Olivia grinned. 'Grandy dug out the one you wore on the first Mayan wedding and...'

'Caroline still has my dress?' Carly couldn't believe her ears. 'Where was it?'

'In a trunk in the attic and I saw that lovely hand woven shawl too. Wait...'

Olivia dashed upstairs and after a few minutes came down with them. Carly ran her fingers over the familiar handmade wedding blouse- dress Soledad Moore had given to her as a gift, which she said was called a huipil. 'I never thought I'd be holding this dress again.' she said emotionally. It was still in good condition after all this time, even the sash. 'My God... am I going to wear this?'

'No Ma, you misunderstood me. I took a photo of it and emailed it to a top designer in Acapulco ... Paloma Lujan. She's of Mayan ancestry and she was more than happy to copy it after I explained everything to her; her crew's already creating it as we speak and promised it will arrive by end of next week, along with the bridesmaids' dresses. I want to make sure you look every inch the Mayan bride and all eyes on you at day.'

Only one pair of eyes was her main concern; she wanted to be especially beautiful for Bo on their wedding day. He too was excited at having a Mayan themed especially since this time they'll be surrounded by more members of the family and their friends. It was simply so good to be true... they were finally getting married.

The bell rang and Olivia sprang up to answer the door. 'Hello. Can I help you?'

The man at the door was a handsome African American and the expression on his face was of great amazement. Olivia lifted an eyebrow when he still didn't speak. 'Uh... cat got your tongue or something?'

'Honey, who is it?' Carly said, appearing behind her then exclaimed. 'Oh my God... Marcus!'

'Carly Manning, come here you!' the man yelled back, running to her and gave her a bear hug, twirling her around; both of them laughing. Olivia stood nearby, amused.

'Marcus, I can't believe this!' Carly shook her head in delight, pulling him into the living room. 'It's been like... how many years?'

'Way too long, I can't even begin to calculate.' Marcus kissed her on both cheeks. 'You're just as beautiful as I remember.' He turned to look at Olivia, bemused. 'For a minute there I thought I'd walked into a time machine and gone back to 1990.'

Except Carly wouldn't have unruly curls, wear tight hipsters and emblazoned tank top or sport a tattoo on her upper arm. And an upper English accent, which was totally out of place with her appearance.

The two women laughed. 'Marcus, this is my daughter Olivia. Kitten... Marcus Hunter, we used to be colleagues. He was the one who actually took me under his wing when I first moved here.'

Marcus whistled. When Steve called him in Philadelphia with the whole story he'd also said that he was going to get a huge surprise which surprised Marcus, what could surprise him besides seeing Carly again? Carly's heartfelt dream in living form that's what! He thought.

'A real pleasure, Olivia and I really mean that.' He hugged her, rubbing her back.

'I'm glad... for a minute there I thought I would have to call the paramedics with the way you looked awfully shell shocked at the door.' Olivia said wryly. 'Sit down, Dr. Hunter and I'll rustle up some coffee.'

Marcus gazed after as she walked away, leaning forward to whisper. 'Jesus Carly, it's like looking at...'

'Me and Bo, I know.' Carly laughed. 'She's been getting that a lot since we moved back here.'

'I'm willing to bet!' Marcus still looked dazed. 'I can't even imagine what lucky guy she's with would be like.'

'Don't worry; it's not some tattooed biker. She's with Nathan Horton. They just started dating.'

Marcus shook his head. 'Now I wonder who's going to wear the pants of that relationship...'

'Oh stop that!' Carly swatted his arm. 'Bo and I are thrilled about it and so is Alice... she really hoped they'd eventually get together. But forget that for a while, how've you been?'

'Thriving practice in Philly, divorced five years... I'm pretty good. And much, much better after finding out another one of my friends came back from the dead.'

Carly smiled faintly, remembering how Steve's "death" had devastated him; the two men had grown up in the same orphanage and closer than blood brothers. Marcus was more of a brother to Steve than Jack Deveraux.

