John stood watching the yachet come towards him. He could imagine the
wind, softly touching Marlena's face, the moon eluminating on her beauty.
This was going to be their night. No children, no Kristen, no Roman,
nobody, just the two of them, and their love, renewing that love.

The yachet was now by the dock, and he walked over to it. He stood at the
end of the dock and waited for her to appear. He looked up, and then saw
an angel, his angel, Marlena. She was glowing, her eyes, sparkling like
diamonds, and she was smiling down at him. She walked down the runway,
with the captain, and when they reached the end of the runway, John went
over and took her hand.

  "Thank you Captain."

  "Mr Black, we will be here, whenever you need us to take you back."

John looked at Marlena, drinking in her beauty, then turned to the man.

  "I think we will be staying for the night. I will radio you in the
morning."

  "Fine Mr Black, Dr Evans. Good Evening."

The captain went back up the runway and got on the yachet, and John
brought Marlena close to him.

  "Good Evening Dr Evans."

  "Mr Black. Thank you for this beautiful dress, and the necklace."

  "Only the best for my lady."

  "What are we doing here? Isn't this Smith Island?"

  "Yes, it is, and we are going to have an amazing evening, right here on
this Island."

John slipped Marlena's arm through his and the two of them started to
walk.

  "John, aren't we a little overdressed?"

  "Nope. Trust me, you are going to love this."

  "You know something, I wouldn't care where we were, as long as we are
together."

Marlena stopped and looked at John.

  "Our lives have been in such much turmoil, I thought that we would be
happy, when the truth had finally come out. And we were, for that short
time, but, I just couldn't have imagined that it would have turned out
like this."

  "Doc, tonight, it's just for you and me. All the other things, aren't
here with us, it's just you and me."

John moved Marlena close to him, and put his lips near her's, teasing
her, rubbing them gently against her's. Then he put his mouth on her's
and kissed her with such emotion, the feelings he had been hiding, once
again, now releasing it all out, with the one woman he would always have
his heart and soul.

  "Come on my love, let's get on with the rest of the evening."

Marlena took John's arm again, and they continued there walk to their
destination.

                         *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  "Can you believe those people over in my house. All they are doing is
attacking me. Stefano, I will not live in that home and feel like I
shouldn't be there."

  "Kristen, since you have gotten here, all I have heard you do is whine.
Will you tell me what you have found out. Where was John going?"

  "I don't know exactly where he was going, but I know he and Marlena are
meeting somewhere."

  "Why didn't you follow Marlena?"

  "I couldn't. Hope came out and started to verbally attack me. Well, you
saw it all, didn't you?"

  "Yes, I must say she does have a lot of fire in her."

  "Who cares if she does or not. Stefano, if Roman dies, then I will
never be with John."

  "Roman will not die."

  "You have a plan, don't you? Tell me!"

  "No! I will not! Now, on to the other matter. Helping Sami. I want you
to do this," and Stefano explained to Kristen what he wanted her to do.

                       ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

  "Okay Doc, we are almost there, so I need you to close your eyes, and
only open them when I tell you, okay?"

  "Alright."

John put his arm around Marlena, to guide to where they were going. John
placed her in front of a door, and then opened it. He made sure she was
directly in front, then stepped back.

  "Okay Doc, open those beautiful eyes."

Marlena did, and let out a gasp.

  "Oh John, this is Alice's cabin. But, what have you done to it?"

  "I made it our small, intimate dining area."

Marlena walked in. The room was a lit with candles, and flowers were
everywhere. An elegant table for two in the middle of the room. A fire
burning, in the fireplace. It was set up for a romantic evening for two.

  "Oh John, this room is so beautiful."

  "Nothing's to good for my beautiful angel."

John closed the door, and Marlena walked around the cabin.

  "It doesn't even look like Alice's."

  "Well, that woman is a saint. She let me remove what I wanted, well,
let's put it this way, she told me to do whatever I like with it, as long
as I put it back the same way. We need this Doc. If we had gone to the
penthouse or anywhere else, Kristen would have found us. The only person
who knows, is Alice."

  "Kristen was working on that, but Hope put a stop to that. What was
this about a charity dinner?"

  "What else could I say. I nearly knocked Hope off her chair. Roman
asked me if I was going out with Kristen, and I told him I was going out
with you."

John walked over to the bottle of champagne.

  "Would you like something to drink?"

  "Oh yes, I would."

Marlena dropped the shawl on the bed. John picked up the bottle, and
poured a glass, and brought it over to Marlena. She took the glass from
him, and John went back and poured himself one, then walked over and
stood in front of her.

  "To us."

John clinked his glass with Marlena.

  "Why don't we have a little dinner, and we can do a little dancing,
then who knows."

John went over and put a CD on. The romantic sounds of Streisand came out
of the speakers. Marlena tilted her head, and John walked over to her and
took her hand.

  "My beautiful Marlena, dinner awaits."

He escorted her to the table, and she sat down. John sat across from her,
and he watched as the candlelight danced in her eyes.

  "Before we eat, I have something for you Doc. I noticed that you are
still wearing my ring."

Marlena looked down at her hand, and looked at him.

  "I never even thought to remove it."

  "Well, when you do, you can replace it with this."

John gave Marlena a box. She took it and then opened it. Inside was a
ruby with diamonds surronding it. She let out a gasp.

  "It matches your necklace. You can wear it on the other hand, and we
will know in our hearts, that you and I are committed to each other."

Marlena felt a tear running down her face. John got up and went over
beside her.

