CARBO FANFICTION- FALLEN PART 20

Carly went on with her therapy and each day, found herself slowly healing more. Losing Bo’s child was still a deep scar in her heart she wasn’t sure she’ll ever really heal from, however. And there was no possibility of ever getting pregnant again, the damage to her womb far too severe. But she cheered herself up with thoughts of Ciara, who was now a big part of her life  and Shawn D who still loved her as much as she loved him.

More than ever, Melanie attached herself to Carly, very sad over her tragedy. No longer  the young woman with a huge chip on her shoulder ever since she got to know Carly better, she and Carly shared a bond that was almost sisterly. Melanie found herself telling Carly about her miserable childhood and how her late father, Trent Robbins, had pimped her out like a common prostitute to settle some gambling debts. ‘Imagine a father doing that to his own daughter.’ She said bitterly. ‘Until Max came to Rome looking for me, I didn’t even know I had a brother. And I let what happened define me until one day I realized I was making a mess of my life. I suddenly found myself entering the nursing program.’

In turn, Carly told her about how her parents arranged her betrothal to Lawrence when she was a mere child and how she ran away from boarding school to avoid it. Melanie listened in disbelief as Carly also told her how Lawrence  tricked her and kept plaguing her life after she met Bo. And there was also the story of his evil aunt Vivian who stole her son, burying her alive, her amnesia and leaving Bo; which she’ll always regret. More so because Bo told her, after putting the ring on her finger, that he would’ve stayed with her after Hope’s return.

 ‘Fate pretty much threw us both a lot of hard knocks, you especially. But I stopped living in the past a long time ago. You should too, Carly.’ Melanie said soberly. ‘And don’t let it ruin what you now have, a future with Bo.’

‘I just hope fate’s done with me at last. What I don’t need is another twist of it or more drama.’ Carly said dryly. Marlena and the women in her support group emphasized she was a victim of circumstances and she mustn’t keep feeling she had a hand in what happened. And like Melanie reminded her, she did have a future ahead of her. Spending the rest of her life with the man she loved. She and Bo were still taking it slow and careful in the bedroom, Bo only touching her when she initiated it. They tried making love properly some nights ago, Carly longing to be joined with him. But on feeling him against her thigh, she shrank away in terror, weeping in Bo’s consoling arms afterwards.  One step at a time but how long will it be before she was back to being the passionate woman Bo remembered? If it wasn’t for his kindness and patience, Carly would go crazy.

That evening, Carly glanced at her watch. It was time to call it a day already and she contemplated getting some Chinese for Bo and herself on the way home. Just as she was taking off her white coat, Bo appeared at her door; grinning. Carly’s eyes swept over him as he was looking spruce in a dark blue suit, white shirt and dark blue tie. ‘Well…’ she said, moving to kiss him. ‘What’s the occasion then?’

‘A special date.’ He replied, his brown eyes dancing with mischief. ‘I’m taking you for a night on the town.’

‘Ah.’ Carly couldn’t help smiling back, pleased. She then noticed the garment bag slung over his arm. ‘Did you pick that from my closet?’

‘No, I stopped by a boutique and requested something fabulous for my beautiful fiancée. I hope you’ll like it.’ he said, handing it to her.

‘So where are we going?’ Carly asked, filled with anticipation.

Bo gave her the humorous exasperated look she always found endearing. ‘You know I’m not going to tell you that, that’s why it’s a surprise. Now go on and get dressed.’ Kissing her, he left the office to let her change.

Excited over a fun filled evening with Bo, Carly quickly discarded her blouse and skirt and unzipped the garment bag, her eyes widening at the deep red silk dress with  narrow straps and a rather low cleavage but to her relief, a high back; which would shield her scarred back from view.

‘Oh Bo…’ she murmured, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness, before slipping it on and zipped it up, securing the hook. After brushing her hair, Carly applied makeup and sprayed on a little perfume.

Bo was waiting for her when she came out. Suddenly shy and feeling like 25 again, she fidgeted; blushing under his warm eyes. ‘You like?’ she asked softly as he walked up to her.

Bo smiled, loving her so much. ‘I love. And you look… absolutely perfect.’ They kissed, watched by a few nurses nearby, sighing at the romantic picture the couple painted.

‘You’re still not going to tell me where we’re going?’ Carly asked as Bo led her by the hand to the elevator.

‘No, and don’t bother guessing either.’ Bo replied as the doors closed.

‘Why not?’

