Bo & Hope #88A May 22 - June 18, 2025: 4 hour original edit

DVD #88A 5/22 John Black returns to save Bo Brady
Steve and Shawn  sat on their laptops searching for any sign of Kevin’s roommate, Asher, whom they suspected had the Versavix. Shawn was surprised when Belle called and told him that Hope had once arrested Asher when he was a teenager (she isn’t seen). Shawn quickly called Hope and asked her about the arrest.  Hope remembered the kid well because he also went to preschool with Zack years ago. Hope told Shawn that Asher wasn't a drug dealer, but he hung out with them. Shawn wondered if he took the Versavix because he was dealing drugs. When Steve learned what Asher's alias was, he remembered seeing the name on the dark web offering a new drug similar to Versavix.

Steve contacted the account with the alias and was sure the drug he was trying to sell was the one that could save Bo. Steve made plans to meet with the guy before the men told Dr. Jeffrey Russell that they'd get all the Versavix back as long as he let them take a dose to Bo. "If this thing goes south, nobody will have to know that you willingly went along with the plan. We'll take the hit," Steve said. Dr. Russell finally agreed, so the men headed out to a dark alley behind a warehouse to meet their drug dealer, who went to preschool with Zack. Dr. Russell was horrified when Shawn mentioned his life's work was now in a meth lab.

The men tried to figure out a way into the warehouse when Hope called Shawn (she still isn’t seen). She told him that a priest was on his way to give Bo last rites. Steve tried to convince Shawn to head to Greece to say goodbye, but Shawn refused. Suddenly, a man in a hoodie approached them. Dr. Russell asked who it was. "Dr. Russell, let me introduce John Black. You can always count on him to save the day. Isn't that right, partner?" Steve asked.
"That's a fact, John said” (seen from behind in a hoody.

5/23 The warehouse raid goes horribly wrong
In a hospital room, Hope kissed an unconscious Bo. “Happy Anniversary, Brady. I know you can hear me, so I am going to just keep talking,” Hope said. Hope thought about her first wedding to Bo, when Bo had told her that she had made him feel alive. “I want you to know, I’m gonna try my hardest to keep our love alive,” Bo had said that day. Hope smiled at the memory.

“I still can’t believe you stole a milk truck, and got arrested before our wedding. And if that wasn’t enough, you stole a horse, too, so you wouldn’t be late. 40 years. It seems like just yesterday, doesn’t it?” Hope said. Ciara walked in, and she stood in the doorway as she listened to her mother talk to her father. “I wish that we could do it all over again,” Hope said. 

“Mom?” Ciara said. Hope hugged her daughter, and she thanked her for being there.
“Chelsea’s on her way,” Hope said. 
“And Shawn?” Ciara asked. Hope confirmed that she hoped Shawn would arrive in time. With tears in her eyes, Ciara said, “I’m so scared.”

Hope hugged her daughter tightly. Hope explained that the doctors had removed Bo from isolation so that his family could spend his last moments with him. “The priest gave him his last rites, but I think that he’s waiting to give you all a chance to tell him how much you love him,” Hope said. Hope rested her head on Bo’s chest. Ciara confirmed that Ben was with the kids at a nearby hotel.

“I know that daddy’s not gonna give up. He’s gonna fight with everything that he has,” Ciara said. “And so will we,” Hope countered. Hope asked Ciara to stay with Bo while she stepped out.

At the Horton house, Julie called Hope and left her a voicemail to wish her a happy anniversary. “Please know that I am sending you and Bo all my love and all my prayers. And call me back when you get a chance, okay?” Julie said. Julie ended the call, and she stared at a wedding photo of Bo and Hope. “Been a long road. But we helped each other, didn’t we?” Julie said. Julie thought about when she had helped Bo secretly meet up with Hope, and she smiled. Julie grabbed a photo of Doug.

“Darling, if there’s anything you can do to help Bo and Hope. In this great mystery, there must be somebody up there who owes you a favor. And well, please, if there ever was a moment to call it in, this is it,” Julie said. Julie clutched Doug’s photo to her chest. Julie wished Doug a happy anniversary, and she said that she thought of him every hour.

“Your beautiful blue eyes. The way you always looked at me with so much delight. Your smile that would light up the whole room. And your voice singing those love songs to me. I hear them in my mind. I feel them in my heart. And that’ll just have to do for now. Till we meet again,” Julie said. Julie kissed the photo.

When Marlena stopped by Kayla’s office, she was surprised that Marlena was not with John. Marlena told Kayla that John had met up with Steve to help in the search for a drug. As Kayla nodded solemnly, Marlena said, “You knew that, didn’t you?” Kayla confirmed that she was aware of Steve’s mission to save Bo, but she had not known about John. Kayla told Marlena that the drug in question was Versavix, which had been stolen from the lab.

“I thought it was still in early trials,” Marlena said.
“It is. That’s why it’s risky and there are no guarantees. I mean, not to mention the ethical dilemma that has been tearing me apart. But you know, it’s the only thing that could actually save my brother, so I’m sorry that we didn’t share it with you. And I’m sorry that it’s delayed John’s homecoming,” Kayla said. With a smile, Marlena noted that she and John had the rest of their lives to spend together.

“Of course [John] is going to help Bo. I mean, Bo was always like a brother; he was a brother to him,” Marlena said. “Steve felt the same way,” Kayla agreed. Kayla thought about a moment with her brother Bo when she had given him Steve’s leather jacket. “That’s his. You don’t want me to have it,” Bo had said. Kayla had told Bo that Steve would have wanted him to have it. Kayla sighed at the memory.

“You and I have always prided ourselves in being strong, independent, self-sufficient women. But there have been so many times in my life when those three guys have really stepped up for me. And for others in ways that were just...,” Kayla started.

“Exceptional,” Marlena finished. Kayla smiled, and she noted that the only downside was that there were moments of uncertainty about whether they would return home.

“But Steve did come back to me when I didn’t think he would, and so did John,” Kayla said. Kayla noted that their group had been lucky because after years of dangerous challenges, the men had always fought and returned home. “But what if Bo never gets to do that again?” Kayla said.
“If he can’t, everybody is gonna do the fighting for him. They will get it done. And as far as we go, yes, we are strong, independent women. And we will always be there. We will always be optimistic, as will everybody who loves Bo so much,” Marlena said. Kayla  nodded in agreement.

