seven

Chapter 31
``````````

"Roman, what is it?"

"I don't want you to lie to me Doc, your not meeting Laura!"

"What?"

"Dressed like that? You are going out with someone tonight."

Marlena looked at John.

"Doc, I know. John is taking you out, isn't he?"

"Roman, please let me explain," said John.

"What is there to explain, I know Doc hasn't had much of a social life,
and she has been spending all her time here, with me, taking care of me.
So I figured the way the two of you were dressed, that Doc, you were
going out with John. And the only reason why you told me that you were
going out with Laura, was because you thought I would start to draw some
kind of suspicions that you and John were having some kind of an affair.
Doc, you didn't have to lie. I know that John and Kristen have a strong
and happy marriage. And, I understand that you need to have a little fun
also."

Roman looked at John, smiling.

"Thanks John, for doing this."

John nodded his head at Roman, then looked over at Marlena.

"Where's Kristen? She must be waiting downstairs for you."

"No, she's not joining us, she has another commitment this evening, and
she encouraged me to take Marlena out, for the same reasons as you
stated."

"She's an amazing woman, that wife of yours, you are so very lucky!!"

John looked over at Marlena, and could see that she was uncomfortable at
what Roman was saying.

"Yes Roman, you could say that she just keeps coming up with a lot of
surprises, that just astonish me, well, sometimes, leaves me wondering
how she can pull them off with out anyone ever finding out."

Roman started to laugh at what John said.

"Well you two, go on."

"Roman, I'll be by tonight, when I get back."

"Doc, don't worry about me. I'm going to have dinner, and then go to
bed. We have a big day tomorrow, so I'll see you then."

"Good night Roman," said John.

"Night John."

Marlena smiled at Roman and the two of them started to leave the room.

"Oh Doc, I love you!"

Marlena stopped, her heart breaking, knowing that he would be hurt when
the truth came out. She turned and looked at Roman.

"Oh Roman!"

"Nite Doc!"

Marlena walked past John and went out into the hall. When John came out,
he found her leaning against the wall, tears falling down her face. He
put his arms around her.

"I know Doc, it's hard to hear Roman professing his love."

"It's not fair that we are being so dishonest with him."

"We will tell him the truth, when we know that he can handle it. Come
on Doc, let's get out of here."

"I don't know if I'm up to going out now!"

"No! Your not going to let your guilt take the better of you. We have
nothing to be quilty about. If Roman knew the whole truth, he would want
us to be together, after all we gave us his blessing. It's because of
Kristen that everything is such a mess. We will be together."

John held Marlena tight, then looked at her tear-stained face.

"Come on, let's go, enjoy being together. It's important to me."

Marlena looked deep into John's eyes, and she could see that it was very
important to him, so she smiled back at him.

"Okay!"

John put his arm around Marlena and they went downstairs.

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

John and Marlena entered the Penthouse Grill. Marlena was surprised to
see that no one was in the restraunt. She turned to John, and looked at
him.

"John, the restraunt looks like it's closed?"

"It is, for us!"

"What?"

"I arranged it, and also thanks to Kate. I don't want to share you in
anybody's company, I want to have you all to myself."

Marlena put her hand up to his face, and rubbed it softly. John took her
hand, and brought it to his lips, kissing it tenderly.

"Let's go inside."

John took her hand, and they went in. As soon as they entered, the lights
were dimmed and music started to play. John went over to the table that
was set for two, and picked up the rose that was laying there. He brought
it over to Marlena, and gave it to her.

"Oh John, I am glad that we did come out tonight."

He motioned her over to the table, and he then took the bottle of chilled
champagne out of the bucket and poured two glasses. He placed the bottle
back in and then picked up one glass and handed it to Marlena, who was
now standing across from him. He then picked up the other one.

"Marlena, to the future, our future, as husband and wife, and a family
for our children."

They toasted and then took a drink.

"Let's dance, I want to hold you in my arms, close to me."

John took Marlena's drink and put it down and then took her hand. He
brought her close to him. Once again, he held her tight, taking every
moment, a new memory to have with him, the memory of the softness of her
skin, the smell of her perfume, her beauty, and her love, her love for
him. Marlena was getting this feeling from John that there was something
not quite right.

"John, I have been sensing that something is bothering you, in fact
since you came home tonight. Won't you tell me?"

"Doc, there's nothing wrong, really! Let's just enjoy our evening."

John nuzzled his face against Marlena's face, then moved his face,
slowly, towards Marlena's lips, where his lips met her's hungrily. He
kissed her passionately, exploring her mouth with his tongue. He felt the
heat coming from the both of them, and felt Marlena's hands rubbing his
back. John broke the kiss.

"Doc...you...you know how much I want you right now!"

"I want you too!"

John started to kiss Marlena again, and he then picked her up and walked
towards the back of the restraunt.

"John, where are you taking me?"

John didn't answer, but reached the place he wanted to go, and opened the
door.

"John, this is the woman's bathroom."

"But this lounge has what I want!"

Marlena could see the couch and John placed her down on it. He looked
down at her, and then removed his jacket. She watched as he undid his
tie, unbuttoned his shirt. He then leaned down and brought Marlena in a
sitting position, and unzipped the zipper on her dress. He then slipped
it off, and admired her beauty.

"John, we...."

"Doc, their's no one here, just us!"

He moved her down on the couch and got on tope of her, kissing her,
listening to her moaning in delight. He felt her hands, near his pants,
and he felt her struggling, trying to unzip the zipper. John got up off
of her, and finished what she was trying to do. She smiled at him and
watched as he removed them. He then slowly started to lean down on her
again, but she sat up and stopped him. She started to kiss his chest, and
worked her way up to his neck, kissing his ear lobes, nibbling them,
feeling him shudder and hearing him moan with great pleasure. She nibbled
on his neck, and wrapped her arms around him. As her lips met his, she
brought him close to her. She whispered to John.

"I want you to make love to me!"

He kissed her and moved her to the floor, and heard her again.

"I want you to make love to me, John!"

"Doc, I am , all night!" as he moved closer to her. "All night!" and he
heard Marlena let out a gasp

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

"Well punkin, that was a great dinner. You have to thank cook for me."

"I will dad."

"You two don't have to hang around here all night."

"Dad, it's still early. I don't mind!"

"Sweetheart, your wedding is tomorrow, you need to go home, and get all
the sleep you can. It's going to a busy day for you. And I am getting a
little tired."

"Roman, I'm going to check you before I leave."

"Okay Mike. Carrie, will you let Mike take you home?"

"Dad, I'm a big girl."

"Humor me, okay?"

"Dad, I have my car."

"Roman, I'll follow her home, to make sure she get's their safe."

"Thanks Mike."

Carrie went over to Roman, and kissed him.

"I'll see you tomorrow punkin, on your wedding day."

"My wedding day,can you believe it?"

Mike stood there, listening to Carrie, his heart aching for her, but she
had made her decision.

"I'll wait out in the hall for you Mike. Night Dad."

"Night Carrie."

Carrie went out into the hall and walked down a little way. Kristen was
coming up the stairs.

"Well, if it isn't the blushing bride-to-be."

"Kristen, I don't even want to waste my breath, talking to you."

"Carrie, you don't think this wedding will take place? Sami is never
going to let that happen. You have your suspisions, that she has her
memory back. I would be really worried if I was you. Someone better be
watching your sister, because you don't know what she has in mind."

Kristen left and Carrie stood there, thinking of what she just said.

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

John held Marlena in his arms, rubbing her shoulders, listening to her
breathing, and then kissed her head.

"Doc,are you hungry?"

"Hmmm..?

"Hungry?"

"Yes, starving!"

"Let's get dressed, and go enjoy the dinner, that is probably cold
now."

"Well, I'm sure wwe could go into the kitchen," as she started to kiss
his chest, "and use the microwave," as she moved up to his lips, " and
heat it up!"

"Are you talking about the food...or me?"

Marlena kissed John and he knew that she wasn't talking about heating up
food now......

to be continued....
Chris Lewitski
Jan 5/98
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 32
``````````

