Chapter 73

Bo was strongly reminded further just how much Ciara meant to him when she returned from Florida. Hope brought her over to the house the next day with her suitcase and the first thing the child did was hurl herself in Bo's arms and then hug Carly tightly. Blood and DNA be damned, it will never change the way he felt about her. 'So, did you have fun?' he asked, placing her on his lap. Ciara enthusiastically narrated everything she saw and did the past few weeks, including fishing with Doug. Seated on an armchair nearby, Hope smiled indulgently at their daughter's chatter, very glad and grateful Bo's manner towards Ciara hasn't changed. 'Thanks.' She said, accepting the glass of iced tea Carly handed to her. 'Olivia isn't back yet?'

'No, she and Tamara are still touring México.' Carly replied. 'But she'll probably be home in two weeks.'

'Two weeks?' Ciara wailed. 'Why does she have to be away for so long?'

'Because she's on vacation and this is her first real one. Don't you want your sister to have some fun for once? Come on, don't pout now. Two weeks isn't that long, you'll have your sister back in no time.' Sulking, Ciara slid off Bo's lap to play with Phoebe on the carpet.

'Speaking of which,' Hope said, 'Nathan's back in town; do you think he and Olivia will get back together?'

'Bo and I have decided to let her make that decision herself.' Carly replied. 'Nathan gave up his job in Baltimore to be near her, that gesture just might convince her to give him a second chance.'

Hope saw the expression on Bo's face at the mention of her cousin. 'You don't look thrilled by the idea.'

'I just don't want to see Olivia hurt again.' Bo said defensively.

'Nathan's serious about making up with her; can't you cut him some slack, Bo?' Hope chided. 'He's a good person who made a mistake and he's sorry for it, he really loves Olivia. And I'm pretty sure... like Carly here, that Olivia will be willing to give him another chance, instead of giving him the "one strike and you're out" treatment.'

'Olivia's tough but very sensitive- she never expected betrayal from somebody she trusted. They had the perfect relationship before Nathan blew it so don't expect her to accept him back with open arms that easy.'

Ciara looked up. 'Olivia and Nathan fought before. On the day she got poisoned; she hit Nathan.'

'What?' Carly exclaimed. She turned to Bo and Hope who were staring at her in surprise. 'She never told me about it.'

'Ciara, do you remember what they argued about?' Bo asked.

Ciara wrinkled her nose. 'No. But I think Nathan was jealous because Olivia was talking to that scary man. He walked up to us and she told me to wait for her in the pub. After he left, Olivia came to get me and that was when Nathan came up to us. They talked really loud and fast and then Olivia slapped him.'

Bo leaned forward. 'Honey, who was the first man; the one Olivia talked to before she and Nathan argued. The "scary man."'

Ciara looked at her parents and step-mother with wide eyes, suddenly feeling she just made a blunder.

'It's all right, we just want to know who he is.' Carly assured her.

Ciara swallowed. 'It was Johnny and Sydney's Dad.'

'EJ DiMera?' Hope said in shock.

'Are you sure?' Bo said, barely preventing himself from raising his voice.

Ciara nodded vigorously. 'I don't know what they were talking about but Olivia didn't look happy to see him. And then Nathan came up when Olivia was putting me in the car and then they started yelling at each other.' She frowned again. 'After she slapped him, she said something like "how dare you", yelled some more and then we drove away. She was really mad, I've never seen her like that before.'

Carly and Hope exchanged another look, while Bo tightened his lips. 'Honey, why don't you and Phoebe play in the garden, okay?' he said at last. He waited for her to leave the room before exploding, 'I don't believe this!'

'Bo, you're getting worked up for no reason!' Carly protested.

'How come Olivia never told us- why would she hide something like this?'

'Well you know Bo, Olivia's isn't exactly your average teenager.' Hope pointed out. 'She obviously felt she didn't need to go to you about it; that she can take care of herself.'

'I don't care, she should've told us; especially me- I'm her father! When will she start letting me be her father instead of thinking she can handle anything and everything herself?' Bo said, frustrated beyond measure at the reminder that Olivia wasn't a damsel in distress- she was far too much like him and living with Lawrence had added to her "too early" adulthood. He couldn't possibly shake off the need to protect her.

'Dad, I know what you're thinking and it's alright, really.'

'Yeah?'

'Yes. Victor thinks he's got me pegged but he doesn't. What he's trying to do is clearer than a magic mirror; an expensive classic bike, flowers... I'm not an idiot. I can't be bought with presents and sooner or later he'll see it and stop trying to. Surely you didn't think I would fall for that old trick?'

'No, of course not. It's just I have my reasons of not wanting him near you right now. If your Mum was here, she'll say the exact same thing. '

'I believe I've proven I'm capable of looking after myself, I don't need protection from him.'

'Yes, you do- Olivia and as your father, it's what I intend to do!'

'I faced a man far worse than Victor Kiriakis and you weren't even there!' she snapped back.

