Chapter 60

Carly woke up, the early morning light beaming against her face through the French windows. Blinking she sat up, smiling. Bo had carried her up to bed, kissed her breathless before going off to sleep in one of the guest rooms. And apparently came back to drop what she saw propped up against the pillow next to her; a white rose and a small flat box. Opening it she brought out a folded piece of paper, gasping at was hidden under it.

My North Star... she whispered, holding up the familiar gold star pendant. Caroline must have dug it out as well. Unfolding the paper, she sat back to read:

By the time you read this, you've already opened your eyes to the morning of our wedding day. Our time has come at last Princess; a new beginning, a new era. We've reached the end of one journey and now setting sail for another, this time on calm waters. I'm no poet, so I can't claim this poem as mine but it sums up just what you mean to me.

I love you,

Not only for what you are,

But for what I am

When I am with you.

I love you,

Not only for what

You have made of yourself,

But for what

You are making of me.

I love you

For the part of me

That you bring out;

I love you because you

Are helping me to make

Of the lumber of my life

Not a tavern

But a temple;

Out of the works

Of my every day

Not a reproach

But a song.

I love you

Because you have done

More than any creed

Could have done

To make me good,

And more than any fate

To make me happy.

You have done it

Without a touch,

Without a word,

Without a sign.

You have done it

By being yourself.

'I love you too,' she smiled through her tears, turning back to the pendant and chain in her other hand. A million diamond necklaces were worthless compared to the trinket in her hand. It was Bo's first birthday present to her but he's first placed it round her neck during their symbolic Mayan wedding in Mexico so long ago. The North Star guiding them back home, in more ways than one. Her soul mate, her other half was finally going to be her husband today. He's kept the promise he'd made to her so many years ago...

'I believe half of Salem's gone to bed.' Wrapped in Bo's leather jacket, she leaned against him, his arms encircling her from behind. They were on a hill overlooking Salem, watching their brightly lit town.

'Mothers and fathers who have to get up in the morning.' He agreed.

'So many people, so many stories… I wonder how many have a happy ending.'

'Yeah, well… unfortunately in real life I think that happy endings kind of cancel each other out.' He held her tighter. 'But if you're into fairy tales…'

She laughed, turning in his arms and he lifted her off her feet. 'Oh, yes… I'm living a fairy tale tonight!' she grinned as he set her down again.

'I always knew you were a princess,' he teased.

'I am a princess,' she gave a mock curtsey before slipping her arms round his neck. 'And you are my handsome, kind, charming prince who promised me a love everlasting.' Her tapered hands smoothed his long hair.

'I'll always give you love everlasting,' Bo said softly. 'And you and me; our love story's never going to end.'

Everlasting, such a beautiful word... thought Carly, wiping her eyes with a Kleenex. She smiled as the thought of the card she'd slipped under Bo's door just before dawn, wondering if he has found it yet. Bo was actually just reading it, smiling over each line:

To my sailor:

On this earth there is a oneness

A rhythmic flow through everything that lives

The things with roots and stems and leaves

The things with shells and fins and furs

The things with wings with which to fly

The things that crawl and those that walk

Each thing must eat and breathe and rest

Each thing must seek and each is sought for

Each has a birth, a purpose to fulfil

To each an end and then a new beginning

Bo's mind went back to a conversation they had at the cabin nineteen years ago...

'Isn't it strange? You and me back here... in this cabin? I never thought we'd come back here and I'm sure glad we're here together.' This was the same place he'd told her he loved her for the very first time and they would have made love at long last that night if not for the sudden memory of Hope's last moments... followed by the terrible night Carly was stabbed at the light house. He'd cruelly thrust her away yet again, putting the cold mask back on and the belief any woman he loved would be taken away from him. How stupid and wrong he'd been and thanks to him, Carly had turned to Victor for solace. But now she truly belonged to him... and Shawn Douglas. He'll never lose her again.

'Yes, this is a special place' she agreed, looking up at him lovingly, 'especially thinking about all the things that happened here, all the things we finally told each other.'

'No kidding. There were a lot of things I couldn't say back then.'

He watched her as she paced round the room, green eyes scanning every corner thoughtfully before turning back to him.

'I never could stop thinking about this cabin. I thought of being here with you, having your arms around me... making love to me.' she reached out to stroke his lower lip, smiling as he trapped a finger between his teeth. 'And it was here you said you loved me and sometimes I used to think I'll never hear you say that to me again.'