Sami sat at Kate's, fuming that Austin was marrying Carrie tomorrow. She
had to find a way to stop the wedding, but without anyone knowing that
she had her memory back. Kate was no help, even with what she had on
her. She didn't want to use her ace card, just yet. She was saving it,
and Lucas, he wasn't any help either. She sat on the bed, looking at
Will sleeping.

"I promise you Will, that Austin will be here, with us, and his
wedding to Carrie, it will never take place. I just wish I could think
of something!"

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

Mike came out of Roman's room, and saw Carrie at the end of the hall. He
walked over to her and touched her arm.

"You ready to go?"

"Yes, let's get out of here."

"Carrie, what's wrong?"

"Can we leave, I'll tell you when we get out of here."

"No, you tell me now! I don't want you driving this upset."

"Let's go downstairs then, okay?"

"Sure."

They went down the stairs and stood in the foyer.

"Okay, tell me."

"I ran into Kristen, she said I should be worried about Sami
interfering in my wedding."

"Are you?"

"A little. I didn't want to really think about it, but she might try
something."

"Carrie, if she does, then she is going to expose herself, showing
that she does have her memory."

"Yes, I guess your right."

"Come on, let's get you home."

"Thanks for everything Mike."

Mike smiled at her and opened the door.

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

Kristen went inside of Roman's room. She saw that he was asleep. The
nurse was sitting in a chair, reading.

"I can stay with him. You go get something to eat."

The nurse looked at Kristen.

"It's alright, really!"

Suzie put down her book and left. Kristen sat and watched Roman sleep.

"We have just got to get you better. So, then you can go after Marlena
and I can really have John. But, that isn't going to happen with Stefano
locked up," she said softly to herself.

She got up and looked at the pictures that had been placed by the side
of his bed. His children, parents, brother & sisters, his dear friends
and of course, Marlena's. Oh how Kristen hated her. She picked up the
framed picture and stared down at it. She felt the rage boiling inside
of her, knowing that this woman, right now, was with John, having a
romantic evening. Candles, music, dinner, dancing and they would
probably end up making love.

"He should be making love to me, not you," she thought.

Then the anger was so strong, that Kristen flung the pic to the floor.
Roman opened his eyes, looking to see what the noise was. Kristen was
down on her knees, picking up the shattered glass. She looked up to see
Roman looking at her.

"Oh, I'm sorry Roman, I dropped your picture, and I woke you up. I'll
have to get you a new frame, oh, the picture got ruined also."

"Kristen, it's okay."

