Chapter 74

Olivia managed to assume a neutral expression at the mention of E.J's name. 'Is that right?' she said, putting down her fork. 'What about him?'

'Ciara told me about your run-in with him months ago.'

Olivia looked puzzled until he realised what he was talking about. 'Oh, that day... yes. Goodness, I thought she'd long forgotten about that.'

'Ciara's got a very good memory. What did he want with you and why did you hit Nathan afterwards? What's going on here kitten; why didn't you ever tell me about it?'

Olivia shrugged. 'I just didn't think it was important enough to bother you or Ma with. EJ was just being nosy about me and I told him to clear off. And as for Nathan... he said something about me flirting with EJ and something else that didn't sit well with me, so I suppose I lost my temper.' She smiled ruefully. 'Family trait, isn't it?'

Bo smiled back, stroking her curls. 'Yeah... you got that from me big time. Imagine if you'd been born a boy.'

They both laughed then Olivia sobered. 'I suppose you're miffed I didn't tell you about it.'

'Not miffed, kitten. Well, maybe just a bit but it's because I hoped you would keep the promise you made to me; about allowing me to be there for you, since I never got the chance to be when you were a little girl. I sort of felt shut out, like you don't need me at all.'

'Oh, Daddy...' Olivia took hold of his hands, her green eyes earnest. 'I do need you, I always do. You're my father and I adore you, you know that. I will never shut you out for anything but at the same time I can't act the damsel in distress either; because I'm not.'

'I know you're not and I'm very proud of the wonderful, strong young woman I have for a daughter.' Bo squeezed her hands. 'But I just want to feel like I'm needed, even though you're all grown up now.'

Olivia put her arms round his neck and they hugged each other tightly. 'I'm so sorry I didn't tell you about that incident.'

'That's okay.' Bo stroked her hair again. 'But the next time anybody besides EJ DiMera ever bothers you, I want you to tell me and I don't ever want you to think I'm being annoyingly overprotective.'

'You have every right to be "annoyingly overprotective", Dad.' Olivia's smile widened. 'Like you, part of me wishes for those lost years. But... we can't keep crying over spilt milk. We're a family now and everyday we're together, we are moving forward. No Lawrence or Vivian to steal any more years from us. And even when I turn 30, 40 or 50... I'll always need my daddy by my side, count on that.'

Bo returned the smile, more than relieved but inwardly reminding himself to have a word with Stefano's brat and tell him to be nosy somewhere else.

'Thanks, honey. Enjoy your breakfast.' Kissing her on the cheek, he took his leave. Olivia waited for exactly five minutes before reaching for her cell under the pillow and dialled a number.

'DiMera.'

'Hello, you.' She said in a low voice.

EJ's voice at the other end immediately became warm. 'My darling, I'm so glad to hear your voice. I was going to call you today.'

'That's alright. We got in last night.'

'So you're in town?' His voice grew even warmer. 'But darling, you didn't have to cut your holiday short because of me. Was Tamara angry?'

'No she wasn't and actually, I was really missing my parents; hence the sudden decision. But being near you again is an added bonus.'

'I couldn't stop thinking about you the whole flight back home. I don't remember ever being happier than when I was with you in México. Do you still love me, angel?'

Olivia rested her head against the pillows, smiling. 'You have to ask?'

'The whole time was like a wonderful, impossible dream, so I need to be sure.'

'I love you; more than ever. That hasn't changed, will never change.'

She heard EJ give a deep sigh. 'Can I see you tonight?'

'Tonight?'

'Yes. I know a place we can be alone; I'll bring a picnic basket. Will you come?'

'Yes.' She whispered. 'I really want to see you.'

'Brilliant. When and where should I pick you up?'

'I'll text you the details later; I have to plan this carefully. I can't wait to see you.'

'The feeling is... more than mutual.' She sensed he was smiling. 'I'll see you tonight, angel. I love you.'

'I love you too.' She hung up. For a while she lay there, thinking about EJ and then about Nathan. She had loved Nathan very much; he was her first love, her first lover and she had thought that they had what her parents had- deep, everlasting love and one day they would celebrate that love in front of friends and family. She never expected to fall in love with EJ despite the way he'd made her burn from the moment they met- he was the enemy, forbidden territory. But now... she closed her eyes.

::::::::

Carly placed a bowl in front of Phoebe, looking up as Bo entered the kitchen. 'Well, did you talk to her?'

'Yeah and she pretty much said that it was not big deal but we came to an understanding of some sorts.'