Over a cup of tea, Kayla reminded Marlena of when Bo had helped their mother with a clinical trial for her dementia. “I can imagine that [Caroline] is looking down on everybody right now and wanting you to know that you’re doing the right thing, and it’s all going to turn out okay,” Marlena said. With a sigh, Kayla urged Marlena to go home and wait for John. Marlena said she was too excited to wait at home.
“John will get his mission accomplished, and then he’ll come home to the woman he loves,” Kayla said. In the alley outside the warehouse where Steve and Shawn suspected the Versavix was being held, Steve and Shawn argued in front of Dr. Jeffrey Russell about whether to charge into the building or not. “We are running out of time. We’ve got to do something,” Shawn insisted. A hooded figure approached, and Steve chuckled as he greeted his friend.

“Dr. Russell, let me introduce John Black. You can also count on him to save the day. Isn’t that right, partner?” Steve said. 

“That’s a fact,” John said. John got to work on the security system. Worried, Jeffrey expressed his concerns to Steve about the number of people who knew about the theft of the drug. Steve assured Jeffrey that John was a discreet friend who was an expert at cracking security systems.

“When I called him, he was on his way home from a long, overseas mission, but he insisted on showing up here. Because that’s the kind of man he is. So stop worrying, Dr. Russell. And start being thankful that John Black is here,” Steve said. Shawn found Asher’s phone outside. Jeffrey lamented that his life’s work was locked up in a meth lab. Shawn admitted he did not know if Asher had dropped his phone on the way in the building or on the way out. After Steve checked in with John, he told Shawn that there was a redundant security system. “John has one covered,” Steve said. 

“And I’ve got the other one,” Hope said as she walked up. Surprised, Shawn asked his mother why she was there. Hope explained that once she had heard about the situation, she had been eager to help instead of waiting around. After Hope checked in with John, they disabled the alarm. Hope asked Jeffrey to accompany them inside so that he could identify the drug.

Inside the warehouse, a man was unconscious on the floor. Hope and John. crept into the room with Jeffrey, and the three of them donned suits and masks to protect themselves from the atmosphere inside. As Jeffrey pointed out his drug, the man who had been on the floor roused and tackled Jeffrey. The man started to choke Jeffrey as fumes from knocked-over chemicals started to fill the air. Hope pulled the assailant off of Jeffrey, and she assured him that they meant no harm.

“I’ll kill you!” the man yelled as he lunged at Jeffrey with a knife. John wrestled the man for control of the knife. As a fire started to grow in the corner, John yelled at Hope and Jeffrey to get out. Hope pushed Jeffrey out the door as John wrestled with the assailant on the ground.

Outside, Shawn worried aloud that he should be with his father instead of at the warehouse. Steve reassured Shawn not to second guess his choice because Hope appeared to believe that it was possible to secure a dose of the drug. “I want to believe that more than anything. But if we fail, and I chose to stay here, that means that I can never say goodbye to my dad,” Shawn said. Steve put his hand on Shawn’s shoulder.

“I know you’re scared. I know you blame yourself for what happened to your dad. But let me tell you something, when it comes to Bo Brady, failure is not an option,” Steve said. As Hope and Jeffrey stumbled outside, Steve asked what had happened. Hope shoved Jeffrey toward Steve, and she attempted to run back inside. Flames flared up and prevented her entry. After the firefighters arrived and put out the flames, Steve and Hope fought to get inside to look for John.

“We found a body,” a firefighter confirmed.
When the firefighters returned, they had John on a gurney. They confirmed that John was alive but badly burned. “John saved me,” Jeffrey said. 

“Now we have to save him,” Steve said. Steve and Hope reassured John that they would take care of him. John opened his hand to reveal a vial of Versavix. “Go save Bo,” John whispered.

In Kayla’s office, she told Marlena that there had been an explosion at a warehouse. “Shawn and Steve are okay,” Kayla said.

“And John?” Marlena asked. Kayla confirmed that John was severely injured.

In Bo’s hospital room, Ciara sat next to her father, and she commented on how strange it was to see him so still. “Did I ever tell you that Ben fixed your bike for me after I kind of sort of totalled it?” Ciara said. After a moment, Ciara started to cry. “I would give anything to be able to fix you, Daddy, so we could just go, get out on the road or go out at sea,” Ciara said. Ciara admitted that she had dreamed that Bo would be able to teach her kids about engines and sailing. “I’m married to a wonderful man now. Ben. And he is a great father to our children, Bo and Addie. Just like you always were to me. You always made me feel so safe and loved. Even when we were all struggling when mom was gone and it was just the two of us,” Ciara said.

Ciara told Bo that she remembered what he had said to her. “If you get lonely, you just hold on to your necklace, okay, and know how much mommy and daddy love you. And you’re the most important thing to us in the world,” Bo had said. Ciara had given her father a hair bow as a reminder of her for him. Ciara sniffled as she thought about the memory. “I’m gonna say that to my kids too,” Ciara said.

Bo dreamed of walking through the Salem Town square, and he found Ciara’s bow on the ground. “Ciara?” Bo said. Bo saw the plaque for Alice and Tom, and he said hello to them. “What the hell am I doing here? Why am I in Salem?” Bo wondered aloud in his dream.

At Bo’s bedside, Ciara talked about Bo’s strong connection to Hope. “Even after everything you’ve been through. Having to give up one child and then losing another. Oh my god, now that I’m a mother, I can’t even imagine how you guys did it,” Ciara said. Ciara thought about a memory from her childhood when they had visited Zack’s grave. Ciara started to sob, and she wondered aloud how to say goodbye to her father. After Ciara calmed down, she lamented that she had acted out in her younger years. “I really wish I had realized sooner how blessed I am to be your daughter, to be a Brady, and to have a place as special as Salem to come home to. In Bo’s dream, he saw a bouquet of flowers fall to the ground, and he noted that they were funeral flowers. “That’s not good,” Bo muttered. Bo walked over to the pub, and he grinned as he looked inside the window at Steve and Kayla eating chowder. Bo went inside, and he overheard Steve and Kayla talking about him. When Bo said hello, they reacted as if they could not hear him. “Can’t you hear me?” Bo cried out. Neither Steve nor Kayla reacted.

Bo reappeared outside the pub. Confused, Bo turned the handle, but the door would not open. Bo yelled out to Steve and Kayla inside, but they still could not hear him. “What the hell is happening? You guys, I’m here!” Bo said.

In Bo’s hospital room, his monitors started to beep. Ciara ran out of the room calling for help. A doctor ran back in with Ciara, and she examined Bo. “Daddy, please stay with us,” Ciara begged as she held her father’s hand. The doctor stabilized Bo. “Mom, where are you?” Ciara whispered. At the Salem hospital nurses’ station, Steve informed Jeffrey that his assailant had died in the fire. “I just can’t believe how this all went down,” Jeffrey said.

“Me neither. You know it turns out, John not only saved your life. He saved your life’s work,” Steve said. Steve handed Jeffrey a box with the other vials of Versavix. Jeffrey gasped. “How did this survive the explosion?” Jeffrey asked.
“The firefighters said that John protected the tray with his body,” Steve said. Overwhelmed, Steve sat in a chair and wept.

