Chapter One

The scenery danced by, as a light, splatter of Oregon rain hit against the Greyhound bus. She watched, anxiously, glad she was escaping the nightmare she had left behind. She was apprehensive, but grateful to be away from the terror that had eluded her life. She was a lost soul, a dark angel, entrapped in a world that a Hollywood producer couldn’t find a script, as real as the life she had led. She was counting on her stop at the place, her black-tipped nail had randomly picked out on the dirty map, and she had managed to borrow from her bus mate. Her thoughts of Salem, reminded her of a dark epiphany of mystery, of a symphony of secrets and regrets, but perhaps a promise of hope, she so desperately needed.
“Salem, in five minutes,” the burly, bus driver, announced to the passengers, and she cast a glance at her reflection, and frowned. She felt a light tears, sprinkle down, her pale, rosy cheek, and wished she looked different. In that reflection, she didn’t just see a lost soul, she saw a woman scarred, a woman so full of low self-confidence, full of shame, and full of angst at the shapely curves that caused her so much grief. She just felt so unattractive, so ugly, so unwanted, and hoped in Salem, she could find a job, and just rent a room, and escape into a life, where she could be ignored, and isolated, so she wouldn’t have to be rejected.
“Emma,” her bus mate called her name. “Honey, take care of yourself.”
“Thanks Rosa,” Emma Reilly, answered softly, and unloaded her suitcase, and walked outside into the pouring rain. She was the only passenger, standing on the platform. She watched the Greyhound Bus, wither away, and she let the rain pour down on her. She gathered her belongings, the bit of money she had saved from after leaving her job as a nurse, and managed to hail a cab.
“Where to Miss?” the cabdriver snapped.
“A place to eat?” she responded promptly, catching a glimpse of her unruly, auburn, red hair, and sighed. Her sister, Valerie, had received all the Looks in the family. She was blonde, burlesque, and a supermodel. Emma was the black sheep of the family. Although she was smart, she was always bullied about her weight, her appearance, and had been called ugly by her mother, her sister, and even her own grandmother, and after all the bullying she had endured in elementary school and high school, she had escaped to university. It wasn’t any different there. She was alone, did well on her studies, and managed to graduate quicker than any of her classmates. After working for six months as a registered nurse at a nursing home, she had saved enough money to be able to take the trip, to anywhere, but Scottsdale, Arizona, and Salem, had been her choice.
“Brady’s’ Pub,” the cabdriver answered, and he whisked Emma to Main Street, and pulled up in front of a cute pub, named Brady’s Pub, which reminded her of the old Pub her grandfather, Patrick Reilly, had owned when he lived in Cavan County, Ireland.
“Thanks,” she responded, and tossed him a generous tip. She escaped out of the cab, and took her I-Pod, out of her knapsack, and blared her new favourite song…

You said that I wasn't pretty
So I just believed you
And you said that I wasn't special
So I lived that way
With critical gazes and brutal amazement
And how my reflection could be so imperfect
With all of my blemishes, how could somebody want me?

[Chorus:]
But God loves ugly
He doesn't see the way I see
Oh god takes ugly
And turns it into to something that is beautiful
Apparently I'm beautiful
Cause you love me
Whoa, oh

I tried to clean up the outside
All shiny and new
Worked over time to thin up and look right
But inside I knew
That deep in the bottom were secrets I thought I could try to ignore
Old ghosts in my corridors
Never get tired of haunting the past that's in me

[Chorus:]
But God loves ugly
He doesn't see the way I see
Oh god takes ugly
And turns it into to something that is beautiful
Apparently I'm beautiful
Cause you love me

Help me believe why you love me
When I know you see
You see everything
Help me believe why you love me
When I know you see
Inside and you still say I'm beautiful

You're telling me I'm beautiful
Your screaming out I'm beautiful
And I'm finding out I'm beautiful
You're making me so beautiful
And I can I'm beautiful
Cause you love me
Whoa, oh

Emma entered Brady’s Pub, and saw it was bustling with many different patrons. She selected a seat at the bar, and was immediately drawn to the bartender, who’s named read Max. He smiled at her, and she blushed, and looked down.
“How can I help you?” Max asked her, with a slight smile.
“I’ll have a merlot, please,” Emma answered quietly, and putting her I-Pod back on. She took out her journal, and decided to start making a To-Do List. She was hoping a nursing home, or the local hospital was looking for RN’s. She was really looking forward to working with patients once again. Max placed her merlot in front of her, and she tossed him a twenty, and told him to keep the change.
“EJ, our annulment is final,” an irate woman shouted behind Emma, and she was startled. She turned to see a beautiful, blond-haired woman, pushing a baby stroller, built for twins, and saw a tall, dark, and handsome man, who she assumed was EJ, looking upset and stunned.
“But Samantha Darling,” he answered, with a sexy, British accent. “I thought we had worked everything out.”
“No EJ, you knew that when Lucas was released from prison, I was going back to him!” Samantha snapped back, as one of the babies’s started to cry.
“Oh Ali,” EJ attempted to assure one of the baby’s, but Samantha stopped him.
“Back off EJ,” a man appeared who resembled Samantha. “Let Lucas and Sami be re-united tomorrow. You are just Johnny’s father.” EJ looked defeated, and Emma felt instantly sorrowful for him. She quickly picked up her knapsack, and hightailed out of the bar, at the same time, as she saw the rain had turned to snow.
“I can’t do this anymore,” she heard EJ say, as he escaped from the bar. He looked defeated and lost, and she felt a twinge of sadness for him. She understood how he felt.
“I’m sorry,” Emma managed to say, although she was quite sure that the most, beautiful-looking man she had ever seen wouldn’t even give her a time of day. EJ looked at her, with sorrowful eyes, and offered her a soft smile. She found herself, offering a small smile back. “I’m not trying to intrude. I can just relate to the pain you seem to feel.”
“I gave her all my love,” EJ managed to say, as tears flowed down his cheeks, and Emma sat beside him on the bench. “All those months, taking care of the twins, separating myself from my father, trying to prove I have changed, and she just goes back to Lucas’ arms. He can not offer her what I offer her. I love her so much…”
“I’m sorry,” Emma managed to say. She lightly touched his shoulder, and as he sobbed silently. “You know, you sound like a wonderful person. She doesn’t deserve you if she doesn’t appreciate you.” EJ looked at the strange woman, who sat beside her, and was quite surprised that someone he didn’t even know was being so courteous towards him. She wasn’t indeed the most attractive woman, as society would regulate, but she seemed to have an enchanting presence about her.
“Maybe, you’re right,” EJ answered, softly. “Thank you. You are one of the first people to be kind to me, in a long time.”
“You’re welcome,” Emma answered, unsure of how she had gotten the courage to talk to such a handsome man, but she had a healing touch, and was always able to provide support to someone when they were visibly upset. “Are you okay?”
“I will be eventually,” EJ managed to say, and he saw the woman, getting up to leave. “I’ve never seen you before, my love. Where are you from?”
“Arizona,” Emma answered, and she smiled. “I’ve come here to start a new life. I am actually looking for a place to stay.”
“They rent out rooms at the Brady Pub,” EJ informed her, and Emma nodded. “Why would you come to Salem?”
“I just picked it out the map randomly,” Emma answered, as EJ noticed her beautiful, silk red hair for the first time. “I am a nurse actually. I am hoping the Salem Hospital is hiring.”
“My half-sister is the Chief of Staff, Lexie Carver,” EJ informed her. “I can help you get a job.”
“Oh really?” Emma’s, light blue eyes sparkled. “That would be amazing. Thanks EJ.”
“What is your name?” EJ wanted to know, as she stood, and she paused for a moment.
“Emma, Emma Reilly,” she answered. “Nice to meet you EJ.”
“Same to you,” EJ responded, by shaking her hand. He noticed she was shaking, and noticed she seemed tense. “Are you okay?” Emma nodded slightly.
“Just escaping a past of heartache and doubt,” she responded. “I just want to be happy.” EJ nodded. She knew all about wanting to start over, and although he had concocted some pretty ruthless schemes, he knew he had changed from the man he had been when he arrived in Salem.
“Ask for Caroline Brady at the Pub,” EJ assured her. “Here’s my business card. I work at Mickey Horton’s law firm. If you need anything Emma, let me know.”
“Thanks EJ,” she smiled, and EJ smiled back. Emma waved goodbye, and walked into Brady’s pub, hoping her new life was going to be going well. EJ watched her walk away, and he felt a tug in his heart. The woman was curvaceous, and she was kind, and although she didn’t look nothing like most women in Salem, there was a sparkle about her that made his heart pound….