'That's great.' Carly opened the fridge but Bo placed his hands on her shoulders and firmly marched her over to the kitchen table. 'Bo, I'm not an invalid.' she protested as he pulled out a chair for her.

'You're carrying two babies in there, remember?'

'Yeah... but I'm still capable of making breakfast for my family.'

Bo chuckled, kissing the top of her head. 'I know that, princess. But, as your husband and the father of those babies; it's my job to see that you don't overdo it by helping out as much as I can. So, stop arguing; okay?'

Carly made a face at him. 'You're a pain in the ass.'

Bo grinned, leaning over her. 'Am I?'

'Oh, don't you pull that old charm on me.' Carly swatted his arm playfully but didn't turn away as he lowered his head to kiss her thoroughly on the mouth.

'Yuck!' they broke apart at the sound of Ciara's voice, laughing at the sight of her disgusted face.

'Good morning, sweetheart.' Carly said, stretching her arms towards the child. Ciara immediately walked over to her and kissed her before settling on her lap. 'Good morning; good morning, Daddy. Where's Olivia?'

'She's having breakfast in her room. Want waffles?'

She shook her head. 'I want scrambled eggs.'

'Scrambled eggs it is!' Bo stroked her hair. 'And for the Missus...' he spoke in such a terrible English accent that Carly and Ciara couldn't help but laugh helplessly, ' we shall be serving the morning special; French toast with all the trimmings and our very best brand of orange juice. Is that to your liking; Mrs Brady or you would prefer something more filling?'

Carly managed to say, still shaking with laughter, 'That would do, perfectly, thank you.'

'You're trying to talk like Olivia!' Ciara accused.

'Am I at least close?' Bo asked in his normal voice.

'NO!' was the answer in unison.

Bo shrugged humorously. 'Some people can't appreciate real talent when they hear it.'

'Oh, you do have talents, sailor; doing accents just isn't one of them.' Carly flashed him a knowing, predatory smile. Bo smiled back at her, giving her an equally knowing, predatory wink that luckily Ciara didn't notice.

As Bo was in the middle of cooking, the doorbell rang. 'I'll get it!' they heard Olivia call out, hearing her footsteps down the stairs. She entered the kitchen, still in her Pjs and holding a large cardboard box in her hands. 'I found this on the doorstep. It's addressed to you, Ma. Your name's on the card.'

Carly pushed her glass of juice aside and opened the box. A large bouquet of lilies again, along with the message on the card: A token of esteem from an old friend.

Bo frowned at the card, then at the flowers. 'Who are they from?'

'I have no idea.' Carly replied, 'it's not signed.'

Olivia watched her mother's face shrewdly. 'You've received these before, haven't you, Mummy?' she asked, reverting to her childhood way of addressing Carly.

Carly looked at her and at Bo before nodding. Ciara looked at them curiously. 'What's the big deal, they are only flowers.' She pointed out.

Bo forced a smile. 'You're right, sweetie; really nothing to worry about.' He said, not wanting to say anything in front of her. Instead he waited until after Ciara was done with breakfast and went up to her room with the dog. 'Carly...' he began, a harsh tone in his voice.

'Before you yell at me; I honestly thought it was a patient who sent it- I got it a couple of weeks ago at the hospital. I didn't think it was important enough to ponder on.'

'But Mummy; it's not signed. Don't you think it's a bit odd?' Olivia pointed out.

'Odd, yes; but what's the danger in them?'

'The danger isn't the flowers, it's the sender.' Bo replied, his face hard. 'He could be a stalker for all we know. Carly, you should have told me.'

'I really didn't think it was important!' Carly pleaded. 'And I didn't want you to worry.'

'I'm your husband; it's my damned job to be worried about you.' Bo insisted. He turned to the box which was still on the kitchen table. 'We can't dust it for fingerprints now, since you and Olivia touched it. But the next time, we'll be able to find out who's sending it to you and put a stop to it. Flowers with unsigned cards aren't a good sign at all.'

'No, they aren't.' Olivia agreed, already having a bad vibe about it. 'You should be on your guard too, Mum. Whoever sent this might be watching you.'

'That's ridiculous!' Carly exclaimed. 'Who on earth would be stalking me?'

'Princess, you've got to take this seriously.' Bo said, touching her face. 'Now, promise me you'll be careful and tell me if you get these flowers again. I'm not going to allow some crazy stalker to come after you. Promise.'

Carly sighed. 'I still think you're worrying about nothing, but okay... I promise.'

