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Eli Grant and Lani Price Grant (also known by the portmanteau "Elani" for Eli and Lani) are fictional characters and a popular couple from the American NBC soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Eli is portrayed by Lamon Archey, and Lani is portrayed by Sal Stowers. Eli and Lani have the distinction of being the first African-American characters to marry onscreen in Days of Our Lives 55 year history.

Background
In 2015, Lani was introduced as the daughter of resident good guy and Salem's longtime mayor, Abe Carver (James Reynolds). Abe is the longest running African-American character in television history. In 2017, Eli was introduced as the previously unknown son of David Banning (Gregg Marx) and Valerie Grant (Vanessa Williams). David and Valerie are known for being the first interracial couple in daytime television history. Eli is the first biracial member of the show's core family, the Hortons, through his father.

The Horton and Carver families have been intertwined for decades. When Valerie was reintroduced in 1981, she begins dating Abe, who is new in Salem. According Reynolds, "Abe was the love [Valerie's] life" but the romance fizzled due Abe's dedication to his law enforcement career. The pair also unites the Horton and Carver families who have also been "friends for decades." Abe and his wife Lexie (Renée Jones) are close friends with supercouple Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso). Hope is David's biological aunt and stepsister. Abe and Lexie's son Theo (Cameron Johnson) grows up to be best friends with Bo and Hope's daughter, Ciara (Victoria Konefal).

Stowers and Archey had met about 10 years prior to their onscreen union through modeling. "It was really fun when he got the job" Stowers said. "We're super-comfortable around each other because we've known each for so long" she explained. Archey agreed that "It was easier for me having already known her." Stowers continued, "There was more of a trust there, for sure." Both Stowers and Archey have stated on multiple occasions that the writers had been plotting Eli and Lani from the very beginning. One of Archey's first scenes was Eli and Lani's first meeting at his father's funeral. The scene was filmed, but it was ultimately cut from the episode.

Writing and portrayal
As individuals, Eli and Lani share many commonalities. In addition to the things they've experienced together (i.e. losing a child), they both work in law-enforcement – "most of their personal intimate conversations have always been in the detective area" – and they both grew up without a father figure in their lives. Archey acknowledged that "They have a lot of things to bond over. There's so much they've been through and can talk to each other about." According to Stowers, when compared to their previous relationships, "they kind of get each other on a different level. […] There's a deeper connection there, and they've experienced so much together." In 2021, Stowers likened the duo to Bo Brady and Hope Williams in regards to the couple overcoming any obstacle. Eli and Lani "have proven that they are ride-or-die" the actress stated. She continued, "They have gone through so much and have still come out on the other side. […] they're going to go through it all and overcome it all and just become that much stronger."

As the actors developed Eli and Lani's dynamic as a couple, Archey would insert a lot of his own unscripted humor into the scenes. In a 2019 interview, he said, "I just do it. Then, if they say I can't do it, I don't do it." Stowers said "When he throws things in, it's so charming. It always makes me laugh and makes for a sweet little moment." Archey explained "There's always so much serious stuff going on. I like to lighten up wherever I can." Stowers felt these moments showed the "fun, lighthearted side to Lani and Eli's relationship that people want to see."

Friendship and one-night-stand (2017–2018)
Lani and Eli meet for the first time in 2017 at his late father's funeral. They clash when Lani tries to facilitate Eli's reconciliation with Valerie, on Abe's behalf. As Lani questions her future with JJ Deveraux (Casey Moss), "of course Eli is there, so there's a little tension and connection [with him] as well." Stowers admitted that Eli initially "rubbed Lani the wrong way." They continue to butt heads as FBI agent is enlisted by the Salem PD to monitor the brewing mob war. Lani starts to thaw toward Eli once "she saw that he's great at what he does." Meanwhile as he starts a romance with Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus), "Lani and Eli begin to bond." Especially, after Eli supports Lani through withdrawal syndrome and covers for her with JJ and Abe. According to Archey, "Eli wants to be there for Lani as a friend and put some of the beef that they've shared behind them." At the time, Stowers felt pairing the characters "could be awkward" due to their parents dating. After a trip to Greece to apprehend Deimos Kiriakis (Vincent Irizarry), Eli, Lani and several others are stranded on a deserted island where they must "fight to survive" while "everyone's character is tested." When Eli offers Lani advice about her relationship with JJ, "viewers were lead to believe she’d choose Eli" but Lani instead recommits to JJ. The dynamic between the two is further complicated when Lani witnesses a close moment between JJ and Gabi, and in a drug induced state, shares a kiss with Eli. Coryon Gray said the interactions between Eli and Lani "show their personalities" and also "build" Lani as a character.