Emma Reilly gathered her belongings, and proceeded into Brady’s pub. She observed Sami, cuddling one of the twins’, looking sorrowful. Her father, she assumed, was sitting beside her, trying to comfort her. She approached the bartender Max again, and still felt anxious. Max greeted her, and she blushed again.
“Hey Mom!” Max called into the back of the pub. “This young woman wants to know if we have any rooms for rent!”
“Oh Max dear,” Caroline Brady appeared, and Emma smiled. Grandma Brady reminded her of her father’s mother, Irish, with a warm spirit about her. “Hello there. You are looking for a room?”
“Yes,” Emma answered, and she smiled. “I’m from Arizona, and I have chosen to settle here for a while. I am looking for a nursing job.”
“Welcome my child,” Caroline greeted her. “Come, and have some Irish stew. We do have a few rooms available.”
“Thanks so much for your kindness,” Emma answered, as she accepted the Irish stew from Caroline, and sat and ate it…
*****************************************************
“I expect my staff to be on time, and most importantly, courteous to our patients,” Dr. Lexie Carver explained to Emma, at her job interview a few days later. Emma had settled into life in Salem easily. She had applied at the hospital, and had immediately been given an interview. It was no lie, how much the nurse shortage was affecting most of America.
“That is why I enjoyed working at the nursing home,” Emma chimed in, as she caught her reflection in a side mirror, when they entered a patient’s room. She hated the way her scrubs clung to her curves, and she felt very self-conscious about her appearance.
“I’m glad Emma,” Lexie smiled at her. “I am happy to have you aboard. Welcome to Salem.”
“Thank you Lexie,” Emma thanked her, and managed to smile excitedly.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at six am,” Lexie informed her. “Go explore Salem.” Emma nodded, and Lexie went to talk with Dr. Jonas. Emma sighed happily, and walked towards the elevator. She had found a great job, and she loved her cozy new apartment. Caroline had rented her the old apartment that her grandson Sean and his wife Belle, and their daughter Claire had rented, and Emma loved it. She had purchased some soft pink curtains, and had painted the room hunter green. She had spent the last few days, studying over her school notes, but had also fallen prey to the television, watching reality television. She wanted to do something more excited. She decided maybe she should spiff herself up for the evening, and get ready for her new job.
She visited a downtown boutique, and purchased a beautiful, blood-red evening gown, and a small black wrap, plus a pair of black Jimmy Choo’s. She went into the beauty salon, and her long, auburn hair was trimmed, and tousled down into a halo of curls. She had even splurged on getting her make-up done. She felt a bit more attractive, and spotted a beautiful restaurant, named Chez Rouge. She paused at the door, finding it might be odd to eat dinner alone, but she had spent most of her life feeling lonely, she figured what was the difference. She entered the bar, and immediately took in it’s romantic ambiance. There was couples, littered everywhere, listening to a violinist playing Chopin, and basking romance over expensive Parisian wine, and lovely lit candles.
“May I help you Miss?” the hostess asked her, and she requested a table in the corner, for one. She followed the hostess to her table, that ended up being in the middle of the room. She cringed, not liking the feeling of being exposed.
“Emma?” Caroline greeted her. “You look lovely! I was just having dinner with my companion, Victor.” Emma looked at Caroline to find a grey-haired, serious man, glaring down at her.
“Nice to meet you,” Emma extended her hand to Victor. “How are you Caroline?”
“Very well dear,” Caroline answered, and she beamed. “No date tonight Emma?” She shook her head.
“I just wanted to celebrate,” Emma informed her. “Lexie hired me at the hospital.”
“Emma’s a nurse,” Caroline informed Victor, who nodded slightly.
“Please to meet your acquaintance,” Victor finally commented, and Emma smiled at him. “Congratulations on your job. Well, Caroline, we’d better be going.” Caroline nodded, and waved goodbye to Emma.
“So, my sister hired you?” Emma heard a sexy voice behind her. She turned around, to find EJ standing there, with a stunning woman.
“Yes, she did, thank you,” Emma answered softly. “Thanks for the reference.”
“Not a problem,” EJ assured her. “Kate, all of the work for your cosmetics line is doing well. I will contact you with further details.” Kate thanked him, and Emma realized she was just a client of EJ’s.
“How are things working out with Samantha?” Emma asked all of a sudden.
“Well, she apologized for the other night,” EJ informed her, admiring Emma for the first time. She looked completely different, although still innocent. “Her ex-husband, Lucas, is out of prison now. I’m sure he’s reuniting with my son right now.”
“I am sorry,” Emma managed to say. “Why would Samantha want to be with a man in prison?”
“That is something I will never be able to answer,” EJ laughed, and looked at her. “No company tonight?”
“No,” Emma replied softly. “New girl in town, nobody wants to eat with me.”
“Well, may I join you for dinner?” EJ asked her, and she nodded. “Thank you very much, and I must say, you look very beautiful tonight.”
“Thanks,” Emma blushed, and she looked down. “How was your day?”
“Full of challenges at the law firm,” EJ answered. “I am finally putting my law degree to work, but dealing with my father, now that he is not comatose anymore, is even more demanding.”
“My father is dead,” Emma managed to say. “He was a wonderful man. He’s the only one who ever truly loved me.” EJ cast her a sorrowful glance, and Emma took a sip of wine.
“My father might as well be dead,” EJ informed her. “He is a pompous, evil man, who spends all of his time, hurting others. He shows his love through purchasing us frivolous things, and what nasty scheme his crazy mind thinks of next, of how much we are willing to go along with it.”
“You seem nothing like him,” Emma complimented him, and EJ nodded slightly. He was like Stefano once. He never intended on being like him ever again. “My mother hated me. She spent her days taking care of my supermodel sister. She was her angel. I was merely the black sheep. When I left for College, my mother threw me my trust fund, and said, never call me again.” EJ glanced at her, unaware of someone could be so cruel to their daughter. Although Ali was really Lucas’ daughter, he still loved her and her twin brother so much. He could never imagine Samantha speaking that way to her daughter.
“Well, we all have family secrets,” EJ answered. “Now darling, what are you going to eat?”
“EJ?” a beautiful, blond haired woman appeared. “Am I late meeting you?”
“Nicole,” EJ stepped back, and smiled at his new client. Nicole cast an evil glance at Emma.
“Am I interrupting something?” Nicole smirked, glancing at Emma with eyes full of amusement. Emma felt like shrinking in her chair.
“I was just having dinner with Emma Reilly,” EJ explained to us. “Join us Nicole.”
“How about you and I go over to a nice, cozy corner over there?” Nicole suggested, and Emma felt defeated. Nicole looked like a supermodel. EJ looked at Emma and noticed she had tears in her eyes.
“I’m okay,” Emma managed to say softly. “Actually, I was just going to go. Thanks for the almost dinner EJ.” Emma stood up, and dropped her napkin. She was about to run out of the restaurant, but EJ stopped her.
“Emma, wait-,” EJ touched her shoulder.
“Look, EJ, you’re wasting your time eating with me,” Emma spat out. “Nicole is beautiful. You should eat with her. A guy like you should not be eating dinner with a loser like me.” EJ stepped back, looking at her shocked. Emma fled from the restaurant, feeling more humiliated than ever.
“She’s right EJ,” Nicole informed cattily. “She is way out of your league.”
“Sami warned me you were a bitch Nicole,” EJ snapped.
“Sami is a loser too,” Nicole laughed. “I heard from Kate that you love Sami. You are crazy EJ. Those women are not good enough for you.”
“That’s enough Nicole,” Philip appeared, looking very annoyed with his ex-stepmother. EJ left Philip to deal with Nicole, and he ran out of Chez Rouge, to look for Emma. He found her, sitting in her car, and he saw her head in her hands. He could tell she was sobbing.
“Emma?” he banged on her window. Emma glanced up at him, and opened the window slightly. “Darling, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Emma managed to say. “Nicole is right EJ. It’s crazy that you would even want to consider having dinner with me. I’m just a fat girl. God loves ugly AJ. Nobody else does.”
“Emma, I’m not like that,” EJ answered softly. “I am not shallow.”
“I’m sorry EJ,” Emma answered, and she sped off in her car….

“Nicole, that was much uncalled for,” EJ snapped, as he re-entered the restaurant.
“Well, I’m sorry, Elvis, but she is a waste of time,” Nicole grinned spontaneously. She gently rubbed EJ’s arms, and he jumped back. “Don’t be shy EJ. You know you can’t resist a beautiful woman.” EJ cast her a dirty Look, and backed away.
“Actually, I can resist a Bitch,” EJ answered, and turned away. “I do not want to work with you Nicole. Find another lawyer.” Nicole’s widened, as EJ left the restaurant, leaving her stunned. EJ escaped the restaurant, and ran into Sami and Lucas, all dressed up.
“Well, hello,” Sami greeted him. “Are you picking up Johnny tomorrow?”
“Yes,” EJ agreed, and Sami noticed he was in a hurry. “I will pick him up at our arranged time.”
“Actually, I was wondering if you could take Ali as well.” Sami asked him, and EJ saw Lucas’s face darkened in fury. “Lucas and I need to work some things out.”
“Not a problem,” EJ answered hurriedly, and Sami noticed how standoffish EJ was being with her. “Have a nice dinner love birds.” EJ escaped from them, and Sami raised her eyebrow. She looked at Lucas, and he gave her a bewildered Look.
“That was odd,” Lucas commented, as he rubbed Sami’s back. “You know, I have never seen him run off from you or not taken the chance to spite me.”
“Maybe he has another woman,” Sami suggested. “Grandma told me there is a new woman in town, who is living in Belle and Sean’s apartment.”
“Trust me, EJ is not going to give up on you easily,” Lucas reminded her, and Sami frowned…




Emma sat in Salem Park, watching the sunset. The clouds were trickled with gold and silver patterns, and she sighed. Her dinner attempt had been a complete disaster. Sometimes, she wished she was still home. At least, there was someone there who acknowledged her presence. She felt alone in Salem. She couldn’t wait to start hew new job tomorrow. She hoped the day went well.
“Emma?” she heard a familiar voice, and she turned to see EJ, looking concerned.
“Hi,” she greeted him, non-chalantly. “I’m sorry I ran out at dinner.”
“Nicole was quite rude,” EJ answered, and Emma looked down. “I am sorry for that.”
“It’s not your fault,” Emma stood up. “I have to go. I am working at the hospital tomorrow.”
“Okay, well, I just wanted to see if everything was okay,” EJ offered, and Emma nodded.
“Thanks for coming,” Emma replied, and she turned to walk away. EJ watched her walk away, and Emma didn’t look back. She headed over to her room at the Brady’s Pub, realizing she was actually quite hungry. She entered, noticing there was a birthday party going on for a little girl. She remembered Caroline telling her about her granddaughter’s, Ciara’s, third birthday at the Pub. She slipped in, and took a table in the back. Max approached her table.
“Hi,” he smiled, and she smiled back. “Aren’t you a bit dressed up for this place?”
“Change of plans?” Emma answered, and Max smiled. “I am hungry still. I was wondering if you had any fish and chips left.”
“We do,” Max answered. “I’ll put your order in right away.” Emma thanked him, and picked up the Salem Spectator. She couldn’t read it though, and she noticed Sami and Lucas come into the pub, with the twins. EJ also entered as well, and her eyes widened.
“Hello Sami,” Hope greeted them.
“Happy Birthday Ciara!” Sami smiled, and Ali smiled.
“Hi Hope,” EJ approached her. “I have a present for Ciara.”
“Thanks EJ,” Hope smiled.
“EJ, can you take the twins now?” Sami asked him. “I have to go with Lucas. We need to talk some things over.”
“Dinner didn’t work out?” EJ raised his eyebrow.
“You could say that,” Sami’s face darkened, and EJ looked at Lucas, who looked angry.
“Is everything okay?” he asked Sami, softly.
“Hopefully,” Sami answered, looking into EJ’s eyes. EJ tossed Lucas a dirty Look. “Thanks for taking Johnny and Ali. I will call you later.”
“Take care of my daughter!” Lucas snapped at him. EJ took Ali from Sami, and took the stroller away from Johnny.
“If you have any problems Samantha, call me,” EJ informed her, and Lucas shot him a jealous glance. Sami nodded, and followed Lucas’ out of the pub solemnly. EJ was overwhelmed, having both twins.
“Dada,” Ali spoke to EJ, and he smiled at her.
“Hi Princess,” EJ kiss her head. He noticed Johnny was sleeping. He glanced across the restaurant, and saw Emma sitting in the back corner. He pushed the stroller towards her table. Emma looked up, and saw EJ looking at her, kindly.
“Hi,” Emma greeted him. “Hi Sweetheart! Wow, you both are so adorable!” Ali waved at Emma, and she giggled.
“May we join you?” EJ asked her, and Emma nodded. Ali reached out her arms to Emma, and she took the beautiful, blonde-haired angel out of his arms.
“Of course,” Emma answered. “I’m sorry I ran out of the park.”
“It’s okay,” EJ answered, as he rocked the stroller. “You have to stop running away, Darling.”
“I will,” Emma smiled. “Who is Nicole anyway?”
“She is my ex-client,” EJ answered. “Samantha discouraged me from representing her. My boss won’t be happy.”
“She isn’t very pleasant,” Emma informed him. “However, I’m used to people’s negative comments. Don’t give up a job over what she said to me. I’ve just accepted that’s how life is, and where my place is.” EJ looked at her, completely dumbfounded about how such an amazing woman could think so little of herself.
“You are beautiful Emma,” EJ informed her, and she frowned. “Others opinions don’t matter. I think you’re beautiful.”
“We’re back,” Sami announced, appearing by herself. “Lucas is gone, to his mother’s. Hi. I’m Sami. Nice to meet you. Is Ali being good?”
“She is adorable,” Emma smiled back. “Nice to meet you. I’m Emma. Johnny is adorable as well.”
“Thanks,” Sami smiled at her. “Nice to meet you as well. My mom told me you are the new nurse at Salem Hospital. That’s great.”
“Thanks,” Emma answered, and she gave Ali back to Sami.
“Is everything alright?” EJ asked Sami, and she shook her head.
“Lucas and I are done,” she announced. “He has been so rude and unsupportive. He is mad we are living with John and my mom. He wants me to move back to the apartment, but he knows I can’t do that with the immigration issues.”
“Well, don’t worry,” EJ assured her. “I’m here for you and the twins Sami.”
“Thanks EJ,” Sami answered. “Actually, I am going to head over to the DiMera mansion and put the twins to sleep.”
“Would you like me to come?” EJ wanted to know.
“It’s okay,” Sami answered, noticing EJ seemed interested in the new woman in Salem. “You two have dinner. My mom will take me home. Nice meeting you Emma. Good luck tomorrow on your first day.”
“Thanks Sami,” Emma smiled.
“Bye,” Sami waved, as she pushed the twin’s strollers out of the restaurant with her mother.
“You love her,” Emma told EJ.
“I did,” EJ answered. “I’m not sure Emma. Sami and I are really good friends. She has never really shown any interest in a while.”
“But she broke up with Lucas,” Emma answered.
“It could be for tonight,” EJ answered, and he looked at him. “I am not going to deny it Emma. I find you very attractive, and you seem very nice. Would you like to go out for dinner with me tomorrow night as a date to celebrate your first job?” Emma blushed, and she looked at him with wide eyes. Was he serious? This hot, charming, and nice guy was asking her out.
“Really?” Emma answered. “Are you sure? I am not good enough for you EJ.”
“Look Sweetheart, all I can do is ask,” EJ informed her. “You were very kind to me the first day you arrived here.”
“Okay, I’ll go,” Emma answered, and she managed to smile. “But, EJ, just so you know, you can do much better.”
“Nonsense Emma,” EJ cast her a smile. “I am doing just fine!” He stood up, walked over, and kissed the top of her head…