Bo hugged her in silence, kissing the top of her head. Olivia watched them then glanced at the flowers again; her bright green eyes narrowing.

::::::

'You want me to do what now?' Tamara asked.

'Once again... I want you to come and pick me up at the house at exactly seven o' clock. I told my parents that you and I are going to the movies. We go there, ten minutes later, EJ texts me to let me know he's waiting for me outside and I leave, easy.'

Tamara snorted. 'Easy. I get ditched because of your boyfriend.'

'You're the one who said I have to be extra careful.' Olivia pointed out. 'Tam, you're still on my side, aren't you?'

'No doubt but for God sake don't get caught; if Uncle Bo ever finds out about this, he'll probably ship you to a convent in Siberia- after he mounts EJ's head on the wall that is.'

'Really, Tamara; what a morbid thought!'

'Be serious!' Tamara looked stern. 'You and EJ maybe in love but you're also playing a very dangerous game.'

'I'm fully aware of the consequences and like you would charmingly put it; chill out. EJ and I are adults; we know what we're doing.'

Tamara snorted again, but humorously this time. 'You're sixteen, sweetie.'

'Oh, shut up.'

The girls laughed. 'So...' Tamara raised her eyebrows, 'where's your "prince charming" taking you tonight?'

'He didn't say but I imagine it's something special. He makes me feel so special, Tam... like I'm the most important person in his life.'

'Not trying to be cynical or anything, but that's what you said about Nathan.'

'I know.' Olivia's smile dropped. 'And he let me down; after everything we promised each other. If I'd known he would do such a thing, I would never have given myself to him the way I did. And don't you start about what Dad will say if he found out; it's not like he'll ever know. Speaking of which, he and Mum told me Nathan back in town. And he actually wants us to start again.'

'And...?'

'You know my answer, and nothing. I love EJ now and he loves me. Nathan's in the past.' Olivia said firmly.

'Well, tell that to him then.' Tamara muttered as Nathan Horton walked through The Java's double glass doors and immediately spotted them. Olivia turned her head and their eyes met.

:::::::

'You really didn't have to follow me to work,' Carly protested as they stepped off the elevator. 'The flowers were probably a prank.'

'Well I've never been a fan of pranks, 'specially if the prankster chooses to remain anonymous.' Bo said, his arm round her waist. 'Until we solve this mystery, consider me your shadow slash bodyguard, Mrs Brady. I don't want to take any chances. When you're ready to go home, you call me and I'll be here, okay?'

Bo's over protectiveness was not a new thing to Carly and she knew she would be wasting her breath arguing with him about it. 'Do I have a choice?' she asked drily.

'No, you don't. Have a great day and take great care of yourself. He hugged her close; stroking her hair.

'I have such a wonderful and protective husband.' Carly smiled, pulling back a bit to hold his face between her palms. 'I hope you take your own advice and take care of yourself as well.'

Bo smiled, taking her hands and pressed a kiss on her palms. 'It's a deal, princess.' He kissed her. 'Love you.'

'Love you back.' Carly stayed where she was until the elevators closed after him. As she began her rounds, she thought over what he said; the possibility whoever's been sending her flowers was a stalker. Stalkers had no other purpose except to terrorise and someone completely mental was usually the culprit. She shivered at the thought.

'Are you okay?' Kayla asked, noticing her sister-in-law's action.

'Oh, yes; I'm fine.'

'You look like you feel chilly or something.'

'Not at all.' Carly adjusted the collar of her white coat. 'I was just thinking about something.'

'Am I allowed to ask?' Kayla probed. 'If I'm not being nosy, that is.'

'No, of course not. But I don't want you to repeat this to Caroline or anyone else; I don't want the whole family worried. But I guess Bo would've told Steve and Roman by now.' Carly told her about the flowers.

'Bo's right; you need to be careful, Carly. An anonymous sender is never a good sign.'

'I get it but who on earth would be stalking me and why?'

'Do stalkers ever have a reason for what they do?' Kayla replied. 'I just hope that he doesn't do anything more than the flowers; I can't bear for anything to happen to you.'

'Nothing's going to happen to me; not while your brother's bent on being my shadow.' Carly smiled. 'And if Olivia had her way, she'll be doing the same thing.'

'Oh... she's home already?'

'Uh huh... and so is Ciara. I'm glad; the house's been a bit dull without them. But finally Olivia got to have some real fun for the first time in her life.'

Kayla nodded. 'Does she know Nathan's back in town and getting his old job back?'