‘You’ll see.’ Bo squeezed her hand, anticipating Carly’s reaction to their date he carefully arranged especially for her; one of the numerous new memories he wanted to give her. First off, he took her to a popular bar for drinks. And then on to the theater, to watch a live musical play.  To Carly’s amazement and delight, it was The Princess & The Pea. Carly was so touched she couldn’t say a word, instead hugged Bo in silence after they took their seats. Bo kept his arm round her shoulders, occasionally glancing at her during the show. She looked at him tenderly. They both remembered vividly the night at the lighthouse years ago where, to pass the time, they played the princess and the prince of the classic fairy tale.

‘The play was so great,’ Carly enthused as they left the theater after the show was over. No wonder you didn’t want to tell me… it was a wonderful surprise.’ Her arms went round Bo’s neck. ‘Thank you so much, sweetheart.’

Bo smiled, one hand brushing her cheek. ‘You don’t have to thank me, princess. Besides, the date’s not over yet.’

‘There’s more?’

‘Much more.’

“Much more” was a drive to the marina, where Bo led Carly to a brightly lit boat that turned out to be a floating restaurant that offered not only a buffet but live entertainment and a one hour cruise.

‘I can’t believe you did all this,’ Carly said as Bo poured wine in their glasses and made a toast.  

‘I wanted this night to be really special for you. How have I done so far?’

‘More than enough. I love what you did and I love you.’ Carly reached out for his hand, which he grasped immediately.

‘I love you too.’ Bo said, rubbing her hand with his thumb, focusing on Carly’s face. Her cheeks were rosy and her green eyes… so alive and happy, no longer aloof and hard. She was healing and putting the past behind her. There were a few moments of sadness but she always let him in, instead of shutting him out; of which he was grateful for. ‘You look exceptionally beautiful tonight.’

‘You make me feel beautiful.’ Carly said softly. ‘Besides, look at this lovely dress you got me.’

‘You can be dressed like a hippie and you would still look beautiful. It’s not the dress anyway, it’s you. A woman’s not beautiful when she just has a pretty face. She has to be beautiful inside; kind, brave, with a loving heart and who puts anyone before herself. That’s all you and that what makes you beautiful.’ Bo said expressively, still holding her hand. ‘And I put this all together to let you know what you mean to me.’

Carly blinked, willing herself not to cry; touched by his words.

‘I’m so lucky, to have you back in my life. And I promise you, we’re not going to screw up this second chance.’

‘No, we won’t.’ Carly whispered. ‘I don’t ever want to lose you again. I’ll never leave you again.’

‘You better not,’ Bo replied, ‘because I will never let you go.’

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Bo and Carly drove home, riding up the elevator to their loft, holding hands. On entering, Carly waited for Bo to slide the door shut before walking up to him, her arms sliding up his neck. Their kiss started gentle but began stoking a burning passion within them and became hard and demanding. Instinctively, Bo’s hands went down her back to cup her hips, hungry to feel her softness against him but at the last minute curbed himself; breaking the kiss.

‘No,’ Carly protested softly, not letting go of him.

‘I don’t want to scare you, princess.’ Bo said, his arms round her waist. ‘We agreed…’

‘I know,’ Carly touched his face. ‘You’ve been so patient and understanding and I love you so much.’

‘And I love you too much to make you  afraid of me.’

‘I shouldn’t be afraid to make love with you, Bo. I want to, I want you; I want to make love with you exactly the way we used to.' 

‘You know you can’t rush it , or force yourself. PSTD takes time to overcome. It’s not like we’ve not been trying.’ He stroked her cheek, the heated look in his eyes causing her to blush.

‘I feel it’s going to be different this time. And not just because of the meetings and sessions with Marlena. It’s you and our love; a whole lot stronger than anything.’ Carly slowly peeled the jacket of his shoulders, loosening his tie. ‘Lawrence has nothing to do with us and I’m not going to let the memory of him come between us. Right now, all I see is you… not him. I need to feel you against me, really feel you…’ she kissed him and he kissed her back eagerly; holding her tightly against him. Instead of recoiling, she pressed herself even harder against him, their breathing unsteady.

Bo lifted Carly up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He set her down and resumed kissing her, savoring the sweet taste of her as he held her face between his hands. It was going to be different this time, he detected a new urgency coming from Carly, her eagerness matching his own. But he was going to make sure not to make a wrong move and ruin things.

Carly unbuttoned his shirt and peeled it off him but when her hands moved to the waistband of his pants to unbuckle his belt, he stopped her, gently placing her hands down. Pushing back strands of hair from her forehead, he nuzzled the side of her neck, moving to stand behind her. Slowly, he unzipped her dress, peeling it down. Carly tensed, closing her eyes; waiting for his reaction to the ugly whip scars across her back.