--------------------

Emma had finished up her first day at Salem Hospital. On her first day of nursing, she had witnessed two patient’s death, a baby’s birth, and had helped on a couple of surgeries with Dr. Carver. She was anxious and exhausted, but looking forward to her dinner with EJ. She was still feeling the whole situation was a bit surreal. She was still in shock that he had even asked her out. She figured her felt pity for her, considering she was really new in town and didn’t know anyone. She also thought he felt bad about the whole Nicole situation.
“Hi Emma!” Sami appeared, as soon as she entered Brady’s Pub. She was sitting with Ali, at one of the tables.
“Hi,” Emma answered with a smile, as she took of her coat. Although autumn was almost over, she was glad to see winter beginning. “How are you? Hi Ali!” Ali waved her little hand to Emma.
“I’m good thanks,” Sami answered. “How was your first day?”
“It was great,” Emma answered. “I’m tired, but I think I’m really going to like working there.”
”That’s great,” Sami encouraged her. “So, how’s EJ? He’s been acting kind of weird this morning.”
“He’s good, I guess,” Emma admitted, and wondered why he was acting weird.
“He’s a good husband,” Sami informed her. “I broke up with Lucas, as you know. EJ is a good man. I don’t really have feelings for him, but he’s a good father to the twins.”
“You and EJ are married?” Emma raised her eyebrow. “I didn’t know that.”
“Oh, it’s mostly in name only,” Sami answered, and she smiled. “Why? Do you like him?”
“Like who Samantha?” EJ appeared in the pub, holding Johnny. “Hello Emma. How are you?”
“Hi,” Emma answered shortly. She had no idea he was married! There was no way she could date a married man!
“I just told Emma we are married,” Sami told EJ, and EJ blushed. “We are married in name only.”
“We are married,” EJ managed to say, as Emma’s face seemed to change instantly. “But it’s not like you think.”
“Oh, I think tonight is not really a good idea,” Emma managed to say. “I have to go. I’m going to take a nap.” She turned, and ran up the stairs towards her room.
“What did you say to her?” EJ demanded off Sami, and Sami smirked.
“EJ, don’t mess with her,” Sami told him. “She’s too good for you. She’s a nice girl.”
“That is really none of your business Samantha,” EJ snapped back. “Look, I let you prance around with Lucas. Are you jealous?”
“Jealous?” Sami laughed. “Are you kidding? And Lucas and I were married. I thought you would be with Nicole by now!”
“Nicole is not my type,” EJ answered, remembering how Mickey Horton had reamed him out for letting Nicole’s case go, his first major case as a lawyer in Mickey Horton’s firm. He had to, unfortunately, beg Nicole to re-take his case. “Speaking of Nicole, I have to work for her again.”
“How nice,” Sami said bitterly. She hated Nicole with a passion.
“What else did you say to Emma?” EJ questioned her.
“I asked her if she liked you,” Sami informed him. “I was going to warn her to stay away.”
“That’s not fair Samantha,” EJ sighed. “Haven’t I been good to you and the twins, since Lucas rotted in jail?”
“Yes, you have,” Sami admitted. “But EJ, come on. You have not changed to be a better man.”
“I have,” EJ argued with her.
“Dada!” Ali squealed, looking at EJ.
“No Ali that is not your dada!” Sami told her daughter. “Look, she’s calling you dada now.”
“It’s not my fault Lucas is never around,” EJ told her.
“Whatever,” Sami shrugged. “Anyways, I am just surprised you might be interested in Emma.”
“Why does that surprise you?” EJ asked, sitting beside her. This was the woman he had tried to love for so long, and had denied him. He was really tired of trying to get her to love him.
“Well, I just thought you would want Nicole,” Sami commented, and she smiled. “EJ, I thought you wanted me.”
“Well, sweetheart, you aren’t exactly easy to be with,” EJ pointed out, and Sami laughed. “You don’t have feelings for me. Admit it.”
“Well, you’re probably right,” Samantha said softly. “I mean, all these months, I would have probably told you.”
“It hurts you, doesn’t it, that I might like someone else,” EJ replied softly. Samantha looked away, and she turned back. She looked into EJ’s soft, brown eyes, and almost nodded, but stopped herself. She had loved Lucas. She had wanted to be with him for so long. She had fought for his love, but after he had come back from jail, there was no spark, no fire, nothing. Just an angry man who was still bitter. She didn’t like the man he had become, and realized EJ was twice the man Lucas was. However, she had denied EJ for too long, and she wasn’t even sure she loved him.
“Maybe,” Sami admitted. “I don’t know if I like you EJ. I have tried to love Lucas. He has changed.”
“He has,” EJ agreed. “But so have I Samantha. I’ve been a good husband to you and a good father to the twins. I have fought for our family for over a year.”
“I know you have,” Sami whispered softly. “Look, I still love Lucas. Maybe he can change.”
“I am going to move out of John’s house,” EJ informed Sami, standing up. “I want an annulment. Immigration informed me that I am going to become an American citizen next month.”
“EJ, who is going to help me take care of the twins?” Sami questioned him.
“Marlena and John are there,” EJ answered, and Sami frowned. “I am going to go back to my apartment Samantha. This is not working anymore.”
“But-but I can’t live without you,” Sami managed to say. “I mean, the twins can’t.” EJ looked at her momentarily, and looked away.
“I’ll take Johnny when I can, after work and evenings,” EJ answered, and stood up. “Now, I’ll have the movers come over in the next few days to pick up my remaining clothes and furniture.” Sami looked dumbfounded, as he saw EJ, walk away, and up towards Emma’s apartment. She could not believe he was leaving her. She was going to miss him, and was unsure she could live on her own. Maybe she could convince him to stay…




Emma lay sprawled on her queen size, her nurse’s uniform laying on the ground, in a muddled mess. She was wearing lacey, cotton, night dress, given to her by her grandmother before she had passed away. She looked at the ceiling, and was still thinking about EJ and Sami in the pub. She was so confused, and she felt a tear form in her eyes. She realized life was always unfair to her. She had had an awful childhood, and now, she had tried to move on for some tranquility and happiness, but had just found more loneliness and despair. She heard a light tap on her door. She sat up, realizing her dress was a bit revealing. She thought it might be Caroline, checking to see how her first day was.
“I’m coming Caroline!” Emma called, as she ran towards the door. The tulle and lace of her nightgown flowed like an angel, as she danced towards the door. “Caroline-would you like some tea-.” She stopped talking, when she realized it wasn’t Caroline!
“Emma,” EJ spoke her name softly, and she stepped back from the door. She was speechless.
“EJ,” she replied, and she blushed, realizing her night dress was very revealing. “Hi.”
“Hi,” EJ answered cautiously. “Can I come in?”
“Yes,” Emma stepped aside. “Would you like some coffee or tea? Caroline always comes by for a tea.”
“Coffee sounds great, thanks,” EJ answered, and Emma nodded. She shuffled into the kitchen, and turned on the coffee pot. She lightly poured some coffee beans into a cup, and felt EJ’s presence, allowing her heart to beat quicker. She passed him the coffee, and they sat down, at her kitchen table. She fiddled with her table cloth, and looked at EJ.
“Sami said you are married to her,” Emma began.
“We are married in name only,” EJ answered. “Is it okay if I explain?” Emma nodded, and EJ smiled.
“You can explain, I am a good listener,” Emma offered.
“Thank you,” he sipped his coffee. “When I came to Salem, I was a bit of bachelor. I didn’t care about anyone or anything, except what I could get in my life and trying to please my father. Meeting Samantha changed my life. When I found out she was expecting our son, my priorities changed. There was a curse. It involved Sami’s grandmother Colleen Brady and my grandfather, Santo DiMera, and my father promised to rectify the curse of the Brady family if I married Samantha.”
“So, if you married Sami, your father and his family would stop hurting the Brady family?” Emma repeated, trying to understand.
“Exactly,” EJ nodded, and sighed. “Okay, so Samantha and Lucas divorced. I married her and during our wedding, I was shot by Lucas. Lucas went to jail. I moved in with Samantha to help her with the twins, and I had feelings for her. I really thought she would love me. She hasn’t though.”
“Are you sure?” Emma asked softly.
“I’m definitely sure she doesn’t love me,” EJ answered gently. “Well, the immigration office wanted to send me back to UK. They said I was illegally here. We had to convince the immigration officer we were married than in just name. So, we moved into John’s mansion, which happens to be my father’s mansion. I have lived there with her for almost a year now. Nothing has changed.”
“That’s a crazy story,” Emma admitted, and she blushed. “No offense. I think that is just so much for you and Sami to go through. It’s a lot of stress. I hope you are all doing okay.” EJ just paused for a moment, and glanced at her. He had never really met a woman who was so selfless. She was very caring, even though he barely knew her. This was the second time; she had consoled him, with some simple words of understanding and encouragement.
“We are going to be okay,” he answered. “Emma, you are an incredible woman. You have such compassion for others. That’s a rare quality to see today, especially in this town.”
“Thanks,” she answered. “I’ve always tried to help others. I may have been treated the best by my family, but I knew that I could be a better person. That’s why I am a nurse. I want to make a difference and help others.” EJ smiled at her, and she managed to smile back.
“Would you re-consider having dinner with me?” EJ wanted to know, and Emma nodded.
“EJ, if you love Sami, I understand,” Emma told him. “We can be friends.”
“I don’t love Samantha,” EJ replied quickly.
“Okay,” Emma replied, and she stood up. “You know what? I have a better idea than going out for dinner. How about I order a pizza, and we can have some drinks and watch a video.”
“That sounds great,” EJ answered. “Here, I’ll order from the Cheating Heart.”
“Okay,” Emma agreed. “I’ll find a movie. I think Belle and Shawn left some movies behind.” EJ watched her walk away, and she went over to look through the videos. Apparently, Sean and Belle had a daughter, so she found multiple children’s videos. She picked out a romantic comedy called Wedding Date, and step up some blankets and pillows to put on the couch. She popped the DVD into the player, and turned it on. She sat down on the couch, and cuddled up in one corner. EJ sat down almost beside her, and gave her a cup of tea.
“Pizza should be here in about forty minutes,” EJ informed her.
“Thanks for the tea,” Emma smiled, and she passed him the remote. “I picked out a comedy. I hope that’s okay.”
“That’s perfect,” EJ agreed, and the movie began. They watched it quietly, and EJ relaxed for the first time, in months. He loved Emma’s soft laughed, and he loved the intensity she showed. The door bell rang, and Emma stood up to answer. “I’ll get it.”
“Oh EJ, how are you?” Caroline’s voice sounded surprise to find him there.
“Hi Caroline,” EJ greeted her, as Emma paused the movie, and stood up to greet Caroline.
“Hi Caroline,” she smiled, giving her a quick hug. “How are you?”
“I’m good honey,” Caroline answered. “I’m sorry if I am interrupting you. I just wanted to see how your first day at work went.”
“It’s okay,” Emma managed to sooth her. “It was wonderful. I am really enjoying it.”
“That’s wonderful,” Caroline replied warmly. “I am glad you are happy there Emma.”
“It’s the happiest I’ve been in a long time,” Emma managed to say, and Caroline smiled.
“Well, I’ll let you two get back to your movie,” Caroline smiled back. “Have a good night.” Emma and EJ thanked her, and the pizza had been delivered by that time.
“I wish she was my mother,” Emma told EJ. “My mother was so mean.”
“Don’t worry about her,” EJ told her. “You’re here, and they don’t matter.” Emma nodded, and she accepted a pizza slice from EJ.
“Let’s go watch the movie,” Emma suggested, and she spread out on the couch, with her pizza. They watched the movie silently, and ate their pizza. Emma yawned, and placed her pizza plate on the coffee table. She curled up on the couch, and laid her head agonist’s EJ’s shoulder, and fell asleep…



