Roman & Marlena #2 May 18 - July 12, 1982: 8 hour edit

DVD #2A 5/18 Marlena continues to try to find a roommate and asks one of the nurses who turns her down, saying why would anyone want a roommate. Jake comes upon her and starts questioning her about Renee returning to town and if she had any info about the strangler’s attacks.

Marlena returns home interrupting Don and Gwen again. In the morning, Marlena tosses and turns in her bed while Roman tosses and turns in his. Gwen sneaks in to use her shower. Both Roman and Marlena enter the bathroom, Roman tells her that he didn’t sleep a wink. Gwen pokes her head out of the shower and says she slept just fine on the couch.

Gwen is singing in the shower and Roman wants to know when Gwen is out? They sit on the bed and Marlena admits to being jealous at the thought of Gwen being in the apartment alone with Roman while Marlena is in Mexico. He tells her that she knows that Gwen doesn’t interest him. He says he will have to stay there to protect Gwen but that isn’t his fault.

He notices her case, and asks if she is packing. He says he was hoping he would be able to join her but he can’t leave until the strangler is caught. She asks him again to come with her. He tells her she knows he wants to, but he can’t. She says yes but she can still hope for it. He tells her if only she knew just had badly he wanted to go with her as he gently strokes her face. He tells her that there is that part of her that has to be the best, the strongest, the most fearless. Sometimes he wonders if he will be able to reach the softer, gentler parts of her. She admits that she wonders the same thing. He strokes her lips and tells her how much he is going to miss her. She tells him she is going to miss him too. He asks her not to go as he starts nuzzling her neck.

Gwen knocks and then walks right in still wearing nothing but her towel. Roman teases Marlena by looking at Gwen as she bends over to get something out of a drawer. Roman whispers to Marlena to get rid of Gwen. After he has left the room, Gwen points out that she is serving her purpose to help cool things down.

Stefano questions Marlena about where Renee is? She tells him she doesn’t know. He is worried that she isn’t safe with the strangler still on the loose. He wants to know what was in the letter that led to Sergeant Brady jeopardizing Renee’s safety. She tells him that Roman didn’t know what was in the letter.

Marlena runs into Valerie at the cafeteria and notices she seems down. Valerie got an application for a grant for NY Memorial. She told Abe and he didn’t even try to talk her out of taking it. Marlena points out that maybe he is just distracted with the strangler case. Valerie points out that doesn’t seem to be slowing down Roman and Marlena and asks if wedding bells will be in her future? Marlena tells her about Gwen being her roommate and then fills her in that she is going to Mexico tonight. Valerie observes that she is leaving Gwen and Marlena alone? Marlena admits she needs to get Gwen out of there!

Marlena arrives at PD, finds Gwen and Roman together. After Gwen leaves, Roman asks if she has had any luck finding Gwen a place to live. She says no but she worked on it all morning. Roman jokes that she might have better luck if she didn’t mention Gwen’s name!

Eugene comes in and says he saw the girl from the Greenbrier Motel. He meets skepticism from Abe and Roman. He says the girl is a sad despondent woman and Marlena and Roman exchange pointed looks. He is offended by them not believing in his visions and says he won’t report into them again. He thought he had it when he saw a woman would be strangled in a motel with a compound name.

Marlena encourages him that his visions might stop someone from being killed. Roman snarks about how unreliable his visions had been recently, more wrong than right. Marlena points out that Renee was at the Greenbrier Motel and she has been a victim of the strangler. Perhaps they got her out of the motel before the strangler found her and attacked. He may have saved her life! Eugene also observes that Don is upset about her going out with Roman. Don gets very defensive and denies it, but his reaction gives him away.

After Marlena leaves Roman’s office, Roman warns him to not ever push him. Eugene declares that they can’t deny that he is helping them. Next he wants a badge, just a little one! Eugene asks if anyone is going to Mexico with Marlena? He is worried that she isn’t going to be safe and will be killed by the strangler. Eugene tries to get Roman to go with her.

Jessica has called the PD that she remembered something. Marlena heads over to the Horton’s with Roman and Abe to talk to her. They are hopeful that her info will lead to a break in the case. She says that she remembered something from the night she eloped with Jake to Las Vegas. She tells him that she remembered Jake getting her a soda from the Last Chance Motel. That was the last thing she remembered before she fell asleep. They think that Jake may have drugged her that night as her memories from the night were hazy. Jessica tells Marlena that she stayed at the Greenbrier Motel with Jake under false names when they went away together.

Roman and Abe reviewing evidence at the PD and realise that he had time from being at the Greenbrier Motel to get back to town the same night that Renee was attacked. Abe thinks this clue from Eugene gives his visions credence. He says this all fits. Roman discounts it as he still thinks Eugene is a flake and not a supernatural marvel. Abe points out Marlena is leaving this afternoon for Mexico and he suggests that Roman go over to see her and give her a proper goodbye, take her in his arms and tell her how much he will miss her.

Roman heads over to Marlena’s with a carry on bag with a care package. She pulls out a straw hat to protect her from the sun and heat. She pulls out a bottle of alcohol as an antidote to the water, a radio to protect her from boredom. Then she pulls out a granny style bathing suit to protect her from other men’s interest, and a book to read on the beach. He came back to say goodbye to her properly. He pulls her into his arms to tell her how much he is going to miss her. She says she misses him already as he kisses her sweetly, tenderly as he says goodbye and wishes her to have a good trip. She notices the book is poetry, and he tells her it is bookmarked for her to read on the beach. She is touched and asks him to read it to her. He gets embarrassed and says it was a dumb idea. He tells her he doesn’t have to read it as he knows it by heart since high school. He recites it to her and then pulls her in for more kissing.

She declares that she doesn’t want to go to Mexico. He wants her safe and they are starting to close in on the strangler which is going to make him even more dangerous. She says that Roman has been acting hinky ever since he talked to Eugene alone about his last vision (seen of Eugene telling him that he saw Marlena murdered is not included). She point blank asks if Eugene say that she is the strangler’s next victim? He won’t answer her directly. She agrees to go lie on a beach and read her poetry. He expects her to have it memorized by the time she gets home.

Roman warns her that if anyone comes on to her that he is not going to be responsible for what he does! She asks what happens after the strangler is caught? He says they will just have to see (referring to him staying at her place). Roman tells her that Charlie will meet her down in the lobby, Roman is sorry that he can’t drive her to the airport himself.