Bo’s fingers moved over them, anger towards Lawrence and ache at the marks of Carly’s sufferings stabbing him. Leaning down, holding her by the waist, he traced them with his lips; his warm breath caressing her skin. Carly trembled, sighing; her hand reaching up to touch him but Bo again gently lowered her arm. Turning her round slowly to face him, he kissed her again, walking her backwards until her back was pressed against the wall. ‘Bo…’ Carly whispered when he broke the kiss.

‘Hush,’ he said softly, pressing a finger against her lips before nuzzling her neck, moving down to her heaving black lace encased breasts. Kneading them, Bo kissed the soft flesh before moving further down to her scarred stomach, tracing them gently with his mouth.

Carly leaned against the wall helplessly, passion and longing surging through her as Bo sensually rained kisses and caresses all over her body  but refusing to let her touch him. He was driving her crazy with want and agonizing waiting as her knees buckled, his lips trailing her thighs.

Cupping her hips, Bo kissed his way back up, recapturing her mouth.

Carly’s hands moved up his hair roughened chest, moaning in protest when Bo again removed her hands. ‘I need to touch you…’ she pleaded.

‘Not yet,’ Bo whispered, hungry for her touch but determined to prolong the moment. Reaching behind her, he unlocked her black lace bra and Carly’s breathing grew faster, a cry of pleasure as he lowered his head to kiss her breasts, causing the ache in her loins to reach boiling point. Bo finally took her hands and placed them on his chest and she immediately wrapped her arms round him, both groaning in the sensual feel of their chests against each other. With fingers slightly trembling, Bo tugged her panties downwards and she stepped off them, still clinging to him.

‘Make love to me, Bo.’ Carly pleaded, pressing herself against his arousal. ‘Make love to me now.’

Without a word, Bo lifted Carly, carrying her to the bed. This time, there were no more walls. Their lovemaking was passionate yet tender, Bo flooding her body with ecstasy, finally giving in to his own as they came together.

CARBO FANFICTION- FALLEN PART 19

Bo woke up when the early morning sun shone against his face, making him blink. The room was filled with golden light and as sleepiness wore off, he remembered where he was; Carly’s lake house, miles away from Salem. She was asleep, her face relaxed. At the hospital she told him there were nights she couldn’t sleep because of haunting nightmares. But last night was uneventful; she’d lain in his arms peacefully. It was just like he told her over dinner; they were connected in several ways and he liked to think that she drew therapeutic strength from him. Accustomed to waking her up with kisses and caresses to arouse her when they lived on the boat; it took a bit of effort to curb himself. He had to think of her emotional well-being and not his libido. So instead, he kissed her on the forehead and gently got out of bed, wanting her to sleep longer.

A quick shower later, he dressed and went downstairs. It was quite a sunny morning and quiet except for a few birds singing and the soft splashing sound of the lake behind the house. It’s really beautiful here, Bo thought again, taking out what he forgot to bring in last night from the car. They’ll spend lots of weekends here together from now on, maybe bring Ciara along. Bo hid the items behind the kitchen door before raiding the well-stocked fridge- yet another modern appliance they didn’t have at their cabin- to fix breakfast.

Carly came down eventually in a pink bathrobe, walking to hug Bo from behind as he was busy at the stove. He turned immediately to pull her against him, kissing her deeply. ‘’Morning, Sleeping Beauty.  You looked so peaceful; I didn’t want to wake you.’

‘Good morning,’ Carly smiled faintly, looking over his shoulder at what was cooking on the stove. ‘Need a hand with that?’

‘Oh no; you sit over there and let me be your chef, go on.’ He maneuvered her to the kitchen table and in a few minutes served them both scrambled eggs and sausages. Carly was more than willing to bring Ciara along when they came over for weekends, when Bo mentioned it. ‘Of course I’d love to have her here.’

‘Are you sure it won’t be… hard for you?’

Carly immediately knew what Bo was referring to. ‘No. I really want to get to know Ciara. I won’t let the past stop me from having a relationship with her. She’s a part of you, just like Shawn Douglas is and I got to share him with you. I want it to be that way with Ciara too, if she’ll let me.’

‘She will,’ Bo assured her.

After breakfast, Carly unwrapped her present, a fishing pole. ‘The deluxe of fishing poles and I got one for myself too.’ Bo said.

‘The long awaited fishing rematch, huh?’ Carly said dryly.

