That First Sami Post-Wedding-Fiasco Night

John slaps Eve's autopsy report on Abe's desk and gives him the details. It's nothing they don't know already. A couple of gunshot wounds did her in, "Forensics did make one interesting observation. Her badge is missing." Abe and John speculate on why this might be.

"Regardless of the motive, we have a cop killer out there," says Abe.

Tek runs in, "A cop killer? What happened?" John tells him about Eve.

Lucas consoles unshaven Austin, "I've been there. That first Sami post-wedding-fiasco night is tough. I didn't see this coming. Sami is usually the one left at the altar. Don't tell me you're falling for the 'I'm not worthy' rant, are you?"

"I don't know."

"I know Sami is insecure but not when she's marrying the man of her dreams. I don't know what's going on here."

A note lies on the floor just inside Sami's door.

Sami sleeps and cries. A figure walks into her apartment and sneaks across the room. He stands over a crying Sami, who looks up and goes wide-eyed. SCREAM!

Tek and John talk about Eve's death. "Two bullets at close range," says John.

"I'm surprised you didn't know," says Abe, "It happened on your watch." Tek explains about the suspicious figure at the church. He says he left detective Post in charge and went to meet a friend. Abe smirks, "So you left the investigation to meet Lexie. Isn't that right?"

Scruffy Austin thinks Sami wasn't thinking straight.

"When does she ever think straight," asks Lucas, "She's changed, though, because of you."

Austin drones, "What the hell happened?"

"I don't know," says Lucas, "I jut got a thought. Maybe it was a test, to push you away to see if you will come back begging. She thrives on that kind of thing. She's so insecure. You know she has always been jealous of Carrie."

"I did beg and plead with her," says Austin, "Something made her have doubts. It wasn't a game."

"I shouldn't mention this," says motormouth as he mentions it anyway, "I'm thinking about EJ. I wasn't going to say anything as he says it anyway... I have a feeling he is really starting to get to her."

EJ says he didn't mean to startle Sami. She says she had a nightmare. She dreamt someone was trying to kill her. She bawls in EJ's arms.

Tek admits he went to see Lexie. Abe couldn't care less. Tek goes on to say Sami got another threatening call telling her not to marry Austin, "She and EJ went over to Lexie's house and threatened her."

Abe either misunderstands or someone got his lines screwed up, "What reason would Lexie have to threaten Sami?"

John says, "Partner, there is something you have to know."

Austin wants to know if Lucas thinks Sami is falling for EJ. Lucas says it's just a feeling he has, "EJ is always around. It's like he pulls a rabbit out of the hat for her whenever he's there. He's the night on the white charger for her. It makes me sick."

Austin says, "You sound like you are jealous of him."

Lucas rambles on, "You remember he told you to treat her right. He said he'd be watching you. What the hell did he mean by that, huh? Then he offers his apartment so she can shack up the night before your wedding. She could have stayed with her mom or a lot of other people."

"I know it was ridiculous," says Austin.

"That eliminates any possibility you will ever be a DOOL writer," says Lucas.

"It gave her peace," says Austin, "You think he worked his English magic so she would leave me? You remember the night before you were going to marry her, Sami spent the night with Brandon? The truth was she only had eyes for you. I just don't see how you can say that about her again. They are friends, nothing more."

Lucas just doesn't give up, "You got to admit they were gone a long time before the wedding. I wonder what really happened."

Sami tells EJ that was the worst nightmare of her life. She dreamed someone was chasing her with a knife. EJ assures her she isn't going to die and anyone who tries to kill her will have to get through him first. EJ gives her tea. He says it is his nanny's secret recipe. Sami can't believe he had a governess.

"A regular Mary Poppins," says EJ.

Sami thinks EJ makes a lot of things better, but he can't do that for her life. Sami says 'Mary Poppins' was her favorite movie. She talks about her childhood with John Black, "The truth is he was a great dad to me. It's a long story. He and my mom had an affair. They had Belle and my twin brother and I started feeling unwanted. I have a lot of happy memories, but their affair made it impossible for me to trust people."

"You trust me don't you," asks EJ.

"Yeah, I do," says Sami, "So... I told you about my childhood but you never say anything about yours."

"I just told you about my nanny," says EJ, "I was lucky. There was no crisis this tea could not make better. It's special. Try it."

Sami gulps, "Wow, that is good. What is in it?"

"A spoonful of sugar..." Sami laughs. EJ goes on, "A number of different ingredients, the primary one being love, and obviously a little sap, too. At least that's what nanny used to say." He serves the breakfast he brought over for her, I prepared 'la specalitie de la maison' – toast."

EJ says he should have knocked first. Sami says she remembers locking the door. He, of course, used his spare key. He apologizes. Sami can't believe she didn't get married yesterday, "Austin and I didn't spend last night together and we will be alone for all the Days Of Our Lives."

"Are you sure it's over," asks EJ.

Tek says Lexie wanted to come clean but got a threatening call herself, "The mechanical voice told her something bad would happen to you and Theo."

Abe goes apoplectic, "My life is in danger and so is her son's because of her stupidity and she didn't warn me!"

Tek defends her. Abe is peeved that Lexie confided in Tek but not him. Tek thinks Eve's death is related to the phone calls, "There is a real danger out there."

Abe hyperventilates, "I should have remembered from her past she can't be trusted. She's a DiMera and is capable of anything."

That did it! Tek grabs Abe's throat, "You SOB! Don't talk about her like that, or I will kill you!"

Austin rambles about Sami's pre wedding hijinx with EJ. He thinks something besides EJ stopped her from marrying him.

Lucas has another random thought, "Maybe she thinks you are still in love with Carrie."

"I love Sami," says Austin.

"Not as much as you love Carrie," says the little social engineer.

"Carrie is your wife," says Austin, "There is no point in talking about this."

"You gotta tell Sami if you want her to be your wife," says Lucas.

Lexie comes into the pub. She orders coffee and egg croissant to go. Then she walks over to Austin and Lucas' table and tells Austin she is sorry about what happened at the wedding, "I'm probably not the first person to tell you this, but Sami leaving you at the altar is the best thing that could have happened to you."

"Except for you leaving me at the table right now," says Austin.

Sami insists it's over between her and Austin, "If Lexie tells, Will will never forgive me." Sami is convinced Lexie made the call, "She's a DiMera. That family makes me look like Mother Teresa. Aside from you and Tek, nobody else knew about our little arrangement."

EJ can think of a couple people who wouldn't want Sami to marry Austin, "Myself for one." Sami soaks in the effect of the nuclear blast.

Tek threatens Abe. Abe warns him to let go. John tries to mitigate things, "It's a real bad move, Tek, you're gonna lose."

Tek slowly saunters out. John says, "Abe, you gotta get beyond this."

"You're right," says Abe, "At this moment Tek Kramer is the least of my problems." Roman comes in and announces the case just got more complicated. He's been going over the surveillance tapes from the church, "We might have a shot at the killer."

Abe asks, "And... Did you find anything?"

Roman says, "I'm afraid I did. Something you're not going to like."

Austin insists he's in love with Sami and Sami is in love with him.

"She has a strange way of showing it," says Lexie, "You're lucky you didn't marry that witch." Lucas suggests she let it go. Lexie ignores him, "If either of you had the slightest inkling... Sami can't be trusted OK?"

"The slightest inkling of what," asks Austin, "You know something you're not telling us. What would that be?"

Sami is shocked. EJ explains. He thinks her marrying Austin wouldn't make her happy. Sami says she thinks it would have. EJ thinks Sami shouldn't have to be someone else, "Austin thought you should be your sister."

Sami whines, "Why do people have to keep reminding me she is the love of his life?"

"You need to settle down with someone who loves you," says EJ, "And that man is not Austin."

"Is that all," asks Sami.

"What do you mean," asks EJ.

"Nothing," says Sami, "I don't know what I mean."

EJ takes it to a new level, "You want to know if I'm falling for you." Sami assesses the effect of the second nuclear blast in a row.

Lexie backpedals. She insists there is nothing she is holding back. She was referring to the way Sami blackmailed her. She knows what she did was wrong, but they had no idea how Sami tormented her.

Lucas says Sami was worried about Abe. Austin presses. He thinks Lexie is hiding something else. Lexie says it is her medical opinion that Sami is pathologically disturbed.

Lucas says Lexie isn't a shrink. Lexie says she knows the signs of a mentally ill person, "After all, I live in Salem. I see them every day." Austin shuts her up. He's not listening any more. He's glad she had the decency to stay away from the wedding.

Roman shows Abe and John the tapes of the wedding. We watch Lexie walk in. We follow her through the church. Then we watch her leave. "What the hell," says Abe.

Roman makes one of his usual brilliant deductions, "Her actions aren't those of a guest who arrives late and leaves early. I have to treat her as a suspect."

Abe understands, "We all know the DiMeras hate the Bradys and Lexie hates Sami. Could you please just remember that Lexie is Theo's mother?"

"I will treat this with the utmost care," says Roman, "Which is why you should complete the investigation."

"Are you falling in love with me," asks Sami. EJ stares.

Sami discovers the note. EJ picks it up. Staredown. Sami doesn't want any part of it.

"You can't be serious," says Abe. Roman thinks Abe is the only one who can do this. John agrees. Roman says they need someone Lexie will trust. Abe doesn't think this is a good idea. Abe thinks they are suggesting he start dating Lexie. Yes they are. Abe sighs.

Lexie tries to wiggle out of things. She claims she was just saying Austin deserves to be with a woman who truly loves him, "That woman is out there."

Lucas' mouth is on autopilot, "My brother is not giving up on Sami."

EJ says he will get rid of the note. Sami stops him. She decides she has to know what it says and asks him to read it to her.

"You don't have to do this."

Sami is numb, "Yeah, I do. Besides, there isn't anything left to take away from me, right?" Au contraire, mon cher.

EJ reads the note, "Samantha: Congratulations. You did the right thing by not marrying Austin. Now there is just one last act you must carry out to keep your secret safe. You must hand over custody of will to Lucas."

Sami blows her stack, "WHAT?! I am not giving up my son! I can't! I won't!"

Abe thinks this is crazy. Roman puts on the sales pitch, "If she wanted to kill a cop maybe she had Eve right where she wanted her."

Abe says Lexie isn't capable of murder. Roman says they have to eliminate her as a suspect and find out why she was sneaking around the church.

"So what if she's not guilty," asks Abe, "Do I just toss her out like yesterday's news."

"That is your call, partner," says John.

Roman says he needs Abe's help. He plays his trump card, "If you don't want to do it for the force or for me, do it for Theo."

Austin swears he won't give up on Sami. Lexie says he will regret it for the rest of his life, "She doesn't deserve you. Let her go."

"Goodbye, Lexie."

Austin leaves. Lucas turns on the oral afterburners, "That was a nice try, but they will get back together today. There is nothing you can do about it."

Sami freaks. She's not giving up her son, "He's my little boy. I can't lose him."

"Look at me," says EJ, "We're going to figure out a way out of this. We will get through this together."

"How," asks Sami, "All they want to do is see me lose everything."

"I'm not going anywhere," says EJ, "I'm going to be here for you." Closer... Closer.... Kiss. Sami pulls him in. FF on the note.

Prevuze wishes John Aniston a quick and full recovery from his recent heart attack. We want Victor back soon, making life miserable for Salemites. Click Here for the story.

Previews
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Roman says to Marlena, "Listen to me, OK? What kind of a message is that going to give your daughters if you don't do this?"

EJ says, "You never did answer when Lucas asked you to tell me how happy you are in your marriage." Carrie says, "Didn't I?" EJ says, "No, you didn't."

Sami says, "Carrie is in love with you. You are in love with her." Austin says to a blonde (this is possibly Carrie, but it's hard to tell), "It's about time we got back together the way it was meant to be." Carrie and purses her lips.

Eve of Destruction... Destruction of Eve

Belle and Phillip arrive back at their apartment. Phillip says Abe is investigating the file SNAFU.

Belle asks, "Do you really think someone is out to get us?"

Phillip asks, "What else could it be? If you haven't been with him he couldn't be Claire's father."

"Well," says princess Belle, "I wouldn't be incapable of a virgin birth. I wonder what Shawn thinks about all this?"

"I suspect he's sleeping," says Phillip, "He won't be surprised about them calling the wedding off. Sami is the kind of girl who has no idea how to handle success."

"I think she's still in love with Lucas," says Belle.

"That would be a good reason not to marry someone else," says the blockhead. Make that blind blockhead.

They go back in the apartment to find Maggie in a mess. "Oh no, she got you," gasps Belle.

"It was a full scale attack," says Maggie, "That baby has quite a pitching arm." Maggie claims they both wore each other out and Claire is now asleep.

"Claire is a picky eater," says Belle

"She doesn't take after you," says Maggie.

"When I was little I was a human garbage disposal," says Phillip.

"Well Claire didn't inherit that gene from either of you." Dead silence. "What," asks Maggie, "Did I say something wrong?"

Bonnie rushes into Mimi's apartment and yells, "Lexie told me Shawn saw the file that says Claire is his daughter." Mimi shushes her.

John wants to know what officer Evil Michaels is doing there.

Tek says she's on his investigation team. Eve says she found a couple of footprints outside the church. John asks to see them.

EJ comforts Sami. Sami thinks she humiliated Austin and can't tell him why. She thinks the mystery caller was Lexie and maybe she should have called her bluff and married Austin anyway. EJ says it's not a bluff and whoever is doing this is deadly serious. He asks if Sami told Roman about the mystery phone call. She tells him she didn't.

EJ says Sami should be proud of what she did, since she walked away for the sake of her son. Sami says, "Every time I get close to someone, I end up doing something that ruins it and I don't know why."

"I believe that's a question for your mother the psychiatrist," says EJ, "Don't try and analyze yourself. On the other hand, according to Einstein the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results."

EJ offers to drive her home, but Sami reminds him his car is broken, "Who would think that getting thrown in jail with a couple of prostitutes would be the highlight of my wedding day?"

EJ imitates the look on officer Peter's face when he found out Roman was Sami's father. Sami giggles as Marlena walks in. Marlena asks, "What's going on here?"

John says, "The footprints are a good clear set. Good job, Eve. We need to keep this quiet for now." Eve assures him she can be discreet. Tek leaves.

Eve says she looks forward to working closely with John, "Very closely."

Sami tells Marlena EJ was just trying to make her feel better. Marlena asks to talk to Sami alone. EJ leaves. Marlena says she is surprised Sami is so upbeat. Sami assures her she feels awful and there is nothing between her and EJ, "He's my friend. The only one I have in this town."

Marlena asks why Sami called off the wedding. Sami says she loves Austin enough to let him go. She had reservations about marrying him, "When he put the ring on my finger it seemed so final and I realized I wasn't ready. And we probably never will be."

Marlena says, "Sami, that's very grown up. I think maybe you could have found a moment alone with Austin to share that information though." Marlena asks if anything else is going on with Sami. Sami picks up her ring and asks why she can never be the first choice.

Marlena says Lucas and Austin cared enough to propose to her. Sami reminds her she ruined it every time, "Guys fight over Belle, Carrie and you."

"That proves it once and for all – guys are stupid," says Marlena.

Sami wonders what's wrong with her. Marlena assures her she is beautiful, intelligent strong.

"I'm not strong enough to do the right thing," says Sami, "I am the bad seed."

"You are not."

"Me and Eric were like cast offs," says Sami.

"Eric who," asks Marlena.

"It's no wonder he doesn't want to live in Salem," says Sami, "I shouldn't need my mom all the time to make me feel better, but right now it does make me feel better to have you here."

Marlena says she is glad she is there. She asks if anything else is going on. Sami says there is nothing else. She wants to be alone. Marlena understands. She will be there for her and loves her so much. "I love you, Mom." Hugs.

Marlena leaves. "Well," says Sami, "Now it's time for the real moment of truth."

EJ comes back in. Sami asks, "EJ, will you help me end this night right?"

Bonnie wants to know why Mimi shut her up. Mimi tells Bonnie Shawn is asleep in the bedroom. "You mean he's not with Belle and Claire living happily ever after," asks Bonnie.

"He doesn't believe what is in the file," says Mimi, "Shawn and Belle don't think they ever had sex."

"That's because doing it with Belle would be the same thing as never having sex," says Bonnie, "I remember the worst sex I ever had, and that was 15 years ago. But I digress."

Mimi says, "They think someone is playing a sick joke on them."

"Those pesky writers," says Bonnie, "At least we dodged another bullet."

"No," says Mimi, "We dodged a guided missile. As far as they are concerned Claire belongs to Phillip."

Belle tells Maggie they are just tired. Maggie couldn't believe what happened at the wedding. She thought Austin would be the one to call it off through. "Do you know why Sami got cold feet?"

"No," snaps Phillip, "And we don't care." Maggie decides she had better go.

After Maggie leaves, Belle asks Phillip, "What upset you?"

"That Claire didn't inherit her eating habits from us," says Phillip, "It's been a long day. I'm going to take a shower and go to bed." He staggers upstairs as Belle thinks. Smoke rises.

Eve says she wouldn't ask Officer O'Malley if it wasn't important. O'Malley agrees. He will cover for her. She can go home early and get ready for her hot date with John.

Eve goes over to John and he says he'll be at her apartment to pick her up and take her out. "Maybe we don't need to go anywhere," says Eve.

Marlena walks up, "Hi there. This must be the girl you've been dating. Nice to meet you. I'm Mrs. John Black." Eve turns to look at John.

The doorbell rings at Lexie's house. She answers it to find Sami and EJ. She starts to slam the door but EJ blocks it with his foot and they invite themselves in. Lexie yells for them to get out. Sami confronts Lexie about the calls. Lexie says she doesn't get it. Sami screams, "You tell me who else could have called and threatened me except you!"

Bonnie can't believe it, "After worrying so much about this, it fizzles like a bum firecracker on the Fourth of July."

Mimi says, "Shawn and Belle think they never slept together. They have as much information as we do. Why the hell do we think they are wrong?"

Bonnie does a reality check, "Do you think they are wrong?"

"No," admits Mimi, "That's just the way my luck goes. Phillip thinks this is all made up."

Bonnie says, "As long as everyone believes they were never together you are home free and with a clear conscience to boot."

"I pray you're right," says Mimi.

Lexie says she showed up at the church to see if Sami had the guts to go through with the wedding. She considered incriminating Sami but had too much to lose, including her license to practice medicine. Lexie asks how EJ can stand to be with manipulator Sami.

EJ smiles, "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

John reminds Eve not only are he and Marlena separated, but he also told her that. Marlena is shocked. She says she told him the separation was temporary. He tells her to stop acting naïve, "If you are free to hook up with your ex, I am free to see whomever I want. Tonight it's Eve." He walks Eve out as Marlena seethes.

Bonnie is glad everything is out in the open. Mimi says she bargained with God. She told Him she would tell Shawn the truth if Shawn recovered. She thinks God bought it but couldn't tell for sure since he was laughing so hard. Bonnie reminds Mimi someone else has told Shawn, "You are absolved. Free of guilt. What more can you do? You can thank God it's finally over."

"Now that the seed has been planted Shawn will keep thinking about it," says Mimi.

"That's nothing to worry about since Shawn has the attention span of a mayfly," says Bonnie.

"Phillip thinks the same person who switched the embryos is the one who messed with the file," says Mimi.

Bonnie gasps, "Are you saying he thinks someone did the on purpose?"

Belle and Phillip's apartment is dark. Phillip comes downstairs with Belle and says Claire is back down. Belle asks if everything is OK. "It's just the thing with the file," says Phillip, "It's not easy to know someone is trying to hurt us."

"Not easy," says Belle, "But we do know Claire is yours."

Phillip gets ideas, "Did I tell you how beautiful you looked tonight?" Kiss.

"EJ believes in me," says Sami.

"If he really understood you he would drive away," says Lexie, "Which would be pretty damn fast right? Get out while you still can, EJ. Sami is a thrill you don't want."

"You don't need to worry about me, Dr. Carver," says EJ, "I am always looking for the next rush. It's no surprise I am attracted to Samantha." Sami drops her jaw.

John tells Marlena not to get the wrong idea about Eve, "It doesn't mean anything."

Marlena is shocked that John would be interested in Eve. She reminds him he has been sending her flowers.

"That should prove Eve doesn't mean anything to me."

Marlena speculates, "You're working on a case."

"What gave you that idea," smirks John, "I like seeing you jealous."

"I have ways of getting answers out of you," says Marlena. Kiss.

EJ tells Sami he finds her attractive, and he has told her that before. Sami says she always thought he was just being nice whenever he said that. EJ thinks he has found a kindred spirit in Sami.

Lexie jumps in, "Do you know what kind of fire is burning in her soul? If she has a soul. I feel sorry for you. When you offered that donation I thought you were one of the good guys."

"That doesn't stop him from being my friend," says Sami.

"You know what's interesting," says EJ, "We aren't that different – you, Sami and myself. We all like to live on the edge."

Lexie protests, "That doesn't describe me at all."

"Really," says EJ, "So what was that thing Sami had on you that she was able to blackmail you?"

John melts in Marlena's arms. Marlena asks, "Well, do you want to change those plans for tonight?"

"I can't."

"Well then," says Marlena, "I was right, wasn't I?"

"You're always right," says the diplomat.

"Well, there is that," says Marlena.

John explains this is about the evidence. With any luck he'll be able to prove Bo wasn't responsible, "You know, years ago, Bo and Hope, Steve and Kayla, you and me... we would have been working on something like this together."

"And probably using the same tired old script, too," says Marlena, "So, do you want me to put on my police psychiatrist's hat for you?"

Yes," says John, "And that cute little French maid's costume you wear sometimes, too."

"What would Eve have to gain," she asks.

"Money," says John, "And apparently she needs it desperately. I'm going to find out who she is working for."

Belle and Phillip lie on the couch. "That sex was so good I can actually remember it," says Belle.

Phillip can't believe yesterday at this time he was drinking with Shawn. He's glad he is there with her – and happy, "I have an idea. The state fair is going on. I think we should go." Belle says Claire has a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so they can't go to the fair. Phillip suggests the carousel at the mall after they both take Claire to the doctor. Belle wants to know if Phillip really wants to go since this is a miserable thing for Claire to go through. She's not sure Phillip wants to see her like that.

Phillip says, "As a parent you take the bad with the good, the mother with the daughter."

"A Vivian Alamain only comes around once in a lifetime," says Bonnie. She and Mimi discuss who might have done it. Mimi points out Victor can be vicious, "Think of all the enemies the Brady's and Kiriakis' have. We Lockharts don't amount to enough to have enemies."

"OMG," says Bonnie, "You know who hated all of them? The DiMeras! Even through Stephano is dead and Tony is in jail, they have an organization. I don't like the sound of this. And you are stuck in the middle of it. You could be in terrible danger."

John assures Marlena he will be OK tonight. He's just going to try to find out who is lining Eve's pockets. He asks about Sami. Marlena thanks him for getting her to the church on time.

"Not that it mattered in the long run," says John.

Marlena is glad Sami called off the wedding. John caresses her. Another kiss. They leave before things heat up.

Lexie thought EJ was more of a gentleman than to say something like that. She insists she wasn't out for a thrill with Tek. She thought Abe was dead when it all started. Now Sami is threatening her again. Sami insists she didn't send the note. Lexie says she didn't make the call, "Be afraid... be very afraid that someone else knows our dirty little secret. And this someone can do a hell of a lot more harm than I ever could."

Sami says, "I didn't tell anyone else."

"You told EJ," says Lexie.

"He's my friend," says Sami, "And Abe knows better than anyone else – Once a DiMera always a DiMera. If you think you'll get away with these sick little games you have another think coming." They leave.

Belle looks at Claire in her crib. Phillip watches.

Bonnie tells Mimi, "This is serious. You and Shawn need police protection." Mimi thinks Bonnie has been watching too many Law and Order reruns.

Bonnie doesn't think so, "These sickos start out small but before you know it they are eating your liver with a nice Chianti. I'm serious. Whoever took the trouble to switch those embryos is capable of anything. Well, maybe except being a DOOL writer. It takes a real scumball to stoop that low."

Tek meets Lexie at the dock. He wants to know why she is upset. She tells him Sami got another call threatening to expose her secret. She didn't tell Sami about the call she got. Lexie thinks things are getting out of hand. She's worried about so many people who could get hurt.

Marlena and John walk outside the church. Marlena is chilly, "It might rain. That will make it cozy for your date."

"I hope so," says John.

Marlena didn't like that. John covers his tracks, "Studies have shown confessions are more likely during a rainstorm."

Marlena buys it at first, but smacks him once she thinks it over, "You made that up." Slap and tickle ensues.

Slap and tickle comes to an abrupt halt. HORROR!! John stoops down to examine the body. Cold and dead and full of bullet holes.

"This is turning into the Eve of Destruction," says Marlena.

"You got it backwards," says John, "It's the Destruction of Eve."

John gasps, "Oh Evey."

BULLETIN After reviewing episodes from the past several months, the NBC Quality Assurance Department has recommended the name of this show be changed from 'Days of Our Lives' to 'Plan Nine From Salem.'

Previews
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Abe smirks at Tek, "So you left the investigation to meet Lexie. Isn't that right?"

Lexie tells Austin, "Sami leaving you at the altar is the best thing that could have happened to you."

Roman says, "We might have a shot at the killer." Abe asks, "And... Did you find anything?" Roman says, "I'm afraid I did. Something you're not going to like."

EJ tells Sami, "You want to know if I'm falling for you."

The 180°

Tek is a man on a mission. He runs around the church playing cop. He radios his men and says he was tracking the suspect but lost him. Apparently he wasn't playing cop too well.

The endless ceremony continues as father Jansen blesses the rings. Lexie looks on. Kate can't believe the wedding is happening.

EJ is philosophical, "We must accept the things we cannot change, Kate."

Austin slips the ring on Sami's finger as Carrie practically breaks into tears. Sami is really nervous. She drops Austin's ring, picks it up and struggles to put it on his finger. She freezes, holding the ring in front of his finger.

The audience holds its collective breath. Lexie watches. Sami whimpers.

Will cheers from the peanut gallery, "Go for it, Mom."

Austin says, "Samantha..."

Sami cries, "I'm sorry. I can't go through with it."

"What's wrong," asks Austin.

Sami bolts back down the aisle and falls. Lexie smiles her wicked smile. Roman tries to help her, but Sami screams at him to let her go as she runs out of the sanctuary.

Marlena asks what happened. Roman says he knew something was up. He tells Marlena about his conversation with Sami when they were standing in the vestibule.

Austin tells the crowd to calm down. He doesn't know what happened. He tells them not to go anywhere and insists they are getting married today. He goes to talk to Sami as Lexie watches with delight.

Kate tells EJ she prayed for this and her prayer has been answered, "I don't care why it happened. I'm not going to have that witch as a daughter in law."

Bo wonders, "Why do Sami's weddings always end up like this?"

"Better the wedding than the marriage," says Hope. The object lesson goes right over Bo's head.

Marlena worries. She thinks she should have spent more time with Sami during the last few weeks. She just doesn't know what could have caused Sami to do this.

"I am just as clueless as you are," says Roman. "And I have no idea why Sami did this, either."

John is with Tek. John says, "This is the second time St. Luke's has been targeted during a wedding. Who's behind it?"

Tek says, "I don't know. We have reason to believe everyone inside could be in danger."

Austin goes to the bridal room door. He knocks and asks Sami to open the door. She cries and tells him to go away, but then she opens the door and tells him he can't change her mind, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I did this – that I let it go this far. I don't deserve to wear this dress or have you waiting for me at the altar."

Austin says, "More than any woman I know you deserve to have your dreams come true. I love you."

"You can't," says Sami, "You have to get over any feelings you have for me. I am so embarrassed. I should be struck by lightning. I took sacred vows. I am so ashamed."

Austin tries to calm her down. He says this is a new start for them. Sami bawls. Austin tries to convince her. Sami twirls the ring and says she will never put it on his finger. She takes hers off and asks him to take it back. Austin stares.

Caroline feels so sorry for Sami. Shawn treasures the memory of their wedding, "It has nothing to do with the wedding. It's just that I'm getting so old I treasure anything I can remember."

Patch says, "From what I've seen of Brady weddings so far, this is pretty typical."

Bo asks Roman what John and Tek are doing in the vestibule.

Roman says, "How would I know? I'm just the commander." Bo tells Hope to keep her eyes peeled as he heads for the out of the sanctuary.

Stephanie says to Max, "From what Mom tells me this happens with Sami a lot. Should you be sitting next to me? Chelsea looks pretty jealous." Chelsea stews.

Phillip and Belle wonder what is going on. Phillip says, "I think Austin is the lucky guy today."

Lucas can't stand what this is doing to Will. Carrie says, "We still don't know what happened."

Lucas says, "She got stranded with EJ."

"You think something happened between them," asks Carrie.

"I don't know."

The brat overhears and says, "Maybe Sami realized that she's really not the woman my Uncle Austin loves."

Austin won't take the ring. He insists they are getting married. They can fix whatever is wrong. Sami says she isn't worthy of being his wife. Austin says he is ready to give her his heart. Sami refuses. She says she hasn't changed, "I am a fake. Not all the time, but doing the right thing is hard for me. I'm always afraid I'm going to lose somebody and I make choices that hurt people. I am not good enough to be married to you."

"You are acting out of fear," says Austin, "You think you won't be able to live up to your ideal of what a wife should be. I don't want a perfect woman. I want you."

"You don't even know me," cries Sami, "I am on my best behavior when I am with you because I want you to love me. If we got married you would see through that. I am not going to do that to you."

"We live and work together," says Austin, "I think I know you pretty damn well."

"The woman you talked about in those vows is not me."

"How can you say I don't know you," asks Austin.

Sami says, "I know you and I hope someday you get to be with the woman you really love." She hands the ring back and closes his hand around it, "I can't explain now. Please just give me some time alone... Please go away, Austin." She runs across the room and cries.

"OK," says Austin, "I will go for now, but this is not over." Austin leaves. Sami blubbers.

Roman, Bo, John and Tek have a confab. Tek tells Roman Lexie doesn't know who called with the threat.

John asks, "Why do I get the feeling you know more about this than you are telling us?"

Tek sighs, "Sami made a secret pact with Lexie. Sami promised to keep her mouth shut about our affair if Lexie would lie to Carrie. Sami blackmailed her into telling Carrie if she had a kid with Austin it would be born with birth defects.

Roman goes through the roof, "DAMN! I thought Sami had finally gotten her act together! I would guess that's why she called off the wedding."

John says he isn't concerned with that. He wonders how the mechanical voice knew Lexie and Sami had a pact.

Tek says he doesn't know. He asks them to keep what they just talked about a secret, "Lexie was warned not to say anything. She was threatened. They said they would go after Abe and Theo."

Roman says the bottom line is they have to find out who is behind the threats. He tells Tek to call the crime lab to go over the church. Bo and John go to look around.

The brat piles on, "Sami was Uncle Austin's second choice. Maybe she wanted him to be with someone who was his first choice."

"Go mind your own business," snorts Lucas. The brat turns on her heel.

Carrie says she can't believe the brat said that about Austin. Lucas says he doesn't care what the brat said, "I spoke to Austin about your relationship with him in the past and he said it was over. It's obviously over for you because we're married. He's moved on, too. That's why we're here. I just can't figure out why Sami left him at the altar."

Austin comes back into the sanctuary, "I have an announcement. I'm sorry to have to say this. As of now the wedding is off. Hopefully, that will change, but not today."

EJ says, "Try not to look too happy Kate, out of respect."

The crowd mills around. Kate hates to see Austin hurt, "But he will get over it and he'll be better off with a life that doesn't include a harlot as a wife."

"A harlot," says EJ, "You're right. With you as a mother, that would be one too many harlots in his life. We all have our faults. Beautiful as you are, yours are many, I'm sure."