Taking her hand in both of his, he kissed her knuckles. 'I love you.' he murmured, trailing up her arm with his lips, and then planting one on her mouth, drawing her against him. 'I love you. Things are different now; we're together and we're going to stay this way... forever.' He vowed before kissing her again, savouring her response.

Removing his cell from under his pillow, he dialled Carly's number which he had on speed dial. She answered after two rings. 'Good morning you.' she murmured. He could sense the smile on her face.

'Good morning Princess. Sleep well?'

'I'm surprised I was able to. You?'

'Barely. I thought about you half the night. I just read your card... it's beautiful.'

'Not half as beautiful as your note; it just further reminded me that I'm getting the most wonderful man in the world for a husband.' Her voice was husky. 'I can't believe you had my North Star.'

'When you were gone, Mum gave away a few of your stuff except that and your Mayan dress. I just told her to put them away. She gave it to me yesterday, thinking it was time it was back round your neck.'

From her end, Carly smiled wider. 'After today, it's never going to be off my neck. I love you so much.'

'I love you too, Princess. More than you could ever know. Now go get ready!'

Carly laughed, hanging up and kissing the phone. Rising, she entered the bathroom and ran a hot bubble bath.

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

Carly looked at herself in the mirror for about the eighth time. Alexi fussed round her, making sure every strand of hair was in place and her makeup perfect before draping the lace veil artfully over her head and shoulders. He'd attended to Olivia and the bridesmaids earlier and they looked lovely in their Mayan dresses; each girl spotting flowers in her hair. Olivia was downstairs giving last minute instructions to the caterers in the kitchen and checking for the umpteenth time that the chairs and tables were neatly set up on the patio where the reception was going to take place. Tamara and Belle were ushering the guests to the beach while Phoebe sniffed about, sensing the excitement in the air.

In the living room Bo paced to and fro, suddenly nervous. Roman and the other men watched him, trying not to laugh. This time Phillip was his best man while Shawn Douglas and Brady were the groomsmen and every male member of the wedding party looked handsome in tailored Mexican wedding shirts- known as Guayaberas – and white pants. Bo was glad; a tux would look so out of place at a beach wedding. As they were having a Mayan themed wedding; every guest has to wear white or cream. Olivia made sure to put that instruction in the wedding invitations.

Bo turned as Olivia appeared through the doors with Ciara, Allie and Claire at her heels, adorable in the white silk shifts Caroline had bought for them, carefully holding their little flower baskets.

'Dad... you look incredibly handsome!' she exclaimed, hurrying over to hug him, the others murmuring their approval of her appearance.

'Thanks, you look so beautiful yourself.' Bo held her hands, looking down at her. If Olivia looked this gorgeous, Carly was probably ten times more in her wedding dress. He bent down to kiss the smiling little girls. 'And you three look adorable.'

'Wow...' Roman got up, admiring the picturesque looking girl in front of them. 'If you weren't my niece I'd ask you to marry me today.'

'Me too.' Marcus agreed, grinning.

'Ahem... no fraternising with the maid of honour.' Olivia said with mock severity. 'come on, places... Ma should be ready to come down now.'

'Finally, because it looks like Bo's about to go kaboom any second.' Phillip snorted with laughter, swiftly dodging the punch his brother aimed at him. Justin, Roman, Marcus, Max and John shook hands with him before heading down to the beach.

'Ready?' Olivia asked, adjusting Bo's collar.

'More than ready...every second seems like an eternity. Bring her down already!' he said, already agitated.

'We're on it.' Frankie grinned, slapping his shoulder. 'Meet you there, bro.'

Shawn Douglas kissed his daughter, sisters and Allie before following Bo and Phillip outside.

'Now you three sit here quiet and don't move while we go get Ma, alright?'

'Okay!' They chorused.

Upstairs, Carly's hands were shaking. 'Are you alright?' Arianna asked, concerned.

'I just can't believe it's happening, that this day's finally here. I mean… it's all like a dream.'

Sami smiled; happy her aunt to be was finally getting her special day. 'It's all real. And right now, out there is a guy impatient to make you his wife.'

'Hello... Hello...' Olivia entered with Frankie. 'Ma, it's time.' she grinned happily at her. 'Ready?'

Carly got up. 'I was ready twenty years ago, so yes!'

Everyone laughed.

'Alexi, you did a wonderful job... thank you. You're welcome to stay if you like.'