‘Of course! You got that big lake behind this house and I intend to finally win.’

‘Well, don’t burn our catch this time! What’s the point of getting seven fishes and I ended up not tasting any?’

Bo gave her a mock glare as his reply.  

The caretaker, who Carly retained to look after the place when she wasn’t around, came in his truck to bring Carly an apple pie his wife made for her and was introduced to Bo. Jim nodded affably to Bo, pleased to see Carly had company for once. He and his wife long felt Carly must be very lonely at the house by herself; as the previous owner always brought his children and grandchildren along. After inviting them to a family barbecue at his ranch, he took his leave.

Later, Bo and Carly walked down the jetty to catch some fish. ‘I’d sort of miss my homemade contraption though,’ Carly teased.

Bo rolled his eyes. ‘Yeah… the instrument of my humiliation. It still beats me how you were able to catch even one with that thing.’

‘Ingenuity and good luck, my love.’ Carly said, skillfully securing her line.

It turned out not a victory for either of them but a draw; between them they caught four fairly big trout. But what they enjoyed more was each other’s company in the tranquil setting. And it was a perfect time for what Bo wanted to do. Taking Carly’s left hand, he removed the pave-diamond wedding ring he once resented and now hated with a vengeance, off her finger. ‘You don’t need to hide behind this anymore.’ With a strong arm, Bo viciously threw it into the middle of the lake. Pulling a small box from his back pocket, he opened it and Carly’s eyes filled with tears at the beautiful solitaire emerald surrounded by tiny diamonds, unable to speak. Bo took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger; before kissing her. They needed no words.

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Nicholas chatted with Carly via Skype to look in on her, like he did during her recuperation at the hospital. Bo still felt rather antagonistic towards the young man, yet to really believe Nicholas truly didn’t have a clue of what went on all those years. But for Carly’s sake, he forced himself to be civil when Carly called him over to her side to say hello.

‘Congratulations Mum.’ He smiled as Carly held up her hand for him to see the ring. ‘And congratulations Bo, I’m so happy for you guys. By the way, Commissioner of Police? What do your officers say about your Harley?’

 ‘My biker/Harley days are long gone.’ Bo said dryly.

‘Yeah, right; I find that hard to believe. Mum, I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to come over but I honestly can’t get away right now. Are you sure you’re completely alright?’

‘I’m fine now, honey; really; I was treated by great doctors and Bo’s been taking great care of me.’

‘Well, I’ll be in Salem once I wrap things up here. Love you Mum. See you, Bo.’

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The remaining time they spent at the lake house was idyllic. They went on hikes, had picnic lunches, did more fishing and explored the small town, where Bo got to meet some of the other residents who knew Carly. But on their last night; Carly woke up from a nightmare screaming and Bo held her in his arms, whispering soothing words to her.

‘Just breathe, concentrate on the sound of my voice princess,’ he said, rubbing her back as she sobbed against his neck.

‘I’m sorry…’ she clung to him.

‘Don’t apologize, it’s okay.’ He said, kissing her brow.

‘Will this ever end sailor?’

‘It will princess, eventually. Give it time. Time heals…so does love. And you got that, lots of it.’ Bo said softly. ‘You want me to get you anything?’

‘No… no, just hold me.’ Carly nestled closer against him. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too, princess.’ Bo kissed her brow again. ‘Just relax and close your eyes ; go back to sleep.’

‘Talk to me… talk to me about anything.’

‘Okay,’ his arms still round her, Bo settled back against the pillows and began reminiscing about their time in Chichén Itza; especially the tender moment he proposed to her at the Mayan Ball court and when they pledged their love to each other on top of El Castillo. Carly smiled, her hand rubbing his chest. ‘Can we go there for our honeymoon?’

‘Sure, whatever you want. But we’ll have to wait a while to get married then. We’ve got work to make up for in the meantime, remember?’

Carly sighed wistfully. ‘I wish we could stay here longer.’ She rubbed his chest again, fingering the familiar old medallion. ‘It’s been heavenly; the two of us alone like this.’

‘I know what you mean, it’s like been on the boat again; just us and the sound of the water.’ Bo stroked her hair. ‘Don’t worry princess; we’re going to spend more time here whenever we can.’

 ‘What are things going to be like when we get home? It’s one thing for the family to apologize to me but us engaged now, will they accept that? I guess Roman might but what about everyone else?’

‘I guess it’s pretty poor form they changed their minds about you after hearing about what Larry did.’

‘Sort of. I want to say that I understand but it still hurts they thought about me that way, that I would actually connive to hurt you and Hope, just because Billie did.’

