Shedding quiet tears, Sharon explains how their baby died without taking a breath (though she thought she heard her cry). Nick's sorry too - that she went through it alone. He should have been there. Knowing there was nothing he could have done, Sharon sadly concludes that it just wasn't meant to be.

With Jack and Abby, Ashley announces to the Connelly's that she had her baby (who's a little underweight but just fine otherwise). Feeling like her old self, Ashley doesn't plan to return to the psychiatric facility. Ignoring questions about Victor, Ashley's there to see Colleen (having heard that she and Victor are a match). Traci's still considering her decision, and after Abby leaves to check on her Dad, she's also in tears - oh, what would Colleen have wanted?

As Adam joins the rest of the Newman's (sans Nick), Abby announces that Colleen's a match. JT doesn't sound convinced as he claims 'that's great'. When Abby goes on to explain that Traci's still considering it (and offers to talk to her), Victor weakly assures Abby that he's fine with whatever her Aunt decides.

All still gathered around Victor's bed, the Newman's marvel at the it's incredible that Colleen's a match. After Abby and JT head out to get a drink, Vikki's dissuaded from calling Nick (who needs time alone). Victor's glad to see Adam (who apologizes for not being there). While Vikki empathizes with Traci's decision, Nikki's relieved that she's at least considering it. Perhaps Nikki should to talk to her. Struggling to speak, Victor asks her not to pressure the Abbott's.

How about that, the Abbott's also marvel at the improbability - with Traci dissolving into tears yet again (when Billy asks how she could even consider saving the man who killed her daughter).

Meanwhile, over at ST Mary's, Sharon explains why she couldn't call Nick when she went into labour; the lock down, her passing out and not even being aware that she'd been transferred until she woke up there. You must have been so scared, Nick sympathizes. Her pregnancy progressing normally, Sharon had no idea anything was wrong - but the baby had severe defects (and never stood a chance) - like the baby they lost 8 years ago. She then explains that she never saw the baby (as advised by the doctor) - and is better off with the picture perfect baby she carries in her mind. When a weepy Nick wants to see her, Sharon apologizes again - I already had her cremated. We have to accept our fate, she sniffles.

Back in Colleen's room, Traci decides to go out for some air, but first explains to Billy why she's considering saving Victor (Ashley's husband, father to Abby, and their new niece). Ashley trusts she'll make the right decision, whatever that is. With other families waiting for a donor, Traci knows that someone will die because of her decision.

In the hallway, JT stands by as Nikki and Vikki dissuade Abby from visiting her father (who's with Adam right now). But Abby has epic news. Mom had her baby! she blurts out with a giggle (to which the unimpressed Vikki and Nikki force a smile).

In Victor's room, Adam doesn't want any farewell speeches - he's not giving up on his father getting a new heart. He then updates that Ashley had her baby last night. She's fine and in the maternity ward. Adam also relays that Ashley 'lost it' while he was in surgery - Jack jumped on the opportunity to check her into the psych ward. Following along (to protect Ashley), Adam wound up delivering the baby. Who does she look like? Cute and wrinkly, Adam shows Victor the photo on his phone.

I wish I could have held her, Nick mopes - just once - to say good bye, tell her we love her. Sharon figures they still can - in the woods (by the cabin where they made love) - and scatter her ashes there where Faith's life began. I'd like you to be with me, she concludes.

In the hallway, Vikki gripes about their father now having to deal with news of a new baby - talk about bad timing. But for Victor's sake, Nikki thinks it may be a good thing (but also wonders why Ashley didn't come to tell him). When Nikki confirms that Victor declared his love, nosey Vikki gets the impression she doesn't believe him. Nikki just thinks it a shame that it took Victor being on his death bed to realize it. She doesn't want to talk about the future .... Hurricane Phyllis clip clops over - having flown in unannounced (knowing Victor's situation's worse than Nick's letting on). Summer? She's passed out at the Hellstrum's. Nick? He stepped out for a while, Vikki (and Nikki) smile vaguely. Good - Phyllis is anxious to see him.