Kate smiles, "Well, I think I could forgive you for that insult if you take me dancing."

"We'll dance," he promises, "But now, I have a friend to take care of – Sami. She is my friend and I have to see that she is all right."

"My mom is a freak," wails Will, "She blew it again. She will never change." Lucas assures him they will fix things.

Carrie hugs Austin, "I am so sorry." Lucas watches. For one of the few times in his life, he is speechless.

Carrie asks how Austin is doing. "I have seen better days," says Austin, "I tried to tell her how much I want to marry her but she is too upset." Carrie asks if there is anything she and Lucas can do. Austin says, "Give her a ride to her apartment. I will find a new place."

"You can stay with us," says Carrie.

"I'm not up for company," says Austin, "I'll stay at a hotel. Maybe tomorrow we can straighten things out."

Marlena wonders if something happened before Sami got to the church. She starts to go see her but Caroline suggests she give Sami more time.

Lucas says, "I don't know why Sami pulled this 180°." Austin says she thinks she isn't worthy of him, "Sami just needs some time."

"Just don't give up on her, OK," says Lucas.

Roman goes in to see Sami. Sami cries, "Daddy... Daddy..." Hugs.

Jennifer tells Frankie she's starving. He suggests Chez Rouge. They say their goodbyes. Patch tells them there isn't much point in hanging around.

Max says, "On the track you look good. Off the track you look amazing. Did you sign with Austin's new company?"

"I signed," says Stephanie, "I'm afraid you will have to eat my dust."

Belle tells Marlena they can talk tomorrow as she and Phillip leave.

Billie tells Austin she isn't surprised it happened but she is ticked off about the way Sami did it. Austin doesn't want to hear it.

Billie asks, "Is there anything I can do?"

"Help me figure out Sami."

Sami cries she tells Roman she is sorry, "I'll bet Kate is thrilled."

"Don't think about that right now," says Roman, "I have been drying your tears since you were a little girl. I guess that will be my job for life. Do you want to catch me up on this particular Patch of trouble?"

"I couldn't take the pressure," cries Sami, "Austin wanted a 'me' that doesn't exist. You know I can't change that much."

Roman sees through it, "Do you want to tell me what really made you run out?"

"I did tell you," she insists, "Austin and I couldn't spend all the Days Of Our Lives with me being someone I'm not.

"I think you did the right thing," says Roman.

"I had to," says Sami, "Now I'll never be with Austin and I'll never be happy."

"The secret to happiness is you have to be willing to be happy," says Roman, "You have never learned that lesson. You've always been in too big a hurry. You reap what you sow in this life Sami."

Roman leaves and hooks up with John and Bo. John asks, "Did Sami come clean?"

"Not even close," growls Roman, "She told me a bunch of stuff which is probably true, but nothing about why she blew off the wedding. Dammit! I just wish to hell I could tell Carrie what I know. What a sick thing for Lexie to be blackmailed into doing. I don't know if the truth would have made any difference but it's too late now. We have to keep the secret."

Bo leaves. John goes to look around. Roman sighs.

Patch offers Kayla a ride home. She tells him yes, and asks if the wedding made him remember anything. He says no, "I'm really tired of making you feel bad. You think we should cool it for a while?"

Kayla mumbles, "You don't think you're gonna get rid of me that easy, do you?" They leave.

Bo and Hope walk out. Billie follows.

Austin thanks OMB and Caroline for coming. They leave. Austin falls in a heap in a chair. Kate comes over and tells him she loves and supports him, "but what Sami did was a brave thing. Your marriage would have been a mistake."

Austin insists, "Things aren't over between us." He walks away.

Carrie overheard and asks Austin if he meant that.

Sami is back in civvies. EJ walks in. Sami stands up and whines, "Where have you been? I've been stalling this whole time waiting for you. I thought you would never come."

Tek and Eve talk. John asks what she is doing there. No response.

Lucas tells Will he is sorry. Will doesn't exactly take it in stride, "Nobody else I know has such a crappy life."

"We will get through this," says Lucas, "Even your mom."

"What if she doesn't," whines Will, "What if it's worse than ever?"

Austin tells Carrie, "I asked Sami to marry me. I'm sticking to it. But if after we talk she doesn't want to go through with it, I will have to go my own way." Lucas watches.

Sami has been waiting to tell EJ what happened. She tells him about the phone call – If she went through with the wedding the mechanical voice would tell everyone what she did.

"I wish I had known," says EJ.

"I didn't know what else to do," says Sami, "I went out there and thought I might get away with it. Then I saw Lexie. All I want is for my dad and son to be proud of me. Obviously, I think my dad has given up on me. But Will told me today he is proud of me. I couldn't risk losing him. If he found out he would never forgive me."

EJ hugs her, "Things look bleak and dreary now but they will work out. I'll make sure of it." Sami cries like a baby in EJ's arms. FF.

Previews
========

John stands with Eve. Marlena walks up, "Hi there. This must be the girl you've been dating. Nice to meet you. I'm Mrs. John Black." Eve turns to look at John.

Lexie tells Sami, "You should be very afraid that someone else knows our dirty little secret. And this someone can do a hell of a lot more harm than I ever could."

Bonnie tells Mimi, "I'm serious. Whoever took the trouble to switch those embryos is capable of anything."

The End Of Time Approaches

Bonnie the candy-striper pesters Lexie about Shawn's condition. She has kept calling Mimi, but can't reach her, "So I thought I'd get the scoop straight from the horse's mouth... so to speak." Lexie tells her Shawn was feeling much better when he went home, "But he needs peace and quiet and rest. Bonnie doesn't understand why he went on a bender. Lexie points out he has a history with alcohol, but Bonnie shrugs it off as being something that happened when Jan was around. She wonders if Shawn's drinking had something to do with the IVF SNAFU.

Fortunately for Lexie, Tek comes in. Lexie excuses herself and goes over to talk to Tek. He tells her he doesn't have any new information about the case, but he thinks she is onto something with the Brady connection.

The audience stands at the church as the bridal march plays. They stand... and stand... and stand... throat clearing... staring... nothing...

Kate thinks this is beginning to look like another Sami wedding disaster, but doesn't want to get her hopes up.

Lucas revs up his mouth. He leans over and tells Austin he knows Sami can't wait to marry him.

Austin asks, "Then what is going on back there?"

Back there, Roman tells Sami she doesn't have to go through with the wedding if she doesn't want to. Sami is very distant. Roman asks again. Sami says she knows what she wants to do.

The crowd waits. Kayla tells Patch she should have known this would happen. She thinks the crowd showed up at the wedding for the same reason people go to disaster movies.

Kate whispers to EJ, "I was annoyed with you at first for not keeping Sami away from the church, but now I'm going to have a front row seat for her downfall."

The brat whispers to herself, "I can't believe I took the day off to come to this stupid wedding. It's probably the only day off I will have all summer."

Sami says she is just nervous. Roman says it's a big decision. Sami claims she loves Austin and wants to get married. She wants to go on with the wedding. Roman hugs her as Sami cries.

Frankie and Jennifer wonder what's going on, but decide the wedding will go off without a hitch. After all, Sami doesn't have any husbands lurking around out there who might show up to put a damper on things like Jennifer's wedding.

Sami appears at the sanctuary door. Loose lips Lucas goes into action. He leans over to Austin and says, "Sami always knew how to keep a guy waiting."

Sami smiles and walks down the aisle in slow motion. Her heart pounds. She practically hallucinates. The audience distorts. It's like John Black on a bad trip. Roman hugs her and gives her hand to Austin.

Austin asks Sami if everything is OK. Just peachy. Father Jansen starts the ceremony. Sami puts on a brave face. Lucas stares at her.

Tek speculates. He thinks Tony may be involved. He has connections outside prison, "It could be anybody, though, since Roman and Bo have put so many people behind bars." He thinks Sami's wedding is a place for things to come down, "It might be a ploy to get all the Brady's together in one place."

"Sami's wedding is a lot more logical place to get Brady's together than at a Mensa meeting," says Lexie.

Tek tells Lexie he has sent plainclothes officers to the church and is on the way himself. He promises Lexie he will let her know how it goes.

Father Jansen rambles on about Austin's virtues. He turns to Sami, "As for Samantha..." he clears his throat, but talks about her tender heart and her love for Austin.

Kate stews. The totally conspicuous plainclothes heavies walk in. Father Jansen talks about Sami's transformation, "Samantha has embraced God's plan for her and that is a true..."

"Miracle," says Sami. The audience chuckles.

"I was going to say blessing, Samantha," says the good Father, "You are now about to reap the rewards of God's blessing."

Lexie gets a page and picks up. Tek tells her the ceremony has begun and so far things are quiet. She tells him to be careful. "It's nice to hear you care about me," says Tek.

Lexie picks up a bullhorn and announces, "Of course I care about you, Tek." Abe listens and gives her a look that would kill a cow. An unfaithful cow.

Lexie tries to explain. She says she is concerned about Tek. Abe rants. He doesn't care about Tek or her feelings for him. She insists she is not still seeing him. He says he has moved on and she should too, "I don't believe you, anyway. You are free to cozy up to anyone. It's not like we have any ties."

"We have a son," whines Dr. Slut, "That should count for a lot."

"Your actions made it clear Theo doesn't count," he turns to a nurse and tells her he's investigating the file. The nurse says she was on duty, but doesn't know anything. Abe wants to speak to the doctor who was on duty that night.

"That would be me," says Lexie, "So I guess you will have to spend some time with me anyway."

Father Jansen prays, "May we bear witness to their love..."

Marlena comes to the podium for the responsive reading. After Marlena finishes, Will goes over and reads Paul's definition of love from First Corinthians. "There is something else I'd like to say," says Will, "I'm really happy for them. I'm glad Austin will be my stepfather. I've grown up. I see now that my dad and mom love each other, but that's not meant to be. I can see how happy Austin makes my mom and I think she makes him happy, too. A lot of times my mom hasn't made the right decisions. A lot of times she didn't handle things so well. This past year she has worked hard to not let stuff get to her. I didn't think she would be able to do it but she has. She has become the person my dad and I knew she could. Turning your life around isn't easy but mom has done it big time."

He walks over to Sami takes her hand, "I hope you and Austin have a long and happy marriage. You're the best." Hugs and tears.

Abe questions Dr. Carver. Lexie has no idea how the file wound up in Shawn's room. No one realized it was missing until Belle found it. She doesn't know what time that was.

Abe drones, "Could you check your records for that, doctor? I guess this incident doesn't say much for hospital security."

"These things happen sometimes," says Lexie.

"As the doctor on duty, did you notice anything unusual that night?"

"Yes," says Lexie, "A couple came in to have a baby. He was the actual father and she was the actual mother. Dr. Berman was here also."

"I'll talk to him, don't worry," says Abe, "So you don't know anything?"

No," says Lexie, "And I have no knowledge about how the file got in Shawn's room either. I think someone wanted Shawn to see the information in it. I checked with the lab and they claim the information is legitimate, but Shawn and Belle claim it couldn't be true."

"Do you know how long the file was there before Belle found it?"

"No."

"Could you provide me with a list of personnel on duty and visitors?"

"Doctors and hospital personnel," says Lexie, "but not visitors. Let's see, Shawn's parents were there... Belle, Phillip... Billie Reed and Chelsea..."

Abe asks to see the file. Lexie touches his hand as he gives it to him. Abe pulls away and asks if she has a copy of it. She says she does. "In that case," says Abe, "I'm going to take it and analyze it for prints."

He starts to leave. Lexie says, "Hey do you think we could..."

He cuts her off at the knees, "I'll get this back to you as soon as I can." He asks for names of everyone who has access to the files.

Bonnie overhears and asks what's going on. Lexie tries to brush her off, but Bonnie presses. Lexie blabs it all, "When Shawn was here, Claire's medical file was found in his room..."

Bonnie asks, "What?"

Sami and Austin share their personal vows. Austin talks about when he came back to Salem. He never dreamed they would be together like this, "I couldn't be happier."

Kate stews, "I couldn't be unhappier and soon you will be joining me there, Austin."

Austin says Sami has never given up, and watching her has inspired him. He knows she is a loving and responsible mother. Will is a proud of her, as he is, "I stand here before God, our friends and family to say how honored I am that you have agreed to be my wife. Chuckle - I will do my best to respect our differences - chuckle. I will love and support you and I hope we will be happy all the Days Of Our Lives."

Sami's voice cracks, "Austin I – I don't think I can do this."

"Mumble mumble mumble," says the crowd.

Kate is delighted, "My God, I don't think this wedding is going to happen."

Austin tells her she doesn't have to be nervous. Sami agrees it's nervousness. "Just say a few words and we'll move on," says Austin, "Four words will be fine – 'I love you, Austin.'"

"I want to do this," says Sami, "Austin, you believed in me when no one else would. Even when I made dumb mistakes you were willing to give me another chance. You were understanding and treated me with respect. You are a really good man. I haven't met a lot of real life heroes but you are one of them. Just like my dad and my mom."

Sami turns to Roman and Marlena, "I admire you both so much. And. of course, we have to talk about Will. I am so proud of the man you have grown up to be. You still have faith in me and I want to make sure you never regret that. Austin, I am so glad to be marrying you today. I want to make sure I never disappoint you."

Austin takes a trip into Fantasy Land, "There is no chance of that."

Bonnie spills coffee as she presses for details. Lexie tells Bonnie Mimi and Belle both know about the mix-up. Bonnie panics and runs out screaming.

Abe has a firm grasp of the obvious, "This is a hell of a mess."

"Bonnie could make it even messier," says Lexie, "Shawn doesn't need the excitement." She asks Abe if he has to go. Abe has to get back and change for the reception. "Be careful," says Lexie.

"What," says Abe, "Are you afraid I'll get beaned with the bridal bouquet?"

"No," says Lexie, "But it is a Sami Brady wedding, after all."

Abe sighs, "I was hoping Carrie and Austin would get another chance. Things just don't work out that way."

Dr. Tramp whines, "They can."

"Not for us," growls Abe, "Carrie and Lucas are married and in just a few minutes, Sami and Austin will say their vows." Abe leaves.

Lexie schemes, "I wish there was something I could do to stop that."

The oh, so inconspicuous plainclothesmen stomp around like a heard of buffalos as Abe checks their positions. Tek is on the phone, "Keep your eyes on all the entrances, windows too. We don't know who we're dealing with or what his MO is."

John looks toward the back of the sanctuary and grunts, "What the hell?"

Marlena asks, "What?"

John shrugs it off, "Nothing."

Austin and Sami join hands. Austin repeats his vows. Then Sami.

Father Jansen asks the big question, "Does anyone here know of any reason why these two should not be united in holy matrimony?"

Interminable wait...

...

...

...

...

...

Tek arms his pistol. He runs around the church pointing it at nothing in particular.

...

...

...

Everyone waits for an answer. Kate has an answer. She whispers to EJ, "How about everyone?" EJ asks if a Sami wedding has ever made it this far. "No," snaps Kate.

The universe expands, contracts, and expands again. The end of time approaches... "Very well," says father Jansen. He asks for the rings. Lexie sneaks in the back of the sanctuary and has a staredown with Sami. FF Sami.


Previews
========

John says, "This is the second time St. Luke's has been targeted during a wedding. Who's behind it?" Tek says, "I don't know. We have reason to believe everyone inside could be in danger."

Patch says, "I'm really tired of making you feel bad." Kayla mumbles, "You don't think you're gonna get rid of me that easy, do you?"

The brat says, "Maybe Sami realized that she's really not the woman my Uncle Austin loves."

EJ walks into a room. Sami stands up and whines, "Where have you been? I've been stalling this whole time waiting for you. I thought you would never come."

Welcome To Salem II

Welcome To Salem

It's Showtime!

Roman tells Marlena she looks great. She returns the complement. Roman is glad the wedding is finally getting started. Marlena tells him she feels like Sami isn't marrying the right man, and Austin isn't marrying the right woman. They figure they shouldn't second-guess the bride and groom. "You really do look beautiful," says Roman.

John walks up behind them, "And I was about to say the same thing."

Caroline rants about alcohol poisoning, "These people who own pubs and allow that kind of thing to happen should be shot." She's glad Hope decided to come to the wedding. Hope tells her not to read too much into it. Caroline and OMB go off to help Sami.

Belle wonders why the brat asked why Phillip and her were still together. The little snot backpedals and says she wondered what Belle and Phillip are doing at the church instead of helping with Shawn at the loft. Phillip assures her Shawn is in good hands.

The brat asks if everything went OK at the hospital. Phillip wonders what she means and tells her there was a little snag with the paperwork. After they leave Billie asks the brat what that was all about. She says Shawn is her brother and she was asking because she cares for him. Billie rolls her eyes as the brat walks off.

Tek runs into Lexie at the hospital. She asks if he is stalking her. Tek tells her he is there on police business. Tek starts to kiss her but Lexie pulls away like a scared rabbit. Tek tells her Abe is as responsible for her predicament as she is. Lexie says she is talking about more than their hot little affair, "There are a lot of other things going on here, too."

Tek asks, "What do you mean?"

Lexie says, "I mean that we all could be in for a whole lot of trouble."

Kate is still hopeful Sami won't show. Austin insists she will. He thinks something must have happened. Kate stops him as he goes to find her. There is a knock at the door. A greatly disappointed Kate opens the door to see Sami standing there, "Sorry I'm late, Austin, but I'm here now and ready for a wedding." Big hug.

"Betcha thought I wasn't going to make it," says Sami.

"The thought crossed my mind," says Kate.

Sami turns to her and says, "Sorry... MOM."

Sami tells them what happened. There was no way she could call. Sami says she wouldn't miss marrying Austin. Austin feels the same way. Sami knows nothing can keep them apart.

Kate points out the groom saw her before the wedding. Sami says she has already used a lifetime worth of bad luck. Sami leaves to get ready. Lucas pins Austin's wilted flower back onto his lapel.

Kate seethes, "If she calls me 'MOM' once more..."

"You'd better get used to it," says Austin, "This wedding is going to happen."

Marlena tells John she is feeling stronger already, "It's amazing what a few days away from you can do for a woman." John hopes he can move back into the penthouse soon. Roman suggests he not pressure her. John is so grateful.

Hope says that was an awkward moment with Caroline and OMB. Bo says her his parents want them together.

"It's not their decision," says Hope, "It's ours."

"Actually, it's yours," says Bo, "I have to go talk to John about an investigation."

"Here at the wedding," asks Hope.

"It's very important," says Bo.

Frankie and Jennifer come in and we have a hugfest with Hope. Jennifer asks if Hope and Bo are together. "Sort of," says Hope.

Jennifer fills Hope in on Jack's condition. Frankie takes a hike. Hope asks if it's strange living in a threesome. "A little," says Jennifer, but I get good advice from Mickey.",

"Legal advice," asks Hope.

"No," says Jennifer, "Advice about living in a threesome. What about you and your situation with Bo?" Hope stares.

Stephanie, Kayla and Patch walk in. Patch is a little uncomfortable in a tie. Kayla thinks it's got to be difficult being there with all the people who know him when he doesn't know them. "Hey," says Patch, "Free food, right?"

Belle wants to know why Phillip stopped her from telling Billie and the brat about Claire's hospital file.

"Because it's ridiculous," snaps Phillip, "I don't want my sister and my niece to find out about it because then my mom will find out about it and it will really start to snowball. I don't know who is responsible for this, but I will bet my entire trust fund that whoever is, is the same person who switched the embryos."

Lexie has filled Tek in about the flaky file. She tells him Phillip thinks it is part of a conspiracy. Lexie thinks he's right. She drags Tek behind a curtain to talk. She thinks the person interfering with the clueless quad is the same person who made a threatening call to her.

EJ joins the wedding party. He apologizes for being late. "At least you got her here," says Austin.

"I can't believe my car broke down," says EJ.

"Neither can I," says Looselips.

Jennifer thinks things are looking up for Hope and Bo whether Hope wants to admit it or not.

OMB and Caroline are happy to see Frankie there with Jennifer, Hope with Bo and Steve with Kayla.

Kayla, Patch and Stephanie enter the sanctuary. Stephanie leaves and Billie joins them. Billie brings up the dart game. She's ready for a rematch.

"Just get me out of this suit first," says Patch.

DeAnna notices Sami's Chloe-face. Sami tells them how she got it.

"Your hair looks like you've been through a car wash," says DeAnna.

"That's what you're here for," snorts Sami. She begs DeAnna to help her look more beautiful than ever for her trip down the aisle.

Right out of the blue, Marlena asks Sami if she really wants to marry Austin. Sami says of course she does, especially after all she went through to get here. Marlena says that's exactly what she is talking about, "Sometimes we put obstacles in our path and it's a message from our subconscious." Sami runs through the litany of thinks her subconscious did not do, like cause EJ to get a speeding ticket, have his car break down and start a thunderstorm, "Nothing is going to stop me form marrying Austin."

Tek asks Lexie about what threatening call she got. She tells him she got the call just as she was about to expose Sami. She doesn't know who it was.

"Was it a man or woman," asks Tek.

"Neither," says Lexie.

Bo tells Patch and John Hope is giving their marriage a second chance. John assures him he is on the case, but Bo's marriage might have a chance anyway. Patch says he got a good piece of information that might help.

Stephanie and Max bicker about who will win the Salem GP. Max wants to bet. Stephanie says, "That's a violation of our ethics clause, but if you don't want to bet money..."

Max sees the brat, "I have to go. My date is here." Max tries to talk to the little snot, but she is distant. Max asks, "Is this about the paternity secret?"

The brat is shocked, "Abby has such a big mouth!"

Max ignores it, "Did you tell the people involved who the father is?"

"I left the file where they could find it," says the brat, "Noting happened, and I'm going to find out why."

Lucas' mouth runs around like a loose cannon. He wonders how EJ's car broke down if he is a professional driver. EJ says he pays too much attention to his racecar and not enough attention to his personal car.

Marlena gives Sami an old bracelet from her grandma. Carrie gives her a new garter. Belle let's her borrow the pearls, and she has the new earrings from EJ. Everyone ooh's and ah's over the earrings as DeAnna says she has to finish Sami's hair.

Sami tells Belle she heard about Shawn's little drinking escapade. Belle says Shawn is OK. Sami wonders if everything is OK with Belle. No it's not. Sami asks DeAnna to leave so she can hear the juicy details. They have so much time. DeAnna huffs out. The brat starts to walk in but eavesdrops through the door as Belle tells the girls about the mysterious file. Belle insists Shawn can't be Claire's father.

"You wish it were true," says Carrie, "I can see it in your eyes, Belle. You wish that Claire was Shawn's baby, don't you?" The brat listens in.

Max comes up to Stephanie. She invites him to sit with her during the ceremony, "If you don't mind sitting next to the next winner of the Salem GP."

"You have been breathing too many gas fumes," says Max.

"Then maybe I'd better not sit next to you after all," she says.

Bo asks Patch what he found out. Patch wants their word they won't bust him. Once they give their word, Patch tells them a geek buddy of his back in Cincinnati did a hack-attack on Eve's bank account. "I didn't hear a word you said," says John, "So what did you find?"

"Guess who made a hefty cash deposit the day after that surveillance disk went missing," says Patch.

"Eve was involved," says John. You can't put anything past superspy.

"Now we have to find out who paid her off," says Bo.

Speaking of whom, Kate tells EJ if he was going to delay Sami, at least he could have kept her occupied until the wedding was called off.

"Come, come now Kate, you're assuming I kept her late on purpose."

"Don't play with me," says Kate.

"Now, there's an idea."

"I have a feeling if Sami and Austin do get married, you're not going to be out of the picture," says Kate.

Belle tells the sisters Phillip is determined to find out who messed with the file. The brat eavesdrops but rushes off as Will and Lucas come to the door. Will comes in to wish his mother his best, "I just hope nothing goes wrong."

Lexie tells Tek the threatening call came from a mechanized voice, "It said if the information came out about Sami, it would hurt Abe and Theo." She thinks she shouldn't have told Tek this but she couldn't keep it to herself any more, "The blackmail, the IVF switch and the file all involve Brady's." Tek says he will check it out. Lexie bawls. Tek hugs.

Sami assures Will nothing will go wrong. Will says he always hoped Sami and Lucas would get together, but he is really happy for her. In other words he's not going to live the rest of his life bawling about his parents getting together like Sami. Lucas thought Sami and EJ would turn out to be more than friends. He thinks Austin is lucky to wind up with a catch like Sami.

"Who also happens to be a great mom," says Will.

"Thank you," says Sami, "and I promise I will never disappoint you again." Translation: Prepare yourself, Will.

Carrie knocks at Austin's door. Austin drools, "Again, you look beautiful."

Carrie tells him it's time to walk the last mile, "All the best, Austin."

"Wait," says Austin, "Don't go."

Jennifer says she isn't worried about leaving Jack alone. She tells Frankie she was thinking about their wedding in this church, "The future was very clear to me back then, but Jack and Steve came back and nothing seems clear now."

Kayla wonders why Hope didn't call her about Shawn, "You should have taken advantage of the fact I am a doctor."

"We had Lexie there," says Hope.

"Like I said," says Kayla, "You needed a doctor."

Hope says all she cared about was if Shawn was OK.

Bo and Patch walk up looking pretty pleased with themselves. Kayla asks, "What's up with the two of you? You look like two cats that swallowed the canaries."

Bo spits the canary feathers out and says, "Nothin'... uh...we're just glad we're all here together."

Chelsea walks in and sees Max and Stephanie talking. Before she can do anything about it, Caroline tells her to go be a bridesmaid.

Kate announces to EJ that they will be sitting together. She goes off with John to ask him a question.

Roman heads to the back of the sanctuary.

Billie tells Phillip he looks good for a guy who almost drank himself into oblivion. She feels kind of left out with all her siblings getting married.

Austin tells Carrie, "Six months ago neither of us thought this is how things would turn out."

Carrie is pensive, "Let's see... six months ago... that was about a week in Salem time, wasn't it? That's what life's all about. Accepting the changes life throws at you. I hope your life with Sami will be everything you hope for." Carrie goes to help Sami.

Sami stands all decked out in her dress as Carrie and Marlena walk in and gasp. Sami wonders if something is wrong, but Marlena assures her everything is OK, "It's time."

Sami asks for a minute alone. They all leave and Sami stares in the mirror. As she starts to leave the phone rings. She hesitates but picks it up, "Eric is that you?"

"No," says the mechanical voice, "Listen carefully. If this wedding happens your secret will be revealed – The way you blackmailed Lexie. Marry Austin and it will all come out. It would be a pity to disappoint your son again." Tears.

Austin shadow boxes. Lucas and Will walk in. Austin can't figure out why he's so nervous. Lucas insists nothing will stop the wedding.

Kate picks up a megaphone and asks John, "How did your date go?"

Marlena stands behind John and asks, "You had a date?"

"I can explain," says John.

"Not right now," says Marlena, "They're about to start the ceremony."

Kate smirks and walks off.

The ceremony begins. The fool's parade comes down the aisle: Belle and Phillip. Will and the brat. Lucas and Carrie. Austin stares at Carrie.

Prevuze: Hey! Whoever called this a McWedding in the first place? If McDonalds served food at this pace, it would have been out of business years ago. Readers: Uh, Prevuze, YOU called it a McWedding in the first place. Prevuze: Never mind.

Sami comes up to Roman in a trance. "It's showtime," says Roman, "You look beautiful."

Sami is a zombie, "What?"

Roman asks, "Is something wrong?"

"No," says Sami, "What could possibly be wrong?"

"Sami, look at me," says Roman, "Do you want to marry Austin or not?" Sami stands there nearly in tears. FF.

Previews
========

Lexie says, "When Shawn was here, Claire's medical file was found in his room." Candy-striper Bonnie asks, "What?"

Tek is on the phone, "Keep your eyes on all the entrances, windows too. We don't know who we're dealing with or what his MO is."

John looks toward the back of the sanctuary and grunts. Marlena asks, "What?" John shrugs it off, "Nothing."

Sami stands at the altar. Her voice cracks as she says, "Austin I – I don't think I can do this."

Your Fiancée Has Flown The Coop

The clueless quad holds vigil at Shawn's bed. Lexie suggests a DNA test. Phillip thinks it's unnecessary, "There is no possible way Shawn could be Claire's father, right Belle? " Belle stares. Phillip stares.

Carrie and Marlena admire Sami's dress. "Sami's dress is gorgeous," says Carrie, "It must be the most beautiful one so far. I mean yet. Sorry. I didn't mean to sound so pessimistic."

"Either way you look at it," says Marlena, "It's a huge collection."

Carrie tells Marlena Sami called on EJ's phone. She insists Sami is in good hands. Deana the hairdresser is ready to leave since she has another client waiting. They talk her out of it and she heads for her car to get her hot rollers. Marlena hopes Sami and EJ aren't off being a couple of hot rollers themselves.

Lucas comes in to see Austin. He says everything is on schedule and Will is taking his groomsman responsibilities very seriously. Will is into Blue October and has selected the reception music. Lucas asks if Austin is having second thoughts. If he wants to back out, it's not too late. Austin insists Sami is the woman for him. He decides now would be a good time to go tell her that. Lucas tells him he can't go see her. Austin goes anyway.

EJ and Sami walk into the police station in cuffs. Sami insists they didn't do anything wrong. Officer Peters says they were trespassing. EJ claims they were just getting out of the rain. The door was unlocked. He tells Peters it's Sami's McWedding day. Peters doesn't buy it, "Tell it to the judge."

Belle tells Lexie Claire has to be Phillip's daughter. Lexie backs off on doing the DNA tests, but says she will investigate the origin of the paperwork. Phillip is going to investigate too, by golly. Everyone leaves Shawn's room. Lexie stops and ponders.

Outside, Phillip is upset. He wants to strangle whoever is doing this, "Are we supposed to believe this with no questions asked? That's not going to happen."

"Thank God," sighs Mimi.

"Why do you say it like that," says Belle, "Is there something you aren't telling us?"

Austin knocks on the bridal chamber door. He says he wants to talk to Sami. Inside, Carrie panics, "Austin can't know Sami isn't here." Austin keeps it up. Nothing. Carrie comes out. She tells Austin he should leave, "Sami's busy. You know, she has this wedding and everything."

Austin drools, "I know Sami didn't want to be upstaged, but you look amazing." Lucas agrees.

Carrie claims Sami didn't hear Austin, "They're blow drying her hair and she's listening to her MP3 player."

Inspector Lucas wonders when Sami got an MP3. Carrie says, "She borrowed mine. You know, the one I bought so I would have something to drown out the sound of your incessant voice"

Austin asks Carrie to have Sami to come to the door, "I won't look at her. I'll talk through the door. Is there a problem?"

Sami tells Peters he will be in trouble when her father finds out what he has done, "Do you know who he is?"

"I don't care if he is George Dubya," says Peters.

"Would you care if he is Roman Brady," asks EJ.

"Which one," asks Peters.

"I've been trying to tell you that," says Sami, "So will you kindly take these handcuffs off of me so that I can go get married?"

Mimi says she just meant she's glad none of them fell for the phony DNA test. Phillip is going to find the person who did this and make them pay.

The brat wonders what is going on with Austin and Carrie. Billie snaps at her, "Stay out of it."

Carrie stumbles around for words. She doesn't want to go get Sami. Austin asks Carrie to tell Sami how excited he is to marry her. Carrie claims Sami is putting on the finishing touches and doesn't want to be disturbed.

Lucas' mouth runs out of control, "With the MP3 player blasting in her ears?"

Carrie sighs, "I have to tell you something about Sami."

No need. The brat comes out of the bridal chamber and announces, "Your fiancée has flown the coop."

Peters asks, "Roman Brady... How did you come up with that little get out of jail free card?" He doesn’t believe Roman is her dad. Unfortunately Roman is off today. He also isn't at work. Sami insists that's because he wanted to be at her wedding.