Marlena asks him to stay away from Gwen. He touches her face again and tells her not to forget that he loves her. She grabs hold of him and puts her arms around him. She says that she can’t tell him that yet (that she loves him). Abe calls interrupting them and asks Roman to get down to the PD ASAP as things are starting to break, as all hell is breaking loose. Roman is encouraged that maybe he can join her in Mexico. He leaves and Marlena stares sadly at the door. He comes back in and tells her she knows he couldn’t leave her like that and kisses her passionately one more time.

Johnny calls Marlena and she asks him about his fishing trip with his grandparents. She asks him to tell his grandparents that she has a big surprise for them. She writes a note out and leaves it on the coffee table.

Jake enters Marlena’s apartment using the copy of the key he made from Gwen’s key. He hides in the dark and when Marlena enters and sits on the couch, he strangles her and she drops to the floor with the scarf by her side. He blames her for the problems with Jessica and that now that she is dead, he will never have to kill again, that it is all her fault. He reads the note she left and crumples it up, taking it with him.

Roman is back at the PD and he and Abe review the evidence. Abe tells him that he reached out to a fourth motel and got a nibble. Abe sent out 10 pictures to the hotels around the county line. He didn’t get any info from the Last Chance Motel where Jessica and Jake were at. She drank a coke that tasted funny and went to sleep, they figure hd drugged her. Abe contacted the managers of the three hotels nearest and none of the managers remembered anything. He then reached out to a fourth motel just over the county line only 15 mins away at The Greenbrier. He reports the manager there recognized one of the mug shots. When he gets there he points out Jake’s pictures and identifies him as the guy who picked up his rental car there that night. They realize he had plenty of time to return to Salem and kill Denise Petersen.

They put out an immediate APB on Jake for murder and send officers to the hospital and Jake’s apartment. Roman is so relieved that Marlena is on her way to Mexico! Roman and Abe go to Jake’s apartment with a warrant and break down the door, but he isn’t home. They find scarves on the dressing just laying out in the open. They realize he didn’t care if he was caught. They find more evidence in a briefcase laying on the bed. Roman learns Jake has taken a few days off from the hospital to go camping with his brother, Chris. They soon find Jake’s car and searches it. They find a suitcase and a shovel in the trunk. Roman is puzzled as he had covered his tracks so well up to this point. He says again that he is so glad that Marlena is away from this mess. Roman tells Don about the evidence pointing to Jake. Gwen arrives and defends her client. Charlie reports getting Marlena to the airport and watching her get through security.

Gwen and Don entered the darkened apartment. They talk about Jake being right under their noses this whole time, obviously having identified him as the strangler. Don leaves Gwen alone as he leaves the apartment. Later she calls him, nervous about being their alone. She walks around the couch and sees Marlena’s body and screams. She tells Don that Marlena is just lying there. Don hangs up and calls Roman and tells him to get to Marlena’s that it is really bad, something has happened to Marlena.

5/25 Gwen stands in the doorway, shivering, her face tear-streaked, as Roman and Abe come down the hall and into the apartment on the run, followed by three policemen. Roman and Abe are shaken to find Marlena has been murdered! Gwen shakily tells them that she is behind the sofa. Roman stands inside the doorway as Abe rushes to her side and checks for a pulse. Roman, standing over Samantha's body, thinking, as it's Marlena. This is the end of the world for Roman.

As Roman stands over Samantha's body, transfixed. Samantha's hair covers her face. He starts to kneel down, but Abe is beside him in a flash and pulls him back. Two paramedics rush into the apartment, push Roman and Abe out of the way, and kneel down to Samantha. Abe tells Roman he shouldn’t be there. He half drags Roman away from the area where the body lies. Roman asks the paramedics if she is breathing? Roman stands firm, not moving from the spot, his eyes never leaving the paramedics as they work. Roman shakily says she isn’t moving and he can see the scarf. The paramedics are taking vital signs, soon discovering she's dead.

Roman stands, transfixed, not believing, as the paramedics cover her body with a sheet, leaving one arm and hand exposed. They take their equipment and move to one side. Roman pulls away from Abe and goes to Samantha, kneeling down. Abe turns away, as do the cops and Gwen, tears streaming down her face. In close on Roman as he looks at the lifeless form, then at her hand. He reaches down and touches the hand.

Roman is shattered and kneels beside her body and brokenly calls out "Doc" as he grabs her hand. Abe tries to get Roman to leave the scene but he cries out that he isn't leaving her. Abe tells him they have to go to work. Roman tells him to leave him alone. Abe demands that they have to get Jake Kosichec and they can't let that maniac get away with this.

Abe gets through to him and Roman heads to the door. He runs into Don who sees the truth of the situation in Roman's grief stricken eyes. Abe assures Don that they will find Jake that night! They have roadblocks up and are searching the bus terminal and airport. Abe calls Kayla and tells her that Roman needs her, that Marlena has been strangled and they think Jake is the strangler. She shakily says she thinks she knows where Roman has gone to. Abe answers Renee’s call to Marlena. She thinks she has the wrong number. He asks if she is alone? When she tells him that she is at the Horton’s and David is with her. Abe asks to speak with him and fills him in on Marlena's death. After David hangs up, he tells the Horton's and Renee about Marlena's death. He reports the police think Jake did it.

Kayla and she finds a grieving Roman on the docks. Roman cries in Kayla’s arms. He then pulls himself together and heads to the PD. Roman tells Abe that he will notify Marlena’s parents and her sister, and Johnny as well as he sits and loads his gun. Abe asks what he is doing? Kayla asks him to come home with her. He walks out carrying his loaded gun.

Tom calls Doug and tells him the terrible news about Marlena. He asks Doug to bring Julie over to the house and tells him Alice wants the whole family together. After he hangs up, Doug fills a shocked Julie in. Neil and Liz arrive at the Horton’s and are shocked to learn about Jake being the strangler, they can’t believe it is true. Next Doug and Julie arrive. Julie can’t understand how this could happen. As the Horton family gathers, Tom says a prayer for her.

Don is in his car driving up to the mountains, sobbing in his grief.

5/26 Don arrives at the gatehouse on the lake and has a series of flashbacks of him and Marlena. Marie grieves over losing Marlena, as Neil comforts her.

5/27 A somber Don continues to have flashbacks to his relationship with Marlena.

Roman calls Abe from his car as he is driving. He reports he spent the whole night driving around the lake looking for Jake but no sign of him. Abe assures him that they will capture Jake. Roman will be coming into the PD in time to hear the coroner’s report. Roman remembers conversations he had with Marlena, how he promised he would sleep on her floor until the strangler was caught and she was safe. Roman is lost in grief, compounded by his guilt over not protecting the most important person in his life.