Traci's now in Ashley's room, gushing over the beautiful baby. Of COURSE she wanted to meet her - it's EXACTLY what she needs. This child represents hope and possibility. No need to feel guilty - Traci would never resent the baby that means so much to Ashley. How am I gonna do this - go without my daughter? Traci falls apart at the thought that (after the surgery), her little girl being gone forever.

Phyllis gets an update from her in laws. Wow - Nick never let on it was this dire. Hearing that Victor may be getting Colleen's heart, Phyllis can't imagine Traci's torture - and isn't sure she could be that generous. Vikki sniffs - if that's how you feel, maybe you shouldn't be here right now. Victor needs support. And so does Phyllis' husband - and THAT'S why she's staying.

At Victor's bedside, Adam's reminded of watching his Mom slip away - and refuses to let that happen to his father. If I lose you, I'll lose everything. I'm not ready to let you go. Adam wants to be a good son. You already are, Victor appreciates all he's done for Ashley and her baby. Seeing his mother in him, Victor's proud of Adam. So am I Dad, Adam replies.

The stand off in the hallway continues. Has everyone forgotten Victor's role in Phyllis' daughter almost dying? No - we're all very emotional right now, Nikki answers - let's not argue. Vikki stomps off ordering Phyllis to stay away from her father (who doesn't need her negativity). Nikki totally understand how she feels - and Phyllis understands this isn't the time or place. As Phyllis takes her phone out, Nikki explains that he's checking on Sharon (which doesn't go over well).

Sharon informs that she's to stay a while to recover - and hearing that Colleen's heart may be transplanted to Victor, thinks he needs to be with his father. Don't worry about me. But how can Nick not? He feels like he's drowning - and knowing Sharon must feel the same way, wonders how he can help her.

In the lounge, Abby points out to JT that if he'd married Colleen, he'd still be her brother in law - weird huh? He's the only one who doesn't think she's too young to handle this. Vikki listens as JT goes on to talk about when he met Colleen at Walnut Grove. Abby whines about going from two Dad's to potentially none. The new baby's cool and all - but Abby wants her sister back. She can't lose anyone else - and in a bizarre way, Colleen would still be in her life (if Victor got her heart). Aware of the Abbott/Newman feud, and the vile things said about Victor online, she knows he didn't mean to hurt Colleen (and doesn't want to lose her Dad).

Billy's still griping about the injustice of Victor getting CC's heart. But after years of wanting Victor to burn in hell, Jack now feels there's more to it. He doesn't want the burden of being judge, jury and executioner to Abby's father (and Ashley's husband). It's Traci's decision (one she'll live with the rest of her life).

In the chapel, Traci continues to agonize over her decision - how can she forgive Victor? She can't help hating him for dragging Colleen into his war with Jack. Victor and Colleen a match? Is it a sign? A test? Colleen was always better at forgiveness - forgiving Kevin - then giving her life to get help for the woman terrorizing her. Traci's so furious with Victor she can barely think straight. What should I DO? she weeps - give your beautiful heart to Victor? Or to someone more deserving?

Still in the hallway, Phyllis pulls all sorts of 'faces of disbelief' as she needs to get this straight - Nick left his father's deathbed to be with Sharon - while she had Jack's baby? Of COURSE he didn't want her to be alone. Of COURSE Sharon called MY husband instead of the baby's father, she gripes to Nikki.

Back at St Mary's, Sharon's trying to get rid of Nick (who stubbornly wants to help her). You have a family of your own to look after, she points out. There's nothing left for us - our child is gone. We have to put aside thoughts of 'what might have been'. Nick can't believe she's putting her feelings aside like this - and won't accept that the baby in his dream was indeed Summer. Sharon will let him know when she's going to the cabin - and after they say good bye to their baby, he's to return to Phyllis and Summer. Be the husband and father they deserve.