  "I know I asked you, and we were so close to be husband and wife, but
will you do me the honor of marrying me, when all of this is over? When
the truth is revealed."

  "Oh yes John, of course I will."

  "That ring that I am going to put on your finger, will be our secret
engagement ring, and when the time is right, we can put this one back
on."

John took the ring out and put it on Marlena's other hand. He leaned over
and kissed her.

  "Let's have dinner, so we can enjoy the rest of the evening."

Marlena sat, admiring the ring. No one could stir the emotions in her
like John, and she would never let him go, even if it meant the truth
being revealed. She knew she just couldn't live without him again, the
closeness they shared when they were reunited.

  "Doc, you okay?"

  "Oh yes, I am so happy right now. I love you so!"

  "You are my world Doc, my world!"

                          ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~

Kristen went into her house and found the Brady kids, along with Mike and
Austin in the living room. She saw them coming out towards the foyer, she
decided to hide, so they wouldn't see her. She watched them go upstairs,
and followed behind them. They walked towards Roman's room, and she
waited till they were inside. Then she went in.

                     ~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*

Roman looked at them, and he knew, by the looks on their faces, that they
knew he was dying. Carrie and Sami went over by his bed.

  "You found out, didn't you?"

  "Oh Daddy, I won't believe that you are dying."

  "I'm sorry Sami, but it's true. I only wish that I could have been here
for you, Carrie and Eric. I wish I could have been there when you and
Austin were married. And now, I will never get that chance."

  "Roman, I have a wonderful idea," said Kristen.

Everyone turned to look at her.

  "I would love to do this for Sami and Austin, and for you. To give you
your wish."

  "What is that?" asked Sami.

  "I would love to have you and Austin to renew your wedding vows, and I
will take care of everything. We could do it in a couple of days, giving
me enough time to get everything ready, We can do the ceremony at St
Luke's, since you didn't have that church wedding in Paris. You could
walk Sami down the aisle, and then you would be able to see one of your
daughters marry."

Carrie couldn't believe her ears. Sami was full of excitement. Why didn't
she think of that, and then she thought, why would Kristen be doing this?
Hope got up and went over to Carrie, and took her arm. Hope could see teh
hurt in Carrie's eyes, and the confusion in Austin's.

  "Oh Daddy, that would be a wonderful idea. Kristen, thank you! What do
you think Austin, could we do this for my Father?"

   "Sami, I think we should disscus this before making any decisions."

  "Oh sure, you do that, but I know John would love to do this, for the
both of you, and so would I. I'll leave you now, and please, let me know,
soon! Time is of the essence."

Kristen nodded her head at them, and then left the room. Carrie got up,
and looked at Austin, then walked out of the room. Kristen was walking
down the hall, pleased by the reaction she got, when she heard someone
calling her name. She stopped and turned. Carrie came up to her. She
slapped Kristen across the face.

  "HOW DARE YOU.........."

                                 To be continued..
 
 

                                    Chapter 17

Marlena put down her fork, and looked at John.

  "That was amazing, thank you."

  "Would you like to dance?"

  "Oh, yes!"

Marlena put her napkin on the table, and got up. John went over to the
player and removed the disc, and put in another. The song started to
play:

 "What are you doing, for the rest of your life
  North and south and east and west of your life
  I have only one request of your life
  That you spend it all with me

John had Marlena in his arms, holding her tight, as the two of them
danced, ever so slow to the music. Marlena, rubbing his back, put her
face close to the side of his face, smelling his cologne, and she felt
his hands rubbing up and down her spine, and the excitement that was
going through was incredible.

  "All the seasons and the times of your days
   All the nickels and the dimes of your days
   Let the reasons and the rhymes of your days
   All begin and end with me

   I want to see your face in every kind of life
   Fields of dawn and forests of the night
   And when you stand before the candles on a cake
   Oh, let me be the one to hear the silent wish you'd make

   Those tomorrows waiting deep, deep in your eyes
   In the world of love, you keep in your eyes
   I'll awaken what's asleep in your eyes
   It may take a kiss or two

   Though well of my life
   Summer, winter, spring and fall of my life
   All of ever will recall of my life
   Is all of my life with you"

As they danced and listen to the song playing, they both felt that knew
that this song somehow reflected on their feelings for each other. They
held each other very close, like they didn't want the outside world to
invade this private time, between the two of them.

  "Doc, right at this moment, I feel so close to you, more now than ever,
and I just don't know why?"

  "Maybe it's because in this room, you delivered our baby girl, and we
didn't even know it. The memory still is here, I can see it like it was
yesterday."

  "It was a incredible moment, wasn't it Doc? Me, delivering my baby
girl, bringing her to our world, and I remember when I first saw her, she
was so beautiful, it still amazes me, how I was here to help you, like
fate knew that I should be here, since she was my daughter."

  "Yes, she was, but at the time, we didn't know that."

  "Doc, you don't know how happy I was, when the truth was revealed that
I was that little baby's Daddy, and that you and I shared a child, a
child that I so wanted when we were married, but then you were taken away
from me, damn Stefano, he took you away from me twice. First five years,
you in catotonic state, and then when we found out that I wasn't Roman
Brady."

  "I know John, that man is a monster."

  "Let's not talk about him, tonight is for us."

  "Oh John, I am so happy that you went to all the trouble to put this
together, so we could be alone."