'Very kind, but I have an appointment with another client.' He replied kissing her hand and Carly's before taking his leave. 'Have a wonderful wedding.'

'Thank you.'

Olivia handed Carly a cascade bouquet of calla lilies and gave Johnny who was chosen to be the ring bearer the satin pillow, making sure Carly didn't catch a glimpse of the rings.

'We better get going...Bo looked like he's about ready to burst a gasket when we left him.' He looked round them. 'You all look beautiful, especially the bride of course.' He kissed his sister on the cheek. 'it's finally here, huh?'

'I'll only believe it's real when Bo puts that ring on my finger.' Carly whispered.

'Well now,' Frankie offered his arm to his sister. 'Let's get you married.'

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

Olivia had followed the Mayan customs as best as she can. The guests, all in white- were gathered in a large, wide circle, only Alice despite her loud protests was seated. In the middle was the Mayan altar gaily decked with different coloured floral representations of the four cardinal points; North, South, East and West. Red flowers represented North, yellow East, purple South and white West. The points, a candle located on each, symbolized the four Mayan gods of the cosmos; the central candle, in the centre represented the unity of the feminine-Mother Earth, and the masculine-Cosmic Energy.

Not far from the altar was the hired band who began playing the wedding march on catching a glimpse of the female bridal train. The guests turned and made way for Ciara, Allie and Claire as they entered the circle, scattering rose petals from the baskets over their arms. Then came Johnny, proudly and carefully bearing the pillow holding the rings. Stephanie, Arianna, and Sami next, colourful posies in their hands. Olivia followed, tall and statuesque, earning a wink from Nathan. Bo caught in his breath as Carly finally appeared on Frankie's arm, her eyes meeting his, her smile shy. Everyone stared in speechless admiration at the bride and her attendants. To Bo, Carly was how he would picture Flora; the Roman goddess of flowers and springtime, to look like; exactly like how she'd looked on their first Mayan wedding. Frankie kissed his sister on both cheeks before handing her over to Bo. Bo took her hand, holding it firmly.

'You look incredible.' He mouthed.

'So do you,' was the silent reply.

Following Mayan custom, Bo and Carly circled the altar before taking their places before the officiating minister under the arch. Remembering what to do, Bo slipped the veil down to her shoulders. Alexi had stylishly decorated her hair with white star orchids. Frankie took his place next to Phillip, Brady, and Shawn Douglas a few yards from Bo, the bridesmaids not far from Carly. Carly handed her bouquet to Olivia.

'Nothing pleases Almighty God more,' the minister began in a clear loud voice, 'than when two people enter the holy sacrament of matrimony. Dear friends and family; we gathered today to witness the joyous union of Bo Aurelius Brady and Carly Marie Manning and may the blessings they are about to receive today be with them always. If there's anyone present who can give any reason why this man and this woman should not be joined together, speak now or forever hold your peace.'

No reply.

Reverend Gordon continued, 'I understand Bo and Carly have prepared their own vows and it will be followed by a reading. Carly, you may proceed first.'

Carly swallowed, gazing up at the man she loved more than life itself.

'Bo, I've loved you from the moment we met that day at the pier, so many years ago. No one else has given me what you gave me; love, joy and so much happiness. When I first came back here, I told myself a lot of things have changed... except my love for you. I feel so lucky and blessed and grateful we're back to where we were, after all this time... more in love than before. You're my best friend, my saviour, my protector... the great love of my life. I love you for everything you are; and I'll always love you, through the good times and the bad times.'

Bo kissed the hands clasped in his before speaking his heart.

'When I thought I'd lost you forever Carly... what I thought mostly was how we would've had a lot more time together if I hadn't pushed you away at the beginning; if I'd admitted to myself earlier how much I loved you. Fate took you away and brought you back to me; along with a more than wonderful bonus.' he directed a tender look at Olivia before turning back to her mother. 'I love everything about you. You're the princess of my heart, my spiritual partner, my best friend, my everything. Each passing day we're together I love you even more and for the rest of the time I have left in this world, I'm yours.'

Squeezing her hands tightly, eyes still locked with hers, he recited, 'I know now that the voice of man can reach to the sky.'

Carly continued, her voice shaking, 'I know now that the gods have heard as I prayed.'

'I know now that the gifts I asked for have all been granted.'

Carly hoped they'll be able to get through the next lines; it was obvious she wasn't the only one fighting back tears. 'I know now that the word of old we truly have heard.' Her voice shook.