Peters says, "If the commander's daughter was getting married, wouldn't I know about that? It's a once in a lifetime event."

Sami whispers, "For some people."

Peters yells, "Book 'em, Danno! "

Sami wonders if they get a phone call. "The phone call comes after booking," says Peters.

"Maybe by then I'll have missed the entire wedding," says Sami.

"Lucky groom," says Peters.

Lexie announces, "Shawn is free to go." Phillip reminds Belle they have to go to the wedding. Mimi sends her regrets. Phillip and Belle leave. Lexie tells Mimi Shawn is very lucky. Mimi goes in and tells Shawn he's in the clear. Hugs.

Evil Eve arranges files. John walks up to her and tells her he can't wait to pick up where they left off. He suggests someplace quiet and romantic where they can get to know each other.

Peters walks up behind them, "Eve, That perp I brought in was telling the truth. Her fingerprints show her name really is Samantha Brady, as in Commander Brady."

John contorts his face and asks, "What the hell? You just arrested Samantha Brady?"

Chelsea breaks the news about the missing bride. Carrie is upset with her. Carrie tries to smooth things over, "She's just running a little late. She and EJ..."

Austin raises his eyebrows, "She's wit EJ?"

Carrie explains. The brat is helpful, "Now that she's with that really hot racecar driver they either took the long way or took a detour to wherever runaway brides go."

Kate comes in and overhears the conversation, "Thank God! My prayers have been answered."

Sami paces in her dungeon. The bitch-ho'z gather 'round and ask if this is her first time in jail. "No," says Sami, "I even made it to death row once. That was a mistake just like this is." She tells them Peters brought in.

The bitch-ho'z put two and two together, "Peters runs the vice squad."

"Yeah," says Sami, "I was with a guy, minding my own business and Peters arrested us."

"A girl has to earn a living," says bitch-ho #1.

Sami says, "I didn't mean it like that. I'm not like you... ladies."

Bitch-ho #2 steps up, "What? Do you think you're better than us?"

"No," says Sami, "It's just that I'm not in the... entertainment world. I was on my way to church. I'm getting married today."

"And then you woke up," says bitch-ho #1.

"Where is this house," says bitch-ho #2, "

"In other words," says bitch-ho #1, "Where is your territory?"

"No," says Sami, "It's not like that. My dad is a Salem policeman."

"And my sugar daddy is the DA," says bitch-ho #1. The bitch-ho'z high-five.

Sami grabs the bars and says, "OMG! Tell me what I did to deserve this."

Mimi tells Shawn she will make sure he follows doctor's orders. Shawn says, "Well at least there is one good thing coming from all this... We don't have to go to Sami's wedding."

The bitch-ho'z counsel Sami, "There are worse things than getting busted."

John and Eve arrive at Sami's cell. John is tickled, "Well, Samantha, what kind of mess have you gotten into this time?"

Sami yells, "You have to get me to the church!"

John snickers and says, "I don't know..." Sami smacks him through the bars.

They open the cell door and let Sami out. As they leave bitch-ho #1 says, "Sami girl, why didn't you tell us your john was so cute?"

Kate is beside herself with joy, "Austin... I know this hurts..." Carrie butts in and claims Sami didn't run off with EJ. Austin thinks there must be a good reason why they haven't shown up. Kate reminds Austin of Sami's track record, "And somehow EJ always gets what he wants." Austin insists Sami and EJ are just friends.

Kate rubs it in, "Austin, everyone has seen a spark between them. I wouldn't put it past them to run off together."

The brat chimes in, "What other explanation would there be?"

"They could have had a flat tire," says Carrie.

"He's a racecar driver," says the brat.

Carrie insists they aren't calling off the wedding, "Isn't that right Austin?"

"Right," drones Austin, "No one's calling off the wedding. I'm sure she will be here."

"You haven't learned anything from the past," says Kate.

"She will be here," insists Austin, "I will be in the groom's room and will see you all in church!"

Everyone leaves. Kate says, "And if come reception time Austin is still single, it will be time to break out the champagne."

Peters still has to process Sami. Sami threatens. "I wish you would understand," says Peters.

"Just like you understood it's my wedding day," yells Sami, "All you had to do was give me a ride to the church. Austin's probably called off the ceremony by now. And Kate, the Wicked Witch of the West, is probably jumping for joy."

"I'm sorry," says Peters, "I really am."

"To little to late," snaps Sami, "I'll walk down that aisle with my dad and will tell him you are the reason I am late!"

John walks in and announces Sami is free to go. "Great," says Sami, "But we still don't have a ride to the church."

John thinks this is more fun than a trip to Bag-O-Pills Mart. "Sure you do," he says, "Number 9 bus, right outside the station... grab a transfer downtown... straight shot to St. Luke's."

Sami practically cries, "You're really enjoying this, aren't you John?"

"Well," says John, "You've gotta admit, it's pretty comical, what with your history of wedding day disasters and all." Chuckle-chuckle... "Uh... No... you're not. Of course I will drive you to the church. Now, aren't you glad you invited me?"

"No."

"Come on, suck up," says John, "I’m the one who sprung you, aren't I?"

"OK! OK! Thank you! Let's go!"

Sami runs out. John follows. On the way out, he tells Eve, "Pick you up around 7."

"I'll be waiting," says Eve.

Shawn and Mimi arrive at the loft. Shawn apologizes for scaring her. Mimi says they will just learn from their mistakes and move on. Shawn tells her he's so lucky to have her in his life.

Maggie comes out with Claire, "We thought we heard voices out here." She lectures Shawn for frightening them and then gives the drinking PSA. Shawn promises it won't happen again. He appreciates her concern. Maggie explains why she is babysitting instead of the neighbor, "They didn't want to pay extra for another actor to appear on screen." Shawn feels like he's been given a second chance.

Marlena gets off the phone with Roman, "He will have his friends at the station keep an eye out for Sami." Marlena and Carrie worry about Sami, but figure no news is good news. They speculate on what might have happened to her and decide the wedding will happen eventually.

Marlena asks how Carrie is doing. Carrie asks, "Do you mean – do I wish I was the bride today? I can't hide anything from you. I just hope everything works out the way it's supposed to. This is what Sami has wanted her whole life. Lucas is a great guy. I'm incredibly lucky."

"Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself," says Marlena, "I'm so sorry about your pregnancy.

"I just feel like I've let so many people down," says Carrie, "I don't want to add Sami to that list. I am truly happy for her."

Marlena tells her sometimes it's hard to forget an old love, "So I guess a part of me wonders if you are hoping this wedding doesn't happen. The other part of me isn't thinking right now or it would be wondering the same thing."

Maggie tells Shawn to follow Mimi's instructions. Maggie and Claire say goodbye.

Billie doesn't know what to think. She asks if the brat called Shawn. The brat tells her she did, and Shawn has been released.

"Good," says Billie, "At least something good happened today."

"Let's hope so," says the brat.

Billie wonders what that is all about, "You said something earlier about a good deed. What did you do?"

Phillip and Belle walk in. "OMG," says the brat, "You two are still together?

Belle asks, "What are you talking about Chelsea? Why wouldn't we be?"

Austin worries. Lucas insists Sami will be there. Kate butts in and apologizes for sounding unsupportive. She just wants him to be happy. Austin says, "If you want me to be happy, wipe that smile off your face."

Kate says, "I just thought today was going to be the worst day of my life, and now it's going to be the opposite."

Marlena and Carrie talk. Marlena remembers Sami used to borrow Carrie's dolls and break them. Carrie never wanted them after that. Oh, the metaphor! Marlena wonders if Carrie is doing this out of a sense of guilt. Before Carrie can answer, John and Sami walk in. Sami says, "I will tell you the whole story later, because I am going to marry Austin today!" FF on Austin and Sami with a big smile on Sami's face.


Previews
========

Lexie says, "There are a lot of other things going on here, too." Tek asks, "What do you mean?" Lexie says, "I mean that we all could be in for a whole lot of trouble."

Kayla asks, "What's up with the two of you. You look like two cats that swallowed the canaries." Bo and Patch stand there with canary feathers in their mouths. Bo says, "Nothin'... uh..."

Carrie says, "I can see it in your eyes, Belle. You wish that Claire was Shawn's baby, don't you?" The brat listens in.

Roman asks Sami, "Do you want to marry Austin or not?" Sami stands there in tears.

Immaculate Conception

Carrie answers a knock thinking it's Sami but it turns out to be Billie and the brat. The hens cluck wondering why Sami is not there.

Billie says, "She knows something bad will happen at the altar and she's just trying to spare herself."

"There is nothing that could keep her from this church except an act of God," says Carrie

The brat asks, "Well what kind of act of God do you think will stop her this time?"

Screaming Sami and EJ sprint for a door to get away from the latest act of God in the form of a downpour. They enter a nice house with all the furniture draped. Sami is completely unhinged. EJ says he will say it's his fault and swear his car broke down. Sami had checked the weather and found out there was only a 1% chance of thunderstorms today. EJ decides they can't go anywhere until the rain stops. Sami bawls, "Why did it have to rain today of all days?"

"Rain on your wedding day is good luck," says the ever-helpful EJ.

"Not if it stops the wedding," cries Sami. She runs to the door and curses Mother Nature. Mother nature responds by revving up the monsoon.

Belle reads the interesting little file. Shawn wants to know what it says. Belle says, "It says that Claire isn't Phillip's daughter. She's yours."

That got Shawn's interest. He looks at the file and declares it impossible. He wonders what the file is doing there anyway, "What kind of sick joke is this? At least we know one thing; I'm definitely not Claire's father. We would have had to... We talked about it and we dreamt about it, but this is impossible."

"Right," says Belle, "Except... maybe when we were stranded in the barn."

"I don't remember much about that night," says Shawn.

Belle speculates, "Maybe somehow we did..."

Shawn huffs, "I would think that's the sort of thing you would remember."

"All I know is I was completely out of it," says Belle.

"Right," says Shawn, "Like I said, nothing out of the ordinary happened that night."

Mimi comes into the room with Phillip following her. Shawn apologizes for scaring her. Mimi senses something is going on and asks Shawn what it is. "There is something wrong," says Shawn, "Very wrong."

"Do you want to explain that in English," asks Phillip.

"I guess it won't hurt since Max has all his racecars locked up." Shawn hands him the file, "This."

"What are you doing with Claire's file," asks Phillip.

"I dunno," says Shawn, "I sure want to find out."

The brat hates the dress Sami has selected for her to wear. Carrie keeps trying to call Sami, but always gets her voice mail. She wishes she had EJ's number.

"Maybe they got lost," says the brat.

"On the way to St. Luke's," asks Billie.

"Lost accidentally on purpose," says the brat, "EJ is hot, Mom."

Sami asks for the phone. She gets a signal and calls Carrie. Carrie answers. Sami starts to tell her about being trapped in the storm but the signal dies. She throws the phone at EJ.

EJ ducks and asks, "Who are you, Russell Crowe?"

Sami says she isn't going to be happy until she is standing at the altar. EJ reminds her she is forgetting about her burns. Apparently they disappeared as miraculously as Chloe's. "That's good news," says EJ, "And I have more good news." He uncovers a ham radio. EJ thinks he can figure out how to use it. If he can, he believes they can contact the Salem PD. Sami squeals and hugs him.

EJ works on the radio. Weeeeeouiiieeeeuuuu. Big band music comes on. Sami is worried everyone will think this is just another Sami McWedding fiasco.

Back at the henhouse, Billie says if something serious had happened they would have heard form the police by now, "Don't get me wrong but maybe Sami not being here was the way things were meant to be. It's Sami's dream wedding but not Austin's. Maybe fate is finally giving my brother a break."

Phillip looks at the file, "This is ridiculous. I don't know where this came form but Claire is my little girl."

Shawn says the file shows his DNA matches Claire's. Mimi is beginning to see a way out of her predicament, "Rreeaallllyy," she says, "Do you think it's true?"

Billie says, "We both know Austin still loves you."

Carrie says, "I am married to Lucas in case you forgot, like I did on the rooftop."

"He married a dream," says Billie, "He has an idealized vision of you, so it's obviously a dream. You're not happy. Austin isn't happy, and neither are Sami and Lucas. What the hell are you guys doing? I know Austin would rather be marrying you today. He doesn't know why you broke up with him! This is eating you up inside. You need to talk to somebody. Talk to me."

"I did some very stupid and selfish things," says Carrie.

"Let's not talk about your entire life," says Billie.

Carrie says, "I hurt a lot of people. I never want to do what I did again, unless, of course, I can catch a few moments alone with Austin up on the roof sometime."

Billie asks, "If Austin loves you, do you think he should marry Sami? He's a stand-up guy and he made the commitment, but he doesn't really love her."

"It's too late to be having this conversation," says Carrie, "I wrecked my chances for Austin and I to be together all the Days Of Our Lives."

Billie says, "Even with Sami on her best behavior, and we know that never happens, I give this marriage a year max. You and Austin belong together and Sami and Lucas belong together. Don't play the martyr. Listen to your heart. Do the right thing before it's too late."

Sami wishes she at least had a towel to dry off. EJ can't get anything on the ham radio except old music. Sami opens an old trunk. She finds, "beautiful old stuff." Sami pulls out a navy uniform.

"It's a WWII commander's outfit. EJ tries it on and, of course, it fits like a glove, "Do I look like a war hero from bygone days?" Sami stares at her hero.

Shawn claims he and Belle never had sex.

Belle isn't so sure. She brings up the burning barn incident. Phillip ain't happy. Shawn claims they would have remembered something like that. Mimi flashes back to her conversation with Bonnie.

Shawn is sure it never happened. Belle wants to know why the transplant worked. Phillip reminds them Zack is related to him, too. Mimi wants to know who left the file. Phillip accuses Belle of wanting it to be true. Belle starts to respond, but Phillip stifles her, "I'm telling you right now, someone has it in for us. I believe it's the same person who switched the embryos. I'm gonna make it my job from now on to find out who's behind all this."

The brat looks in the mirror. Aside from the fact she has no reflection, she thinks the dress looks pretty good on her. Think again. It looked better on the hangar."

Carrie insists she and Austin are finished, "I guess Belle and Phillip will be here soon."

The brat says, "Oh, I wouldn't count on that."

Big band music plays as captain EJ asks Sami to say something. Sami drools, "You don't need me to tell you how good you look in that." She finds a wedding dress inside. She thinks the trunk is telling them a story. "I like swing music," says Sami.

"It's lovely if you're into romance," says EJ.

Sami pictures the bride walking down the aisle; then, their first dance. That great 1940's icon Harry Connick, Jr. sings "Just Thinking of You' in the background. Sami and EJ dance, stare and smile.

Billie and Carrie are curious. They want to know why Belle and Phillip wouldn't come to the wedding. The brat says Belle and Phillip didn't look like they were on the way to a wedding when she saw them at the hospital, "I'm going to go check on Shawn even though he hates me." She leaves.

"That girl," says Billie, "The wheels are constantly spinning. I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop."

"Prada, no doubt," says Carrie.

Lexie examines the file. She says she will check it out. Phillip insists there is nothing in there that can be true. He thinks whomever did this is the same person who switched the embryos. Belle says it sounds like he's concocting a conspiracy theory.

Phillip says, "A conspiracy theory makes more sense than immaculate conception, doesn't it? Someone has a grudge against us. If the three of you want to sit there and do nothing about it, that's fine. But I'm not gonna stand for it."

Belle thinks this is unreal. Shawn says the Brady's have had enemies for years. Ditto the Kiriakis'. Dr. Tramp is stunned by all this. She says she shouldn't be, because her father is Stephano. She goes to alert security and check out the information in the file. Outside, she reads the file again.

The brat phones the hospital, "This is Chelsea Brady. Can you tell me how my dear brother Shawn is doing?"

Lexie stomps into the hall. The nurse tells her about the call from the brat. Lexie takes the phone and the brat asks how Shawn is doing. Laconic Lexie says, "Fine."

The diplomatic little imp says, "Are you telling me the truth? You hesitated."

"A situation has come up," says Lexie, "It's not health related. Don't concern yourself. Talk to Shawn and ask him to explain."

More dancing. A kid's voice on the ham radio crackles, "Come in! Come in!"

EJ and Sami rush to the radio, "EJ here – downtown Salem."

"I'm Joel," says the kid, "I live in Saginaw."

"Listen, Joel," says EJ, "We need a bit of a favor. We're stranded in a storm. We're at Maple and 6th. Please call the Salem police department and have them send a squad car. It's important, Joel."

Joel says he will try. The signal fades. EJ assures Sami Joel will call the police. Sami thinks he's just a little boy and won't be able to help. "Everybody was right I'm never gonna get to marry Austin am I," she whines.

Billie and Carrie wait for Sami to show up. Billie thinks Carrie doesn't know what to root for – a wedding or a no show.

Carrie asks, "Are you saying I should follow your example – you and Bo?"

"This situation is different," says Billie, "Austin loves you. Bo loves Hope." Her voice cracks, "Sometimes it's hard to figure out what the right thing is." Billie goes to find Chelsea.

Carrie makes a phone call, "Marlena, it's about Sami. I sure hope you can help me."

Phillip asks if the nurse saw unauthorized people going into Shawn's room. She has only seen family members, but will ask if anyone else saw something.

Mimi says she is a Lockhart – not a rich mogul. She doesn't have the same worries about having enemies, even if Phillip and Shawn do have those fears, "Whoever is out to get us failed. The plan backfired. All I care about is that you are OK. So I think we should forget about the file. Let's move on."

"I wish it was that easy," says Belle.

Sami paces and looks at her watch.

EJ suggests a game. Sami's not in the mood. She wants to get married. She throws a fit and says it's the worst day of her life. Except maybe for that death row thing. EJ tells her one day she will laugh at this.

"What," says Sami, "When I'm a bitter lonely old maid?"

EJ suggests, "Try to relax."

"I don't wanna relax," yells Sami, "I would have my hair done by now and my makeup would be perfect. I had the most beautiful veil – you should see it, but now no one will." She asks for a handkerchief. EJ can't come through. She goes through her purse looking for one. She finds a note from The Hand, "Whoever has been writing the notes wasted their time because I ruined my own wedding. It's all I have ever dreamed of. No one can say I didn't try. All I have ever wanted was to marry Austin since I was 15 years old. And now I will never be Mrs. Austin Reed." BAWL.

There is a knock at the door. Sami charges over and opens it.

Carrie continues her conversation with Marlena. She tells her she was hoping maybe Sami had contacted her.

Sami hugs the officer and squeals with delight. Officer Peters introduces himself. Sami is so excited, "You don't know how glad I am to see you!"

"I don't know why," says Officer Peters, "You are under arrest for trespassing."

Billie wonders why the brat is so happy. She thinks she is up to something. The brat swears there is nothing to worry about. She claims she did a good deed. Billie can't believe it. "It's going to make all the difference in the world," says the little snot.

Belle comes up to Mimi to talk but Mimi ignores her. They both go back to Shawn's bed. Shawn asks Belle, "What are you thinking?"

Belle says, "I don't think I can just move on like Mimi says until we know who is behind this."

Lexie comes back. She says she spoke to the lab and the techs say the information in the file is legit. Phillip won't give up. He asks if Lexie talked to the actual lab tech who did the tests. Lexie says, "The actual lab tech is off today."

How ccoonnvveenniieenntt. Phillip jumps on that. Lexie says there is something they can do to clear this up. She will run the tests again. FF Belle.

Previews
========

Officer Peters says, "That perp I brought in was telling the truth." John contorts his face and asks, "What the hell? You just arrested Samantha Brady?"

Sami yanks at her cuffs and says, "Will you kindly take these handcuffs off of me so that I can go get married?"

Phillip and Belle walk in. "OMG," says the brat, "You two are still together? Belle asks, "What are you talking about Chelsea? Why wouldn't we be?"

Marlena says to Carrie, "So I guess a part of me wonders if you are hoping this wedding doesn't happen."

Thar She Blows!

EJ wonders why Sami would ask if he wants to sabotage her McWedding day. She tells him it's because of this morning. EJ tells her he knows it was a very passionate kiss, but he certainly wouldn't want to ruin her wedding day over it. Sami brings up the fact he also asked her about her love for Lucas. The cop interrupts and asks for EJ's license and registration, “You were doing 75 in a 40 zone. I've been waiting for someone like you all day long.”

“Really officer,” says the ever-smooth EJ, “Well, I got here as fast as I could.”

“Well, I'll be damned,” says the cop, “It's not every day I get to stop a famous race driver. And I'm not only a racing fan, I'm an EJ Wells fan.” The cop lets the ticket slide in exchange for an autograph. Miss Samantha is quite impressed. That only lasts a couple seconds, though, until she's back to barking at EJ to get her to the church on time. EJ grinds the starter and proudly announces the car is dead.

Mimi says she just doesn't know what's wrong with men, “You get angry and go crash a race car and Shawn gets angry and practically drinks himself into oblivion.”

Belle gets her hackles up, “Hey, you're not making this Shawn's fault.”

“No,” says Mimi, “I'm making this my fault.” Phillip jumps into the blame game and figures it was his fault.

“We're all adults,” says Mimi.

“Zero out of four ain't bad,” says Phillip.

“Shawn knew what he was getting into,” insists Mimi.

“Shawn has had a drinking problem for quite some time,” says Belle.

Mimi jumps to his defense, “It's not like he's an alcoholic.”

“You're absolutely right,” says Phillip, “He's just ruining his life with drugs and alcohol and can't stop drinking.”

Mimi decides to go to the chapel to see if she can find a stranger to talk to. “Lord, please let him be OK,” she whispers.

Bo tells Hope he's going to go check on Shawn. Hope stops him and thanks him for telling Shawn he would always be there for him. Bo says he will do everything he can to live up to that promise.

Hope hits below the belt, “What about the promise you made to Chelsea – that you'd always be there for her?” Bo says he can't have loyalty to someone who doesn't respect him or the people he loves. The brat is going to have to earn his trust. Hope asks, “Do you think that is even possible?”

Bo has a firm grasp of the obvious, “No... I don't.”

The brat is on the phone with Abby giving the recap of what she did with the file. She left it right where the father will find it. Billie interrupts and reminds the brat they have to go to the McWedding. The brat tells her she isn't going. Billie lectures her about commitment. The brat says, “Look, if being short a bridesmaid or two is the worst thing that happens to Sami today, she should consider herself extremely lucky. And you and I both know that Uncle Austin would be extremely lucky if the whole thing got called off altogether. One way or another, Sami will think of a way to screw it up.”

“Yeah, but you not being there is gonna help her to screw it up,” says Billie.

The brat says, “I'm not going anywhere until I know Shawn is OK, and at least able to read whatever might be sitting beside him on his bedside table.”

Sami begs EJ to tell her he is kidding. He warns her not to insult his sensitive car. He tells her he doesn't know much about engines. He just drives.

“Please tell me you are kidding.”

“OK, kidding.” He suggests she call for help on her cell phone.

Sami makes calls but gets a string of voice mail because everyone is at the church waiting for her. Of course none of them owns a cell phone. “Why the hell is this happening to me,” whimpers Sami.

Shawn begins to wake up. The doctor examines him, “Shawn! It's Dr. Berman. Can you hear me? I see the lights are on but nobody's home. He's just about made a full recovery.”

Shawn's mind is in a fog, but he's used to it. The doctor asks him several questions and Shawn pretty much passes the test. Time for the lecture. The doctor tells him what he did would be considered binge drinking. His blood alcohol was three times the legal limit.

Dr. Berman decides Shawn is recovering well and leaves him with Lexie since he no longer needs medical attention. Lexie questions him about last night, “You have a waiting room full of people worried about you.”

“Belle, too,” asks Shawn.

Dr. Slut is disgusted, “Yes, Belle too!” Lexie gets a call and excuses herself.

Sami can't believe she is getting all these voice mails. She calls a cab, “FORTY-FIVE MINUTES! Have you lost your mind? This is Salem. It's not Manhattan. How long can it possibly take you to get a cab here... Hello? They hung up on me! That bastard!”

“I can't imagine why,” drones EJ. Sami decides to call the cab company back. BUT, say it in unison, kids... Her cell phone is broken. EJ hands her his phone. BUT, say it in unison, kids... his phone isn't getting service in that part of town. EJ snickers.

Sami nukes, “DO YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY?! I SWEAR TO GOD THIS IS A SIGN I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO GET MARRIED TODAY!” EJ wonders how so. Sami brings up the notes she has been getting.

“You think this is the universe's last ditch attempt to keep you from getting humiliated at the altar,” he asks.

“Maybe,” says Sami, “What if the person who has been sending me those notes is at the church right now waiting to humiliate me in front of the entire town?”

“I'll be there for you,” says EJ, “The only thing you need to focus on is marrying the man you love. Or Austin. Besides, I think I have figured out what is wrong with the car engine. I think I can fix it, but I will need your help.”

Sami turns squeamish, “From me? You want me to help work on a car engine? I have been through every single possible worst-case scenario a bride can go through on her McWedding day... Oh, God, I hope I didn't just jinx myself."

Shawn wonders when he can get out of the hospital. Lexie says they will have to see how things go, “Shawn, the way you were drinking you are lucky you didn't have any permanent mental damage. We ran tests to see if you did, but with you, we couldn't tell the difference. I'm not making any promises, but if you continue to respond well, you should be able to go home later today.”

“Cool,” says Shawn, “Maybe I can go out drinking tonight to celebrate my recovery.”

Lexie goes out into the waiting area and updates everyone on Shawn's condition. “Any brain damage,” asks Hope.

“It is physically impossible to damage a vacuum,” says Lexie, “So there is no need for concern.”

The brat chimes in, “When could I go see him?”

Hope gives her a look that would kill a charging rhinoceros, “DON'T!” Phillip runs to give Mimi the news.

Mimi lights a candle. She kneels, prays and tries to work God, “We don't get many second chances in life and I'm not saying I deserve one, but Shawn does. He shouldn't die without knowing he has a daughter. Please let him live and be a real father to Claire. And I promise if you do I will finally tell him the truth.” God laughs uncontrollably.

EJ suggests they do something to pass the time while he works on the car. “Let's play 20 questions,” says Sami, “For starters, what does EJ stand for?”

“It's something French,” says EJ.

“Oh, something embarrassing,” says Sami, “How about Edgar... Elijah...”

“Actually it's Edgar, “he says, “You got it right. Or Igor.” Well, it certainly isn't Einstein.

Sami laughs, “I'll call you Eddie.”

EJ announces he has the problem figured out. It's a vapor lock and they have to let the car cool. Sami blows her stack, “We don't have time to let the car cool!” She charges him. He cautions her to keep her hands on the radiator cap so it won't blow. He changes the subject and tells her about the time he worked on Prince William's car at Eaton. Sami giggles and wants to hear all about it. She asks what Prince William is like.

“He's just a regular bloke,” says EJ.

“That is so cool,” says the giddy schoolgirl, “Did you ever get to go to Buckingham Palace? What's the Queen like?” In her excitement, she takes her hands away and Thar she blows!

Meanwhile, back at the hospital, the brat watches and wonders how things are going with a certain file. Billie watches and wonders what's up with the brat. She goes over to her and asks if she wants to go in and see Shawn. The brat says she doesn't want to upset Bo and Hope.

“Well,” says Billie, “If you didn't want to upset Bo and Hope you shouldn't have come in the first place.” The brat thinks things are under control. She says now that they know Shawn is OK, they probably should get to the wedding. Billie thinks that's a fine idea.

Foghead rubs his eyes. Bo and Hope come in. He apologizes for putting them through this. He asks where Mimi is and says he hopes she isn't blaming herself for this. Hope starts to lecture, but Shawn assures her it won't happen again, “I had some problems with drinking last year but I have my act together now.” It must be an easy-assembly act.”

Bo says he doesn't know if Shawn could hear them before, but he's sorry for whatever he did to contribute to this, “You said this was an accident.”

“It was an accident,” claims Shawn, “I accidentally guzzled a few gallons of booze. But I accept responsibility for my actions unlike some members of this family. Why the hell did you let Chelsea in here? If you would have lost me last night, it wouldn't have been that big of a deal because you would still have your daughter and that's all you care about, right?” Bo stares.

Hope jumps to Bo's defense. She tells Shawn Bo asked the brat to leave tonight. “Because of me,” asks picklebrain.

Bo says, “I found out something that if I had known before, everything would be different.” Bo explains the email switcheroo, “So I told Chelsea she's out of my life until she can straighten up and be a decent person.”

“Wow, you kicked her out of your life forever,” says Shawn. He asks if Bo and Hope are getting back together now that they know the truth. Hope stares. Bo stares.

Mimi prays, "I'm the one who deserves to be punished for lying to Shawn about Claire all of these months. I'll take whatever punishment I deserve. Please..."

The Lord God booms, “Mimi, we'll talk about that later, but from my viewpoint up here, I think your top is a bit too low cut.” Phillip walks in. Staredown.

When the steam blew it burned Sami's face and hands. EJ tells her she has first degree burns, “You're very lucky, young lady. You could have been hurt very badly.”

“EJ, what does my face look like?”

“Does the name Chloe Lane mean anything to you,” asks EJ. He thinks a little make up will cover it up.

Sami runs over and grabs her compact, “OMG! How am I supposed to get married looking like this,” yells Chloe.

Hope tells Shawn she and Bo have issues other than Chelsea. Until they are resolved, there is no way they can get back together. Bo says he has to prove he didn't steal the evidence against her. “If he can do that,” says Hope, “Well, then we'll talk.”

Bo asks, “You really mean that?”

“There were things out of your control,” says Hope, “But there were so many lies, Bo. Let's just be grateful our son is OK.”

“You guys are my family,” says Bo, “I'm not losing any more ground with you. The happiest Days Of Our Lives are the ones we have spent together. I have made mistakes. We allPatrickhave. I am sorry for the pain it has caused. I will make it up to you.” Bo suggests they let their son get some rest. They leave. The file sits on Shawn's table just begging to be read.

Mimi tells Phillip she can explain, “I don't know what you just heard.”

“What are you talking about and why are you so nervous,” asks Phillip. Mimi says she's nervous because her husband is so ill. Phillip gives her the good news. Mimi is so relieved, and hopes God has a bad memory.

Bo and Hope come out into the waiting area. They tell Belle she can go in. Belle doesn't waste any time. Hope thanks Bo for what he did in Shawn's room.

“Shawn got a second chance,” says Bo, “I'm hoping I'll get one too.”

Hope asks, "Don't you have a McWedding to go to?"

Bo asks, "Does that mean you aren't going?" They bicker about it, but Hope decides to go.

Shawn wonders how long Belle has been there. Just a couple of minutes. She's glad he's going to be OK. He assures her she won't lose him. Belle can't imagine the world without him in it. They hold hands.

EJ just happens to have aloe in his glove box. Sami worries about her Chloe face. EJ promises things will work out. He decides to walk to the gas station down the road and see if Sami can get a ride to the church, “What else could possibly go wrong.” Thunder rolls. The heavens open. Sami melts.

Belle says she was scared their child would grow up without a daddy. Shawn promises he will be there for the kid, no matter what Mimi and Phillip think. Shawn writhes in pain with the worst hangover ever. Belle pours him some water and discovers the file. Shawn asks what it is. Belle reads and says, "It's a file with Claire's name on it... OMG." FF.


Previews
========

Belle says, “It says that Claire isn't Phillip's daughter. She's yours.”

EJ and Sami dance.

Carrie says, “I guess Belle and Phillip will be here soon.” The brat says, “Oh, I wouldn't count on that.”

Phillip lectures the clueless quad, “Someone has a grudge against us. If the three of you want to sit there and do nothing about it, that's fine. But I'm not gonna stand for it.”

Who Are You, Joan Rivers?