As Adam leaves, Vikki rejoins Victor (who tells her Ashley had the baby). Vikki congratulates him - and can't wait to see the baby. It's a good omen. No news (from Traci) is good news. Whatever happens, Victor's prepared for the worst.

Traci returns to Jack - she's made her decision but needs his help. Tell Victor (as she can't bring herself to face him).

In her room, Ashley talks to her baby - unsure if her father will be around to see her grow up. Adam peeks in as Ashley vows that whatever happens she'll be strong for her and Abby. And when Adam comes in, Ashley hopes he doesn't mind - but this baby will need a lot of Faith (which is what she's now naming her).

Moseying into the hallway, Sharon's devastated at the sight of a happy new mother being wheeled by with a baby in her arms (with an equally happy new father carrying balloons). Returning to her room, Sharon sobs - slumping to the floor, her grief is palpable.

Nick joins Phyllis in the chapel - Mom said you were here. I missed you, Phyllis begins, then gives him a supportive hug. I'm here, she whispers. Nick looks devastated as he cries in her arms.

Holding Colleen's hand, Traci (with Steve, as always, attached to her shoulder), hopes she's made the decision Colleen would want. Billy approaches the Newman's in the hallway. No, he has no idea which way Traci's leaning, but if it were up to him ... Yeah, we know what you'd do, Vikki cuts him off. And as Abby chides her Uncle Billy, Jack comes along. Jack! Jack! Nikki calls out. Ignoring her (and everyone else), Jack marches into Victor's room. Glaring at his weakened enemy, Jack has Traci's answer - you have no idea how she struggled - she couldn't even tell you herself.

Next: Say your good bye's, Kay gently instructs Billy (in the chapel). I don't know if I can, he crumples, crying, into his grandma's supportive arms. Sure you can, she consoles ... This is his blood. Victor could die, Adam tries to convince Ashley - don't you think he needs to see his daughter? ... Phyllis is visibly stunned by Nick's news - it wasn't Jack's. It was mine.

My Thoughts: Inappropriate line of the day goes to Nick. Upon learning the child he conceived out of wedlock (to his wife anyway) died (and was inexplicably cremated before rigor mortis set in), declared that he is 'drowning' (and is sure Sharon's 'drowning' too). What a poor choice of words, considering 'drowning' is statistically, like the number two cause of death for GC adults. Statistics greatly increase if your last name's Carlton (whereby your chance of death by drowning is a staggering 100%. Never mind if you're an accomplished swimmer - either due to being a former Navy SEAL or camp counselor) ... A match! A match!? The Newman's are giddy with glee. 'I didn't think she would be', Victor mumbles (obviously the only one to ponder the incredible odds) ... St Mary's is clearly not a 'first rate' facility either. Never mind the gloomy horror movie-ish decor - but do the other new Mom's on the maternity ward know that a woman deemed mentally unstable BEFORE she delivered a stillborn daughter, is having a melt down just down the hall? No staff member checking on her - no guard posted outside the door. Aside from the safety of their patients (Sharon HAS been known to steal shiny things before) why aren't the doctor's remotely concerned about Sharon's emotional well being? If not a grief counselor, why hasn't Doris been called? ... What?! Sharon and Nick haven't disrespected Jack Abbott enough? Now they'll trespass once again on his property to scatter the ashes of the charred child they conceived on the floor of his 'family cabin'? May I suggest they be scattered in Lake Elizabeth? That's it Sharon - just a bit closer to the edge - just a bit more... bit more... THAT'S it ... *SPLASH* .... With Victor going on and on about 'family' - and the grand kids he's so eager to see play so much that he might even build a 'mastodon' in the back yard, why the heck haven't the grand kids been paraded by to sob n' slobber over the old man. How long can Noah's soccer game last? Last we heard, a car was being sent for him ... Abby's had a 'first row' seat to the Abbott/Newman feud for her 'entire' life? Odd, cause she was in LA most of the time (or the nosebleed seats).