In November 2017, Lani's happy romance with JJ is upended when he shoots her brother Theo (Kyler Pettis) and she is destroyed. Eli serves as a listening ear when guilt-riddled JJ breaks up with Lani. On Christmas Eve, when Lani finds Gabi and JJ in bed together, she runs into Eli who tries to comfort her and even admits to having feelings for her. The two get drunk and sleep together. Stowers described Lani's state of mind at the time. "She was in such a distraught place after seeing JJ and Gabi. Eli basically was her savior, and he opened up to her and she was so vulnerable in that moment that she just went for it. She wanted to feel love and she wanted someone to comfort her and Eli was there." However, Lani "instantly" regrets their tryst and rushes out. On Christmas Day, Gabi tells Eli that she only stayed the night with JJ after his attempted suicide and Eli fills Lani in. With this new information, Eli realizes the one-night-stand "was something that was just done out of anger in the moment. […] A mistake." Like Eli, Archey did not expect the story to go beyond the one-night-stand. As she reconciles with JJ after Theo wakes up from his coma, Lani "thinks that everything is great and is praying that [she and Eli] can keep keep [their fling] under wraps, that Eli isn't going to say anything to Gabi" and that they can put it behind them.

Pregnancy and Baby David (2018)
However, Lani's attempt at leaving everything in the past is futile because she is pregnant. "I was completely shocked when the whole baby thing came up" Stowers admitted in 2019. Head writer Ron Carlivati told Soap Opera Digest that "given the timing," Lani "knows it can only be Eli's baby." With Eli committed to Gabi, and her reunion with JJ, "Lani in a very difficult position." Lani sets out to tell Eli that she is carrying his baby but he insist they put the affair behind them before she can. Lani decides to terminate her pregnancy. In the moment, Lani "doesn't necessarily want a child with Eli, but she also doesn't want to have a kid in general." However, JJ overhears her setting the appointment and assumes he is the father. Concerned about JJ's state of mind, Lani keeps quiet as JJ begins sharing the happy news with their families. As news of the pregnancy spreads thanks to JJ's excitement, Valerie confronts Lani about her deception. Lani only tells Eli she is carrying his baby "because Valerie forces her" Stowers admitted. "He's pissed" Archey declared. The thought of being a father is "extremely important to Eli" because of his own history. The actor explained that "Not being able to connect with his own father and being lied to about [David] hurt Eli so much that he" cut Val out of his life. "So I think it's very important that if he did have a child, he would be there every step of the way." However, Lani convinces a reluctant Eli to keep quiet and let her raise the baby with JJ. To further complicate matters, Eli and Gabi are present when JJ pops the question. "The whole time Eli is giving Lani the cold shoulder and dirty looks" as he can't fathom Lani's motives. But Lani accepts the proposal "because she's so in love with JJ." At the same time, Valerie urges her son to reconsider the arrangement. "But Eli’s not ready for a baby, and neither he or Lani signed up to have a child with each other. So Eli is conflicted." And while he is honest with Gabi about cheating, Eli lies about the baby. From Eli's perspective, "That would be too much" for Gabi to handle. Meanwhile, Eli is more concerned when Gabi is implicated in the murder of André DiMera (Thaao Penghlis). When Lani catches Gabi destroying evidence and arrest her, she and Gabi have it out. She keeps up the charade that JJ is her baby's father as Gabi tries to persuade her to look the other way in exchange for her silence about the affair. At Gabi's trial, Justin Kiriakis (Wally Kurth) sets out to discredit Lani and forces her to admit to sleeping with Eli, under oath. A furious JJ punches Eli and gets himself arrested. At the police station, a distraught Lani tells JJ that Eli is her baby's father. As Lani and JJ have it out at the police station, Gabi and Eli walk in just as JJ blurts out that Eli is the baby's father imploding both relationships. According to Stowers, "It's devastating for Lani and Eli because they both lose the people that they love."