'Steve and I were lucky considering we were both victimised by the same person and then found our way back here and got our lives back. I thought I'd just live here quietly and watch Bo and Olivia make up for the lost years. But I got a whole lot more.

'You sure did... you and Bo are back to where you were 20 years ago, how many people are this lucky?'

'Not many.' She smiled, squeezing his hand. 'You're staying for the wedding?'

'Are you kidding, nothing's going to make me miss it!'

They turned at the sound of the door opening and closing. 'Carly I'm home.' Bo entered, his face breaking into a smile at the sight of his old friend. 'Marcus, hey!'

'Bo, my man!' the two men embraced.

'Great to see you! What are you doing in Salem?'

'Let's just say your brother-in-law called to drop me a bombshell...' Olivia came out with a laden tray. 'And in more ways than one I got to say.'

Bo laughed, slapping his shoulder. 'Well, we all got more than our share of miracles, isn't that right, princess?' he winked at her.

'Most definitely. Get a cup for your Dad, honey.'

Olivia went back to the kitchen. Marcus smiled as Bo sat next to Carly again marvelling over how more head over heels in love they were... how their happiness was reflected by the way they looked at each other, just like when they were young. And this time they had a child together. Since Steve's sudden return a few years ago, Marcus Hunter nursed more faith in miracles and possibilities. Seeing Carly who was so dear to him very much alive and back with the man she loved completely sealed that faith. And he wished them every happiness.

After serving the coffee, Olivia excused herself leaving the three old friends to catch up and it was twilight by the time they were done.

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

As their wedding day came nearer more relatives from out of town arrived in Salem. Kimmie flew in from California with her children, Sami's twin Eric from Colorado, their elder sister Carrie and her husband Austin too. Frankie arrived from London with Jennifer' daughter Abby. To Carly's great disappointment, Jennifer was unable to make it because Little Jack had suddenly come down with a bout of flu so she couldn't leave him but sent Abby to attend in her stead.

The dresses arrived on schedule and to prevent Bo from walking in on them, Carly and Olivia took the garment bags upstairs with the Brady women in tow, impatient to see Carly's wedding dress.

'Open it, open it!' Caroline said as soon Sami locked the door behind them. 'Let's see it!'

Olivia unzipped the bag, carefully bringing it out and every one gasped.

'It's perfect!' Carly exclaimed. Her new traditional Mayan wedding dress was made of white glossy silk with a lace bertha intricately decorated with geometric shapes in gold thread and elbow sleeves. The long skirt was in two tiers and lace trimmed and the outfit came with a white velvet sash.

'Oh Carly, you're going to look so beautiful in it, just like the first one!' Marlena smiled clapping her hands. 'It's really wonderful.'

'Go on... try it on!' Caroline urged, captivated by the dress as well. 'Bridesmaids, try yours on too!'

Olivia handed Arianna, Stephanie and Sami their dresses whose berthas were decorated with delicately embroidered multi-coloured flowers before bringing out hers; the bertha embroidered with silver thread but the skirt wasn't tiered like Carly's. Each dress was a perfect fit.

'I almost wish I wasn't already married, I'm so jealous of these dresses!' Belle said, gazing at the bride and her attendants as they proudly paraded themselves in front of Caroline, Kayla, Kimberly, Carrie and Marlena for their inspection.

'I love this!' Sami enthused, running her hands over the skirt. 'I'll think get this made for my wedding.'

'Don't forget your veil Ma.' Olivia said, unfolding the long hand woven lace veil and slipped it over Carly's head. The effect was magnificent and everyone nodded in approval. Carly looked like a beautiful Mayan maiden.

'Of course the veil is taken off by the groom before the ceremony commences which is just great because Ma's hair going to be decorated with flowers. I'm going to make sure the hairdresser I hired does it well.' Olivia pointed out. 'He's going to do ours too.'