--------------------

“Good morning Sweetheart,” EJ greeted Emma, and she smiled softly. She realized it was dark out, and she had to be to work by 6am. She glanced up at EJ, and realized he was admiring her, adoringly. “You look beautiful when you wake up.”
“Thanks,” Emma smiled back, and she looked into his eyes. “You look really-really handsome too.”
“Handsome, did you say?” EJ teased her, and she giggled.
“Was the movie good?” Emma asked, and EJ nodded.
“It was a sweet ending,” EJ offered, and Emma smiled. “Now, darling, are you going to go to sleep?”
“Yes,” she answered softly. “I have to wake up at 6am for work. Thanks for coming over tonight EJ. I had a great time.”
“Thank you for having me,” EJ whispered softly. He gently stood up, and reached underneath, carrying her into her bedroom. He placed in gently onto her bed, after drawing the covers, and tucked her in. “Good night Emma.” He gently kissed her forehead.
“Are you leaving?” Emma asked, and EJ looked down at her. She truly was an angel.
“I don’t have to,” EJ offered, and Emma smiled.
“Please stay with me,” Emma encouraged him. EJ nodded. He climbed into bed beside her, after changing into a pair of Sean D’s pajamas. Emma turned on her side, and snuggled up to her pillow. EJ reached over softly, and brushed a tiny strand her auburn hair of her eyes. He then stroked her hair, and then pushed her close to him. She hadn’t been cuddled by a man, in such a long time.
“Am I moving too quickly?” EJ whispered in her ear, and she shook her head. He gently kissed the top of her hair, and Emma cuddled up to his strong embrace.
“Sweet dreams EJ,” Emma whispered to him.
“Sweet dreams,” he replied, and Emma fell asleep instantly, in the arms of a man, she never thought she would ever have a chance with. She figured this was all a dream, and she would wake up in the morning…


“EJ hasn’t come back Mom,” Sami paced to floor of the twin’s nursery at the DiMera mansion. “He said he wanted to move out Mom.”
“Why Sami?” Marlena asked, as she looked a bit tousled after making love to John
“He said he was sending someone to pick up his bags in the next few days,” Sami answered. “Mom, you know Emma? The new nurse at the hospital? He made a date with her tonight.”
“Really?” Marlena seemed in another world.
“Mom! He wants an annulment from me!” Sami snapped, and Marlena’s eyes widened.
“Well, isn’t that what you want?” Marlena answered. “Sami, you don’t even like EJ.”
“Well, he’s a good man,” Sami informed Marlena. “He is a wonderful father to Johnny and Ali, when Lucas isn’t here. He takes care of us.”
“You’ve pushed EJ away Sami,” Marlena reminded her. “This is the best anyways. Lucas is out and you both can be married again.”
“Lucas has changed,” Sami informed, as Ali began to cry.
“Oh Ali, are you okay sweetheart?” EJ appeared in the room, looking rumpled, and really happy. Ali stopped crying, and looked adoringly into his eyes.
“Where were you?” Sami demanded, and EJ kissed Ali’s forehead.
“With Emma,” EJ answered. “She is amazing. I think we might have something special beginning.”
“That’s good EJ,” Marlena pointed out. “Now, Sami and Lucas can get married, and raise the twins. Of course, you can take Johnny and Ali whenever you want.”
“Oh no,” Sami protested. “Mom, Lucas and I are broken up. I am not getting married to him. EJ, would you consider staying with me for a while? I could learn to love you.” EJ looked at her, surprised.
“No Sami,” EJ informed her. “I have given you a year of my life. I have been a good provider for you and the twins. We are finished.”
“You used to be in love with me!” Sami protested, and EJ looked at her, shocked.
“Sami, calm down,” Marlena informed her daughter. “Lucas will come again. EJ, ask Mickey Horton to start drawing up the annulment papers. I will deal with Sami. We can work out custody arrangements with the twins.”
“If you leave me EJ Wells, I will not allow you to see Ali,” Sami threatened, and EJ looked at her.
“Sami, don’t be silly,” Marlena interrupted. “EJ, Sami needs a good sleep. Go on Honey. Go to sleep.” EJ noticed tears appearing in Sami’s eyes, and he felt bad.
“Come on Sami, let’s talk,” EJ urged her, and he brought her into a separate room.
“I love you EJ!” Sami blurted out. “Please don’t leave me.”
“Oh Sami,” EJ shook his head. “Please don’t say that. I don’t love you anymore. You’ve pushed me away so much.”
“I’ll do anything to keep you,” Sami pleaded with me. “Please EJ. Be my husband.”
“I’m sorry Samantha,” EJ stood up. “This marriage is over. I am sorry you are pain, but I need to move on with my life.”
“You bastard!’ Sami swore, as EJ walked out of the room


--------------------


"EJ!" Sami called, as he stopped in the foyer of the DiMera mansion. "Don't leave me. I love you!" EJ turned around, shocked, and he saw tears in Sami's eyes. He didn't know what to say. He had longed for this woman for so long, and she had denied him.
"Really Samantha?" EJ asked her softly, and she started to sob. Sami dove into EJ's arms, and EJ hugged her back. She loved the feeling of his warm embrace.
"Please don't leave!" Sami cried. "EJ, I'm so sorry for everything I've put you through."
"Samantha, darling," EJ gently put his hands on her shoulders, and looked deep into her eyes. "I-I don't love you anymore."
"EJ, you can't be serious!" Sami shrieked. "How can you not love me?"
"I've moved on," EJ answered quietly. "Please accept it Samantha. Move on with your life. I will be filing for divorce very soon."
"I hate you!" Sami yelled at him, but EJ kept walking...
********************************************************************************
******
Emma finished filling out her notes, on her clipboard, and was ready for her shift to end. She had been working for almost 14 hours, and she was exhausted. Lexie smiled at her, as she came up beside her with a patient's paper work.
"Someone is happy," Lexie teased her, and Emma blushed. "New man?"
"I had a few dates with a nice man," Emma blushed, not knowing if she should reveal to Lexie she had a date with her half-brother.
"It's EJ, isn't it?" Lexie asked, and Emma nodded. "He is married to Sami though."
"I know," Emma felt her self esteem plunging. She had enjoyed her night with EJ, but she had a nagging feeling that he still loved Sami. Besides, he was married. She was still conflicted with her morals of dating a married man.
"EJ is a great guy," Lexie assured her. Emma smiled back, as Lexie left to go and check on some patient's. Emma gathered up her belongings, and walked towards the parking lot. She felt a sudden breath entrapture her, and she walked out to her SUV to find a single white rose on the windshield, with a card. She took the paper off the card, and opened it, slowly. She gasped when she read the contents of the letter. I'm watching you. Don't date EJ Dimera. If you do, I will hurt you. Emma dropped the card on the floor, and felt tears welling up in her eyes. She tossed the card into her car, and tossed the white rose in as well. She sped off to the DiMera mansion. She was scared, and wanted to speak to EJ.
"Can I help you?" a man, she thought was EJ's father, standing in the doorway.
"Hi, I'm Emma," she said uncertainly. "I'm looking for EJ. Are you his father?"
"Nice one," John Black chuckled. "EJ is in here somewhere. Those children are driving me crazy. Come in."
"Thanks," Emma answered, finding John very peculiar.
"What are you doing here?" Sami snapped at Emma, as she held a screaming Ali.
"I came to see EJ," Emma answered softly. "If this is a bad time, I can come back-."
"Don't bother coming back!" Sami cried. "You are not welcome here!"
"I'm so-sorry," Emma stammered, as tears came to her eyes. "Sami, I told EJ that if he loved you, I would back off."
"Get out!" Sami shrieked.
"Girls, can you take that screaming kid and your ********, somewhere else?" John swore.
"Emma?" EJ appeared in the livingroom, wearing a pair of pajamas, and he was holding Johnny. EJ saw tears in her eyes, and he walked towards her.
"No EJ," Emma turned away. "You and Sami should be together."
"That's right, honey," Sami almost laughed. "My husband is staying with me. Get your facts straight."
"Samantha!" EJ glared at her. "Emma, wait-."
"No, just get out," Sami warned her, and then turned away. "Get her out of here EJ."
"I'm leaving tonight," EJ looked at Sami. "I've had enough. I'm taking Johnny with me."
"Oh no, you're not," Sami answered.
"Fine, I will see my son tomorrow," EJ answered. "Emma, please come with me. I'm packing and leaving tonight Samantha." Sami looked shocked, as Emma followed EJ into the upstairs. She admired the DiMera mansion. She waited silently, as EJ put Johnny to sleep, and then packed some work clothes and regular clothes into a suitcase. Emma waited for him, and she saw Sami appear in the room.
"I'm sorry," Sami sobbed. "I'm sorry Emma. It's just I love EJ. EJ, please don't leave me."
"It's a little too late," EJ answered. Sami reached forward, and passionately kissed EJ, in front of Emma. Emma felt tears form in her eyes, and she started to flea, but EJ gently took her hand.
"EJ-," Sami's eyes grew large, as he pushed her away.
"Samantha, I am sorry you are hurt," EJ explained to her. "I will take care of Ali and Johnny, but I am falling in love with Emma. I want to be happy Sami. I am not happy with you." Sami broke down in tears, as EJ picked up his suitcase, and gently led Emma down the stairs. They walked to Emma's SUV in silence. Emma unlocked the car, and EJ tossed his bag in the backseat.
"EJ, are you sure?" Emma asked him softly. EJ responded, by wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace, and kissed her passionately. She felt all these new warm feelings fluttering through her body. He kissed the top of her head, and looked deep into her eyes.
"Emma, I am not only sure, I am crazy about you," EJ smiled softly. "You are so amazing. I know I've only known you a few weeks, but sweetheart, I have never felt this way before. I am falling in love with you, and I want to be with you. I love you Emma."
"I love you too," Emma whispered back, and she smiled, as he wrapped his arms around her closely...