Half dressed Austin pours coffee and goes to answer a knock at the door. Carrie and Lucas come in and ask where Sami is. He tells them she slept at EJ's. Lucas raises his eyebrows in judgment, "Oh!"

Sami tosses and turns. Half dressed EJ comes into the bedroom. He messes with Sami's hair. She smiles and says good morning. Passionate kiss.

Bo brings Hope coffee. Billie and the brat walk into the waiting area. Mimi comes out and tells them there is no change, "He's still stable, but I thought he would have regained consciousness by now."

"It will take some time for the toxins to clear his system," says Bo, "We just have to be patient."

Phillip says, "He must've had a lot to drink before I showed up." Bo tells him not to blame himself. Phillip offers to take Belle home. Belle don' wanna. This sparks an argument. Belle isn't leaving until she knows Shawn is OK.

Billie wants to go. Chelsea wants to stay. She knows Shawn hates her, but she doesn't want to see him die. He pulled her out of the sewer and saved her life. She wants a chance to make things right for him.

The nurse tells Bo and Hope they can go in. Hope bolts, "I can't go in there. It feels too much like the night Zack died. I can't go through that again." Bo assures her that won't happen. He coaxes her into the room. Inside, Shawn's machines whirr.

The brat whines around about Shawn never forgiving her. Billie tells her to be positive, "Shawn has so much to live for. He has a new bride and a baby on the way."

"He's got a lot more to live for than that," says the brat.

"What do you mean by that," asks Billie.

"Nothing," she says, "I gotta go do something for Shawn." She disappears on the elevator.

Hope tries to get through to Shawn. She asks him to squeeze her hand. Nothing. She begs him to fight, "Your dad and I both need you." Kiss. Bawl. She turns to go but Bo asks her to stay. He sits down and gives it a try. He tells Shawn they are there for him and love him. He has a lot to live for. Bo is proud of him and knows Shawn hasn't heard that enough. He wants Shawn to come back and give him another chance to say it. Shawn lies there like a wax dummy without the wax.

Phillip reminds everyone it's the McWedding day. "The only thing I am focused on is Shawn," says Belle.

Sami realizes she is kissing EJ. She reels back and apologizes. She thought it was Austin. EJ doesn't mind at all. Sami can't believe how late it is. She rushes out in a total panic.

Carrie tries to call EJ's apartment but no one answers. Austin starts to go over there, but Carrie stops him. She reminds him it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride on her wedding day. Lucas seizes the opportunity to rev up his mouth, "When it comes to weddings, Sami creates her own bad luck." He volunteers to go over and check things out.

That leaves Carrie and Austin alone. "I know that look," says Carrie, "Are you afraid something is going to go wrong today?" Austin stares.

Sami rushes around. Lucas comes to the door and asks what is going on. The ever-observant little busybody says, "You missed a button."

"It's not what it looks like," says Sami.

EJ says he turned the phone off because he gets a lot of calls from Europe, and wanted to make sure they weren't disturbed on the night before Sami's wedding, "We slept late."

Lucas the church-lady purses his lips and wrinkles his nose. Sami shouts, "In separate beds, Lucas!" She tells him she can't go over to her apartment because it would jinx her McWedding.

Austin insists everything will be fine. "What about EJ," asks Carrie.

"I trust him," says Austin, "And more importantly, I trust Sami."

Carrie offers to help Austin get ready. He tells her she can help pick out cuff links and studs. He asks about her bridesmaid's dress, "Bridesmaids typically don't like their dresses."

"True," says Carrie, "But this one's OK. Although Sami made it clear she didn't want anyone upstaging her, especially her matron of honor."

Austin says, "So... What color is it... lime... avocado?"

"Who are you, Joan Rivers?"

He reaches for the box, "Let me see." Carrie throws a block. Austin's mood changes, "I don't see what the big deal is. It's not like you are the bride." Oh, the despair!

Austin says he didn't mean to bum her out. She insists he didn't. Today her sister is marrying the man of her dreams. She thinks Austin will be a wonderful husband, "You're dependable, faithful..."

Austin interrupts, "I don't know how you can call me faithful."

"I thought we weren't going to talk about that," says Carrie.

"We can't pretend it didn't happen," says Mr. Faithful.

"It should never have happened."

"But it did."

Austin says he is going to try to make Sami very happy. Carrie is sure it will be a beautiful McWedding.

Blithering Sami rushes around to get ready. Everyone tells her to relax. She worries about her hair. Lucas says the hair stylist will be at the church. He promises everything will be fine.

Lucas leaves. He has to give his mouth a rest every once in a while. EJ says, "He seems very concerned about you. Do you really think he wants this wedding to go forward? You two seem very connected."

"We have a son," says Sami, "Lucas is thrilled about this. Now his brother will be off the market."

"You think he has that little faith in his marriage," asks EJ.

Sami says, "Austin and I will be happy and Carrie and Lucas will be happy. A part of me will always love Lucas. Every time I look into Will's eyes I see him. I am so excited I get to marry Austin today. With me and Lucas it's like a love-hate thing. When we're together we're either at each other's throats or... I will spare you the details. It's better for us to be just friends."

EJ asks, "Do you think a man and woman can be just friends?"

Sami reminds him, "We are just friends."

"So we are," says EJ.

Mimi suggests Belle go sit with Shawn. She thanks Mimi and charges into the room. Phillip stares. Hope tells Mimi that was unselfish. Mimi says she would do anything to help Shawn get better.

Belle walks into Shawn's room and tries to get through to him. She begs him not to leave them.

The brat walks off the elevator with the file. She heads into Shawn's room. Billie watches and wonders. Inside, the brat watches Belle and Shawn and takes another look at the file.

Carrie and Austin hug. Austin starts to kiss her and she pulls away. Lucas comes in and tells them Sami overslept. Carrie goes over to EJ's apartment to help.

Lucas decides to be helpful, "Are you sure you know what you're getting yourself into? I know you know it's not easy living with Sami."

"Sami is Sami," says Austin.

Lucas says, "She can drive you crazy one minute; the next you're in love with her. I can understand how you feel about her. She can be impossible to stop caring about."

Austin says, "I dunno, Just listening to you talk about Sami it sounds like you are still in love with her. Are you?"

Sami is freaking out on the phone with Will, "What do you mean Noah's mom can't pick you up? Doesn't she know it's my McWedding day?" Sami turns and explains the situation to Carrie and EJ. Carrie will go pick up Will and EJ will help get Sami to the church. Carrie assures her everything is fine. More panic as they all run out the door.

Belle tells Shawn they all need him. The brat listens as Belle talks about the baby she is carrying. She promises she will never let anyone take the baby away from Shawn, "I can't settle for just friendship when we have had so much more. Even though you are married to Mimi and I am married to Phillip, I know we are supposed to spend all the Days Of Our Lives together. Almost losing you just makes things so much clearer. I can't spend my future trying to talk myself into being away from you. You have to get better so we can find our way back to each other. There has to be a way."

Bo comes in and discovers the brat. He yanks her away from the curtain and across the room as she conceals the file folder. Bo says, "What are you doing? Stay away from him!"

The viewers chant, "Kill! Kill! Kill! "

The brat walks out crying. Billie wonders what's up. She says she's upset about Shawn. Billie asks about the file. The brat says it's part of her work, "It has to do with something you said about doing good deeds. I want to prove I can do the right thing."

The Doc gathers everyone around and says Shawn is improving, "His condition is still serious. Even if he regains consciousness there may be brain damage."

"Thank God," says Mimi, "A full recovery." Hope runs off.

Billie says, "I wish there was something we could do."

"Maybe there is," says the brat.

Hope lights a candle and prays, "Dear God, it's been a long time since I've talked to you. Since the time I was with Belle and we were praying for Claire to find a liver donor. I never thought that would be my little boy. Taking one child to save another. How do you make a decision like that? I am grateful for the time we had with Zack. I miss him every day. Everyone says time heals, but every day that passes takes us farther from the time we were with him. I know I could never survive losing another son. Please... Shawn is such a good person. His child will need him. I am begging you not to take him from us. Let him be OK. Our family has suffered so much loss. If Shawn dies, I'm afraid our family will die with him."

Bo watches. Staredown.

Lucas says he is not still in love with Sami. She broke his heart with her lies. What they had is over. Austin buys it. Lucas says he loves Carrie and she's the one he should be with. He says Austin can handle Sami better than him, "One thing's for sure, with Sami life will never be dull."

Sami and EJ sit in his car. Red lights flash. Sami wonders if anything else could go wrong, "Why did you have to drive so fast?"

Belle is gone. Chelsea sits by Shawn. She says she knows he hates her but she hates what happened to Zack, too. She knows she can't make up for that, "But what I can do is this." She puts the file down on the table beside Shawn, "Zack is right. You and Belle belong together. Hopefully this can make that happen."

Austin is all set to go. Lucas says he wants what is best for Austin. Austin wants Lucas marriage to be everything Lucas wants it to be, too.

"Good luck," says Lucas, "With Sami you're going to need it."

Sami rants. EJ swears he can talk his way out of this. Sami tells him just to take the ticket and she will pay for it. Then she has an epiphany, "Did you do this on purpose?"

EJ asks, "What?"

Sami says, "You don't want me to get married today!"

Bo tells Hope Shawn will be OK. He promises, "Come on, let's go see our son." He reaches out. Hope takes his hand. Shawn's candle burns.

Mimi worries. Phillip tries to calm her down. He says Shawn is a fighter. Hugs.

Belle sits off to the side and watches, "I just hope it's gonna be enough."

The brat tells Shawn he has to know what's in the file. It will give him something to live for. She leaves. Shawn stirs. He looks at the file.

Previews
========

Sami tells EJ, "I have been through every single possible worst-case scenario a bride can go through on her McWedding day... Oh, God, I hope I didn't just jinx myself."

Mimi prays, "I'm the one who deserves to be punished for lying to Shawn about Claire all of these months." Phillip walks in. God booms, "I didn't think anyone could do it Mimi, but you've even put me through hell dragging this out."

Hope asks, "Don't you have a McWedding to go to?" Bo asks, "Does that mean you aren't going?"

Belle holds the file and says to Shawn, "It's a file with Claire's name on it... OMG."

Snakes On A Plane vs. Snakes At A Keyboard

The Vigil

Bo and Billie discuss the brat situation. Billie says she is just as angry as Bo, but she can't believe he is cutting her out of his life.

Berserk Bo babbles, "I wish she had a desire to learn from mistakes. I wish I had been there when she was growing up, but I wasn't and there is obviously no way I can reach out to her."

Billie begs Bo to reconsider. Bo barks, "Billie, she is who she is. There is nothing we can do about that. We just have to accept it."

Abby wonders what Chelsea means by doing the right thing. Chelsea sees Belle come into the room. She tells Belle she wants to talk to her. Belle is caught up in a quagmire of self-absorption, though. She can't talk right now. She's too busy looking for Shawn and Phillip, "They got in a huge argument about Shawn being the father of my baby and we can't find them anywhere."

The brat wonders what that is all about. Belle explains the IVF thing.

The brat makes a helpful observation, "With the history you and Shawn have it sounds like you are matched with the wrong partner."

"I guess I'm just hoping there will be a miracle that will work this out for everyone," says Belle.

The brat asks, "What would you say if I told you I could give you that miracle?"

Mimi begs Shawn to wake up. She panics and calls an ambulance, "He looks like he's dead."

"Shawn Brady," says the EMS tech, "OK. We won't rush. He's been brain dead for years."

The brat elaborates, "The thing about miracles is you never know where they will come from. I know you never expect anything good to come from me. Billie and Bo thought they were getting a miracle when they found out I was alive, but instead they got me. If having your heart in the right place means anything, maybe I can do something for you."

"I would be grateful to anyone who could fix this mess," says Belle.

Belle gets a call. Phillip. He gets the lecture, "Don't move. I'm on my way home." Belle runs out without her miracle.

Abby asks what that was about. Chelsea says she has to do the right thing before the night is over.

Mimi gets Hope on the phone. She tells Hope about Shawn's condition. Hope rushes to the hospital.

Mimi watches the medical team work, "Oh Shawn please don't die."

Billie insists people change. It happened for her because someone loved her and never gave up on her, "You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You accepted me for who I was and forgave me."

Bo growls, "Your father abused you and your mom abandoned you. There is no comparison."

"Chelsea didn't ask to be born," says Billie, "Now she is so afraid all the people who care about her will abandon her."

Bo says, "If she had admitted the truth..."

Billie bawls, "She's afraid, Bo. And her fear drives her to do desperate things."

Bo wishes he had a daughter he could be proud of, but he doesn't, and he is through with her, "Chelsea deliberately murdered my marriage. Because of her my wife is having a criminal's baby."

They continue to argue. Billie begs him to reconsider. She knows Chelsea is just a scared little weasel, "She wants to change but she doesn't know how. This could be her last chance."

"How many chances have we given her," screams Bo, "All we have proven is she can literally get away with murder. I have sacrificed everything for her. I am finished."

Abby works as Max comes in. Frankie follows. Abby sees Frankie and turns sour. Max asks why, "Does it have to do with your dad?"

Abby says, "Yeah, he got stabbed in the back by your brother." Frankie raises his eyebrows.

Hysterical Hope runs into the hospital. Mimi tells her Shawn has alcohol poisoning. Mimi thinks Hope should call Bo. Blithering Hope makes the call. Bo rushes out the door as he tells Billie, "Pray he makes it through."

"I pray for all of us, whines Billie.

Hope tells Mimi she can't lose another child.

"He is a child, all right," says Mimi.

Billie sees the brat tiptoeing into the house, "It's all right," she says, "Bo's gone." She tells her about Shawn's alcohol poisoning. The brat wants to go to the hospital. Billie thinks that's the best idea since Teflon coated tires. The brat insists, "This is the only family I have. I don't care if Dad hates me, I love him. I can't make it up to him, but I want to be there." The brat bolts.

Belle comes in carrying Claire and tells Phillip she was worried. Phillip wants to talk tomorrow. He should be so lucky. She sees he's been drinking. He tells her about the drinking contest. Phillip claims he won. Belle gets concerned.

Hope bawls as Bo rushes up. Mimi tells Bo what happened. Bo insists Shawn will make it through this.

The doctor comes out and tells them about Shawn's condition. They may have to do dialysis as a last resort. Hope begs him to help Shawn. The doctor says, "His blood alcohol level is... well, let's put it this way: his blood could sterilize every piece of equipment we have in the hospital. He's fighting for his life. Only time will tell when or IF he will recover." Stares, hugs, tears.

Abby excuses herself. Max thinks she is being harsh. Abby remembers catching Frankie and Jennifer... Flashback...

Take one fresh and tender kiss,
Add one stolen night of bliss;
One girl, one boy, some grief, some joy-
Memories are made of this.
"I don't think I'm being harsh," says Abby, "since Dad may be on his deathbed." She turns to Frankie, " Stop chasing after your wife."

Frankie says he and Jennifer care about each other. Max points out all Frankie and Jennifer want to do is go to a family wedding. Frankie is sorry Abby feels this way. He wishes she would understand her mother is in a difficult position.

"You mean like the one I caught her in," asks Abby. Abby suggests Frankie back off, "What if Dad doesn't die. JJ shouldn't have to live in a bad rerun of My Two Dads."

"I love your dad," says Frankie, "I want him to get well. Your mother asked me to stay. I'm not going anywhere." Frankie walks out.

Phillip is passed out leaning on the counter. Belle watches and judges. She eyes the pot sitting on the stove, picks up the lid and gives Phillip's little nap the gong. Phillip jumps halfway across the room. Belle asks about the evening's activities. Phillip tells her he drank Shawn under the table, "I want to go back to sleep."

"0h, no, no, no," says the shrew, "You think drinking Shawn under the table is something to be proud of?"

"Just be happy we're both OK," says the imbecile. He collapses. Belle stares.

The vigil continues. Mimi remembers Phillip and calls to see if he is OK. Belle answers. Mimi asks if Phillip is OK. "I think I did more damage than the booze," says Belle.

Mimi tells Belle about Shawn. Belle panics. She tells Phillip what's up, helps him on with his jacket and they head for the hospital. Belle will drive. Claire will baby-sit.

Hope shakes as she pours coffee, "How could this be happening? We just lost Zack." Hope and Bo hug. Hope says, "I can't lose another child, Bo, I just can't."

Bo says, "No." Billie and the brat walk in and watch.

Max chases Abby and tells her this is none of her business. She points out Jack and Jennifer are her parents and this is adultery. Max talks about Frankie and Jennifer's past. Abby knows he still loves her and it was amazing of him to get Jack into the clinical trial, but this has been hard for all of them, "You have no idea what it is to accept your father is dead, then alive, then dead, then alive, then dead, then alive, then dead, then alive, then dead, then alive... I love my father and don't want to lose him again, either to the disease or Frankie."

Max tells her even if her parents get separated Jack will always be a part of her life. "Not if he doesn't get better," says Abby.

"We keep people alive inside of us," says Max, "I believe your father isn't going anywhere and you need to believe that too."

Hope sees the brat across the room. She charges, "OMG! You have no business being here."

"I just wanted to talk."

"I don't care what you want," says Bo, "That's your problem. You think life is about what you want." He re-disowns her. Billie suggests they go. The brat just wants to see how her brother is. Billie sticks up for her.

"I am concerned about my brother," whines the brat.

Hope goes for the jugular, "Just like you were concerned about Zack?"

The brat says, "I don't expect either of you to think I am concerned about Shawn, but just let us stay here until we find out how he is."

Bo gives up the fight, "I don't want to see you. Stay out of sight."

Max gives Abby a tissue. She says she's embarrassed about getting so upset. She should be off doing her job. Max says he is her boss but also her friend. He's not trying to minimize her problems but she's an adult now. She shouldn't let this stuff affect her so much. He gives her the standard line, "If you ever need anyone to talk to, I am here for you." Hugs.

Belle rushes into the hospital dragging Phillip. Mimi gives the health update. Chelsea asks if Billie sees how upset Belle is for Shawn. "It's none of our business," says Billie.

The brat thinks if Belle and Shawn were together Shawn would have something to fight for, "I don't want to see Phillip get hurt, but it has to be awful to be married to someone who doesn't love you."

"It must be awful to be married to Belle... period," says Billie.

Hope lays into Phillip. Bo piles on, "Not too smart huh?" Bo gives us the alcohol poisoning Public Service Announcement.

The doctor comes out. Shawn is stable and can have visitors. They ask if Shawn is able to hear what they say. The doctor says most likely he can hear them. Hope thinks Mimi should go in. Forgotten Belle stares. Phillip looks on.

Abby tells Max about Belle coming by. "And Chelsea stopped by, too. She was acting kind of bizarre."

Max asks, "What do you mean 'bizarre?'"

"Normal. She was talking about miracles," says Abby, "She said it had to do with... an explosive secret she discovered when she was at the hospital."

"The last person handling anything explosive should be Chelsea," says Max.

"She said it had to do with paternity," says Abby, "I told her she should tell the truth. She said it could ruin lives and she had to decide whether or not to spill the beans. I think she is trying to do the right thing."

"I don't know if she knows what the right thing is," says Max.

"This waiting is making my skin itch," says the brat. Billie tells her to be patient. The brat doesn't want to lose Shawn. Her brothers are dropping like flies. Billie goes to the deli. She tells the brat to stay away form Bo and Hope. "I will," she promises, "I just wish there was something I could do for Bo and Hope."

Belle and remorseful Phillip go sit down. Hope is nervous. Bo says Shawn has a lot to live for. Hope says, "I have to call Patrick." She stops cold, "Uh, would you mind?"

"Do what you have to do," says Bo.

"Thank you for understanding," says Hope, "I'm really glad you are here." Hugs.

Mimi sits beside Shawn's bed and cries, "Shawn, I am so sorry. I had no right to force you into those custody terms. Now you could die and never know Claire is your daughter because of me. I have kept so much from you. I care so much for you. I promise that I will tell you everything this time."

Shawn lies comatose. Mimi frets. FF.


Previews
========

Austin says to Lucas, "I dunno, Just listening to you talk about Sami it sounds like you are still in love with her. Are you?"

Sami and EJ sit in a car amidst flashing lights. Sami says, "Did you do this on purpose?" EJ asks, "What?" Sami says, "You don't want me to get married today!"

Bo yanks the brat away from Shawn's bed and across the room as she conceals a file folder. Bo says, "What are you doing? Stay away from him!"

Hope says, "If Shawn dies, I'm afraid our family will die with him."

Cheech And Shawn

Hope fluffs a blanket and notices family pictures on the mantle. She looks at a picture as Caroline and Bo come to the door. Caroline just wants to talk. Hope doesn't. Caroline says the came to ask a favor.

Belle leaves a message for Phillip to call. She and Mimi wonder where the boys are. Mimi asks if Belle thinks this is her fault. Belle says what Mimi proposed was unreasonable. She thinks Phillip is becoming as paranoid as Belle, "You and Phillip are both being ridiculous."

"If those two are together right now that can mean big trouble," says Meems.

Phillip tells Shawn they have unfinished business. He wants to settle things. He won't let Shawn use the baby to get closer to Belle. If Shawn wants to go at it, Phillip is ready. Shawn says he's busy right now. Phillip insists the problem won't go away, "We are taking care of it tonight." Phillip wants him away from Belle. Shawn doesn't think that is possible. Phillip has a suggestion. He thinks Shawn and Mimi should live outside Salem, "As far away as possible."

Abby comes to the brat's door. She wants to hear about the big secret. The brat tells her the file showed a certain baby's father wasn't the father after all, "The real father will be blown away when he finds the truth."

Phillip repeats what he said – that Shawn and Mimi should move out of Salem. Shawn insists he won't leave his kid. He continues to order drinks and gets goofier, if that is possible. Phillip tells him to slow down as Shawn orders another. Phillip decides to join in.

"Wait," says Phillip, "I have a better idea." Phillip holds up a bag of wacky tobaccy, "You want to go out back?"

"Is that what I think it is," asks Shawn.

"Just call me Cheech," says Phillip.

Belle is worried Shawn and Phillip might run into each other. Mimi suggests they might fight over her and Belle would like that. Belle says she never wanted this to happen and they have to figure out how to deal with it. They argue about which husband loves whom.

Belle asks, "So you think this baby means Shawn and I have to get back together? Let me remind you I also have a child with Phillip." Claire cries and Belle and Mimi fuss over her.

"She really does adore Phillip, doesn't she," asks Mimi.

"He's her daddy," says Belle, "Thank God there never will be any confusion about that."

Abby doesn't know what the brat is talking about. A few more details ooze out. Abby asks who the men are. The brat doesn't think she should say, "The woman is in love with the baby's real father."

Abby thinks it would be wrong for the brat not to speak up. The brat doesn't want to play her trump card. She wants to wait until she can use it to her advantage. Abby tells her to do the right thing. Billie comes up and asks what they are talking about.

Bo stammers around. He wonders if Hope will go to the McWedding with him. He brought his mommy to help him fight his battle. Hope says she isn't family any more. The sooner people accept that the better. Showing up at the wedding just postpones the inevitable.

Caroline becomes uncomfortable and starts to leave. She begs Hope to reconsider, "It would do OMB and I so much good. Please do us this one last favor."

Caroline leaves. Hope tells Bo that was low. She beats up on him as Bo tries to defend himself. He's outclassed. Bo insists he will prove his innocence. He reminds her Chelsea altered the emails. Hope says he can't put all this on Chelsea, "Thanks to you there are never any consequences for her."

Bo promises, "Chelsea and I are going to have it out. She will regret what she did. I will make things right. I will get you back." Bo storms out. Hope stares and smirks.

Chelsea tells Billie they were talking about her community service. Billie buys it and goes to make tea. Abby says she has to get back to the garage. She's working late to catch up. Billie leaves and Abby rips into the brat for sucking her into her lies all the time.

The brat isn't ready to spill the details yet. Abby encourages her to do something for someone else without thinking about what's in it for her.

Cheech and Shawn head out back. "You wanna get high," asks Cheech.

"Does Howdy Doody have a wooden leg," asks Shawn.

"Him and me both," says Cheech.

Phillip says he will call the attorney's and work out a custody agreement. Shawn says he won't agree to the terms. Phillip reminds him he has to go by the judge's decision. "So do you," slurs Shawn. Phillip giggles and insists Gene Briscoe will come through for him because he always comes through for the Kiriakis family. Shawn reminds him he is a Kiriakis, too. Phillip is trying to forget that.

Phillip finds a radio out there and turns it on. It just happens to be playing Shawn and Belle's last dance song. "Whatever I do I can't get away from Shawn and Belle's greatest hits," says Phillip.

Mimi calls around to locate Shawn. Belle remembers what happened the last time Phillip stormed out. She goes to give Claire a bath. Belle says being a mom is a full time job. She can't imagine having two kids. She hopes she doesn't get depressed again. She talks about how much Shawn has dreamed about having children of his own. She begs Mimi not to take that dream away from him. She assures Mimi the baby will not ruin Mimi and Shawn's marriage, "There is only one person who can do that and that is you."

Shawn and Phillip, higher and higher. Phillip accuses Shawn of being wasted. Shawn says he can hold his own against Phillip any day.

Shawn takes a pull and exhales, "Aaaahhhhh, mmaann, what is this stuff, Maui Wowie?"

"Yeah," says Cheech, "But it's got some Labrador in it."

"What's Labrador," says the increasingly inquisitive Shawn.

Cheech tries to focus, "Well, I had my stash on the table and the dog ate it. Then I had to follow him around with a little baggie for three days, man, before I got it back. That dog was higher than Belle on hormones, ya know?"

Shawn is shocked, "You mean we're smokin'..."

"Yeah," says Cheech, "I told ya it was some good s***."

Phillip stumbles. Shawn tries to help Phillip us but falls himself. The guys get the giggles.

Mimi is tired of waiting around. She leaves to find Shawn. Belle decides to go find Phillip.

Doorbell at Billie's. Bo barges in and asks to talk to the brat. Bo is berserk, "She schemed and plotted to ruin my marriage. She is sick and twisted!" Bo tells Billie how the brat changed the emails. Bo is furious. Billie doesn't believe it. Bo elaborates. Billie asks if he is sure. Bo is sure. Billie buys it. She's shook. The brat comes out and asks what's wrong.

"You are," screams Bo, "Everything about you!"

The brat cowers, "What are you talking about?"

Bo yells, "I found out what you did. It's time to pay up."

Hope walks by the docks. Mimi finds her. Mimi tells her she's looking for Shawn. Hope hasn't seen him. She came down here to catch a breeze and say goodbye to Bo and to the past. Mimi says she's sorry about the divorce, but she is looking forward to being an aunt to Patrick's baby. "Everything is a mess," sighs Mimi. Hope tells her she has faith the clueless quad will work it out. Mimi confides she's afraid the baby will come between her and Shawn. She's worried about where Shawn is.

Shawn and Phillip giggle. Shawn gets the munchies. Cheech starts to doze a little and Shawn breaks into song, "Don't Bogart that joint, my friend..."

Shawn starts to tell Phillip something but loses his train of thought. It's a short train. "Oh, yeah," he mumbles, "You have financial security. I work in a garage. You have everything. You have..."

Phillip interrupts, "You were going to say, 'most of all you have Belle.'"

"She is committed to you," says Shawn, "She told me. Tonight."

"She said that to you?"

"Why are you so surprised," slurs Shawn, "Don't blow it, maann, 'cause you got like everything a man could ever want."

"Except for one thing," says Phillip.

"Whazzat?"

"My left leg." Phillip loses control, "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I don't have a leg! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Belle comes to the garage looking for Phillip. She wanted to make sure he didn't go for another drive. Abby tells her neither Phillip nor Shawn have been there. She asks if there is a problem, "It seems like you're caring more about Shawn than Phillip."

Shawn and Phillip continue their drug induced high.

A Salem cop sees the stoners and comes back to investigate. "Narcs," says Cheech, "Hide the doob." Shawn swallows the roach as the cop approaches.

"How long have you boys been back here," asks the cop.

Sucking it in, they both speak in unison. "A week," says Shawn. "A day," says Cheech.

"Well, what is it," asks the cop, "A week or a day?"

Shawn sucks it in and giggles, "A weekday."

The cop asks, "Say, you're Phillip Kiriakis, aren't you."

"Yeah," says Phillip, "But you can call me Cheech."

"Be careful, Cheech," says the cop, "There's been a lot of drug activity back here. If you had been John Black, I'd be runnin' your butt in right now." The cop leaves.

Lisa the bar wench comes out and finds the boys higher than a kite. They decide they have to get home. Lisa says, "You're in no condition to drive. I'm calling you a cab."

"I've been called worse," says Shawn. The laughter is uncontrollable.

Hope can only imagine how difficult this is for Mimi but understands why Mimi wants things settled. Hope thinks this situation could bring Shawn and Belle closer. That's what Mimi is afraid of. Hope tells Mimi, "Shawn loves you. He tells me all the time what you mean to him... that he trusts you more than anyone in the world. Except for me of course."

The brat claims innocence. Bo pounces. He tells her he knows about the emails, "What? You didn't think I would find out about it? YOU TOOK MY SON AND WIFE!"

Billie pulls him back. She tells the brat she is disappointed in her. Bo tells the brat she belongs in jail. He screams, "You haven't learned a damn thing. You don't think about anyone but yourself. This makes me sick I ever stood up for you. I lied to protect you. I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I believed in you over and over again, but no more. Until you can prove to me you can be decent, you are on your own. I wash my hands of you!" The brat storms out as Bo seethes.

Belle insists she is worried about both Shawn and Phillip. Abby thinks Claire is adorable, "You and Phillip are really lucky."

"I do know Claire is what keeps Phillip and me together," says Belle, "If it wasn't for her my life would be very different." She realizes that didn't sound good and backpedals, "I wouldn't be carrying this heavy diaper bag for one thing." Belle goes to change Claire. Abby stares.

Mimi goes into their apartment yelling for Shawn. She hears singing. The stoners come in hugging each other, singing and laughing.

Shawn puts on a goofy smile, "Hhhhiiii, hhoonneeyy!"

"Don't you 'hi honey' me," screams Meems, "Do you have any idea of what you have put us through?"

Phillip decides he has to go explain things to bell, "I don' know yet what I'm gonna susplain, but I'll some up with comething. Guffaw."

Mimi helps Shawn into the apartment. She wishes Shawn would have had the decency to call her. Shawn wants a kiss.

Mimi yells, "OK, just one little kiss, but if you think you are going to get anything else..." Shawn has passed out. Mimi huffs. She tries to wake him up. No response. Mimi yells, "You're not asleep! You're unconscious! Shawn!"

Billie tells Bo he can't wash his hands of Chelsea. Bo tells her the brat has to grow up, "Until she can prove she's changed, she's out of my life."

The brat comes into the garage bawling and asks Abby if she has a minute, "My dad just basically disowned me. I did something really bad – again. I did it a while ago but he just found out about it. He abandoned me! My own father!"

"It's called tough love," says Abby, "Maybe it's what you need. Your father will forgive you. You just have to tell him you're sorry."

The brat slobbers, "He will never believe anything I say or do again."

"Actions speak louder than words," says Abby.

Belle comes out with the baby.

The brat gets an idea, "Maybe this is my chance to do the right thing." FF.

Previews
========

The brat asks Belle, "What would you say if I told you I could give you that miracle?"

Hope and Bo hug. Hope says, "I can't lose another child, Bo, I just can't." Bo says, "No."

Max asks, "Does it have to do with your dad?" Abby says, "Yeah, he got stabbed in the back by your brother." Frankie raises his eyebrows.

Shawn lies unconscious in a hospital bed. Mimi says, "I care so much for you. I promise... and I really mean it this time... that I will tell you everything."

Cheech tokes up and says, "Hey, Shawn, you ever been to East LA?"

"No," says Shawn, "But I've been to the Des Moines Airport. Stay away from there."