In a hospital room down the hallway, Marlena sat next to John, who was bandaged from head to toe. “How bad is it?” Marlena asked Kayla. Kayla confirmed that John’s respiratory system was severely compromised, and that he had third-degree burns on over 30% of his body. “I’ve called the kids. They’re on their way in,” Marlena stammered. When Kayla suggested that Marlena could go to the chapel, she refused. “I just got him back. I’m not leaving him. Not now. Not ever,” Marlena said.

At Bo’s hospital, Hope arrived with Shawn. “Where have you been?” Ciara said. Hope explained that they had secured a drug that might save Bo.

“I’ll explain everything later. This might be the miracle we’ve been praying for,” Hope said. Shawn thanked Hope. Hope kneeled next to Bo and said, “Don’t you dare leave me on our anniversary. You fight.” After the doctor spoke to Kayla, she returned to the room to administer the dose of Versavix. The family prayed aloud as they waited for the drug to take effect.

John’s monitors started to blare. “He’s coding,” Kayla yelled as she rushed out of the room to call for a crash cart. Kayla asked Marlena to leave the room, but she refused. Steve pulled Marlena into the corner to keep out of the way. “John! I’m right here! I love you too!” Marlena called out.

6/2 John dies, just as Bo wakes up
At the hospital, Steve expressed his relief at how well John seemed to be doing. Kayla attributed the turnaround to John’s “fighting spirit.” Steve still beat himself up for getting John hurt. Kayla urged him not to blame himself. John was on the road to recovery, and because of his and Steve’s heroism, Bo had a shot at life as well. Kayla cautioned that there could still be complications with the drug, though. Steve was hopeful that Bo would pull through, even though he had not received the drug sooner. He lightly suggested that when John fully improved, they should pay a visit to Bo and urge him to stop “laying on his butt all day.” Kayla hoped she could be there when her brother finally woke up.

In Bo’s hospital room, Shawn, Ciara, and Hope stood vigil at Bo’s bedside. Ciara suggested that her mother go to Chelsea’s hotel room and get some much needed rest. Hope vowed to stay by Bo until he “opened his big, beautiful brown eyes” and met her gaze. She let her kids know there would be no argument about it. Shawn and Ciara acquiesced, and Ciara called Hope the most stubborn person she knew, minus one person.

As Hope looked back at Bo, she said they’d been in “this war” for two years. She’d talked Bo’s head off to the point where she believed he’d wake up just to tell her to shut up. Ciara asked what Hope had talked about, and Hope replied, “Everything.” She’d even resorted to waxing poetic about motorcycle crankshafts and Irish cheese – an admission that drew a chuckle from the kids. Shawn confided he’d read every book in the hospital to his dad, just as Bo had read to him as a child.

Shawn and Ciara agreed that Bo was a fantastic storyteller, and the best tales he’d ever told had been his own. Ciara wished that one day her dad could spin stories for her kids. When Bo’s eyes suddenly began twitching, the family grew excited, and Shawn raced outside to retrieve the doctor. After the doctor examined Bo, though, she deflated the optimism by claiming she saw no change in Bo’s condition. The doctor soon left, and Hope approached Bo and pledged her certainty that Bo was trying to reach them. “What are you trying to say?” she implored.

Meanwhile, in Bo’s mind, Bo finally made it into the locked Brady Pub…only to find Kayla and Steve gone. A bartender was in their place. When Bo caught the man’s attention, he turned and smiled. “Zack?” Bo asked with astonishment. Bo wasn’t sure what was happening, as the encounter reminded him of a previous time he’d thought he’d seen Zack, when everything had been “white.” Bo only knew he wanted to hug his son.

Zack begged off the hug and cautioned his father not to get too attached. “You don’t belong here,” Zack said. Bo’s place was with Hope, Shawn, Ciara, Chelsea, and his grandkids. Bo didn’t want to miss more time with his “Tiny Man” Zack, since Zack had been taken from them too soon. Zack assured Bo he was "surrounded by love," and Grandma Caroline and Grandpa Shawn said "hi." Zack also promised it wasn’t goodbye. He’d always be with the family, and he’d be waiting when it was Bo’s time to go.
“Who says it’s not my time?” Bo asked.
“We do,” came a response from behind Bo. When he turned, a vision of Hope, Shawn, and Ciara stood before him.

Back in the hospital room, Hope stated Bo had been a “rebel” his entire life, starting with his decision to join the Merchant Marines as a young man. Ciara joked that his kids hadn’t taken after him in that regard, which prompted a recollection of Shawn and Ciara’s rebellious deeds throughout the years. Hope wondered if Zack would have taken after his father. The activity on Bo’s monitor suddenly picked up. Hope went to Bo and stroked his face. She knew it wasn’t the infection causing his responses. He was becoming more aware. She took him on another stroll down memory lane: the first time they’d met, the first time she’d ridden on his motorcycle, the time he had kidnapped her from her wedding, the time they were trapped in a hot air balloon, the first time she’d boarded the Fancy Face, and the time they sailed away into the sunset on the boat. “It has been every bit the adventure you promised me,” Hope affirmed.

In Bo's mind, Bo wondered why his family was there. They confirmed they came to bring him home. Zack suddenly reappeared before Hope and embraced her, then Ciara and Shawn. Bo snarked about them getting a hug instead of him. Hope approached and told Bo he had a decision to make, so stop being stubborn. Bo argued he couldn’t even open his eyes, despite his best efforts. “Sometimes you can give it all you’ve got, and it’s not enough,” he said.

In the hospital room, Shawn returned from a phone call with Claire, who was sorry she couldn’t make it. Hope said Bo could feel his granddaughter’s hope, along with the entire family. She sat with Bo and gave him another pep talk. They had been through too much for it to end. “We have far too many beautiful memories to make, and so many old ones to cherish, Brady,” Hope said. She remembered them all, from their first kiss at a kissing booth to their first wedding to Shawn Douglas’ birth. Shawn wanted to hold all the memories close, even the painful ones, like losing Zack. Bo’s eyes began moving again. But just as quickly, he seemingly started flatlining. While Ciara and Bo urgently left to get help, Hope begged Bo not to go.

Back in Bo's mind, Hope chastised Bo for talking like a “quitter.” Bo was resigned to his fate. When he said he could stay with his son, Zack ordered Bo not to use him as an excuse. Bo felt that if he left, he would be letting Zack down again. Zack protested that neither Bo nor Hope had ever let him down. “You made me feel so loved,” Zack said with conviction. The only thing Bo owed Zack was to live his life.