Kristen placed the glass and the frame in the garbage but removed the
picture before she did.

"You are an amazing woman. You let your husband take a old love out."

"Roman, Marlena is a good friend. I know my husband loves me, he would
never betray our love."

"Kristen, I thought that once...oh, that's the past. Things have
changed since then."

"You really love Marlena, don't you?"

"Yes! I want her back, with the little time I have left, I want to
spend it with her."

"Yes, of course you do, and you will Roman. Now, you should go back to
sleep, tomorrow's an important day. I'm just going to sit over here, and
wait till Suzie comes back."

"Okay, night Kristen."

Kristen smiled back, and then looked towards the window, wondering when
her *husband* would be home.

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

"Okay, now I am really hungry," said Marlena.

"I'm starving."

John and Marlena were sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch.

"Then we get dressed, and eat something," said John.

"We should go home soon."

"Home Doc, that's not home. The penthouse is home to me. Let's go back
their tonight? Be their when the children wake up."

"John, I would love to, but I don't want to confuse them, they are
going to think that we have come home for good."

John looked at her, and she could see the pain in his eyes, having to
play this charade that Kristen had manufactured for the them all.

"I guess your right. Come on, let's get dressed, eat, and get home."

Marlena watched as John got up and started to get his clothes off the
floor, and then he started to dress.

"John, can you hand me my things."

She looked at the expression on his face.

"John, come on, pass me my things."

"Okay, here you are."

He handed Marlena her things, and watched as she got dressed.

"Okay Doc, shall we?"

John put his arm out, and Marlena put her's through it.

"Yes, let's!"

They walked out, back into the restraunt, and went over to the table.

"Grab your plate, we will warm this," said John.

"Okay."

Marlena picked it up and followed John to the kitchen.

"Give me your plate."

Marlena handed it to John.

"Should be ready in a minute. Come here, so I can wrap my arms around
you."

Marlena walked over to John and he wrapped his arms around her.

"I love holding you," said John. "I love you so much Doc."

"John, I know you do, you have showed me tonight."

The microwave beeped and John let go of Marlena and turned around. He
opened the door and took out the plates of food.

"Come on, let's get this out on the table."

Marlena smiled at John and followed him out into the dining room.

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

"Thanks for seeing me home Mike. You didn't have to walk me to the
door."

"Hey, I am going to make sure you get home safe."

Carrie unlocked the door and opened it.

"Want to come in?"

"Okay, but only for a minute. You should get to bed."

"I can't sleep, I'm to excited. Sit with me for awhile?"

"Okay, but I am not going to stay that long!"

Mike went into the apartment, and Carrie closed the door.

"You want anything to drink?"

"No...Carrie, can we talk for a minute?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Look, I don't want to hurt you, but are you sure you want to rush
into this wedding. I think you should take some time, and build that
trust you used to have with Austin. There has been a lot of strain on
your relationship, you should take the time to fix all of that."

"Mike, I can't believe you said that! You know how much I love
Austin!"

"I'm sorry Carrie, look, I better leave."

Mike got up and went to the door and opened it.

"Night Carrie," and left.

Carrie stood there, shocked by what she had just heard. She couldn't
understand why Mike would say something like that. She went over to the
door, and locked it. She turned off the lights and went into her
bedroom.

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

John and Marlena got to the door, and John turned, and looked at her.

"I had a wonderful evening Doc!"

Marlena kissed John, and then put her arms around him.

"Thank you for this evening."

"Doc, why don't we get up early tomorrow, and go over to the
penthouse, have breakfast with the kids?"

"That's a wonderful idea."

"You are bringing the children to the wedding?"

"Yes, Carrie said I should."

"Come on, I'll walk you up to your bedroom."

"Stay with me!"

"Really?"

"Yes, I want to have you in my bed, beside me."

"Then, that's exactly where I'll be. Come on Mrs. Black, let's get to
bed!"

"Oh, I love the way that sounds."

"And one day, legally, you will be Mrs. John Black."

Marlena put her lips on John's. Then John broke the kiss and put the key
into the door and opened it.

"Come on Doc, let's get to bed......."

