As Andrew and Paul Exchange Vows, Rachel Shocks the Heck Outta Marlena!
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It’s a new day in Salem, but not just any ol’ day: As the town wakes up, they are preparing for Paul and Andrew’s wedding. As the grooms are getting ready, Eric admits to Brady that he’s never officiated at a same-sex wedding. Brady, in turn, is happy to be Paul’s best man, but wishes it could have been John. While discussing recent events, Brady admits he doesn’t believe Philip’s claim that Xander wasn’t responsible for his beating.
Things get a bit awkward when Brady admits he ran into Nicole, who’s apparently swung through town to visit Holly. Noting that she and Eric have both been evasive, Brady asks where they stand. Eric admits he doesn’t know.
Steve wakes up a very happy man, asking Kayla where she learned the new moves she used on him the night before. She breaks out the One Stormy Night manuscript — conveniently at their bedside — and they giggle over some of the sex scenes.
Distracted from getting ready for their big day by a little hanky panky, Paul later admits to Andrew that he’s worried about their future. They’ll be doing the long-distance thing, and Andrew’s career is one that will constantly put him in danger. But Andrew insists they’re going to have a long, happy life together. He presents Paul with a gift from Marlena: John’s wristwatch.
Rachel Shares Her Secret!
When Rachel shares that she didn’t sleep well, Marlena understands why: She heard the girl say, “Don’t shoot him!” while experiencing a nightmare. Is there something Rachel wants to share? Hearing that Kristen told her daughter not to tell anyone only makes Marlena more concerned. Taking a deep breath, Rachel blurts out her secret: “I know who shot my uncle EJ!” With a bit of prompting, Rachel reveals that Johnny shot EJ.
The next time we see Rachel and her grandma, they are arriving at the park for the wedding. Before Marlena can tell Brady what his daughter said, he’s called away. The concerned shrink calls Roman, suggesting they talk after the ceremony.
Is Tate Having Second Thoughts?
Shane and Tate meet in the square and discuss Sophia having gone into false labor. They discuss the baby and how Tate feels about the whole situation. “Is it possible you’re having second thoughts” about giving the baby up for adoption Shane asks?
Tate says he has no regrets as he and Sophia are too young to be parents. He does, however, worry that the child might feel abandoned, leading to a conversation about Shane’s daughter, Eve, and the traumas she underwent in part out of a feeling of having been rejected. But Shane insists it was a different situation, adding that Tate and Sophia are doing the right thing.
Carrie admits over coffee at the Pub that she’s worried about sis Belle. Although concerned about how everyone in the family feels, Belle decides she’s going to follow her heart where EJ is concerned. Will joins his favorite aunts, explaining that Sonny won’t be able to make it.
With This Ring
Soon, all of Salem has gathered for the wedding. Kayla offers to be a substitute mom for Andrew since Kimberly can’t attend. Paul asks Marlena if she wants the watch back after the ceremony, but she says it brings her great joy that he’s wearing something John loved on this special day.
The ceremony begins, with elements which reflect Paul’s Japanese heritage, followed by the exchanging of vows. During the vows, Paul recounts how their first meeting (which took place on the Days spinoff Beyond Salem, recapped here) led to an adventure involving “a black-tie gala, guns… oh, poisoned gas!” But what he remembers most is how they bonded. “I love you, Andrew,” says Paul. “That is my truth.” Eric pronounces them married and they… hug? (What the hell, Days. Where’s the traditional kiss?)
Brady gathers everyone for a toast, claiming he was the cool one in the family until Paul came alone being all athletic, handsome and, above all, nice. Shane then steps forward to call Andrew his pride and joy. Rachel declares the whole thing boring before making a run for the cake. Carrie says she’s leaving town, but not before swinging by the Pub to say bye to her dad. (Roman couldn’t attend the wedding because of a gas leak, which turned out to be a false alarm.) Shane suggests that after the honeymoon, Paul should join the ISA so that he and Andrew can be together in Washington. Marlena thanks them for not postponing the wedding, saying that “we all needed a double dose of life-affirming joy.” They say that John was no doubt looking down on them and then look up to see a beautiful rainbow.