Eugene having one of his vibes calls and tries to find out if Marlena has died? He calls the hospital and Kayla answers the phone and he asks if Marlena is dead? An almost hysterical Eugene demands some straight answers or he is going to do something really stupid. Kayla offers to arrange for him to talk to someone at the PD.

When Roman returns to the PD, Abe fills him in on Eugene. Roman then contacts Jake's brother, Chris, about making a public appeal to get Jake to turn himself in. Eugene arrives and demands to know from Roman if the strangler got to her. Roman screams at him that yes Marlena is dead.

Don has more flashbacks of Marlena. Meanwhile, she has arrived at the very same mountain cabin, safe and sound! They just miss each other as Don leaves the house, not realizing Marlena is there.

Eugene blames Roman and tells him that it is all his fault, that he was supposed to protect her. Roman tells him he knows it was his fault and he was in love with her. He says Eugene knows how much he loved her. Eugene apologizes as a devastated Roman leaves the room. Kayla arrives and softly puts her head on his shoulder. Abe and Eugene talk about the loss of Marlena.

When Roman and Kayla come back in, Eugene apologizes again for his outburst. After he leaves, Roman tells Abe that he will never forgive himself for Marlena's murder.

The corner reports to Roman & Abe that the latest Salem Slasher victim has been identified as Samantha Evans. A shocked Roman reports that is Marlena's sister! The truth beings to dawn on him that Marlena is not dead!

Late May - early July: Marlena is in the bedroom unpacking as Jake watches her from the patio. A somber grieving Don sits in front of the fire. Marlena comes out and when she sees Don, she jumps and tells him he scared her. She asks him what he is doing there? When she touches is arm, he jumps and looks at her like she is a ghost. He can’t believe it is her and touches her and begins mumbling that he thought she was dead. He tells her that the strangler got someone else and he thoughts it was her! He tells her that it was her laying in her apartment.

Marlena realizes that Sam was there, in her apartment. She tells her that she had sent Sam a key. She sobs that he was trying to kill her but he killed Sam. Don tells her that Jake is the strangler. She sobs in her grief. He has to call Roman and tell her that she is alive. She wants him to go himself to tell the police, she insists that she will be safe there. She points out that only her parents and Johnny know she is there and that Jake thinks he killed her. He doesn’t want to leave her alone, but as she sobs her grief she just doesn’t want to see anyone else yet. Jake stands at the window watching them together.

When Marie and Maggie arrive, Roman and Abe tell them that the strangler did not kill Marlena but her sister, Samantha! Roman is irritated waiting for Charlie. Maggie and Marie show Roman that Marlena left her bathing suit, her sun hat and sun glasses. He surmises she did not go to Mexico! She had those things packed, most of which he gave her. He starts panicking now, just as Charlie arrives and Roman demands an exact account of him taking her to the airport. When Charlie mentions Marlena getting her ticket to Denver, Roman realises she went to see her parents and Johnny! Roman is desperate to get a hold of her parents.

Roman calls Marlena’s mother looking for her. She reports that Marlena was there that morning and then left for Salem. She tells him how happy Marlena looked and how happy he makes her. She tells him that Marlena was taking the early ferry and planned on going over to the gatehouse by the lake, where she always does her thinking. Roman doesn’t tell her that Samantha was murdered. He wants to do it in person.

Don tells Marlena that he doesn’t think he can leave her, and she sits in stunned silence with tears streaming down her face. He is relived that she is alive, though he realizes that means her sister is gone. He will go down and make a ship to shore call. He asks her to lock the door behind him. When she doesn’t respond, he asks if she wants some tea and suggests she go lie down. She just wants to be alone. He closes all of the curtains and has her lock the door behind him. After he leaves, she remembers that she left a note for Gwen.

After Don has left, she starts a fire and as the room fill with smoke she opens the door and jake walks in. Marlena jumps when she sees Jake. She asks why does he want to kill her? He says he didn’t want to kill her at first, he wanted her to help him. Once he found her note, he knew where to find her. She knows that he thought she turned Jessica against him. He says that is one thing. He tells her that they have plenty of time to talk as he wants her to understand everything. He suggests that she relax as she isn’t going to be leaving.

He tells her that everything he has done is her fault. When she was on the radio, he begged her to help him. He asks if she has any idea how much trouble he had to go to get rid of the trash Denise. He tells her everything he did the night with Jessica and says he had to drug her to be able to get back to Salem to kill Denise. Marlena tries to entice him with thoughts of escape, that he probably has time to get away before Don returns. He says he can’t do that as he has to kill her first.

Marie tells the Hortons and Kayla that Marlena wasn’t murdered but her sister Samantha was. Kayla asks where Marlena is? Marie says that she flew to Denver to see her parents but she is back in Salem now and has gone to the gatehouse. Kayla realizes that is why she can’t get ahold of Roman, he must be on his way to the gatehouse to get to Marlena.

Marlena gets ahold of the fire place poker and then decides to try to talk him down and puts it back. She offers that she thinks she could help Jake. He doesn’t believe her, he says he used to think so but he doesn’t anymore. He tells her that he isn’t sick anymore and doesn’t need her help. She offers that he can talk to her about why he felt he had to kill those women, and why he wants to kill her and it might help him to stop killing.

He jokes that it is a dirty job but someone has to do it. As she reaches for the doorknob behind her, he pulls out a gun and warns her to get away from the door and go sit on the couch. He isn’t ready to kill her just yet. As she sits, he sits down next to her. He blames Marlena that she made Jessica loved Joshua. He thinks Jessica has probably already slept with Joshua. He comments that Mary used to sleep with every guy she could, and Lori too. He blames them for sleeping with guys and that they deserved what happened to them.

Marlena argues that they didn’t deserved to be killed. He said he used a silk scarf so that wouldn’t hurt them the way a knife or gun would. She asks him if he thinks he had to eliminate every “bad” woman. He says that he should have also eliminated Liz and Gwen as they deserved it too, but there are just too many bad women and he can’t eliminate them all. So he has decided to just eliminate Marlena and then go away. Roman is seen outside sneaking up to the cottage.

Jake tells Marlena that she had to bring sicko Eugene Bradford into this. She asks why he has a problem with Eugene. He snarks about him being so crazy that he thinks he killed his own wife. He yells that Eugene didn’t kill her, that Jake did! Marlena tries to sympathize that he has been through a terrible ordeal and offers that she still wants to help him. She shakily asks him to put away the gun. He says he doesn’t want to use it unless she forces him too. He brings out a silk scarf.