‘I’m really sorry about that. It wasn’t fair you of all people had to pay for what she did. But they’ve realized they were wrong and what’s really important, what we feel about each other. Hope’s already accepted the situation and taken responsibility.’

Carly raised her head. ‘And you honestly wouldn’t mind her moving on with someone else too?’

‘Come on, Carly; why would I mind? I thought we’ve long gotten past this.’

‘I’m sorry, it’s just that your life these past years were far better than mine, even with the problems you had now and then. Frankie was the one who told me about Hope coming back, while I was recovering. He wasn’t trying to make me feel bad; he just wanted to prepare me when I said I wanted to move back to Salem. The whole time I was in that nursing home, I looked back on how I allowed myself to be swept away by Lawrence again and what a fool I was. And I thought about you and what you must have thought of me, probably hated me…’

‘I never hated you, not for a second.’ Bo said vehemently. ‘I won’t lie though; it hurt me a lot when we broke up.  And I felt it was best if I just moved on instead of dwelling on the memories of us, what we weren’t able to have or what might have been. I hope you understand.’

‘I do.’ Carly touched his face. ‘Anyway… even with the changes I was determined to come back. When I saw you that night at The Java, what I knew I still felt for you all came rushing back. And I thought, just as well you were married; I won’t have to tell you what happened. It was enough just to see you sometimes and… keep loving you without you ever knowing.’

‘Damn it,’ Bo said, feeling angry and remorseful all over again. He shifted to his side, facing her. ‘I love you, Carly; you. I’m right where I want to be and there’s no way I’ll ever let you go again, ever. Don’t ever think for a second I’ll ever leave you. More than ever, I know I want to be with you for the rest of my life… because we belong together.’

Without a word, Carly kissed him, wrapping her arms round his neck. They lay nestled against each other until they fell asleep again.

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For Carly’s sake, the Bradys and the Hortons all agreed with Bo and Roman not to speak of Carly’s abuse beyond their town, in case the press caught wind of it. Jennifer especially promised not to write anything about it or tell Jack; he would be adamant about making Lawrence’s abuse public. Shawn Douglas was appalled when Bo told him the whole story via Skype; shedding angry tears. Bo moved aside for Carly to talk to him and the two shared an emotional reunion, placing their hands on the screen. Like Bo, Shawn Douglas found it very hard to believe Nicholas didn’t know about his father’s abuse until the fateful day he found them in the cellar. But not wanting to argue with Carly, he congratulated her and his father on their engagement; promising to come over with Belle and Claire for the wedding after they fixed the date.

Hope found it very hard to face Carly, remorseful and embarrassed after everything she accused her of but was determined to put up a brave front. She went over to see Carly at the hospital, finding her in her office. After awkwardly but sincerely apologizing to Carly, Hope added soberly, ‘With all I was throwing at you, you were keeping such a terrible secret. I can’t imagine what you must feel about me.’

‘The only thing I ever wanted was for you to believe I didn’t come back to Salem to ruin your marriage.’ Carly said quietly.

‘I think deep down I knew you were innocent, but I guess my jealousy and paranoia as you called it refused to let me admit it. I did everything except do the right thing, accept responsibility when I should have. And you warned me but I was too angry and stubborn to listen to you, or anyone else for that matter.’ Hope replied. ‘I feel so stupid for accusing you for something that was actually my fault. I’m so sorry Carly, for everything… my attitude and my God… what that man did to you.’

‘It’s all in the past now.’

Hope saw the emerald engagement ring on Carly’s finger but couldn’t bring herself to congratulate her. Instead she swallowed painfully and said, ‘I have to go now. Take care.’

Carly watch her leave in silence.

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Since she was yet to return to Salem, Marlena had scheduled sessions with Carly via Skype, with Bo present at Carly’s request. In addition, Marlena recommended an abused women support group; giving Carly the address. Sharing in front of strangers was very hard at first but as Carly kept attending the group’s meetings, she felt the burden slowly lifting from her shoulders and found herself sleeping better.

Bo, now living in the loft with her observed Carly seemed to be doing better. All the same, he kept the promise he made to her. No passionate spontaneity with her or touching her intimately when they lay against each other in bed. Not being able to make love was hard on both of them but Bo refused to let Carly feel guilty about it. Like he said, they were connected on many different levels and even though they were yet to make love, the reunited couple never felt closer. In their spare time, they went on outings, sometimes alone and sometimes with Ciara whose presence cheered up Carly considerably. The little girl brought Carly further out of her shell and Bo was very glad to see Carly smiling over his daughter, her green eyes warm and lustrous again.

