In the chapel, Phyllis is horrified to hear Sharon's baby died, then expressing concern for Jack (who was so excited), she's stunned when Nick blurts out that the baby was his.

After the much adored 'Faith' is taken off by the nurses, Adam suggests the dying Victor should see his baby. But Ashley has numerous excuses - the baby's under supervision - she hasn't had time - and has her sister and niece to think about.

Jack scowls down at Victor as he makes a long winded speech about Traci's agonizing decision (ending with 'Colleen's heart is yours - to go on living with'). Thank you, Victor weakly repeats. He's sorry for the pain but is grateful for the chance ... Jack ain't done - it's an incredibly good heart - with years of life left in it. Knowing the Abbott's despise him, Victor suggests they let him die. Jack can't argue with the 'bastard' - but one death is enough. For Colleen's sake, Jack hopes Victor lives. He then updates the anxious Newman crowd - the answer is 'Yes'.

Adam continues to appeal to Ashley (who wants to go see Traci). He detects a tone in Ashley's voice and why is Nikki sitting vigil at Victor's bedside? This is his blood - and might be his ONLY chance to see her.

Nick sadly explains how he overheard Sharon telling Doris that the baby was his. He'd planned to tell Phyllis everything at the airport. But Phyllis started talking about Victor bringing Patty to town - and then being strong for Summer. It didn't seem like the right time. Nick adds that it was over by the time he got to St Mary's - he never got to hold his baby. You have to say good bye, Phyllis thinks it wrong that Sharon didn't get to see her child. In tears - and the supportive arms of his wife, Nick explains she had severe birth defects. Nobody got to hold her.

When Cane leaves Mac to speak to Lily privately, she tells Lily that Colleen's heart's going to Victor. Stunned, Lily sits - she's thought a lot about death. Colleen told her to fight. Mac talks of Colleen being honoured as an angel. Speaking of angels, Lily shows the key chain she's now wearing around her neck. Mac strongly believes that Colleen's part of something magical.

As Nikki's assuring Victor that the heart transplant will 'work', Jack joins the Connelly's in Colleen's room (where Traci's consoling Abby). Giving Jack a hug, Traci's off to sign more papers. leaving Jack to comfort Abby. He's asked to stay as Abby sobs her good bye to Colleen. I love you - so much, she concludes, then runs from the room crying uncontrollably. Jack's good bye includes reminiscing of him telling Traci not to worry about Colleen - she's got a lot of heart, he'd say. He can feel her pulse - her wonderful rebellious, adventurous heart is still beating - and will continue to do so. Swiping tears away, Jack talks of the innocent people caught in the crossfire of his 'stupid' war with Victor - the heartache and lives blown up. But he's still there - and Victor will live. He's so sorry he didn't protect Colleen.

In her room, Sharon mopes over her ultrasound snapshot (which she hides under the pillow when there's a knock at the door). The hospital summoned her attorney. Rafe explains that her 30 days were almost up - so she's free to go home once discharged. Something wrong? Sharon talks of the new Mom she saw (describing the scene in detail - the balloons and stuffed animals). THEY were going 'home'. Sharon just didn't realize it would be this soon.

Still in the chapel, Phyllis is the picture of support - this isn't the same as when Cassie died - don't shut me (or the world) out. The world still thinks it's Jack's baby, Nick lists the few who know. We can tell everyone it's your loss too - whatever you want, Phyllis reassures. Nick can't do that - no more secrets. Sharon? She's numb - thinks it fate, destiny. Phyllis imagines that might be easier. Nick needs Summer - and Phyllis to get him through this. We made a promise to be there for one another, Phyllis reminds - she'd honestly do anything so he could see his daughter - or take the pain away. When Billy barges in, Nick invites him to stay - there's room. Room to pray? Or give thanks? Billy snarls. You guys haven't heard? Your Dad gets to live because Colleen doesn't - the rest of the Newman's are celebrating - hurry - you can still catch 'em.

Nikki talks of Victor riding Blue Smoke - with Reed or Summer onboard. He can tell the grand kids he loves them himself - for years and years to come, she's sure. Going out to fetch Vikki, Nikki spots Ashley (who comes over to surprise her with a 'good to see you' hug). Agreeing that Traci's an amazing woman, Nikki quickly excuses herself. Hello Victor, Ashley announces herself. Meet your little girl, she adds (as the nurse hands the baby over).