EJ Wells sat in his office at Mickey Horton's office looking over Nicole Kiriakis' divorce files. He was exhausted, and noticed the time was almost five. He promised Sami he would take the wins. She was being very cold towards him, and he couldn't blame her. He had the feeling Sami was jealous of Emma, and he didn't want to be fighting with Sami. He heard a knock on the door, and saw his assistant, Chelsea Brady, appear. Chelsea had taken an internship with the Horton law firm.
"Hi EJ," Chelsea greeted him. "I have a delivery for you."
"Thanks Chelsea," EJ smiled at her, as she gave him a basket with a card. "Chelsea, you're doing a fabulous job here. Thank you for all your help."
"My grandfather is pleased you are doing Nicole's divorce case," Chelsea confided in him. She was tired of Nicole living at the Kiriakis mansion. "He wants her out as soon as possible."
"I'm working my best on the case," EJ assured her. "Chelsea, I think everything is done for the day. You are free to go."
"Thanks, Nick and I have a special date planned," Chelsea grinned, and waved goodbye. EJ looked at the package. It was wrapped up in brown paper, so he wasn't able to see inside. He opened the card first, and read it to himself:

Hi Honey. How are you doing? I figured you were working late tonight, and I just wanted to send you some supper and also, just wanted to say I miss you. Love, Emma

EJ smiled and looked into the basket. It was homemade chocolate chip muffins and homemade chicken noodle soup, topped with a bottle of red wine. There was also a stuffed teddybear. EJ smiled, and warmed up the chicken noodle soup in his microwave. He also took a muffin, and gingerly ate Emma's dinner. He ate quickly, and walked out of the office to his awaiting Hybrid car, to go and pick up the twins. Sami had some business to take care of with her family. He drove to the DiMera mansion, and John answered the door.
"Oh, you've returned," John greeted him sarcastically. "Your wife is a hysterical woman. Please calm her. She's getting on my nerves."
"She is not my wife anymore," EJ informed him. "We are getting a divorce."
"Good," John nodded. "Marriage is a waste of time anyways." EJ came into the house, and Sami appeared. She looked absolutely miserable.
"I didn't think you would come," Sami said softly. "Ali and Johnny are ready to go. You're not taking them to Emma's, are you?"
"Is Emma the new broad?" John almost laughed.
"Go away John," Sami snapped at him.
"Samantha, the twins are going to be with me," EJ answered. "If Emma happens to be there, that is how it is."
"I don't want her around my children!" Sami snapped at him. "She is a homewrecker."
"Calm down woman!" John shook his head, and went into the parlor to spoke a cigar.
"Sami, I don't want you to speak about my fiancee that way," EJ answered, and Sami's eyes grew big.
"Fiancee?" Sami laughed. "You're engaged?"
"We will be very soon," EJ replied. "I love her. She is going to be my wife Samantha. Accept it."
"You're making a horrible mistake!" Sami retorted. Ideas started floating around in Sami's head, and she knew just who she was going to call, Kate. Kate was probably Happy as Hell that Lucas and her had split up, and she would probably be willing to help her break up Emma and EJ, if she knew Lucas and her weren't working out.
"Hi EJ," Marlena appeared.
"Mom, EJ's engaged," Sami told her.
"Engaged?" Marlena looked shocked.
"Well, not yet, but in time," EJ replied honestly. "Emma and I are dating now."
"The twins are ready to go," Marlena told EJ, happily. Sami went and retrieved the twins, and gave EJ their carriers. EJ thanked Marlena, and walked out the door without another word.
"Mom, I can't believe this!" Sami cried, and Marlena looked at her.
"Honey, this is the best thing," Marlena informed her. "Now, Lucas and you can work out your relationship." Sami smirked, and went into the bedroom to call Kate...
**************************************************
Kate Roberts received a mysterious phone call from Samantha Brady, who wanted to meet with her. Lucas had been sulking around her apartment for almost a week, because he had lost Sami. He was seeing therapist and was trying to work out his issues from jail. He kept proclaiming he loved Sami, but Kate still think Sami was good enough for her son. She had noticed there was a nice new nurse named Emma at the hospital, and she had been planning on setting Lucas up on a date with her.
"Hi," Sami appeared, looking miserable.
"Hi Sami," Kate said coldly. "Make this quick. I have a dinner date with Tony."
"Nice," Sami almost laughed. "How's Lucas?"
"He's miserable Sami," Kate answered. "I'm going to set him up with that new nurse at the hospital. A wholesome, sweet girl she is, your mother tells me."
"Emma?" Sami laughed at the ironcy of this situation. "She's dating EJ."
"Are you serious?" Kate laughed. "Why would she go with him?"
"I want EJ back," Sami informed Kate. "I need your help. I want to break up Emma and him."
"Oh Sami, Sami, Sami," Kate stood up. "I am not getting involved in your schemes anymore. EJ finally came to his senses and my son will eventually. Goodbye Sami."
"Bitch," Sami swore, and she walked out of the office, feeling more alone that ever...


"Hi," Caroline greeted EJ at the Pub. "Hello my sweet grandbabies."
"Grandma," Ali squealed, and Caroline picked her up.
"EJ? Can I talk to you for a minute?" EJ heard Lucas' voice.
"Sure," EJ agreed. Caroline agreed to watch the twins.
"My mother just called me and said Sami visited her and tried to get her to break up you and some new girl," Lucas informed him. "Did you break up with Sami?"
"Yes Lucas," EJ answered. "I've moved on." Lucas' eyes fell on the twins.
"Ali, daddy's here," Lucas' said softly, as tears formed in his eyes.
"I'll leave you with the twins," EJ offered. "I was just going to run upstairs." Lucas nodded, and EJ ran up the stairs to Emma's apartment. He knocked on the door. Emma opened the door, and she smiled when she saw him.
"Hi," she smiled coyly, and batted her eyelashes. "Come on in."
"Hey Darling," he kissed the top of her head, and noticed such a change in Emma from the first day he met her. She was more approachable, and more confident. "How was your day? Thanks for the dinner, and the teddybear."
"You're welcome, and my day is better now," Emma answered, and she turned towards him. "How was your day?"
"Busy," he admitted, getting annoyed with dealing with the sneaky, manipulative Nicole Walker-Kiriakis. "I have the twins downstairs."
"Okay, great!" Emma replied enthusiastically. "Are we going out?"
"I thought we could have dinner at Chez Rouge?" EJ suggested. "It's a bit formal."
"I have the perfect dress," Emma answered, and she slipped into the bedroom. She changed into a red, evening gown, she had selected from the designer tour downtown, a week before. She walked into the livingroom, and EJ was struck by her beauty. She was so beautiful, and he was crazy about her.
"You look amazing," EJ complimented her, and she blushed.
"Thanks, and so do you," she answered gratefully.
"Come over here," EJ teased her, and she walked over to him, and he embraced her, planting a soft kiss on her lips. She linked her arm through his, and they headed downstairs to retrieve the twins. Lucas was playing with Johnny and Ali, was sitting with Caroline.
"Going out somewhere special?" Caroline smiled at them.
"I'm taking Emma and the twins for dinner at Chez Rouge," EJ answered proudly. "Can I take Ali, Lucas?"
"Yeah, sure, okay," Lucas agreed. "Can I see the twins tomorrow?"
"Sure," EJ agreed.
"Thanks," Lucas answered, and he looked at Emma. "Hi. I'm Ali's father, Lucas."
"Nice to meet you," Emma shook his hand.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Nicole appeared, wearing a slinky, black dress.
"Nicole, what is it?" EJ almost rolled his eyes.
"EJ, you never learn," Nicole laughed. "You are pathetic. Sami, now her? Come on!"
"That's enough Nicole," EJ stepped in.
"I need you," Nicole reminded him, and she offered Emma a smug smile. "I have a question."
"Fine," EJ snapped, and left Ali with Emma.
"She's pleasant," Emma commented to Lucas and Caroline.
"I used to be married to her," Lucas shook his head. He looked at Emma, and realized she was actually quite attractive. His mother had told him about the new nurse in town, and she thought she was the perfect match for her son.
"Why?" Emma asked him. "That was a bad mistake."
"I was stupid then," Lucas admitted to her, and Emma smiled at him.
"You seem like a decent man," Emma informed him. "Never lower yourself to date that."
**************************************

EJ glanced over impatiently, and saw Emma, laughing with Lucas. Nicole was droning on about what she expected from Victor's estate. EJ sighed, and watched as Lucas started flirting with Emma! Nicole reached over, and touched his shoulder. He pushed her arm away, and gave her a dirty Look.
"That's enough Nicole," EJ warned her. "Now, I will speak to you tomorrow."
"Suit yourself," Nicole rolled her eyes, and she glared across the room. "Looks like Lucas is zooming in on your new chic." EJ walked away, and towards Lucas and Emma.
"I'm back," EJ managed a tight smile, and Lucas smirked at him.
"Emma was just telling me all about her move to Salem," Lucas informed EJ.
"I thought you were going out with Sami tonight," EJ answered, and Lucas stood up.
"Actually, I am going to take her to Chez Rouge," Lucas stood up. "Nice meeting you Emma. Be careful with this one."
"Daddy!" Ali squealed, when she saw EJ. Lucas was too far away to hear.
"Mama?" Johnny started to bawl, and EJ picked him up.
"Ready Emma?" EJ asked her, and she nodded, noticing the tension between EJ and Lucas. She was nervous to have dinner in the same restaurant with Sami and Lucas...




"Well, hello, EJ," Maggie Horton greeted them, as she looked curiously at Emma.
"Maggie, this is my girlfriend, Emma," EJ introduced her proudly.
"Hi Maggie, nice to meet you," Emma shook her hand, and smiled. "You have a beautiful restaurant."
"Why thank you," Maggie thanked her. "I have a special table for you and the twins."
"Lucas, I told you this is just a dinner to discuss the twins-," Sami entered Chez Rouge, to find EJ dining with Emma and her twins. She was furious. "What is EJ doing here with her?"
"They are having dinner together, obviously," Lucas answered, greeting his Aunt Maggie.
"EJ introduced to his new girlfriend," Maggie told Sami and Lucas. "How nice it is, to see you two back together."
"Girlfriend?" Sami cried. "We aren't even divorced yet!" Sami walked away, and went over to EJ and Emma's table.
"Samantha!" EJ looked at her, wide eyed.
"EJ, what the Hell are you doing?" Sami shrieked. "And with our twins? It's too late. I told you, I didn't want her near my children."
"Johnny is my son," EJ answered quietly. "Samantha, you are creating a scene."
"Sami, if you still love EJ---," Emma spoke up, and Sami glared at her.
"Give me back my twins!" Sami cried, and EJ stood up.
"This is enough," EJ walked towards Emma, as Sami watched in horror. "Emma, I love you. You are beautiful, intelligent, warm, and caring. I know I've only known you for a short period of time, but I feel like I've known you for forever. Will you do the honour, of becoming my wife?"
"Are you kidding me?" Sami commented, but EJ and Emma ignored her.
"Really?" Emma whispered back. "But EJ, are you sure? You want to marry me? I mean, I am-I am not...are you sure?"
"Yes," he answered, and he opened a red, velvet box, that contained a Tacori, single, cut, 4 karat, diamond, engagement ring, rapped in platinum. John had loaned his nephew some money to purchase the ring with interest.
"Wow," Emma felt tears coming to her eyes. "This is so beautiful, EJ. I always wished for this. I just thought I would be alone for forever."
"Just say yes," Lucas encouraged her, and Emma laughed, happily. Sami glared at him.
"Yes," Emma whispered softly, as tears spilled down her pale face. EJ slipped the ring on her finger, and then picked her up. He whirled her around, and she kissed him passionately...






*Warning: There is some adult issues involved here. Not appropriate for children under 16.*

Valerie Reilly stared in horrid at the beautiful wedding invitation that lay opened on her mother's kitchen counter. She felt her body tensing up in jealousy, as she read the invitation. Her sister, Emma, the black sheep was getting married! She couldn't believe it! It was too dreadful to imagine that her loser of a sister was marrying, before she had. She was the prized one in the family. She had inherited her mother's glorious, long, ash-blond hair, her liquid, green eyes that could entrance any man, and her model-thin stature that had landed her a modeling concert with Irene Cara modeling agency. She had been in Miami shooting a commercial, when she had received her mother, Renee's, message about Emma's upcoming nupitals.
"Mom! Can you believe this?" Valerie cried, as her cold, but competent mother appeared, carrying bags from Dolce and Gabbana.
"No, Val, I can't," Renee replied. "Emma is not worthy of a man's hand in marriage. She must be marrying a real loser."
"I want to see this man who she found," Valerie announced. "Come on Mother. Let's take a trip, to Salem. Trust me, the minute, what's his name, Elvis, sees me, the wedding will be off."
********************************************************************************
"Thank you for agreeing to being my maid of honour," Emma Reilly, sat contently, in the staff room at Salem Hospital. She was having a small break, after completing rounds for her floor of patients.
"You're welcome," Lexie Carver responded, smiling at the latest nurse who had joined her staff. "It's nice to see my brother happy. Are you sure you don't want to ask your sister?"
"No," Emma admitted, shaking her head. "Valerie and I aren't that close." She didn't want to go into all the lucid details about all the horrible things her beloved sister had done to her over the years, including stealing every boyfriend she had ever had. She was even reluctant to invite them to her wedding, but EJ had insisted in good taste.
"Well, we'll be sisters soon," Lexie smiled, standing up. "I am going to check up on some of the patients." Emma nodded, and returned to her the crosswod puzzle she had been working on. Suddenly, her cell phone started ringing, and she picked up her new Blackberry Pearl.
"Hi Emma!" Valerie's voice chirped into the phone, and Emma frowned. "Guess what Sis? Mom and I are heading up there now to meet you and your fiance!"
"Why?" Emma rolled her eyes.
"Well, since Elvis is going to be my new brother-in-law, I want to check him out before you tie the knot," Valerie sang, knowing she was irritating Emma beyond belief, but she loved to see her cringe.
"We know how you check out my boyfriends," Emma snapped back. "Don't bother Valerie. I don't need your approval."
"Oh nonsense, Emma," Valerie giggled. "That was a long time ago. I've changed. Besides, I'm sure Elvis isn't up to my standards, anyways."
"He is a wonderful man," Emma defended him, but she knew, that even the most wonderful man in the world, could never resist Valerie Reilly's charms. "Well, I'm done work at 6pm. Meet me at Brady's pub. EJ won't be there, however."
"I'll find him," Valerie slammed the phone shut, and Emma felt tears forming in her eyes. This was a nightmare coming true, and she had a sinking feeling, that by the end of the evening, Valerie would have ruined something that she already knew was too good to be true...