As she figures out what's next for her, Lani wants nothing to do with Eli despite his attempts to "comfort her and be there." According to Stowers, "[Lani] feels like Eli is the person who messed up her life." Lani wants to make it clear her predicament wasn't "planned." But Eli has other plans Archey noted. With the truth out, it's "second nature" for Eli to step up for Lani and their child and do things "the way he wanted to do them all along." Despite her reservations, Lani allows Eli to support her when she is hospitalized due to complications from Placenta praevia. Lani is going through a lot and it's "a bit much for her to handle." But, "she doesn't want to do it alone so she does welcome the help from Eli." As a soon-to-be new father, Eli is "frightened" by Lani's diagnosis. Once Lani lets her guard down, Eli doesn't hesitate to offer his support in an attempt to make up for lost time. "Once he's in, he's in 100 percent, emotionally for [Lani] and the baby. It's become a top priority for him."

As Lani goes into labor in June 2018, "it is very premature and it's a very dangerous situation" Carlivati said. When she learns she is in labor, JJ convinces a frightened Lani to undergo emergency surgery in effort to save both her and the baby. While Eli is concerned, "he's got to be strong for Lani and have a positive mindset about it." When the baby dies, "being that he's the baby's father and they've been trying to go through this whole process together," Eli feels a responsibility to deliver the news to Lani. According to Archey, "It's a huge shock for both of them." Like their characters, Stowers said she and Archey "were very shocked" by the decision. Lani was 6 months along and "We were really excited about doing the whole co-parenting thing." The child's name, David Abraham, "was all about tapping into the characters" Archey said. In wake of their grief, Eli and Lani have no idea what the future holds for them. The grieving parents are "so focused on losing the child at this moment, and they haven't really be able to think about anything past that." The story took quite an emotional tole on the actors, specifically Stowers, who lost her grandmother just before they filmed the scenes about David's passing. After burying her grandmother, Stowers had to return to work to film Lani's reaction to losing the baby. At this time, art began to imitate life. Archey revealed "I wanted to make sure Sal was okay, just like Eli was with Lani, helping her through the process." Following the tragedy, Archey said "I don't think either of us thought [Eli and Lani] would end up in a relationship."

Romance and obstacles (2018–2020)
As they support each other through their mutual grief, the lines begin to blur. However, when things "turn romantic, Lani is the one to pull back it." According to Carlivati, Lani "feels guilty" that if they start dating, "it came out of the death of their child." By this time, Eli's friend Sheila has resurfaced. Archey revealed that Sheila would cause "a lot of trouble" between Eli and Lani and their "slow burn" romance. Accoridng to Archey, Sheila would "be the one to light the flames" for Eli and Lani, and force them to face their feelings. Sheila picks up on the obvious tension between Eli and Lani "and decides to take matters into her own hands" Mike Jubinville noted. Determined to help them to face their feelings, Sheila, wrapped in a towel, greets Lani at Eli's place and implies that they are sleeping together. Eli then plays into Sheila's charade which "triggers" Lani and "makes her jealous." Eli finally confronts Lani and they make their romance official with a kiss. Both Stowers and Archey were ready for Eli and Lani to be together. "After everything that had been going on between [them], we both started rooting for them as a couple and for them to work out their differences. They have come a long way from the beginning" Archey stated. "I honestly loved it" Stowers commented. "I thought it was time. They deserve to be a power couple." In 2019, "you really see Lani and Eli getting to know each other more" as "their relationship is starting to blossom." During one of their earliest dates, Eli turns his grandfather Doug Williams's (Bill Hayes) restaurant into Lani's hometown of Miami, complete with swimsuits, mojitos and palm trees. "It's a sweet intimate moment outside of" their workplace.

David Ridgeway
The couple's first major obstacle comes in the form of Lani's "instant attachment" infant David Ridgeway. When their friend and fellow cop Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) is left to care for the child, "Lani is drawn to helping Rafe with this baby, but it's further exacerbated by the fact that his name is David." Additionally, "he's the same age their David would be," had he survived. Lani's connection to the child "starts to drive a wedge between [them]" as she is drawn closer to the baby "and further from Eli." After Rafe gets shot and later discharged from the hospital, Lani spends the night with him to assist with David. In addition to sending the wrong message to Rafe's estranged wife and her boss Hope, "Eli basically misses them, he misses the relationship and spending time with each other." Despite Eli's appeals, Lani "keeps blowing him off to stay with baby David" which "puts them in a very weird, awkward place." From Eli's perspective, Lani is "projecting the loss their [son]" onto this child. While "[Lani] knew what Eli was saying […] was true, but she didn't want to hear it" Stowers insisted. When Rafe is fully recovered, Lani struggles to let go and Eli breaks it off with her. However, it is not until Lani kisses Rafe recognizes just how "in denial" she is. Lani forces herself to walk away from David "not only for herself, but also to save her relationship with Eli." According to Stowers, Eli and Lani "reconcile, grow from this [rough patch] and become stronger."