'Works for me.' Carly agreed.

'I wish him good luck with your hair.' Stephanie pointed at her cousin's unruly mass of curls. Unruffled at the general laughter, Olivia cleared her throat, smiling.

'Hello... what's this?' Kayla picked up a long flat box and envelope on the floor. It had fallen out of the garment bag when Olivia got out Carly's dress. Olivia opened the envelope, pulling out a note. ''Wishing you and your fiancé muchos suerte on your wedding day. Please accept this as your wedding gift from me, remain blessed- P.L" she read. 'Looks like Paloma threw in something nice, Ma. '

Carly opened the box bringing out a long strand of beautifully carved green beads.

'Jade! For luck.' she smiled, deeply moved. 'This is really generous of her.'

'And earrings too.' Kayla added, admiring the dangling jade-and-gold earrings. 'I suppose this answers the question of your 'something new'.'

'This will definitely do! Looks like I have everything I want.'

'Not quite, there's still the something borrowed, old and blue.' Kimmie reminded, ticking them off on her fingers. 'Mayan wedding or not , you need those.'

'I've got the "old" covered.' Caroline said, bringing out something wrapped in a handkerchief from her purse and gave it to Carly. It was an antique gold bracelet. 'It belonged to Shawn's mother,' she explained 'and it's my wedding present to you.'

' I have the "blue".' Kayla brought out a blue garter belt from her pocket. 'A bride must always have a blue garter belt.'

'Here... it's not much but I want it to be your "borrowed".' Bending down, Carrie unfastened the silver bracelet round her right ankle and gave it to Carly.

Carly tried her best but the tears kept flowing down her cheeks. 'I have much more than any bride... it's every one of you. I just don't know what to say right now except I love you all so much.'

Caroline hugged her tight. 'And we love you too, more than ever. And more than ever we're so glad to have you with us again.' she turned to touch Olivia's cheek affectionately. 'And you too of course, darling girl.'

Kayla kissed Carly's forehead, hugging her as well. Kimberly and the others followed suit.

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

On the eve of their wedding, Carly came home from the surprise hen party thrown for her by the nurses at the hospital to find a note on the foyer table. "I'm at the pool, grab a suit and join me." she read.

Smiling, she went upstairs and slipped on a black one piece suit, wondering what Bo had in mind. Most likely seduction since they'd hadn't made love in a week and Bo's been taking so many cold showers that she was almost afraid he'll drown himself.

Bo was lounging on a recliner near the pool, the pool lights reflected on the water. He sat up as soon as he saw Carly. 'Well... check you out.' He leered as she stood in front of him.

'What are you up to now, Commissioner Brady?' Carly raised her eyebrow. 'You do know tomorrow's our wedding day... we don't want to wake up with bags under our eyes.'

'I know.' Bo got up, drawing her hard against him. 'but there's a ritual we have to perform the night before a Mayan wedding.'

'Oh?' Carly slipped her arms round his neck. 'what ritual would that be?'

'If I'm not mistaken in my study about the Mayans, the betrothed couple are supposed to do a ritualistic cleansing on the eve of the wedding. So...'

'Ah, hence this.' Carly smiled. 'I'm game. So long as it doesn't go beyond that.'

Bo growled in frustration. 'Woman, you're driving me insane here!'

'You're the one who's a stickler for tradition so you have to abide by it. Come on... promise you'll behave or you'll be swimming in the pool all by yourself.'

Bo rolled his eyes comically. 'I promise. By the way, I put together something for later.' He indicated the tray on the table, along with Olivia's portable CD player. 'Come on, princess.' Taking her hand, they dived into the water and soon were swimming smooth laps across. Carly challenged him to a race which he accepted and soon won.

'No fair, you had a head start!' Carly protested.