John started to kiss Marlena tenderly, and lead her over towards the bed.
She smiled at him as he undid the dress in the back. She slid his jacket
off, undid his tie, and unbuttoned his shirt. She then took off the
shirt, kissing his chest, as John slid down the dress off her shoulder
exposing more of her skin, and leaned down and kissed the top of her
shoulder. He then removed the other side and kissed the other shoulder,
as Marlena felt a shiver go down her spine. He then let go and the dress
fell to the floor. He looked at her beauty, and eased her down on the
bed. He looked at Marlena, as she laid there waiting for him to join her,
and he removed the rest of his clothing. He watched as she let her shoes
fall to the ground. He smiled at her, and walked over to the bed and got
in.

  "Cold?"

  "I should be hot, but..."

  "Don't explain, I understand."

John pulled the sheet up and put it over them. He then started to kiss
her eyes, moving down to her nose, cheeks, and then to her lips. He
kissed her with such passion. He then moved away from her lips and went
down to her shoulders. John then moved his face near her's and softly
nuzzled against her cheek. Her breaths were short, waiting for what he
would do next. He brought his hand up to her face and Marlena moved her
head so she could kiss his fingertips. John brought her close to his
body, and felt the warmth coming from Marlena. He knew what he was going
to do next, and John knew that Marlena's body was waiting for it to
happen. He eased himself closer to her.

  "Doc, I feel like this is going to be the first time we have ever been
together, and I want it to be something we will never forget."

  "John, I never forget, anytime we make love. I want you, so please,
make love to me, show me how much you love me."

John eased himself on her, and she felt John's love. She gasped and then
released a moan, her hands, moving down  his back, moving with him. She
could hear him, his heavy breathing, his back covered in sweat, and he
then looked at her, puting his mouth on her's as they moved together.
John looked back at Marlena, seeing the love in her eyes, it had been so
long since the last time they had been together, and now they were here,
in this cabin, renewing their love. He whispered very softly to her;

  "Doc, I love you, your my world, your my life, your my everything."

                          ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*

Stefano sat in the chair, watching Kristen and Carrie in the hall.
Smiling, he waited for the confrontation between them.

                         ~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

  "What was that for?" asked Kristen.

  "What the hell are you trying to do? I can't belive you just said that,
to make that suggestion."

  "Well Carrie, it's something your Father wishes he could see, and since
Sami and Austin are married, why not them."

  "It's not up to you to even get involved, oh, I forgot, all you want to
do is destroy our family."

  "I want to help."

  "Help, you have given Sami an idea that she didn't even come up with,
something that will tie her and Austin forever, to be married in church.
That would seal their marriage forever."

  "Carrie, have you ever thought that maybe, Austin doesn't feel the same
way about you that he did before. Maybe he is falling in love with Sami,
after all they just bought a house. Well, Kate did. Isn't that strange,
she was so much for you being with Austin, and now, she seems to be
helping those tow bond, by buying a house. Face it Carrie, Austin doesn't
love you like he did before. Why don't you just give him up, and let
those two build their relationship. They have a little boy, that child
will keep them bonded."

  "Oh, and it's okay for you to come between John and Marlena. Lying
about being pregnant, helping Stefano kidnap Marlena, not telling John
where she was, using some poor woman to pretend she's you, and then
taking her baby. Locking Marlena up in some room, the only good thing is
that Susan didn't crawl away, and let you get away with everything. And
she got you  locked up with Marlena. Even trying to marry John, at the
last second, when you knew that you were going to be exposed by Marlena.
And now, your latest stunt, bringing my Father here, and using him in
your ploy, telling him lies, saying that you and John are happy and
married, and Marlena is alone. Yes, I'm happy that if that man in there,
is my Father, but if he's not, you have hurt our family once again. So,
don't go preaching to me about leaving Austin and my sister alone, so
they can bulid there marriage."

  "Carrie, I don't want to hurt you."

  "Oh, right Kristen. You thrive on hurting people."

  "Well Carrie, if you must know, I heard Austin tell Sami that he loved
her."

  "That's a lie."

  "I'm sorry, but it's not. You have lost Carrie. I guess it's because
you are just like Marlena, being noble. And you want to know something,
it makes me sick."

  "Well Kristen, you make me feel the same way. "

  "And Marlena, she's off with John, at some romantic place, doing who
knows what, while your Father, lays there dying. She has a heart,don't
you think?"

  "Kristen, Marlena cares very deeply for my Dad, but she loves John, and
I understand that. They committed to each other, and my father forgave
them. He wanted them to be together, but that's something you knew about
anyways. They would be married, but you just couldn't stand that, so you
and your monster of a Father, had to do something to stop the wedding.
You are so evil, using a dying man, telling him all those lies. If my
Father came back, on his own and knew what you had done in the past, he
wouldn't even take the time to breath the same air you do. He would have
given them his blessings, he only wanted Marlena to be happy."

  "Carrie, this conversation is getting quite boring, so if you will
excuse me."

Kristen walked away, leaving Carrie standing there, alone.

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~**~

Stefano stood there, clapping and then went over and changed the screen
to Roman's room. Kristen was brillant, he thought. Never giving in to
Carrie's anger. Now he wanted to see what Sami was going to do with this
gift that he had handed to her. He could see the excitement on her face,
and the pain on Austins. He saw Hope and Eric looking at each other, with
shock on their faces. He couldn't see Mike Horton anywhere. He must have
left the room. And Roman, his enemy, he had a gleam in his eye, excited
by what he had just heard. Stefano poured himself another drink, and sat
down to listen to the conversation going on in the room.

                       *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

  "Austin, I think that we should take Kristen's offer. I've always
wanted to be married at St Luke's, that's where all us Brady's have
married. It seems ditting, that we do our wedding right."

  "Sami, I think we should take sometime to really talk about this."