'Not telling you about EJ doesn't mean she was shutting you out; she probably didn't want us to worry about her; you know how she hates being cosseted.' Carly said, breaking into his thoughts. 'It just isn't something she's used to.'

'Whatever. I'm going to have a talk with her as soon as she gets home; and I'll also remind Junior that I warned him to keep himself far away from her.' Bo said darkly. 'He went after Sami but he's not putting his hands on Olivia; not while I'm still around to protect her.'

Hope looked doubtful. 'You don't really think he's actually planning to seduce Olivia? She's only 18.'

'She may be 18 but she doesn't look 18 and we both saw the way he looked at her at Victor's party.' Carly said. 'But we didn't know he'd been making advances on her before then. Bo, whatever went on between her and EJ that day apparently wasn't a big deal to her so try not to get worked up when you discuss it with her.'

'You're making it sound like I don't have the right to worry about my own daughter.'

'Nobody's saying that.' Hope stressed firmly. 'Just try and make her see she should've told you about that encounter without making her feel like she's being smothered; that's what Carly's trying to say.'

'Thanks Hope.'

Bo glared at his wife and ex-wife. They didn't understand where he was coming from- Carly especially. Larry or not; at least she had Olivia with her all those years, by the time he found out about her she was a grown woman; a rather too independent one for that matter. What sort of father would he be if he couldn't protect his daughter simply because she didn't want protection; protection wasn't the same as smothering and Olivia will just have to accept that fact.

'Tread carefully with her, Bo. That girl of yours is pretty prickly.' Hope's parting advice to him before she took her leave. Closing the door after her, Bo turned round to meet Carly's eyes. 'What?'

'Bo, don't make a big thing out of this. Olivia's just used to looking out for herself besides me but she'll always need her father; she loves you very much.'

'I don't doubt that for a minute.' Bo slipped his arm round Carly as they walked back to the living room. 'I just wish she would let me feel more...'

'Needed?' she finished for him.

'Exactly. All those years not being there for her... you got to understand how I feel.'

'I understand more than anybody how you feel, I really do.' Carly caressed his cheek. 'If you like I can talk to her.'

'No, I'd rather do it; and don't worry- I'm not going to make her feel bad for not telling me about her run-in with EJ. I want to remind Olivia how much I love her and she's free to tell me anything.'

As he spoke, Ciara emerged through the open French windows with Phoebe at her heels. 'Aunt Carly, I'm hungry.'

'Well, let's see what we can do about that, shall we?' Carly said, taking Ciara by the hand and led her to the kitchen, while Bo took Ciara's little suitcase upstairs.

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Around 8:15 p.m., Bo, Carly and Ciara were playing Scrabble when Phoebe suddenly barked and bolted, causing Bo to upset his letter tiles.

'Christ; that dog!' he complained, picking them from the floor. 'What's she on about now?'

They looked up at the sudden sound of the front opening and a voice calling, 'Hello?'

'It's Olivia!' Ciara shrieked joyfully; leaping up, Bo and Carly close to her heels. Olivia stopped patting Phoebe to scoop Ciara in her arms and kiss her. 'Oh my little one! I've really missed you.' she exclaimed.

'I missed you too, very much; I'm so happy you're back!' Ciara pressed her cheek against Olivia's. 'Don't ever go away again!'

Chuckling, Olivia put her down before turning to her parents. 'Mummy, Dad!' she said, her green eyes glistering with tears as they enveloped her in their arms.

'We weren't expecting you for two more weeks!' Carly exclaimed. 'Did something happen?'

'Actually yes, a bout of homesickness. I couldn't stand it any longer so Tamara and I agreed to just fly home.' Olivia replied, kissing Carly and then Bo, who held her close, his face against her tangled curls.

'Great to have you back, kitten.' He said softly, pulling back a bit to look down at her; thinking how more than ever she looked like Carly; her green eyes sparkling back at him.

'It's lovely to be back.' she replied softly. 'I missed you, all of you. México was beyond wonderful but I just couldn't want to come home!' she kissed Bo on both cheeks, her arms encircling his waist. 'I missed you especially by the way.' She whispered in his ear. Bo's heart leapt at the admission; suddenly feeling better since Ciara's revelation to them that afternoon. She'll always need her father, Carly had assured him.

'México sure agreed with you, sweetheart; you're all tanned.' He commented, leading her by the hand to the living room; pulling her down to sit next to him, Ciara immediately climbed on Olivia's lap. True enough, the young woman's skin was now a delightful golden-brown.

Olivia grinned, stroking Ciara's hair. 'Acapulco's is a great place for sunbathing. But what I loved best about México was Chichén Itzá; you were both right, it's a fabulous place- next to Cancun of course.' And now she had her own reason for treasuring that place; particularly the Great Ball court, where she and EJ exchanged their first kiss and formally declared their love. 'The Professor and Soledad spoilt us rotten and there was so much to see, so much to do! Really, México's absolutely fabulous; thanks so much for suggesting it.'

'We're glad you and Tamara had a wonderful time; but we're also glad you're home with us.' Bo kissed the top of her head.