'Yeah, but she wasn't happy. Matter of fact, she told Bo and me she could care less.'

'Ouch. She's still that mad at him?'

'She made it plain she wants nothing to do with him. If I didn't know better, I would think she's found someone else and whoever it is must be that great for her to dismiss Nathan like that. I know how much she loved him.'

'She's probably just angry, Carly. She's young and she has a temper. Once she sees him again, she'll probably have a change of heart.'

Carly shrugged. From a far corner of the lobby, his eyes hidden by sunshades, Patrick Lockhart watched the two women; his eyes especially fixed on Carly.

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

'Why won't you listen to me?' Nathan asked, exasperated.

'Because you left me and I gave you up,' Olivia bit out. The sight of Nathan again after several months unsettled her but only for a moment. 'There's nothing to fix; it's over. And how dare you display such assurance that I'll be willing to try again with you?'

'Okay, what I did was terrible,' Nathan admitted, 'but not so terrible enough not to forgive me. Come on Sweetness; I was only trying to prove myself.'

'And I was all for it! I supported you; I was willing to fly out to Baltimore to be with you but what did you do? You called me a distraction and broke it off!'

Nathan bit his lip. 'I don't know what I was thinking.'

Olivia scoffed, turning away from him.

'Olivia Brady; you're the best thing that ever happened to me. I was an idiot; a very stupid idiot for treating you that way.' Nathan placed his hands on her rigid shoulders. 'I came back to ask you to forgive me for actually valuing a hot shot position over you. I love you; only you.' He turned her round. Olivia's green eyes were no longer angry but they weren't exactly encouraging either. Touching her face, he said huskily, 'Sweetness, please give me another chance. Let me make it up to you- you can tell me what you want and I'll do it.'

In reply, Olivia removed his hand and stepped back, shaking her head. 'It's no good, Nathan. I don't want to try again; it's over.'

'Why?' he demanded.

'How many times do you want to hear it...'

'I want a valid reason and that would only be that you don't love me anymore. Is that it, Olivia?'

'That's it.' Olivia said with effort. Despite her anger; she found herself reluctant to hurt him.

Nathan shook his head firmly. 'You don't mean that.'

'Nathan, don't do this.'

'The girl who gave me this,' Nathan held out the gold medallion she'd given him, the words Forever Love engraved on it, 'spoke from her heart that day; I remember the look in her eyes when she said she loved me, that she finally knew love was. Are you going to stand there and still tell me you take it all back?'

'I remember that day very well.' Olivia said, glaring at him but her voice quiet. 'But I also remember your promises and you broke every one of them. For a long time after you were gone; I spent every night crying and wondering why the man I loved was so cruel! So, don't try to guilt me into admitting something I no longer feel, alright? Things can never be the same again so either accept that or stay clear away from me from now on.'

Nathan gripped her arm as she made to brush past him; his handsome face stern. 'No, Olivia- it's not over. What we had wasn't superficial like you're acting it was. It's still there whether you like it or not. I love you and I'm willing to wait.'

Without replying, Olivia shook her arm off and walked away. Tamara was waiting for her by the mailbox, her face anxious. 'What happened?'

'He's very sure of himself but in time he'll see I meant every word. Now, not one more word about Nathan Horton. I need a clear head for my date with E.J tonight.'

:::::::::

Bo and Steve went to the hospital after receiving an urgent call from Carly. They found her in her office sitting on the couch with Kayla and Lexie; looking white and strained.

'Princess, what happened?' Bo asked after Lexie made way for him to sit next to Carly.

In reply, she rested against him, burying her face against his neck. Bo hugged her, whispering soothing words to her. He'd never known Carly to be a shrinking violet but after that terrible time with Lawrence; he shouldn't be surprised. 'I'm here now; tell me what happened.'

Carly raised her head. 'I got a phone call.'

'From who?'

'From the sender; the one who's been sending me the flowers.'

'What did he say? Did he threaten you?' Steve asked sharply.

'It isn't so much as what he said but how he said it.' Carly replied slowly. 'He said, "I hope you liked the flowers, because I can't wait to know you so much better; very soon".' Despite the warmth of her husband's arms, she shuddered. 'He said it in a disgustingly caressing tone- like we were long lost lovers or something. Like how... like how Lawrence used to talk to me, it was so creepy.'

Steve shook his head, looking at Bo. 'This is obviously a stalker; an obsessed stalker from the sound of things.'