Bo reasoned that perhaps it wasn’t up to him whether he lived or died. Hope agreed, but she told Bo that it was up to him “to fight, to not give up until your final breath.” In no uncertain terms, she said the family had done all they could do. Now it was Bo’s turn. “You fight,” she commanded. “You fight for your family.”

Back in the hospital room, Hope stroked Bo’s cheek, and slowly, he opened his eyes. As a beaming Hope came into focus, Bo uttered his first words in two years: “Fancy Face.” Hope exuberantly kissed him and sobbed in relief and wonder. “Say it again,” she requested. "Say it again."

Kayla and Steve filled John in on Bo’s improvement, and Kayla wisecracked that next they’d have to erect a statue of John in the middle of Horton Town Square. Marlena grew emotional as she proudly stated that nothing made John happier than being with his friends and family. As affirmation, she remembered when John had introduced a young Brady to his baby sister, Belle: the first time their family had truly been together as one. “I know the kids and I have always been your first priority,” she said meaningfully to John.

When John struggled to breath, Kayla revealed that the pulmonologist had confirmed John’s lungs were regressing rapidly. Kayla stressed that John’s injuries were catching up with him. Marlena cried, "Please, God, help him”. When Steve brokenly asked Kayla what they could do. Kayla, shaken, confirmed the worst: all they could do now was make John “comfortable.” She wasn’t telling Marlena to give up hope, but she suggested Marlena get a priest. A shellshocked Marlena absorbed the turn of events.

Outside John’s room, a frantic Steve implored Kayla to give him hope. He would “go to the ends of the Earth” to find a cure for John. Kayla teared up as she reiterated the harsh truth: all they could do was wait. It was just a matter of time. Steve, overwhelmed with grief, sobbed in Kayla’s arms. “Please help him,” he managed through his tears. Summoning up her courage, Marlena told John, “If you need to go now, it’s okay.” With a gentle touch, she repeated, “It’s okay.” Marlena crawled into the bed and cuddled up with her husband. She silently cried on his shoulder as memories of their love story through the years flashed by.

All the while, John’s recitation of his wedding vows served as a backdrop to the memories. “I fell in love with you the first moment I laid eyes on you,” he had begun. “...I can promise I will love you until the day I die…I am going to love you, to make your cares my cares; I’m going to make your sorrows my sorrows; And by damn, I’m going to make your triumphs my triumphs. And I’m going to grow old with you, in love and joy.”

When John's voice reached the last line of his vow – “Until death parts us” – the beeping on his monitor grew monotone. Marlena closed her eyes in acknowledgement and hugged John tighter as her tears flowed freely.

6/3 News of John's death

Julie was praying with her rosary in the Horton living room when Hope called and told her the good news about Bo. Julie gasped. “This is the greatest news. This is a miracle. And all because of John Black. That courageous man,” Julie said. Hope ended the call, and Julie looked over at her photo of Doug. “My darling, did you hear? Isn’t it the most wonderful news in the world?” Julie said. Julie smiled, and she told Doug that she knew he had had something to do with Bo’s miracle.

Julie knocked on the door. A cheerful Julie marched past Belle into the penthouse with a plate. “I know your mother’s an early riser, but I didn’t know that you were too. Anyway, I brought these wonderful lemon bars that Maggie left for me while we were waiting for news about Bo and then I remembered that these are John’s favorite. So I thought I’d just bring them over to share with you all because you’re all having visitors I’m sure,” Julie said.

Marlena’s face crumpled as she started to cry again. Julie asked what was wrong. With a shaky voice, Marlena announced that John had died. Julie hugged Marlena tightly.
“I’m so sorry. The last I heard he was better,” Julie said. Marlena sniffled back tears and nodded in agreement.
“Let me be there for you just like you were there for me,” Julie whispered. Marlena nodded yes. 

“I know what it means to lose someone you love so much,” Julie said. 
“Yes, you do,” Marlena said. The two women hugged and cried as Belle opened the door for Abe and Paulina.

At the pub, Roman cheerfully greeted Kayla as she walked in. “I thought you might come in after your shift,” Roman said. Roman fell silent as he saw the look on Kayla’s face.  “What’s wrong? Is it Bo?” Roman asked. Kayla shook her head no.

“It’s John. He died last night,” Kayla said. Roman sat Kayla down to let her talk. Kayla explained that John had been improving, but that it had not been enough.
“I just wish that there was something else I could have done,” Kayla said as she sniffled back tears.

“You did everything you possibly could. So please do not be hard on yourself about this,” Roman said. Roman asked about Steve, and Kayla confirmed that Steve was calling everyone.
“You want to tell me how you’re feeling?” Kayla asked. Roman stammered that he was in shock.

“John had such a huge presence in all our lives. And even though I first knew him as my rival, I mean, the guy took over my life, but uh, god knows that it wasn’t as if he set out to hurt me. In fact, because of the man he was, he ended up doing a lot of good for me,” Roman said. Kayla nodded in agreement. Roman noted that John had raised his kids while Roman had been missing.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better man to be their second father,” Roman said. Kayla agreed.

“He was so loving and kind and so full of joy. And even though it was such a crazy way that he was first introduced to us, he was part of our family. He was another brother. And Steve too,” Kayla said. Roman agreed, and he said he felt like he had lost a brother too.

 “And even more than that, I feel like I lost a part of myself,” Roman said. 
“We all do,” Kayla whispered.
Hope called Kayla’s phone, and she told her the good news about Bo. “I’m so happy for you and Bo,” Kayla said. Kayla handed the phone to Roman. 

“You tell that brother of mine he’s gonna see my ugly mug sooner rather than later,” Roman said. Roman ended the call. Stunned, Roman said he could not believe that Bo was awake and healthy. “John sacrificed his life so Bo could live. I don’t even know what Hope is going to think when she hears [about John],” Kayla said. Roman said he could not bear to ruin Hope’s happy moment with the news about John.

Roman marveled how everything had changed over the last 48 hours, and he offered to call everyone at the hotel to invite them to breakfast. “I don’t think they know yet. When I spoke to Marlena, she was pretty adamant about waiting till a decent hour to tell them,” Kayla said. Roman agreed that was for the best. Roman offered to go with Kayla to the hospital to pick up John’s personal effects and deliver them to Marlena.

Marlena was alone in the penthouse living room when Julie returned from the kitchen. There was a knock at the door, and Marlena deflated. Julie answered it for her. Roman and Kayla arrived with John’s personal effects. Marlena forced a smile as she greeted her guests. Roman hugged Marlena. “Thank you both for coming,” Marlena said. Kayla told Marlena that Bo had woken up from his coma. Marlena’s face softened, and a genuine smile formed. “Well, that’s wonderful news,” Marlena said. 