JT's turn to say 'good bye'. He's not sure how to let Colleen go. She was supposed to be part of his life forever - to be there for one another. The truth is, he didn't get to that damn lake in time. In his dreams he does (as he goes on to explain how he's save her). But this is real - she's leaving. What's JT to do? I love you Colleen. I will always, always love you. God, I hope you know that, he tears up and kisses her hand - bringing it to his forehead (as an equally weepy Vikki watches through the window).

Sharon now ponders a photo of Cassie - your sister's with you now, she sniffles. Sharon can see her now, happy and well in Cassie's arms. Hold her - sing to her - do all thing things I can't. Let her know she's loved. You both are - with all my heart.

Victor weakly gushes over baby Faith as Ashley cradles her at his bedside. Actually, I named her Hope, Ashley corrects - it seemed more appropriate. Victor thinks the name beautiful - but wants Ashley to talk to him. But no, she figures he needs to rest - stay strong to honour the gift Traci's giving him. Ashley's obviously in a hurry to leave - your baby girl wishes you to get well - we both do, she says in parting (leaving Victor to weep alone). In the hallway, Nikki thanks Ashley - meeting his daughter could make all the difference. Excuse us, Ashley's also not eager to hang around with Nikki. And when Nick and Phyllis come along, Nikki immediately guesses something went wrong with Sharon's baby. With Nick unable to speak, Phyllis explains it's difficult for him - and Sharon. Nikki offers a motherly hug - then confirms what Billy just reported - your father has a second chance.

Back at the Ashby's, Lily's cooling herself down with a damp rag - but feels she should be at the hospital, saying good bye to Colleen. You already did, Cane points out - she was here in your dream. Yes, he believes Colleen came to her.

Billy's in the chapel - recalling the last time he was there (regarding Kay - who then quietly slips in). That worked out - but THIS? The Great Victor Newman lives. I mean really!? And he gets a kid too? He really won the lottery, Billy's unimpressed. He takes away my niece - but gets to raise my new niece. You're a funny guy - hilarious. Kay applauds - feeling better? Flailing your fists at God? Kay's been there - done that. Billy loves Kay, but your buddy Victor .... The voice of reason, Kay recites from the bible - a prayer called 'Open Your Heart'. Billy's NOT 'fighting with God'. You're 'hiding', Kay accuses - say your good bye's or you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Billy bursts into tears on her shoulder - I can't. Yes you can, Kay repeats with confidence.

With his family gathered around, Victor thanks them all for being there. It's time to leave, the nurse announces. I love you, Victor repeats - as one by one, the family give him a quick word of encouragement or kiss. Nikki's last - we all love you Victor - it'll be OK. I'll see you very soon ~kiss~

Likewise, Colleen's getting her last send off. I'll miss you forever, Ashley kisses Colleen's forehead, then hugs Traci before leaving. And slowly, Steve, Jack and then JT offer last good bye kisses. Finally, Traci's left to have one last cry as she leans over her 'sweet baby girl'.

At home, Lily looks towards the heavens as she thanks God for blessing her with Colleen. She's with you - just like my Mom is. Colleen, I love you so much. I'm so grateful that I had you in my life.' The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want'.

And in the last teary scene (set to the show's theme, Nadia's Theme) zipping her suitcase, Sharon picks up the ultrasound photo - and Cassie's photo, holding them tightly to her achey breaky heart ... Cut to Ashley's baby sleeping peacefully in her bassinet (which is labeled with a card that reads - 'baby girl Newman') ... Those whisper quiet machines keeping Colleen alive are unplugged - as a devastated Traci gives Colleen one last kiss ... Looking equally sad, Nikki takes Victor's hand and walks alongside the gurney as he's wheeled out past the rest of the family. At the other end of the hallway, like Nikki, Traci also covers her mouth in anguish - as Colleen's wheeled by. Two crowds gather - together, but slightly seperated - devastated for different reasons. Side by side the gurney's are wheeled down the hall - off to surgery that will end one life and save another. And though all look thoroughly depressed, one group has hope, the other with none.