Sami pulled Austin over, away from everyone.

  "Austin, I can't believe that you won't do this. We are already
married. We are just renewing our vows in church this time, in front of
our families and friends, and God of course. It will bond us for life."

  "Sami, let's talk when we go home. "

  "Okay Austin. Where did Carrie go?"

  "I saw her go into the hall, just after Kristen left," said Hope.

  "And Mike?"

  "Oh, he's just left a few seconds ago."

  "Hope, Austin and I have to go. Daddy's asleep. Can you tell him I'll
be by in the morning."

  "Sure Sami."

A few of the servants came into Roman's room, and started to set up a
table.

  "Excuse me Mrs.Brady, how many for dinner?"

  "Eric, your staying?"

  "Yes!"

  "Then, it will be four."

  "Suzie, why don't you go on home, Mike will be here. He can give the
night nurse all the information from the day," said Eric.

  "Okay, I will, thanks."

Suzie left as the staff brought in chairs and place settings. Eric
motioned Hope over, away from Roman.

  "Kristen is up to something. Why would she suggest something like
that?"

  "To ruin Carrie and Austin's life, what else."

  "There's more to it than that," said Eric.

                     *~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mike had his arm around Carrie, when Sami and Austin came out of the
bedroom.

  "Carrie, is everything okay?"

Carrie looked at them.

  "Yes, fine. You leaving?"

  "Yes, we have a lot to talk about."

  "Sami, do you mind if I spoke to Austin, it's kind of important."

  "Sure, no problem. I'll go back in and see if Daddy's awake. I'll meet
you downstairs."

  "Thanks Sami," said Austin.

  "Sami, I'll join you," said Mike, knowing what might be happening.

Austin and Carrie went downstairs. Austin took Carrie's hand, and lead
her out to the garden.  "I'm sorry about what happened upstairs."  "We have to talk Austin, it's about our future....."

                                 To be continued....
 
 

                                    Chapter 18

John was holding Marlena in his arm. She was sleeping, and he listened to
her, breathing ever so slowly, knowing she was at peace in his arms. He
hated the thought that they would be leaving this wonderful place. This
had been such a magical night, they finally were alone, they didn't have
to hide their love. Marlena moved away from John, and he slipped out of
bed. He grabbed his pants, and put them on. He stood by the door,
looking out. It was calm, and peaceful her on the island. He turned to
see if Marlena was still sleeping, and she was. He opened the door, and
went outside, looking up in the sky, at the stars. He found the one he
was looking for.

  "Hey Izzy-B, it's been a long time. I know your smiling down on Doc and
I, and our son. Boy Izzy-B, our lives are such a mess. All thanks to the
DiMera's. Doc and I were going to be married, after finding out that we
still loved each other, it that who you were telling me to go on with,
not Kristen. Did you know that she was evil really?? I want my two
children to be with their parents, Doc loves our son like he is her own,
and he loves her so. Watch over us Isabella, please keep us all safe."

John blew a kiss up towards the sky and went back inside. He took off his
pants and climbed back into bed. Marlena rolled over and snuggled against
him. He put his arms around her, taking in the smell of her perfume. She
sighed, and rubbed her head on his chest, then looked up at him.

  "I fell asleep!"

  "Well, after the workout we had, I don't blame you."

  "And it was wonderful. I can't believe we are here, alone. We danced,
dined, you gave me these beautiful gifts, and we made love."

  "Doc, we are going to make love all night, before we leave this
wonderful place."

  "We are going back in the morning?"

  "That's a fact. I'm not going back any sooner."

  "I agree my love. You know, I'm a little hungry."

  "You are, well, I didn't get dessert out."

John got out of bed, and grabbed his briefs, and put them on. He went
over to the fridge, and took something out.

  "I have your favorite here, and this night wouldn't be complete without
this."

John brought over the bowl of strawberries and cream. He sat on teh bed
and put the bowls down. Marlena was sitting up, and had the sheet wrapped
around her.

  "Oh John, your right, it wouldn't have been complete without these."

John dipped the strawberry and brought it up to her lips. She slowly
opened her mouth, and then bit down. John started to get aroused,
watching Marlena eating the strawberry, the cream on her lips, he watched
as she helped herself to another, and ate it. Then she started to lick
the cream off her lips and fingers. He moved close to her, and dipped a
strawberry into the cream. He moved it up to her lips, and gently moved
the strawberry and cream over her lips. He then started to kiss and lick
it off. He felt her lips open, inviting him into her mouth. He kissed her
with passion, and then moved away from her. He took the strawberries and
cream off the bed, and turned to look at her. She was laying down,
looking up at him. He moved down onto the bed, and kissed her lips. He
then moved the sheet away from her body, exposing her nakedness to him,
and he let out a breath.

  "Doc, your are so incredibly beautiful."

She put her arms up to him, and he moved into them. She embraced him, and
he kissed her once again, the two of them, expressed there love for each
other once again.

                              *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

  "Carrie, what are you talking about, our future. I am trying to get
free of Sami, but not luck. Mickey might have some news for us.'

  "Austin, I'm tired of hearing might, maybe, soon, what is that? Will
that be the words I will be hearing for the rest of my life. I can't do
it anymore. Waiting for Sami, to get her memory back, so you can get the
marriage annulled. I already think she has it back, and she is playing on
your feelings. Making you feel guilty about the accident, and that you
should be their for Will, because your own Father wasn't for you and
Bille. You are nothing like Curtis. Please Austin, let's tell Sami the
truth. You can be a good father even though your not living with Sami. We
will both be there for Will. Do it, before you do have to move into a
house with her."