'I know now that our future days will have no number.' A tear was now falling down Bo's cheek. They held each other's hands in a vice grip and together said the last line. 'I know that only good will come, my love, to us.'

Fighting the excruciating impulse to kiss him, Carly wiped Bo's cheek with her thumb and he held her hand against it, his eyes not leaving her face. Their family and friends' eyes were already red from crying at the moving words of the couple and the way they were looking at each other. Alice, Caroline and Bo's sisters pressed hankies against their eyes.

The minister nodded in approval. 'You have both made your vows of commitment before God, friends and family. Now for the exchange of rings.'

On cue, Johnny moved forward, holding up the pillow to him. The minister picked one, passing it to Bo. Carly's heart gave a lurch as soon as she saw it. Bo had chosen gold Irish Claddagh rings; the motif of clasped hands on a crowned heart and the wedding knot encircling them. She stared at him, unable to speak.

'Bo, place this ring on Carly's finger as a sign of your love, everlasting.' The minister directed.

Bo took her hand, brown eyes speaking volumes of his feelings.

'Carly, with this ring, I take you as my wife. With this hand I give you my heart, and crown it with my everlasting love.' He slipped the ring onto her finger.

Carly took the other ring from the minister, turning to Bo. 'With this ring...' she choked, 'I take you as my husband. With this hand I give you my heart and crown it with my everlasting love.' She slid the ring onto Bo's finger, never loving him more.

'At the maid of honour's request; I'm to recite an ancient prayer to seal your union. My dear...' Olivia passed him a scroll tied with white ribbon. Unrolling it he read:

Now you will feel no rain,

For both of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,

For both of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness,

For both of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two souls,

But there is only one life before you.

Go now and enter into the days of your togetherness.

And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you Man and Wife. What God has brought together, no Man should put asunder. You may now kiss the…'

Everyone laughed and cheered, breaking into a thunderous applause as Bo grabbed his new wife and planted a deep, heartfelt kiss on her before the minister could even finish his sentence, lifting her clear off her feet.

'… Bride.' Reverend Gordon shrugged in defeat, smiling. The couple paid no attention, lost in the magic of each other as they kissed and kissed some more.

'Hey, get a room!' Steve yelled. Kayla poked him on the ribs, laughing.

Bo and Carly finally came up for air, still holding each other, brown eyes locked with green. After jumping over obstacles they'd finally reached the pinnacle. They were married.

'We did it,' Bo whispered, holding her face in his hands. We really did it.'

'Yes!' Carly sobbed. 'I love you.'

'And I love you too, princess.' Unable to help themselves they kissed again, everyone groaning good naturedly and whistling, clapping harder.

Shawn Douglas and Ciara rushed forward the same time Olivia did and Bo and Carly were enveloped by hugs and kisses from them, Claire scrambling to join in the heartfelt group hug before everyone began spraying rose petals at the couple.

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

After the photographs were taken Owen, the DJ Olivia hired besides the live band spoke over the microphone. 'Right everybody... let's have Bo and Carly out here to take their first dance as a married couple.' Everyone applauded as Commissioner and Dr. Brady hand in hand made their way to the dance floor. DJ Owen selected a Dan Hill classic: "Dance of Love."

Bo and Carly danced close, unable to stop grinning at each other. 'Have I told you how very beautiful you look?' Bo said softly.

Carly kissed him lightly on the lips. 'If I'm beautiful, it's because you bring it out in me. Especially today which is the happiest day of my life. I take it you like my dress?'

'Like doesn't even come close, Mrs Brady. Olivia really scored with everything; I wouldn't have thought of having another Mayan wedding if she hadn't come up with the idea... she's absolutely amazing.'

Carly inclined her head. 'You're not the only one who thinks so.' Bo turned his head to see Olivia and Nathan dancing not far from Marcus and Tamara; the young couple lost in each other's eyes.

'Yeah, I hope they're as happy and lucky as we are. Nathan's a great kid. But I hope the time when I have to hand her over to him is a long way off.' He smiled back at her, kissing her in return. 'But in the meantime... I can't wait to get this dress off you.'

Carly giggled. 'Oh laugh at me now but wait till I get you alone Mrs Brady.'

'I'm shivering in my sandals, Commissioner Brady. Shivering with anticipation.' She ran her hand over his back. 'There a lot of things I'm dying to do to you.'

'For example?' With a gleam in her eyes, Carly leaned forward to whisper something in his ear and Bo found himself growing rock hard at each sentence.