He complains about being betrayed by women. She continues to try to reach him by empathizing about how it feels to be betrayed. She points out that Jessica isn’t impure, she is just very very young. She tells him that Jessica never meant to betray him. He cries that he loved Jessica so much, he still does. Marlena begins reaching for the gun and almost has her hand on it. He pushes her hand away and grabbed the gun and points it at her head. Roman sees this from the window and approaches the door, knowing he has to act quickly. He opens the door and eases his gun into the room.

Marlena begins pleading that she knows he doesn’t want to hurt anyone as he goes towards her with the scarf. She screams and Roman bursts into the door. He threatens Jake to move away from Marlena and swing around to the other side of Roman, away from Marlena as Roman holds the gun on him. Roman tells him there are police officers outside to take him into custody. He asks Jake to drop the scarf as he isn’t going to need it any longer.

Jake whines that he didn’t want to hurt anyone, that he wanted someone to stop him. Marlena distracts Roman for a moment and when he looks towards her, Jake leaps for the gun which goes off in the struggle. Jake slumps to the floor as Roman checks for a pulse. He tells her it is all over and puts his jacket around her. He tells her to go and she stands there in shock. He carries her out of the room as two officers burst in with guns drawn.

Roman carries her to his car. He calls Abe and fills him in, he has Marlena with him but she is in shock. He is taking her to Mickey & Maggie’s, he wants someone to check her out. Roman asks him to call Val as Marlena might need some medication. Abe tells him that Marlena knows about Samantha. After he gets off the phone, Marlena tells him that she needs to see Sam. She talks about seeing her sister as if she is live, that they will stay up all night talking. He tells her they are going to Mickey & Maggie’s and they will take care of her, that she can’t go home now. She says that Sam is waiting for her.

She gets hysterical and says she will walk home. As they struggle and she fights him to get out of the car, she slaps her lightly across the face. She sits in shock and holds her face. He tells her he is sorry he had to do that. He wraps his coat around her shoulders and promises to get her something warm to drink. She shakily declares she has to see her sister! He tells her gently that she can’t, and she knows that as Don told her at the gatehouse. She leans into him and puts her head on his shoulder. She declares that her sister is a big flirt and he better not flirt back with her. He tells her she doesn’t have anything to worry about that he is going to take good care of her. She continues to talk as though Sam hasn’t been murdered. He decide to take her to her apartment to get through to her.

He says he didn’t want to bring her there but realizes it maybe the only way to get her to accept the truth. She calls out for Sam repeatedly, asking if she is home. She shakily tells Roman that she isn’t there. She wants to know where she went, then she jumps when she sees the outline of the body chalk on her floor. Roman gently tells her that is where she died. Marlena declares that is a mistake, there is some kind of a mistake and she has to go find her sister. Roman grabs her and tells her firmly that she is dead.

She sinks to the floor and touches the chalk outline. Roman tries to talk her through it, that she can’t blame herself that this isn’t her fault, it is Jake’s. He takes her face in his hands and tells her that he loves her, more than anything in the world. She doesn’t respond and he tells her again that he loves her and begs her to hear him. She softly asks, “Samantha is dead?” He tells her yes. She shares that is what Don said, that is what Jake said? “Is it true?” she asks again?

In the next scene, Roman and Marlena arrive at Mickey’s. Maggie tells her that she can stay as long as she wants. Valerie and Roman take her upstairs.

This next section of :16 mins is reduced quality but was missing on most edits so rare footage, Marlena wakes up screaming and crying with the horror of everything. Roman holds her as she cries, remembering what he told her in the car. He asks if she remembers before that? She doesn’t want to think about it, begs him crying not to make her talk about it. He gets her to talk about going back to her apartment and she remembers him telling her that Sam had died.

He promises that he isn’t going to leave her. She asks if there is more? Jake? She remembers Jake’s death. She realizes the strangler is caught, that Jake was responsible for all those women’s death. Marlena starts acting like there is nothing wrong, that she has to take a shower and get dressed. She has things to do. When she heads off to the bathroom, Roman calls Marie for help.

Marie has arrived with a suitcase of Marlena’s things and Roman fills her in that Marlena is acting like nothing is wrong but he knows she has accepted that Sam is dead. She says she has to get back to work. Roman shares that he has already told Gretchen that Marlena would be off for awhile. Marie tries to talk to Marlena and she sternly tells her that she is not a doctor. Marie tries to get through to her that Sam is dead and Marlena is lucky to be alive and to have the love of a wonderful man.

Marlena arrives at the hospital. Kayla and Marie are surprised to see her, as is Val when she gets off the elevator. As she walks off to her office, Kayla says she shouldn’t be there. Marlena tells Gretchen to call her patients and reschedule those who were cancelled, she is shocked to see Marlena back at work like nothing happened. Marlena calmly tells Roman they should stop for a light dinner on the way home so as to not impose on Mickey and Maggie.

After she enters her office, Val and Marie approach and Gretchen worries to them. They tell her not to call any patients. Inside her office, Marlena has some flashbacks and appears to be getting freaked out. She opens her office door and finds Roman, Val, Marie all standing by Gretchen’s desk. Roman comes to her and tells her that he is there for her and he isn’t leaving her alone.

Skips ahead with improved quality to Roman and Marlena in her office just after the funeral (not shown). Roman is desperately trying to get her to leave with him. He warns her that she is in as much danger right now from herself as she was from Jake. Chris comes in wanting to talk to Marlena. Roman is annoyed and tells him this is not a good time. Marlena insists on talking to him. Roman leaves them alone.

Chris keeps thinking about Jake and Sam. He can’t deal with it. Marlena is very sorry about Jake. Chris asks if she didn’t see even a glimmer of what was going on with Jake? She says she never saw it, she never believed he was the strangler. Chris wonders if he had stayed in Salem if he he could have stopped it, stopped Jake. He questions why Mary? Why Sam? Why them?

Meanwhile, Roman paces outside waiting. Eugene comes up to talk to Marlena and is shocked to learn that she is alone with the strangler’s brother. He questions if that is safe? Eugene shakes Roman’s hand and thanks him for saving Marlena’s life.

