In 1985 Steve arrived in Salem and was working for Victor Kiriakis in his crime organization. In 1986, Kayla returned to Salem to set up a waterfront emergency clinic. She soon became emotionally attached to Steve. Steve and Kayla traveled to Stockholm to help Roman, Bo, Hope and Shane rescue Marlena who had been kidnaped by Orpheus (a bad guy). Kayla invited a new friend, Adrienne Johnson, to move in with her after her place was burglarized. Steve and Kayla had grown close, but Steve began having disquieting memories and nightmares. He pushed Kayla away. Later, they learned Adrienne was his sister he had never known. Then their mother, Jo, came to town. Steve attempted to take the rap for his father, Duke's, murder. It was later revealed that Duke raped Adrienne and she shot him in self defense. Steve was cleared and Kayla was determined to repair her relationship with Steve.

Steve and Kayla were forced to go on the run after he was tricked into shooting Harper Devereaux (a senitor). Back in Salem, Harper's wife, Anjelica, and son, Jack, arrived. Jack was suffering from Hodgkin's Disease and his father hired Kayla as his private nurse. Jack became smitten with Kayla. Meanwhile, Jo and Steve learned Jack was actually Jo's other son, but didn't tell Jack. Steve knew Jack needed incentive to fight for his life and encouraged Kayla to spend time with him. Hurt by Steve's rejection, Kayla married Jack. Harper poisoned Kayla, but Steve whisked her away to save her. She ran away when Steve tried to convince her that Harper had done it. She collapsed on the pier, but was found and saved. Although still married to Jack, Kayla secretly met with Steve. When Jack found out, he was outraged and raped Kayla. Jack had Victor's thugs beat up Steve. Kayla and Steve both escaped, but were followed and Kayla was returned to Jack. Steve was determined to fight for her. During a struggle, Jack fell from a roof top. In order to save Jack's life, Steve donated a kidney. Their relationship as brothers was no longer a secret. Kayla pressed rape charged against Jack, but they were reduced. She then filed for divorce. Kayla was attacked by the "Riverfront Knifer." When Kayla tried to escape, the killer tripped over a can of gasoline causing the house to explode. Kayla was left deaf and mute and her memory was muddled. Kayla had surgery to repair her hearing, but she still couldn't speak. At this time she accepted Steve's marriage proposal. During their wedding ceremony, Kayla regained her speech in time to say, "I do." Steve and Kayla honeymooned in the Orient and found a lost deaf boy named Benjy. When they couldn't find his parents they brought him back to Salem. Steve received a message from Benjy's mother telling them to hide Benjy from his evil father, Stefano Dimera. They set a date for her to retrieve Benjy, but she did not show up and was later found dead. Benjy was returned to his grandfather, Orion, and they left for Europe.

Steve had surgery on his eye to go undercover at Reverend Saul Taylor's revival camp. Kayla stowed away on a truck to visit him. They were discovered and kidnaped, but they soon escaped. Late in the year, Kayla discovered she was pregnant. Kayla was kidnaped by Victor, but was soon rescued by Roman. Steve and Kayla planned to remarry to make the baby legitimate. During the ceremony, Kayla was arrested for murdering Marina Toscano. During the trial, Kayla gave birth to Stephanie Kay. She was then convicted. Stephanie was kidnaped and Kayla escaped to search for her. Isabella was found to be Marina's murderer and Kayla was exonerated. They found Stephanie in Australia and returned to Salem. Steve was caught in an explosion meant for Bo. He was badly injured, but recovered. While in the hospital, his IV was poisoned and he died in Kayla's arms. BUT his coffin was switched before he was buried...

Steve and Kayla's symbolic wedding vows February 3, 1988 in the mountains Steve: "So..." Kayla: "So.." [They are both crying] Steve: "Baby...I'm not really very good with words, all I know is I love you. And we were meant to be together, forever. What do they say? Til death do us part. But you know what, I don't think even that's going to keep us apart..." Kayla: "I feel the same way Steve. I feel like we've known each other- since before we were born...I think we were always supposed to be together. I know I'll love you that long. And in this life, and in the next and in the next, there will always be a part of you with me, and I will always be with you." [Steve takes out the engagement ring he had bought for her months before and takes it off his chain, slipping it on her trembling finger.] Steve: "With this ring, Steven Earl Johnson, and Kayla Caroline Brady become one. Right now and forever." Kayla: "Now and forever, I love you". Steve: "Baby, I love you"