  "Carrie, how can we tell Sami the truth. She just found out her father
is dying."

Carrie looked at Austin, in disbelief.

  "He's my Father too, Austin. I am just as upset, and at least Sami has
you to lean on, who do I have?"

  "Mike's been there for you."

  "We are friends, you are supposed to be the love of my life, my
soulmate, but it doesn't look like that anymore."

Carrie undid the chain around her neck, and slid the ring off.

  "I have to give this back to you. I can't wear it anymore."

Carrie put her hand out, holding the ring out to him.

  "Carrie, you can't be serious. You are breaking out engagement?"

  "We don't have one, it's been on hold forever, it seems like, so if you
want to say I am breaking it, then, yes Austin, I am doing just that."

Carrie put the ring in his hand.

  "Goodbye Austin, I hope you are very happy."

She turned and went into the house, with the tears running down her face.
Mike was standing in the foyer, as she came towards him.

  "Carrie, you didn't?"

  "Yes, has Sami left?"

  "She went out the door, said to tell Austin she would be waiting in the
car. They brought dinner upstairs, we better join Hope and Eric, are you
up to this?"

Carrie wiped away the tears.

  "I'll be fine, was my Dad awake?"

  "Yep, they made me come look for you."

  "I say we go up and have dinner with my Dad."

Mike took Carrie's hand, and gave it a squeeze.

  "You'll be fine, I'll be here for you. No pressure from me, just a good
friend helping you get through this, okay?"

  "Thanks Mike, you don't know how much that means to me."

Carrie's heart was breaking and she stood at the bottom of the
stairs,looking up, then Mike saw her body shaking. He turned her around,
and the he saw the tears streaming down her face.

  "Carrie, I hate that your in all this pain."

He put his arms around her, and let her get the tears out.

                     *~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Outside, Sami was waiting for Austin. She had gone to the back of the
house, just in time to see Carrie giving back the ring. She watched and
listened to everything, smiling at this sheer piece of luck, that had
happen, without her doing anything. She had watched as Carrie left, and
then waited a few minutes, before she made herself known. She came out of
the bush, yelling Austin's name.

  "I'm over here Sami."

  "I was waiting for you. Carrie and you finish talking?"

  "Yep, we are finished."

  "We should go home and talk about Kristen's offer."

  "Yeah, Kristen's offer."

Austin looked at Sami, then put on a smile.

  "Let's go and get Will."

Sami took Austin's hand and they left.

                       *~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*

  "Well Stefano, what do you think? Will Austin give in and go along with
Sami on this?"

  "After what I just witnessed between Carrie and Austin, I would say
yes. She finally threw in the towel, not like a Brady."

  "Stefano, this past year, what those two have been through, can you
blame her."

  "Kristen, are you telling me, that you would give up just like Carrie?"

Kristen looked at Stefano.

  "Of course you wouldn't. Tomorrow, all hell is going to break loose,
when Marlena finds out what has happened tonight, between Carrie and
Austin, and then she will hear the news that Roman is dying. Now, go, and
try to keep out of everyone's way tonight. Tomorrow's an new day......"

                                  To be continued
 
 

                                    Chapter 19

John rolled over in the bed, and felt the warm body laying beside him. He
reached out to touch the warm flesh, knowing that the love of his life,
was their beside him. He nuzzled against her and whispered softly in her
ear.

  "Good morining, my love."

But the voice he heard, made him open his eyes and bolt up in bed.

  "Good morning, my husband."

John looked down at the person in his bed, and then looked around the
room. He wasn't in the cabin, but in the DiMera mansion, and Kristen was
in the bed with him.

  "What the hell is going on, why am I here with you? Where's Doc?"

  "Honey, don't be silly. Marlena married Roman, she went back to be with
him, in his last days, but a cure was found, and now they re happy. There
family has been reunited."

  "What! That's not possible?"

John looked down at his hand, and saw a ring on it.

  "What is this?"

  "Sweetheart, we were married. You came back to me. We were married
months ago."

  "No! I was with Marlena last night."

  "Don't be silly, after she married Roman, you told her that you didn't
want anything to do with her, you were so hurt."

  "No, this can't be happening."

  "John, come here, make love to me."

Kristen moved towards John, and pulled him down towards her, and started
to kiss him.

                          *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*

John bolted up in bed, covered in sweat. Marlena woke up, and sat up. She
noticed John was breathing heavy, and was soaking wet. He turned and
looked at her, then around the room. She put her hand on his back.

  "John, are you alright?"

  "Nightmare..a terrible one."

He laid back down, and took Marlena in his arms.

  "You want to talk about it?"

  "No! It was horrible."

  "John, please tell me."

  "I woke up in bed with Kristen. You were married too Roman. I was angry
with you for doing it, and I went back to Kristen, and the worse thing
is, I married her."

  "Oh John, that is a nightmare."

  "Just let me hold you, so I know that we are together."

  "Oh my love, we will be together."

  "You know we have to leave soon."

  "Yes, I know. Roman is going to wonder where I am."

  "The yachet will be waiting for us, but first I have to do this," and
John kissed Marlena, and then slowly began to make love to her.

                          ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Carrie was laying on the couch, when she woke up. She remembered that she
had been waiting to see if Marlena would be home last night. She wanted
to talk to her. She noticed she wasn't alone. Mike was on the couch with
her, asleep. He was holding her in his arms. That's right, he said he
would stay and wait with her. She shook Mike a little, and he opened his
eyes.

  "Mike, we fell asleep."