“Because John was able to get his hands on that drug, he saved our brother’s life,” Roman said.
“He’s a true hero,” Kayla added. Marlena grinned as tears flooded her eyes. 
“Yes. Why, you must be so happy,” Marlena stammered. Kayla looked stricken as Marlena started to cry again. Kayla offered to talk to Cat about canceling Marlena’s schedule.

“No. My patients need me,” Marlena objected.
“And you will be there for them when you’re ready. Marlena, you need to take this time right now for yourself,” Kayla advised. Upset, Marlena wondered aloud what she would do at home.

“You could get some rest. Visit with people who loved John and love you,” Roman said. Kayla told Marlena that she did not need a distraction.
“Right now, the person you need to take care of is yourself,” Kayla said.

  6/4 Bo reunites with his family

Bo rides an emotional roller-coaster, Hope delivers and receives devastating news, and John's loved ones rally around Marlena.

Back at John and Marlena's place, Marlena took a private moment to tell Eric about his Uncle Bo’s recovery. Eric was relieved and happy for the family. Marlena adored Bo, but she confided, “There’s a little part of me that wonders if their miracle came at the expense of ours.” She considered the thought "terrible," but Eric stressed it was a “human” reaction.

In Bo’s hospital room, Ciara stared at the empty bed and gave thanks that Bo had miraculously recovered. She considered Shawn a hero. Shawn wouldn’t accept the accolades. The real heroes were the team who had risked their lives to get Bo the drug, like John. Shawn prayed that John was okay. He decided to call Kayla for an update. After Ciara left to track down Bo and Hope, Shawn made the call. He was confused and devastated when Kayla delivered the news that John had died.

In a separate room, Hope helped Bo get accustomed to moving again, as Bo marveled that he’d been out of commission for two years. He couldn’t believe that Hope had stayed with him the entire time. Hope affirmed she was Bo’s “ride or die.” The happy moment was temporarily halted when Bo had a recollection of how he'd acted toward Hope and his friends before he’d gone into the coma. Hope assured Bo he wasn’t himself. She wanted him to focus on the future, not the past. Hope then soothed him with kisses. Later, Ciara arrived in the midst of Hope and Bo’s makeout session. She jokingly offered to leave, but Bo stopped her, amazed to see his little girl all grown up.

When he asked for a hug, Ciara ran into his arms and sobbed. Ciara expressed gratitude for the moment. She excitedly told Bo all about her kids, about Ben, and about the family’s adventures traveling the world on a boat…just like Bo and Hope had done. Bo looked forward to meeting everyone new in Ciara’s life and to making sure Ben was “worthy.” Shawn soon joined the reunion. As Bo looked at his son with wonder, Shawn gave his dad a pensive smile.

Bo opened his arms wide, and Shawn stepped in for a hug. Father and son relayed how much they'd missed each other. Shawn, still troubled, pulled back and asked what Bo remembered. Bo recalled being diagnosed with cancer and believing he would die. Shawn hesitantly prodded Bo about the moments before the shooting. Shawn profusely apologized for shooting Bo and blamed himself for stealing time away from Bo.

Hope mentioned that despite her best efforts to convince him otherwise, Shawn had been unable to let go of his guilt. Bo confirmed he remembered the shooting, and he advocated that his son was just following through with his training and trying to protect his mom. Bo would have done the same thing. Bo took hold of Shawn's face, “I am proud of the man standing in front of me. I am proud to be your father,” Bo fiercely affirmed, his voice cracking. He tightly hugged Shawn again, as the whole family grew emotional. “I missed you,” Shawn whispered.

Later, everyone enjoyed croissants while they updated Bo on his expanding family. Bo was stunned to learn that Chelsea, too, had a baby…whom he would be meeting when Chelsea came by. “Grandpa needs hugs,” Bo beamed. Shawn filled Bo in on Claire’s life as a social media expert in South Africa. The news that Claire and Theo were together surprised Bo, but Ciara explained that Theo and she had decided they worked better as friends.

When Shawn informed Bo of his and Belle’s breakup, Bo responded that he only wanted his son's happiness. He also wanted all the news from Salem. Bo learned of Kimberly’s cancer recurrence, but he was relieved that his sister was reportedly recovering. When he asked if Brady and Philip were still fighting over Titan, Shawn gave his dad an abbreviated version of the events surrounding Bo's newest brother Xander, whom Bo only vaguely remembered as “one of Victor’s henchmen.”

After Bo heard the story of Victor’s other secret son, he cracked, “From gardener to CEO, that’s quite the move.” He jokingly asked if Victor was still operating behind the scenes, which prompted Hope and Shawn to gently break the news of Victor’s death. Bo was caught off guard and grew upset. He’d believed Victor would live forever. “It can’t be,” he protested.

Following a moment to collect himself, Bo asked about Maggie. He called Maggie the best thing that had ever happened to Victor. As Bo reflected on the “complicated” journey he’d taken with his father, he broke down again. “I didn’t get to say goodbye,” he moaned. Hope went to Bo and assured him that Victor always knew that Bo loved him, and he returned that love.

Hope then cautiously brought up another loss the family had experienced: her father. Bo was crushed by the news. He called Doug the “heart and soul” of the family: a man who had always had a special place in his heart for his “Princess” Hope. He brokenly told Hope how sorry he was that he hadn’t been there for her. “You were there; you were there,” Hope repeated, hugging Bo tightly.

Later, Ciara reentered the room with her kids, Bo and Addie. Ciara first introduced Bo to Addie, who was in a stroller. She acknowledged the boy holding her hand and said she’d told him all about his namesake. Ciara asked Little Bo if he wanted to say ‘hi’ to his grandfather. “Hi, Grandpa,” the boy shyly replied. When Bo smiled and asked for a hug, the little boy raced to him and complied.

While Little Bo sat on his lap, Bo grinned and told the boy all the things they could do together, like fishing and playing with toy trucks. Ciara smiled broadly at the first meeting between grandson and grandpa. She sat beside her guys and talked to her son about Bo’s bravery. Ciara wanted Little Bo to grow up to be just like his grandpa. Bo wisecracked that he wasn’t so sure that would be a good thing, but Hope believed “two Bo Bradys” was exactly what the world needed. Ciara eventually managed to wrangle her son away from Bo, who was reluctant to let him go. The family shared a few more hugs before Ciara and Shawn left to take the kids back to her room.

After the reunion, Bo admitted to Hope that he was “overwhelmed.” A part of him was sad, but mostly he was “happy and grateful.” Hope still couldn’t believe she was looking at him. The couple declared their love. Basking in the moment, Hope stated she couldn’t find the words to adequately express how she felt.