One evening, as they lay together side by side, Carly turned to Bo. Having thought long and hard, she made a decision. She wasn’t going to let sheer fear or the memory of Lawrence come between her and the man she loved any longer. Bo has been more than kind and patient; the least she could do was make an effort. So she moved over, kissing him deeply on the mouth. Bo was surprised but returned the kiss, wrapping his arms round her before pulling back, his expression inquiring.

‘Let’s try, Bo.’ Carly whispered, stroking his cheek.  

‘Princess, you’re not ready.  You don’t have to feel obligated, we have an agreement. The last thing I want is to do anything to scare you.’ Bo protested.

‘If I don’t conquer this one step at a time, I may never be ready. I really want to try.’

Bo stared at her, running his fingers through her hair. ‘If you’re sure.’

‘I am.’ Was Carly’s firm answer.

‘Okay.’ He pulled her down, exchanging a heated passionate kiss, freeing her mouth to softly kiss down her neck, before gently rolling her onto her back.

‘Could you turn off the light?’ she requested softly as he lifted the hem of her tank top. ‘Just for tonight.’

Bo guessed she didn’t want him to see her scars. He wanted to say it didn’t matter to him, which was true but to make her feel comfortable; he turned off the table lamp. Brushing her soft lower lip with his thumb Bo kissed her again, savoring her eager response; feeling her hands run down his shoulders and back. In the dark, he pulled the tank top over her head and tossed it aside. Carly wrapped her arms round him, sheer heated pleasure flowing through her as she felt the familiar hard body against hers, her hands moving down to caress his hair roughened chest.  Leaning down he gently caressed her breasts, feeling her tremble but not with fear; brushing the hardened peaks with his lips before taking them into his mouth. Carly arched against him, her hands gripping his shoulders, tiny cries coming from her.

Bo moved down her body, tracing and kissing the scars on her stomach. But when his hand moved between her thighs, he felt her stiffen but she didn’t push him away. Bo could feel her staring up at  him.

‘He’s not here,’ Bo said softly, stroking her hair. ‘It’s just you and me, princess. Just us.’

‘Okay,’ she whispered back, parting her legs. Bo greatly longed to be inside her but instinct told him she may not be ready to go that far. Instead he peeled off her panties and stroked her, bending his head into the crevice between her thighs. Carly gasped, whispering his name pleadingly as Bo sensually and ardently consumed her, her nails digging into his shoulders. Finally her release came and she shuddered, panting.
Bo kissed his way back up, cradling her trembling body against him. His own need was unsatisfied but for now, it was all her.

One step at a time. 

CARBO FANFICTION- FALLEN PART 18

Bo zipped his duffel bag and went downstairs. Dropping it on the couch, he went to lock the back door. The doorbell rang when he went back to the living room and he opened the door. ‘Hi Mum,’ he said, letting her in.

‘Hello, honey. I was hoping to catch you before you went out.’ She turned to face her son, who looked at her in silence. There had been some distance between them since he confronted her about what Ciara told him. On hearing about Carly’s travails and the murder of their unborn child, Caroline was the most affected of both families. One by one, they rallied round Carly, expressing heartfelt sympathy and regret for the way she was treated. But Carly, while accepting their apology, still maintained she and Bo can’t be together. She felt overpowering shame for letting Lawrence fool her and considered herself too broken and damaged for Bo to take another chance with her. Bo tried everything while she was recuperating to convince her otherwise but she wouldn’t budge.

‘What is it, Mum?’ Bo asked quietly. ‘I’m sort of in a hurry.’

‘This won’t take long, I promise.’ Caroline raised her hands imploringly.  ‘I know you’re very angry with me. You’ve been angry with me for a long time now and I don’t blame you. I deserve your resentment; for a lot of things. For siding with Hope, for not seeing your view and for being unfair to Carly.’

 ‘You were uncaring and heartless.’ Bo said brutally. The reason behind Carly’s tears on seeing Ciara was the unhappy memory of their dead child and Bo was yet to forgive Caroline for not bothering to find out the reason behind Carly’s sadness and for the things she said about her.

Caroline winced, stung. ‘I suppose I can’t use the excuse of “I didn’t know.”’

‘You didn’t care to know. You and many people were so convinced she came back to cause trouble, you saw Carly how you wanted to see her. The whole time she wanted to heal after that animal killed my kid, our kid...’ tears crept at his eyes. ‘You believed what you wanted to believe, refusing to remember how she saved my life and Shawn D’s, everything about her. You were too wrapped up in hate, just like Victor.’