Emma walked nervously into Brady's pub after her work shift, dreading seeing her obnoxious sister and unsupportive mother. She was content, knowing she hadn't really seen them for over five years now, considering she had been in Nurse's College, and then had moved to Salem, right after. She spotted her modelesque sister immediately, sipping a dry martini, wearing a low-cut red dress, her long hair, lying in spirals down her back. Her mother, dazzled in diamonds and a gaudy leopard-print dress, was also sipping a martini, but was speaking in French, on her cell phone. It was probably her new boyfriend, Pierre, or something like that. Emma caught the glimspe of her reflection in the front door of Brady's Pub, and frowned. She was dressed in her nursing uniform, which was stated from work, her greasy was pulled back in a messy bun, and she was wearing crocs.
"Oh Emma!" Valerie called irritatingly, as Emma entered the pub. "Hi Little Sis! Don't you look lovely?"
"Hi Val," Emma snapped back, as she saw Max Brady looking over at them curiously.
"Where's Elvis?" Valerie sang, and she looked around the pub. Her eyes landed on Max.
"No, that's Max," Emma answered, as she tossed her nursing bag on her mother's table. "Hello Mother."
"Emma," she commented briefly, and returned to her phone conversation.
"Hi Emma," Max greeted her. "How are you?"
"Hi Max," Emma replied, happy to be distracted from her sister.
"Hi, I'm Valerie, Emma's much older, and much sexier, sister," Valerie shoved her cleavage in Max's face. Emma frowned, and she saw Max giving Valerie an amused Look.
"Hi," Max raised his right eyebrow. "Emma, can I get you a drink?"
"Yes, please, four shots of vodka with scotch is perfect about right now," she answered, and Max nodded. Valerie frowned, as Max ignored her, and went to fetch Emma's drink.
"You look really fat," Valerie commented, as Emma sat at their table. "I can't believe you are engaged."
"Well, I am," Emma ignored her sister's bullying comment.
"Let's see your ring," Valerie narrowed her eyes. Emma showed Valerie her 4-karat diamond ring, and Valerie almost fell off her chair. "That's huge! So, how much did you pay him?"
"Pay who?" Valerie heard a sexy, British accent behind her, and turned to see one of the most, attractive men she had ever encounterted, standing behind her.
"Hi Sweetheart," EJ greeted his fiancee, Emma, and gently kissed her lips. Valerie's eyes widened, and felt like this moment was surreal. Could this Goddess of a man, be her fat sister's fiance? "How was your day Emma?"
"Hi," Emma ignored Valerie, and hugged EJ. "How are you? My day was okay, until now."
"This is unbelievable," Valerie gasped. "Are you Elvis?"
"EJ, I prefer," EJ answered, glancing at the ludacris, blond woman in front of him.
"Hi, I'm Valerie, but you can call me Val," she shoved Emma out of the way, and offered EJ her hand. "I can't believe you are marrying her. Are you crazy?"
"No," EJ shook her hand. "Nice to meet you Valerie. Emma has told such wonderful things about her loving family."
"You're too good for her," Renee spoke up. "You should spend some time with Valerie."
"Yes EJ," Valerie chimed in. "You are wasting time with her. Let me show you a good time and good taste. Emma is just a fat loser. Mama doesn't even know where she came from."
"Drink?" Max appeared, and handed Emma her drink. She gulped down in fifteen seconds, and felt the liquor buzzing her eyes.
"So, EJ, what is it that you do?" Valerie sprang into action, while Renee pulled Emma away.
"You have no right," Renee hissed at her daughter. "Marrying a man of that calibur. You are way out of line."
"Leave me alone," Emma answered, tears welling up in her eyes. She saw Valerie sashay towards EJ, who stepped away. He glanced over at Emma, and saw she was becoming upset.
"That is quite enough," EJ spoke up. "Please apologize to my fiancee, and I trust, this is the last time you will be underminding Emma and our wedding."
"I'm not apologizing to anyone," Valerie laughed at EJ. "Emma knows her place. I'm surpsied she even thought she was good enough to be with you."
"Valerie!" Nicole Walker appeared, fresh from receiving over ten million dollars from her divorce from Victor.
"Nikki!" Valerie shrieked, hugging her model friend from LA.
"I see you've met my divorce lawyer," Nicole smirked, and Valerie nodded.
"Ex-divorce lawyer actually," EJ spoke up.
"EJ settled my case in record time," Nicole looked at Emma. "So, Val, why are you here?"
"My little sister is getting married," Valerie mocked Emma. "To your lawyer. How precious, huh?"
"Excuse me," Emma whispered, and she walked towards the bar. "Max, can I have another drink, please?"
"Sure," Max prepared her drink. "Don't let your sister get to you. EJ loves you, Emma."
"Max, you're a man," Emma accepted the drink from him. "Men would rather have that, than this." Emma gulped back her drink, and ordered another one. She watched gingerly, as EJ gave Valerie and Nicole, dirty Looks, as they fawned over themselves, and him. She watched, as Renee spoke to EJ, and he looked very edgy. After her fifth drink, she slammed her drink down on the bar, and stood up. She had had enough. She sauntered off her bar stool, and stomped over to her sister, her mother, Nicole, and EJ.
"Emma, you are drunk!" Valeria cooed. "I'm telling you EJ. My sister is a drunk. That's probably how she became so fat."
"Shut up!" Emma shrieked. "Just shut it Valerie! I hate you!"
"Hate me? You're precious sister?" Valerie looked shocked. Emma looked at Valerie, and composed herself, even though she was three sheets to the window.
"You're right, I don't hate you," Emma replied. "I'm sorry Valerie and everyone else. You have come all the way to see me."
"I don't forgive you, of course," Valerie smirked. "But, I am getting a new brother here, so might as well stay for a while."
"Actually, I have plans tonight," Renee interrupted. "Pierre is coming home to see me tonight. Valerie, unless you want to stay, I am going home."
"Okay Mom," Valerie shrugged. "I'll take a limo home. Nikki, how about we catch up?"
"Dinner at Chez Rouge?" Nicole suggested. "Of course, EJ and your fiancee, are welcome."
"Oh, dinner sounds expensive!" Valerie batted her eyelashes at EJ.
"I have a headache," Emma lied, and EJ nodded.
"Actually, I am taking Johnny tonight," EJ answered quickly. "Sami called and asked me too."
"Who is Johnny? Who is Sami?" Valerie's ears perked up, and Nicole laughed.
"I'll fill you in Val at dinner," Nicole promised her. "Goodbye!" She waved at EJ and Emma, and Valerie followed her, reluctantly, out the door.
"Who is Johnny?" Renee asked EJ, ignoring Emma.
"My son," EJ replied hastily. "I have a son who is almost one."
"She can not be a good mother," Renee commented, casting a doubtful look at Emma. "Anyways, it was nice meeting you, Elvis. I trust you will consider all your options of what you want in your future before you marry my stepdaughter. Her father always said she was his little girl."
"Stepdaughter?" Emma shrieked, and looked at the women she thought had mothered her.
"Goodness child," Renee snarled. "You think I gave birth to such a pitiful creature? That's pathetic! Your mother left your father because of you."
"That is an awful thing to say," EJ began, but Emma stopped him.
"Where is my mother?" she shrieked, and Renee shrugged.
"I'll see you at the wedding, but remember, Elvis, Valerie is single," Renee mocked Emma, and walked out of the Brady Pub.
"I don't know who my mother is," Emma whispered, as memories of her horrid childhood littered her mind. Everything was starting to make sense now. The ill treatment her, stepmother Renee, had given her all her life, was because she was never her real mother. Where was her real mother? She had never felt complete in her life.
"We'll find her," EJ assured her.
"Max, another drink, please," Emma responded, knowing full well she was tipsy.
"I think you've had enough," EJ reminded her.
"Don't tell me what to do!" Emma snapped at him. "Just go have dinner with my Val and Nic!" Emma stalked away, as Max refused to serve her...




Sami Brady Roberts DiMera waited in the front parlour room for EJ to arrive to pick up Johnny for his weekly visit with their son. Ever since he had proposed to Emma, she had been miserable. She had reluctantly, started to date her ex-husband, Lucas Roberts again, but she didn't love him. She loved EJ, and she wanted so desperately to feel his arms around her.
"Daddy?" Johnny cooed, and Sami kissed his head. EJ appeared at the door soon after, looking troubled and upset.
"Hi," he greeted her. "Johnny, my big boy!"
"Daddy!" Johnny squealed, and reached his arms out to his father. EJ held Johnny, and glanced at Samantha.
"Hi," Sami replied. "How are you?"
"Considering my fiancee's horrid sister is in town," EJ admitted. "Other wise, I am okay. How are you and Ali doing?"
"Ali is sleeping," Sami answered. "Would you like a drink EJ? Would you like to talk?"
"Well, sure," EJ agreed, as he followed Sami into the front parlour room, where John Black sat, looking over some shipping documents.
"Has Hell froze over?" John asked, when he saw EJ and Sami having a civilized conversation.
"No John," Sami replied. "EJ and I are having a drink."
"Hell has indeed frozen over," John answered, and stood up. "Tell Ralph when you are done your little get together."
"John never changes, does he?" EJ asked, as he accepted a glass of scotch on the rocks from Sami.
"Nope, he is still the same, new John," Sami replied, taking a glass of wine. "Johnny is almost starting to walk."
"Wow, that's wonderful, son," EJ praised their son, who beamed.
"So, where is Emma?" Sami asked.
"She is drunk, upset, and hating the world right now," EJ admitted. "Her sister, Valerie, and her mother, Renee, came to visit her this afternoon. Emma never had a very good childhood, after her father passed away. Her mother has now turned out to be her stepmother, so Emma had some drinks, and now, she's very upset."
"Sounds interesting," Sami admitted. "I never knew Emma as the type to drink."
"She never drinks," EJ agreed. "She acts completely different though when Valerie and Renee are here. I've never seen this side of her before."
"Are you sure, you really know her, well enough to marry her, EJ?" Sami asked him non-chalantly, and EJ glanced at her.
"Don't do this, Samantha," EJ answered briskly, standing up. "Of course I know her. She is my fiancee."
"You just said you've never known her to be this way," Sami pointed out. "EJ, if you are going to marry someone, shouldn't you know exactly who they are?"
"She's upset," EJ replied, and he frowned. "I'm leaving. I'll bring Johnny back tomorrow."
"I don't want him around a drunk woman," Sami blurted out. "Don't bring him around Emma, EJ."
"Samantha, this is getting out of control," EJ snapped. "Emma is going to be my wife. You need to accept it."
"I never will," Sami answered angrily. EJ shook his head, and walked out the door, with their son...