Chris tells Marlena that he feels sick and angry at himself, at Jake, at the whole world. Marlena tells him that this reaction is normal, feeling betrayed. Chris shares that Jake called him the day he killed Samantha. He told him that he was taking off for a few days to go camping. It struck him as an odd phone call and turned out that was the day Jake had planned on killing Marlena. If only Chris had said something, to have somehow stopped him. Marlena shares about talking to Jake at the gatehouse. How calm Jake was, and how sure he was that he had to kill those women. She tells Chris that he would have killed her to if Roman hadn’t arrived when he did.

Finally Chris notices something is off with Marlena and asks if she is okay. She insists that she is fine and they should talk about Jake. Eugene continues to worry about Marlena being alone with Chris. Eugene bursts in, so relieved that Marlena is alive! He tells her about his vision of her being dead.

Gretchen sympathizes that it is too bad that he didn’t get to go on vacation with Marlena as it would have done him a world of good. He suddenly gets an idea and leaves a note for Marlena, telling Gretchen that he will be back in half an hour.

When Roman returns, no one knows where Marlena is. Roman goes around looking for her, asking Kayla, then Mrs. H. Gretchen reports that Marlena exited the office with Eugene but didn’t come back. Roman questions Eugene where Marlena is. He informs him that she is by some water. Roman demands to know what he said to Marlena? He told her that she needs to be alone.

Marlena is at Roman’s spot on the docks thinking and staring off towards the water. Roman finds her and tells her that she had given him quite a scare. Eugene gave him the tip that she wanted to be alone and was by some water. He turns his face towards her, and tells her that everyone is worried about her, including him. She tells him to leave her alone that she doesn’t want to see him or anyone else. He tells her that Tom did him a favor and took Marlena off rotation. She doesn’t want him to touch her but he grabs her as she almost falls off the pier. She tells him that she killed those women, that Jake wanted her to help him and she didn’t.

He points out all the other people who feel responsible. Him and Abe who couldn’t nail Jake until it was too late to save some women from dying. He says what about Gwen who defended him, Don who left her alone at the gatehouse. He tells her that they are going to go away together and get a fresh start. He needs her to be strong, for herself and for him. He puts his arm around her and walks her off the dock.

DVD #2B The first 1 hr 40 mins or so is of R&M on their Mexico vacation, complete with location scenes (shot in So Cal). They arrive at their hotel room in Mazatlan, Mexico for first half hour of Mexico scenes on the end of this dvd. Marlena tells him that this try was a mistake and she heads for the door. He stops her and tells her there is nothing she can do in Salem except sit around feeling guilty. He points out that being in Salem will just remind her of everything.

He asks her to stop feeling sorry for herself. She asks why he is so angry. He tells her that he is trying to help her and she keeps pushing him away. He says that she is not the only person who has ever blamed herself for someone’s death. He continues that human beings are not perfect, they all make mistakes and have to learn to live with it.

He opens her suitcase and tells her to get out of her traveling clothes and into tourist clothes. He begins unpacking and holds up a camisole and then says perhaps she should unpack the rest of her things. She stands on the balcony as mariachi music is playing in the distance. She is grateful for friends like Maggie and Marie. She wonders how Jessica and Renee are taking all of this. He stops her and pulls her farther out onto the balcony and encourages her to breath in the ocean air. They are alive and they should enjoy!

He puts a bathing suit in her hands and sends her off to the bathroom to change. He tells her she is beautiful and looks sexy. He says he will try not to stare but can’t promise not to sneak a peak or two. She turns to get her robe, she knew she shouldn’t have bought this bathing suit. He takes the robe away from her and has her lay down on the lounge chair on her stomach so he can rub lotion onto her back. She finally begins to relax and tells him this feels wonderful. She turns around and thanks him for being the nicest man she has ever met. He stares intently at her and tells her he is the hottest man and it is not because of the sun. A knock at the door from the hotel staff interrupts them. He comes bearing lunch and speaking Spanish which Marlena interprets for Roman as he sets up their lunch on the patio.

After lunch when she tells him she is tired, Roman suggests that she take a nap on the lounge chair. He offers to figure out the itinerary and tries to look at the brochures, but he can barely keeps his eyes off of her as she rubs lotion into her body. He tells her about the different tours that are offered. She doesn’t really respond, lost in thought. She tells him she is better and he was right to bring her here. Nothing she can say or do will change what happened and they do need to get on with their lives. He is grateful for this sign of progress and she tells him that now he sounds like a psychiatrist. He kisses her intently and then pulls away from her before things get too heated.

He is sorry as she has been through a terrible shock and she isn’t ready for this. She tells him not to apologize as she knows what she is or isn’t ready for. He tells her he is happy with her progress but doesn’t want to push it. He doesn’t want to make love to her until she is completely ready for it. He asks her to get dressed so they can go take a walk. He can’t stay in this room for her as it is too hard for him to stay away from her.

Next scene, she walks up startled with tears running down her face. She wanders out to the balcony as she has flashbacks of not being able to help Jake. Roman soon joins her, asking what is wrong as she is obviously upset. She tells him that she can’t go back to Salem. He doesn’t understand as that is all she has talked about. He asks what she would tell one of her patients who tried to run away from reality? She says she isn’t running away, she dreamt about it all last night.

Roman tells her that he is doing the same thing. He could have nailed him and saved all of those lives. She points out that he did save Jessica and Renee. He says that Jake could have killed her too. He tells her they don’t have to worry about going back to Salem anytime soon. She cries as he holds her in his arms and they are once again interrupted with more room service from Jose.

Marlena can only pick at her food, not hungry at all. She starts crying and walks away from the table. He puts his arms around her and continues to reassure her that it isn’t going to help Samantha for her to torture herself with guilt.

The next morning, Roman asks what she would like to do to enjoy the day? He offers several options but nothing interests her and she sits moping, staring off into the distance. He tells her that he is going to go off and enjoy the day and demands to know if she is going to go with him? She cries that she can’t. He storms out and says he will go enjoy the day alone. As soon as he leaves, she runs to the door and tries to stop him but he is already gone. Roman calls Abe and discusses his concerns about pushing Marlena too hard. He is continually attacked by chickens who keep coming into the open phone booth.

Marlena asks the staff if they have seen Roman? He makes up a story and tells her that Roman is at the cantina surrounded by beautiful women. Roman is on a pay phone talking to Abe and worries that he pushed Marlena too much. When he returns to the hotel, Marlena tells him she will try harder as she has been very self absorbed. He apologizes as well and tells her that he is sorry for pushing her too hard. They give each other presents, both the same marionettes. She looks into his eyes and tells him that things are going to be different now.