'Or maybe I'm simply better at this. Come here sexy.' Bo pulled her close to him again, pinning her to the side of the pool and kissed her deeply, slowly peeling her suit down her shoulders. Carly shut her eyes, holding on to his wet shoulders as he lowered his head to kiss her breasts.

'Bo, we... we...' she moaned, 'we shouldn't do this...'

Bo paid no attention, caressing and teasing the hardened tips with his tongue and drawing them into his mouth. Carly felt overcome with desire and it was sheer iron will that she raised Bo's head, panting. 'I don't think you understand behaving, honey.'

'But I need you so bad... it's been a week, I'm going crazy...' he pleaded, rubbing her lower lip with his thumb.

'This time tomorrow we'll make love until sun up, that's a guarantee.' Carly gently pushed him away, pulling her suit back up.

Shaking his head Bo got out and reached for a towel, wrapping Carly with it as she climbed out, lingeringly kissing the back of her neck as he dried her.

'Bo...'

'I'll behave, promise.'

She took a towel and dried him off as well, kissing him lightly on the lips when she was done. 'Now what?'

Taking her hand he sat her down on the recliner then went over to the table opening a bottle of wine and filled two glasses handing one to Carly before turning on some music.

'Kenny Chesney ... I love this song.' Carly brushed back her damp hair as Bo sat next to her, slipping his arm round her shoulders.

'To us and our future and I hope we have many years together.'

'Amen to that.' Carly clinked her glass with his. 'and also... Gracias a la vida.'

'Gracias a la vida. Cheers.'

Carly savoured the anise and honey flavoured liqueur known as Xtabentún, her mind going back to the forest in Mexico where she and Bo first drank it in front of the fire they'd lit together and talked half the night away, making plans for the future.

'Marcus said not many couples are as lucky as we are.'

'Oh a few are,' Bo replied. 'Kayla and Steve example. When he first came back he didn't remember her or any of us but love brought back all the memories he had of her and Stephanie and look at them today, more in love than ever after all the pain and hurt we all suffered when we thought we'd lost him and they even have another child to raise. Which brings me to another topic, Princess.'

'What?'

'How do you feel about us having another baby?'

Carly stared at him, surprised. 'You wouldn't mind being a father again... after Ciara?'

'Absolutely not, it would be great. I love Olivia very much and I know I agreed that what we have now is more important than the lost years but part of me still hurts I wasn't there for her when she was a little girl. I want another child with you, raise him or her with you. What do you say?'

Carly hadn't thought about being a mother again. Olivia was a miracle baby, would she be able to conceive again? Since she and Bo got back together they never used any form of birth control.

'Well, sure... having another baby would be more than great. But you know how hard we tried before I got pregnant so I don't you want to get your hopes up, Bo.'

'Yeah but Dr. Alvarez also said your chances were slim but we have Olivia now. And after you came back into my life I've had more faith in pre-destination, miracles, all of that. We're so blessed and lucky... who is to say we won't have yet another wonderful miracle? We tried hard the first time, we'll try harder this time or go to a fertility clinic.'

Carly leaned against him. 'if it's what you want, okay.' She whispered.

Bo pressed his cheek on the top of her head, looking up at the moonlit sky; feeling he'd been blessed more than he actually deserved.

'I love you, princess.'

She raised her head, eyes glowing at him. 'I love you too. So much.'

They exchanged a deep, fiery kiss; the sound of the waves from the beach yonder mingled with Kenny Chesney's golden voice serenading them in the beautiful night.

Every day I live

Try my best to give

All I have to you

Thank the stars above

That we share this love

Me and you

Every day, I need you even more

And the night time too

There's no way I could ever let you go

Even if I wanted to

Ordinary, no

Really don't think so

Just a precious few

Ever make it last

Get as lucky as

Me and you...

But the princess and the sailor hardly heard the words of the song. Like they did back in the day, they basked in their own special music, the purely beautiful song of silence with the knowledge that the following day would mark the beginning of the whole new chapter of their lives.