Emma Reilly glanced at her engagement rings, as Max refused to serve her. She stalked over to an empty bar stool, realizing that the bar was completely empty and it was closed. She laid her head down on the table, and a soft lock of auburn hair drifted across her face. She tucked it behind her ear, as slow, steady, crystal clear tears started to run silently down her flushed cheek. She wasn't even drunk, more defeated, lonely, and for the first time realized the dream of marrying EJ was just a dream. She started to sob, and her whole body began to shake.
"Hey, it's okay," Max put down his rag, and walked over to Emma.
"Max, I'm so stupid," Emma sobbed softly. "So stupid to think I could be happy."
"No, Emma, everything is going to be okay," Max assured her, and he reached over, embracing her, as sobs enraptured her whole body. Max held her closely, as she sobbed, and then went to whimpers. "Feel better?"
"Yes, thank you," Emma smiled at him. "I'm sorry I asked for another drink. It's just my sister just gets to me, and I can't handle it."
"Your sister is a bitch," Max shook his head. "And your other is worst. My father is an *******. I can completely relate."
"I'm sorry Max," Emma offered.
"I was adopted by Caroline and Sean, with my brother Frankie," Max explained to her. "My real father Trent is a real *****."
"My dad was wonderful, but he died," Emma told him. "I don't even know who my mother is. Renee is my stepmother."
"Is Valerie your father's daughter?" Max wanted to know, and Emma nodded. "Look, don't worry about them. You are a nice person Emma, and they have problems if they can't see that."
"Thanks Max," Emma smiled at him. "You're a sweetie, you know that?"
"And so are you," Max stood up. He reached over and gave her a brotherly hug, and kissed her forehead. "I'm going to look out for you Emma. You ever need anything, come and see me."
"Thanks," Emma smiled. "Need some help cleaning up?"
"Sure," Max nodded, tossing her a rag. Max told her some jokes, and they cleaned up the pub in record time. "I'm surprised EJ hasn't called you."
"Well, I told him we were finished," Emma bit her lip.
"Did you mean that?" Max asked her, and she shook her head...




EJ DiMera entered the DiMera mansion, holding Gianni, who was fast asleep. He carried him upstairs to his crib, and he softly kissed his forehead. He heard shuffling shoes, behind him, and turned to see Sami, wearing lingerie, approach him. He didn't really want to deal with her right now. He wanted to go and see Emma, and talk to her, make sure she was okay.
"EJ? He's an angel when he sleeps, isn't it?" Sami smiled softly, looking down at their son.
"Yes, he is Samantha," EJ looked at her. "I'm going back to the pub."
"Why?" Sami raised her eyebrow, and EJ shrugged. He walked out of the nursery without a second glance back at Sami, and drove over to the Brady Pub. He parked his Lexus in front of the Brady Pub, and glanced inside to see Emma and Max Brady embracing passionately, and he saw Max kiss her on the forehead. He watched as they cleaned up the Brady Pub, laughing together. EJ was instantly a bit jealous. He knew he had a lot of baggage, and Max was dating Stephanie, or so he thought. Max and Emma approached the door, and walked outside into the soft snow that had started to fall. Max locked up the pub, and Emma looked up at the sky.
"What are you up to tonight?" Max asked Emma, and she looked down.
"I wish I could talk to EJ," Emma felt tears come to her eyes again.
"Hey, don't worry," Max embraced her again. "I'm sure everything will be okay. I'm going to see my sister Melanie. Would you like to come?"
"Thanks for the invite, Max," Emma smiled at him. "I think I might just go back to my apartment and get some rest."
"Take care girl," Max smiled at her. "Call me if you need anything."
"Thanks Max," Emma smiled at him, happy to have a new friend in Salem. Max walked away from her, and EJ thought he was a moron to leave Emma alone late at night. Emma glanced across the parking lot, and saw EJ's car. "EJ? Is that you?"
"It's me, sweetheart," he answered, as he climbed out of the car.
"How long have you been here?" Emma called to him, as she shivered from the cold.
"A few minutes," EJ replied cautiously. He crossed the street towards her, and he saw tears in her eyes. "I didn't want to disturb Max and you."
"Oh, we're just friends," Emma insisted, and she looked at EJ. "Sweetie, I am so sorry for the way I acted tonight. I was drunk, and acting irresponsible. I hurt your feelings. I am so sorry." EJ looked at her, and reached over, pulling into into an embrace. Emma collasped in his embrace.
"I love you Emma," EJ caressed her whole body. "I want you."
"I'm a virgin," Emma blurted out, and she blushed. "Okay, that came out wrong."
"If you're not ready, sweetheart, I understand," EJ assured her.
"I'm ready," Emma smiled seductively. She grabbed EJ's hand, and led him back into Salem Park. She loved snow, and thought the twinkling stars were abo****ely breathtaking. She kissed him slowly at first, and then quickly became more aggressive. EJ softly caressed her, and they made love underneath the twinkling winter light's...
******************************************************
"Emma, why are you so happy today?" Max questioned her, as she ate some breakfast before her nursing shift at Salem Hospital.
"Well, EJ and I made love last night in the park," Emma admitted, and Max laughed.
"Well, I'm happy for you," Max smiled. "But in the park? Weren't you cold?"
"We kept each other warm," Emma giggled.
"Max! Hi!" Valerie appeared in the pub, and she glared at Emma. "Nice to see you recovered form your hangover, Fat sis."
"Get out of my pub!" Max demanded.
"Excuse me?" Valerie screeched.
"I refuse to serve you," Max glared at her. "You have three minutes to leave, before I called my brothers Roman and Bo to have you removed. They are police officers, by the way."
"Fine, I'm going," Valerie glared at him. "This place is a dump anyway."
"Bye Val," Emma smiled smugly at her. "Have a miserable life." Val turned around to smack Emma, but Max caught her arm.
"Wow, Max, it's nice to see you already defending your sister," Valerie rolled her eyes.
"Sister?" Emma shrieked. "What Valerie? How is Max my brother?"
"Your mother is Caroline Brady," Valerie rolled her eyes. "Dad had an affair with her. Here's the documentation. Mom thought you should know. Now, let me get out of this crummy bar." Valerie dropped Emma's birth certifercate on the counter, and she stolled out of Brady Pub.
"We are sister and brother!" Max laughed. "Holy crap! Hey Ma! Come here!"
"Do you know Paul Reilly?" Max asked his mother, Caroline.
"Yes, we knew each other quite well-," Caroline began and she looked down at the paperwork, and then looked at Emma.
"Am I your daughter, Caroline?" Emma's eyes filled up with tears.
"Yes sweetheart," Caroline hugged her. "Welcome to our family. You have brothers and sisters. They are Roman, Kimberly, Kayla, Bo, Max, and Frankie."
"Thanks Mom," Emma squeezed her mother.
"Mom?" Sami Brady appeared.
"Can I take the Brady last name?" Emma wanted to know.
"Hell no," Sami snapped. "Grandma, what's going on?"
"Emma is Mom's daughter," Max informed Sami. "Which make Emma, you're aunt."
"And Gianni and Allie, my niece and nephew," Emma beamed.
"This is messed up," Sami insisted. "There is no way this could be possible-."
"Emma, sweetheart!" EJ called to Emma, and she ran towards her fiance. She ran into his arms, and kissed him passionately. "Whoa! I missed you too!"
"I'm a Brady!" Emma smiled at EJ. "I am Caroline's daughter!"
"Really?" EJ's eyes widened. "Wow."
"Looks like you have a thing for Brady women," Sami's voice dripped with sarcasm

Emma Reilly Brady looked at herself in the mirror, and smiled for the first time. She had just come home from finishing her shift at Salem Hospital, after finding out that morning that she was indeed Caroline Brady's daughter. She had been welcomed with opening arms to the Brady family, and was elated to have a big, loving family. She had recently met her brother Max, who was a sweetheart, and had yet to meet any of her siblings, but she knew she was the youngest in the family. She wondered how they would react, considering her older brother Roman's daughter, was Sami, and she was now engaged to him. Her impression from meeting Marlena, Sami's mother, was that she wanted Sami to be with Lucas. Emma hoped they liked her. She looked in her closet, and took out a simple black skirt, and a pretty, ivory white blouse. She applied some light make-up, and tyed her into a low slung-back ponytail. She retrieved her purse, and headed downstairs to the pub, where she was going to be meeting her family, and Caroline was going to explain the story.
"Hey Sis," Max hugged her. "We're waiting for you. Everyone's here."
"Thanks Max," Emma smiled at him. "I'm so nervous. I hope everyone likes me."
"Don't worry, Em," Max assured her, and she followed him into the Brady Pub. She looked into the large crowd, and became a bit overwhelmed. Her eyes shifted towards everyone, and they landed on Sami, who was standing beside, EJ, who was holding Gianni, and she was holding Allie. Sami tossed her a dirty Look, and she instantly felt self concious.
"Emma, hi!" Caroline greeted her with a hug. "Attention, all of my family. I have some important news to tell you. Around 25 years ago, your father and I hit a rocky time. I met a nice man named Paul Reilly, and I have learned as of yesterday, that I have another daughter, and you have a sister. This is my daughter with Paul, Emma. I feel ashamed for being with another man, but your father was forgiving, and to have a beautiful daughter here, is a blessing. Welcome to the Brady Family, Emma. I love you."
"I love you too," Emma hugged her mother, and for the first time, felt whole.
"I'm your older brother Bo," Bo smiled at her, holding the cutest little girl. "This is my wife Hope, and your niece Ciara."
"Hello, it's nice to meet you," Emma beamed, as she hugged them all.
"It's so nice to meet you," Hope smiled at her. "And Ciara, honey, you have a new aunt! Aunt Emma!"
"Hi Sweetheart," Emma smiled at Ciara, who just smiled at her.
"And I'm your sister!" a beautiful blond haired woman hugged her. "I'm Kayla. You ever need anything honey, you come to Steve or I."
"Thanks so much," Emma felt tears come to her eyes. She met Kayla's husband Patch, and their daughter Stephanie, who was Max's girlfrfiend, as well as their infant son, Joe, who was completely adorable. She was told her sister Kimberly no longer lived in Salem, as well as Frankie. Her eyes met EJ's over the crowd, and he smiled at her.
"Hi, I'm Roman," Sami's father and her brother introduced himself. "Your older brother. It's nice to meet you." Roman shook her left hand, and she knew he felt her engagement ring.
"Yes, she's engaged to EJ," Sami blurted out, and Roman looked at Emma, and then EJ.
"Congratulations," Roman smiled.
"Dad!" Sami snapped. "How can you say that?"
"Samantha, this is not the time and place," EJ spoke up. "Thank you Roman. Emma and I are both grateful for your congratulations."
"Yes, thank you," Emma smiled at him, and Roman nodded. EJ had passed Gianni off to Chelsea to play with, so he took Emma's hand, and led her over to a private corner.
"I missed you," EJ whispered into her ear. "And I must say, you look rather sexy tonight, sweetheart."
"I missed you too," Emma kissed him passionately.
"Get a room!" Max teased them, and Emma blushed.
"Max!" Emma teased back, and EJ laughed. "How are you Gianni and Allie doing?"
"They are doing well, but Samantha is driving me crazy," EJ confessed. "I need to get away from her."
"Move in with me," Emma suggested. "Well, I need to find my own place. I was considering buying a house. I have a small trust fund from my father."
"Want to buy a house together?" EJ asked. "We are getting married, and I would love to be with you all the time."
"What a wonderful idea!" Emma beamed.
"I have an announcement to make!" Caroline beamed, as she smiled at Emma and EJ. "Emma and EJ, come up here."
"Oh please," Sami rolled her eyes. Emma ignored her, as EJ took her hand, and led her up towards the front of the crowd.
"Emma and EJ are engaged!" Caroline beamed. "Congratulations!"
"Thanks so much!" Emma felt tears coming to her eyes.
"I would like to make a toast!" EJ raised his glass of wine. "I would like to say thank you to all of you for being so welcoming of my beautiful fiancee Emma into your family. Emma, I love you so much, and I can't wait to marry you, start a family, and loved you for the rest of my life. You are the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Oh EJ, I love you too!" Emma smiled, as she embraced him.
"I thought the birth of your son was the best thing that ever happened to you," Sami muttered nearby, and Lucas overheard her.
"Looks like EJ is moving on, Sami," Lucas commented, and Sami rolled her eyes.
"He's just trying to get back at me," Sami confirmed, and Lucas shook his head.
"Maybe he actually loves her," Lucas replied. "She's nice, she's cute, and she's smart."
"Oh please," Sami laughed. "I can see right through him. He is just trying to hurt me."
"It's not always about you Sami," Lucas informed her.
"We'll see about that," Sami frowned, and was already working a scheme to break up Emma and EJ, and she knew she would succeed...