to be continued....
Chris Lewitski
Jan 14/98
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 32
``````````

"I promise you Will, that Austin will be here, with us, and his
wedding to Carrie, it will never take place. I just wish I could think
of something!"

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

Mike came out of Roman's room, and saw Carrie at the end of the hall. He
walked over to her and touched her arm.

"You ready to go?"

"Yes, let's get out of here."

"Carrie, what's wrong?"

"Can we leave, I'll tell you when we get out of here."

"No, you tell me now! I don't want you driving this upset."

"Let's go downstairs then, okay?"

"Sure."

They went down the stairs and stood in the foyer.

"Okay, tell me."

"I ran into Kristen, she said I should be worried about Sami
interfering in my wedding."

"Are you?"

"A little. I didn't want to really think about it, but she might try
something."

"Carrie, if she does, then she is going to expose herself, showing
that she does have her memory."

"Yes, I guess your right."

"Come on, let's get you home."

"Thanks for everything Mike."

Mike smiled at her and opened the door.

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

Kristen went inside of Roman's room. She saw that he was asleep. The
nurse was sitting in a chair, reading.

"I can stay with him. You go get something to eat."

The nurse looked at Kristen.

"It's alright, really!"

Suzie put down her book and left. Kristen sat and watched Roman sleep.

"We have just got to get you better. So, then you can go after Marlena
and I can really have John. But, that isn't going to happen with Stefano
locked up," she said softly to herself.

"He should be making love to me, not you," she thought.

"Oh, I'm sorry Roman, I dropped your picture, and I woke you up. I'll
have to get you a new frame, oh, the picture got ruined also."

"Kristen, it's okay."

Kristen placed the glass and the frame in the garbage but removed the
picture before she did.

"You are an amazing woman. You let your husband take a old love out."

"Roman, Marlena is a good friend. I know my husband loves me, he would
never betray our love."

"Kristen, I thought that once...oh, that's the past. Things have
changed since then."

"You really love Marlena, don't you?"

"Yes! I want her back, with the little time I have left, I want to
spend it with her."

"Yes, of course you do, and you will Roman. Now, you should go back to
sleep, tomorrow's an important day. I'm just going to sit over here, and
wait till Suzie comes back."

"Okay, night Kristen."

Kristen smiled back, and then looked towards the window, wondering when
her *husband* would be home.

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

"Okay, now I am really hungry," said Marlena.

"I'm starving."

John and Marlena were sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch.

"Then we get dressed, and eat something," said John.

"We should go home soon."

"Home Doc, that's not home. The penthouse is home to me. Let's go back
their tonight? Be their when the children wake up."

"John, I would love to, but I don't want to confuse them, they are
going to think that we have come home for good."

John looked at her, and she could see the pain in his eyes, having to
play this charade that Kristen had manufactured for the them all.

"I guess your right. Come on, let's get dressed, eat, and get home."

Marlena watched as John got up and started to get his clothes off the
floor, and then he started to dress.

"John, can you hand me my things."

She looked at the expression on his face.

"John, come on, pass me my things."

"Okay, here you are."

He handed Marlena her things, and watched as she got dressed.

"Okay Doc, shall we?"

John put his arm out, and Marlena put her's through it.

"Yes, let's!"

They walked out, back into the restraunt, and went over to the table.

"Grab your plate, we will warm this," said John.

"Okay."

Marlena picked it up and followed John to the kitchen.

"Give me your plate."

Marlena handed it to John.

"Should be ready in a minute. Come here, so I can wrap my arms around
you."

Marlena walked over to John and he wrapped his arms around her.

"I love holding you," said John. "I love you so much Doc."

"John, I know you do, you have showed me tonight."

The microwave beeped and John let go of Marlena and turned around. He
opened the door and took out the plates of food.

"Come on, let's get this out on the table."

Marlena smiled at John and followed him out into the dining room.

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

"Thanks for seeing me home Mike. You didn't have to walk me to the
door."

"Hey, I am going to make sure you get home safe."

Carrie unlocked the door and opened it.

"Want to come in?"

"Okay, but only for a minute. You should get to bed."

"I can't sleep, I'm to excited. Sit with me for awhile?"

"Okay, but I am not going to stay that long!"

Mike went into the apartment, and Carrie closed the door.

"You want anything to drink?"

"No...Carrie, can we talk for a minute?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Mike, I can't believe you said that! You know how much I love
Austin!"

"I'm sorry Carrie, look, I better leave."

Mike got up and went to the door and opened it.

"Night Carrie," and left.

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

John and Marlena got to the door, and John turned, and looked at her.

"I had a wonderful evening Doc!"

Marlena kissed John, and then put her arms around him.

"Thank you for this evening."

"Doc, why don't we get up early tomorrow, and go over to the
penthouse, have breakfast with the kids?"

"That's a wonderful idea."

"You are bringing the children to the wedding?"

"Yes, Carrie said I should."

"Come on, I'll walk you up to your bedroom."

"Stay with me!"

"Really?"

"Yes, I want to have you in my bed, beside me."

"Then, that's exactly where I'll be. Come on Mrs. Black, let's get to
bed!"

"Oh, I love the way that sounds."

"And one day, legally, you will be Mrs. John Black."

Marlena put her lips on John's. Then John broke the kiss and put the key
into the door and opened it.

"Come on Doc, let's get to bed......."

to be continued....
Chris Lewitski
Jan 14/98
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~
Chapter 33
``````````

Carrie woke up and looked at her clock. Today was her wedding day, she
couldn't believe that she was finally going to be Austin's wife. She got
out of bed and grabbed her robe. She put it on, and walked over to the
door, opened it and left her room. She saw a table, set for two, and
Eric standing their, smiling at her.

"Hey sis, happy wedding day."

"Oh Eric, thanks. Did you do this?"

"Yes, a bride should have a good breakfast before her wedding."

"Thanks Eric."

"Come on, sit down and eat."

Carrie walked over to the table and sat down and Eric poured her some
coffee. Carrie picked up the cup, then looked at Eric.

"Don't worry, I made a good pot of coffee."

She took a sip, and smiled.

"Yes, this time it's drinkable."

Eric laughed at his sister.

"Mom called."

"Marlena?"

"Yep, she said she would be at the church to help you get ready."

"Great! Any word on Sami?"

"No! All quiet."

There was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it."

Eric got up and opened it.

"Delivery for Carrie Brady."

"I'll sign for it."

Eric did and then went into his pants and pulled out some money, gave it
to the delivery man. Eric took the box and closed the door. He walked
over and put them down on the couch. Carrie got up and joined him.