He Uses Women Like Kleenex

Abby comes in to talk to Jack and Jennifer. Abby has news, but if she told them what it was, it wouldn't be a surprise. You just can't argue with logic like that. Jack and Jennifer press, and Abby breaks down and tells them about the family picnic she is planning. Jack doesn't know if he's up to it. Abby puts on a pitch. She'll make the Devereaux burgers. Jennifer announces she can't go, "I have plans with one of my other husbands tomorrow."

Chelsea is on the phone at the pub canceling her date with Max. She says she wasted time at the hospital so she has to make up for it. Max says he will see her tomorrow. The brat rants. She doesn't even know why she agreed to be Sami's bridesmaid and now she will have to spend time at the reception instead of going out and having fun with Max. Max speculates there might not even be a reception. The brat gets an idea; she thinks she could cut out of work and no one would notice. Billie interrupts and says she isn't going to do that. Billie takes over the phone call, tells Max it's over and then hangs up. The brat doesn't understand why this community service thing had to happen now.

A couple standing behind Billie and the brat soak it all in. Billie suggests they get a table. The brat insists she could have snuck out without being detected. Billie says people would have noticed, "I've been a cop and I've been arrested. I know."

The brat says she won't feel more sorry for killing Zack if she goes through with community service, "This is all just complete bull."

"I know," says Billie, "but the new head-writer will be on board soon. This may come as a shock to you, but you don't know everything."

Meanwhile, the clueless quad has gotten together to talk about custody.

The brat says filing is boring and it won't make her any better of a person. Oh, boy, Lexie comes in. Billie invites her to join them. Lexie sits by the brat. The brat plays with her iPod as Billie asks Lexie how it's going. Lexie says she is doing extra shifts. Billie says she wanted to talk about Lexie and Abe, not work at the hospital. Lexie looks over at the brat who appears to be in iPod-land. "There is no me and Abe," she whispers, "I can't work things out with him if he won't talk to me."

The brat has been faking it. "Now's your chance," she says as Abe walks in.

Abe stops at the table, says hi to Billie and the brat, "Have a nice dinner, huh." He walks off without acknowledging the presence of Dr. Slut.

Mimi lays out the plan. She thinks she and Shawn should raise the surrogate's baby and Phillip and Belle should raise Shawn and Belle's baby. Then they need to arrange visitations and babysitting duties. Shawn is peeved. He thinks Mimi has thought about this a little too much. He and Mimi go off and argue. Belle agrees with Shawn. She thinks Mimi should have talked to them before she came up with this cockama-Mimi plan. Phillip chimes in. Shawn snorts, "You don't want me anywhere near your wife or my child."

Phillip says, "You're right. I don't."

Lexie bawls, "He didn't even say hello."

"I'm not judging you," says Billie, "but... You still love him don't you? Swallow your pride and go talk to him."

"So he can humiliate me," blubbers Lexie. Billie makes a pitch for Lexie to suck it up and go talk to Abe. Lexie doesn't think Abe loves her anymore. Billie thinks he does. Lexie insists he will never forgive her. The brat plays with her iPod as she listens. Lexie says, "I'm just going to have to pay for this the rest of my life."

"I know how that feels," drones the brat.

Lexie says, "I guess you do, Chelsea."

"I didn't think anyone like you would ever understand how I felt," says the brat.

Lexie tells her about making a big mistake with Zack. She kept him away from his parents, but eventually Bo and Hope forgave her. She says she is going to make an effort not to be hard on the brat if she promises to make the community service count. Billie thinks Abe can reach out to Lexie like Lexie just reached out to the brat. Billie says Lexie has to take the first step.

Jennifer is going to Sami and Austin's wedding with Frankie. Abby argues, "The wedding probably won't happen anyway." She can't believe Jennifer would do this. Jennifer thinks she's being unfair. Jack insists that Jennifer go. Abby throws a fit. Jack tells her Jennifer has to honor her commitments.

Abby pouts, "Seems like that's more important than us.

"We'll plan another picnic," says Jack.

"Assuming you're still here," says Abby. Abby says the picnic wasn't for the three of them. It was for Jack and Jennifer. "OK," huffs Abby, "I'll just go to the track with EJ tomorrow."

"EJ Wells," asks Jack, "I don't want you anywhere near him."

The brat heads back to the hospital. Lexie tells Billie she's been thinking about what she said. Billie encourages her to go talk to Abe. Lexie goes over. Abe is distant. Lexie sits down anyway. She tries to make conversation. She tells him she misses him. Silent Abe chews his chowdah. Lexie is desperate. She plays the 'Theo' card.

"Don't do this, Lexie," says Abe, "I hate being away from Theo, so don't use him to get back on my good side."

Lexie whines, "I just thought you wanted to know how much he misses you."

"That will change soon," growls Abe, "I'm putting a bid on a townhouse near Salem Park. It will be a perfect home for Theo and me once I get sole custody."

The brat walks down by the dock. SCREAM!

Phillip says he is talking about Shawn being around Belle. Shawn argues that they can't set up rules for the kids. Belle and Mimi referee. Mimi insists there have to be boundaries. Shawn says he isn't giving in.

Max apologizes for scaring the brat. He's there to make sure she doesn’t play hooky. She says nothing in her life ever goes right except for the fact that she has him, "but for how long? Anybody who ever cared about me always leaves me. How can I be sure you won't too?"

"Because I'll probably never recover from the massive head injury I got in my last accident," says Max, "You are just making yourself more miserable. And, let's face it, you're pretty miserable as it is."

Shawn rants. Nobody is going to tell him when he can see his child. He stomps out for air. Belle pipes in. She and Phillip argue. "You don't seem to have as big a problem giving up your biological child as Shawn does," says the queen of the cheap shot.

Phillip yells, "Everything seems to be about you and Shawn," as he storms out.

Lexie asks Abe to think about what he is throwing away.

"You are the one who should have thought about that."

"I was weak," bawls Lexie, "It wasn't easy for me. I thought you were dead."

Abe growls, "I couldn't have sex so you went out and got someone who could. If you loved me half as much as you say you would have been patient."

"I tried," says Lexie.

Abe asks, "So this is my fault now?"

"No," she wails, "It's all mine. Is there anything I can do to make this right?"

Abe snorts, "Get an attorney."

Lexie thinks a moment and says, "I guess that means I'll have to stop seeing Tek – he's a cop. I'll bet Frankie's about to become available, though, and he's an attorney. I didn't realize you would be so understanding about this, Abe." Abe storms out.

The brat pouts. Max tells her he has been there. His parents abandoned him. After everything that happened to him he shut down. He thought if he didn't let people in it wouldn't hurt so much when they abandoned him, "Maybe that's what attracts me to you. We're both so much alike."

"You're the best thing that's happened to me," says the brat, "I hope I don't scare you away."

"I'm not going anywhere whether you like it or not." Hugs.

Billie comes over to get the lowdown on Abe and Lexie. Lexie bawls, "He wasn't even willing to talk. He wants custody of Theo." Billie says she never should have butted in. Lexie says she has to get back to the hospital and leaves.

On the way out, Lexie walks past Abe, who is talking to his attorney on the phone. He stares straight at her and says, "I don't care what it takes I want sole custody of Theo." Billie follows Lexie outside and walks her to the hospital. Shawn gives them a look as he enters the pub.

He asks Lisa the bar wench if his grandparents are there. She tells him they are at the church getting ready for the McWedding.

Abe offers to buy Shawn a beer, and says he was sorry to hear about the baby SNAFU. Shawn talks about the situation. He thinks if he stays involved with Belle and the baby, he plays into Mimi's worst fear. Abe says he has to be there for the kid like Abe has to be there for Theo. He encourages Shawn to fight for an active role in the kid's life.

Mimi isn't exactly feeling warm and fuzzy there, so she tells Belle she has to leave. Belle insists she said goodbye to Shawn. Mimi says it doesn't look like that. Belle insists she and Shawn are over. She didn't agree to the custody arrangements because it's a bad idea.

Mimi says the real problem is Belle's feelings for Shawn. She could believe things were over between them if Belle hadn't thrown herself at him at the hospital. Belle says that was a mistake.

"Friends don't try to steal their friend's husband," says Mimi, "I won't let you burn me again."

Belle says, "You need to be thinking about the babies."

Mimi says, "It doesn't have to be confusing if we tell them about their fathers at first. But actually I think it would be best if we never told them the truth, because that's what would be confusing. And I am an expert on being confused. Besides, telling the truth isn't exactly my strong suit."

Abby says Jack can't tell her whom to date. Jack says he knows EJ from his time as a reporter in Europe, "He uses women like Kleenex. I'm sure he would like you for his tissue collection. The guy is ten years older than you. What are you thinking?"

Abby says, "Maybe I'm not thinking. Just like Mom's not thinking with Frankie."

"Yeah, well, your mom not thinking isn't unusual," says Jack. Abby storms out.

Spindle legs is back on duty at the hospital. Lexie gives her coding and filing to do. The brat says, "You know, this is the 21st century. Why isn't this stuff on disks?"

Lexie thinks that is a great idea. She says that can be the brat's next project. Lexie leaves. The brat picks up a phone and makes a call. Abby answers. Abby tells her to meet her at the Java Café.

The brat says she can't because of her work. She tells her what Max promised.

Abby tells her about the picnic, EJ, etc. As Abby clucks, The Hand puts a file on top of the pile. The brat looks over at it, "Kiriakis, Claire." Abby rambles on like a runaway train.

Jennifer says she doesn't blame Abby for being upset. That worries Jack even more. He thinks she could really get into trouble with EJ.

Shawn takes a draw on a longneck and thanks Abe for the beer. As Abe leaves, Shawn orders a shot of tequila. Phillip comes up behind him and says, "Make that two."

Belle says the babies deserve to know who their biological fathers are. Belle talks about Marlena thinking Belle was Roman's daughter. She wonders what her life would have been like if she hadn't found out the truth. She says she would have found out eventually, "Half of Salem knows about the mix-up, so the babies will eventually find out."

Mimi asks, "How are we gonna get out of this mess, Belle?"

Abby rants while Chelsea looks at the file. The brat drops her jaw, "HOLY... Abby, you'll never guess what I just found out in the file."

Pan in on the file, which reads, "Claire Kiriakis DNA matches blood donor Shawn Douglas Brady."

"This community service just paid off," says the brat, "Things just got really interesting really fast." FF.


Previews
========

Schnockered Shawn Slurs, "Don't blow it, maann 'cause you got like everything a man could ever want." Phillip says, "Except for one thing."

Hope tells Mimi, "Shawn loves you. He tells me all the time what you mean to him... that he trusts you more than anyone in the world."

Bo yells at the brat, "I found out what you did. It's time to pay up."

You Look A Little Green

Kayla is at Hope's house. Hope serves French fries and vinegar. It's one of those pregnancy-craving things. Kayla asks if Hope is happy about the baby. Hope says she is. Kayla asks if Hope would say the same thing if it was Bo's baby. Hope says she would be thrilled if that was the case. Kayla tells her she was with Bo in the pub when he was served with the papers. She saw Bo tear the papers up and says she thinks Hope's heart is breaking, too. She asks if Hope still loves Bo. Hope does.

Patrick walks into his house as Billie is cleaning up. She tells him she and the brat are looking for an apartment. Patrick wonders how long he will be there himself with the baby on the way. He tells Billie he and Hope are seeing each other again. Billie insists Hope still loves Bo.

Bo and Patch are buds. They're out at Dune having a couple of Buds, too. Patch says he likes Salem. Bo tells him when Shawn was a baby he and Hope sailed around the world, "When we shoved off and watched you and Kayla waving goodbye on the dock, we knew we would be back because Salem is our home. That and the fact is the world is round."

Patch wonders if the DiMeras are responsible for his situation. Bo tells him about Ernesto Tescano and then about Larry Allemain. Bo feels responsible for what happened to Patch and wants to help him. Patch insists Bo doesn't owe him anything. He wants to help Bo get Hope back. Bo tells Patch John is helping him with that, as John walks in with Evil Eve. Patch asks about John and Marlena.

"It's a long story," says Bo.

"Isn't everything in this burg," says Patch.

John helps Eve with a seat. She didn't know John hung out a Dune.

"What, do you think I'm a little old for this place," asks gramps.

"It just doesn't strike me as a place for CEO's," says Eve.

John says he wasn't always a CEO. He had a long career in law enforcement. They start to talk about the police force, but he doesn’t want to talk about crime tonight. He wants to concentrate on pleasure.

Austin pounds down a meal at the pub. The brat joins him. She wants to know why he is there the night before his wedding. She thought guys got together with their guy friends the night before the wedding, "Oh, I forgot, you don't have any guy friends – just a million and one girls fighting over you all the time. No wonder Sami is trying to make you jealous. You know, she will use every trick she can to make sure you go through with marrying her this time. That's why she wanted to sleep in EJ's bed tonight."

"Hold on," says Austin, "Let's get this straight. EJ is sleeping on the couch."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that."

Sami arrives at EJ's. She walks in to see a romantic dinner set up on the table. EJ wants to make tonight special for her.

Chelsea says she is just trying to help. She thinks Sami knows she isn't the woman Austin wants to be with. He thinks she learned a lot about psychology working one day at the hospital. He tells her he'll see her later and leaves.

EJ serves oysters in the shell. "I've been accused of eating men alive," says Sami, "so, why not oysters?" EJ shows her how to open them. He says he had them flown in especially for her.

Sami hesitates, "But you didn't know that..."

"I was hoping to," says EJ.

She opens her oyster and finds a pearl. She tries another. Another pearl. It turns out to be a set of pearl earrings. EJ hopes they look beautiful with her dress tomorrow. He puts those aside and helps her with the next oyster.

"I'm in heaven," says Sami.

"Now you know why oysters are considered such an aphrodisiac," says Austin.

Clumsy EJ starts to reach for another but spills Sami's plate on them. EJ thinks they need to get out of their messy clothes.

Billie doesn't want Patrick to get his hopes up. He says he's sorry thinks didn't work out with them. Billie, too. He finds a book in her bag and looks at it. It's police academy stuff and she wonders why he's so interested in that. He tells her about applying to the police academy. He says he needs to study for the exam. She loans him the book bag and wishes him luck as he leaves.

Hope says she will always love Bo but hates what he has done to their marriage. Kayla thinks Bo would help her raise the baby. Hope says Bo hates Patrick, "When I think of Bo in bed with Billie the day we buried our son it makes me sick."

Hope changes the subject. She asks about Kayla. Kayla says when Steve wanted to stay in Cincinnati it was almost as bad as the day he died. She knows she just has to be patient, but he did call her "Sweetness." She doesn't think that was a coincidence. Hope tells Kayla she and Patrick decided to see each other. Kayla wants to know how she feels about that.

Patch leaves Bo as Stephanie comes in. He talks with Stephanie. He tells her he knows he hurt her and her mom by walking out on them.

Eve tells John her mom is sick. She needs to work hard to make ends meet. She asks about John's separation. He wonders how she knows about that.

Evil Eve says, "Kate was telling me..."

John interrupts, "Kate Roberts? How do you know her?"

Hope says she never would have been able to get through these past few months without Patrick. She wants to give their relationship a chance. She knows this is difficult for Kayla, since Bo is her brother. Kayla just doesn't want her to give up on Bo.

Patrick comes to the door. Introductions. Kayla leaves. Patrick asks how it went with Bo. Hope don' wanna talk about it. He tells her he got into the police academy and got in a class that has already started. He asks Hope to be his study partner because since the class has already started, he has to catch up.

Eve says she really doesn't know Kate, but Kate was at the station today working on the charity and Eve mentioned her date with John. John wants to know what else she and Kate were talking about. "Your ears weren't burning, were they," asks Eve.

Eve excuses herself. John goes over to Bo. Bo asks if John thinks Eve did something with the evidence. "It's a possibility," says John, "She's desperate for money."

Stephanie wants to know how it would have been better for her and Kayla if Patch hadn't come back. Patch tells her he might be putting them in danger. Stephanie says, "I race cars for a living. Mom was about to go to a war zone to practice medicine, we put our careers on the line every day by working in this lame soap. We can handle danger. What we could never handle would be losing you again."

EJ and Sami run around in their skivvies. Sami wants to know if he has a shirt she can borrow. "Just for the record," says EJ, "I'm not embarrassed and you shouldn't be either. You are a beautiful woman." There is a knock at the door. EJ opens it.

Sami says, "Austin!"

"Is this bad timing," asks Austin, "It's not midnight yet."

Sami tries to explain, "It's not what it looks like."

Austin is wry, "What does it look like?"

EJ excuses himself. Austin tells her she looks a little flushed. "And you look a little green," says Sami.

"That's what I get for eating at the pub," says Austin, "You're enjoying this, aren’t you? Do I have a reason to be jealous?"

"How can you ask me that," says Sami, "I have always wanted to be your wife. And it's going to happen tomorrow. I love you more than anything. I think I should remind you of how much". Kiss.

The brat comes home. Billie asks if she shouldn't be at work. She says she's on a dinner break. Billie tells her she is looking for an apartment. The brat wants to know what Patrick said about that.

"I don't think he cares," says Billie, "Hope is going through with the divorce and she's moving on with Patrick."

"No wonder you look so happy," says the brat, "Now you can be with my dad and get the life you've always deserved."

"I guess that means you'll be moving out," says Billie.

Hope gives Patrick some private instructions. Time for the frisking lesson. Patrick didn't know a pregnant woman could bring him to his knees so easily. Wait and see what happens if you marry her, buddy.

Patrick holds up a pair of handcuffs, "Once you've got me pinned like that, what do we do with these?" Cutesy music plays in the background.

Bo wonders if Eve could be working with Kate. John says he trusts Kate with his life.

"You need professional help for suicidal tendencies like that," says Bo. Eve comes up and asks what is going on. John says he and Bo are just catching up on things. Bo heads back to the station.

Stephanie offers a toast to the best dad in the whole world.

Billie wants to know why it is so important to the brat to have her and Bo together, "We love you whether we are together or not. Is that why you keep putting us to the test? You don't believe it? You know what we need? A self-esteem boost. Why don't we work on it together? You and me... Frick and Brat."

Hope tells Patrick he will probably be working on vice at first. In some cases he will need to be able to double-cuff the perps. She shows him how to do it. They stand there cuffed together. "I still have a free hand," says Patrick.

"You have a free hand," says Hope, "but you're stuck with me. That gets old pretty fast, which you will quickly discover if we continue to see each other."

Patrick says, "We are really stuck to each other now.

Hope asks, "What are you talking about?"

EJ clears his throat as he walks back in the room. He assures Austin he will be a perfect gentleman. Austin gives Sami his shirt to wear, "You don't get to take that off." Austin leaves.

"That was awkward," says EJ.

"Not to mention contrived," says Sami, "Did you see him? He was jealous. He really wants to marry me! Oh, EJ, I can't let Lexie ruin this wedding."

"That's why I am on the guest list," says EJ, "Trust me."

"I don't know what I would ever do without you," says Sami.

Patch tells Stephanie he isn't good at this kind of stuff. She says it will take some time to get used to. He's there and that's all that matters for now.

John pours the last of the wine. Evil Eve says, "I'm gonna call it a night."

John says, "I was hoping to get to know you better... much better." Toast.

Hope and Patrick walk into Bo's office and show him the handcuffs.

"Oh, for Gods sake," says Bo.

"I know how it looks," says Hope, "But it's none of your business. Not any more."

Bo wants to know where Patrick got the cuffs. Patrick says he borrowed them from Billie.

Bo says, "Billie thought being a cop was a game and that's why she got bounced from the force."

"You're the one whose career is on the line here," says Patrick.

Bo growls. Hope says, "Stop blaming Patrick for every bad thing that ever happened in your life."

"That's not true," says Bo, "I didn't even know him when I met you."

"Keep this up, Brady," says Hope, "And I'll lose any respect I ever had for you."

Billie tells the brat she knows she will like helping people. "I'm fiilliinngg, Mom!"

"Then volunteer for something else," says Billie, "Volunteer to work with kids."

"I can't," says the brat, "I lost my driver's license."

Billie suggests, "Why not dedicate your community service to Zack?"

Stephanie asks if Patch will come and watch her race at the Salem GP. He says he might be rooting for her to come in last, so she will be safe. She says racing is what makes her happy. Patch says he gets it. She thanks him for understanding. Kayla comes in and sees them hugging.

John asks if they can do this again sometime... soon. "It's a date," says Eve.

Sami tells EJ she feels like someone is watching her. She goes to the window and opens it. Fresh air, nothing else. Sami says she will relax and let him help her, "Tomorrow I will be Mrs. Austin Reed and we will be together and happy for all the Days Of Our Lives."

The hand stalks.


Previews
========

Lexie bawls, "Is there anything I can do to make this right?" Abe growls, "Get an attorney."

Shawn says, "You don't want me anywhere near your wife or my child." Phillip says, "You're right. I don't."

Jack says, "The guy is ten years older than you. What are you thinking?" Abby says, "Maybe I'm not thinking. Just like Mom's not thinking with Frankie."

A Little Blonde Rat

Evil Eve crosses the room as John comes into Tek's office. Super sleuth is on the job for Bo. He tells Tek there isn't any way Bo will get Hope back unless John can do some slick undercover work. He thinks one of the officers was responsible for tampering with the evidence.

Eve makes a call, "Detective Brady is still investigating. I need more cash." The hand holds his cell phone and listens.

John calls Tek over to watch Eve, "We have to shut down whoever tampered with the evidence."

Bo seethes as he walks in on Hope and Patrick. Hope tells him this isn't his house any more. Bo looks at Patrick and snorts, "By the way, boy scout, she is still married." He holds up a wad of papers, "Here is my official response to the divorce papers." Bo is lucky Patrick doesn't wad him up like the papers.

Hope tells him she's moving on. "You're not moving on with him," says Bo.

Stephanie is in the pub talking on the phone with EJ. She tells him she is flattered by his offer but not sure. She wants to remain loyal to her sponsor, but her contract is almost up. Lucas comes in and listens as he sits down at Stephanie's booth. EJ pushes her to come over to their side. Stephanie says she hates to bail on people, but agrees this could be the perfect opportunity for her. EJ turns on the charm, "If you work with us, you will leave Max Brady in your dust."

Stephanie caves in, "OK... If you can figure out a deal that makes everybody happy." She hangs up and turns to see Lucas.

Lucas says, "Stephanie, you take that deal and you are crazy."

EJ suggests putting champagne on ice. He says she hasn't completely decided yet, but he thinks Stephanie will accept their offer. Sami comes in and tells Austin to put the work away because they have to plan for the McWedding. They have to make door-to-door invitations. Austin says he is taking the day off. Kate says the business meeting is more important, but EJ backs Austin up. Sami pushes Austin out the door, "It's going to be the wedding of my dreams," squeals Sami.

"It's going to be the wedding of my nightmares," snorts Kate, "This wedding can't happen and you may be the only one who can stop it." EJ stares.

Lucas counsels Stephanie. She's at the start of a big career. ARC has no history and isn't established like big bad Titan. Stephanie reminds Lucas he already has a top driver – Max Brady. Lucas says, "With the turbo we have we'll set racing on its ass."

Stephanie says, "Kate's got Basic Black backing her and EJ wells is the best."

"Driver yes," says Lucas, "Businessman no."

Stephanie reminds him, "He graduated form Oxford."

"I'll take experience over brains any day of the week," says Lucas, "That's how I've lived my life. Except for the experience part. If you ask me, EJ's company is going to go under. They should change their name to Chaos, Inc. If they fail, you'd be stuck there. You'd have to fill out the terms of your contract, and by the time you were free, you might not be such a young hotshot any more, you know?"

"The only reason I'm having second thoughts is loyalty to my sponsor, " says Stephanie.

Lucas says, "Let me tell you something about Kate Roberts, all right? She's a monster."

"You're her son," says Stephanie, "I don't really have that disadvantage."

"She's my mother," says Lucas, "The woman gave me life. I have to give her that, but she's done some disappointing things morally speaking. EJ may have a heavy foot and a pretty face but how well do you know this guy, huh?"

Kate says, "It's the truth. Sami is wrong for Austin." EJ says Austin is capable of choosing a life partner. Kate reminds him about Austin's thing for Carrie.

"Well," says EJ, "In case you haven't noticed, she's very taken. Taken with Austin, that is."

"I've noticed," says Kate.

"Surely you won't want Austin to covet his brother's wife?"

"I want him to move on with someone who doesn't poison everything she touches," says Kate.

"You don't believe Sami has changed," says EJ.

"Only a fool would believe that," says Kate, "That's why Austin believes it. I don't know what Sami has over him. Maybe she's studied the Kamasutra in detail."

"There is something to be said for physical compatibility," says EJ.

Kate says, "I've noticed some compatibility with you and Sami. If you are interested this is your last chance. Take that champagne to her tonight and maybe you'll get lucky."

Sami and Austin kiss. They have been to Kayla's. Kayla can come to the McWedding and will invite Stephanie. Sami is soooo happy. Nothing is going to stop her this time.

Outside the hospital, the brat is on the phone telling Abby what a drag community service is. Lexie walks out and listens. The brat hangs up. She turns to Lexie and says, "That was Abby – sometimes life can be tragic."

Lexie unloads, "You mean like little Zack getting run over by his big sister? The unusual view from the moral high ground frightens Lexie. "And let me remind you cell phones are not allowed in the hospital."

"I'm not inside, she sasses.

Lexie gives her both barrels, "This isn't a scheduled break. Get back to filing."

The brat assures Lexie she will make up for the lost time. She walks back inside and overhears Sami talking about moving the McWedding to tomorrow. "What about your bridesmaid," she asks, "Were you not planning on telling me?"

Bo chucks the divorce papers into the wastebasket. Hope tells him she is going through with the divorce. Bo insists he was set up. Patrick steps in and asks Hope if Bo is upsetting her. Hope tells Patrick it's OK. "Get the hell out," shouts Bo.

Patrick turns to Hope, "I'll be down at headquarters."

Bo goes apoplectic, "HEADQUARTERS?"

"He wants to be a cop," says Hope.

"Over my dead body," says Bo. That could be arranged in about two seconds.

John opens a file. It's the duty roster for 6/29/06. He reads through it, "Who's this?"

"She's new," says Tek, "Her record is clean. She's ambitious."

"In my experience," says the super spy, "When you find corruption, ambition is lurking in the background. Let's run a test. I'm going to set a little trap and see if we can catch a little blonde rat."

Bo wants to know how Patrick thinks he can be a cop, "The ISA sealed his file for Billie, but he worked for the DiMeras." Bo says he will personally take his application to the academy and put it in the trash with the divorce papers.

Hope swears she won't let Bo blacklist Patrick. Bo says he won't have to do anything. The background check will disqualify him. Hope says if she weren't pregnant she would volunteer to be Patrick's partner.

Stephanie knows ARC is competition for Titan, but she has to look out for her own interests. Lucas says Titan has access to Shawn's turbo engine. Stephanie says, "In my movie, I kick Max Brady's butt." She starts to leave.

Lucas tells her he is happy she is back in town. He tells her about tomorrow's McWedding and says he is sure Austin and Sami will invite her. Stephanie didn't know the McWedding was tomorrow. She wonders what the big hurry is.

Kate walks up behind her and says, "Sami wants to get married before Austin changes his mind."

Patrick says he is as entitled as anyone else to be a cop. If Bo tries to stop him he will see him in court. Patrick leaves.

Bo says, "He's a criminal and you're backing him up. It's... How could you sleep with him when you knew I loved you and wanted you back?"

"I decided I didn't like the terms. In your email you made it clear if I spoke out against your daughter, our marriage was over."

"I didn't say that."

"How can you say that," asks Hope, "You are lying."

"I am not lying," insists Bo.

"If it wasn't you, then who," says Hope.

"That's a good question," says Bo.

The brat can't believe Sami moved the McWedding without telling her. She wonders if her bridesmaids dress will be ready. Sami tells her it's all taken care of, "Besides, I am the bride. No one will be looking at you."

The brat says, "I am younger and prettier, and delusional."

"There is no way you are going to upstage me on my McWedding day," says Sami, "Why do you think I asked you to be in my bridal party?"

"Uh, 'cause everyone else said no," asks the brat.

Austin becomes increasingly uncomfortable. He suggests they get going. The brat asks Sami, "By the way, do you have money in the pool? The odds are against you to make it though the 'I do's.' So if you bet on yourself and you actually do make it through... Austin you could be marrying a really rich lady."

"You're jokes aren't funny," says Sami.

"I'm not joking," says the brat, "Rita in accounting is running it."

"Look at this," says Sami, "You're exhausted. You must be killing yourself giving back to the community."

The brat turns to Austin, "And you're actually going to marry her?"

"Yep," says Austin as he hugs her.

"Come on, Austin," says Sami, "I'm tired and need a good night's sleep before the McWedding tomorrow."

"I can help with that."

Sami shoots him down, "One of us has to sleep somewhere else."

EJ comes up behind them, "Samantha, You're welcome to sleep with me." Austin gives him a look. "I see you misinterpreted that," says EJ, "You may sleep in my bed and I will sleep on the sofa." EJ tells them he came down because Sami left the list of McWedding stuff in his apartment. Austin turns down his offer and suggests Sami stay with Carrie and Lucas. Sami don' wanna. They argue about who should stay with whom. Sami decides she can stay with her grandparents at the pub, but reneges when she figures out she, Stephanie and Kayla would be sharing a bathroom before the McWedding.

"This isn't a good idea," says Austin.

"It's not that big a deal," says Sami. Austin relents.

Lexie calls the brat over and wonders why she isn't working. "Be careful," says Sami, "you won't like Lexie when she's angry."

John goes outside and finds Patrick filling out his application. He offers to be a reference to Patrick after all he did to help save Marlena on the island. Patrick tells John the legend of the jilted husband trying to keep the rookie cop off the force.

Bo remembers his email. He didn't say those things. He says he said he would do anything to have a future with Hope. Hope remembers the email saying he couldn't wait to end the marriage.

"All this time that's what you thought," says Bo, "Someone changed the email and I know who did it – It was Chelsea."

Kate wants a private conversation with Lucas. Stephanie leaves. Kate reminds Lucas if she hadn't drugged Brandon he would be married to Sami right now. Lucas plays darts while Kate throw verbal darts. Lucas says he's happy he's married to Carrie. Kate swears the McWedding will implode tomorrow. Kate asks if Lucas even cares that Austin will be ruining his life. Frankly, Lucas doesn't give a damn.

Kate gets a page from the police station. Lucas wants to know what's up with that. Kate says she's on a steering committee for a charity for the PD, "Don't you know my good works never end?"

Lexie tells the brat to get back to work. She asks for time off tomorrow to be in the McWedding. Lexie says she has to take it up with administration.

The brat leaves. Lexie points out most weddings that are this rushed are done so because of an "emergency." Sami assures Lexie this isn't a shotgun McWedding. Lexie wonders if Austin doesn't want to reconsider, "Being married can be such a challenge. It really gets in the way of slumming." Austin invites Lexie to come to the ceremony. Sami stews.

Lexie can't believe it. Austin thinks this could be a new start for both her and Sami. Lexie says she has some important business to attend to and can't make it. Austin speculates Lexie will be doing some research. Lexie says, "Research can lead to some explosive discoveries."

John finishes with Patrick. Tek gives Eve a duty roster to file. She drops it. John bends down to pick it up. "Allow me," says Mr. Smoothie, "I couldn’t help but notice you don't have a gold band on your finger. Are you available later?"

Eve stares at the billionaire. She has never been more available. John gives her his card, "I'll be in touch."

"I hope so," says evil Eve. Kate watches the show. As Eve leaves, she goes up to John and accuses him of hitting on Eve. John says, "Marlena and I are separated." Kate smiles.