Next: At CL's, Chance tells Chloe that she seems to be getting all bent out of shape about a guy who's not even her husband anymore. Well, that's not exactly true, Chloe sheepishly admits ... 'My little Faith', Sharon whispers to Jack (as they're in her suite at the club). That's what Ashley named her baby, Jack informs ... Is this a bad time? Nick enters Ashley's room. Wanna meet your baby sister? Ashley turns to offer with a smile.

My Thoughts: Haven't any of the writers had babies? (or known any who have?) Women who've delivered babies are sore - they walk gingerly for a day or so - they bleed, rather heavily for a few days, then increasingly lightly for a few weeks. Why hasn't Ashley wondered why she's getting off so lucky? .. Isn't anyone slightly concerned that a woman who's had numerous mental breakdowns, and has been suspected of being unstable for months, a woman who thought she ran over a ghost (who was after her husband), is being released from a psych ward - unsupervised, with an infant? What if she experiences post partum depression? Ashley tells Adam that the baby is still under supervision - but who's watching HER? ... Has anyone thought to update Baldwin? Or is he still out there (legal clients on hold) working on a press conference? And trying to rally up a private heart donor? ... With Victor being wheeled off for surgery that may or may not save his life, where the heck is Noah (and the other grand kids)? The ones Nikki's babbling about riding horses with grandpa? ... The Newman nanny must be earning some mega overtime pay ... Odd that when the horrified Phyllis spoke of Sharon having 'every right' to see her dead baby (and Nick whining that he never got to hold her either), he failed to mention that Sharon already had her cremated ... Having already survived one trip to the germ ridden hospital (with no ill effects - other than the snickering that must have gone on behind her back) Lily couldn't risk it again? To say a final good bye to her BFF? Instead, she stays home to talk about HERself - HER cancer - HER dead mother, and somehow manages to connect this tragedy to Mac's time in Darfur (where Mac had time to knock combat boots with Raul in a tent every night) ... How is Colleen part of something 'magical'? She's not gonna be put in a box and sawed in half for crying out loud - she's part of something scientific ... But - if Lily can say good bye to her BFF in the comfort of her own home, why can't Nick do the same? (sparing us his twitchy-faced crocodile tears as he and Sharon scatter 'Faith's ashes all over Abbott property) Let's see if Phyllis' supportive wife of the year stint lasts endures THAT ... Good grief - the way Abby carries on you'd think she and Colleen were once cojoined twin sisters who'd only been separated last week. Truth is, the girls didn't grow up together - and barely saw one another as young adults ... So, if Sharon's being released early because she 'almost' completed her 30 days - AND she 'lost' a baby, will she have to make up the time once said baby is 'found'? ... 'I love you, I hope you know that. God, I hope you know that', JT's beside himself with grief. Of course Colleen did NOT know that. Everytime she threw herself at you, you'd go on and on about how much you loved your wife (who was, at the time, bouncing up and down on a man who she doesn't even know - let alone 'love') ... Living with a PI must have rubbed off on her. How perceptive of Nikki. Her motherly instincts (or spidey senses) musta told her that something was wrong with Sharon's baby. Like Nick doesn't have enough to be frowing about - like his conflicted feeling over Victor (and him possibly dying) - AND him causing Summer's near death ... Since it must have been painfully obvious to Phyllis that Nikki knew about Nick being the father of Sharon's baby, kudos to her for continuing to play the role of supportive wife - and not pausing to wonder how many OTHER people Nick told BEFORE her (and she won't be too impressed when she finds out Jack lied to her - after they both promised to tell one another if there was anything they should know) ... Did I hear Kay right? She was 'flipping through the bible'? Who 'flips' through the bible? And since it's a lengthy read, how incredible that she just so happened to come across such an appropriate prayer; An Open Heart ... Oh great - poor ghost Cassie - once a freewheeling, single, young ghost, now she's saddled with a malformed infant - one who Sharon expects her to hold, rock, sing to ... Putting aside the improbability of the donor and recipient's gurney travelling down the same hall - past both groups of interested parties, the final scene was an effective, powerful tear jerker.