"It looks like flowers sis."

"Probably from Austin."

Carrie opened the box, and moved the paper back.

"Oh! There beautiful."

Eric looked inside the box.

"Roses, very nice. There's the card."

Carrie took it out of the box, and opened it. She read the card, then
her expression changed.

"What's wrong Carrie?"

"There from Mike."

"Mike! What does the card say?"

"It says, 'I'm sorry.'"

"Sorry for what?"

"He told me that maybe I shouldn't rush into this wedding."

"How do you feel?"

"I want to be Austin's wife."

"Well, if that's what you feel, then your wish is coming true today.
Look, you eat, I'll put these in water."

"Thanks Eric."

Carrie went back to the table and watched her brother carry the box into
the kitchen. She sat down, then realized she was still holding the
card. She looked at it again, then started to think about what Mike had
said last night.

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

"Doc, did you have to get out of bed this morning before I woke up? I
wanted to lay in bed, and just hold you for awhile."

"I would have loved that, but I want to get over to see the children."

"Yes, I know. Are you ready?"

"You bet, let's get going."

"Are you going in to see Roman?"

"I should, just to let him know that I am going over to see the
children."

"I'll meet you downstairs."

"Okay."

John kissed Marlena and then left the room. Marlena left a few minutes
later and went towards Roman's room. She walked inside and found Roman
sitting on the bed, eating his breakfast.

"Good morning."

"Hi Doc, have a nice evening?"

"Yes, it was wonderful. I just thought I would let you know, that Eric
will be coming over to help you dress, and take you to the church."

"I thought we would go together?"

"I'm sorry Roman, but I am on my way to my penthouse, to spend some
time with the children, and get them ready for the wedding."

"Oh, okay Doc, sure, that's fine."

"So, I'll see you at St. Luke's."

"Yes, you better get going, the kids are probably waiting for you."

Marlena left Roman's room, and he got up from the bed. He went to the
window, and looked out, seeing Marlena leaving, but then stopping, and
watched as John came over to her.

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

Sami walked around her bedroom, wondering how she could stop the
wedding, but nothing she came up with was good enough. She picked up
Will, and left the room and headed downstairs. She went into the living
room, and saw Kate standing there.

"Hello Sami, I guess your not going to the wedding today?"

"Very funny Kate.There won't be a wedding today."

"Oh, and how are you going to stop it?"

"I don't know, but I will come up with something."

"Face it Sami, there's nothing you can do, without exposing yourself."

Kate went over to the table and picked up her bag.

"Well Sami, I am off to the Penthouse Grill, to make sure that
everything is ready for the reception."

Kate left and Sami stood there, wondering what she could do.

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

Carrie got her things together that she was taking to the church. Eric
had left to go over to help their dad, so she was alone. She sat down
for a minute, looking around the room, knowing the next time she came
back into this apartment, she would be Austin's wife. She looked over at
the flowers that Mike had sent, and went over to them. She took one out,
and smelled it.

"Oh Mike, I am sorry!"

Then she started to remember the night on Smith Island. Mike professing
his feelings, the kiss. Then again, the kiss she gave him at Kristen's.
She started to feel some emotions that seem to come out from nowhere,
about Mike.

"No, we are friends. I love Austin."

Carrie put the rose back in the vase.

"I better get to the church."

Carrie picked up her things, when there was a knock on the door. She put
her things down, and went over to the door. She opened it and was
surprised by who was standing on the other side.

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

"Hey Dad, how are you doing today?"

"Great son, how's your sister?"

"Floating on air. She is so happy that today she is going to be with
the man she loves."

"Have you talked to your other sister today?"

"No, not today. I'm going to call her before we go over to the
church."

"I hope she's okay, I worry so much about her."

"Yeah Dad, I am too. Mom go over to the penthouse?"

"Yes, she left early, and John went with her, but she never told me he
was going with her."

"Well Dad, John is their father, so maybe they ran into each other
this morning, and mom told him of her plans."

"Yeah, your probably right. I am letting the past creep into the
present."

"Dad, would you like to leave a little early, we could stop over and
see Sami?"

Roman looked at Eric, smiling.

"That's a great idea."

"This way we can see for ourselves that she's alright."

"Okay, my tux is hung up over there. Give me a minute to change."

"Okay Dad, I'll be waiting."

Roman got off the bed, went over to where his tux was hanging. He took
it down and left the room. Eric was relieved, he didn't want to lie
anymore to his Dad.

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

John took Marlena's hand and they got off the elevator.

"Sorry we weren't here before the kids were awake."

"It's okay John. They are going to be so happy to see us."

Marlena had her key for the penthouse in her hand.

"Here Doc, I'll unlock the door."

She handed it to him and he put the key in the lock and opened the door.
They went inside the apartment, closed and locked the door.

"HELLO!" yelled John.

"DADDY, DADDY!" as they both heard the small feet running out and down
the hall.

They looked up and saw Belle and Brady coming down the stairs.

"MOMMY'S HERE TOO!" yelled Brady.

"Hi you two," said Marlena.

"MOMMY!" yelled Belle, as she ran into her arms.

Susan came down the stairs with Elvis.

"Why Dr Marlena Evans and Mr John Black, we didn't know you were
coming by?"

"Hi Susan," said John.