Hope says, "Chelsea has damaged our lives so much. I can't believe you suspect her."

"I've always known she was selfish," says Bo, "She wanted us apart to gain my support. But she had that. If she did this malicious, spiteful thing I will never forgive her. Fancy Face, if she did this... will you forget about this divorce?"

Hope says, "You keep saying you couldn't choose you daughter over your family, but you have already done that. What if this is just another lie? Until you can prove you didn't tamper with the evidence, I can't do it. 'I love my daughter and my wife...' you can't have it both ways any more. Bottom line is I am going through with this divorce."

Bo begs her to think about it. The hurt and anger she felt was based on a lie. He tells her to think of what would have happened if she had read what he wrote. For one thing, she would never have slept with Patrick. Hope tells him he has to face the fact that it is over. She is moving on with the divorce, "I'll see you in court." Bo stares and works his jaw.

Kate assumed John would stay with Marlena after he rescued her. He tells Kate he's just having a drink with Eve – nothing more. Kate tells him as she leaves, "Don't have too much fun, OK?"

Kate goes to talk to Evil Eve. She says no one is on to them yet. John could blow them out of the water. He can't find out Eve knows Kate.

Chelsea drops a load of files on the counter. She tells Lexie she has talked to administration and can have the day off tomorrow, "Watching Sami's McWedding could be like watching the Titanic go down."

"That could be an understatement," says Lexie. Sami watches and worries that Lexie has something on her.

EJ asks Sami if she will be staying with him. Sami says yes. EJ says, "If this is your last night as a single woman, we have to make it special, especially if you are spending it with me." Wide-eyed Austin looks on. FF.


Previews
========

Stephanie tells Patch, "I race cars for a living. Mom was about to go to a war zone to practice medicine. We can handle danger. What we could never handle would be losing you again."

Nekkid EJ opens the door. Nekkid Sami says, "Austin!" Austin stands there feeling like a fool because he is fully dressed.

Patrick says, "We are really stuck to each other now. Hope asks, "What are you talking about?"

Evil Eve says, "I'm gonna call it a night." John says, "I was hoping to get to know you better... much better."

Sweetness

The brat has a fit. She tells Billie everything is wrong and she needs her help. Wah-Wah.

Stephanie joins Max in the garage. She offers to help with the car. Max says that's sweet, but she has done too much already. Stephanie wonders if he's nervous about the competition helping, "Or, maybe you don't see me as competition."

"It's not that," says Max, "It's because of the turbocharger. We have a big advantage with it, but there are a few bugs to work out with the patent, like the fact that turbochargers have already been patented by someone else."

Stephanie asks to see the plans. Max accuses her of wanting to get an edge. They struggle and stare at each other. Stephanie says she always has a way of getting what she wants as she feasts her eyes on what she wants.

Patrick comes to Hope's door. Hope bawls, "Thank God you're here!"

Bo is in the pub. He tells Caroline he's not giving up on finding who stole the evidence. Caroline says Hope should know it wasn't Bo. Bo orders a bowl of chowdah. Patch comes in and asks what's up with the investigation. He reminds Bo of their deal. Bo says as soon as gets his life together he's going to help Patch. Too bad... Patch really needs the help. Patch says he's feeling something for Kayla as she walks in the door.

"Hmmm... Maybe this case isn't so cold after all," says Bo.

Austin and Sami are both talking on separate phones. Austin is talking to father Jansen. Sami is making other McWedding plans. There is a knock at the door and Austin answers.

EJ is at the door. Sami tells him they are getting married tomorrow. Kate stands behind him, "No! Please tell me that's not true."

The brat tells Billie her community service assignment is to work as a file clerk at the hospital. Billie wonders why that's so bad, "You should be thanking God you aren't in jail."

The brat plays the 'poor me' card, Oh, you think I'm not feeling guilty enough?" Billie has no sympathy. The brat wonders if Billie could help her postpone it.

"No," says Billie, "Something good may come out of this."

"What, that I can wear orthopedic shoes and be bored all day?"

"No," says Billie, "This could turn into a career."

"No," screams the brat, "You could not pay me enough. I would rather be in prison."

"That may just happen if you don't get down there today," snaps Billie. The brat leaves to enjoy her last hours of freedom. Billie wonders where the embryo-switchers were when the brat was born.

Max grabs Stephanie and tells her she isn't getting what she wants. He takes the plans and tells her they are confidential. She claims she knows everything about the plans and grabs them back. Oops, she grabs Max along with the plans.

Kate has a cow. Austin tries to calm her down. He says he doesn't expect her blessing but it would mean a lot for her to be at the McWedding. Kate agrees to come, "If you're going to persist in this lunacy there is nothing I can do about it."

"Thanks, MOM," sneers Sami.

Kate wonders why they are moving the McWedding up, "Is there some kind of... emergency?"

"NO," says Austin, "We just decided not to wait."

Sami says everything is lined up, but they have some other things to do, including invitations.

Ms. Kate Roberts reluctantly announces the engagement of her son, Austin Reed, to Ms. Sami Brady and requests you to drop everything in order to attend the instant wedding ceremony tomorrow. Disastrous reception to follow. RSVP.

EJ suggests he can help with the music for the McWedding. He knows the lead singer of Blue October. Sami is delighted. Austin thinks they are great. Thanks all around. It's EJ's McWedding gift to them.

Sami asks, "You mean we don't get presents?" They all give Sami a look that could kill. "Just kidding."

EJ says he has had something on his mind he wants to talk to the three of them about. Stares.

Hope didn't mean to lose it, but she's having a hard time today. She just talked to Frankie and asked him to file the divorce papers. She doesn't need Bo's consent or cooperation, "This marriage has been over for a while." Patrick asks if she is sure she wants to do this. Hope tells him maybe she can forgive Bo for lying, but not for stealing the evidence, "It's time for me to move on with my life and focus on taking care of myself and this baby. Our baby."

Bo starts to leave in order to give Patch and Kayla some time. Caroline interrupts and announces the chowdah is on its way. Chowdah sounds good to Patch. Caroline reminds Bo and Patch how they used to play darts at the pub. Kayla picks up on it and tells them how heated their games used to be. They both claim they kicked each other's butts. The gauntlet has been thrown! They agree to a match.

"I'll keep my eyes on you," says Bo.

"I'll keep my eye on the board," says Patch.

EJ thinks they should use the celebrity shots and his notoriety to do marketing. He thinks they should go bigger. The three of them should go into business as equal partners.

Max, Stephanie, closer... closer... she says she was kidding about the plans. The brat walks in, "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

Hope drones, "I thought Bo and I would be together for all the Days Of Our Lives. He is... will always be... the love of my life. I am at peace with the fact this is the only decision I can make. I have to start planning for the future."

Patrick says, "I hope it will include me."

"Of course," says Hope, "You will be a big part of the baby's life." Patrick starts to say something but backs off. Hope tells him she wants them to be able to say anything. Patrick says he wants a relationship, "I want us to be together." Hope stares.

Patch makes a bull's-eye, "And I don't have any depth perception, dude!"

"Or depth, or perception," says Bo as he gets belligerent. They banter around as Bo makes a bull's-eye himself. Billie comes up and compliments the shot and then introduces herself to Patch.

"'Welcome back from the dead.' Is that what you were going to say," asks Patch.

"Something like that," says Billie.

Bo invites Billie to play. Kayla suggests the ladies against the gentlemen. Patch warns her, this is war. He claims he can trace a body with darts, and suggests she should stand against the wall so he can demonstrate. She objects. "Don't worry, Sweetness," says Patch, "I never miss." Dead silence. "What did I do," asks Patch.

EJ lays out the plan. They should build a racecar and sponsor a driver on the national tour. Kate is skeptical but it could be great exposure. Kate wonders if EJ is the driver. EJ says he would rather work behind the scenes, but he has another driver in mind. He says they all have unique skills and would make an excellent team.

Austin and Kate go off to talk it over. They decide to do it. "Who is the driver," asks Kate.

"Somebody you actually know," says EJ.

Max tells the brat Stephanie came by to work on the car. Stephanie suggests Max and the brat could go out and enjoy the beautiful day. The brat pouts and says she can't. She has dreadful community service work to do.

"Oh, that's all. Cool," says Max.

"What do you mean, 'that's all' – Why do you think I said no," asks the brat.

Max says he was surprised when she said she couldn't go. He's glad she got signed up for service just in time. She wishes she could get out of it today. Max insists she got off easy. The brat says Max sounds like her mom.

Stephanie pipes in and tells the brat she used to be a candy striper.

"I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN," says the little snot, "My mom acts like this is a career opportunity. Like I want to be a file clerk."

Max points out, "It's only 200 hours."

"It's 200 hours I don't get to spend with you," whines the brat. EJ arrives at the garage and butts in. He says Max is right. Max points out EJ does a lot of community service work.

"It's a good thing there are people like EJ in the world," says the sarcastic little snot.

EJ says he came to see Stephanie. He has a proposal for her. He wants to go talk in private.

Hope is shocked. Patrick backpedals. He isn't asking for a serious commitment. Just spending time together. Hope says she would like that, too. Patrick is looking forward to being a great father and sharing a future with the baby's mother. Hope doesn’t know what to say. He kisses her.

Kayla gasps, "You called me Sweetness!"

Patch is clueless, "Did I offend you?"

"No," says Kayla, "I was just surprised. You called me that way back when. Maybe this is the start of a breakthrough."

A stranger interrupts and asks for Bo Brady. "That would be me," says the unsuspecting chump.

The guy slaps Bo's chest with documents and says, "Consider yourself served," as he makes a quick exit.

Bo opens the envelope and says, "Hope has served me with a summons to divorce court."

Kayla says, "It's not over yet, Bo."

Bo flashes his teeth, "You're darn right it's not." Bo tears up the papers and storms out.

Stephanie is curious about the proposal. She says they can talk there because they are among friends, and the brat. EJ tells her about the new company and asks to sponsor her.

The brat jumps for joy, "YES!" Then she backs off, "I mean... what a great opportunity."

EJ turns on the sales pitch. Stephanie wonders why her. Because with a driver of her talents and their deep pockets she will win in a male dominated sport. Stephanie says she is flattered, and will give it some thought. EJ pushes. He offers to take her to the training facilities. She agrees.

Stephanie tells Max she will talk to him later. The brat congratulates her as she leaves. She asks Max how he likes this. He says it's exciting but hopes she's not getting in over her head.

"She's right where she wants to be – playing with the big boys," says the brat, "Just not my boytoy. The day turned out better than I thought."

Billie can't believe Hope is going through with the divorce, "She is making a big mistake letting him go." She picks up her chowdah-to-go and leaves.

As Billie leaves Patch tells her, "I'll be around." Kayla asks if he means that. He says he is committed to getting his life back and everything that went with it.

"I'm sure that will happen," says Kayla, "You called me 'Sweetness.'"

Hope acts like she's never been kissed before. Patrick apologizes. He says he just came by to check in and get advice about an idea. He thinks he should get a real job instead of acting in a crummy soap opera. He's considering becoming a cop. Hope thinks he should go for it. He's a natural born cop, and he really doesn't care for doing a lot of work, so he'll fit right in at the Salem PD. Patrick doesn't even know if he could pass the background check. He touches her tummy and tells her what a big difference the kid will make in his life. Hope is grateful too. The Incredible Hulk busts in as they hug.

Sami talks about getting rich. Austin tells her it will be a lot of work. Sami shifts the conversation to the McWedding. It's all set. Austin says, "In 24 hours we'll be husband and wife." Sami sighs and whispers that it's finally happening. The hand stalks at apartment #32. FF.

Previews
========

Hope lectures Bo, "'I love my daughter and my wife...' you can't have it both ways any more. Bottom line is I am going through with this divorce."

John says, "Marlena and I are separated." Kate's eyes twinkle.

Lucas says, "Let me tell you something about Kate Roberts, all right? She's a monster."



EJ tells Sami, "If this is your last night as a single woman, we have to make it special, especially if you are spending it with me." Wide-eyed Austin looks on.

It Was My Last Wedgie

John and Marlena kiss. Marlena tells him she loves him, but the kiss isn't going to change her mind. The separation has nothing to do with John. He says he won't pressure her. He applies more pressure and overdoes the heavy breathing, "I just want to show you how much I love you."

Marlena says, "I know how much you..." His passionate lips seal her mouth shut. Too bad it's not his lips that are sealed.

Jennifer comes in with lunch for Jack so he can fortify himself for the remainder of his miracle recovery. He takes a bite and puts it down. Jennifer asks if he is feeling OK. Jack wants to talk about something besides his health. He suggests she take JJ to the park. Jennifer don' wanna. She hears Frankie at the door and goes to answer it. Frankie hands her a huge bouquet of white and pink roses, "For you, beautiful." Kiss. Jack watches the show and wrinkles his brow.

Abby reads about EJ as Max comes in. She asks him for the job. Max huffs and looks away.

Belle tells Shawn she never meant to cause so much tension between him and Mimi. She tells him her mom and dad are back. They made her realize she and Shawn can't be together just because she is having his baby. Shawn says his life is with Mimi. Belle says it's hard to say goodbye. Shawn thinks maybe they don't have to. Mimi listens outside and stares.

John... Marlena... Afterglow... They love being together. Europe was a lot of fun but there is no place like home.

"I'm not sure what home is," drones Marlena, "That's what I have to focus on. I won't be any good to anybody until I do that."

"I think you did Belle a lot of good," says John.

"She has to decide what she wants and then we will stand by her," says Marlena.

"I always stand by my women," says John.

Marlena assures him, "The separation has nothing to do with you."

"I don't see why you can't find yourself with us under the same roof."

"You said you wouldn't pressure me," says Marlena.

"Can't blame a guy for trying," says John, "You're right, no pressure. If you need to strike out on your own, I'll just take a room at the inn, near to Kate's apartment."

Shawn says they have to say goodbye to their past, not each other. If they can convince Mimi and Phillip their relationship is over they can be a part of each other's lives. Shawn says he married Mimi because he loves her. Now all he has to do is convince Mimi. Now the fact they are having a child makes things harder. Shawn promises they will get through it. Belle tells him a part of her will always love him. She accepts they can't be together. For the moment.

Abby gives Max her verbal resume. Max doesn't know if this is the place for Abby. Abby says she can organize and clean up the place. Max agrees, but asks what about her dad. He wonders if she doesn't want to spend time with him. Abby says she will have evenings and weekends with him. It's just a matter of time before things get back to normal.

"What do you mean by normal," says Max.

"My mom and dad back together," says Abby.

Jack appreciates what Frankie has done for him. Frankie says Jack getting better is all the thanks he needs. Frankie goes into the kitchen for his sandwich.

Jack tells Jennifer if he doesn't make it Frankie will make one heck of a husband. Otherwise she will have two hecks of a husband.

Jennifer says she thinks it might be a good idea to take JJ to the aquarium. Jennifer and Jack laugh about their last trip there. Jack's pants got stuck on the iron gate, "It was my last wedgie." They laugh as Frankie listens.

John calls Joelle and books a suite at the Salem Inn, "Indefinitely... Just me... Dr. Evans will be staying at the penthouse."

Marlena creeps toward her office door. She unlocks it and goes in. Oh, the memories! Or not. She sees her plant has died. She leaves it in place knowing everything in Salem comes back to life at some point. She looks at pictures. Roman comes in and says, "Feels good to be back, huh?"

Max says there is a possibility Jack and Jennifer won't get back together, "We don't know how this will turn out and it's not our call."

"You're right," says Abby, "The three of them will have to figure it out."

Max makes it official. She's hired. She figures now is as good a time to start as any. He asks her to organize his appointment book. He knows he had an appointment today but can't remember who it was. She tells him about EJ coming by earlier. Max forgot. Abby offers to call and reschedule. She's HAPPY to do it. Max leaves and Abby the dedicated employee goes back to the magazine article.

Belle says she hasn't been much of a best friend to Mimi lately. She hopes Mimi will forgive her. Belle thinks when they were growing up together Mimi may have been jealous because her family had money, but more jealous because Shawn was her boyfriend. Shawn wishes he would have known how much Mimi cared about him back then.

Belle asks, "How could we both be so clueless."

"I ask myself that all the time," says Shawn.

They talk about Shawn kissing Mimi in Paris. Back then Belle thought they would be together forever. And now she is jealous of Mimi.

"We all know what that feels like," says Shawn, "When I got home from Jan Quentin with you and Phillip together, that was a shock I thought I would never get over."

"But you did," says Belle.

"I had to pick up the pieces and move on." Mimi continues to listen.

Belle thinks it's good for her to face reality. She gives him a jewel bag, "Its' something you gave me a long time ago."

Shawn looks inside and asks, "Where did this come from?"

"The prop room," says Belle.

Frankie comes in as Jack and Jennifer reminisce. Frankie's phone beeps. He looks at it and says he has to go see Max. Jennifer thanks him for the flowers as he leaves. Outside he turns and looks at the happy scene through the window.

Jack doesn't want to finish his sandwich. "Well then, no pie for you," says the pie nazi. Abby walks in and completes the happy scene. She's exhausted from the five minutes of work she did at the garage.

Marlena and Roman have a joyous reunion. Marlena learned so much about herself in the seminars. "This is so interesting," lies Roman, "Tell me more about it." Marlena wants to use her experiences to help other women. She will start a self-empowerment group at the hospital. Roman thinks that is an incredible thing to do. He fills Marlena in on things. Carrie and Lucas got married. She isn't pregnant, "Just between you and me I don't think she was ready to walk down the aisle with Lucas. I think she still has feelings for Austin, but he is engaged to Sami. And I guess you heard about the IVF SNAFU. I'm sure you will help Belle get through that."

Marlena is distant. Roman asks, "Is something wrong?"

Marlena says, "No, no, no... John and I are separating."

Mimi bumps into Phillip as she comes back to the apartment. He thinks she looks great. She says she has stopped trying to be a victim and take charge of her life. Mimi tells him about talking to a lawyer, "I want to make sure our children are protected... from us."

Shawn looks at the claddagh ring he gave Belle long ago, "I don't get it... you gave it back to me." Belle tells him she swiped it when he was with Jan. Maybe because she thought he would give it to Jan. She was clinging to anything that would give her hope they would get back to each other.

"That's what I wanted when I gave it to you," says Shawn.

"Now I think Mimi should have it," says Belle.

"I wanted to give it to her. I just didn't know where I put it," says Shawn.

"What I have been doing lately is so not great," says Belle.

"Yeah," says Shawn, "On top of everything else, you're a jewel thief. I just want you to be happy."

Belle says she has to leave, but Shawn asks her to stay and continue this tedious scene.

Mimi says, "I want to protect myself and you, too, Phillip. I don't want Shawn hanging around Belle for all the Days Of Our Lives."

Phillip doesn't like that it's come to this. He says he is going to sue Dr. Jaynes but he's starting to wonder, "I think it wasn't an accident."

Mimi asks, "What?"

Phillip says, "I think someone did this to us on purpose."

Roman is confused. He wonders how this came out of the blue. Marlena tells him, "John and I are more in love than ever, but I need space."

"You already have plenty of that in your head," says Roman.

"I want to find myself," says Marlena, "I'm not just John's wife."

"So this is temporary," he asks.

"Oh," says Marlena, "I hope so. With all I've been through it's always been you or John rescuing me, or one of my other husbands. I've lost track of their names. You did so much for me in the castle. You saved my life among other things." Roman says there is no doubt she will succeed in getting her life back on track.

Frankie rushes into the garage. Max tells him he's hired Abby. Frankie thinks that's great. Max wonders how Frankie is doing as a part of the JJF three-way. Frankie says they are dealing with it. He's still getting along with Jack, "Jennifer couldn't handle losing Jack again."

"Where does that leave you," asks Max.

"We're just dealing with it one day at a time," says Frankie, "I don't want to lose her."

Abby thinks this is great. Just like old times. She tells them about her job. She's off to tell the brat her good news.

Jennifer grabs Jack's half eaten sandwich as they share a longing look.

John looks at a picture of him Marlena and Belle as he prepares to leave. He grabs his bag, sets the security, looks around and goes. Pan to a picture of him and Marlena.

Roman says it's good to see Marlena like this, "I can see that old spark in your eyes."

"Get used to the new me," says Marlena, "I have a whole new outlook."

Max asks Frankie what if Jack goes into remission. "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it," says Frankie.

"I hope you have better luck crossing the bridge than Jack did," says Max.

Jennifer pulls away and heads into the kitchen with the sandwich. She stops at the door, considers things, and heads back to Jack.

Mimi doesn't know why they never thought of this before. Phillip doesn't think it was Belle or Shawn who made the switch. Phillip says the more they investigate the more it looks like Dr. Jaynes did not make a mistake.

Shawn thanks Belle for being a part of his life. He's glad they talked. Belle joins the mutual admiration society. But they can never be anything more than friends, "Goodbye Shawn."

"Goodbye." He chases her as she leaves, but stops and stares. FF.

Previews
========

Hope says, "It's time for me to move on with my life and focus on taking care of myself and this baby. Our baby." Patrick looks on.

Bo mumbles, "Hope has served me with a summons to divorce court." Kayla says, "It's not over yet, Bo." Bo flashes his teeth, "You're darn right it's not."

Max and Stephanie are poised to kiss. The brat smiles and says, "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

Austin says, "In 24 hours we'll be husband and wife." Sami whispers, "Finally." The hand stalks at apartment #32.

Here We Go Again!

John comes downstairs and practically dances around the penthouse, "Let's see... I got the coffee, croissants and fresh fruit..." Marlena comes in the front door. John runs over to her. Huge kiss. Well, someone's glad to see her back on the show, anyway. John says he has been missing her like crazy; however, it's only been a couple days. Low tolerance. Marlena tells him the seminars she attended had a big impact. She learned a lot about herself. The time she spent with him in Europe and at Green Mountain was great. She apologizes for what she put him through. Belle walks in. She's glad Marlena is home, too. Yuck.

Abby comes into the garage to see Shawn. They talk about Jack's improving condition. Abby says she needs a job. Office work. "I make great coffee and I type 60 wpm." She could never do Prevuze if she's that slow.

Mimi comes in. Abby leaves them alone. Mimi says she woke up and Shawn was gone. He starts to say something but she interrupts him with a kiss.

Sami and Austin are working. Sami insinuates some papers are missing because Lucas and Carrie are living there. Sami says the problem is more about the fact Austin invited them to live there without consulting her. She says she would have said yes if he had asked. Lucas and Carrie overhear. They come into the living room and tell Sami and Austin not to worry. They are moving out. EJ eavesdrops. No glove though.

Austin tells them they don't have to leave. Lucas thinks it's for the best. He doesn't know where they will go but they will find someplace. Austin and Sami try to convince them they are not getting on their nerves. EJ knocks. He says he overheard the conversation, "I have a proposal – One I think you might like."

Group hug at the penthouse. Marlena tells Belle she is doing better. Belle says a lot has changed since they have been gone. "I'm still nutty as a fruitcake, Phillip is fine now that they got him scraped off the wall at the racetrack, and I'm pregnant. Phillip isn't the father. Shawn is."

Shawn and Mimi kiss. Shawn has to call it off. He has a lot of paperwork to do for the patent. Mimi takes a rain check. Shawn apologizes about what happened at the hospital. He says he is totally committed to her. Mimi says commitment doesn't mean anything if there is no love.

Shawn insists he loves her. Mimi says she knows that but she's afraid he loves Belle more. Shawn says he wouldn't have married her if that were the case. Mimi trusts Shawn, but does not trust Belle, "Next time she throws herself at you what are you going to do?"

"You know," says Shawn, "In the hospital, Phillip wasn't there for her and she was all emotional."

Mimi is shocked, "Belle? Emotional? I can't imagine."

"You are spontaneous and fun," says Shawn, "You inspire me. I want you to be secure in our relationship. I would do anything to make you feel more secure about us... our future."

Mimi says, "Actually there is something you can do."

John serves coffee as Belle explains the baby kerfuffle. Marlena can't figure how this happened. Belle tells them Phillip claims this might not be an accident. He even asked Belle and the surrogate to have an abortion. Belle refused and Phillip went for a drive into a wall.

"Does Phillip think you want this baby," asks John.

"He does," says Belle, "I am happy things turned out this way. Phillip and I are trying to make our marriage work, but I still love Shawn. I really think this is a sign Shawn and I are meant to be together."

EJ suggests helping with the renovation. He has some experience at that kind of thing. Sami encourages them to take him up on his offer. Lucas and Carrie agree. The three of them go to check out the apartment.

Sami is happy they will be out of their hair. She asks Austin if he is disappointed Carrie and Lucas are leaving. Austin stares.

Mimi says she is having a hard time with Belle being pregnant with Shawn's baby. Shawn says they have to make the best of it. Mimi wants to do more than that. She wants a court to decide in advance what the custody arrangements will be.

Marlena can understand how Belle might think this is a sign, but she says it's not. She reminds Belle of the pesky little detail that Shawn is married. John jumps in and supports Marlena, "Shawn's life is with Mimi." Belle threatens to hold her breath. Marlena tells her she has to move on with Phillip. Marlena tries to comfort her but there is no getting through the concrete block into Belle's sub-atomic mind.

Belle snivels and whines. The world will stop turning if she doesn't get her way, "How can I move on when I am pregnant with Shawn's baby?"

EJ thinks things in the apartment aren't too bad. He thinks they can have them back in the apartment by tonight.

Lucas goes to get some work done. Carrie asks EJ why he is really doing this.

Austin says, "No, I am not disappointed by them moving out. I get more time with my fiancée." Kiss. Sami thanks him for last night. She asks if they are really going to get married this time. Austin says he thinks they should do it now, "I think we should get married as soon as possible." Sami squeals and throws herself into his arms.

Marlena tells Belle she needs a time out. The baby wasn't created out of an act of love. She needs to concentrate on saving her marriage. Belle thanks her for talking this through. She knows what she needs to do. Hugs. Belle leaves.

John is exasperated. Marlena feels sorry for Belle. John hopes they helped her, "She takes after her mother whom I love so much."

Marlena is distant. "I know you," says John, "This is about us, isn't it?"

EJ says, "I'm helping you because I'm your friend. That, and the fact that Home Depot is my new racing sponsor." He assures Carrie he will never tell about her little peccadillo. Carrie goes downstairs to meet the contractor.

Lucas comes out. He thanks EJ for the help. EJ asks if Lucas and Austin are close. Lucas says their relationship is rough around the edges, mainly because of Sami. Poor Lucas assures EJ he is happy with Carrie.

Sami is beside herself. She's ready to head for the altar. She has to start planning, "If there is anyone who can plan a wedding in 24 hours or less – I guess I've had a lot of practice. Oh, Austin, I know we are going to be happy for all the Days Of Our Lives." Kiss.

Sami starts making plans. Austin tells her to calm down. Sami wants to tell Carrie and Lucas and make sure they are available for whatever date she and Austin pick.

Now that the work on the apartment has actually started, EJ says he has to go to Max' garage. EJ leaves and Carrie tells Lucas she's glad to get away from Sami and Austin's apartment, "It's difficult being around Austin 24-7, but it does have it's advantages." Lucas says as soon as they finish the apartment it will be Carrie, him and their honeymoon.

Sami and Austin rush into the apartment and give them the wedding news.

Shawn agrees to talk to Mickey about custody, which will assure making a bad situation worse. Mimi is afraid Belle will use the baby as an excuse to worm her way into Shawn's bed. She insists on setting ground rules. Belle walks in and demands to know what is going on, "How dare you have a conversation without me! "

Marlena tells John he is right – this is about them. When she was away she had a lot of time to think. She realizes she isn't the same strong woman she thought she was. Alex abused her. She let that happen. Then there was the whole Stefano/Tony thing. She always turned to John to rescue her. She leaned too much on him. She has to stand on her own two feet. John asks, "So what are you getting at?"

Marlena says, "I need us to separate." John goes catatonic. He staggers backwards, stumbles to the medicine cabinet and grabs his bag-o-pills.

Sami says they can use the date Carrie and Lucas originally requested. Eric can't be there but Sami understands. "So there is no treason for us to wait after all," says Austin as he looks at Carrie.

Abby reads about EJ in a magazine as EJ walks in. He says he is there to discuss the Salem GP. Abby tells him Max and Shawn are unavailable.

"Well, this gives us a chance to get to know each other," says EJ.

Belle can't believe Shawn and Mimi are plotting behind her back. She thinks the four of them should discuss this together. Mimi says they will but she doesn't trust Belle any more. Belle assures her it won't happen again, "I've come to say goodbye to Shawn."

John gasps, "You want to separate? You move pretty fast seeing as how we're not even legally married." Marlena says she loves him with her whole heart. She just needs time and space. John thinks she doesn't need to do something this drastic, "I have lost my center lately. My little act in the church put you and Belle in danger and could have gotten me the death penalty."

Marlena won't change her mind. John asks if she is sure and drops a passionate kiss on her.

EJ tells Abby about running out of gas at Monte Carlo. He hopped out and pushed his car to the finish. Fernando Alfonso was bend him, roaring up on him at 180mph, but EJ got his car across the finish line 1/10th of a second ahead of him.

"So you won," says Abby.

"Technically, no," says EJ, "You have to be in the car to win."

Abby says, "I'm turning into a huge fan."

EJ says, "Actually I have a job for you."

Abby asks, "Really? I just asked my cousin Shawn for a job but he is going to have to ask Max."

"If you ever change your mind, the offer is open." EJ has to leave. He holds her wrist and asks her to tell Shawn he was there. Abby melts as EJ walks out the door.

Carrie agrees there is no reason to wait. Lucas congratulates them. Carrie stares.

Mimi tells Belle she is full of it. She could never say goodbye to Shawn. Belle says it's time to end things between Shawn and her, especially since they have both been married quite a while. She asks for a few moments with Shawn.

Mimi rolls her eyes, "Here we go again!" Mimi leaves, but listens outside the door.

Shawn tells Belle she will be a lot happier with this decision. Belle says it was a hard decision. "Is this really goodbye," asks Shawn. Belle stares. FF.


Previews
========

Roman asks, "Is something wrong?" Marlena says, "No, no, no... John and I are separating."

Frankie hands Jennifer a huge bouquet of white and pink roses, "For you, beautiful." Kiss.

Phillip says, "I certainly think it wasn't an accident." Mimi asks, "What?" Phillip says, "I think someone did this to us on purpose."

Shawn asks, "Where did this come from?" Belle stares.

I Always Have Good Ideas In Bed

Jack wonders when he is getting out of the hospital. Jennifer tells him he can go home now. Jack springs into action but realizes things are complicated between them now that he might live. He says the three of them need to talk about what they are going to do.

Passion on the rooftop... Carrie calls things off. Austin wants to know why it isn't wrong they are trapped in relationships with people they don't love.

Carrie says, "I wonder about that too. I mean, it can't possibly have anything to do with the fact we made our own stupid decisions. But we have to let each other go."

"I'd rather just be wrong," says Austin, "I'm finally realizing love sucks like a DOOL plot. And hurts." He dives back in. It feels right to Carrie. He wants her. She wants him. The Hand lurks.

Sami busts into Bo's office, introduces EJ and asks Bo to dust the envelope and do DNA tests on it. Bo says he has to ask a few questions first. He wants to know if a crime was committed.

"Yes," says Sami, "We believe a DOOL script was delivered in this very envelope." Bo doesn't buy it. Sami says he just has to trust her – it's a personal issue.

Bo stands up, "Sami, why do I get the feeling you are the one hiding something from me? Like maybe you are the one who committed a crime?"

Sami asks, "If I did, why would I bring the evidence to the police? I just need a favor."

Bo is skeptical, "When it comes to you and favors and DNA tests, I get nervous."

"OK," says Sami, "I'll just take it to my dad."

"Yeah," says Bo, "Let's just call him and tell him you are up to something."