Later Roman arrives dressed in a local shirt, and tells her that she looks stunning. She admitted that she went shopping as well. They are headed for a romantic evening, then she grabs a necklace to wear and she realizes it is one that Sam gave her. She breaks down crying. He asks her to wear the necklace and remember Sam.

The are seated at a secluded private table, complete with cackling chickens. Their water questions why they have two rooms? He tries to help by telling them they can’t have two rooms that night, only one is available. As a trio plays, Roman gently holds Marlena and draws her close dancing much slower than the lively music calls for. Jose interrupts and swings Marlena into dancing. Finally Roman interrupts, and tells Jose to leave them alone.

By the time they return to their table, Marlena is laughing and really enjoying herself. He asks her if she knows how much this dumb cop likes her? He admits to making up a list of all the things he likes about her. She says she has a list of her own for him. She tells him that she loves his sense of humor, while he loves her big brown eyes. She counters that she loves his curly hair and he says her legs. She snarks, “his sensitivity”! He says her intellect.

She tells him that he is a kind, gentle yet incredibly strong man. He tells her that she is kind, gentle yet incredibly soft woman. She tells him she loves the way he dances, even when he steps on her toes. He asks if she would like to trip the light fantastic one more time? He takes her into his arms as they slow dance.

Back in their room, she tells him that it was a wonderful night. Later, he knocks on the door for a goodnight kiss. He tells her he isn’t going to pressure her into anything more. She observes that he must be disappointed in how this trip turned out? He tells her he could never be disappointed in her. She tells him what a special man he is. He continues though if their relationship continues at this pace, she might not think he is so special. He kisses her quickly and then leaves to go back to his separate room.

Roman and Marlena head to the beach (location scenes!) carrying their fishing gear. She asks him for tips. He teases her that she can hear the fish calling him. She teases him back that it is a good thing he knows a psychiatrist. She goes along with it and tells him that she can hear the fish too! He gets a weird look on his face until he realizes she is teasing. He sets up the poles and Marlena is thrilled when her line immediately starts pulling. She reels in a tiny little fish and then begs Roman to throw him back. She unpacks the picnic lunch. Roman shares that her mom told him that Marlena had planned on going away alone to think about her relationship with him. She leans in and kisses him and tells him that she can do all of the thinking she needs to with him sitting right next to her.

Roman then catches a baby shoe. He stops laughing and joking as he looks at the shoe somberly. He pulls away from her and starts walking down the beach. She joins him and watches as he tenderly sets the baby show down on a rock, stroking it gently as he pulls away and continues heading back down the beach.

Later that night they return to the restaurant for dinner and dance together. She tells him that she is feeling steadier. She had a wonderful day and this was a turning point for her. He tells her he doesn’t want to rush anything just yet. She asks him where they go from here? Or do they just stay in Mexico forever? He says that maybe end of the week it will be time to return to Salem, he has a couple of things there to clear up. She tells him that Salem is the farthest thing from her mind and they kiss and keep kissing after the music ends as other’s in the restaurant clap for them.

She wakes up from a nightmare, crying as he holds her in his arms. He asks if she was dreaming about Samantha? She says no, the night Jake was killed. Then she apologizes for bringing that up. Roman reassures her that they do have to go on with their lives. She looks at him in horror that all she has done is think of herself and hasn’t thought about his feelings from that night. She says they need to talk about this, just as they are interrupted once again with the waiter bringing their next meal.

Marlena tells him that she wants to talk about the night Jake died. She tells him what she remembers seeing, that Roman risked his life to save her. He says that he was just doing his job. She tells him that she knows him and that he is the kindest most caring person. She knows that he couldn’t be involved with killing any human being and not be affected by it. He tells her that he has never killed anyone before as a cop. He tells her that Jake kept pulling the gun towards himself as Roman struggled to get it away from him.

Next they head back to the beach and lay out a blanket in the sand. He challenges her to a race into the ocean and he takes off running. She soon joins him and they splash and frolic in the water, and wind up in each other’s arms kissing. Soon they are racing back to the sand and their blanket. She starts rubbing sun screen onto his back as they are laughing. She then starts giving him a massage. She stops and he asks what is wrong? She tells him that if she wants to get better, that she has to stop this, stop thinking about Salem, stop thinking about that night. When she calls herself a pain, he turns around and tells her to stop that. She is not a pain, she is the best damn woman in this world and he doesn’t want her to forget it. When she kisses him with gratitude, she starts laughing again and tells him he is slimy like fish bait.

Next they build a sand castle, though she tells him she would have settled for a cabin. She wants to have a large banquet for 200 of their closest friends. She also wants to decorate all the rooms in the castle. She would like royal champagne for the toast, but he argues that beer is the nectar of the gods. She asks him if he ever takes off the chain that he wears around his neck? He says no, never, and maybe someday he will tell her about it. She doesn’t want any secrets between them. She asks him if they can come back here to their kingdom tonight, and that they will live happily ever after. He agrees and kisses her soundly.

Later that night, they sit in each other’s arms, alone in front of the fire on the beach. She tells him she is having a wonderful day. He offers to start dinner while she sits back and watches a master chef. She tells him that he is the most wonderful man that she has ever known. She asks if he knows how terrific he is? He kisses her sweetly. She then tells him that she also wants him to know that she loves him.

He looks at her, not quite sure he heard her. He asks her, “What?” She looks him in the eyes and tells him again that she loves him. He says that is the first time she has ever told him that. She says that it isn’t the first time she has ever thought it. She feels like she was very far away for a long time and he brought her back. When she was scared or thought she couldn’t go on, she just had to look at him. She feels like she can face anything now and it is because of him, and she loves him, so very much. He takes her face in his hands and kisses her.

Late June-July 1:08 mins - Roman & Marlena return to Salem, showing up at Maggie’s door and she welcomes them home. While Marlena is alone with Maggie, she confides that things suddenly got awkward between her and Roman on the way home. When he returns, he asks her what the problem is? She comments that he was quiet too. He tells her that he was just thinking. He admits he was thinking about each of their pasts, where they came from before they met. He also was thinking about Jake and Sam and wondering if Marlena is really all right now?

She tells him that while she was on the beach, she felt very secure about returning to Salem. Once she got to the airport, she began to realize that it isn’t going to be so easy. He knows that something has changed between them and he isn’t sure what. She points out that they aren’t the same two people who left on that trip and she isn’t sure where that leaves them. He tells her that after spending so much time together, it will be tough leaving her alone today.