"We thought we would come by and get the kids dressed for the wedding,
and then take you all to the church," said Marlena.

"Oh, that's great Dr Evans. It will give me time to get ready."

"Well, you go ahead Susan, I'll take the children up in a minute to
dress them," said Marlena.

"Okay," and Susan went back upstairs.

"Mommy, will you and Daddy play with us for awhile?"

"We would love to Brady, but we have to get ready for Carrie's
wedding," said John.

"Why don't Daddy and I spend the whole day tomorrow with the both of
you?"

"Yeah, yeah," they both said.

"Then it's a date," said Marlena. "Let's get upstairs, and Daddy and I
will get you dressed."

Belle took John's hand and he looked down at her. He little face shone
like an angel. He could see so much of Marlena in his daughter.

"Let's go Daddy."

"Okay Belle."

"Come on Mommy."

Brady took Marlena's hand, and the four of them went upstairs......

To be continued....
Chris Lewitski
Jan 26/98
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 34
``````````

"Sami, what are you doing here?"

"Can I come in Carrie?"

"Sure, come inside."

"Thanks."

Sami went into the apartment, and Carrie closed the door. Sami didn't
know what she was going to do, so she thought that she would just wing
it, something might come to her.

"I didn't think I would see you today Sami."

"Carrie, I didn't realize how bad I was before the accident, and when
I learned about what I did, I was ashamed to face you. I couldn't let
you marry Austin, without coming over and telling you that I am sorry
for what I did."

Sami noticed the roses, and went over to them.

"Sami, I'm surprised by what you are saying."

"That's right, for some reason you think I have my memory back, you
told Eric that you are suspious of me."

"Well Sami, can you blame me? You weren't the nicest person in the
past."

Sami put her nose to one of the flowers and smelled it.

"These are beautiful. From Austin?"

"No, there from Mike."

Sami turned and looked at her.

"Mike, isn't that sweet, sending you flowers on the day you are
supposed to wed the man of your dreams. It's just like him, to be so
thoughtful, of course, he's just that type of man. Any girl that nabs
him, will be very lucky. You and Mike saw a lot of each other, didn't
you?"

"Well Sami, he was very supportive, when I need someone to help me
deal with the news of Dad's illness."

"And Austin was with me."

"Yes, he was."

"I thought that you and Mike were getting close?"

"We are just friends. Sami, my heart belongs to Austin."

"Well, I just thought that there was more to your relationship, then
just friends, juding from the kiss I saw you and Mike sharing."

Sami looked at Carrie, and thought this was the time to leave.

"Well, I better go, I came here and said what I wanted to say. Good
luck on your marriage to Austin. Bye Carrie," and Sami left the
apartment.

Carrie stood there, in disbelief on what Sami had said. She then shook
it off and went over to collect her things, she had to get to the
church. She was about to leave, when she stopped and looked at the roses
that Mike had sent her.

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

Austin was pacing around the apartment. He was nervous and happy, that
today, finally, Carrie would be his wife. He hadn't slept much last
night, he was missing Will terribly. He kept waking up, thinking he had
heard Will crying for him. He wished that Will was in the apartment, he
had to let Sami know that he would always be there for his son. He put
on his jacket, and was going to leave the apartment, when he heard a
knock. He went over to the door and opened it, to find Sami standing
there.

"Hi Austin, can I come in?"

"Sure Sami."

She went inside and he closed the door.

"I forgot some of Will's toys, so I thought I would come by, and pick
them up."

"Sami, you don't have to take everything. When I have him here, he'll
have nothing to play with. You can always get him some new toys."

Sami stopped and looked at Austin.

"I guess your right. Will Carrie like you spending a lot of time with
Will once your married?"

"Sami, Carrie loves Will, it's her nephew. She'll love him like he is
her own."

"Yes, of course. I don't even know why I said that. I dropped in to
see her, I wanted to tell her how sorry I was, for doing what I did in
the past to her and you."

"That was very sweet Sami."

"I didn't want her to think I was the same person I was before."

Sami thought this would be a perfect time to drop about the flowers.

"You know, she got a beautiful arrangement of roses from Mike, wasn't
that nice of him?"

"Yes, it was Sami, he is a very close friend."

"Yes, he is, and that's what Carrie said also. Well Austin, I better
go, it looks like your heading to the church. Good luck Austin," and
then Sami left the apartment.

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

Eric and Roman were in the pub, sitting in a booth.

"It has been a long time since I have been here. Hasn't changed at
all."

Caroline and Shawn came over to them.

"Oh Roman, you look so much better."

"Ma, the medication that I am taking has made me feel so much better."

Shawn looked around.

"Where's Marlena?"

"She went over to the penthouse, to get Belle and Brady ready," said
Roman.

"Oh, I see, replied Shawn.

"Dad and I went over to see Sami, but she wasn't home."

"I hope she doesn't do anything today."

"Ma, she doesn't have her memory."

"Roman, you don't know Sami, the way we do."

"Ma, has she shown you any signs of being like she was before?"

"No, but..."

"Ma, then don't condemn her, okay?"

"Dad, why don't we start heading for the church?"

"Yes, I want to spend some time with Carrie."

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

Marlena looked at the children, and smiled.

"My! Don't you both look so wonderful!"

"Do I look like a princess, like in Cinderella at the ball, Mommy?"

"Just like that Belle."

"Brady looks like a prince, doesn't he mommy?"

"No I don't, I look like me."

Marlena put her hand in front of her mouth, to cover the laugh.

"Yes Brady, you look just like yourself."

Brady smiled at her, then Marlena looked at the both of them.

"Can the both of you stay here with Daddy for a minute?"

"Okay," they both said.

Marlena looked at the three of them, and then left the room.

"So Belle, your going to save me a dance, aren't you?"

"Oh, of course Daddy. I want to dance with only you!!"

John laughed and picked her up.

"Oh Daddy, please be careful. You might ruin my pretty dress."

"Oh, I really sorry," as John put her down and smiled down at the
small child.

"Daddy, is that mommy calling you?" asked Brady.

John listened, and then shook his head.

"Yep, now, you two stay here, until mommy or daddy comes and gets you
or Susan, okay?"

"Fine Daddy," they both said.

John left the room.

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

Carrie went inside the bride's room and put her things down. She looked
around, not knowing what she should do, start to get ready, or wait till
Marlena arrived.

"Oh, I could do my make-up, and my hair, and by then Marlena should be
here."

Carrie put her case on the table, and started to apply her make-up.
There was a knock on the door, and then it opened.

"Hi Carrie dear."

"Grandma, come in. Marlena with you?"

"No, she'snot here yet. Do you need some help?"

"Not yet, I will when I put the dress and veil on. Dad here?"

"Yes, he will be in, as soon as your ready."

Caroline looked at Carrie, and for a bride, she didn't have the glow.

"Carrie, what's wrong?"

"I had a visit from Sami. Grandma, I think she is going to do
something to ruin this day."

"Oh sweetheart, we won't let her do anything like that. Now, you go on
and get yourself ready. Please, stop worrying>"

"Okay Grandma."

Caroline watched as Carrie went back doing her make-up, but was worrying
herself, and wondering if Sami had anything in store to stop this
wedding..........

To be continued
Chris Lewitski
Jan 31/98
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 35
``````````