Gabi's revenge
In the summer of 2019, Eli and Lani are engaged. Their wedding plans are nearly halted when Eli's grandmother Julie Olson Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) – who is set to officiate – suffers a heart attack after a fight with Gabi. Eli and Lani are furious at Gabi for leaving Julie after she collapses instead of calling for help. Though Julie insist they go forward without her, "there's a bigger incident that threatens to overshadow their wedding" Carlivati said. The incident occurs when Lani shoots Gabi's husband Stefan DiMera (Brandon Barash), leaving his braindead, after he interferes in Lani's attempt to apprehend his fugitive mother Vivian Alamain (Robin Strasser). As Julie needs a heart transplant, Eli discovers Lani trying to apologize to Gabi. "Eli knows there's no way these two women are going to come to terms." Later, doctors inform Julie's loved ones that Stefan is a potential donor for Julie. Eli takes on the responsibility of asking Gabi to donate Stefan's heart because of their previous history. After multiple people appeal to Gabi on Julie's behalf, she only agrees after another meeting with Lani. As Lani struggles to cope with taking a life, Eli wants to attend Stefan's funeral to show their support and "gratitude" to Gabi. Though Lani isn't sure she's welcome, "she's very sincere" in "trying to find some peace with Gabi." After the funeral, Gabi congratulates Lani on her impending nuptials only to order Lani to dump Eli at the altar.

To give Lani further incentive, Gabi threatens to kill Julie after rigging her new pacemaker. "We're building to this romantic wedding and Lani has this hanging over her head" Carlivati stated. The last thing Lani wants to do is hurt Eli, "the love of her life. […] She knows this is going to destroy him." Lani tries to see if what Gabi claims is even possible which results in Gabi demonstrating her control over Julie's pacemaker. On her wedding day, Lani is completely "conflicted." She knows she must cave to Gabi's demands, "but then seeing Eli at the altar" only makes that much harder. When Lani runs out of the wedding, Eli is left "shocked, speechless and clueless about what's going on" Archey said. "It came out of thin air." Eli chases after Lani and tries to get some answers but she is not forthcoming. As Eli tries to convince her to go through with the wedding, Lani claims she does not love him. "It is jolting to hear, and stops Eli in his tracks although" but, according to Archey, Eli knows Lani is lying. In her attempts to comfort him, Gabi talks down on Lani and Eli is not trying to hear "any negativity. He just wants to get to the bottom of what happened." It is Julie who encourages Eli not to give up on Lani.

Reunion and marriage (2020)
In the summer of 2020, the series borrowed from the 1994 British romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral. Head writer Ron Carlivati said "We were looking at the canvas and realized we had all these couples who were in a solid place that probably should be getting married, or at least contemplating" marriage. Eli and Lani are "one of the couples we thought would be getting married." As they decide on their wedding date, Lani realizes she is pregnant. "In addition to their wedding, we have the onset of this pregnancy, which is a joyous thing, and yet it comes with a lot of trepidation" due to David Abraham's stillbirth. While Eli is excited, Lani is terrified of potentially losing another child. "So that is something they tackle together and come to a decision about whether or not to continue with this pregnancy." Carlivati also revealed that the wedding would have a few uninvited guests.

Impact
With their wedding in 2020, Eli and Lani would become the first African-American couple to marry onscreen in 54 year history of Days of Our Lives. While Abe and Lexie married in 1991, the actual nuptials occurred offscreen. Brenda Alexander said "The episode comes at a crucial time in television and culture, as major companies across industries are implementing changes to combat systematic racism. and be more inclusive of people of color."


 * More authentic characterizations of Black characters, Lamon's portrayal, Sal's hair.


 * Jumping the broom


 * Greater presence of African-American characters onscreen, James Reynolds positioned as a patriarch.


 * Addressing lack of diversity.

Reception
"Supercouple"

"Team Elani"

David's stillbirth made for "interesting and unique drama – more than a regular birth bringing characters together."

In 2017, Soap Central's Laurisa said "It's dangerous to pair two newbies together when we know little about either. Sure, they look beautiful together. I'm just not certain where that relationship will go, except on double dates with their parents."

In 2018, Diane Brounstein described the duo's one-night-stand as a "shocking event."

In 2017, after news of Carlivati's hiring broke, one viewer implored the writers to go forward with the pairing.