She knows that he cares about her and she will always be very grateful to him for everything he has done for her. She asks if he was sure when he said that he loved her? He asks her if she really meant it when she said she loved him? She says that it isn’t a very good sign if they both have to ask that question. He tells her that they were both so sure in Mazatlan and now they can barely talk to each other.

She says that they have spent so much time together, more than some married couples. She observes that all the danger was exciting and very romantic, like a movie. He observes that the first few times he told her that he loved her, she couldn’t say it back. On the plane on the way home, he worried that she got caught up in the romance of the trip and it wasn’t real. She admits that she didn’t realize she loved him in Mazatlan that it was way before that. He says they both have some very serious thinking to do now they are back to reality.

She wants to get things back to normal and mentions going to see Renee. He tells her he doesn’t want her to go back to her apartment. She agrees she can’t live there again. He pauses in front of her, seemingly nervous and asks, “What is happening to us, doc?”

Next, Marlena calls the Horton’s to speak to Renee. She is so relieved to hear Marlena’s voice. She would like to see her and they agree to meet in an hour.

Roman talks to Kayla at the cafeteria. He confides how unsure they both are feeling now that they are home. She tells him that this is the real thing for him, and he is just having a case of cold feet. She warns him not to let Marlena go. He promises that he won’t if he can help it.

Marie and Val are thrilled to see Marlena arriving at the hospital. She tells them her trip was glorious. Marie questions whether isn’t she jumping into things too quickly by returning to work already. She suddenly stops talking as Roman approaches. He tells her that he would like to speak privately to her as soon as possible. She tells him that Renee is waiting for her and he says he will wait.

Marlena greets Renee and comments that hearing about Jake must have been a terrible shock. She asks if Tony knows that he is her half brother. She says that yes, he read the letter and he was angry that Emily was just trying to keep them apart.

Roman returns to her office. He says that all that stuff he said earlier is a bunch of garbage. He loves her and he wants them to be together! She admits to feeling the same way. She doesn’t know what was wrong with her, maybe it was the shock of returning to Salem. She knows one thing, that she loves him! He responds by saying he loves her and then kisses her. She holds onto him tightly declaring, “Welcome Home!” He warns her now that is settled that he has a lot of plans for them!

Marlena and Roman walk in the park. She asks him what he has been up to? He tells her that he warned her he was going to be busy. He sees the gleam in her eye and laughs that she likes a man of mystery. He tells her he is taking care of some things that he should have done a long time ago. He asks her if she will wait while he is taking care of things, as it is taking longer than he expected. She promises to wait for him for as long as it takes.

Roman reminisces about the night she made him the romantic dinner. She remembers that was the first time he told her that he loved her. He says that when she said she loved him, that all the pain and sadness washed away. He asks if they both feel this way about each other, why did they both have doubts on the plane ride home? He says maybe they didn’t trust each others feelings.

She tells him again that she loves him very much and it just took her time to get to that as she was afraid she was making a mistake. He asks her if she is still afraid? She says no, not at all, she is very very sure. He promises that after he has taken care of business that they will sit down and have a nice long talk. She tells him that he is scaring her.

Roman says they have to get to the station to sign the statement about Jake’s confession. She feels the worst for Eugene, that he thought he killed his wife for all that time. He is concerned about her bad dreams disturbing her peace. He suggests that after their talk, he thinks she will feel a lot better. He declares that his new goal will be to make her life as wonderful as it can be.

Don and Gwen are at the PD when they arrive. Gwen comments on how happy Marlena looks. She tells Gwen that Mazatlan is a wonderful place. She signs the statement and then heads back to her office. Roman tells her to take care of herself as Don watches suspiciously.

Don soon arrives at her office. He says that she gave him some kinda of scare, well Jake did. Sometimes she wakes up and thinks it is all just a bad dream. She still doesn’t understand how it all happened, it is just a blur. He tells her that when Gwen found her, she thought it was Marlena. By the time he got there, the police had covered her body and he just saw her robe and her hair. It never occurred to him to think it could be Sam and not her. He asks if she is okay? She tells him that Roman has helped her a lot. He says he knows as he had a long talk with Roman (unfortunately not included).

Don tells her that he has come to say farewell. She asks if he is going somewhere. He says that things have changed between them and what they had has gone somewhere. It isn’t gone completely but, she has a new beginning now with a new man. He observes that they never said what they felt, about their marriage, about DJ. He tells her it wasn’t her fault nor his that DJ died.

He shares that their lives, their love was never the same afterwards. She tells him she didn't stop loving him. He says that he never did either, but laughs she sure didn’t like him very much for awhile. He says there is a lot that he likes about her, but it isn’t that passionate love anymore. He says that Roman is a lucky guy. She softly tells him how much she loves Roman. She thanks him for this. He tells her that he just wants her to be happy.

Eugene shows Marlena a release from Bayview. He says he isn’t ready to leave. She says that she is and reminds him that he will continue with therapy either with her or someone else. She is surprised that he is so upset. She tells him that she talked to the other doctors out there and they all agree that Eugene didn’t need to be confined any longer. He tells her that he felt safe there. He will have to find a job, pay bills and taxes. She tells him that he will have to get back to a normal life and she knows he can cope with it. She tells him that she has a little test for him and asks him to come with her.

She takes him to the park where he took her hostage. He doesn’t like it there. She brought him there to show him that despite what happened there, it is different now as he is different. She tells him that staying where he feels safe isn’t living, it is just existing.

Eugene comments that it is pretty obvious that Marlena loves Roman and what is she going to do about it? He says that Roman is almost perfect. He just can’t say perfect as she has encouraged him to be more realistic. She says it is time for him to move out of Bayview and she will help him find an apartment and a job. She encourages him to make new friends. He hugs her and says he will start right now!

Next Marlena counsels Renee, she plans on finding a job and spending as little time as possible at the Dimera’s. Marlena tells her how proud she is of her for how she is handling everything. Roman calls Marlena and asks her to join him at Shenanigans. She drives so fast, she complains to Roman about the ticket she got. She asks him to fix it for her, and he says no way.

After they sit down, she tells him that he has been on edge since Mexico. She tells him after the party is over, that she has some questions she would like him to answer. He agrees. Val says her goodbyes as she is leaving town. Marlena gives her a big hug. Afterwards Roman walks Marlena outside. He points out that is the same moon that was in Mazatlan. Roman feels bad for Abe having to say goodbye to Valerie, it just wasn’t meant to be. Roman kisses her again, relieved to have her in his arms. He mysteriously tells her again, that he is just waiting until he got some things cleared up from his past.