"Doc, where are you?" John said as he came down the stairs.

He saw her standing over by the CD player.

"Doc, what's going on?"

"I want to have a dance with you, because at the reception we won't
have the chance to dance close to each other as I would like to."

She hit the play button and the voice of Barbra came out of the
speakers. She walked over to John and put her arms around him

"Why did I choose you,
What did I see in you
I saw the heart you hide so well....

Marlena looked at John's face, tracing her fingers over his lips. He
stared deep into her eyes, taking this moment and putting it away with
all the other precious memories they had shared before.

"I saw a quiet man
Who had a gentle way
A way that caught me in it's glowing spell

   Why did I want you
   What could you offer me
   A love to last a lifetime through

Marlena brought her lips close to John's, putting them slowly on top of
his, then moving away, looking at him, memorizing his face at that
moment, and he watched as a tear rolled down her face. He put his thumbs
under both of her eyes, wiping them away, and she wrapped her arms
around him, as he did the same.

"And when I lost my heart
   So many years ago
   I lost it lovingly, unwillingly to you
   If I had to choose again
   I would still choose you."

Marlena and John kissed long, lingering and not wanting to end this
wonderful moment. John put his lips near her ear.

"Thank you for this wonderful moment, my lady. I love you so, I love
you so!!"

As he spoke, Marlena felt the electricity run down her spine as he spoke
each word. He moved away from her, to look at her one more time, and
then brought her close to him, one more time. Then they heard the
giggles, and looked up. Belle and Brady were looking down, watching them
share this moment.

"How long have you been there?" asked Marlena.

"Just a few moments Mommy," said Brady.

"Well, come on down, we better get going," said Marlena.

"Come on Susan, it's time to leave," yelled Belle.

Susan and the children came down the stairs and John and Marlena walked
over to them.

"Okay, it's time to go to a wedding!" said John.

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

Stefano was pacing the floor, wondering when John was going to get him
out of his special cell. Kristen came in, and waited till the guard
left.

"Well, what's going on?"

"There's a wedding today, and I don't know what John is thinking. He
has to get that special code for your cell, but Abe has that. He won't
be able to get it, you know that!"

"Ah, Kristen, you have no faith. John, I'm sure, is thinking of a way
to get that code."

"You are so sure of everything."

"I have to be. Now, go, find out what he is planning to do. It's very
important that I get out of here."

"Okay, but I have to tell you something."

"What?"

"I am going with you!"

"NO! You are not doing that!"

"YES, I AM! You don't think I'm going to stay here, while John is with
you. So, I am going, and there is no more discussion about it. I better
go," and Kristen left the room.

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

"Well kids, you stay here with Daddy. Mommy has to go help Carrie.

"Okay Mommy," said Brady.

Marlena bent down and kissed both of them. Roman was watching the four
of them, acting like they were a family. He saw Belle, and his heart
ached, looking at her, remembering that once she was, so he thought, she
was his little girl. He saw John talking to Marlena, then watched her
leave. He then saw John, with the children, and some strange looking
woman, with a baby, go over towards Abe. Then the woman left with the
children.

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

"Abe, anything on letting Stefano out?"

"John, there is no way the guys upstairs are letting that happen. You
don't think he does know of a cure?"

"Partner, what if?"

"John, I can't help you, I'm sorry."