“You don’t need words for this,” Bo said with a smile. He brought Hope in for another kiss. Shortly after Bo retired to the bedroom, Shawn came back. Hope was giddy with excitement about Bo’s return. Shawn was more sober, and he finally mentioned he had gotten in touch with Kayla. Hope immediately wanted to know how John was doing. She had such gratitude for what he had done, although she hadn’t wanted to tell Bo about it yet. Shawn braced himself and delivered the tragic news that John had passed away from his injuries. “Oh, God, no,” Hope cried.

6/5 Jack and Jennifer Return

As Julie ordered flowers for John's memorial, Jack and Jennifer appeared and surprised their cousin. Julie and Jennifer embraced, but sadness was written all over their faces. "I feel like we were just here for Doug's funeral, and now we have to lay another incredible man to rest," Jennifer said.

"At least there's some good news to celebrate this time," Jack said, referring to Bo's great awakening. "It wouldn't have happened without John." Jack left for the Spectator office, so Julie and Jennifer had time to catch up. Julie told Jennifer that grief counseling with Marlena had been going well.

"But then, my anniversary with Doug rolled around. And at the same time, we thought that Bo was dying. And then we lost John. And it all happened at once, and I began to feel this grief washing over me all over again," Julie explained. "But you and Jack coming through the front door, I already feel my heart beginning to heal."

6/9 John's Loved Ones Gather to Pay Tribute - Shane Returns

At the Brady Pub, Kayla joined Steve for breakfast. They discussed how the news about John was being kept from Bo so that Bo wouldn’t suffer a setback. When Kayla asked about Steve packing up John’s work things, Steve stunned his wife by announcing that he was shutting down Black Patch.  It could never be the same without John. While Kayla was happy that Steve wouldn’t be in danger, she wondered if retirement would make him “stir-crazy.”

Steve joked that he’d find ways to keep himself busy, from playing his harp in the park to engaging in his and Kayla’s favorite “extracurricular activity.” Kayla called him “incorrigible” but seemed to accept his decision, and the couple sealed it with a kiss.  When Kayla suggested they leave for John’s funeral service, Steve confessed he didn’t know how he would react around Marlena. Kayla assured Steve that Marlena didn’t blame him and that she was grateful for what he had done for Bo.

Later, when Steve arrived at the service, he awkwardly approached Marlena, who thanked him for bringing John’s mementos. Steve grew emotional and proclaimed it was the least he could do. Stifling a sob, he told Marlena he was sorry. She immediately compelled him to stop blaming himself. No one would have been able to stop John from saving “his brother.” An overwhelmed Steve accepted Marlena’s comforting embrace.

6/10 John’s funeral gets underway - Bo learns John has died

At Bo’s rehabilitation center, Hope wheeled Bo out to the garden. There was a table decorated with a small bunch of flowers. “What is all this?” Hope asked. “I wanted to show you just how much I appreciate you. I mean, you were by my bedside for two years. This is the least I can do,” Bo said. 

“Still the same romantic you always were,” Hope said. Hope frowned, and Bo asked what was wrong. Hope attempted to avoid the question, but Bo pushed Hope to open up. “It’s about John,” Hope whispered. 

“Is he in some kind of trouble?” Bo asked. After a moment, Hope said, “John is gone.” Bo shook his head in disbelief. Hope explained what had happened. 

“John is dead because of me?” Bo asked.
“Nothing was gonna stop him from helping Steve and Shawn get that drug,” Hope stressed. Bo was furious that John and everyone had risked their lives to save him. “Because we love you!” Hope said. 

“Why’d you wait so long to tell me?” Bo asked. With a shake of her head, Hope said she had not wanted to overwhelm Bo after he had woken up. “I can’t imagine what [Marlena] is going through,” Bo said. Hope said she had talked to Marlena.

“She’s so strong, Bo. Stoic. I think she’s still in shock that it hasn’t quite hit her yet. The funeral is today,” Hope said. Bo struggled to his feet, eager to leave for the funeral. Hope reminded Bo that he was not well enough to travel, but Bo disagreed.

“I need to be there for John, for his family. Hope, I gotta be there,” Bo stressed. Bo and Hope returned inside, and Bo asked the doctor if he could be released to attend the funeral. 

“I’m very sorry about your loss, but I can’t give you my approval to leave the hospital,” the doctor said. Bo pointed out that the doctor had said that there did not seem to be anything wrong with him, but the doctor argued that Bo was still recovering from his coma. After the doctor walked out, Bo pleaded with Hope to help him. Hope said she understood how Bo felt, but she refused to help. “For God’s sake, I just got you back. I can’t lose you again. We need to be smart about this. You need to be safe,” Hope said. Hope pleaded with Bo to listen to his doctor.

“When we learned that he was not our brother by blood, he became our brother by heart. And his heart could have filled up with bitterness and anger. It never did. It remained opening and welcoming and warm. John never hesitated to help someone in need. And like Steve mentioned earlier, he saved our brother’s life. Because of his selflessness and his bravery, Bo came out of his coma. And he came back to us,” Kayla said. Roman added that it was one of a long list of reasons that they were grateful to have had John in their lives.

Kayla talked about John’s relationships with Shawn and Caroline Brady. “When [John] found out that he wasn’t really a Brady, he was so afraid that he would lose that connection and closeness to them. And when our little firecracker of a mother caught wind of that, she got right in his face, looked him right in the eyes, and she said, once you are in my heart, you never get to leave. And she let him know that he had all the qualities of a son. And they stayed close, and they loved each other. And a testament to that love is that he named his firstborn son after our family. John Black was one of the best men I have ever known. And his legacy lives in all of us who loved him,” Kayla said. Roman hugged his sister.

6/11 Bo, and Marlena remember John as he is laid to rest.

In Bo’s hospital room, Bo continued to plead with Hope about attending John’s funeral. He needed to be there in person, and they weren’t “that far” from Salem. Hope made it clear her reticence wasn’t only about the doctor’s orders. If something happened to Bo, John’s sacrifice would be “in vain.” Bo insisted that both Hope and he should be at the service, as John was “a brother” to both of them. Hope eventually relented and hugged Bo before going to fetch the car keys.

Marlena finally took her place at the podium. She hadn’t intended to speak because she’d been fortunate to express all her feelings to John before he had died. But she did want to share a poem that had held deep meaning for John and her. Marlena recited: “That is the true season of love, when we believed that we alone could love, that no one has ever loved so before us, and no one will ever love in the same way after us.” Marlena emotionally affirmed, “Seasons of love, we had so many of them.”

Marlena and John had been blessed with almost four decades together. Each year had been “rich and loving and powerful.” Marlena would keep those memories in her heart “forever.”  She left the podium and stood beside John’s photos and urn before continuing. “We had obstacles in our life, but we survived them because our love brought us through.” Marlena believed the family and she would survive because “our love will bring us through.” As the kids broke down, Marlena tearfully said, “Goodbye, my love.”