Mike realized he was holding Carrie, and let go of her.

  "Sorry. Did Marlena come home last night?"

  "I don't think so."

  "Oh, isn't this cozy," said Kristen.

Carrie and Mike got up.

  "If the two of you wanted to spend the night together, I would have let
you have a room to stay in."

  "Kristen, I'm in no mood for your snide remarks this morning. Come on
Mike, I want to go and see my Dad."

They left the room, and Kristen went over to the phone. Next phase of
Stefano's plan.She dialed a number and waited.

  "Hello?"

  "Hi Sami, it's Kristen."

  "Oh, hi Kristen. Is it my Dad?"

  "Oh no, he's fine. I thought you would have an answer for me, about the
wedding."

  "We are still talking about it. Can I get back to you later today?"

  "Yeah, okay. Oh by the way, your Mother never came home last night,
that must really bother you?"

Sami felt the anger rise in her, but couldn't let Kristen know that she
was mad.

  "No Kristen, why would it?"

  "Yeah, right Sami. Anyways, let me know later, okay?"

  "Yes, talk to you then," and Sami hung up the phone.

Kristen put her phone down and turned to see Eric, standing in the
doorway.

  "Hello Eric."

  "You know Kristen, this little wedding, you want my sister to have,
this is just another ploy to hurt my family."

  "How can I hurt your family, wanting to pay for this wedding. Making
your father so happy, that he will be seeing one of his children, marry."

  "You know Carrie and Austin love each other."

  "Well, it didn't look like that when I came into this room."

  "What do you mean by that?"

  "Oh, I found Carrie and Mike, on the couch, and Carrie was in Mike's
arms."

  "Don't read into something you don't know nothing about."

  "Eric, you never let anyone know how you feel, about your Mother, and
John, being together, while your Father is dying upstairs."

  "I don't have to tell you anything. It's simply none of your business."

  "Oh, but it is. John is my business. And we belong together."

  "Kristen, wake up from your dream world. John will never come back to
you. I will support my Mom, in anything she does in her life. She has
been alone long enough, and besides, Dad left her, so why should she feel
guilty about being with John. I love my Father, but I was raised by John,
and for many years I believed he was my Father. My Dad gave his
blessings, so I don't think he would interfere in their lives. I won't
let it get to out of control, and that means if I have to tell him the
truth, I will."

Kristen moved closer to Eric,with anger on her face.

  "They will never be together. I will never let that happen. And
Stefano, he will never let that happen either. Your Mother, will be his,
one day, you mark my words on that."

Eric looked straight into Kristen's eyes.

  "That will never, ever, happen. Our family will see to that."

  "They won't be able to stop it."

Kristen left and Eric stood their, in disbelief in just what he had
heard.

  "Your evil Father, will never have my Mother, never!"

                           ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

John and Marlena stood in the cabin, looking around the room.

  "Thank you, for the wonderful evening, and morning."

  "I promise, I will try to arrange speical times for us."

  "We better leave,"said Marlena.

  "Yes, I have people coming here, in about an hour, to put the place
back to what it looked like before."

  "I will have to phone Alice, to thank her, for letting us use the
cabin."

  "Well, right about now, she should be receiving the biggest floral
arrangement, she has ever seen from us."

Marlena smiled at John.

  "Well, we should go," she said.

  "There's one thing, I want to do before we leave."

  "What's that?"

John took Marlena's hand, and looked at her.

  "I want you to know, that once we help Roman get well, and tell him the
truth about everything, we will be married. But, until then, I want you
to know, in your heart, that I will be yours, heart and soul."

John looked at Marlena, then took a deep breath, then started to speak.

  "I, John Black, take you Marlena Evans, as my wife, to have and to
hold, from this day forward, till death us do part."

John let go of her hand, and slipped his hand into his pocket. He took
out a box, and opened it. Inside was a ring.

  "I didn't want it to look like a wedding band, so that's why I had them
make a ruby band instead. It's a match to the other ring I gave you."

John slipped it on the finger, with the ruby ring.

  "John, it's so beautiful. But Roman, he might ask why I have two rings
on."

  "Well first, it's on the other hand, and second, you can tell him it
was a gift you recieved from a very close and dear friend, me."

She looked at him, surprised.

  "You, he'll want to know why?"

  "Tell him, for being their for me, through all those hard times I had
this past year."

Marlena wiped away the tears.

  "Well, I want to pledge my love for you."

  "I thought you might."

John took out a gold band.

  "I'm supposed to be married anyways, but when we do stand before God,
and our friends and family, I will have another one made new, for that
day. I had this one inscribed."

Marlena took the ring, and looked inside the band.

  "J.B. Loves M.E. Forever."

  "So you know, that this ring I wear, is not part of the game I have to
play with Kristen, but I wear it because in my heart we are the ones who
are married."

Marlena looked at John, then started to speak.

  "I, Marlena, take you, John Black, as my husband, to have and to hold,
from this day forward till death us do part."

Marlena slipped the ring on his finger, and brought his hand up to her
lips and kissed the ring. She looked at him, tears falling down her face.

  "I guess I get ot kiss you."

  "Oh yes."

John brought Marlena close to him, and kissed her. Then he held her in
his arms. Whispering ever so softly;

  "I love you Mrs Black, and you are in my heart, my wife."

Then John felt her body shake. He looked at her, as she sobbed.

  "Tears of happiness?"

  "Both joy and sadness."

  "Doc, we will get Roman well."

  "Yes, we will."

John picked up the bag with their things, put his arm around her, and
then they left the cabin, knowing that they had left another memory, this
place is where they married themselves, and shared their love.