Meanwhile, a cop drags Kate in kicking, screaming and griping. Sami bumps into Kate on her way out and finds it interesting she is there.

Kate wonders what Sami is up to. Sami says, "At least I'm not here being questioned like a common criminal. What did you get arrested for, soliciting?"

Kate threatens lawsuits for Sami and the cops. Bo steps up and tells her she was brought in for questioning about a crime. Kate wonders why he didn't just call her. "That would have made too much sense," says Bo.

EJ suggests they leave. Sami is enjoying the show too much. She pulls Bo aside and tries again. Bo says he doesn't have time. Sami begs and Bo gives her two minutes. Sami asks for him to help her with the envelope.

Bo suggests she take it to a private lab. Sami says private labs take forever. She tells Bo if he helps her, she will talk to Hope for him. Bo wants none-o-that. Sami changes course and promises to stay clear of Hope if he helps her. She works him like a puppet. She tells him Austin proposed; this isn't a crime; it's about Austin and how much he means to her.

Bo caves in. He agrees to do the tests, but will bill her for them, "This is the last favor I ever do for you."

Eve comes in and Bo asks her to take the envelope down to the lab. Ever protests but Bo turns away from her and goes into his office with Kate.

Sami says she wishes she knew why Kate was there, but is happy the envelope is being tested.

Carrie whines, "How can I do this to Lucas?"

"The same way you did it a while ago," says Austin, "It's better to do it now rather than in a year or two or ten."

"What will you tell Sami," asks Carrie.

Austin says, "I'll tell Sami I love her but I love you and I want to be with you. I want us to be together forever."

"And I want to be with you more than anything," she whines.

"All you have to do is say yes," says Austin.

Jack says he really did want Jennifer and Frankie to be married. Now that he isn't dead he's sorry.

"You're sorry you're not dying," asks Jennifer.

"No," says Jack, "As long as the drugs work, I'll be able to watch JJ grow up, walk Abby down the aisle... it's just the rest of it."

The nurse brings the discharge papers in. Frankie starts to leave. "Don't you dare," says Jack, "I wish there were some way to clear up this whole mess that I made, but I don't think I should be going home with you. I can't."

Outside, Jack says this isn't his home any more. He decides he'll go to a hotel. Jennifer refuses. She shoves the John Black style bag-o-pills in his face and says it's her job to manage his medicines for him.

"OK," says Jack, "I'll stay in the guest room." Frankie comes inside and offers to help Jack go upstairs. Jack tells him he can help him up to the guest room, "In the eyes of the law I am dead. I made my bed and I will lie in it up in the guest room. I've made this more complicated. Thanks to my timing you haven't even consummated your marriage yet. You..." Oops.

Bo gives Kate the third degree. He asks if she talked to anyone about the missing evidence. Kate says no. Bo says Kate has been protective of the brat. Kate says Bo has too. Bo says, "Yeah, well you thought if Chelsea got off Hope would turn against me and that would mean I am available for your daughter."

Kate protests, "I had nothing to do with the missing evidence. The last I heard Hope was pregnant with Patrick's baby before Chelsea's trial. The next time you want to harass me call my lawyer first!" Kate storms out.

Sami watches the show, "She is hiding something and I think I know what it is."

Jack says he can't believe he brought that up. Jennifer scolds him, "Not that it is any of your business but Frankie and I have not been together since you came back."

Jack says he won't leave them in limbo, "It's time to move on. You married Frankie. You wouldn't have done that if you didn't love him. I want you to live your life with a man who respects you. I'm tired. We can talk about this later... or not. I'll see myself upstairs."

Jack bounds up the stairs like he's ready for the Olympic Pentathlon. Maybe we all should take some of those pills. Jennifer opens the bag-o-pills pills and organizes the bottles.

Frankie says, "He is the one you love and the father of your children. You don't love me the way you do him. We should be glad for the time we had together. Everything is going to be OK."

Carrie turns away from Austin. She says she loves him and always will.

"I hear a huge 'but' coming," he says, "not to mention the one I see walking away from me."

Carrie says, "It doesn't mean it's OK for me to break my vows again. All tonight proves is I was weak."

Austin asks, "You're gong to deny our love?"

"I'm so sorry," she cries.

Austin says, "You don't want to hurt Lucas but you don't mind hurting me over and over again."

Carrie says, "Austin, you shouldn't love me I'm no good for you. Poor Sami has always been compared to me. But she would never do this to you."

Austin rants, "She loves me so much, she loves Lucas and she loves Brandon. Look what she did to them. Look what she did to me."

"You forgave her."

"I'm a forgiving person," says Austin Almighty, "The way I grew up I have to be. I try not to judge people."

"That's strange," says Carrie, "I could have sworn I just heard you being judgmental about Sami. You should judge me. I deserve for you to hate me."

"We both made huge mistakes," says Austin, "I think you are making a big one right now."

"Everything I have done lately has been incredibly selfish," says Carrie, "I won't betray Lucas again tonight. Sami has turned her whole life around to prove she is worthy of you. This can never happen again."

Carrie leaves. Forlorn Austin calls her name.

Sami wonders if Kate has been sending her the notes. EJ suggests Sami should just go directly to Austin. Sami says Kate has obviously done something, "I wonder what Bo thinks it is."

Kate tells a nervous Eve to relax. She thinks all the evidence leads to Bo. Eve says, "Bo Clouseau is a hell of a cop. He won't give up until he solves the case." Kate assures her Bo won't solve this one.

Bo looks at a picture of Hope and dials his phone.

Sami asks Kate, "Well, have you picked out your prison overalls yet?" Kate asks what she and EJ are doing there. Sami says she is planning a surprise for Austin and EJ is helping her.

"What kind of a surprise involves a crime lab?"

Before Sami can snark back, Eve brings in the McDNA tests. Sami looks at the results and says, "OMG!"

EJ asks, "What?"

"They found your fingerprints on the envelope," says Sami.

EJ huffs and starts to walk away. Sami asks him why his fingerprints are there. She remembers handing him the note without the envelope. EJ says, "Samantha you don't seriously think I had anything to do with writing that note."

Sami says no. She also says except for Lucas' no other prints were found and no saliva either. She keeps getting a strange feeling she knows who the person is. The Hand stalks.

Jennifer tells Frankie he was her first love. She meant every word of her vows. So did Frankie, but he won't hold her to them. She tells him she loves both him and Jack. Even Jack wants her to be with Frankie. That upsets her and she is angry with Jack for shutting her out of his decisions and pushing her away when things get tough. She doesn't know what to do. Jack comes downstairs and sees them talking.

Carrie an Austin are back down in the apartment. Austin speculates Sami is working on a presentation and has gone to the copy store. Carrie points out how dedicated Sami is to the business as well as to Austin. She asks if Austin can live with her decision.

"Do I have a choice," asks Austin. They go to their separate rooms.

EJ and Sami return. Sami says the tests were a complete waste of time and money. EJ says her only option is to tell Austin the truth.

Sami says, "Don't worry. I'll come up with another idea. I'll sleep on it. I always have good ideas in bed. I..." Sami chuckles, "Sorry."

"I know what you meant," says EJ.

"You're a really good friend," laughs Sami, "I mean, we haven't even known each other that long."

"Seeing someone buck naked the first time you meet them forms a special bond," says EJ.

"I guess you're right about that," says Sami, "Thank you for keeping my secret and helping me."

"You're welcome," says EJ, "I'd better be going. Tell Austin the truth." He starts to kiss her. Sami's deflector shields come up and it turns into a peck on the cheek. Sami bounces into her room.

EJ hesitates at the door. Carrie comes out of her room and asks what he is doing there. EJ says he ran into Sami downstairs and what with all the business with The Hand he thought he would walk her up. He assures her the eyeful he got up on the roof will go no further. Carrie says, "You must think I'm horrible."

"Actually," says EJ, "I completely understand."

Sami hops into bed with Austin. She kisses him and asks if he is asleep. Not any more. "Austin, I want you to know how much I love you. Thank you for making tonight the happiest night of my life."

Sami starts to get serious. "I just want to hold you," says the worn out Austin.

"I love being in your arms," says Sami, "And knowing we're going to be together for all the Days Of Our Lives."

Austin says, "I have to tell you something."

Kate asks Eve if she found out what the tests were about. Eve says they were testing for fingerprints and DNA, "The envelope only had Lucas' and EJ's prints on it.

Kate asks, "What's that little tramp up to?"

Evil Eve says, "The only one I'm worried about is Bo Brady. This isn't just a case to him. He's not going to give up."

Bo is on the phone with his pal Hank, "I need to call in that favor. The hotel switchboard keeps a record of all the phone calls guests make, right? Yeah... well... that's the problem. I don't have a warrant, and I need the records for Kate Roberts."

Jennifer asks their first job is to nurse Jack back to health. Frankie wonders, "Then what?" Jennifer doesn't know. She says if Frankie wants to leave she wouldn't blame him.

"You want me to leave," asks Frankie, "I told you as long as you want me here I'm not going anywhere." They hug as Jack watches.

Frankie apologizes for pushing her. He says she was right when she said they need to take things one step at a time. And the first step is to help Jack recover. Jennifer says she does love him.

"Do you mean you love me or Jack," asks Frankie,

"Yes." Jack watches as they hug.

Bo tells Hank he owes him one as he looks at Kate's phone records on his computer monitor.

Kate tells Eve no one could know about this as The Hand stalks. The Hand sure gets around.

EJ tells Carrie he knows what it is like to be attracted to someone you can't or shouldn't be with. He thinks Sami would do just about anything to be with Austin.

"That's why Austin and I can never be together," says Carrie, "This is just how it has to be."

Sami asks what Austin has to say and wants to know if she should be nervous. He tells her how much she means to him. She says he means everything to her. She says she thinks she'd die if she lost him.

As Austin looks at her, Sami morphs into Carrie and she says the same thing.

"What are you thinking about," asks Sami.

"My future."

"Oh, Austin." FF Austin.

Previews
========

Abby says, "I'm turning into a huge fan." EJ says, "Actually I have a job for you." Abby asks, "Really?"

Shawn says, "Anything to make you feel more secure about us... our future." Mimi says, "Actually there is something you can do."

John asks, "So what are you getting at?" Marlena says, "I need us to separate."

Austin says, "I think we should get married as soon as possible." Sami squeals and throws herself into his arms.

Love Sucks

Patch comes into Bo's office. Bo wonders how Patch knew where to look for him. Patch tells Bo Kayla told him where he was, "She said you're working yourself like a dog pulling all-nighters on an important case."

"Yeah," says Bo, "I'm trying to save my marriage. Someone stole some incriminating evidence against my daughter and Chelsea got off the hook. Unless I can prove I'm innocent Hope will never trust me again."

"I hate to interrupt but I need your help," says Patch, "I guess you could say I'm trying to save my marriage too."

Phillip joins the clueless quartet at the hospital and wants to know what is going on. Shawn, Mimi and Belle stammer in unison. Phillip leaves to handle the discharge papers and Mimi asks to talk to Belle alone. Shawn leaves and Mimi tells Belle Bonnie read the diary too. She accuses Belle, "You're out to steal my husband, but that would take a better bitch than you!"

Shawn offers Phillip and Belle a ride home. Phillip gets defensive. He tells Shawn he doesn’t need to act like Belle's husband just because she's pregnant with his baby.

"It's not that," says Shawn, "It's just that you don't seem to do too well behind the wheel of a car."

Will has called to say he forgot to take his parental consent form to football camp. Lucas ran off to take it to him. Sami thinks Carrie shouldn't be alone tonight. Carrie says she will be OK and heads for bed. Austin takes her aside and tells her they need to talk. Carrie tells him what they did was a mistake, "EJ caught us making love. What if he tells Lucas or Sami?"

EJ tells Sami her relationship with Austin is in trouble, "You are in danger of losing him to Carrie forever."

Austin tells Carrie they don't have to worry about EJ talking. Carrie prays he is right. She feels guilty. Austin says what happened wasn't a mistake. Carrie says she can't go through with ending her marriage. Austin asks what changed her mind. Carrie can't talk about it. They just have to forget it happened. Austin presses and Carrie agrees to meet him on the roof.

Sami wonders why EJ would say that. EJ says sooner or later the information on what she did will get out. Austin will only forgive Sami if she tells him herself. Sami insists Austin is meant to be with her.

"You're plucky," says EJ, "but I think you're set up for a disappointment."

"I'm at my best when my back is against the wall," says Sami, "No one is taking Austin from me."

Carrie heads for her room and Austin says he has to make an important phone call.

EJ says, "I don't know how many more ways to say this, but you need to get out of your own way. It's your worst fault, among many."

"Among many?"

"You are your own worst enemy," says EJ.

"And you are a fountain of clichés," says Sami.

"You seem to believe you have this power over people," says EJ, "Most people don't even have the power to control their own lives."

Sami says, "I am not gonna lose Austin. I don't care what it takes, or what I have to do."

Meanwhile, on the roof, Carrie and Austin talk about their little indiscretion. Austin doesn't think it was a mistake. It reminded him of a connection they share. Carrie reminds him of her marriage and his engagement. Austin says, "You don't love Lucas the same as me."

Carrie looks confused, "You love Lucas? "

Patch tells Bo he needs answers about who staged his death. Bo tells him the tracks are pretty cold after all these years. Patch thinks DiMera put him on permanent pause. Bo is one of the few people he knows who can help him. He offers to help Bo if Bo helps him. Bo tells Patch, "I've got a little concern about you getting your memory back. You might want to kill me." Patch gives him his Popeye stare.

Shawn tells Phillip he's just trying to be there for him. Phillip thinks Shawn is in La-La land because of the pregnancy. Shawn insists the pregnancy has nothing to do with that. Phillip tells Shawn he will love this baby as much as he does Claire and all of Shawn's other children, too, "I have no reason to be jealous, right?"

"That's... not... really... true," says Shawn.

Mimi accuses Belle of lusting after Shawn because of her raging pregnancy hormones. Belle freaks because Mimi read so much of her diary. Mimi says, "You're trying to convince Shawn to walk out on me."

"I would never do that," says Belle, "I love you and I don't what to hurt you."

"Then why did you fake this performance tonight," screams Meems.

Belle says, "I swear to you..."

Mimi interrupts, "And then you got him to kiss you. And I'm just supposed to stand here and play the part of retarded Stepford wife."

"At least you've got the retarded part down pat," says Belle, "I love my husband."

"You do not," says Mimi, "And that is something else you need to admit. I don't owe you anything. It might not be your fault the eggs got switched, but you couldn't have asked for anything better. You are using that to break up two marriages. There is one thing you will never have for all the Days Of Our Lives and that is my husband!"

Patch asks Bo why he might want to kill him. Bo tells him he is the reason he is wearing the patch. He tells him about being in the merchant marine together, and about Britta. They both fell in love with her, got drunk one night and got into a brawl over her. Flashback.

Patch says Kayla told him the whole story, but he knows he forgave Bo. They decide they are like brothers. Patch says things are cleared up. They decide to help each other and seal the deal with the underhand, spiral-arm buddy shake.

Carrie says when she came to Salem Belle had just had a baby. She felt like her whole life was passing her by.

Austin says, "I don't think Belle and Phillip are totally happy. I don't understand."

"I've only been married a couple days," says Carrie.

"And I think it's commendable how long you waited before cheating," says Austin, "We can't get away from this. I don't want to. What you and I have was sent by God to last a lifetime."

"I cheated on you just like I cheated on Lucas," says Carrie, "What is wrong with me?"

Austin thinks for a few seconds, "Nymphomania? "

"I promised if I got married again I would honor my vows forever and now I have broken them," whines Carrie.

"Your whole relationship is a big lie," says Austin.

Carrie says, "Down in the apartment I realized I can't do this to Lucas. And what about Sami? Are you going to renege on your proposal? You nave never told her no in your entire life. Are you going to do that?"

EJ continues to work on Sami. Same stuff we've heard before. He wanes philosophical, "A tree that owns it's own dirt is the one that cannot be unearthed."

Sami doesn't understand that any more than the rest of us do. She finally figures out she knows what to do, "I don't have to tell anyone the truth about anything."

Belle says Mimi can call her whatever she wants but they both know this isn't the real Mimi. Mimi accuses Belle of having second thoughts as soon as she was married, "But I am married to Shawn and you have L-O-S-T!"

"You have forgotten one thing," says Belle, "I am pregnant with Shawn's baby and that changes everything!"

Shawn says Phillip has every right to be jealous. Phillip asks, "How are you going to deal with the fact that I am going to raise your child with Belle?" Shawn stares.

Sami has on rubber gloves. She opens the envelope and removes the letter. She tells EJ she will take the envelope to the police station and have it checked for fingerprints. EJ thought she didn't want to go to the police. She says she will show them the envelope, but not the note. EJ thinks it might be dangerous to track down the guy.

"I'm not afraid," she says, "Nobody blackmails Sami Brady and gets away with it."

EJ wonders if she is going to the police station at this time of night. Sami figures there will be fewer people there to ask questions. EJ thinks Austin might wonder where she is. Sami says, "I will think of some lie to tell him. I am buying an insurance policy for my future with Austin."

Carrie wonders how Austin will break the engagement. Austin knows this could send Sami spiraling in the wrong direction, but it will help her and Lucas get back together. He will never feel for Sami the way he feels for Carrie.

"Sami and I are close again for the first time since we were kids," says Carrie, "I promised her I wouldn't come between you two. Lucas doesn't want Sami. In a perfect world you and I could be together but it's not gonna happen. This is how it has to be."

"If this is the last time we are together," says Austin, "Then I want something to remember you by." Kiss.

Bo tells Patch whoever did this is clever enough to frame him. Patch wonders if it was Chelsea. Bo doesn't think so. He thinks it's an inside job. Patch wonders about the mother. Bo says, "Billie wouldn't do something like this... But I know who would! This could be my best lead and I have you to thank for it."

Mimi says, "Well there it is... Belle's big admission. Your unborn child will change everything. You have to stop that kind of thinking. The fact is Shawn and I are still married. He is still my husband and that will never change. I don't know what it is about spoiled princesses like you." Belle has had enough. She starts to leave. Mimi stops her, "You are not going anywhere until I say what I have to say to you, Miss Salem High Homecoming Queen."

"I know you are afraid of losing Shawn," says Belle, "I would never hurt you. I know I have made mistakes. I am only human, but it is time for me to fix those mistakes before it is too late."

"It is already too late," yells Mimi, "You can either stay with Phillip or be alone, but keep your filthy hands off Shawn."

Shawn doesn't know how he will deal with Phillip raising his kid. But he knows they all will have to live with that situation. Shawn insists Phillip has nothing to worry about, "Belle loves you."

Phillip says, "Vivian Alamain stole my mother's egg. How much did Dr. Jaynes have riding on this? A lot – still no one can explain it. It's a pretty big coincidence. You and Belle have the baby you always used to dream about and I think maybe somebody did it on purpose."

Mimi rants, "This is war, Belle. You think you have me fooled. You're the reason I lost Rex and I won't let you be the reason I lose Shawn. He's all I've got. The day you do anything to come between us, God help you!"

Phillip believes somebody switched the eggs. Shawn thinks it's impossible. He wants to know who would have done it. Phillip says he doesn't have the answers, but he thinks someone did this to ruin their lives. The Hand stalks.

Carrie insists they can't do this. Austin knows it's wrong, "But why isn't it wrong for us to be trapped in relationships with people we don't love?"

Carrie says, "We can't be this selfish."

"What about our pain," asks Austin, "Love sucks. It hurts." He goes in for more sucking and hurting.

Bo is on the phone, "I don't care what time it is... Bring Kate Roberts in for questioning." Bo thanks Patch as he leaves.

Sami and EJ rush into Bo's office. She asks him to dust the envelope and do a DNA test on the saliva on the envelope. Bo asks if there was a crime committed. Sami tells him no. She asks him to trust her.

Bo chuckles, "Trust you?"

"I need the results right away," says Sami.

Bo asks, "Why do I get the feeling you are hiding something – like maybe you are the one who committed a crime?" FF Bo.


Previews
========

Jack tells Jennifer and Frankie, "I wish there were some way to clear up this whole mess that I made, but I don't think I should be going home with you. I can't."

Austin says, "Say yes." Carrie mumbles, "I want to be with you."

Kate asks, "What's that little tramp up to?" Evil Eve says, "The only one I'm worried about is Bo Brady. This isn't just a case to him. He's not going to give up."

Sami holds a dossier in front of her and says, "OMG!" EJ says, "What?"

Hormone Overdose

Bonnie dances as loud music rocks the room. There is a loud knock at the door. Kate comes in and tells her the TV is too loud. Bonnie says she was trying to distract herself. She offers Kate a drink.

"No," says Kate, "I don't want a drink."

Bonnie says, "My recommendation is scotch... rocks. Because after I fill you in on the disaster our kids' marriages have become, you're going to need it."

Mimi says she saw Belle and Shawn kissing. She lectures Shawn on honesty. Shawn agrees they should get everything out in the open. Mimi starts by quoting Belle's diary. Belle stares in disbelief.

Kayla pouts in the pub. Stephanie comes in and sees her. Kayla asks if Stephanie was having trouble sleeping. "No," says Stephanie, "it's love." Kayla is drowning her sorrows in Grandma Caroline's chocolate heartbreak cake. It's not helping.

"Does being in love always hurt this much," says Kayla.

"It doesn't have to," says Kayla, "But I'm afraid it does seem to be part of the deal."

Patch slams a longneck onto the counter. Della sashays over to him and asks, "Drowning your sorrows huh, how's that working out?"

"It's not," growls Patch.

"Why don't we go home," says she asks.

"If I can just figure out where that is," he says.

Lucas hugs Sami and tells her he's with Carrie for the long haul. Austin and Carrie show up holding a sack. EJ comes in and takes it from him, "Ahhh... My favorite – pastries."

Austin says he couldn't sleep and thought they needed something for the morning.

"You were at the bakery," asks Lucas.

"Wherever I was, something was cookin' ," Says Austin.

"Where were you, Carrie," asks Sami.

Carrie says she was on the balcony and the fire escape. Lucas says he was worried about her. He's glad she's OK.

They pass the pastries around. EJ talks about how romantic Paris is. Lucas suggests he and Carrie should go there.

Sami thinks she and Austin could do that too. EJ can suggest some places to go. He'll start planning for them "tout de suite."

Bonnie and Kate drink. Bonnie unloads the big one, "Belle is having Shawn's baby and Phillip got Mimi pregnant at the same time." That got Kate's attention. Bonnie fills Kate in on the IVF SNAFU. Kate can't believe Phillip didn't say anything to her.

Bonnie says, "Phillip probably wasn't comfortable about that and, besides, he wasn't very talkative while they were scraping him out of Max' racecar." Kate asks for another scotch.

"More scotch and more bad news," says Bonnie, "Earlier tonight Mimi saw Belle's diary. Belle still wants to be with Shawn."

"That little witch," says Kate.

"I'd change the 'w' to a 'b' or something worse," says Bonnie.

Kate says, "We're going to stop her before she can get started. This is war."

Mimi is ready to explode, "Did I read right Belle?"

Belle is shocked, "I can't believe you read my diary."

Mimi's on a roll, "You don't get to be indignant with me. Wanting someone's husband trumps reading a diary. I just went to read my email, and the diary came up on your computer for all the world to see. And what's more, I'd do it again. You said you still love Shawn. Really nice, Belle. What a good friend you are."

Shawn tries to calm her down. He'd have more luck stopping a locomotive with his bare hands.

"SHUT UP," says Mimi. "I came in here and found you kissing Belle!" She trains her artillery on Belle, "Do you not care who you hurt? I want you to finally admit to my face you are still in love with my husband." Belle stares.

Kayla and Stephanie decide to be two girls who are unlucky in love. Stephanie says, "He's gotta come back, Mom."

"I don't know," says Kayla.

Stephanie turns on the radio, "If your heart comes out tonight" plays. She remembers this song. Kayla says it's Patch's favorite song.

Della tells Patch, "Cincinnati is your home. And when it's time for bed you know just where you belong."

"Yeah," says Patch, "That's my life. It just doesn't feel real anymore. I miss her. She's only been gone a couple hours and I miss her."

"That's amazing," says Della.

"What," asks Patch, "That I miss her so soon?"

"No," says Della, "That you can leave this bar, drive to the airport, check your bags, get through security fly to Salem, get your bags, drive to the pub and spend half the night pouting in just two hours."

The group finishes the Danish buns. EJ and Austin talk. Austin thanks him for keeping his mouth shut. Austin says, "I just want you to know, I am the one who initiated it."

EJ says, "I'm friends with all of you. What would I achieve by saying anything. You don't need to be grateful. There is a purely selfish reason for me keeping my mouth shut."

Sami and Carrie talk. Sami thinks Carrie's situation is unfair. She knows Carrie wanted the baby. Carrie thinks Sami has turned out to be a great mom. Sami can't believe how things worked out, "You and Lucas are married and happy and me and Austin are engaged... You know, you are Will's step mom now. He will need you."

Carrie sighs, "Will is almost grown up. And I was already his aunt. Now knowing I can' never have children... "

"I'm sorry," says Sami, "I wish there was something I could do to help make you feel better."

"No need," says Carrie, "Austin already took care of that."

Bonnie tells Kate Mimi went to the hospital to confront the two-timers.

Kate takes a step back, "Bonnie... Do we really know Shawn is open to Belle making advances to him?"

Bonnie says, "Are we watching the same channel here? Belle is pregnant with Shawn's baby. Shawn wants kids, loves kids, mentally is a kid, and Belle will use this pregnancy and milk it for all it's worth. And I am gonna make her pay so bad..."

Kate calms her down. Bonnie wonders where Phillip is, "He knows he shouldn't be away this long. Doesn't he know who he is married to – BELLE!"

That was Phillip's cue. He walks in and asks, "Is there a party going on here I don't know about?" Kate asks him about the wreck. He tells them he is fine and wonders what they are doing here. "Do you know what time it is," asks Phillip.

"Time for some people to wise up," says Bonnie, "Or maybe it's time for me to get up and get going."

"No," says Phillip, "Will someone tell me what's going on?"

Mimi rants, "I saw this coming but poor Phillip had to have it shoved in his face, along with the windshield of Max' car. Just what a war hero with one leg and no brain needs, huh? You still love Shawn and now that you can't have him you've decided you want him back. Admit it."

Shawn tries to calm her down. Fat chance.

Shawn says in a very deliberate measured tone, "Dear... you walked in on me and Belle..."

Mimi nukes, "KISSING! I WALKED IN ON YOU KISSING! What explanation could there be for that – Kissing is good for the baby?" She turns to Belle, "Look me in the eye and tell me that you are still in love with my husband."

Belle is delighted to comply, "YES-I-AM! I will probably always be in love with Shawn."

Kayla turns the radio off. She says to Stephanie, "Patch was so much fun. You were cheated out of a lot of things." Stephanie says at least she got to see him. Kayla decides she has to move on.

Patch fiddles with the jukebox. "If your heart comes out tonight" plays.

Della wonders, "Why are you playing that crap song? My Nick would never play music like this. I've never heard this song before."

Patch explodes, "It's on the juke box, Della."

"No one has ever played it before," says Della, "You really like this tune."

"It seems like I've heard it before," says Patch.

"I guess you're remembering your past then," says Della.

Patch says, "Look, Kayla..."

Della's heart sinks, "What did you just call me? I've lost you haven't I? Are you saying goodbye Nick? Or is it Steve now?"

Bonnie claims she is just there watching the baby. Kate tells Phillip Belle is at the hospital. Look out, hospital, the Marines are on the way.

"Nice job, baby," says Bonnie.

"That couldn't have gone better if we had planned it," says Kate.

Bonnie says, "Let's just hope Mimi reads Belle the riot act."

The riot act definitely continues at the hospital. Belle isn't ashamed of her love. She reminds Mimi she and Shawn were a committed couple for a long time.

Mimi goes apoplectic, "Yes, but now you are married to Phillip. Did you miss the part in the wedding ceremony about forsaking all others and cleaving unto Phillip because when I walked in you were cleaving unto Shawn!"

Belle pulls her defense out of the bag, "When I wrote that in the diary I was taking hormones. Right after I wrote that I called my doctor. I knew my feelings were wrong. It was reminding me of my PPD and it scared me to death. The only way I felt like I could control it was to write it down. It thought it was private."

Mimi turns sarcastic, "I shoulda known it wasn't your fault. But nothing ever is, is it? So this thing you have for my husband is just a hormone overdose? Is that why you were kissing Shawn? Are you going to blame that on the hormones too? Don't lie to me and don't try to explain. I saw you kissing. Both of you seemed to be enjoying it."

Belle whines, "You have to let me explain. That's not what it meant."

"How stupid do you think I am," asks Mimi.

Belle invokes her fifth-amendment privileges on that one, "When there is a life inside of you... you want it to live. I was terrified. The cramps started to go away and I grabbed Shawn out of happiness. It didn't mean what you think. Shawn was as surprised as you are. I was surprised too."

Mimi turns to Shawn, "Is that how it happened?"

"Yeah," says Shawn, "That kiss wasn't out of love. You are my wife and I love everything about you. You changed my life. I want to spend all the Days Of Our Lives together. So what you walked in on is nothing you have to be worried about. I love you completely."

Belle cries, "That was wonderful, Shawn. You sure can shovel the BS when you have to."

Stephanie thought when she met the right guy everything else would be easy. She won't tell Kayla who the guy is, though. She's going to keep her mystery man a secret until she figures out what to do or gives up. Kayla thinks maybe this guy isn't the one. Stephanie assures her, "He is."

"Your father is the only one for me," says Kayla, "But if it's not meant to be, I'm not going to stay locked up. I'm not giving up, but I am going to be happy again. And you will too, if not with this guy with someone else who is right for you."

Stephanie wonders, "Where is this other guy?"

"He will find you," says Kayla, "Why don't you try to go up and get some sleep?"

"I love you."

"I love you more."

Stephanie goes upstairs. Kayla turns the radio back on. The same song plays. It's a low-budget station.

Kate thinks there is just one thing that doesn't make sense, "Two eggs fertilized. The hospital mixed it up. What are the chances of that being an accident?"

"I'm an odds expert," says Bonnie, "I'd say zero."

"I think you are right, Bonnie," says Kate, "What if it wasn't a mix-up? What if someone did it on purpose?"

Bonnie asks, "Why?"

Kate says, "To hurt our children."

Mimi says she wants to believe Shawn. Phillip rushes in. Belle assures him everything is OK. He tells her his new leg is OK. Phillip senses something is wrong. He asks what's up, "Meems, you wanna tell me what's going on?"

The music plays. Kayla sees Patch at the door. She opens it. "I'm glad you're up," says Patch, "Can I come in?"

"Why are you here," asks Kayla, "I thought I... must be dreaming."

"You probably are," says Patch, "Listen, I still don't remember, but you got to me, Kayla. You weren't gone more than a couple minutes when I realized I couldn’t let you get away. I want you... if you'll give me a chance."

She shushes him. Kiss. Stephanie comes down and sees and smiles.

Lucas thanks Sami for her support. He's glad Carrie and her are getting along.

Austin tells EJ, "It's so hard. Everyone warned me I would break Sami's heart. She thinks she needs to be a better person for me. I really do care for her."

EJ asks, "But she's not Carrie, is she?"

"No," says Austin, "What am I gonna do?"

Lucas' cell phone rings. He turns to Carrie, I really have to take this. You are married to a very important man, with delusions of grandeur."

Austin goes over to Carrie, "We've gotta talk."

"Yeah, we do," says Carrie, "I'm sorry. I can't do this. What happened can't ever happen again – until the mood hits me."

Carrie goes over and gives Lucas a little peck on the shoulder. Carrie stands by her man as he talks on the phone.