Eric resumed his officiating duties and started to lead the group in a prayer. He was interrupted by Bo and Hope’s arrival. As the crowd reacted with astonishment, Hope and a hesitant Bo approached Marlena. Hope hugged Marlena, gave her condolences, and explained that Bo had wanted to be there. “Of course you did,” Marlena mused with a sad smile. She accepted Bo’s embrace and granted his request to say a few words.

Bo made his way to the podium and relayed the story of how he’d first encountered John. Although no one had known John’s identity, Bo and everyone else in town had falsely believed John had killed someone they had loved. Bo had hunted down John to return the favor, and the men had ended up in combat.” Bo had almost fallen over a cliff, but John had saved him, even though Bo had been trying to kill him. “He’s a powerful man,” Bo said, “but his true power was his huge heart and his compassion.”

Bo recollected how John would always provide comforting words during hard times or a needed “slap upside the head” of tough love. Bo was in awe that John had sacrificed his life to save Bo. “He gave me the most precious thing of all – time.” But John hadn’t just saved Bo. He had made it possible to save “life after life after life.” John’s “gift of life” would live on.

“And that’s a fact,” Bo declared with a bittersweet chuckle. He gingerly walked to John’s picture. “I will carry you with me always,” Bo cried. “Rest in peace, brother, rest in peace.”

Kayla scolded Bo for leaving the hospital against doctor’s orders. Bo reaffirmed his desire to be present for someone both Kayla and he had considered a brother. Later, Hope gazed at a picture of John and opened up to Bo about the special connection John and she had forged because of Stefano’s impact on their lives. Hope had looked up to John as a “big brother,” and she took comfort in the certainty that he was “with the angels.”

In the closing moments post-service, Kayla conveyed her regret to Marlena that she hadn’t been able to locate the coin Marlena had given John before he had passed. Marlena was at peace with the disappearance of the coin. It had symbolized hope for John’s recovery, and that hope was lost.

6/12 Salem memories and flashback brought everyone to tears

Bo and Hope took a tour through Horton Town Square as Bo marveled at all that had changed over the last decade. Hope looked toward the plaque of Tom and Alice. "One thing hasn't changed. Gran and Grandpa. They're still watching over us. All of us," Hope said. She felt they played a hand in Bo's recovery. Hope wanted to go back to the Horton House to spend time with her family, but Bo insisted he would stop by the Pub and spend time with the Bradys for the first time since 2015.

At the Horton House, Jennifer told Julie that Jack had stayed behind after John's funeral to visit Abigail, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Jennifer broke down in Julie's arms as she thought of all the loss they had experienced over the last few years. Julie handed a tearful Jennifer a box of tissues as they discussed how to deal with grief. Jennifer recalled memories of Abigail and how she sees her live on in Abby's kids. The women decided, despite all the loss, they had something to celebrate — Bo's miraculous recovery. "I will never forget that moment as long as I live. He walks into John's funeral with Hope on his arm.

Just then, Hope walked in for a tender reunion with her cousin and sister/ stepmother. The ladies decided it was time to catch up with some ice cream sundaes. When Jennifer went to the kitchen, Hope told Julie that she felt guilty celebrating Bo's recovery when everything had gone so wrong with John. As the ladies enjoyed their ice cream, Julie became more sentimental. 

"I just wish your father were here to see you and Bo together again," Julie told Hope, who reminded her how Doug didn't like Bo when Hope first fell in love with him when she was 17 years old. Julie recalled convincing Bo to return to Hope after a breakup many years ago. They later boarded the Cruise of Deception. By the end, Hope was presumed dead after she disappeared over a vat of acid. Jennifer had better memories of the Cruise of Deception, as it resulted in her realizing that Jack was the love of her life after they were shipwrecked. Jack walked in after Jennifer shared that tale. Jennifer sent him to bed so she could continue her family girls' night.

When Julie left the room, Hope and Jennifer began discussing Doug III’s necklace theft. Jennifer was already using some of her reporter connections to track it down and return to Julie. After Jennifer went to bed, Hope sat with Julie again and told her that she couldn't believe Bo Brady would be walking through that door any minute. Marlena sat at the Pub with Steve, Kayla, Roman, and Shane like no time had passed since the 1980s. 

When Bo walked in, rather than have an incredible reunion with a man who was lost to them for so many years, they raised their glasses to toast John. "To John Black, without a doubt, the finest man I ever knew," Steve said. When they all sat down, Bo finally noticed all eyes were on him. 

"What?" he asked as Roman stared. 
"You, that's what. Do I have to tell you how surreal it is to have you home?" Roman asked. Bo admitted it was also surreal for him, noting that he wouldn't even be there if it weren't for John. Marlena knew that Bo would have done the same if the situation had been reversed. She felt everyone would have.

"I couldn't be more grateful for your friendships. And I couldn't be more grateful for the adventures that John and I had with you," Marlena said, before making her own toast. "To all of us," she said before breaking down in tears. They all sat around the table talking about memories of John, including when they first met him in Miami.

"After Miami, is when The Pawn showed up in Salem. That's when I learned that John would always be one step ahead of me," Steve said. We then saw a flashback to that time. The six of them recalled John's history in Salem as we witnessed it all with the magic of videotape. We saw a potpourri of memories, including white water rafting in West Virginia, and the moment that Andrew was born on that same adventure trip. Shane noted how amazing it was that Andrew now planned to marry John's son, Paul. As they recalled the RoJohn days, Roman felt a little uncomfortable and walked away. Marlena took him aside and asked him to say. "It would remind me that you actually did grow to love him," Marlena said.

Roman returned so they could all recall more memories. Bo was especially moved. "Thanks to his bravery and his love for family and friends, we're all still here," he said. As they shared more memories, we even got to relive Marlena's initial possession story from the 1990s. Steve then threw it back to 1987 when he said goodbye to Bo and Hope before they set sail on the Fancy Face with newborn Shawn-Douglas. Bo said that he and Hope were considering taking another sail around the world. Bo took Steve aside after learning he had planned to retire. Steve explained that he couldn't see keeping Black Patch open without John. "It wouldn't be the same without him. I don't want to do it alone," Steve said. Bo suggested that he and Hope could become Steve's new partners.

6/18 Tom and Alice’s story is revisited, as Bo and Hope remarry and bid a fond farewell

Bo and Hope reflect on their past and future while paying homage to the legacy of Tom and Alice Horton. Upstairs at the Horton house, Hope brought Bo breakfast in bed. She joked about him needing “sustenance” following their night together. After more light banter, the topic turned to Julie. Hope filled Bo in on Julie’s efforts to restore the house after it had caught fire. Bo lamented that he hadn’t been there to support Hope, but Hope assured him that he had always been with her. Bo made the same assurance when Hope brought up Doug. Hope chided Bo about becoming a “full-time grandpa,” and he affirmed that he had never been more ready for any job in his life. The couple shared a loving kiss.