He admits that it is confusing. She asks if he is confused about them, and he says no that is the one thing he isn’t confused about, how much he loves her. He says that the alleyway isn’t the place to talk about this. She suggests that he pick the time and the place to discuss it. He asks her to arrange for some time off with Dr. Horton as he knows exactly the perfect place to talk, a nice romantic place in the country. He tells her that after they have that talk, they will want to be in the most romantic place possible.

Marlena calls Roman waking him up from a nightmare. He tells her he had a late night at work, but doesn’t tell her about his bad dream. She notices how distant he sounds. She has found a place to live, it is an apartment in the Chandler Building. She asks if he can go over with her to take a look at it before he goes into PD. He agrees as he is taking the day off after his late night.

They meet at the new place and he says it is nice. She seems to be looking for Roman to say something else. She is nervous about moving to a new place but she knows she can’t go back to her old apartment. Roman tells her he never wants her to go back there as it holds memories for him too. She thinks he means when he saw the body thinking it was her.

He lightens up the subject about sleeping on her floor that first night and then Mickey & Maggie showing up, then Don who looked like he wanted to kick him. Then she started wearing those flimsy nighties, and just as they were starting to get it together, Gwen showed up. He laughs about not wanting to relieve all of those memories of frustration. She says she wants a new start and asks him if he could be comfortable here?

He tells her that he can spend time with her wherever she is, including the moon. He points out that this will be her place and she has to be comfortable here. She tries to get him to tell her where they will be going in the country.

He refuses to tell her as he doesn’t want Gwen, Don, Jose, or anyone else showing up to interrupt them. He says that after they have their discussion, they have some unfinished business to take care of. She goes into his arms and suggests they have that discussion right now? He scoffs in an apartment that doesn’t even belong to her? She offers to show him the bedroom. He loves the view and tells her that bathroom is pretty sexy too. She laughs and he tells her how wonderful it is to see her happy.

She is going to go back to her place to pick some things up. He asks her to only pick up what is absolute necessity. He doesn’t want her to bring anything that will give her any pain, to leave it all in the past. She thanks him again for getting her through the past few weeks. He tells her he loves her, and she loves him. He asks her to do something about getting that time off soon!

Roman & Marlena approach Tom and they go into the lounge together. Marlena doesn’t want to impose, he knows she wants some time off. He agrees and says he knows she needs it.

They are roughing it with coffee from a thermos, and can’t wait till furniture gets there. He shows her the brochure for the inn that he is taking her to. He promises her that it is small, secluded, private, and they never have to leave their room. She says it looks like heaven and she can’t wait to go away with him. He teases that he has some interesting surprises for her.

When Roman gets quiet again, she realizes that he is going to tell her about his past with another woman. She didn’t thinks he was the first woman in his life. He asks if that bothers her? She tries teasing him but he doesn’t respond. She asks if she was the woman who gave him the chain? He says yes, but it was so long ago, it was almost like it didn’t happen.

She tells him that she doesn’t care about his past, all she cares about is his future. He tells her again that he loves her very much, the kind of love that he has never known before. He doesn’t want to lose her, he doesn’t know what he would do without her. She promises that he will never have to find out.

Abe calls Roman and tells him that have been giving a special investigative task. Abe’s desk is piled high with files. Marlena is worried that this will interrupt their trip. He says no way, they can bust him down to traffic cop but he isn't canceling their plans. He kisses her goodbye before heading to PD. Julie has arrived and promises to get the decorating done before she returns from her trip.

Marlena drops by Maggie and Mickey’s. While she is there, Roman calls Mickey to ask if there is any update on the petition Mickey filed with the court. Mickey says no. Marlena is curious why Roman is calling, but Mickey tells her that he can’t tell her about that.

Marlena shows up at the PD, and Roman teases her that she can’t stay away from him. She tells him about overhearing the phone call. He tells her it is just a problem that he is working out.

Roman arrives at Maggie’s to pick Marlena up for their dinner out. They are teased about needing a chaperone. At dinner, Roman tells her that he would like to take her to meet his parents. But he warns her that they will give her a thorough once over, maybe a twice over. Afterwards, they walk down on the dock in the moonlight. He tells her that this has been his place for so long, but he has never brought anyone here before. Now it will be their special place forever.

In the car for their road trip to the inn, Marlena raves about the flowers that he stopped to buy for her at a roadside stand. He asks her if she is happy, and she says happier than she has ever been. She is starving and he told her that he pre-ordered dinner which should be ready when they arrive. She notices something in his pocket but he won’t tell her what it is. He says it will be smooth sailing from now on, though he gets suddenly quiet and somber. She asks if this is about the talk they have to have first.

He says that maybe he should start, that it goes back 5 years and even Abe doesn’t know about it. He says he is sorry he hasn’t told her before, but the timing never felt right before. But he knows that now he has to get it all out in the open. She offers to share it with him, whatever it is.

When they arrive at the inn, they are taken to a candlelit room for a romantic dinner. He recites the Season of Love, their poem. She teases that he is a closet romantic. He tells her that when he looks into her eyes, that all of the troubles of the world just fade away. She asks if they can have their talk now, he delays until after dinner.

They are finally alone together in their fire lit room as he pours champagne. She makes a toast to their future, no matter what it brings, and the past will have no hold over them. He begins to tell her his story about the woman from his past. She is shocked when he reveals that he had married Anna and technically he is still married. She looks at him in horror until he mentions the accident. He tells her that Anna insisted on taking a boat out in the storm, and she fell over board and drowned. He continues that her body was never found. He tells her that is why he went to see Mickey to petition the court to have her legally declared dead.

He isn’t finished yet, and tells her that someone else was involved in the accident and that is what is giving him the nightmares. He tells her that Anna was pregnant and he killed them, he killed his wife and his baby. She tells him that he didn’t kill anyone, that it wasn’t his fault. He has been trying to tell himself that for years. She realizes that is why he has never taken off the necklace. He tells her that Anna gave it to him for a wedding gift. He wears it as a reminder of his wife and baby that he lost. He tells her that he is ready to take it off now and wants her to do it.

He tells her he feels a 100 lbs lighter, he feels free. He tells her that he did love Anna all those years ago, but he never loved her the way he loves Marlena. He didn’t think he could ever love again, but Marlena changed all that. He tells her he has felt dead inside for so many years and she has brought him back to life. They end in a kiss after she reassures him of her ongoing love and nothing will change that.