'How about we sneak off right now?' he whispered with an effort.

'Olivia and Caroline will kill us if we try it ...we haven't even cut the cake.'

'Oh now you tell me, after getting me...!'

Carly silenced his words with a kiss.

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

The reception went on smoothly; the guests were especially delighted with the heaped plates of Mexican food and the deliciously chilled Xtabentún won unanimous approval and was used to toast the couple. The large three tired cake was wheeled out and Bo and Carly cut it amidst applause and cheers. Carly served Bo first with a tiny slice, nipping the tip of Bo's thumb when he fed her, her eyes dancing wickedly at the look on his face; a look of raw animal desire.

'Just you wait till I get you alone.' He growled at her.

Alice warmly kissed Bo on both cheeks and did the same to Carly when they stopped by her table; Lucas, Mike, Will and Abby having gone off to claim a few dances. 'Congratulations.' She smiled. 'It was a wonderful ceremony.'

'We're more than happy you're here to celebrate this day with us, Mrs H.' Bo said. 'It really means a lot to us.'

'Well you know you've always been like a son to me and Tom and you've always held my heart Carly.' Alice patted her cheek. 'I'm especially happy I witnessed this because Lord knows how many years I have left.'

'Oh... don't say that Alice!' Carly protested. But the stately old lady shook her head.

'Now now... Carly, it's harsh reality; I've had a long and wonderful life so I can freely say it. At my age you can't lie to yourself.' she smiled. 'Now don't look that way, my dears. Enjoy your wedding and think of what lies ahead of you.'

Bo kissed her hand, a little sobered by what she'd said. He couldn't imagine life without Alice Horton; neither could Carly who hugged her tenderly. Back in the day she'd constantly pushed them together, helped them exchange secret love notes during the trouble with Victor; supportive, loving and so kind to them. They owed so much to her.

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

Finally it was time for the bouquet toss. Carly now in a simple pants suit held the flowers like a samurai holding his sword, her back to the giggling bridesmaids and other single females chanting Throw it! Throw it! Throw it! The men laughing at them and staying clear out of the way.

'Daddy, why do they want Aunt Carly to throw her flowers?' Ciara tugged at Bo's jeans' leg.

'The girl who catches it will be the next one to get married, sweetie.' Bo explained.

'Really?!' Ciara ran to the group before Bo knew what was happening.

'Ready?' Carly called.

'Yes!' was the loud response.

Carly threw the bouquet just as Ciara ran in front of Abby. Unfortunately it was a poor throw and the flowers landed on Ciara's head. Ciara grabbed them, clutching them to her chest triumphantly.

'It's mine, it's mine!' she cried delightedly amidst loud, disappointed groans and more laughter. 'I'm getting married next!'

Laughing helplessly, Olivia swung her up in her arms. 'Of course you are, cherub!'

Bo and Carly went to them. 'Thank you for this kitten. It's a day we'll never forget.' Bo kissed her on the forehead, bestowing one on Ciara as well. Carly hugged Shawn Douglas and Belle and Frankie and Caroline. 'You all made this day complete, thank you so much.'

With everyone throwing rice at them the couple finally took their leave; climbing into the limousine taking them to the airport where the Alamain jet was waiting to fly them out to Cancun.

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

By 11 o'clock, only the young couples were left dancing on the patio lit by Christmas lights. The older ones had either departed or lounging at the tables while the children were fast asleep upstairs.

'I know the maid of honour isn't supposed to be named more beautiful than the bride but you're a real picture today.' Nathan said as they danced to the strains of Cascada.

'No you shouldn't but you're a love for saying so all the same.' She smiled.

Nathan kissed her. 'I don't think I've ever seen a couple more in love than your parents; totally amazing what they have.'

'It's a predestined type of love and that sort withstands anything and lasts for always.'

'Yeah, they really belong together. We're just starting out but I know we were meant to be. But to be honest I didn't think a real princess would look twice at an average Joe like me.'

'I'm more of a rebel than a princess, Dr. Horton. Princesses are docile and refined, nothing like me.'

'Well I beg to differ, Your Serene Highness. No princess except maybe your Mum can ever top you.'

'Oh you!' Olivia pressed her face against his, her arms tightening round his neck as they went on dancing under the stars.

'Cause every time we touch, I get this feeling...

And every time we kiss I swear I could fly...

Can't you feel my heart beat fast; I want this to last,

Need you by my side.