                          *~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~~*

  "Eric, have you seen your Mom this morning?"

  "No Dad, but I'm sure she will be here soon to see you."

  "We have to tell her Dad," said Carrie.

  "About me dying."

  "Yes," said Carrie.

  "I'll fill Marlena in," said Mike. "I think it would be harder for you
two to tell her."

The phone rang. Carrie got up and answered it.

  "Hello?"

  "Hi sweetie, how's your Dad?"

  "The same. Are you..."

  "Yes, we should be there soon."

  "Okay, see you, bye."

Carrie hung up the phone. Mike's cell phone started to ring.

  "Excuse me," and Mike left the room.

Carrie went over to Eric.

  "Did you stay the night?"

  "Yeah, by Dad's bed. I don't even remember Hope leaving. Was that Mom?"

  "Yeah, she's on her way."

Carrie watched Mike come back into the room. He had a unsettling look on
his face. Carrie went up to him.

  "What is it Mike?"

  "We have to step outside, bring Eric."

Carrie motioned Eric over.

  "Dad, we will be back in a minute."

  "Okay kids."

The three of them left the room.

  "Okay Mike, what is it?" asked Carrie.

  "The lab confirms what the doctors diagnosed in the hospital in the
Caribbean. Your Father is dying from a bactrial infection, and this
peticular one, they use as a germ warfare. The mission Roman was on, and
where, explains how he contracted it."

Mike watched as Eric put a protective arm around his older sister.

  "Mom is going to be devasted," said Eric. "I guess I should call Sami,
to tell her. I'll be back in a minute."

Eric left Carrie and Mike.

  "Are you...."

  "Okay? No, not really. Look Mike, I need to be alone, so I'm going home
take a long shower, change and then I will be back. Could you tell Eric?

  "Yes."

  "I need you to do another favor for me, don't tell Marlena till I get
back, okay?"

  "Okay Carrie. Once Eric gets back, I'm going home also. I will see you
here later."

  "Thanks Mike, I will see you then. I'm going to tell my Dad what I am
doing."

Carrie left and went into Roman's room, as Mike waited for Eric to come
back.

                            *~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~**~

  "Okay Stefano, Sami still hasn't taken your offer. Oh, it's not her,
it's Austin."

  "Of course,  he knows if he does this, he will be married to Sami for
life, and never be able to have Carrie."

  "Okay, so you gave Sami a hand. What about me? I want John back. It's
tearing me apart, seeing him with Marlena."

  "Well, how do you think I feel."

  "Look, you told me that Roman is not dying, what did you mean by that?"

  "Kristen, I know of a cure."

  "What! Then tell me where it is. I'll bring it to John, then his
feelings will change for me."

  "No! I have plans, and it fits into my plan."

  "Okay, okay. Peter, how is he? I would really like to talk to him."

  "Kristen, he is fine. He's getting stronger everyday, but no, you can
not speak to him, not just yet."

  "Okay, I better go, and get back to the house."

Kristen looked at the moniter, and saw John and Marlena entering the
house.
  "Their home."
  "Yes, and now you must get them in Roman's room, and talk about the
generous gift you offered to Sami."
  "You know they are not going to like it."
  "Yes, I know, but what can they say, especially if you get Roman
excited about the idea."

  "I will, goodbye," and Kristen left.
Stefano watched as John and Marlena kissed in the foyer.
  "Yes John, enjoy her as much as you can, because in a little while, she
will be yours no more," and Stefano started to laugh........

                                To be continued.....
 
 

                                   CHAPTER 20

Sami came out of the bedroom, to find Austin in front of the computer.

  "Working at home today?"

  "Yeah, I need to talk to Carrie about these reports, but there's no
answer at the apartment."

  "Maybe she's in the shower."

  "Yeah, do you mind if I go over and try again?"

  "No, go ahead. I'll make some breakfast."

  "Sami, don't go to all that trouble."

  "Austin, it's no trouble. Your my husband, and we should talk about
Kristen's offer."

  "Yeah, we should. I'll be back in a minute."

Austin left the apartment. Sami started to prepare breakfast for the
three of them.

                        ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Austin knocked on Carrie's door. He waited and was about to leave, when
he heard the door being opened. Carrie was dressed in her robe, her hair
wrapped in a towel.

  "Austin, what is it?"

  "We need to talk."

  "About?"

  "Us Carrie!"

  "There's nothing to talk about."

  "Please, let me come in."

  "Okay, but a few minutes, I am heading back to to Kristen's."

Austin came into the apartment, and Carrie closed the door.

  "Eric call you guys?"

  "No."

  "Well, I think you better know, that we got the results back from the
lab, and they confirmed what the doctors have diagonsed. My father is
very sick and is dying. Sami is going to need you more now."

  "What about you?"

  "Austin, I have to give you up. Why should I put my life on hold. Have
you given her an answer about the wedding?"

  "No, she wants to talk when I get back."

  "How are you going to get out of it, there's no way. Please Austin, I
can't deal with losing my Dad, and having to wait to be with you, when I
know it won't happen."

  "If I got an anullment tomorrow, would you marry me, right then?"

Carrie looked at him, then shook her head.

  "I don't want to talk about things that will never happen, so why are
you bringing this up. Please Austin, I am in as much pain as you are, but
I have to do this."

The phone started to ring. Carrie turned and looked at it.

  "That's probably Sami."

Carrie walked over and picked up the phone.

  "Hello?"

  "Oh Carrie, can you tell my wonderful husband that breakfast is ready,
and Will and I are waiting for him to come home."