Caroline looked miserable. ‘I never hated her. I was just angry she left.  I… I wanted things to stay the same and I let it blind me.’

‘Mum, please; I really have to go.’ Bo picked up his bag from the couch, not wishing to hear more. He was facing a 4 hour drive and wanted to get to his destination in good time. First he has to stop by the mansion to see Ciara and then pick up Carly’s present afterwards.

‘I need you to forgive me, son. Please.’ 

Bo paused at the door, not looking at her. ‘I need this time away. Maybe when I come back, I’ll feel less resentful than I feel towards you right now. Lock up after me.’

He went to the car without a backwards glance, wanting to put as much distance from his mother as possible.

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Ciara hugged and kissed her father, saying she looked forward to seeing him when he came back from his trip. Hope was at the station so she wasn’t present. Hearing more details of Carly’s great trauma had shocked and humbled Hope, her resentment and jealousy all gone. So sad, resigned and a lot wiser; she signed the papers. The divorce proceedings were almost over and they’d agreed on joint custody of Ciara, but yet to decide on what to do about the house. Bo hoped they will be able to decide soon because he didn’t like Ciara living in the mansion.

Victor was coming down the stairs when Bo was taking his leave. If there was distance between him and Caroline, there was sheer hostility between him and Victor; flatly refusing to speak to him.

‘Still giving me the cold shoulder?’ Victor asked as Bo walked passed him. Ignoring him, Bo went to the door.

‘Listen to me for a minute, Bo.’ Victor said. Bo turned, waiting.

‘Carly and I will never be close friends, that much I know. But I’m not as heartless as you both think, that child was my flesh and blood too. Since there’s the strong possibility Carly’s going to be my new daughter-in-law; what say the three of us call a truce?’

‘I have nothing to say to you.’ Was Bo’s cold reply and then left the house.

What he ordered especially for Carly and himself was ready at the shop. Bo placed them at the backseat of his SUV before pulling out his phone.  

A few days after Carly was discharged, he went to the loft but she wasn’t there. Lexie assured him she was on her accumulated vacation; she didn’t quit her job and left Salem like he feared. He had called Frankie in D.C to find out if she was staying with him but she wasn’t. Frankie was still disinclined to believe Bo’s intentions towards his sister, reluctant to tell him where she was. Bo wasn’t prepared to lose her a second time. He said that much to her brother.  

‘She would’ve been safe and happy with me, even after Hope came back. She’s who I want for the rest of my life, Frankie, now more than ever. I decided that before she finally told me what happened with Larry. This isn’t a rebound; it’s a second chance, our second chance.’

Convinced at last, Frankie gave him the address and phone number of the lake house as Carly had switched off her iPhone.

Carly answered on the fourth ring. ‘Hello?’

‘It’s me,’ he replied without preamble.

Carly’s heart leaped at the sound of his voice. ‘How did you get this number?’

‘Never mind that; this has gone long enough! I need to talk to you and what I want to say, I’m not about to tell you over the phone. Frankie gave me your address and I’m on my way there right now.’

‘Bo, please… I told you…’

‘I know what you told me, and I decided to ignore it.’

‘What do you want to tell me now?’

‘A lot of things, some you already know. It’s high time you stopped running, princess. You can run to the ends of the earth and I’ll be right behind you, if that what it takes. I want to know you’ll be there waiting for me. Will you?’

Silence, then the soft word, ‘Yes.’

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The sun was setting by the time Bo's car  pulled up in front of the lake house. From the porch, Carly watched Bo come out. Though he marveled at the beauty of the charming house, his eyes were only on her. 

 ‘You’re a difficult lady to find, you know that?’ he called, smiling at her; elation in his heart on seeing her walk towards him, the setting sun touching her hair. The moment she reached him, Bo’s arms came round her and for the second time since she came back in his life, he kissed her; long and hard. For Carly, the touch of Bo’s mouth on hers was no longer a yearning memory but glaringly real, his arms tightly locking her against him as though he’ll never let her go. She kissed him back, devouring his lips with hers; reveling in his strong, manly strength. She pressed her cheek against his, her arms still round his neck, savoring the warm feeling of happiness.

Bo pulled back slightly to run his hand over her hair. ‘I love you, princess.’ He said at last.

Tears filled her eyes. ‘I love you too, sailor.’ She whispered, holding his face, seeing the love and tenderness in his eyes. Bo used his thumbs to wipe away her tears.