Abe walked away and John looked around. He saw Roman staring over at
him, and for the first time since Roman came back, he felt this feeling
of uneasy. He nodded his head at him, and Roman just stared, then walked
away, not acknowledging him. John thought this was strange of Roman,
wondering if he knew something. John started to walk away, when he felt
someone touching his back.

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

"Carrie, I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner."

Marlena looked at Carrie.

"Carrie, is their something wrong?"

"What? Oh Marlena..."

"Honey, you were miles away. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just nerves, wondering if this day is going to go off
without a hitch."

"It will be perfect. Oh, hello Caroline."

"Marlena. The children?"

"Outside with John and Susan."

"Did you see Roman?"

"No, was he out there?"

"Yes, he was disappointed that you didn't come with him to the
church."

"Grandma, please don't put Marlena in a diffcult position. John and
Marlena would have been married, if Kristen hadn't used Dad in stopping
the wedding. And on top of that she lied to Dad, saying that Marlena was
free, and she and John were married. Marlena is standing by Dad through
all this, and there shouldn't be any extra pressure on her."

"I'm sorry Marlena, Carrie's right, it's just that..."

"Caroline, I understand, please, it's alright. I will do anything I
can to make Roman as comfortable as possible, and if there is no cure,
well, his last days...."

Marlena felt the tear rolling down her face.

"I'm sorry, we should be concentrating on what is going to happen in
about twenty minutes or so, Carrie marrying the man she loves," said
Marlena.

"Yes, and Carrie, here is something that I want to give you," said
Caroline, who went into her purse and took out a small box.

Carrie took the box and opened it, and inside was a charm, that had the
date of her wedding day inscribed on it.

"Your something new."

"Thanks Grandma."

Marlena walked over to Carrie and opened her hand.

"Here is your blue," handing her the garter," and this is a necklace
that I want you to wear as the something borrowed, it was a gift from
John to me a long time ago."

Carrie took the necklace and looked at it.

"I remember this, I used to look at this in your jewellery box, I
loved this so much."

"Well, then it's perfect."

Marlena put it around Carrie's neck and put it on. There was a knock on
the door, and Kate stuck her head in.

"Can I come in?"

"Sure Kate," said Carrie.

Kate came in and went towards Carrie.

"I wanted to give this to you, it was my great Grandmother's broach, I
wanted you to wear it."

"Thank you Kate."

"I just want to wish you all the happiness, and to welcome you to the
family."

"Thanks Kate."

Kate kissed Carrie, then left the room.

"Let's get that dress on, it's almost time," said Marlena.

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

John turned around and found Lexie standing their.

"John, I heard you talking to Abe. Stefano knows of a cure?"

"That's what he says, but I can't get him out, unless I have the code
for his cell."

"John, I'll get it for you."

"No Lexie, I don't want to get you involved in this."

"John, I want Roman to get well, and if Stefano knows of a cure, then
I'll do it."

"Lexie, tell me where it is."

"Abe has it in a locked drawer, in the bedroom, at the house. Here's
the key to the house. You will have to hurry, before the wedding
starts."

"Lexie, as far as anyone knows, I did this by myself."

"Go, hurry!"

John left the church.

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

Mike walked up to St Luke's with Laura, Jenn and Abby. He was debating
if he was going to come to this wedding, but he had to he felt, to let
Carrie go.

"Mike, why don't we go inside and get seated?" said Laura.

"Yeah, okay Mom."

They went inside the church, where they saw Belle and Brady with Shawn
and Eric. Roman was talking to Abe.

"I'm going over to see how Roman is today," said Mike.

"Okay" said Laura.

Mike went over to Abe and Roman.

"How are you today Roman?"

"I feel great Mike, the medication is doing wonders for me."

"That's good. Have you seen Carrie yet?"

"No, I'm going in to see her in a minute."

"Do you mind if I have a minute with her?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Thanks."

Mike went towards the bride's room.

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

John let himself into Abe and Lexie's house. He went upstairs to the
bedroom, and walked towards the desk. He tried each drawer, when he
found the locked one. John looked on the desk and found a letter opener,
and started to jimmy the lock. He heard a click and opened the drawer.
He found the paper that Abe had written it down on. He got a piece of
paper and wrote down the code, the put back the orginal back. He closed
the drawer and left the bedroom. He had to make one more stop, before
rushing back to the wedding.

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

Mike knocked on the door, and waited. Marlena opened it, and smiled at
him.

"Hi Marlena, could I talk to Carrie?"

"Sure, Caroline, why don't we give them some privacy."

Marlena and Caroline started to leave the room when Marlena turned
around and looked at Carrie.

"We'll see you in a few minutes."

"Thanks for helping me with my dress."

Marlena smiled at Carrie and closed the door as she left the room.

"I wanted to see how you are today."

"I'm fine. Thanks for the flowers."

"Well, I'm sorry about last night."

"I know."

"I just want you to be happy."

"I will be Mike. I will finally be Austin's wife."

"That's all I wanted to hear."

Mike walked towards Carrie, and kissed her on the cheek, then he looked
at her, standing there in her wedding dress. He saw the tears starting
to well up in her eyes.

"Good bye Carrie," and Mike left the room.......

to be continued....
Chris Lewitski
Feb 2/98

The song is called I believe And When I Lost My Heart, and sung by the
one and only Barbra Streistand