'What did you bring me?' Ciara demanded, making them all laugh.

'In due time, cherub.' Olivia pinched her cheek. 'As soon as I summon enough strength to open my bags; you'll see the special thing I got for you; but right now all I want is a long hot soak in the tub. And I want to know everything that went on while I was away.'

'For starters, we found out we're going to have twins.' Bo beamed at Carly.

'Oh my God, that's wonderful!' Olivia exclaimed while Ciara clapped her hands excitedly. 'We have to plan their arrival as nice as possible. What else?'

'Nathan's back in town.' Ciara piped up without warning. Stunned to the core, Olivia looked at her parents in turn. 'What?'

'It's true, honey; Nathan's back from Baltimore.' Carly said, taking hold of Olivia's hand. 'All we told him was that you were on vacation and if he wanted to see you he had to wait until you came home.'

'What the bloody hell...' Olivia stopped herself hastily at the astonished look on Ciara's face. 'What is he back for and what on earth does he want to see me about; I have nothing to say to him.'

'He wants a second chance; he's sorry for the way he acted. He never stopped loving you, that's what he told your mother.'

Olivia stared at Bo then at Carly before laughing harshly. 'Another chance? It was easy for him to abandon me for that job of his, now he thinks it will be easy to win me back? Is that what Nathan Horton actually assumes?'

'He said...' Carly began.

'Well, he assumed wrong!' Olivia snapped, removing her hand from Carly's grip. 'Whatever he has to say he can keep it to himself because I don't want to hear any of it; our relationship was a waste of my time and I'm not going for a second round.'

'You aren't even going to talk to him about it?'

Olivia was so angry at Nathan's overconfidence that she didn't hesitate giving Carly her answer. 'Absolutely not; the only thing Nathan will hear from me is bugger off. Come on, Ciara.'

'What does "bugger off" mean?' asked Ciara curiously, her arms round Olivia's neck as she was carried out of the room and up the stairs; Phoebe lumbering after them.

'Never you mind.' Was the gruff response.

Bo exhaled deeply, looking at Carly. 'Well, now what do we do? You wanted her to decide whether or not she wanted to see Nathan or not without us interfering... well, mission accomplished.'

'I don't know Bo, Olivia reacted out of anger; she'll probably change her mind when she faces him for real; somehow I can't believe she's given up on Nathan totally.'

'Why are you so sure about that, princess? We both heard her.'

'A person says one thing but inside is thinking otherwise; I speak from experience.' Carly suddenly smiled, scooting closer to him on the couch.

'Oh yeah?' Bo raised his eyebrows as she settled her legs on his lap.

'Oh... don't you sit there and pretend you don't know what I'm talking about Bo Brady. That day, when Alice tricked us into meeting at her house and I tried to convince her that I really wanted to marry Victor; that I was committed to him; inside I was waiting for you to tell me not to marry him, that you loved me.'

Bo smiled, gently rubbing the side of her neck. 'I pretty much did the same thing; saying words I didn't mean and longing for you deep in my heart.' Pulling her close, he stared deep in the emerald eyes opposite him. 'Then I tried telling you what I really felt; that night at Victor's party- when we met at the garden, but you wouldn't let me.' His expression turned thoughtful. 'You know what, I suddenly understand Nathan now. He blew it, now he wants a chance to fix it- we've all been through the same thing.'

'I'm so glad to hear you say that and I want Olivia to be happy as we are, that's why I hope she didn't mean what she said and talk things out with Nathan properly. If you're really in love with somebody, you don't give up on it, you'll only end up hurting yourself the most.'

'But you did give up.' Bo reminded her. 'And it was my fault.'

'That doesn't mean I ever stopped loving you and after I got your note; I realised just how much and I promised myself I'll never allow anything or anyone to part us again.'

'You know what really got to me, after you found me in the loft?' Bo said softly; his brown eyes warm at the memory. 'How you wouldn't even let me apologise for the way I treated you for so long; for making you fall into Victor's trap.'

'You had nothing to apologise for.' Carly caressed his cheeks with both hands, her eyes warm as well. 'Nothing could ever make me stop loving you; then and now.'

Bo returned her gentle kiss with a fiery, possessive one, his tongue touching hers and his arms tightened round her; once more thinking how extremely lucky they were. How could he and Carly know at the time Patrick Lockhart and Dean Hartman were right then planning the disruption of their idyllic life.

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'Good morning, kitten.'

Blinking, Olivia looked up to see Bo standing by her bed holding a tray. 'Good morning, Dad.' She yawned, sitting up. 'Breakfast in bed? Well, this is a treat.'

Bo placed it on her knees. 'Made your favourite.'

Olivia smiled down at the waffles and maple syrup and the tea she preferred to coffee. 'Thanks. But what's the occasion?' she asked, picking up the fork.

'I wanted to use this chance to talk to you.'

'You look serious.' Olivia raised her eyebrows. 'Talk about what?'

'About EJ DiMera.'