‘You’re just in time for the sunset, isn’t it amazing?’

‘It’s breathtaking.’ His arms still round her; he watched the orange ball hovering over the horizon. ‘But I’d much rather look at you.’ He kissed her again, slowly and tenderly. ‘I’ve missed you.’

‘I’ve missed you too.’ Carly held on to the lapels of his leather jacket. ‘I felt I was doing the right thing for you. But you’re right; it’s time I stopped running. Come on, let’s go into the house.’

Pausing only to take his bag from the car, Bo took her hand and followed her inside, leaving it in the small hall. He immediately liked the place. ‘This place is great,’ he said, staring round the large cozy living room, where a fire was already going. The décor was a cross between Texan and English country living; complete with modern appliances and a filled bookcase.

 ‘I figured you would scoff if you ever found out about it. I know it’s a palace compared to our cabin but I really needed a sort of sanctuary to escape to now and then and this house was for sale. It used to belong to one of Frankie’s clients and Frankie bought it for me.’

‘So that explains why you always seemed to disappear now and then,’ Bo said, yet understanding her action. It was a perfect place to hide from what she was putting up with at the time and spend much needed peace and quiet.

‘So… um… why don’t you take your bag upstairs, freshen up while I fix you something.’

‘Sure.’ He kissed her again.

Doing a quick explore upstairs, Bo saw there were three bedrooms and a guest bathroom; definitely a far cry from their rustic cabin. Finding the room where Carly slept, he unzipped his bag and pulled out a fresh T-shirt before going to the adjoining bathroom for a wash.

Carly was in the warm, brightly lit kitchen when he went back downstairs, behind the work island pouring out hot coffee. Bo sat at the kitchen table and stroked her arm as she set a plate of sandwiches down, causing her to smile shyly at him.

‘Well, here we are.’ She said, sitting opposite him; a cup of coffee in front of her.

‘No interruptions, no more walls.’ Bo reached out for her hand, which she slipped into his. ‘We’re where we should’ve been ages ago.’

‘Yes, I know.’ Carly squeezed his fingers. ‘But I still…’

‘No more buts.’ Bo said firmly. ‘No more reasons or excuses. Whatever you still feel, you won’t be working it out alone anymore.’

‘It’s not just about part of me which will always hurt; losing our baby.’ Carly said quietly. ‘That day when we almost made love, I thought I would find solace in your arms, like I always did. But I pushed you away…’

‘It was PTSD, Carly. What you went through, you were bound to experience it.’

‘I know. But I never thought I would react like that with you. And when I did… it hit me more than ever that I was not the same person, not the same woman I was years ago. I hated feeling that way, that sense of terror and not feeling myself.  It’s more about the scars on my body, Bo. I’m afraid… I might not be able to be that person I was ever again, or be a woman … for you. And it’s all because I allowed myself to be taken in by Lawrence’s lies. I brought it all on myself. If only I hadn’t made such a terrible error, our child would be all grown up by now.’

‘Come here,’ Bo pulled at her hand and she walked round the table. Bo placed her on his lap, his arms tight round her waist. ‘Now you listen to me. I told you this years ago, and I’ll tell you now. I love you, not just your body… but your mind and your soul. Of course I want to make love to you again, erase the terrible memories. But you should also remember that we were connected on many levels long before that special night in the hut.’ He stroked her hair. ‘Not just physically, princess. I know you have a lot to heal from. So when Marlena comes back, you’re going to resume therapy and I’ll be there to hold your hand. But in the meantime, I won’t touch you… unless you want me to. And I don’t want you to ever think about Lawrence again, or blame yourself.’

He wiped away the tears falling down her cheeks. ‘I love you Carly Manning. I can’t change the past but I can give you a future and new memories. And I will give that to you.’

Carly sniffled, touching his face. ‘The best way to heal is not allowing the past to break you. And…’ she smiled faintly, ‘allowing someone you love very much walk with you.’

‘Exactly.’ Bo’s voice shook. ‘You’ll let me now, princess?’

‘Every day for the rest of our lives.’ She kissed him with a deep, fiery intensity that matched his, the couple holding each other close.

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Bo insisted she went upstairs to bed, while he cleared the kitchen and locked up for the night. When he went up to her bedroom, she was in a nightgown, sitting up in bed waiting for him. Bo undressed in the bathroom, brushed his teeth and slipped into sweatpants. Getting into bed beside her, he turned off the lamp and drew her into his arms. Bo and Carly were aware there was quite a lot to overcome. But they were together at long last and that was what was really important.