  "I will Sami."

  "Thanks," and she hung up the phone.

Carrie hung up and turned and looked at Austin.

  "Your breakfast is waiting, as your wife and son."

Austin moved towards Carrie and then grabbed her. He started to kiss her,
and she pushed him away.

  "NO! DON'T DO THIS! I CAN'T CRY NO MORE FOR OUR LOVE, IT'S GONE!
PLEASE, GO!"

Austin looked at her, then turned and started to leave.

  "Carrie, I do love you."

  "That's not good enough Austin. I wanted so much to be your wife, but
it's never going to happen, never!"

Austin opened the door, and left. Carrie crumbled onto the couch,
sobbing.

                         *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

John was kissing Marlena, when they heard someone calling them.

  "MOMMY! DADDY!"

They stopped and turned to see the children running towards them, and
Susan walking behind them. Belle ran to Marlena, who picked her up as
John did the same with Brady.

  "I hope yor not mad Dr Evans, but the children wanted to see their
parents. I called to see if that mean, mean, mean, Kristen was home, and
she's not."

  "That's fine Susan," said Marlena.

  "Mommy, when are you and Daddy coming home?" asked Brady.

  "Soon," said John.

  "No Daddy, today," said Belle.

Marlena was trying to hold back the tears, listening to the children.

  "Belle, Brady, your Mommy and Daddy are helping a man who's very, very,
very, sick, and once he's better, they will come back home," said Susan.

  "That's right," said John. "How about Daddy coming over tonight, and
read you stories at bedtime?"

  "Yeah!" they said.

  "Okay, then Daddy will."

  "Why don't we and little Elvis go visit, your Grandma at their place?"
said Susan.

  "I'm sure Grandma and Grandpa would love to see you," said Marlena.

They nodded their heads yes, and Susan looked at John and Marlena.

  "Alright then, let's get going."

They started for the door, when it opened, and Kristen came in.

  "Hi Belle, Brady."

The two of them looked at her and then ran behind John and Marlena. Susan
walked over to Kristen, and looked at her, and then softly said;

  "See, they know your mean, mean, mean too!"

  "Come on kids, Daddy and Mommy will walk you outside," said John.

They held tight to their parents and went out the front door.

  "You know Kristen, it's such a shame that those children aren't with
their parents, because of you," said Susan.

Then she left the house.

                              *~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Roman was watching Eric, looking out the bedroom window. He could see
that he was watching something outside, and then saw him wave at someone.

  "Is that your mother?"

Eric turned around and looked at Roman.

  "Yeah, she's just walking someone out of the house."

  "Who?"

Eric didn't want to lie to his Father, there had been enough lying
already.

  "Belle and Brady."

  "Oh. Why aren't the kids living here?"

  "John and Mom thought it would be best, with everything that has been
going on."

  "Yeah, I guess. Belle, she must be so big?"

  "Yes, she is and looks like Mom. Blonde hair, big, beautiful eyes..oh,
sorry Dad."

  "No son, I would love to see how Belle has grown."

  "Wait, I think Mom has a picture in her room."

Eric left, then came back a few minutes later, holding a framed picture.
He brought it over to Roman and handed it to him. Roman looked at the
picture. It was one of Marlena, John and the two children. Then Roman
noticed something in the picture, and he looked a little harder at the
two people in it, and then he felt the pain go through him. He could see
the love, between John and Marlena, and he knew that this photograph was
a recent one. They still love each other. Is John having an affair with
Marlena, while he is married to Kristen, or is it possible, something
else was going on?

  "Dad, are you alright?"

  "What Eric?"

  "Are you okay? You have a strange look on your face."

  "Oh, I'm fine. Yes, your right. Belle does look like your mother. Is
this Brady?"

  "Yeah!"

  "Boy, he has grown into quite a little man. I see Isabella in him. Here
Eric, you better take this back."

He handed it back to Eric.

  "I'll be back."

Eric left and Roman moved his head to one side, looking at the wall.

  "Yes, there is something going on," and Roman started to laugh very
quietly.

                        *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Marlena and John went back into the house. Kristen was waiting for them.

  "Well, I can't believe that the two of you stayed out all night. What
would have happened if you were needed?"

  "Well Kristen, I did leave the nurse my pager number," said John.

  "If you don't mind, we are going to see Roman," said Marlena.

John took Marlena's hand and were about to go up the stairs, when Kristen
stopped them.

  "Wait! What the hell is on your fingers?"

John and Marlena looked down at their hands.

  "Oh these," as John waved it in front of Kristen. "It's my wedding
band, it binds me to Marlena, as her's does to me."

John grabbed Marlena's hand and they were starting up the stairs, when
the doorbell rang. They stopped, and John went down to answer it.

  "Hi Mike, come on in."

  "Is Carrie here yet?"

  "No, we are going up to see Roman," said Marlena.

  "Could we go inside the other room, and wait for Carrie?"

  "Sure," said Marlena.

The three of them went into the living room. Kristen stood in the hall,
and looked towards the camera, and softly said;

  "They are wearing rings. I hate this Stefano!"

The door bell rang again, and Kristen raised her arms in the air, and
then brought them down. She went over, and opened it. Carrie and Laura
were standing there.

  "Oh, come on in, they are in their."

Carrie and Laura walked by Kristen and went in to join everyone. Eric
came down the stairs. Kristen turned and pointed towards the other room.
Eric went in. Kristen stood their, looking at the camera, and she put her
hands on her  head, and shook it. She went upstairs to her room......