Sami tells EJ she can't ruin that. She tells EJ Carrie and Austin had a difficult marriage, "But it's different now. We're all going to be happy." She admires her ring, "Austin gave this ring to me because he loves me and wants to marry me. I'm not going to ruin everyone's happiness by telling Austin the truth..." She lowers her voice to a whisper, "about my little secret."

"What about the letter writer," asks EJ.

"Maybe they'll stop when I'm married," says Sami, "I have this under control. She goes over and hugs Austin. Carrie and Lucas hug. EJ watches the hug fest and shakes his head. FF EJ.


Previews
========

Bo tells Patch, "I've got a little concern about you getting your memory back. You might want to kill me."

Sami tells EJ, "I am not gonna lose Austin. I don't care what it takes, or what I have to do."

Austin tells Carrie, "You've got no business being with my brother. You don't love him."

Mimi tells Belle, "There is one thing you will never have for the rest of your life and that is my husband."

Phillip tells Shawn, "You and Belle have the baby you've always used to dream about and I think maybe somebody did it on purpose."

This Won't End Well

Stephanie looks into the pub as Max and the brat sit alone and enjoy a meal. Stephanie pouts. The brat can't believe he did this. She tells him she did what she did at Dune to make him jealous. She says she never should have listened to the advice in the magazine.

Max says, "It was probably written by someone who has never had a long-term relationship in her life."

"It was written by a guy," says the brat, "I figured a guy would know what guys want. I know you said you are sick of me playing games but you are playing them too. Why do you keep hanging out with Stephanie?"

"I just lost an expensive car," says Max, "If you don't want to stay friends..."

"That's not what I want."

"Then let's move on," says Max, "That is, if you want to."

Shawn and Belle share a hot kiss at the hospital. Shawn calls it off. Belle puts on a sales pitch, "We can't keep denying the way we feel."

"Have we ever denied it," asks Shawn, as he goes in for seconds.

Mimi comes into the hospital.

Carrie and Austin maul each other on the rooftop. Carrie begs him to make love to her. Austin is game. He spreads a blanket and Carrie disrobes. EJ opens the door and soaks it in.

Lucas almost kisses Sami. He decides to check on Carrie, knocks on the bathroom door and gets no answer. No one is inside. Sami wonders what is going on up on the roof. They head upstairs, but bump into EJ. He tells them if they are looking for Carrie and Austin, he just saw them, "You are too late."

EJ says Carrie and Austin are finished cleaning up on the roof. He also says they weren't together. Lucas is skeptical. He and Sami decide to go up and check. As they start to run upstairs EJ tells them to wait.

Austin and Carrie aren't waiting for anything. Austin promises he will never leave her. He certainly isn't leaving now, anyway.

The brat wants a relationship with Max. Odd as it may seem, Max is glad to hear her say that. Stephanie busts in and says she is glad to hear that too. She claims she isn't after Max. She will use his distraction to her advantage on the track. Max and Stephanie argue about who is the best racer. The brat claims Max will win every single race for her. Smooch. Steph steams.

Shawn calls it off again. Belle is ready for more. She is carrying his baby and they should never have been separated to begin with. She has never stopped loving him. He says he tried to get back with her but then moved on. Belle says she couldn't move on. She doesn't want to hurt Phillip. He and Mimi deserve to be with people who love them with all their hearts. Shawn says the right thing to do is stay with their respective spouses. Belle claims she gave her marriage an honest chance but she could never fall completely in love with Phillip because she is in love with Shawn. She knows deep down Shawn wants to be with her. Shawn shakes his head and goes in for more.

Mimi stops at the nurses' station and asks where Belle is. The nurse gives her directions. Mimi goes in and gets there in time for the show. She sees what's going on and freaks. She rips back the curtain and says, "OK... can you tell me what's going on here?"

EJ tells Sami and Lucas they are wasting their time by going up there. He thinks Lucas should give Carrie some space. He wants to know why they think he would be lying to them. Sami tells Lucas if it were her he would have reason to be worried because he thought she had cheated on him the night before their wedding. EJ gets the idea he may be interrupting something.

They say he's not. Sami says, "Lucas is paranoid. He doesn't trust anyone... certainly not me." She turns to Lucas, "You think I am interested in EJ. Helloooo. I don't know why you care in the first place."

I care because of Will," says Lucas, "You are just as paranoid as I am something is going on up there." As the saying goes, sometimes paranoids are right.

Sami claims, "I'm not paranoid, I'm insecure. I always have been."

EJ says he keeps telling her she has nothing to be insecure about.

"That's her M.O.," says Lucas, "She's insecure so she does something stupid, and then she does something even more stupid to cover up for what she did, and that makes her even more insecure."

EJ thinks Sami needs to break that vicious cycle. Lucas thinks EJ must be sick of all this. EJ claims not, what with all the drama he has seen in England with the royals.

Sami claims this time it will be different. Lucas goes to see if he can find Carrie.

EJ asks what all that was about. He wants to know why she is fighting so hard for Austin when she obviously has feelings for Lucas.

"Sami explodes, "I don't have... I have regular feelings for Lucas. I am in love with Austin. I always have been and I always will be." She wonders if Austin has found out.

"No," says EJ, "When I saw him he didn't look upset about anything. Just remember, I'm here if you need me."

"Thank you, EJ."

Austin, Carrie, afterglow. Carrie can't believe they did this. She hasn't been this happy since the last time they were together. Austin says when he lost her he thought he would have to settle for something less.

"Boy," says Carrie, "That would really be the bottom of the barrel. Do you know how many times I've dreamt that this would happen?"

Austin chuckles, "A lot I hope."

Carrie has an epiphany, "OMG! What about Lucas and Sami?"

"Who," asks Austin, "Oh, no, no, no. It feels right because we love each other. We'll figure out what to do. But for now we're together. It was always meant to be." The rooftop door opens as Carrie and Austin hit the smorgasbord again.

Stephanie excuses herself as Max and the brat kiss. Outside, Abby runs into her. Abby is happy that the experimental treatment worked on Jack. It's not for sure, but she's optimistic. She was jealous of Stephanie getting her dad back. Stephanie is distant, and asks what about Frankie. Abby tells her even Frankie admits he is toast. He says his marriage to Jennifer is null and void as all Salem marriages seem to be. Stephanie tells Abby Max and the brat are inside if she wants to share the news. Abby turns and watches the show.

Shawn claims nothing is going on. Belle says she is feeling much better. Mimi is sooooo thrilled. Belle says, "I know this is hard for you. You can go home if you want to."

"Are you trying to get rid of me," asks Mimi.

Dr. Ross interrupts. She has the test results. Belle whines, "I'm not losing the baby am I?"

Austin says when they both came back to Salem it felt like going back in time. He thinks going forward they can make it better this time. All he has ever wanted is her. Carrie thinks she ruined everything. She wonders how they can have a future. He insists they can and will. Kiss. EJ has somehow beaten Lucas up the steps. He opens the door and spoils the mood. He tells them to be more careful. Austin thinks he is spying on them.

Carrie gasps, "It just happened." It certainly did.

EJ tells them Lucas and Sami were on their way up and he diverted them.

Carrie freaks, "OMG! If they had seen us!"

"They would have found out the truth," says Austin. He tells Carrie they have to come clean with Lucas and Sami. That's what Carrie wants, too. EJ says he would reconsider doing that, "It will kill them." Carrie agrees with EJ and says they don't want to hurt Sami or Lucas. Austin argues.

EJ is feeling uncomfortable. He says they need to make a decision now. Austin doesn't want to make it worse by lying. Carrie thinks they should break it to them gently.

EJ has an idea, "I need you to act fast and trust me, OK."

Lucas dresses. He can't find Carrie. Sami can't find Austin. Lucas is worried, "Carrie is fragile right now. She just found out she isn't pregnant." Sami is sorry for both Carrie and Lucas.

Lucas thanks her for her support. He says he cares about her too, "Actually... I love you. Don't act surprised that I said that. We almost... we share a child and will always have that connection. I'm sorry because it didn't work out."

"You mean because I have changed," says Sami, "You are always ready to accuse me of something."

"And you keep proving me wrong," says Lucas, "If I would have seen this side of you before, maybe things would have worked out. Part of me will always love you. I'm happy with what you have become."

"Don't say that," bawls Sami.

"Why can't I say that," asks Lucas.

"I'm a total fraud."

Stephanie turns away. Abby thinks things worked out for Max and the brat. Stephanie encourages her to go in and share her news. Abby goes inside and tells them. Max thinks this calls for a celebration. Abby doesn't want to interrupt. The brat insists. Abby suggests inviting Stephanie. The brat seethes as Abby goes to get her.

Dr. Ross tells Belle, "The baby is just fine. Sometimes during a pregnancy, stretching the uterus can cause cramping. And as we have learned, no matter how rare the condition, it will happen to you." Belle is happy everything is OK. Dr. Ross says she will write a prescription for extra iron and have the nurse bring some samples in. Throw a little Prozac in those pills, Doc.

"Now you can call Phillip and give him the good news," says Mimi. The nurse comes in with the meds. Her mouth is running like Max' well-tuned racecar, "I guess your husband's tender loving care meant good news. Kissing is good medicine."

It's rare, but Mimi gets it, "Phillip Is here?"

Nurse Numbskull says, "I thought your name was Shawn." She sees we have a situation brewing here, tosses the meds at Belle and takes a hike.

Mimi asks about the kissing incident. Belle stares. Shawn stares. Mimi gives a look that could kill.

Abby invites Stephanie in. Stephanie isn't sure. Abby convinces her.

Max tells the brat this has been an incredible evening. The brat is happy Max invited both Abby and Stephanie to share their intimate evening, "Tonight should be about Abby, not us." The girls come in. Max takes Stephanie aside. He's glad she is joining them. He's sorry about the incident at the garage. Stephanie says what upset her more is the brat ruined a very expensive tube of lipstick. Stephanie asks if he wants him to show up at the garage tomorrow. Max thinks he's taking advantage of her if he asks her to do that. Stephanie claims maybe she is taking advantage of him.

Abby tries to talk to the brat, but Chelsea can't take her eyes off of Max and Stephanie, "It's not that I don't trust Max, but... I'm sorry, I still think she is after him."

We have an uncomfortable moment in Belle's room. Shawn says he can 'splain. Mimi says she saw them kissing, "It wasn't just a friendly kiss." She unloads on Shawn, "I know how important honesty has always been to you, so I say it's time we were honest about everything. What do you say?" Shawn stares.

EJ suggests they all go downstairs. Carrie thanks him for covering for her. EJ thinks things come out in the wash. He doesn't envy any of their positions. Carrie climbs down as EJ wishes her luck.

"I always say I have changed," says Sami, "I said it to Brandon, Austin and you."

Lucas says, "You have turned your life around. You've changed."

Sami yells, "I am still the same lying, manipulative bitch that I have always been!"

"You are not that way any more," says Lucas, "You have everything you could ever want. A great job, a good relationship with your son and the man you have loved since you were fifteen."

"I know it won't last," says Sami, "He will leave me on my wedding day."

Austin and Carrie come in and listen as Sami goes off the deep end. She tells Lucas she knows Austin has feelings for Carrie. Lucas claims he is with Carrie for the long haul.

EJ walks by and listens, "This won't end well." FF.


Previews
========

Mimi says, "Look me in the eye and tell me that you are still in love with my husband." Belle looks her in the eye and says, "YES-I-AM!"

Kate asks, "What if it wasn't a mix-up? What if someone did it on purpose?" Bonnie asks, "Why?" Kate says, "To hurt our children."

Patch tells Kayla, "I want you." No argument from Kayla. Kiss.

Sami tells EJ, "I'm not going to ruin everyone's happiness by telling Austin the truth..." She lowers her voice to a whisper, "about my little secret."

Somewhere, on the outskirts of Salem, deep in the shadows, a husband kisses his own wife.

Good Lord Almighty!

The air conditioning is still off in the sweltering apartment. Beads of sweat form on Mimi's forehead like a DOOL plot ever so slowly oozing out of a TV screen. The intrepid babysitter comforts Claire as Bonnie comes to the door and asks if she is alone. Mimi is upset Bonnie woke up Claire. Bonnie has been on the phone with Patrick and wonders what is going on. Mimi tells her she is babysitting. Bonnie helps herself to a beer from the fridge. She thinks leaving Shawn with Belle is a bad idea. They argue. Mimi tells her she is never listening to her again.

Belle isn't feeling any better. Much to her dismay, the world continues to turn anyway. Shawn wants to help. He'll call her parents or Phillip or Carrie or Sami... Belle just wants Shawn.

Sami sleeps. Sami dreams. Austin joins her in bed. He tells her she looks sexy as he morphs into Lucas. Dreamin' Sami says, "Lucas, I want you so much." The feeling is mutual.

Lucas sleeps. Lucas dreams. He calls for Carrie. She jumps into bed with him and promptly turns into Sami. Dreamin' Lucas says, "I'm so glad to have you back."

"Lucas, I need you."

Carrie joins Austin on the roof. They maul each other. Carrie protests. Austin needs her. Carrie needs him. We need a break.

Carrie's robe comes off. She stops him and reminds him he just gave Sami a ring. He doesn't understand why she married Lucas. He tells her he loves her, she loves him, "We were meant to be together."

"I am married," says Carrie, "You are engaged."

"Your point," asks Austin, "We have deeper feelings for each other than anything we have for them. Admit it, we belong together."

Sami continues to dream of Lucas. Lucas dreams of Sami. In his dream, Sami says, "Lucas, no man ever made me feel the way you do."

"I am so stupid," says Lucas, "You and Will are my life. We belong together for all the Days Of Our Lives. I should never have let my mother come between us."

Sami says, "She thinks I am no good for you. She is probably right. I let revenge take over my whole life. I was so devastated when you left me, but that is no excuse for what I did. I am so sorry. If Will and I had lost you in the desert... can you ever forgive me?"

"Stop it," says Lucas, "We have to put that behind us. We need to learn how to forgive each other for our mistakes. I know now I should never have married Carrie."

Sami says, "Lucas, I only chased after Austin because I thought I couldn't be with you again. You are my one true love."

"And you are mine," says Lucas, "I think fate wants us to be together. I know our son does."

"We always seem to find our way back to each other, don't we," asks Sami.

"I'm not going to fight it," says Lucas, "I love you so much."

"Oh, Lucas."

"Oh, Sami."

Oh geez. Carrie and Austin keep it up.

Bonnie decides to keep her advice to herself. Mimi wonders why Shawn hasn't called. She checks Belle's computer for a message. She stares into the monitor and says, "OMG, I don't believe this."

Bonnie looks over her shoulder and chuckles with delight, "Good Lord Almighty!"

Shawn comes back into Belle's room hospital. Belle says the cramps aren't as bad. The brain cramps continue. Dr. Ross takes body fluids to the lab. Belle tells Shawn she is thinking about what a good dad he will be. Shawn thinks he should call Mimi. Belle doesn't want him to. The phone will wake Claire. Shawn suggests calling Phillip. Belle throws a hissy fit, "I don't even want Phillip to know I'm here."

Bonnie reads what Mimi has found on Belle's computer, "Who puts all this personal stuff on a computer?" Mimi thinks maybe they shouldn't be reading this. Bonnie rationalizes, "Why did Belle leave it on here if she didn't want anyone to see it?" Mimi tries to stop her. Bonnie says, "Do I have to remind you Belle is after your husband. This is war and Belle is your enemy. The CIA would read this. The ISA would, too, if their agents could read. Don't be a sap. If you want to keep your husband, you have to fight. Look at this!"

Bonnie reads, "Ever since I found out I am pregnant with Shawn's baby, I am so happy. I know we are meant to be. I love Shawn more than ever."

Bonnie says, "Now you've seen it in black and white. Are you going to let this happen?"

Belle thinks Phillip doesn’t care, "He would probably be praying for me to miscarry if he were here. I think this baby is a sign we are meant to be together."

Sami and Lucas. Sami wakes up and looks around the room, "OMG! I love you Lucas!"

Lucas wakes up. Empty bed... "Sami? Dammit, why the hell am I dreaming about Sami?"

Sami twirls her ring. Lucas tosses and turns. Split screen. They both get up and go out into the living room. Sami quickly puts on her robe. Lucas asks if she had trouble sleeping.

"Yeah," says Sami, "It's hot, huh?"

"Incredibly hot."

It's hot on the roof too. Carrie backs off again. Austin says he cares for Sami but he guesses it's the same way she feels for Lucas. He and Carrie have a stronger connection. The only reason he chose Sami is because Carrie chose Lucas, "Tell me why."

"There is no point," says Carrie, "It doesn't matter any more."

"Whatever it is it matters to me," says Austin.

"It's too late," whines Carrie.

"Dammit," says Austin, "You're keeping something from me, and you need to tell me what it is."

Bonnie urges Mimi to read Belle's shameful little secrets, "She has declared war on your marriage. Are you going to sit there thinking you need a search warrant, or read what she has up her sleeve? If Phillip read this what do you think would happen then?"

"He'd go wreck another racecar," asks Mimi.

Bonnie reads, "I love Shawn so much I can't wait to have his baby. I hope it's a boy like Shawn... or girl – that would be OK, too." Her odds are pretty good there. "It would be so wonderful if we could finally be a family and live happily ever after."

Bonnie lectures, "You can't let this happen, Mimi. If you lose Shawn you will regret that mistake for the rest of your life."

Mimi reads on, "Belle thinks this pregnancy is God's way of telling them they need to be together. This is a nightmare."

"No," says Bonnie, "This is the best thing that could have happened."

Belle remembers the night they spent wondering if Claire would reject the liver transplant. Shawn had lost Zack and Belle did not know if Claire would survive. She remembers that night they had the same dream about Zack telling them they are meant to be together. She believes this baby is connected to what Zack said.

"It's too late for us," says Shawn.

"You and I are having a baby," snorts Belle, "Part me part you."

"I look at it as a wonderful gift," says Shawn, "And I pray you won't lose it."

"I've already lost it," says Belle, "Oh... you mean the baby. I won't lose the baby, but you have to promise you will always be there for us."

"I will," promises Shawn.

Sami fixes warm milk. Lucas thanks it's weird to want warm milk on a hot night like this. She wonders what's wrong with him – he's breathing heavy, "It looks like you just..."

"I did three sets of push ups," says Lucas, "That's it. What about you?"

"What about me," asks Sami, "I work out."

"It looks like you've got some goose bumps," says Lucas, "You only get them when you uh..."

"I'm trying a new moisturizer," says Sami.

"You're milk is boiling over," says Lucas. They bump into each other as they maneuver around the kitchen. He offers her a bottle of water. Sami drinks.

Lucas sees the magnet from Mirror Lake. He can't believe she still has it. They agree they had a great time there. Lucas remembers it was hot there too. Sami didn't mind. Lucas remembers they found a way to cool off. Flashback to romping on a public beach and claiming it's the happiest they have ever been. "I love you," in unison.

Sami says she is sorry things didn't turn out. At least Will has one great memory of them. Lucas says it meant a lot to him, too. Sami says, "You know I haven't thought about that in a long time but..."

Lucas says, "It seems like it was yesterday, doesn't it?" Near kiss.

Carrie says she is just upset that she can't have kids. Austin doesn't buy it. She tells him Lucas was so sweet after her appendectomy. She thought it was her only chance of having a baby so she married Lucas. Austin thinks she chose having a baby ahead of being with the man she truly loves. He says she never should have married Lucas. Now she can't have children.

"Everything has changed," says Austin "There are other ways to have a family. Why would you consider having a family with Lucas when you want to be with me?" Carrie dives in.

Shawn and Belle kiss. The nurse comes into the room, catches them and leaves. Shawn pulls away, "We can't be unfaithful!"

"We have already been unfaithful to each other," says Belle, "I wish we could turn back the clock."

Mimi says, "My best friend is pregnant with my husband's baby and you say that is the best thing possible?"

"I'm hoping it will light a fire under your butt," says Bonnie.

"I'm used to that," says Mimi, "You know the old saying – liar, liar, pants on fire."

"He is your husband," says Bonnie, "I'd say that is a pretty good hand you are holding."

"You'd think he would have called me by now," whines Mimi.

"Maybe she has already lost the baby," says Bonnie, "That would help your cause."

"I wouldn't wish that on anyone," says Mimi, "I'm calling the hospital." Mimi calls and asks about Belle.

The nurse says, "She and her husband are waiting for test results."

"Oh, good," says Mimi, "Phillip is there."

The nurse says, "I thought her husband was named Shawn. I just assumed they were married by the way they were kissing."

Mimi hangs up and pouts. Bonnie wonders why she is upset. Mimi wails, "Because that woman assumed Shawn was Belle's husband. They were kissing!"

"You can't take this lying down," says Bonnie.

Mimi heads for the hospital, "I'm Bonnie Lockhart's daughter and I'm gonna make you proud!"

Belle says, "We can't go on like this. Mimi and Phillip deserve to know the truth. I think they already know. We have never stopped loving each other. Not really. And even if we wanted to try to stop it we couldn't. And that's just the way it is." Shawn kisses her.

Sami... Lucas... closer... closer... Lucas has to go check on Carrie. He knocks on the bathroom door. No answer. He goes in. Empty. "She's not in there," says Lucas, "Where is she?"

"I wonder what is taking Austin so long on the roof," asks Sami. They put two and two together, "LET'S GO!"

Austin and Carrie heat up. "I want you so much," says Austin.

"I want you too," says Carrie, "Make love to me." Austin spreads a blanket and smiles. It's time for some beach blanket bingo. FF.

Previews
========

Mimi says to Shawn, "I know how important honesty has always been to you, so I say it's time we were honest about everything. What do you say?" Belle stares open-mouthed.

Austin tells Carrie, "Us together... It was always meant to be." The rooftop door opens as Carrie and Austin writhe in naked repose.

Lucas says, "You have turned your life around. You've changed." Sami yells, "I am still the same lying, manipulative bitch that I have always been!"

Little Miss Know It All

It's the Long, Hot Summer being played out in Salem as shirtless Shawn sits in front of a fan and Mimi comes out sweating. We hear a baby crying in the distance. Mimi says it sounds like Claire is having a bad night. Shawn says, "No, I'm pretty sure that's Belle, but probably neither of them can sleep." The air conditioning is off. Shawn can't stand the baby crying. Phillip is over at the VA getting his new brain prostheses adjusted. Shawn runs over to Belle's apartment to help.

Mimi makes a call, "It's me. I really need you."

Belle comes to the door in her slip. Stanley and Stella stare at each other. Shawn walks over and comforts Claire. Claire settles down since she relates to Shawn on the same mental level. Belle is amazed. She feels like the worst mother in the world sometimes. She wonders what will happen when the new baby cries. Shawn tells her Phillip will be there. Belle goes on a tirade against Phillip, saying she and Shawn should be able to raise their baby together.

Dr. Floozie tends to Jack. Jack has an out of body experience. "Hell, Lexie," says OBE Jack, "at least you got the diagnosis right. That was a first. We all gotta go sometime."

Lexie tells in-body Jack she is sorry and leaves. OBE Jack says, "It's deja vu all over again." He starts to leave via the window as Abby comes in and tells him he can't die.

Lexie tells Jennifer to let Abby say her private goodbye. She is soooooo sorry. Jennifer tells Frankie she doesn’t understand how God could bring Jack home just to take him away. Frankie says, "To say goodbye." He has Jennifer come with him.

The laws of relativity tell us nothing can move faster than the speed of light. Lucas mouth proves that isn't true as he tells Sami to open the envelope, "What does it say, Little Miss Know It All?"

"I can't tell you," says Little Miss Know It All. Sami walks off and the rest of the frivolous fivesome chases her. Sami claims it's a surprise. EJ chastises her. Sami sticks to her story. She's working on this big thing for Austin and wants to include Lucas and Carrie. Lucas mouth takes on a life of its own as he presses her to tell. Sami claims she can't tell or it wouldn't be a surprise. EJ urges her to tell. Sami says EJ is in cahoots on the surprise. EJ plays along. Austin can't wait to find out what it is. Neither can Sami.

Lucas takes Sami aside, "I've got my eye on you."

"You like the view?"

Lucas says, "Nobody in this room knows you better than I do, so why don't you tell me what is going on."

Jennifer and Frankie go into a room. Jennifer can't believe Jack is really dying. Frankie has something that will help – A note from Jack. She opens it and stares.

Abby tells Jack he can't leave her. She says she can't talk to Jennifer like she can talk to Jack. OBE Jack listens as she begs him not to die. He says he does love her and can't break her heart. He can't just leave his family.

Mimi goes to the door as Patrick arrives. She tells him she needs a shoulder to cry on because Shawn ran to Belle's rescue when he heard Claire crying. Patrick asks if Mimi told Shawn. Of course not. "I'm not lying I'm just not telling the truth," says Mimi, "If Shawn found out the truth he would leave me for Belle in a second."

Patrick says, "You gotta tell him the truth – tonight."

"I don't know what to do," whines Mimi.

Belle accuses Shawn of not dealing with their situation. Shawn claims he feels bonded to Belle, Claire, Mimi and a few others. Belle says, "I have been thinking."

"God help us all," says Shawn.

Belle says, "You felt a bond with Claire before the transplant. I think I know why you feel so close to her. You are the same mental age."

Mimi overhears and stares at Patrick.

Belle goes on, "You felt close because she is my daughter and because of how you feel about me. Now, with this new baby we feel even closer. Even when you ran off with Jan I was still in love with you."

Shawn reminds her of a small detail, "Your wedding vows are sacred." They travel down the well-worn path as Mimi listens.

Frankie says he got the note from Jack. Jack asked him to give it to Jennifer if "the end" came.

Jennifer reads, "My dearest Jennifer... If you are reading this I have filed my last story. I always wanted to be a great journalist, but I was never in that league. At least I was well above the level of a DOOL writer. Anyway, I made my peace with that. There are other ways to leave a lasting impact. Mine is my family. The fact is, and I am all about facts, you made me a better man. I will live on in your spirit and you will live in mine for all the Days Of Our Lives... uh afterlives."

Abby keeps begging Jack to live. She reminds him he has to walk her down the aisle someday. OBE Jack remembers his wedding dance fantasy with Abby and, b'gosh b'golly, decides he has to live. He begs God.

Sami wants to know why Lucas is always so suspicious. She cares about Lucas and Carrie, "You're like a brother-in-law to me."

Lucas apologizes for being suspicious. He never meant to hurt her. If it weren't for her he wouldn't be alive. She asks if he would do the same for her. He kids her, "I'd have to think about it... Of course I would." He leaves to check out the hallway.

Sami protests, "I told you who left the note."

Lucas leaves anyway. EJ tells Sami she is on borrowed time. He thinks the note was delivered so that everyone would find out about it and now Sami has to throw a big party. She tells him to butt out, "I handled it."

"Yes," says EJ, "And how will you handle it the next time?"

Austin tells Carrie they need to talk about the fact she is not pregnant. It changes everything. Carrie insists she and Lucas are still married. She tells Austin they can't go back. He reminds her she is the one who brought it up. He claims she never would have married Lucas if she knew she wasn't pregnant.

Jennifer continues to read the note. She finds a second page Jack wrote to Frankie, "I'm putting this in writing, so it's official. You are the best friend. I've been able to make peace with my mortality because Jennifer won't be alone. You will be a good and understanding father and husband. It has been an amazing journey for us. This is where I leave you behind for now, but always know I wish you every happiness. Jennifer cries. Frankie comforts.

Abby prays. OBE Jack listens. Abby tells God she believes He can save Jack. "That's my girl," says OBE Jack. He remembers the last time he came back from the dead. It's hard to keep them straight, though. Then he remembers the time before. Or one of them. Then the time in the jungle. "Nothing will take me from you again," vows Jack, "Abby is right – I haven't used my nine lives yet." His machine flatlines. Jack screams, "NO!"

Shawn says the new baby will bond them for life but it doesn't change the fact he is married to Mimi. Mimi and Patrick barge in. She came in to see what was keeping her husband. He says he's setting up the fan. Patrick asks if he can help. Shawn says yes. Plugging in a fan is such a complex task for some of us.

Thank heavens! The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived! Belle doubles over in pain.

Carrie tells Austin she is Mrs. Lucas Roberts. He suggests she could be Mrs. Austin Reed. She reminds him he is engaged to Sami. Austin says, "Engagements can be broken."

"I don't want you breaking my sister's heart," says Carrie.

"What about your heart?"

Sami reads the note, "You are a blackmailing bitch. You forced Lexie to tell your sister she couldn't have children with Austin. That was a lie. If Carrie knew the truth she would be with Austin and never speak to you again."

Sami looks up at EJ, "Not exactly a Hallmark card, huh?"

Lucas runs up claiming he has figured things out.

Jack's machines scream. OBE Jack rants at them to keep him alive, "Well, if you won't I will." He decides to give it his best shot. He gets back into his body and squeezes Abby's hand. Abby thinks this is a sign. Jack's flatline goes flatter. Abby begs. The doctor comes in and calls a code blue.

Lucas says he doesn't think the guy he saw dropped off the note. There was an open window. He thinks someone was trying to rob the apartments. Sami quickly agrees. Lucas says he shut the window so they don't have to worry any more.

Carrie comes up to them and says she wants to take a bath and call it a night.

Austin has to go up onto the roof and finish cleaning up. He doesn't want Sami helping since the dinner was for her. She thanks him and tells him he has made her the happiest woman in the world. Austin heads for the roof.

EJ tells Sami the ring is beautiful and Austin loves her. That's why she has to tell him.

Belle insists she will be OK. "I'm not taking any chances with our child," says Shawn. He asks Mimi to take care of Claire as Belle doubles in pain again. He drags her out.

The crash-cart team has Abby leave the room. Jennifer runs up and joins Abby in mid-crisis. They beg Lexie to save Jack. Frankie, Jennifer and Abby huddle.

Stanley carries Stella into the hospital. Belle screams. She is afraid they are losing the baby.

Mimi calms Claire down. She says she can't believe Claire is the reason she is in this mess. Then she decides Mimi is the reason she is in this mess. Good call. Patrick tells her it's nice of her to stay and sit for Claire.

Mimi says she never should have lied to Shawn. "What are you going to do," asks Patrick.

"I wish I knew."

Jennifer reminds Abby they promised Jack they would be strong. Abby doesn't want to be strong. She wants Jack alive. Lexie comes out with a hand covering the tortured look on her face. "It's a miracle," she cries, "his fever broke. The drug may be working after all. I'm cautiously optimistic he will pull through."

Jennifer and Abby run in. Lexie doesn't know what to say to Frankie. "This is how it's meant to be," says Frankie. He remembers Jack's note and repeats, "The best friend anyone could want. Way to go Jack."

Inside Jack's room – family hug.

Sami thanks EJ as he leaves. He reminds her she can't keep putting this off. She says she will sleep on it and maybe come up with something. He gives her a peck on the cheek and tells her to call him in the morning.

Sami takes off her shoes. Lucas comes out in a wide-open robe and clears his throat. He goes to the bathroom door and tells Carrie to hurry. He goes back into his bedroom as Sami slugs down some wine and heads for her room.

Carrie comes out of the bathroom into the empty living room. She tiptoes over and puts a chair in front of the window. She sneaks up to the roof.

Austin blows out a candle. He sees Carrie, "You came."

Carrie says, "It sounds like you wanted me to." Hot kiss. FF.


Previews
========

Sami says, "You know I haven't thought about that in a long time but..." Lucas says, "It seems like it was yesterday, doesn't it?"

Austin tells Carrie, "You're keeping something from me, and you need to tell me what it is."

Mimi sits at her computer and says, "OMG, I don't believe this." Bonnie looks over her shoulder and chuckles with delight, "Good Lord Almighty!"

Belle sits in her hospital bed and tells Shawn, "We have never stopped loving each other. Not really. And even if we wanted to try to stop it we couldn't. And that's just the way it is."