'Exactly what I was afraid of.' Bo said grimly; stroking Carly's hair. 'Princess, until this maniac's caught; I don't want you out of the house from now on.' He rushed on, knowing full well she will argue no matter how frightened she was. 'I'm going to assign a couple of officers to guard you; they'll be posted outside the house.'

'I agree with Bo.' Lexie said.

'Besides Carly, you're pregnant. You've got to think about the babies' safety.' Kayla added. 'Don't worry about work; someone else will cover for you.'

As she spoke, Steve's cell rang and he answered it. 'Johnson. Yes, he's here.' He listened then scowled. 'Thanks, I'll tell him.'

'What's going on?' Bo asked.

'Roman just got a call from the warden at Greenville. Dean Hartman broke out of prison two days ago.'

:::::::::::

'This man is the one threatening Mummy; you're certain of this?' Olivia demanded.

'We think so but there's something wrong about the scenario.' Roman replied. 'It's Hope Dean hates; he doesn't know Carly or anything about her. He would stalk her, not your mother.'

'But Dad prevented him from killing Hope and Ciara that night; he would feel a humiliation a criminal would feel. He wants to punish Dad through Mum! That's how I see it at any rate.' She slipped her arms round Carly. 'How are you bearing up, love?'

Carly smiled, ruffling her curls. 'With everyone doing all they can for me; I'm doing great.' She turned to Bo. 'Does Hope know about Hartman's escape?'

'Yeah she does now; there'll be a guard posted outside Maggie's place. She wasn't too happy about it but she agreed.'

Ciara shivered. Dean had haunted her dreams for a long time and now he was free to hurt them again. Bo saw her and pulled her onto his lap. 'Don't worry, he won't come near you either honey, I promise.'

Olivia glanced at her watch and Bo noticed it. 'Are you late for something, kitten?'

'Actually, Tam and I made plans to go the movies; she's picking me up later. But...' she rushed on, 'I can cancel and stay here with Mum.'

'No...' Carly patted her arm. 'Don't disappoint Tamara; you go on.'

'I don't think that's a good idea.' Bo objected.

'For all we know, Dean is on his way to Salem; not in Salem and I seriously doubt he knows you have another daughter ; even if he found out you have a new wife. Olivia's safe; she won't be alone, she'll be with Tamara.'

Bo looked at their daughter sternly. 'Watch your back and get back home in good time, okay?'

Olivia nodded, suddenly feeling guilty.

:::::::

Before leaving Dean behind Patrick had changed the kidnapping scheme. Dean had objected but he'd stayed firm and after seeing Dr. Carly Brady at the hospital, Patrick saw that he'd done the right thing. Much as he wanted to make the lovely new Mrs Brady's acquaintance, the last thing they needed was get saddled with a pregnant woman. Hence the second bouquet of flowers and his anonymous call to her. Now Bo, Roman and that brother in law of theirs would think Carly was being targeted by a stalker. Instead, the real prize was Olivia. Once Dean arrived, Olivia Alamain Brady was theirs for the taking.

::::::::::

Olivia pulled out her cell from her pocket when she felt it vibrate. EJ had texted her as arranged. I'm outside; she read. 'I'm off.' She whispered to her friend.

Tamara sniffed disdainfully in spite of herself.

Olivia chuckled and kissed her on the cheek. 'I'll make it up to you, okay?'

Tamara chuckled, shrugging. 'Who am I to stand in the way of love? You two have fun.'

Olivia made her way up the aisle and went out and soon she was outside the building. She looked round and saw EJ's car opposite, hurrying to it. EJ opened the door and she entered, sliding onto his lap; her jeans clad legs straddling him. The couple kissed eagerly for a few glorious minutes. Then EJ pulled back to look at her, pushing back errant curls from her face. 'Angel.' He murmured.

'Oh EJ, it's so good to feel you again!' Olivia whispered, hugging him. 'The moment you entered that plane, I felt like part of me went missing.'

'I felt the same way too.' EJ kissed her again, more tenderly this time, capturing her lower lip. 'Once again, do you still love me?'

'Now and forever.' Olivia replied, firmly pushing back the image of Nathan's determined face.

EJ hugged her in silence then pushed her gently to the passenger seat. 'Come on, buckle up. Wait until you see where we're going.'

'Where are we going?' Olivia asked, clicking the safety belt in place.

'You'll see.'

:::::::::::

'Are you thinking about Dean?' Carly asked, fingering Bo's medallion resting against his chest. Ciara had gone up to bed, with Phoebe posting herself at the foot of her bed. She and Bo were watching a movie but she'd sensed he wasn't concentrating.