Later, Bo and Hope went downstairs. Bo marveled at how the house seemed exactly the same. Hope said there had been a few things that couldn’t be replaced, such as a scrapbook she had gifted her grandparents when she was a little girl, and her wedding letter to Bo. “She recalled reading the letter to Bo: “I will love you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul forever.” When Bo mentioned a puzzle box Tom and Hope had solved together, Hope updated him on the time capsule. Bo was unsurprised to learn that Ciara had cracked open the capsule. Bo could almost feel Tom and Alice watching over them, proud of the Horton legacy. 

As Bo and Hope settled on the couch, Bo admitted he still had trouble believing he – “the bad seed son of an Irish Catholic fish-monger” – had become a member of the “WASP” Horton family via a “debutante granddaughter.” Hope corrected that Bo had been a “rebel,” and she considered herself lucky to be part of the Brady family. Bo remembered how he’d truly felt like part of the family when he’d received his Horton Christmas ornament. He was relieved when Hope revealed all the ornaments had survived the fire.

Hope reminisced about when Shawn-Douglas had gotten his ornament and when she’d told her “Gran” about being pregnant. While Hope had been worried, Alice had been nothing but supportive. Bo joked that the Horton Christmas tree would have to “grow more branches” to fit all the new additions to the family. Hope walked over to the mantel and gazed at the pictures of Tom and Alice and Doug and Julie. She credited Alice with helping her get over her jealousy of Julie after Julie had begun seeing Doug.

Bo saw a lot of Alice in Hope, both in her “courage and feistiness” and in her “sense of humor and love of family.” Hope wondered if she would be helping her own grandchildren get out of “tight spots,” like Alice had often done for her and Bo. She cited two times when Alice had assisted a separated Bo and Hope as proof. Neither Bo nor Hope could imagine what their lives would have been like without Tom and Alice. Hope noted that no one else was home. Bo hinted he’d ensured they would be alone for his “surprise” for Hope. When Bo suggested Hope go back upstairs and check the bedroom closet, Hope was intrigued and complied, while Bo grinned in anticipation. 

Later, Bo waited at the bottom of the stairs, dressed in an old-fashioned suit with a red vest. He looked on in awe as Hope descended the staircase, wearing a vintage wedding gown. Bo took Hope's hand and led her back into the living room, which had been decorated for the occasion. Bo wanted to mark his reunion with Hope in a special way. The one positive about the circumstances of his being away had been that he hadn’t felt the pain of missing Hope. She acknowledged that missing him had been one of the hardest times of her life, and she never wanted to experience it again.

Bo agreed and affirmed that the Horton house was the perfect location for their next step. He got down on one knee and asked Hope to become his wife again. After letting Bo hang for a moment, Hope exclaimed, “A million and one times yes, Brady!” She brought Bo up to her and sealed her answer with a kiss. A few moments later, a solemn Bo stood before Hope and remembered when Hope and he had exchanged vows in “a very big church” and in more private accommodations. Each time, it had felt like it had just been them and their love.

  Bo continued, “I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, taking care of you, making you laugh when you’re feeling down. I want to share my secrets, my hopes, my dreams with you, and I promise to respect and cherish you. I give you my heart without holding back. I take you, Hope, to be my wife, now and forever.”

Then, as flashback Hope recited her vows to a younger Bo, present day Hope pledged: “I am so proud to stand beside you. I love you, Bo Brady, I love you – today, tomorrow, always.” Flashback Hope slipped a ring on Bo’s finger: “This ring is like my love for you; it’s a perfect circle, never-ending.”

Meanwhile, present day Bo presented Hope with a ring that Shawn had retrieved from her bedroom; it was her mother Addie’s ring. An exuberant Hope and Bo pronounced themselves married and kissed. A flashback commenced featuring another time Bo and Hope had informally renewed their wedding vows. They called each other their first and last loves. Bo then gave Hope a “wedding present.” He explained that he had gotten the keys to the Fancy Face houseboat back from Shawn. Bo wanted Hope and he to embark on their next adventure together by once again sailing around the world. While hesitant at first, Hope eventually warmed to the idea. 

Hope couldn't refute her and Bo’s shared adventurous spirit. They could punctuate their sightseeing with trips to visit all of their family who lived overseas. Hope had one caveat, though: Bo and she had to visit Salem as much as possible. Bo readily agreed, as he considered the town his and Hope’s “True North.” He sweetened the deal by suggesting that when they retired, they would settle right there in the Horton home, just like Doug and Julie had done. Hope shared Bo’s sentiment that “tomorrow is never promised.” She looked forward to embarking on the next adventure with the man she loved most in the world. 

Later, Bo and Hope visited Tom and Alice’s plaque in Horton Town Square. Hope hated goodbyes, but Bo firmly believed every goodbye made the hellos “all the more meaningful.” A montage of Bo and Hope’s tumultuous journey played. The images reflected the couple’s triumphs and tragedies and how their love always brought them back together. Afterward, Bo mused, “We have certainly been on some amazing journeys.” 

Hope added, “And so many more to come.” 
With that, Bo and Hope bid Salem adieu…”until next time.”

Long ago in the Horton house (in newly created black-and-white flashbacks), a young Alice complained to young Tom about their washing machine overflowing. Tom lifted his wife’s spirits by revealing that their daughter Addie was about to make them grandparents.

A year later, Alice and a Santa hat clad Tom returned from the hospital. Tom had read the Christmas story to the children for the first time, and Alice suggested he make it a tradition. The couple strolled over to another holiday tradition they had recently begun: the Horton tree. The first ornaments hung on the tree, featuring Tom, Alice, their kids, and the newest addition, granddaughter Julie. Tom was certain Julie would be “headstrong and feisty,” just like Alice; she agreed their grandchild likely wouldn’t avoid the family trait.

Some time later, Alice yelped when she stepped on one of her grandson Steven’s toys. Tom noted that Steven, along with the rest of the family, had gone to see a holiday movie at the theater. With a sly smile, he suggested that Alice and he make the most of their time alone. “After 25 years, we still got it,” Alice replied, moving in closer to Tom. He responded, “Speaking for myself, I’ve got it bad.”

Later, Alice came from the kitchen and confessed that she missed the “chaos and laughter” that her family brought. She wondered if Tom and she should look for a smaller house since their children were all grown. Tom lightly reminded her that the family still convened every Sunday for dinner. He believed they should pledge that the house would be forever the Horton home. “For all the generations after us,” Alice declared, settling into Tom’s embrace.

**The End**