"Mom, we have so many things to plan!" Emma smiled, as she walked into the bridal boutique with her mother. "I want to pick out the perfect wedding dress!"
"We will find you the perfect one," Caroline smiled, enjoying planning another Brady wedding. Suddenly, Emma felt naceous, and she asked the sales associate if there was a washroom. She threw up a few times, and clutched her stomach. She had been feeling queasy for almost a week now, and in between working her eight hour shifts at the hospital, and trying to plan the wedding, she hadn't thought much of it, than just nerves.
"Mom, I feel so sick," Emma clutched her stomach. "I've been sick all week. Maybe I should go and get checked out."
"A great idea, darling," Caroline agreed. "We'll come shopping when you feel better." Emma said goodbye to her mother, and headed towards her car. She stepped into the driver's seat, and drove to the hospital. By the time, she reached the hospital, her stomach was in knots.
"Emma, hi," Lexie Carver greeted her. "It's your day off, Hun!"
"Lexie, hi," Emma clutched her stomach. "I feel so weezy. I need to-." Emma rushed towards the washroom, and became sick again. Lexie rushed after her, as she ordered a nurse to grab her future sister-in-law a wheelchair.
"Let's get you some blood tests," Lexie helped her into a wheel chair, and ordered Emma's blood to be withdrawn. Since she was completely scared of needles, she cringed, as they took her blood, and Lexie told her to stay put until she ran the tests. Emma pushed her head back on her pillow, and sighed heavily. She hoped she wasn't sick. Her mind wondered over to EJ, and smiled of she thought of how wonderful he was. She couldn't believe she was ever this happy in her life.
"Kate, come on!" Emma heard Sami's voice. "I am not with Lucas anymore. You know you want to help me! Damn it!"
"Are you EJ's ex-wife?" Emma heard Valerie's voice.
"Yeah, what's that to you?" Sami turned to see an unknown blond woman standing beside her, with a black eye.
"You know my sister, Emma?" Valerie's voice sounded scratchy, and Sami nodded. "I'll help you. You want EJ, right? That's what Nikki said."
"Nicole?" Sami rolled her eyes.
"Honey, do you want my help or not?" Valerie smiled wickedly. Emma couldn't take it anymore. She took up from her hospital bed, and flung her hospital curtain open to reveal Sami scheming with Valerie.
"Nice try," Emma shook her head. "Give it up, both of you. You're pathetic Valerie! And Sami, get over it. I'm marrying EJ, so you'll just have to live with it."
"We'll see about that!" Valerie glared at her.
"Emma, what are you doing out of bed?" Lexie returned, looking genuinely happy, and looked back and forth between Valerie, Sami, and Emma.
"Oh, did you find any news Lexie?" Emma asked her.
"Congratulations! You're six weeks pregnant!" Lexie beamed. "Oh, I can't wait to be an aunt! Isn't it great news Sami?"
"Omigoodness!" Emma's eyes widened, and she hugged Lexie.
"This can't be," Sami muttered.
"You can't carry a baby," Valerie rolled her eyes.
"Well, it is, and you two, will just have to get used to it," Emma smiled smugly, and turned away. Emma took out her cell phone to call EJ, to meet her for lunch.
"Still interested?" Valerie narrowed her eyes at Emma.
"I'll do anything to get EJ back," Sami replied to Valerie.
"Good," Valerie smirked. "We're on. Follow me."
********************************************************************************
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"Who is Christian?" Sami questioned Valerie, as they sat in the Brady Pub.
"Christian Morgan is Emma's best friend from back home," Valerie smirked. "I called him and told him Emma is engaged. He's been in love with her for years, and she has been with him. He's coming down to meet me here."
"Valerie?" Christian appeared, and Sami's eyes widened. Christian Parker, the supermodel, stood in front of her.
"Chris!" Valerie squealed, hugging him, and Sami saw him cringe. "How was Milan?"
"Fine," Christian replied shortly, and looked at Sami. "Who's this?"
"Oh, my friend Sami," Valerie lied. "Anyways, you need to talk some sense into Emma! She is engaged to this guy after like two months and she's pregnant! You know Emma always wanted to wait until she was married! She shagged him before, and he's a total criminal. He has done all these crimes, and Sami is his current wife and the father of his son!"
"Are you serious?" Christian's eyes opened wide.
"Yes," Valerie smiled wickedly, as she saw Emma appear in the Brady Pub. "She's here. Go say hi!"
"Christian!" Emma squealed, as she jumped into her best friend's arms. "You got my letter!"
"Emma, wow, you look beautiful!" Christian whirled her around. He glanced down at her ring finger. "You're engaged?"
"Yes," she giggled. "But, how was Paris and Milan? I missed you so much!"
"It was wonderful, but I missed you Em," Christian replied, and he gently touched her hand. Christian and Emma had met while in university, after he had walked her home after a late night class as part of the safe patrol where he was a volunteer that walked male and female students out after dark. They've been best friends ever since.
"I miss you too Christian," Emma squeezed his hand, looking into his soft blue eyes. "Wow, today is an emotional day."
"So, who's the guy you're marrying?" Christian wanted to know, as they approached the bar.
"Hey Sis," Max greeted her, and he looked suspiciously at the ladies man standing beside his sister. "Who's the punk?"
"Max, this is my best friend, Christian," Emma introduced him."Chris, this is my older and very protective brother Max."
"Hey man,"Christian shook his hand. "I didn't know you had a brother."
"I just found who my mom is,"Emma explained, as she saw EJ appear in the pub. "EJ!" Christian watched Emma run over to EJ.
"Who is that guy?" Christian asked Max.
"EJ DiMera," Max frowned, handing Christian a beer. "Emma's fiancee."
"Sounds like you're not too fond of him," Christian observed, watching as Emma kissed EJ, and she led him over to them.
"You could say that," Max replied, as he waited for Emma and EJ to reach the bar.
"I want to tell everyone at once!" Emma announced. "Is Mom here?"
"She's watching Joe," Max replied.
"I'm pregnant!" Emma shrieked, and EJ's mouth dropped open. Max's eyes widened, and Christian hugged Emma because he already knew.
"Congratulations baby girl!" Christian hugged her close. "Emma, I'll always here for you!"
"Oh Chris, I love you too!" Emma whispered back. "You're going to be an uncle!"
"Congrats!" Max walked around from the bar, and hugged his little sister. "I'm excited to be an uncle again."
"And both of you have to be godfathers," Emma beamed, and she looked at EJ. She saw his eyes were a bit narrowed, as he glared at Christian.
"Hi, I'm Christian Parker, Emma's best friend," Christian introduced himself to EJ.
"Hi," EJ replied curtly. "Excuse us. Emma, could we talk?"
"Sure," Emma nodded, as she took EJ's hand, and she followed him over to an empty table.
"Sweetheart, I'm so happy for us," EJ assured her, and Emma beamed."We're going to have a baby!"
"Oh EJ, I've always wanted to be a mother!" Emma felt tears come to her eyes.
"Hey Emma, how about we do some catching up?"Christian approached the table. "You don't mind man, do you?You know, modeling for Calvin Klein, Van Dutch, Marc Jacobs, and Dolce and Gabbana doesn't give me much time to see my favourite girl here."
"Sure," Emma hopped off her chair. "EJ, I'll call you later. Wait, I just have to-be right back."
"I know all about your past, buddy," Christian glared at EJ. "She's too good for you."
"Pardon me?" EJ glared at Christian.
"Don't mess with me," Christian warned him."You hurt her, I'll kill you, and I'm sure her brother, Max, would help too. Emma is gold."
"Don't threaten me," EJ stood up. "I don't care who the Hell you are. Emma is going to be my wife and the mother of my child."
"So, now you control her?" Christian rolled his eyes. "First, do you even know Emma? Do you know her wore a chastity ring and vowed to wait for her wedding day? Why wouldn't you respect that?"
"Emma never told me that," EJ turned pale.
"Yeah, how long have you been together, like three months?" Christian asked. "I've known her for eight years."
"Why didn't you tell me you wanted to wait until you got married?" EJ questioned Emma, as she appeared from the washroom. Emma looked confused, and she blushed.
"I-I wasn't thinking," Emma mumbled. "EJ, it's okay. I love you."
"So, you went against your chastity vow, because you were afraid I would leave?" EJ replied angrily. "How can you think that I would not respect your wishes Emma?"
"EJ, I-I should have told you, but things just happened, and I'm happy," Emma tried to explain.
"You just didn't trust me," EJ shook his head. "Now, we're having a baby, and we're not even married."
"We're getting married," Emma reminded him. "EJ, it's okay. I choose to make love to you."
"No, it's wrong," EJ insisted. "I need some time. Emma, I can't believe you didn't trust me. I have to go."
"EJ, no-," Emma begged him to stay, but he was already gone out of the pub. "Christian, did you tell him?"
"No," Christian shook his head. "Valerie did."
"Oh, I'm going to kill her!" Emma shrieked. "Valerie! How dare you!"
"Payback's a bitch baby," Valerie smirked. "Trust me, little sister, this is only the beginning. Come on Sami."
"How could you?" Emma whispered, tears appeared in her eyes. She turned, and flung herself into Christian's arms. Christian met Valerie's eyes, and she nodded slightly...






"Damn it!" EJ swore, as he walked into the DiMera mansion. He was astonished that Emma hadn't told him about her vow. He would have waited, and respected her wishes. How could everything become so messed up? Now, she was pregnant. He felt he had committed a sin against her faith.
"EJ, she should have told you," Sami appeared, looking concerned. "I'm sorry."
"Are you really Samantha?" EJ shook his head, and Sami nodded.
"EJ, I'm just trying to be concerned," Sami replied, as she walked towards him. "I heard that Christian guy tell Max he's in love with her and she loves him." Sami reached over, and pulled herself into EJ's arms.
"EJ! Can we talk please?" Emma appeared, to find EJ hugging Sami. She watched in horror, as Sami reached up and kissed him.
"Samantha, what are you doing?" EJ pushed her away, as he saw Emma run from the hallway. "Emma, wait!"
"How could you?" Emma shrieked, as tears streamed down her face. "How could you kiss her?"
"We made love too," Sami smirked, and Emma's eyes widened.
"No we did not," EJ glared at Sami, and Emma looked at both of them.
"We're done," Emma took off her engagement ring, and threw it at EJ.
"Emma, I didn't sleep with her," EJ chased after her, and Emma ran towards Christian's rented Mercedes Benz.
"I don't believe you," Emma's voice sobbed. "How can you do this EJ? I am having your baby! We were engaged! I gave myself to you!"
"Emma, I didn't sleep with her!" EJ raised his voice. "She is lying. She kissed me."
"Goodbye EJ," Emma turned, and she climbed into Christian's car, and EJ watched as the car sped away...