'He was a very good cop; lots of commendations. For us to find out much later he was the one who was behind Ciara's kidnap and Brenda and Kyle's murders, it was sickening. I mean, he was right there; helping with the case and sympathising with us and the whole time laughing at our pain. It was a terrible time, princess.' Bo replied, his hand covering the hand resting on his chest. 'It was more about getting back at Hope for making Detective before him; he had a damned inferiority complex and an evil mind. But when he comes here, I'll be ready for him.' He kissed Carly's forehead. 'I'll kill him before I ever let him anywhere near you.'

'You keep reminding me why I love you so much, Commissioner Brady.' Carly smiled, rubbing his chest. 'What would I do without you?'

Bo chuckled, taking her hand to kiss it. 'That's actually a question, Mrs Brady?'

Carly raised her head. 'You know this morning... for the first time in a long while I felt so scared and it usually takes a lot for me to feel that way.'

'Hey, princess; you're human, not weak.' Bo stroked her cheek. 'It was a natural reaction and I don't think less of you, never. Come on; don't think about it. This guy who loves you so much, is here- front and centre- to protect you.'

'And this woman who loves her husband so very much, appreciates it.' Carly kissed him deeply then slid onto his lap. 'Shall I show you just how much?' she whispered against his lips, unbuttoning his shirt slowly.

'Oh, you can.' He whispered back, sliding the shirt down his arms before pulling her T-shirt over her head, leaving her mouth to rain kisses down her neck then lowered her on the couch. In a few minutes they were naked in each other's arms, gasping and moaning as they brought each other mind blowing pleasure.

:::::::

'Sparkling cider.' EJ filled Olivia's glass and handed it over to her before filling his.

They were having a moonlight dinner on the deck of his yacht and he'd brought pastries, cheese and strawberries and they feasted by the light of the moon and scented candles.

'This is the most romantic evening I've ever spent.' Olivia said as they toasted to each other.

'I would say the same.' EJ sipped his drink, his eyes not leaving her face.

'What are you thinking about now?'

'The same thought; where the hell have you been all my life.' He reached out to rub the side of her neck. 'And how lucky I am.'

Olivia smiled at him. 'I suppose we both are.'

EJ took her hand and kissed it, leaning over to kiss her again; tongues touching.

'So, how's your father? Any better?'

'Better but he really has to take things easy. We aren't exactly close but...' he shrugged. 'Someone has to look out for him.'

'But he has your stepmother.'

'Yeah well... Stefano DiMera follows his own rules and spent part of the time telling me what to do. But that was then, now I'm following my own path- my rules,' he smiled at her again. 'And it's wonderful. I'm practising more of law than the business now.'

'Really?'

'Hey, I meant every word in Mexico, Angel; EJ DiMera is respectable and will stay that way.' EJ pulled her closer. 'When the time is right for everyone to know the truth; they will definitely be okay about us.'

Olivia pressed her face against his. 'Not just my parents... there's Sami. She won't be happy at all.'

'She has the right to lead a new life with Rafe and I have every right to be with you.' EJ insisted. 'Don't worry your pretty little head about her.'

'I'm trying not to. But she's my cousin and I'm fond of her. And I love my parents and the rest of the family. I just hope they won't think it's a form of betrayal.'

'Hush,' EJ soothed her. 'It's not like they'll find out tomorrow. Time's a strange thing; it will be all right.'

Olivia nodded then smiled again. 'The very mean ones will regard what we have as a sick joke.'

'But you and I have a name for it; it's called love.' EJ grinned back.

After dinner, EJ put on some music and they danced under the stars. 'In this lovely ambience; I should be wearing a long dress.' Olivia said ruefully; suddenly feeling ashamed of her tight jeans and black cashmere sweater.

'You look beautiful, no matter what you're wearing.' EJ chided, both arms round her waist as they moved to the music. 'The first time we had a conversation; by the newsstand? You were wearing leather pants and I found you breath-taking.'

She chuckled, remembering. 'That seems so long ago now. A lot has changed since then.'

'Yes it has, Angel.' EJ raised one hand to caress her cheek, staring deep into the illuminated eyes. 'I love you, Olivia Gwyneth Brady. I'll never get tired of saying it.'

'I'll never get tired of hearing so don't you ever stop; EJ DiMera.'

EJ smiled, pressing his face against her neck as they went on dancing to I Call It Love.